[R-390] How much should it cost???

[Barry Hauser]

Harry wrote:
> I am surprised no one has mentioned this yet.. Both UPS and USPS have a
> significant change in rates around 70 pounds.

Yes -- the rates jump at 70 pounds, but, there's a catch.  Most often, with
double boxing and an outer carton that's large enough, the receivers will go
for "dimensional weight" -- when the girth exceeds 108 inches.  There are
other dimensional criteria as well.  If I'm not mistaken, the "108" for UPS
triggers a rate equal to the  70 lb. rate regardless of actual weight --
however will still be a good deal cheaper than 75 or 80 lbs.

(Girth = 2 X each of the smaller dimensions plus 1 X the length.  So, a 26"
X 24" X 18" box would be (24 + 18) X 2 = 84" plus the 26" L. = 110" --
bingo.  That's one thing that stymies sending shipping sets around, unless
they're designed as as telescoping cartons.  However, those are not safe for
shipping unless there are some rigid verticals to prevent telescoping while
the goods are in the box.)

R-390x's are fairly sturdy when it comes to the P/S and transformer
mountings, as well as the H-mainframe construction -- at least make sure ALL
green screws and transformer screws are tight.  (Also a good time to check
front panel screws, tighten the handles and chassis screws, etc.

There is a safety advantage to two lighter instead of one heavier
arton.  -- The easier it is to lift the big one, the less chance of
"droppage" and may be less chance of damage when it is dropped or tumbled
the "usual" amount.  It's usually the weight of the radio that is it's "own
worst enemy".

There are other pieces of gear that are much more prone to transformer
ballistics, like those with conventional steel or aluminum chassis
construction.  Not uncommon to find small screws used to fasten these things
down.  However, those units are usually not modular and there would be a lot
of leads to unsolder.  With that type, make sure the screws/nuts/bolts are
all there and tight -- and brace between the top of the transformer and the
cabinet or carton, so it can't rip out when it's dropped upside down.

Of course, if you want to lighten the load a bit more, you can use helium
bubblewrap which I'm now developing.  True, doesn't have the lift of
hydrogen, but my experiment with hydrogen bubblewrap didn't work out too
well yesterday -- maybe not a good idea to test on the 65th anniversary of
.... ;-)

Barry


  For the "A" at least,
> separating the power supply and audio decks, and then shipping them
> separately should get all boxes under the weight threshold.  It also
reduces
> the chances of shipping damage (when dropped, the radio stops, but the
heavy
> transformers will try to keep going..).
>
> See you at Dayton!  (list your spaces if you have one!!)
>
> 73
> Harry  KG5LO
> Saline MI
>
>
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