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Reviews For: Collins Radio

Category: Amateur Radio Equipment Repair

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Review Summary For : Collins Radio
Reviews: 96MSRP:
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

Product is in production
More Info: http://collinsra.org/home/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00965
KA4KOE Rating: 2018-08-02
An Officer and a Gentleman Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
David really is a retired officer in our armed forces and definitely a gentleman. His restoration work is meticulous with extreme attention to detail. His labor rates are very reasonable. I feel that David and I have become friends during the course of my Collins KWM2a restoration. His work comes highly recommended.

Thanks Dave.

AG4CN Rating: 2018-06-20
Hardly Recognize It! Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I purchased a used KWM-2A from a seller overseas. It was in poor shape both physically and operationally. Of course Dave went above and beyond what I expected to get it straightened out. It is in tip top shape now with a new paint job on the case. He also took care of some stubborn scuffs on the face. It puts out the power it is supposed to and receives very well. He also put in additional crystals in the upper deck for me. In addition to all the radio work he spruced up a 516F-2 for me as well. Looks almost new. This was all at a very reasonable price. Would recommend using Dave for your Collins or other radio repairs.

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Earlier 5-star review posted by AG4CN on 2016-04-02

This time I put Dave to the ultimate test. Sent him a working 51S-1 that had numerous issues, both cosmetically and operationally. Dave was up to the task and did a great job as always. Inside was cleaned and looks almost new, now receives on all bands, and can hardly tell there was a huge scratch on the face plate. Very pleased.
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Earlier 5-star review posted by AG4CN on 2015-12-09

Once again I called upon Dave to perform some work on my 75S-1. I sent him the parts and as expected the modification was taken care of in a timely and professional manner. Receiver works great.
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Earlier 5-star review posted by AG4CN on 2015-09-13

Sent Dave a basket case 75S-1 which had been damaged in shipping as well as having dial issues and S-Meter issues. Dave meticulously cleaned up the trimmers and PTO, repaired the S-Meter and broken transformer mount, and repaired and painted the case. it was not the same radio I sent in. It works great and looks great. All for a very reasonable price.
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Earlier 5-star review posted by AG4CN on 2015-06-05

Never had a Collins previously. Picked one up and saw it had some issues. Sent it to Dave who did a great job on it electronically as well as cosmetically. Kept me informed throughout the process. Reasonable pricing and fairly quick turn around. I have since sent him another with similar results and have one in the que for him now. Highly recommended.
WA3ZKI Rating: 2018-06-19
Excellence in every way Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I am writing this endorsement of Dave’s excellent work on my Collins 32S-3 transmitter. When I sent this radio to him it was literally in near ‘junker’ condition. Dave examined the transmitter and accurately described the extent of its condition to me. He was initially doubtful of its restoration at the time. Not to worry. Within one week of sending it to him, during which time he was in frequent communication with me, he had the the 32S-3 in perfect working order. He said that he put in six to eight hours in going over the radio and even provided preventative corrections to preclude the possibility of further problems down the road. His price was extremely reasonable and I now have what is a new transmitter. This endorsement would not be complete if I did not include my getting to know Dave at a personal level. He was a pleasure to deal with and I feel that I have developed a new friendship. I extended to him an invitation to lunch if he is ever in the Cherry Hill, NJ area (my treat of course). Again, thank you Dave.
Alan, WA3ZKI.
K2TW Rating: 2018-02-27
Great job, S-Line now looks and works like new Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I can't thank Dave W3ST enough for the terrific job he did bringing my 32S3 and 75S3B back to life.

I purchased the rigs from an estate so the operating condition was unknown, but they had been collecting dust for many many years. After a general cleanup and replacement of the electrolytics it was time to send them to an expert for refurb and alignment.

Dave resolved all the issues I had identified, plus quite a few more. And the cost was more than reasonable. He is very meticulous and will not call the job done until the radio is looking and working exactly as it should.

I picked the radios up at Dave's shop and am pleased to report that he is truly a gentleman who loves restoring Collins radios. I appreciate the hospitality he showed me during my visit and feel I have made a friend. If ever I need help with a Collins rig in the future Dave will be the first one I call.
K4BSK Rating: 2018-01-21
32s3 repair Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Dave did a great job with my 32S3. He met the tedious challenge of replacing the failed antenna change over relay. He was not satisfied just addressing the electrical needs. He meticulously cleaned the chassis and case. I appreciated his phone calls to keep me informed of progress. I now have a new friend.
W6RKE Rating: 2018-01-19
75S-1 repair Time Owned: more than 12 months.
When one has a respected Collins piece of equipment, it is a privilege appreciated by others who share your same good fortune.

If the time comes that your Collins needs attention beyond your capabilities, you must seek the most qualified person. I was fortunate to learn of David Knepper W3ST.

My Collins 75S-1 belonged to a childhood friend who was given it by his parents in either 1959 or 1960 when he got his license. He and I would delight in using it during our start of our amateur radio days.

In the early 2000’s, I was able to get this receiver from him and after so many years, it needed some attention. Here is where David Knepper entered the picture.

David and I had several cordial phone conversations and I sent my receiver to him. He gave it his careful examination and has restored it to proper operating condition. In addition to David’s Collins expertise, he is guided with a strong desire to keep this equipment in the hands of people who appreciate it.

During the service, the PTO was disassembled, cleaned, given proper lubrication. Several components were replaced. The receiver was given a proper alignment and proof of performance according to Collins specifications.
KE8FLM Rating: 2017-12-20
Superb Repairman, Gentleman and Scholar Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Dave recently serviced my prized Collins 51J-4 receiver that I purchased off eBay. The radio had not been aligned since 1997. I dropped the boat anchor off at his shop/museum nestled in the beautiful Allegheny Mountain region of Pennsylvania. Dave was a great communicator and gave me a weekly progress report on its condition. The unit was only out of service for less than a month. Dave also arrange to have my radio shipped back to me by one of his friends who was passing threw the state at the time. This was definitely above and beyond the call of duty. Once the radio was in my possession I’d have to say it was like new electrically and mechanically. And like a true craftsman you could not tell the receiver was opened up. The opportunity to take advantage of his years of experience, vast knowledge and skill on a vintage piece of equipment is truly a rare find in today’s electronic age.
WA2PJF Rating: 2017-11-17
Great Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Today my Collins KWM-2 was repaired by Mr. David Knepper. I am very pleased as to the "outstanding workmanship" of this very talented person.
Be advise, "he" is in fact, very thorough and precise, when working on a piece of Collins radio equipment.
"IF" .....you want the job done "correctly" David Knepper is..... "THE MAN !"

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Earlier 5-star review posted by WA2PJF on 2016-11-15

I have had various Collins radios repaired by David Knepper W3ST. I am totally pleased with his workmanship. He is an "outstanding" repairman. I will be using his services again in the "very near" future.
If you want the job done correctly (the first time) .......call upon Mr. David Knepper !
The Collins Radio King !
N5KX Rating: 2017-11-03
Good Result Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Dave Knepper repaired my radio in good time and for a reasonable price. I don't know how anyone could ask for more than that.
K1VVC Rating: 2017-10-01
Collins repairs Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Dave has recently repaired 3 radios for me and I'm pleased with the results.