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Post by hadaja on Dec 29, 2014 0:20:33 GMT -6
Just more a venting issue then anything.
Has anyone else had problems with 2nd hand DIY gear?
The polar switch on a recent C12 Clone mic I bought was not tight enough and was spinning around when I was clicking it.
No problem I thought I will just tighten it up. Took the Polar rotary knob off the power supply and the whole thing is just plastic except for the metal nuts. Tightened the screw. No big problem tighten the metal nuts the polar switch now works like it should. Go to put the plastic knob back on and the whole shaft just disintegrates and crumbles with very little pressure. Now I need to replace the whole Rotary switch itself.
Here's another one.. Just bought a 2nd hand DIY Tim Campbell C12 capsule DIY C12 clone. go to use it, very smooth sounding compared to the other C12 clone but about 6db softer in volume (not too sure if this is normal) but when in Omni mode the back plate loses signal, and tone when in Fig 8 back plate loses signal and tonally different to the front. Working out with seller how to address this problem at the moment but all very frustrating when you have limited time constraints to record.
Is this pretty normal with DIY stuff when you buy 2nd hand?
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Post by kcatthedog on Dec 29, 2014 4:58:55 GMT -6
I hear you: buyer beware!
If you used paypal it insures the goods depending on how you described them in the electronic invoice.
The c12 circuitry does have lower output but I'd take tim up on his offer but maybe the cap is fine and the circuitry is screwy.
Cat5 here might be able to help you out ?
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Post by hadaja on Dec 29, 2014 9:02:53 GMT -6
Well gentleman very nice responses I must say, but first I must give a chance for the seller to respond before taking matters into my own hands. Just a little frustrating and with Xmas time and holidays and people away I just have to sit on my hands and wait it out for a reasonable time before I hear from the seller.
Thanks I will keep you posted.
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Post by svart on Dec 29, 2014 9:40:07 GMT -6
Unfortunately this is one of the pitfalls of the DIY movement. People trying to get something for nothing usually spend the least amount they can on things they don't understand fully. Folks will spend the most on stuff that's cool and noteworthy like capsules and tubes, but they forget about things like switches.
That being said, it's probably a chinese sourced power supply, which probably came with the switch like that, so the seller might not be at total fault.
Also, you're probably going to have to fight the fact that while it was turning when you got it, it broke while you were messing with it, so in the eyes of Paypal, YOU broke it.. It turning around might be a different matter all together. I'd expect that if the seller accepts a return, you'll be docked for the damage. That's just the way it goes sometimes.
Otherwise, you can just replace the switch for 5$ and be done with it if you like the way it sounds.
Concerning the lower output, if the unit was a chinese donor and has been switched to a 12AY7 tube from a 12AX7 but retained the stock transformer, then you are going to have a lower output, even though the AY7 is the "right" tube.
I think the backplate problems sound like someone wired it incorrectly, or the capsule diaphragm is bad/touching. I would trace the wiring out before ruling the capsule being bad. If you have a cheap chinese capsule laying around, I'd try that in the mic before sending the good capsule for repair.
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Post by tonycamphd on Dec 29, 2014 10:31:17 GMT -6
put another switch in it is my recommendation, take a few pics of the unit and post them in the diy section, or sign up at group diy and post the pics there, someone will help you out if there is a wiring or other mistake, also, you could take your C12 microphone equivalent to a tech and for $100 have him fix what ever? then you can say "i spent $_______ thousands less than what it would have cost me for a "REAL" C12 microphone 8) you have to put all of it into a proper perspective, you can't buy the mic you have for less than $5-$9,000! from akg, tele, wunder, or flea, or ? I'd bet that your CT12 loaded mic in proper working order sounds as good, if not better than any of these? Personally I'd trust any DIY build or Bernie Madoff before i'd trust telefunken lol(don't hate on me for saying it, tele made their own bed, see Telefunken M16 aka untouched apex 460 recordinghacks.com/articles/telefunken-m16-and-apex-460-comparison/ , and the VF14 tube scam realgearonline.com/thread/2225/telefunken ) PERSPECTIVE www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/C12www.wunderaudio.com/cm12.htmlvintageking.com/flea-microphones-12-with-vintage-hardwarewww.sweetwater.com/store/detail/C12VR |
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Post by drbill on Dec 29, 2014 11:16:38 GMT -6
Oops....doublepost.
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Post by drbill on Dec 29, 2014 11:17:46 GMT -6
DIY is only for me if I build it myself, or if I get it built by a reliable and competent builder like Dan Deurloo. (There are others too) I've been burned a couple of times buying used DIY. NEVER AGAIN - UNLESS I know the person personally who built it and they are willing to stand behind it. If it doesn't work or if it sounds WANKKY - it doesn't matter HOW much you saved. It's still a door stop with none of the usual recourses you have with companies who build gear.
Done RIGHT (this seems to be not as normal as one might expect) DIY is WONDERFUL!!!
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Dec 29, 2014 12:22:57 GMT -6
I only buy used DIY if I want a project, if I want something that works out of the box I won't buy DIY!
The exception is if I know the builder and his skills.
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Post by odyssey76 on Dec 29, 2014 15:29:44 GMT -6
I've never bought DIY secondhand. It's been very tempting since I like buying used gear but too many people are embarking on these builds and you never know what you'll get. That being said, there a several RGOers whom I wouldn't hesitate to buy DIY from. Some seriously talented dudes....
