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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
WD5BJR Rating: 2014-06-30
Impeccable Service and First Class Quality!!! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I sent Dave (4) pieces of Collins Gear in various states of dismay. He got my KWM-2A back in time for Field Day which I brought to our club as a live demonstration of a "Real" Radio. The attraction was overwhelming. I was asked how old was my radio, it looks like it was built yesterday? Not only looked like new, but outstanding receiver sitting next to icom Pro III, Yaseu FTdx3000, and other newer radios, babies of sorts. Transmit of course crystal clear.

I can't wait for the rest of my gear to be completed. I know I will be totally pleased. If not, I know where he lives :) Just kidding Dave!!!

I packed my radios in a Pelican Case for care in shipping. I hope this link doesn't get removed::
http://www.catcomm.net/collins_pelican.jpg

In short, I wouldn't send my precious Collins Equipment to anyone but Dave for proper treatment. Like buying the wife a "Day of Beauty", but in the end the radios deliver so much more fun!!! (oh boy, I hope the XYL doesn't read this)

73's manny - WD5BJR
KK4TUI Rating: 2014-04-30
Excellent Tech Time Owned: more than 12 months.
David done the best work on my Collins 32s-1 That I have ever seen.
Sent him a transmitter that was both dirty and blown.
When I received back it had all of the updates an was super, super clean. Looks like its brand New.

I can not say enough about Davids work other than excellent, excellent.

Would recommend him to any body that has Collins.

Have more equipment that he will get from me to rebuild.
W8SOO Rating: 2014-03-24
75S-3 is good as new! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
After reading all Dave's reviews here on eHam, I sent him my trusty, old 75S-3 for a makeover- what I got back after a quick turnaround was amazing. He tackled all issues I asked him to fix, plus some things I missed- now I have a great performing receiver with a silky, smooth PTO and CW sounds wonderful! Not only is performance like factory again but, more importantly to me, Dave kept me informed on the project- he offered me some good operational tips on using the 75S-3 as he was doing the restoration that has been really helpful. Now it's back in the S-line and I'm enjoying using it as much as my K-3. Cost for Dave's service was very reasonable- actually I considered the whole experience with W3ST not as an expenditure but, rather, an investment.
Thanks for all your help Dave!
K0EMV Rating: 2013-12-14
KWM-2 repair and restoration was excellent! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
After sending my KWM-2 and power supply for repair and restoration, I was amazed by the excellent work that David Knepper did in his repair shop! The equipment looked as if had just came off the Collins assembly line.
Everything performs as good as it looks! David is very informative and totally stands behind his work!
W9YKO Rating: 2013-11-22
32s1 75s1 Time Owned: N.A.
I SENT A 32S1 TO DAVE AND HE DID A WONDERFUL JOB FIXING IT. I ALSO SENT A 75S1 RECEIVER TO HIM AND HE A FANTASTIC JOB ON IT AS WELL. THIS RECEIVER HAS A LOT OF PROBLEMS. HE STAYED IN TOUCH WITH ME WITH THE REPAIRS. HIS PRICES WERE VERY REASONABLE TOO. I RECOMMEND HIM FOR ALL COLLINS REPAIRS.

THANKS DAVE.
W6SPS Rating: 2013-11-22
KWM-2 Retro Fit Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I recently purchased a KWM-2 which arrived and came up running. It did have some issues that required attention beyond my ability. I had made sure that there were service pro's around before buying. I contacted David prior to the arrival of the unit. I wanted my radio to be combed through by one who knew what to look for. Given a physical if you will, to be put back a close to Collins original.
I felt very confident after reading these reviews that David was exactly the Collins Repair person for me. I sent my KWM-2 to David with the instructions to address a few concerns that I wanted taken care of then to search out search out and make good anything else that he could come up with. I put no restrictions or cost limit on him. Yet, David contact me for permission with his findings. When all was said and done my bill was reasonable to say the least. After getting baby back David calls and he steps me through is work and gives me tips along the way.
If you ship your beauty anywhere, particularly the Power Supply do yourself this favor..
Remove the case. It only takes for screws. If the case is OK leave it home.
Remove the PS tubes.
Double box it really well.
Thank you so MUCH David.
KI5HQ Rating: 2013-10-22
repair on my 32S-3 Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
About 6 months ago I purchased an S Line, 32s-3, 75s 3b from the daughters of an SK, who was a good friend of mine. The SK was out 2 way radio provider for the Law Enf Agency that I worked for.

I wanted to get the radios back on line. the transmitter was not working, so I had read great reviews about David Knepper. I called him and made arrangements for sending him the transmitter.
He called me right after he received it and kept in touch with me through out the process. The transmitter came back super clean, and he talked me through the setting and loading process. I had no experience with the Collins Radios.I was elated yesterday when I finally made a contact. I also purchased a 30L 1 in terrific shape, so I now have a complete system. I would recommend David Knepper for any Collins repair and or restoration.
GMOSE Rating: 2013-10-22
The Collins Service Master Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Once again, I chose Dave Knepper to refurbish another one of my old Collins 51S-1 radios. The end result provided me with a receiver that looks like it just rolled off the assembly line! When Dave "lays hands" on these old 'classics' he has all the necessary parts, original paint, and the proper tools to restore these units to their original glory. Its a labor of love for Dave, not a matter of trying to see how much he can charge. He is a man of the highest integrity and one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. He will call you, talk to you in plain English and no B.S.! You WILL be pleased with his work and his excellent service!
I have used him in the past and will continue to use him in the future,,,,there is none finer!
G.G. Moseley
Western Kentucky
N3OJD Rating: 2013-10-06
Integrity, Honesty, and Competence - A Great Guy Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Dave not only has decades of experience with all things Collins but he has a drive to be of service to those of us in the amateur radio community. I've gotten to know him over the last few months and have enjoyed our rich friendship as I marvel at his knowledge and competence. He can be trusted to treat you fairly.
KE5GFJ Rating: 2013-08-24
Great Collins Technician - Great Service Time Owned: more than 12 months.
David saved my very rough 32S-3. It had been abused and in a heavy smoling environment. Then it sat unused for 10 or more years. Now it works like new. He also repaired my 75S-3 and my KWM-2 with the same results. David is a very good Collins Technician and a great guy to deal with.