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Reviews For: Jeff Covelli WA8SAJ

Category: Amateur Radio Equipment Repair

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Review Summary For : Jeff Covelli WA8SAJ
Reviews: 75MSRP:
Description:
RL Drake repair
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.wb4hfn.com/Services/WA8SAJ/SAJ-Repair.htm
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00754.7
WD8ADG Rating: 2013-12-27
Need Deep Pockets Time Owned: N.A.
I too took my rigs Drake B Line. He said rebuild Power supply. He did replaced some tubes and new pilot lights Blue lighting aligned rigs. He was friendly and very expensive, He does great work and if you don't believe me just ask him. He is to expensive and does work that was not requested. Buyer beware..
N3AJB Rating: 2013-09-26
Completely satisfied Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I sent Jeff a non-functioning TR4C and got back a great radio. Turn around time was fast and charges were reasonable. Recently, I sent him a newly acquired TR7 in good condition for an alignment and general cleaning and he did a great job. In fact, he told me of options in the rig that I wasn't even aware of like extra filters and the AUX board. Jeff's technical abilities are outstanding as a friend of mine recently found out. His non-functioning TR7 was returned good as new when Jeff found some odd ball problem and restored the rig to full operational capability. He too experienced reasonable costs and turn around time. I have complete confidence in Jeff's abilities and honesty.
N4GUV Rating: 2013-08-08
Poor service Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I made the mistake of allowing Jeff to work on my Drake TR-4 twice. The first time it came back in a different and mismatched case. He refused to make this right. The second time my radio returned with defective parts that were unrelated to the repairs needed. He may be a good Drake technician but he lacks honesty and integrity. I do not recommend doing business with him.
WD8AAM Rating: 2013-06-29
Jeff Covelli is (see below) ! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I had heard that Jeff Covelli was a great technician for Drake Radios. That statement is true, but the magnitude of his greatness is UNBELIEVABLE. I sent him my two Drake 2Bs and 2AQs, and he sent me back two brand-new radios, looked like they just came out of the box from the factory, and purred like kittens when I started using them. His level of thoughtfulness and skill is the highest I have ever witnessed.
I am impressed to no end, and for the icing on the cake, he charges very reasonable for this level of expertise. You will be amazed if you use him for your Drake equipment. (Thanks JEFF!)
WA9CWX Rating: 2013-03-01
Wow! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I still remember the days when a Heathkit didn't work, you called the factory, and a tech talked you through the repairs. I don't think Jeff does the same thing, but it ain't much short of that.
I have been amazed how he brings radios back to life. A TR7A, a Drake 'B' line, including rebuilt AC4, both actually better than new. Operating at their peak specs, not just final assemblyline 'good enough to pass' level.

Turn around time is somehow measured with a stopwatch or some other gimmick. Fastest I have ever experienced. Total turn around for a complete re-alignment,repair,cleaning of a Drake Pair was actually about one week, out door to return. Included was data sheet on performance before and after, Very reasonable charges, packing that would allow for survival in a plane crash.
Would I use his services again? If he were a Doctor, I would go in for experimental, exploritory surgery.
W8JHA Rating: 2012-12-09
Best of the best Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Jeff has worked on various Drake rigs Ive owned over the last twelve years including the following:
4B line, two 4C lines, TR4C, TR4CW, TR4 CW w/RIT, two TR7's, two SPR4's, TR5, MN2700, and others. A real pro and a fine gentleman.
K8QZ Rating: 2012-11-26
The Drake Guy Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Jeff refurbished/restored two non-functioning Drake transceivers for me. The first one was a Tr-7. (when powered up smoke came out of it!) He did such a good job on it that I let him work his magic on a crusty old Tr-4. It turned out beautiful and I enjoy using both rigs. I think Jeff has very reasonable prices. Guess I'm lucky To live within driving distance which saves me the shipping costs and allows me to see his awesome hamshack.
N8AUG Rating: 2012-11-26
Just the Best! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Been dealing with Jeff for nearly 15 years. Have had him repair, tune, calibrate and clean a ton of rigs over that time. He has always been prompt and curtious as well as resonably priced.
I will and do recommend him highly.
Like the summery above states "Just the Best".
KG4SZS Rating: 2012-10-23
Great Value and advice! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Jeff has helped me with both acquisitions and repair work. To date he has repaired or enhanced the following for me:
Drake 2B
75A4
TR4C
SR400 Cyclone
FT101EE
Elecraft K3 w P3 Panadapter
Some of these were repaired more than 4 years ago and still work great, even when they sit idle for months.
His repair work has always been correct, timely, and a great value for the work performed.
The question you have to ask is:
Would I do the same thing over again knowing what I know now? When it comes to Jeff's work the answer, repeatedly, is YES!
W9EBO Rating: 2012-10-16
not happy Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I wish I could agree with the rest of you about jeffs repairs but I cant. I sent him a R4b that had a non working S meter and when I got my radio back it still didn't work.I paid $400 for nothing.for my $400 I got some new pilot lamps some new blue filters and a shiny new center plate for the tuning knob. Upon calling him I got a sobb story about that he lost $23,000 in his 401K and had to make the money back so I guess that justifies screwing a fellow ham for $400.I had a service tech friend of mine take it to his shop where he works he found diode D10 wide open transistor Q7 bad and tube V5 a 12BE6 almost totally dead.Sorry Jeff but some times the truth hirts. No more for this guy and by the way now my radio works great and all I had to pay for was the tube.