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Show all reviews of the ARRL Car License Plate Frame
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of the ARRL Car License Plate Frame.
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RFDANNY
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Rating: 3/5
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Jul 3, 2009 15:07
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Ok, but could be better...
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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First, I would like to say that I've been a ham, and a driver, for almost 40 years. I have owned various license plate frames/holders from a large variety of various manufacturers over the years. They have come in various models, materials, and quality. At one time, I was actually certified by a large auto parts store to sell, install and exchange various models of license plate holders. I have even repaired a few of them in my day, and my sons and I have homebrewed a few right from the garage. I feel that it was important to tell you all this so you will realize that I know what I'm talking about and will respect my opinion.
This particular model is only good for the beginner or the casual driver who isn't 100% committed to amateur radio. While it will get the job done, there are certainly better choices on the market today. The new Flexible-5000 software defined license plate LCD panel is one example.
There are no illustrations included in the manual. In fact, I don't think I even got a manual with mine. However, due to my vast experience, I was able to fumble through the installation and had it up and running in less than an hour.
I was disappointed that the words stay static. They are not user configurable, nor are the fonts.
In today's ham radio, it is inexcusable for a well known company to push brand new gear into the field that is not software upgradable. If you grow tired of the current look, you are forced to wait for another version release from the seller and swap out holders. When I called ARRL for technical support, someone laughed at me and hung up. This is NO WAY to support a new product.
Proper hardware was not included, which forced a trip to the store. The lack of documentation made this particularly nerve racking. Now, after only 6 months of road use, the bolts are rusting. They should have included stainless steel hardware with the item.
I'll report back in another year, hopefully it will last that long.
Like I said, it's fine for newcomers, but seasoned ops should save for aircraft grade drawn aluminum, stainless hardware and some sort of field upgrade program whether it be hardware or software based.
My two cents.
Danny
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Product is in production.
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