Let me first say,
I am not a fan of internet bashing and I will do my best to keep it on the level for others to make their own decision on the YOULOOP antenna, Customer service anyway.
After a VERY long time of reading and thinking about spending the money on this type of loop ( I own a W6LVP), I finally decided to give one a try since I bought an ATS25 MAX DECODER for kicks out side or travel.
Day1 - Well, I received the YL, plugged it in to the ATS and got static. I messed around with settings, checked connections and I have WHO1040 just 12 miles away blasting 50k watts, known as the blow torch of the Midwest. (I am sure you have heard of it. lol.) Nothing but static on the ATS. The supplied cheap telescope antenna works fine.
I then took the YL and plugged it into my SDRPLAY2. Same thing, static. I plugged the cheap ATS telescoping antenna on port B and 1040 came in, switched to port A and static again. Checked settings and monkeyed around, gave up and went to bed.
Day 2 - I emailed the place where I bought it. Some Spy location. wink wink And told them just my experience and about the 50k watts.
They replied promptly "Check continuity of the cables,crossover and tee".
I thought it was odd, but I have the ability and did just that. Everything had continuity, EXCEPT the center port of the tee going to the radio.
I replied "The tee is dead at the antenna out connection".
They replied, again promptly, "Do you mean the center conductor? Did you check to all other points? It's not a straight tee."
I replied, "Yes, center conductor of the tee. Where it goes to the radio."
Their reply, "And it has no continuity to any other of the 5 points?"
ME again, "I checked the cables,OK. Checked the crossover, OK. Checked the tee, dead at the center, continuity on the outside" <- (this is where I may have screwed up with wording)
they went silent.....
4 days later - I email in the chain, "any response?"
Their reply "You said it has continuity on the outside. We asked if that means continuity to both other shields."
Well, here's were it went South. I asked, "do you always put your customers through this kind of treatment!??!! Is this how you want people people to treat you when you when something isn't right? I replied the best I can for you! Everything has continuity EXPECT the center post of the bottom (out to radio) post"
I could have sworn I made it clear already....? Why is a seller just assuming I had the ability to do this type of diagnosing. They never even asked if I could. What about the person that doesn't!?
Anyway, after way to many emails today back and forth with them, and yes, I told them they don't have the best reputation on the forums, they FINALLY asked me to return it to them to diagnose! On my dime of course, AFTER SAYING THIS, "It was a basic diagnostic anyone with an ohm meter should be able to perform. Return the product and we will diagnose it"
Funny thing is, I don't remember reading that in the description that I might have to diagnose it on my own before I bought it. Silly me, I just thought it would work and if not they would make it right..?
Well Sir/Ma'am, it ain't happening, sending it back.
This is piss poor customer service.
Speaking of my W6LVP. I left it outside one evening on the tripod (lazy). The wind came up and blew it over breaking a BNC connection. I emailed Larry and told him about it. Instead of having me diagnose it and check this, check that and then tell me it's a simple process ANYONE can do. He sent me a brand new PERAMP at no charge, other than shipping!! That preamp cost more than a piddly 40$. When in all reality the YL tee cost maybe 3.00? to produce. AND YES, I let the seller know of this but I am sure I wasted time doing so.
SO, with all that said. Choose wisely folks
Rant over..... putting my flame proof britches on now.
I am not a fan of internet bashing and I will do my best to keep it on the level for others to make their own decision on the YOULOOP antenna, Customer service anyway.
After a VERY long time of reading and thinking about spending the money on this type of loop ( I own a W6LVP), I finally decided to give one a try since I bought an ATS25 MAX DECODER for kicks out side or travel.
Day1 - Well, I received the YL, plugged it in to the ATS and got static. I messed around with settings, checked connections and I have WHO1040 just 12 miles away blasting 50k watts, known as the blow torch of the Midwest. (I am sure you have heard of it. lol.) Nothing but static on the ATS. The supplied cheap telescope antenna works fine.
I then took the YL and plugged it into my SDRPLAY2. Same thing, static. I plugged the cheap ATS telescoping antenna on port B and 1040 came in, switched to port A and static again. Checked settings and monkeyed around, gave up and went to bed.
Day 2 - I emailed the place where I bought it. Some Spy location. wink wink And told them just my experience and about the 50k watts.
They replied promptly "Check continuity of the cables,crossover and tee".
I thought it was odd, but I have the ability and did just that. Everything had continuity, EXCEPT the center port of the tee going to the radio.
I replied "The tee is dead at the antenna out connection".
They replied, again promptly, "Do you mean the center conductor? Did you check to all other points? It's not a straight tee."
I replied, "Yes, center conductor of the tee. Where it goes to the radio."
Their reply, "And it has no continuity to any other of the 5 points?"
ME again, "I checked the cables,OK. Checked the crossover, OK. Checked the tee, dead at the center, continuity on the outside" <- (this is where I may have screwed up with wording)
they went silent.....
4 days later - I email in the chain, "any response?"
Their reply "You said it has continuity on the outside. We asked if that means continuity to both other shields."
Well, here's were it went South. I asked, "do you always put your customers through this kind of treatment!??!! Is this how you want people people to treat you when you when something isn't right? I replied the best I can for you! Everything has continuity EXPECT the center post of the bottom (out to radio) post"
I could have sworn I made it clear already....? Why is a seller just assuming I had the ability to do this type of diagnosing. They never even asked if I could. What about the person that doesn't!?
Anyway, after way to many emails today back and forth with them, and yes, I told them they don't have the best reputation on the forums, they FINALLY asked me to return it to them to diagnose! On my dime of course, AFTER SAYING THIS, "It was a basic diagnostic anyone with an ohm meter should be able to perform. Return the product and we will diagnose it"
Funny thing is, I don't remember reading that in the description that I might have to diagnose it on my own before I bought it. Silly me, I just thought it would work and if not they would make it right..?
Well Sir/Ma'am, it ain't happening, sending it back.
This is piss poor customer service.
Speaking of my W6LVP. I left it outside one evening on the tripod (lazy). The wind came up and blew it over breaking a BNC connection. I emailed Larry and told him about it. Instead of having me diagnose it and check this, check that and then tell me it's a simple process ANYONE can do. He sent me a brand new PERAMP at no charge, other than shipping!! That preamp cost more than a piddly 40$. When in all reality the YL tee cost maybe 3.00? to produce. AND YES, I let the seller know of this but I am sure I wasted time doing so.
SO, with all that said. Choose wisely folks
Rant over..... putting my flame proof britches on now.
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