[TowerTalk] New antenna system

[Keith Dutson]

I could elaborate, but let's just say customer service is nearly
non-existent at F12.

The only way you can get consulting help is directly from Tom N6BT, IN
PERSON.  He is a great guy in person, but does not exist otherwise, normally
tied up with some DXpedition planning and/or deep into a new antenna design
project.

You can get replacement parts by ordering directly, and the package usually
comes in a timely manner.

I would not recommend a F12 purchase unless you are willing to do your own
troubleshooting/repair.  F12 designs are solid, efficient and (for the most
part) practical, and the materials are generally of excellent quality.  If
you know how to install and tune an antenna, you will be rewarded with
excellent performance.

Keith

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Alan C. Zack
Sent: Monday, November 08, 2004 3:08 PM
To: gdaught6 at stanford.edu
Cc: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] New antenna system

George,
There was a gentleman named Natan, W6XR, at Force 12 East, Ithaca, NY, who
was good in answering questions.  However, he could not help with parts
problems.  I understand he is no longer with F12.
Phone calls to the factory are answered by a non technical receptionist.
Your name and phone is taken down but the call is not returned.

I did not break any parts.  The part was not supplied as it should have
been.  No, I did not expect Tom to have parts with him in Visalia (I believe
that comment is uncalled for) but he very well could have sent it from the
factory some time later.  Instead he told me it was not his problem and I
had to do a Google search to find the info on his vendor and order the $3.00
part directly from Tom's vendor.
In my case it seems Tom determined from my emails that it was not his
problem so never returned my emails or phone calls.  Maybe you had better
luck.  Good for you.  I will not gamble on them in the future. 
  There are many others on the F12 reflector who also have issues with
F12 customer service.

gdaught6 at stanford.edu wrote:

> On 8 Nov 2004 at 11:53, Alan C. Zack wrote:
> 
> 
>>I had a very bad experience with F12 customer service even to the 
>>point of a face to face chance to ask my question to the owner at 
>>Visalia after months of no replies to my emails or phone calls.  I was 
>>missing a part.  Basically I was told it was not a F12 problem but his 
>>vendors fault, not his, and he couldn't help me, even though I bet he 
>>had some spares sitting around.
> 
> 
> I've experienced just the opposite!  I had a C-3, then a C-4SXL, and I 
> broke a couple of U-bolts and bolts.  I broke them.  Not Force-12, and 
> not HRO (where I bought the antenna.)  I promptly received new 
> replacement parts, and even some spares.
> 
> I doubt whether they had many spares sitting around at Visalia.
> 
> The worst problem at Force-12 seems to be sporadic communications.  
> I've had responses ranging from "instant" to "none" (or at least
> "long-delayed.")
> 
> 73,
> 
> George T. Daughters, K6GT

> 

--
__________________________________________________________________________ 

Alan Zack
Amateur Radio Station K7ACZ
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Quality Engineer, The Boeing Company, Retired Aviation Chief Warrant
Officer, U.S. Coast Guard, Retired U.S. Coast Guard, Always Ready, Always
There Every hour, Every day, Around the Clock and Around the World SEMPER
PARATUS http://www.gocoastguard.com
http://www.uscg.mil/d14/units/asbp/uscgasbp/
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

_______________________________________________

See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
Weather Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any
questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.

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