Buying A Used Radio: How To Avoid Getting Stuck With A Dud.

Removing a barrier to entry.

TenTec Argonaut QRP radio. Photo courtesy RKS Designs.

As it has been for, well, forever, used ham radio equipment is still a major gateway into the hobby. Many beginners, and even some old hands, have limited budgets. Or maybe an operator wants to try a new mode or band without risking a lot of money. And for many of us, including me, we don’t “need” another radio but sometimes the deal is just too good to pass up. How does one go about buying a used radio without being disappointed or ripped off? Keep scrolling and find out.

Step one: Know what you are looking for.

Before you go hunting for a used radio, define your needs. What are your “must have” functions? In what areas are you willing to compromise? Be realistic: Are your demands reasonable for the money you are spending? Don’t be the guy who wants Elecraft on a Baofeng budget.

On the other side, you don’t want to compromise so much that you won’t get good use of the rig. Budget is a big factor for most hams shopping for a used radio, but it should not be the only thing that matters.

Factors to consider:

• Bands and modes.
• Power output.
• Are accessories/power supply included?
• If accessories/power supply are not included, what will it cost to get them?
• Size/weight of the radio—will it physically work for your application?

Do not shop for any radio equipment or consider any brand or model before addressing these concerns! By the way, these issues also apply when purchasing new equipment.

Step two: Make a short list.

Once you’ve clearly defined your needs, do your homework and create a list of used radios that fit your criteria. You can be as picky as you wish on this step, but understand that the more picky you are, the fewer options you’ll have.

It’s very possible you will not find a radio that has 100% of your wish list features. This is why it’s important to prioritize and know ahead of time what you’re willing to give up.

Once you’ve done your due diligence and identified a suitable radio, how you proceed will depend on whether you’re buying on line or in person.

Buying radio equipment on line.

Buying used radios on line is popular but places the buyer at a serious disadvantage. You can’t inspect the equipment or test it; you’re depending on a few photos and the honesty of the seller.

Ask a lot of questions, and pay attention to how the seller answers them. Do they respond quickly with clear, forthright statements? Or are they slow to respond, and when they do, are vague and cagey? Why are they are selling the radio, and are they the original owner? Is there a return policy or any warranty?

Ask for a video of the radio powered up and in operation. Consider it a “red flag” is the seller refuses or gives weak reasons why this cannot be done. This expectation is so common, many online listings already include a video.

Check out the seller’s background. Most e-commerce sites like eBay have seller ratings. You can also google the seller’s callsign and name to see if there are any disqualifying factors.

In person sales.

You’re going to ask the same questions and take the same approach as on line sales, but with the advantage of personally inspecting the radio before you hand over any money.

Look over the enclosure. Modest scratches and chipped paint are not a great concern; excessive cosmetic blemishes are. Inspect for dents in the case, bent knobs or hardware, and cracks. These are signs that the radio has been dropped, hit, or physically abused. Look for misaligned or crooked external parts, or missing/mismatched screws; these are signs that the radio has been disassembled at some point. Give the radio a good shake. I’m not kidding. Shake it, and listen for any loose parts rattling around inside. Any deficiencies in these areas are not automatic deal breakers, but they do warrant further investigation.

The seller will probably not let you remove the cover to inspect inside, but it’s very helpful if they do. If an internal inspection is not possible, smell the air vents for the telltale odor of overheated components. Power up the radio and check  all the functions. Make sure the displays and lights work. While the radio is on, gently tap the enclosure and note any blinking lights/displays or audio drop out in response to the tapping.

Lastly, inspect any accessories. In particular, verify any connecting cables. Some cables may be difficult to replace if they are broken or missing. Make sure you are fully aware of what is (or is not) included.

The finish line.

So you’ve run the gauntlet, all the flags are green, and you bring your new-to-you rig home. What now? The first priority should be to connect it up in its intended application and thoroughly test everything: Every mode, every setting, every control and function. Leave it on for an hour or more. Some problems don’t reveal themselves until the rig has warmed up.

Hopefully it all checks out. If it does, congratulations! Mission success. If a problem pops up that you did not find during the pre-purchase inspection, all is not lost. If it’s a minor malfunction, simply fix it yourself. Most problems can be resolved with a quick internet search. Whatever is wrong with the radio, someone else already experienced it and came up with a solution.

If it’s a major issue that cannot be remedied with an easy DIY fix you can seek a refund, but it’s unlikely the seller will cooperate. If you bought it through one of the e-commerce sites, try engaging their buyer-seller resolution process. Otherwise, there really isn’t a path out. Make of it what you can and move on. Giving an unethical seller a bad review or calling them out on the internet may feel like justice, but it won’t fix your radio.

When buying a used radio, the risk of getting stuck with a total dud is not high but it’s not zero either. Being circumspect and following these guidelines will greatly increase your odds of having a good experience.