Hey, you Americans. Where do you buy your HAM gear?

[apelly]

The internet is awash with HAM sellers and recommendations and warnings. I can't tell who's a shill and who isn't.

Who have you used and been happy with? I'm thinking actual shops as much as online.

Also, what info is required to buy stuff from a shop? Do you have to take your licence?

[Richard Crowley]

I have a storefront for Ham Radio Outlet in my city.  That is where I buy things over the counter.
They seem to be completely legitimate. Appears to be operated by actual ham licencees in the local shop.
They have my license in their database of customers. So I just give them my call sign.
Ref: http://www.hamradio.com/

And I also buy from some online/Ebay, etc. with the same caveats and precautions as for anything else.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Back when I lived in CT,

http://www.lentinicomm.com

was the local over the counter radio store. Their prices were "good enough" that most of my gear came from there. Where I live now ... there's nothing but the internet.

Bob

[MisterBiscuit]

Ham Radio Outlet, primarily. Additionally, AES and DX Engineering plus an order or two from GigaParts. Never a problem with any of them.

[xrunner]

Ham Radio Outlet, primarily.

 

[GreyWoolfe]

The few new bits of gear came from AES (Amateur Electronic Supply) in Orlando, FL. and a small ham shop in S. Fl but not sure if they are still in existence.

Most of my gear came used from other hams.

[xyrtek]

+1 Ham Radio Outlet, check if you have a local one or within driving distance. Call them, a good bunch of the nicest ppl there.

local hams, local stores, hamfest, qth.com, qrz.com, ebay.com

I think i mentioned it to you before, get local help, it's a gold mine at your fingertips.

[integritetus]

I'm another long-time satisfied customer of Ham Radio Outlet.  I've had exceptional customer service from the store that is about an hour's drive away.  The people who answer the phones have been in my experience knowledgeable hams who have been happy to answer questions about products.

Most of my HF transceivers have been bought directly from Ten-Tec.  They've recently changed hands yet again.  Hope they can continue to produce products that are consistent with their heritage.

[integritetus]

Other vendor-manufacturers I've had good experience with, buying directly from their sites:

West Mountain Radio.  They have a unique line of DC power distribution panels using Anderson Powerpoles.  I've also had good experience with their sound card gear for digital modes.  High-quality, well-engineered products.

Cable X-perts.  For cable assemblies and all flavors of coax.

[AG6QR]

I'm satisfied customer of Ham Radio Outlet, DX Engineering, West Mountain Radio, Quicksilver Radio, Morseexpress.com, and qrpkits.com.  I've also bought factory direct from Elecraft, American Morse Equipment, Begali, and hobbypcb.com.

I haven't had a problem with any of them.

The ham community is small enough and gossipy enough that nobody could be outright fraudulent and build a significant long-lasting business.  Most places have well-deserved good reputations for customer service.  There may be individuals and very small sellers on the used market or on eBay who don't follow the best ethics and/or don't pay enough attention to prompt customer service, but the major players are generally pretty good.

[ldillon]

I've had great service from Ham Radio Outlet.  I've also had no issues with DX Engineering.  I can also recommend Arrow Antennas.

[eugenenine]

http://www.universal-radio.com/

I live in the same town

[ECEdesign]

http://www.universal-radio.com/

I live in the same town

Yep I have been to that candy store many times.  Nice place!

[AF6LJ]

Wherever I can...
We do have an HRO here in town that I patronize often, other than that..
Other hams, E-Bay occasionally, and QRZ.com..

[dr.diesel]

I used to always buy from Universal Radio, but their lack of online stock status and refusal to call/email when something is back-ordered finally got to me after a decade of ordering.   

I now solely use DX Engineering.

[AF6LJ]

I used to always buy from Universal Radio, but their lack of online stock status and refusal to call/email when something is back-ordered finally got to me after a decade of ordering.   

I now solely use DX Engineering.

DXE is good, they are fast..
When I cannot get it locally I look first to DXE

[steverino]

Every time I see this post float to the top I feel I'm being yelled at!

[apelly]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I think I'm sorted for a while now.

The few new bits of gear came from AES (Amateur Electronic Supply) in Orlando, FL.

Mine too. Thanks for the tip.

Unfortunately their Orlando shop closed its doors at the end of July.

Picked this stuff up the other day:

[TheSteve]

You will love the 7300 - it's a ground breaking radio with very good performance.

[The_Penguin]

http://www.universal-radio.com/

I live in the same town

+1 for Universal, and I live in Canada!

[bicc1306]

ebay and amazon are preferable I think.

[howsad4me]

Primarily Ham Radio Outlet... lucky for me, there's one that's less than 10 minute drive away.  And, it has a fantastic burger & beer place in the same building.