Performance tune-up $45 !!!!!!

[Deleted]

I found this from an un-named radio shop for $45 performance tuneup:
The Performance tune up increases the output of the radio by approximately 50%. The receiver gain is typically 30-40% over stock specs.
This modification includes the following changes in order to enhance the radio's performance.
- Turning up the Transmitter's wattage.
- Adjusting the modulation for maximum output without distortion
- Modifying the mike amp circuit to produce more modulation if needed.
- Aligning the receiver for optimum signal to noise ratio.
- Adjusting the squelch range
- Frequency adjustment to zero tolerance on AM and SSB.
- Frequency counter display calibration. (If applicable)
- Calibrate the Transmit and Receive meter settings.
- Perform a complete check of all functions.
- Perform a visual of the circuit board for cold joints and flaws.

My question is, aside from the modulation/DK circuit hacking, should all these already come out of the box, especially receiver and frequency counter calibrations? I mean, are you paying this to get you radio to work right, right out of the box?

[bootymonster]

speaking for myself..........
i got my radio from sparkys cb shack and Al gives ALL his radios a free tune up befor it leaves the store . he ALSO gives a free alignment with each radio . the work is done by someone competent and with all the proper equipment . his prices are competitive too and S&H is also .

most of those mods cant be on a factory built radio fresh from the factory because they would not be a legal radio under FCC RULES .

the alignment is a fine tuning done AFTER tuning up the radio to be sure its within spec . good shops will align to a tighter tolerance , i know my uniden from sparkys was .

also , the first like isnt saying much ......
"The Performance tune up increases the output of the radio by approximately 50%. "
wow , from 4 watts to 6 watts !!!! lol

[Deleted]

The point I am making is like he offers to calibrate the freq counter, and fine tune. But the way these tune-ups come off to me, is that the radio you buy is not ready for right-out-of-the-box use. You first have to buy the radio, then you have to pay a fee to make it work properly. Is that right?

That is like buying a car or a TV, and having to pay extra to make sure it is working right.

[BionicChicken]

Dec 1, 2008 20:25:40 GMT -5 @vinnies said:

The point I am making is like he offers to calibrate the freq counter, and fine tune. But the way these tune-ups come off to me, is that the radio you buy is not ready for right-out-of-the-box use. You first have to buy the radio, then you have to pay a fee to make it work properly. Is that right?

That is like buying a car or a TV, and having to pay extra to make sure it is working right.

The export radios need to be converted from 10 meters to 11 so they will work on CB. They were set up from the factory tuned to 10 meters so a realignment is necessary to make them perform as they were designed on CB. Yes, they will work with only the frequency conversion but tuning everything to 11 meters will improve the overall performance.
The info to do the freq conversion is all over the internet but to realign requires the proper test equipment and knowledge to do it.

BC

[Deleted]

Understood. I didn't know they shipped as 10m radios. I have seen so many used on CB, both locally and on the forum, that I just assumed it was a CB. But now that makes perfect sense.

[thejerk]

I've seen radios out of the box that were lacking...a tune done by a competent tech typically makes a significant difference in a radio's operation. Most radios are tuned to meet a certain basic requirement from the factory, but can be further refined by a tech who takes the time to do it.

I actually own a MosFet Galaxy 959 that was tuned poorly from the factory and had a fried biasing circuit out of the box. And I have a Uniden 76 that was only doing 3 watts PEP until it was tuned...I bought it new in the box also.

[Deleted]

I agree. But I wonder why they charge $45. Sparky's, who seems to be popular, doesn't charge. The alignments are not all that difficult. I now understand why it's done, but I just don't understand why they charge so much.

[Junior]

Now you know why Sparkys is so popular.

[bootymonster]

Al is somewhat of a rare breed . im sure the free T&A is appreciated by many customers (myself included) but most go back because he will bend over backwards to make you happy and does quality work . hes also very very prompt in getting products to you . ive never waited more than 4 or 5 work days for my orders .

[**GRUMPY**]

Now come on guys, do you really believe Sparky doesn't charge something for that tune-up? It's called a hidden charge, included in the price he sells the radio for!

I took a look at three radio dealers and picked out the Connex 4600 Turbo to use an example. Here are the results...

Copper Electronics - $359.99 + $30.00 for a expand, align & tune = $389.99

Sparkey's CB Shack - $389.95 (on sale, reg.price is $399.95) expand, align & tune included in price

R&R Communications - $375.00 expand, align & tune included in price

As you can see you are being charged for the tune-up, it's just a hidden cost. R&R Communications comes out on top in price for the complete set-up. But he is still charging something for it to be done. I'm not bashing Al @ Sparkey's because they all do it. Just using him as one example.

DON'T BE FOOLED BY GIMMICKS!!!

[Deleted]

I wouldn't know, because I do my own tuneups. But I was caught by surprise by the cost. I understand if they want to charge you if you send a radio in and they tune it, but not for one new out of box.

My radio is a TRC-455 which I got for about $27 broken. I restored it and put solid wood ends on it. All for the total cost of less than one of those tuneups!

Did I ever show you pictures?