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| Reviews Summary for Collins Radio |
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Reviews: 20
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Average rating: 5.0/5
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MSRP: $(missing—add MSRP)
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Description: For all your Collins repair and restoration needs, please contact me. My
speciality is the S-Line and KWM-2 equipment. Collins parts on stock, both
new and used - please inquire on availability or from other sources. I know
that many of you are new to Collins so if I can assist you, please feel free
to call me at (814) 487-4403. Also, allow me to assist you in buying or
selling your Collins. We are located near Johnstown, Pennsylvania, 70 miles
east of Pittsburgh. Visitors to the Collins Radio Center are always welcome
Drop off your Collins for repair/restoration if you wish. Thank you -
David Knepper, W3ST/W3CRA, editor of the Collins Journal and secretary to
the CRA. Join the largest Collins organization in the world today at www
collinsra.com. Our email address is collinsradio@comcast.net
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More info: http://www.collinsra.com
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K3VYY
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 9, 2009 05:46
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Great workmanship!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I had emailed Dave, because my KWM-2A had a balanced modulator problem. He invited me to come by on a Saturday, because I only live about a two hour drive from his QTH. Dave took the rig out of the case, found a broken screw on a tube socket, replaced it. Tightened up everything, lubed the switches,and cleaned the rig up with his "super secret Ethiopian wax". Then he found a bad diode in the balance modulator, and replaced that. Gave it a quick alignment, and fully checked the rig out. Even showed me how to tell when it was manufactured. With all this work, we still had time for a great conversation, and I got to see the Collins Radio Center as well. It was a great day, and I think I have found a new friend. I'm also joing the CRA. Thanks Dave!
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W3CRA
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 3, 2009 03:50
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Great Service
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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Dave Knepper received my 75A-3 as an intact collection of ruined parts, promoted as a receiver that worked 'good' when last plugged in. It was immediately apparent to Dave and myself that I'd been had. Not to throw good money after bad, I decided to have Dave repair the radio as I used to operate that model in the Marine Corps back in the 50's on CW.
Needless to say Dave didn't want to waste the time to rebuild it as it was a mess, but he felt so sorry for my being deceived and out almost $400 dollars plus shipping, he decided to bring it into an operational state.
In the end Dave had to rewind coils, rebuild dial drums and replace a lot of tubes and parts--much against his better judgement. He did a magnificent job and repacked it for shipping in a way that was safe for the gear.
I know I could never find another person of Dave's expertise and experience willing to take on such a basket case and mess. My thanks to him for his honesty, hard work and character in the bringing back to life of what is now my cherished Collins reveiver.
As proof of Dave's hard work, I must tell you that on a Tuesday while waiting to sign on my local CW net, the background QRN sounded like I was standing under a waterfall
(at S3+) with no signals noticeable, except for a very faint CW signal coming in at about ten words per minute, but much out of phase.
I moved the dial to get the signal as solidly as I could and then turned on my FT-450 to see what the exact frequency was, and much to my surprised after ten minutes of hunting, I realized that the Collins had picked a signal out of the murk that the state-of-the-art solid state receiver couldn't find.
Thanks Dave for a job much appreciated and well done. I'm indebted to your kindness forever--
Much thanks, Bill Pohlmann WB6SIK.'
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WA4FJQ
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 14, 2009 10:25
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Excellent
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Dave repaired/restored an out of service for twenty years S Line set, working on it for several months and essentially returning it to "like new" status. While I haven't had a chance to fire up the rig yet (no antenna), from the appearence of the receiver, transmitter and amplifier I have no doubt they will perform as well as they look.
Dave is very detail oriented and precise and his work shows this.
I recommend him unconditionally!
He's also a really nice guy....
Tom White, WA4FJQ
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KK7RV
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 20, 2009 19:11
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KWM-2A Repair
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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After inquiring and searching for someone to repair my KWM-2A, I was told by a friend to contact Dave Knepper. Just talking with Dave on the phone convinced me that he was more than qualified and knowledgeable to repair my radio. I sent my KWM-2A to him which had many faults, and he repaired it and sent it back to me like a new radio. He repaired the radio and cleaned it up, resulting in a radio that look like it just came from the manufactory, and it performs awesome. I am more than satified and pleased with this radio, and thanks to Dave for a superb job. Anyone needing repairs on their KWM-2A should contact Dave immediately, you will glad you did. David Knepper will treat you right too.
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WA1RM
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 16, 2009 18:24
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Great service
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Dave got a 75S-3 back up and running for me. It had been poorly shipped, and was the victim of various tries at repair that didn't work. He found broken and missing parts. When returned, all was well. E-mail and phone calls were returned promptly, very good communication about the repair and process. Repair rate is very reasonable. I would not hesitate to do business with him again.
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WN9DDV
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 12, 2009 15:35
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Excellent
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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It would be difficult to say more good things about Dave and his skills and knowledge of Collins equipment. He fixed my KWM-2 that had some problems and gave me expert advice. He discovered problems that I did not know were there (such as seeing the PTO needed work and rebuilt it). Plus, he is a very nice gentlemen who is available to speak with on the telephone. To say that his charges are reasonable would again be an understatement. I highly recommend Dave.
Richard Pumphrey wn9ddv
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AE3U
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 20, 2009 06:36
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KWM-2A
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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The old KWM-2A, that I'd acquired a few years back, was in need of a good "going over". So after a bit of checking around, I decided to contact Dave Knepper and have him apply his talents to this venerable old rig. The unit was operable, but in desperate need of a good "oil change and lube". So off she went to Dave and wow, what a great job he did! The rig now proudly sits in the middle of my operating desk and works great. Receives like a champ and transmits like a gem. You just got to love the warm glow of vacuum tubes!
Thanks Dave
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K1RE
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 18, 2009 11:03
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Extraordinary!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Every now and then, we may be fortunate enough to come across a real "jewel in the ruff." Dave Knepper is just that jewel! I had purchased a RE KWM-2A that was in need of restoration to original configuration, mechanical lubrication, a good cleaning and knowledgeable TLC. Not only does Dave perform the work exquisitely, he does so correctly, quickly and at rates that must have been in place at the time this gear was originally manufactured! His attention to detail and communication are superb. I highly recommend Dave for any and all Collins work.
Ron Egalka, K1RE
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N7VXD
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 8, 2009 18:52
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The Genuine Article
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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If you have a piece of Collins equipment that needs some repair or just some good old fashioned TLC, I highly recommend that you send it to Dave.His follow-through from start to finish is truly amazing,and his knowledge of the S-Line definately pays off. Dave has a network of Collins collectors that that can solve just about any situation you might encounter. His prices are resonable and his level of expertise really shows in the finished product. DON'T HESITATE, SEND IT TO DAVE.
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WA5JUM
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 10, 2009 15:07
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KWM-2 Tune p
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I recently purchased a used KWM-2 over the phone and had it sent to Dave Knepper directly. Dave went through the transceiver and it looks and acts like it did when it was new. I am really pleased with all the personal attention. Dave kept me informed of the progress, let me know when he ran into some issues, and all were resolved beyond my satisfaction. Dave heads up the “Collins Radio Association” and also helps people like me get their gear up to speed.
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