If a deal at a hamfest seems too good to be true, it probably is. A couple of years ago at the Dayton Hamvention, I found a Vibroplex bug for only $50. When I got it home, I discovered that the silver-plated contacts had been filed, making it practically useless. Fortunately, I was able to purchase new contacts, but that cost me $40, making the deal not nearly as good as it first appeared.
Make sure you take a good, hard look at whatever it is that you’re going to buy before handing over the cash. If it’s a radio or a power supply, ask the seller if you can at the very least plug it in and see if it powers up. And, if you’re unsure, ask a friend who might know more to take a look at it before you buy something.
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