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Post by svart on Dec 29, 2014 15:34:34 GMT -6
I may be cynical, or it may just be years of buying used things on Ebay, but anytime I buy something used now, I go ahead and assume it will need to be fixed. That way I'm not surprised when I get it and I find out the reason why the person *really* sold it..
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Post by kidvybes on Dec 29, 2014 19:16:56 GMT -6
Took the Polar rotary knob off the power supply and the whole thing is just plastic except for the metal nuts. Tightened the screw. No big problem tighten the metal nuts the polar switch now works like it should. Go to put the plastic knob back on and the whole shaft just disintegrates and crumbles with very little pressure. Now I need to replace the whole Rotary switch itself. ...that is the specific polar pattern switch that is provided by Chung for the C12 build...there's a possibility that it took some excessive bumping around in shipping, which may have damaged it, but I have that same switch on 3 PSUs without any problems or signs of flimsiness...sorry you're experiencing issues, but to be honest, personally I've had more QC issues with store-bought gear than I have had with DIY builds, but any gear that's shipped internationally is potentially subject to damage... Attachments:
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Post by hadaja on Dec 29, 2014 21:15:36 GMT -6
Here is the damage. Will need to source another part. Not sure about Transit damage, it seemed pretty well packed but you never know. Trying to locate that part you are showing.  |
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Post by kidvybes on Dec 29, 2014 22:16:42 GMT -6
Trying to locate that part you are showing. ...I believe it's a single-pole Lorlin (UK) 12-position rotary switch...there are other sources for similar switches... |
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Post by Martin John Butler on Dec 29, 2014 22:27:14 GMT -6
How cool is it that we participate in a forum where an important manufacturer also participates, and then offers to repair his product, at a nominal charge, even though the current owner wasn't the original buyer.
.Hat's off to you today Mr. Tim Campbell !
Good luck hadaja.
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Dec 29, 2014 22:31:38 GMT -6
How cool is it that we participate in a forum where an important manufacturer also participates, and then offers to repair his product, at a nominal charge, even though the current owner wasn't the original buyer. .Hat's off to you today Mr. Tim Campbell ! Good luck hadaja. It shows that Tim cares many manufacturers should follow his example! |
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Post by svart on Dec 29, 2014 22:33:52 GMT -6
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Post by hadaja on Dec 29, 2014 23:13:25 GMT -6
I am very confident this will get sorted one way or another in the end.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2014 1:23:34 GMT -6
Bought quite some used gear from ebay, non-DIY, that was worse to fix than most DIY gear could be...
I had a seller once who "insisted" that his stereo unit was working on both channels, he sold me a unit with a non-working/distorting channel. I opened up and on the solder side of the pcb someone re-soldered nearly all solder joints of the non-working channel path.
It was an oxidation prob of one opamp socket that they obviously did not find. The simple fix was a bit of cleaning. I wanted the unit anyway, but seriously, selling bad gear knowingly as "fully working" to me is fraud. And this is not the only bad experience, there were many with used gear. Some things were much worse, broken pcbs, with expensive pots that had been temporarily "repaired" with WD40, getting scratchy as hell and unusabel after less than a month, gear that had been serviced without knowledge or appropriate parts far away from original, and many more. Doesn't apply to DIY but used gear in general.
svart's post was not cynical at all. It is just as it is.
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Post by kcatthedog on Dec 30, 2014 7:22:02 GMT -6
I only buy from strangers using paypal. I make the invoice explicit about no damage and good working order. If the gear shows up damaged or defective, contact seller, launch dispute if not resolved, PP pays me back or seller resolves situation.
PP cost 3-4%: but it insures the deal. By the time i ship to cdn, pay duties exchange it adds 20-25%: i don't by anything used without PP: too much risk !
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Post by kcatthedog on Dec 30, 2014 7:28:44 GMT -6
Ps the group diy c12 thread by chunger shows you how to re & re that pattern switch: if you need a guide
Grab a cuppa and you'll be done in no time !
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Post by jimwilliams on Dec 30, 2014 10:35:43 GMT -6
I may be cynical, or it may just be years of buying used things on Ebay, but anytime I buy something used now, I go ahead and assume it will need to be fixed. That way I'm not surprised when I get it and I find out the reason why the person *really* sold it.. We have a winner! I assume everything sold used is busted. Low expectations prevent disappointments. |
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Post by Johnkenn on Dec 30, 2014 10:47:05 GMT -6
Hadaja, where are you located? If the capsule has problems you can send it to me. There will be some costs involved. You would have to pay shipping both ways (return 100 danish kroner) and if you are located outside the EU you will have to pay 160 danish kroner (about 30 dollars) in customs fees.The capsule must be packed with something hard covering the membranes to protect them from anything touching them. Damaged membranes would result in repair costs. It must be clearly labelled " Repair Item For Temporary Import" And sent to: Campbell Transmitter Strandbakkevej 7 8250 Egaa Denmark cvr.nr. DK34014663 Thanks, Tim! Awesome customer service! |
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Post by kidvybes on Dec 30, 2014 11:06:57 GMT -6
...I believe it's more fitting to remove the "DIY" from the thread's title...used-gear purchases inherently involve risk..."Buying 2nd-hand gear frustration" seems a more appropriate heading...
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Post by kcatthedog on Dec 30, 2014 11:12:41 GMT -6
ya the psu probably worked at first; it is an unusual thing to have break after install ?
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Post by kcatthedog on Dec 30, 2014 11:12:52 GMT -6
ya the psu probably worked at first; it is an unusual thing to have break after install ?
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