[Icom] Shipping Electronic Items

[Ron Evans]

Bill KB9IV wrote:

> Hi All,
> 
> I'm new to this reflector..............soon to have a 746Pro and retire my
> ol'551A.  I ship many items
> (some heavy) and find if I use a very oversize box, wrap the item 3 times
> with bubble wrap and
> suspend it in packed peanuts.............never a problem.  Double boxing
> does little except add
> weight.  When possible I use FedEx Ground........their packages arrive
> pristine and it's cheaper
> than UPS.............just my two cents.
> I hope my 746 Pro is a step-up from a TS 830S?
> 
> Best 73,
> 
> Bill KB9IV

**************************

Bill,

I agree with you completely, except that I usually use 4 or 5 layers of 
the large bubble wrap and prepare the bottom of the single box as 
follows.  I put 3 to 4 inches of styrofoam peanuts (very firmly 
compacted) in the bottom and tape a thick cardboard "floor" over them to 
keep them from migrating around in the box during any "tumbling" that is 
likely to occur at the major Distribution Centers.

The "bubble wrap cocoon" is then placed on the cardboard floor and 3 to 
4 inches of peanuts (or more) are PACKED in on all sides and the top. 
Using this method, I've never had any in-transit damage to rigs I've 
shipped in the past 4 years, including some very heavy radios.  I've 
never experienced a single instance of the frequently-heard claim that 
the bubbles will begin popping and the item will end up with no 
protection on the bottom.  It *is* true that any sharp corners on the 
bottom of the radio should be "covered over" in whatever method works 
for you before you begin wrapping the radio in the bubble wrap.

Doubtless, there will be detractors concerning this method.  I make no 
claim that it is the ONLY way...or even the BEST way to package 
electronic gear, but it HAS worked for me for over 4 years, primarily in 
the area of vingage, vacuum-tube gear.

As for FedEx over UPS, I can only say a silent "Amen."  Again, if anyone 
out there prefers UPS, use them and be happy.  It's FedEx for me every time!

73 es Long Life,

Ron - KD5S (formerly K5MVR 1957-2002)