[R-390] OT - ART-13 info / help / parts / suggestions.

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On Wed, Dec 14, 2011 at 10:49 PM, Paul Dulaff <pdulaff at embarqmail.com> wrote:
> Barry
>
> FedEX did better by me.

I'll add my FedWrex experience as well, since it might help someone
else filing a claim.

A few years back I blew the modulation transformer in one of my big AM
transmitters. I hand delivered it to Gary, WZ1M at a hamfest, who
rewinds them. He did a very thorough job, documented with photos, and
sent it back to me. It was mounted on a wooden based, solid foam
pieces all around the top and sides, boxed in a double-walled box,
then all repacked in a larger box. Transformer weighs 40 lbs or so,
total package weight was 50-60 lbs.

I should add too, that I was living in VT at that time, almost next
door to Maine.

The box arrived looking more like a soccer ball, now visible corners
and filthy black. There was a tear in the box, so opened it more and
checked. All appeared well, so I accepted it. Later when I had it in
the house and had time to finish opening it, I discovered that one of
the cast iron frames was snapped. Probably a half inch thick or
better, snapped clean through.

Long story short - I took plenty of pictures and spent hours on the
phone. Since it wasn't a current piece of available technology (1952
vintage), they said it was obsolete and they didn't want to pay me,
despite the fact that it was clearly their fault.

I found a 2004 catalog listing online from Peter Dahl listing the cost
to rewind this particular transformer, $450. I provided them with this
info and they paid, even though it was 3-4 year old data at that
point. It was a long process to get the frame welded and transformer
rebuilt and tested, but it finally worked out. Chances are slim that
I'd have gotten anything out of them if not for some solid way to
prove value. It was insured, but that made no difference. They didn't
want to pay without documentation of value, period.

Later I talked with someone with intimate knowledge of their handling
processes, since he had a similar problem. Seems certain workers
detest heavy boxes and therefore drop them on the floor and kick,
slide, skid, or otherwise drag the package from point A to point B. It
certainly explained the way my box looked, filth and all.

They all damage stuff, it's just a matter of time until it finds you.
They're in business to make money, not mollycoddle packages. Proper
packaging makes all the difference and takes a lot of time and
material to do right. But when it's your turn, it won't matter.
Forklift tine, 6 foot drop, spiteful idiot employee, overturned truck
- it happens. At least in my case I had a good decade plus of shipping
and receiving items without issue.

This is undoubtedly the worst time of year to ship anything, in case
it's not already obvious.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all who are so inclined -

de Todd/'Boomer'  KA1KAQ/4