Wednesday, May 05, 2010

Transceiver module no-show

A few weeks ago I set up an experimental low power EchoLink node for use as a personal EchoLink "hot spot" using my FT-817 and a dummy load. I planned to make a a dedicated transceiver / computer interface for this. I thought I found the ideal basis for the project in this UHF Micro Transceiver Module from Elcom Research, a Greek company that makes packet radio and APRS products. The transceiver runs on 5V and can be powered by a computer USB port.

Perhaps I should have been warned off by the fact that an enquiry made through the web form on the Elcom site went unanswered, but I went ahead and ordered the module on 9th April, paying online using PayPal. After a couple of weeks nothing had been received, so I sent an email enquiry and received a reply that it had been sent by air mail and should be with me by the end of the week or the beginning of the next one. This was during the flying hiatus caused by the Icelandic volcano, so I gave it a bit longer. However it is now a week after the week that the module should have been received at the beginning of, and a further email received no answer at all. It looks unlikely that I will receive the module at all, so I guess my only option is to initiate the PayPal disputes procedure.

6 comments:

M0XDF said...

I certainly would, give Greeks current economy!

Theodore said...

Beware of Greeks bearing grifts !

QRP Station M6RDP said...

That's a right nuisance. I am in the same situation with my refund for the Icom F510: one week later and nothing received and no reply to emails. So looks like we will both be occupied with stupid, unnecessary and stressful claims. Great! 73 Adam

Ricardo - CT2GQV said...

I would stop buying stuff over the internet, given you previous last buy, the "incomplete" charger... good luck, hope you get the module or your pounds!

Unknown said...

Where else can you buy stuff these days?

Keith said...

Athens, if it hasn't left the country maybe the warehouse has been torched!
Today people have died during riots in Athens. Polling day tomorrow london may be next.