Path: utzoo!utgpu!CUVMA!SWL-L
Date:	Tue, 20 Feb 90 14:27:32 EST
Reply-To: Eric Peterson <eric@keno.uucp>
Sender: Short Wave Listener's List <SWL-L@CUVMA.bitnet>
From:	postmaster@CUVMB.CC.COLUMBIA.EDU
Subject:      Re: Buying from Japan
X-To:         swl-l@cuvmb.cc.columbia.edu
To:	UofToronto LAN redistribution <SWL-L@UTORGPU.uucp>
Message-ID: <90Feb21.035804est.57509@ugw.utcs.utoronto.ca>
Newsgroups: bitnet.swl-l
Distribution: ut
Approved: devnull@gpu.utcs.toronto.edu

In article <38695@apple.Apple.COM> pvh@Apple.COM (Pete Helme) writes:
> ...
>So my question is has anyone here ever purchased a transceiver from Japan and
>succesfully modified it for American frequencies and been happy with that.
>Or have you been sorry you didn't have a USA warranty etc. I have
>contacts in Japan so getting the radio is no problem.  I'm just wondering if
>it's more hassle than the money savings is worth.

        I purchased my IC-32AT in Hong Kong.  The only problem I ran into
        was the fact that they use 430-440 for their "450" band (actually
        it was rig to be used in Australia, according to labeling on the
        box).  I think Japan has the same 430-440 band.  Upon returning
        to the US, I called Icom and learned that it was no problem to
        convert it to 440-450.  2 weeks and $50 later, I had my rig back.
        I think it was worth it - even with the conversion cost, I was
        still $150 ahead of the going price here.