"Paul P" wrote in message
news:SOlPf.3165$zp2.2363@trndny01...
I had the occasion today to look for a 38.660 Mhz crystal for a Hamarlund
HX50. So I called ICM http://www.icmfg.com/contact.html and pushed "0" to
get around the button madness. A "receptionist" answered and I asked for
help in ordering a proper crystal. The conversation went something like
this:

She questioned me at to what it was for. I said an oscillator.

This receptionist began to ask deeper and deeper questions. Until I told
her it was for a Hammarlund HX50 Heterodyne oscillator.

She said, "Let me see.....what frequency do you need?"

"38.660 MHz"

"MMmm that is a third harmonic......", "Yes we have that Hammarlund
HX-50 crystal. It is a third harmonic and is $19.95 and can ship on March
28th."

"You don't sound like a receptionist to me. "

"We dont have one. I am in sales........25 years........."

They apparently handle and welcome armature radio crystal orders. I could
have sent the engineering department an oscillator circuit (but they
already had the HX-50 documentation and many more) so they could help
select a proper crystal.

Now I am no crystal oscillator expert. So I greatly appreciate this
companies friendly help! If this crystal restores the output of the
heterodyne oscillator to its former frequency and amplitude I will be
ordering more.

If you call ask for Barbara ex249 and mention you saw this. No, I get no
remuneration of any kind. This was just a very welcome and timely
experience!!

Paul
kb3lzp
I have no fiscal interest in this company. Only a 20 buck debt so far and
the wife asking how much did you put on the card now?


Paul -

This is the normal positive experience that I have always had with ICM. I
talked to Barb a couple of moths ago for an order of several crystals.
I made a mistake on one (transposed the numbers) I quoted over the
telephone.
I sent an e-mail that evening (during holidays) ...
crystals arrived on time -- and were all correct (they handled the
correction - no problem)

This is a perfect example of qualified and well trained personnel --
tell me you get that from other US companies? -- it is "old school" and rare
these days -- but the best companies know the value -- and smart customers
know that you may pay a bit more for it - but are happy with it - and return
for business !

w9gb