[Test-Equipment] New HP-5345A Project WEB page

[Jose V. Gavila]

Hello Bob,

>Thanks for posting the photos on your web page.  The shipping damage
>to your HP frequency counter looks like a direct result of very poor
>packing by the seller, as shown in the first 2 photos.

Well, to be honest I should say that it is NOT seller's fault but mine. Let 
me explain: that counter was sold as an unworking unit and so it was cheap. 
But sending it to Spain by any other way than by USPS Surface Mail was so 
expensive (we are talking of close to US$200 + Customs fees against 
US$54.00 and no Custom fees) than I took the risk. Box was really tight to 
reach the size limits. It was a hard double layer unit and seller added a 
custom made wood piece (in U shape) to protect front panel. We agreed to 
try it at the risk of damaging the unit on transit...

But the added problem is that packet has been nobody-knows-where for at 
least 3 extra months... and I guess this extra shipping time has increased 
damage. But, yes, there was a risk and I have found it :-(

>I have received test equipment packaged in a similar, haphazard way -- 
>using a single box and virtually no padding.

In my experience with lots (some hundred) of packets in the last 10 years, 
I have got most of them in good shape (I insist in good packaging, giving 
clear instructions) except when packaging has been bad (as a Heathkit 
HW-101 I got from USA with the heavy power supply knocking the rig as it 
was just sepparated by crushed paper!). So, yes, good packaging is a must 
if you could cope with the high shipping costs (as in my case, living 
'overseas', for cheap but heavy items)

>You should place these photos on a new web page dedicated to
>packing electronics equipment for shipping.  They can serve as
>an excellent example of inadequate packing and the consequences.

Well, it is a good idea but I don't think it would be fair for the seller 
as he did what he could with the tight limits he had. He helped a lot 
trying to trace the shipment and placing a claim at US Postal Service.

>Good luck in repairing the HP 5345A.

Thanks!. As electronics are still in one piece, I hope to locate the needed 
mechanical parts and restore it. I have an original Service Manual (sent 
sepparately by seller; it arrived in September 2004!) so I think I still 
have a chance.

Any help locating the needed parts will be welcomed!

Best regards,

JOSE

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