[ARC5] OT - Things at "that" place. (A rant about honesty)

[Leslie Smith]

                OT - Things at that place.
              "Probably one of the cleanest surplus transmitters you
              will see!"

G-day all.

   See:               www.eBay.com\itm\152281928902

The seller calls himself "rig-expert-USA" (without the dashes).

He has $120 on the set.  I wrote and made the observations below.  I
have no interest in the set (given no-one can say what's gone on inside
and his comment that: 

   “Probably one of the cleanest looking Surplus T22/ARC-5 BC-459-A 7
   MHz  (40 meter) 
    - 9.1 MHz Aircraft Radio Equipment Transmitters that you will see." 

and 

   "This unit was purchased NEW IN THE BOX in the 1940s from a Surplus
   store."

and 
  
   "We can only assume that this unit works with a power supply (not
   included) and 
     variable antenna inductor but we can not guaranty  it."

The middle comment is undoubtedly true - but it's mis-leading.  It's not
"NOS" now.  It's been hacked and even I can see that.  I don't count
myself as an expert's boot-lace.

The last comment really got up my nose because some-one not familiar
with this unit might actually "assume the unit works with a power
supply" etc.   If some-one buys it, opens it and say, "But it's not all
there" he'll say, "Quite so.  That's what I said in the description."

So I made the points below:

  "First, you have a composite unit. It's 'bodgied up' from different 
  parts. 
   If you look at the rear panel, you'll see the number BC-459-A.  This
   is the part 
   number for a transmitter operating from 7 to 9.1MHz.   If you look at
   the blue 
   nameplate at the front top you will see the  words, 'CBY 52210' and
   the frequency range 
   5.3 to 7.0 MHz (or MCs).   Thus you have the top cover for one unit
   on the base of another unit."

Then:

   "Looking at the cables appearing from the RH side of the set, I  can
   see it has been modified 
      internally in some way. Ditto for the  LH side of the set."

   "The roller inductor has been pilfered, and the changes to the wiring
   (on the LH & RH sides) 
     suggest more mods inside."

   "I think only a person unfamiliar with these sets would buy this
   item."

                   o-o-o

Ok, so this is a rant, but he represented himself as "rig expert".  He
has an obligation (as an expert) to advise fairly.  He got up my nose,
but not so much as his reply.

His reply:  

    "I've priced this accordingly. $50 for the unit and $100 for your
    ridiculous email."


(end of rant.  Dishonesty REALLY gets me.  USA works on the basis that
people are honest.  That's what democracy means.)


Les