Spend less to end up spending more!

 


There have been times when as a ham I have needed things for the shack. As I look online and see the options out there and the cost I have my frugal within me kick in. I have had this internal argument in the past and it has worked out and saved me money other times it has cost me money. To be honest most of the time it has cost me money. 

What am I referring too you ask..let me give you some examples. At one time I needed a coax switch and there was the Alpha Delta and the other ones. The price point was almost 1/2 and I decided to go with the non-Alpha Delta brand. Bad move as in short order I started to have issues with the coax switch and ended up spilling the beans for the Alpha Delta. As a side note, the Alpha Delta was fantastic and NEVER an issue. 


Then there was the mobile antenna mount and I ended up getting the Larson and also a Diamond mount after a failed cheaper mount. Then the bargin power supply which was noisy and garbage was replaced with an Astron supply and I have never looked back. The cheap snap-on toroid chokes were replaced with quality toroids. 


I have learned my lesson over time and know that the pain of spending a bit more removes the larger pain when you have to spend again but I have to admit it took a few purchases for me to see the big picture. As a side note the brands that I mentioned are not by any means the only quality products just the products I purchased to replace the mistakes that I bought.

Mike Weir, VE9KK, is a regular contributor to AmateurRadio.com and writes from New Brunswick, Canada. Contact him at [email protected].

4 Responses to “Spend less to end up spending more!”

  • Larry Dameron WROF665:

    none

  • Mike VE9KK:

    Good evening Larry, we should have spoken years ago and I would have saved money from your advice.
    73,
    Mike
    VE9KK

  • Jeff VE7EFF:

    Exactly how I feel about purchasing ham equipment. Spend more now, or spend it again later, after much frustration.

  • Mike VE9KK:

    Good morning Jeff, very nice to hear from you and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I fully agree with you and I have learned my lesson to many times. I now save up and get the quality product.
    73 and have a great up coming week.
    Mike
    VE9KK

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