" Thank you for all the responses. You guys are most helpful. Here is my
next
step. There is the BRATS hamfest in Maryland that I will be going to at
the
end of the month. It will be my first fest. I'm rolling out of here at
2:00am
to get there when tailgate sales begin. Are the products pretty good from
hamfests in general. The radios I have my eyes on are the ts-520, ft-101,
ten
tec 555(not sure but if the price is right why not), and still the atlas
210x.
What do i need to look for to keep from getting suckered. Hams are a
pretty
honest bunch from what I have learned, but I still do not want to be taken
for
a ride. I do have some electrical experience( avionics in the Navy).

Thanks
G. Doughty
KI4BBL
remove nojunk to email

I can't speek for the hamfest that you are going to but from going to them
for the last 30 years in a 200 mile radius from the house here are some of
my observations. Do not be afraid to bargain with the sellers. Offer them
less than what they are asking. You may want to go to e-bay and see what
the rigs are selling for there. I have noticed in the last 5 years or so
there seem to be what I call simi-professional dealers. They get to the
fests eairly and buy up anything they think they can sell of e-bay or later
in the day for a profit. I hate this about the ham comunity. Think they
should be hung.... I don't think this is good ham spirit.. Enough of that
soap[ box... Make sure you get the sellers name, call and address on the
items and make sure he will take it back if it is not as he says it is.
Friend of mine stopped me at a fest and was showing me a radio with tubes
missing and was told it was working just fine !! If the screws look like
they are worn out I would stay away from the rig. Going into an old rig
once or twice is ok, but there are too many 'golden screwdrivers' around
that mess up the rigs. Be sure to get a manual or know where to download
one on the internet for the stuff you buy.Here is a place to look for some.

http://hamradio.online.ru/sch_eng.html

Also make sure you get the mic or key for the transmitter.

Save some money for antennas and any other stuff you may need to get the
station going.