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Reviews For: Ron Baker - WB4HFN

Category: Amateur Radio Equipment Repair

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Review Summary For : Ron Baker - WB4HFN
Reviews: 46MSRP:
Description:
Drake and Collins expert repair and restoration
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.wb4hfn.com/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
25465
K1IZ Rating: 2011-01-01
Drake C-line now in out-of-the-box condition! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I sent an R-4C/T-4XC to Ron for repairs as they had exhausted my skills in restoring them. I had not used the station for about 15 years, and worse yet, they were smoke damaged in a house fire. Despite my every effort to clean them up, both still smelled of smoke when the heat from the filaments warmed them up. I saw in Ron’s web site that he steam cleans, so off they went. They came back in brand new, out of the factory box condition, and I was thrilled. Check his “after” pictures on his web site – they are no exaggeration.

The units operate like they never did before. Both PTOs are spot on frequency, and when I checked them against my Yaesu FT-980 they were perfect. When hams announce their operating frequency, the dials are in exact agreement with their announced frequency. Couple that with full power out, and the excellent RX performance, it all adds up to a very satisfied customer.

Ron’s prices were very reasonable considering the amount of work he had to do. In addition to the steam cleaning, he replaced some bad parts, and aligned them back to factory spec. I also had him paint all three enclosures – the TX, RX and speaker. The finishes look exactly like the original. Needless to say, I’m very pleased with the results and wholeheartedly recommend him to repair/restore your ailing Drake. You won’t be disappointed, I assure you.

73,
Rick

W8YG Rating: 2010-02-04
Stellar repair service Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I sent Mr. Baker a Drake TR4C that was in good shape cosmetically but in need of some repair. My contacts with him were by email and he responded in a timely manner.
I requested that he make the radio like new and he delivered.
The radio is performing like new.
I want to personally thank him for making my dream of a little classic Drake station come true.
I would recommend his service to any one and he will repair and service any Drake gear that I ever get my hands on.
N3WAK Rating: 2009-10-21
Outstanding Work! Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I purchased a refurbished Drake "B" line from Ron, and some other items, as well. Ron has also aligned and serviced a Drake SPR-4 receiver for me; serviced two AC-4s; and is currently working on a TR-6. Simply put, Ron does fabulous work and has been happy to answer my dumb questions...and the charge for the work has always been very reasonable. The radios come back looking and working like new. Ron also has a wonderful website for Drake aficionados (and for fans of "other" rigs, namely Heathkit and Collins)--at wb4hfn.com. Lots of great resources there. I highly recommend Ron for all your Drake needs.

73, Tony N3WAK
DIPOLE Rating: 2009-09-05
The man to call for Drake repair!! Time Owned: N.A.
Ron is the man to call if your Drake rig needs more than your technical skill or bench equipment allow. I just recently sent him a very sick R-7A. Within two weeks, I got back a unit that was factory spec in looks, feel, and performance. Ron is easy to work with, punctual, and informative. I will definitely use his expert services in the future.
K4CDS Rating: 2009-05-14
The Drake and Collins Guy Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Ron has refurbished all of my Collins equipment and has given me countless tips on Collins and Drake equipment. I am at Dayton 2009 and will finally meet Ron for the first time and I am looking forward to the meeting and listening to his talk at the Drake forum. I just purchased a nice Drake TR 7 from Ron and I am so PLEASED!!! He rebuilt a 7077 mike for the TR 7 and it looks like NEW!! If you need any Drake equipment or Collins Equipment repaired or restored call Ron. His website has a wealth of information. Carl K4CDS
KA1API Rating: 2009-01-18
On time, on budget, exceeds expectations Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Ron Baker specializes in Collins and Drake equipment. He has worked on several rigs for me. I am honored to be the first one to do a review of Ron's work.

Ron has done an excellent job on each rig that he worked on for me. They have ranged from an alignment to a repair to a complete restoration. In each case, Ron provides an estimate. The actual price has always been equal to or less than the estimate. Ron is always on time with his repairs. He also stays in touch and lets you know how everything is progressing.

His work has always exceeded my expectations. I am sure you will be delighted. I am fortunate to live nearby so I have not had to ship anything, but I know that his packing and shipping is top notch. He has an excellent set of test equipment and spare parts for most of the Collins and Drake gear.

Ron also maintains an excellent web site with pictures of most of the Collins and Drake gear. He also has manuals and information to help you understand everything about these rigs.

Ron also does lectures at local hamfests and in Dayton. He is very informative and provides information to help you enjoy the rigs and the hobby more.

Just be forewarned that Ron often has awesome vintage gear for sale on his web site.