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P tek

C

ChiefEngineer

Have heard great things about P Tek here and have used them with success. Anyone wonder about what happened here?

I bought 2 P tek transmitters, they were charged to my credit card. I was waiting for them to show up and discovered they haven't been made yet. They are scheduled to be tested next week. This places delivery a month out from the charge to my credit card.

I wrote to ask about delivery because I haven't seen them in the amount of time expected (a good week after the order) and got the email they aren't built.

I wrote and asked if this was a common practice because it freaked me out...no response. I have never seen this before and am wondering,
 
I believe a check with your credit card company will show you this is in many instances illegal. There is a requirement to ship within a very short time - 24 hours - of turning the charge in to the card company.
 
I did better than pick up the phone. I emailed the company to check on delivery to discover my transmitters had been charged to my credit card but not made yet. I replied by asking, is this how you work? No reply. Because this is a holiday weekend I can't speak to anyone until Tuesday. Not getting a reply makes me confident in them.

I have never had this happen before with a large purchase. I call to check the status of the order because it isn't here and it hasn't been built. The reply to my first email asking : "Where is the transmitter(s)?" is that it will be built next week. I am very concerned with the charge to my card before the darn things were built and this is not the way to do business.

I should ask, who is Peter?
 
I won't go into details here, becuase I haven't had experiences myself, but I've heard of negetive experiences from two others. One where a low power unit dosent have any connections to interface with a remote control, and another high power unit that had all kinds of manufacturing defects and ended up being replaced (by another brand) within a year.
 
ChiefEngineer said:
I did better than pick up the phone.

I should ask, who is Peter?
Click to expand...

Peter is the owner. Pick up the phone. Email is NOT better than talking to someone one-to-one. I'm not defending anyone, but he has always talked to me when I've called with a question.
 
I obviously don't know the details in this case, but whether a credit card gets charged depends on the terms of the transaction. If I'm building you a product to order and I require 50% down, then that means I want my 50% before I start. You can send me a check which is cashable, wire the funds, or allow me to charge your credit card. Not allowing the manufacturer to charge the credit card in this case would be like not being able to cash the check, or not getting the wire transfer.
 
Bill Wolfenbarger said:
I obviously don't know the details in this case, but whether a credit card gets charged depends on the terms of the transaction. If I'm building you a product to order and I require 50% down, then that means I want my 50% before I start. You can send me a check which is cashable, wire the funds, or allow me to charge your credit card. Not allowing the manufacturer to charge the credit card in this case would be like not being able to cash the check, or not getting the wire transfer.
Click to expand...

I paid in full for 2 transmitters and wasn't told they were not yet built. With all the scams out there I was shocked when the transmitters were "available" but had not arrived after a reasonable shipping period. Found out they had not been built when I asked why they had not arrived.
 
I recently purchased one of their Gamma 3000 transmitters. I did have to wait about 30 days for delivery. I also was asked to pay in advance. That was a part of the sales agreement, so I wasn't surprised or disappointed. I didn't think that was very unusual, since I doubt many manufacturers keep an in depth stock of every transmitter they make, just on the off chance that someone might order one. There is a relatively finite customer base for this kind of product.

On the other hand, I know that some of the companies do stock limited amounts of "best sellers." Those are usually small transmitters intended for translator, LPFM or exciter duty.

In any case, I did get my transmitter as promised. It sounds much better than the 20 year old unit it replaced. Better yet, my electric bill went down about 35% when we switched over. Some of that is due to the solid state transmitter being a bit more efficient, but the real savings is in the heat load and how it affects the air conditioning bill. So far, I'm a happy camper.
 
I'm finding more and more broadcast manufactures and suppliers that are playing the order it and then we'll make it game. It's very annoying actually. I have had to wait for almost two months for some FM broadcast band filters from one bunch. I'm still waiting on a transmitter ordered almost two months ago, and they way it'll be unitl late October. I think from now on I'm going to ask up front when they expect they're going to deliver the damn thing. If it's any more than a month down the road, to hell with them. Stock something or go broke IMHO. I'm tired of that crap.
 
There's nothing wrong with build-to-order even if an advance deposit is required. Most broadcast equipment manufacturers are not ale to mass produce certain pieces of equipment because there are a lot of competitors in an extremely small industry. When you want to place an order, get all of the details, including delivery. If they terms are not satisfactory, don't place the order.

If companies have to maintain larger inventories, they're going to have to raise prices. It's just arithmetic.
 
Even the big boys don't have everything sitting on the shelf. I've worked for Harris, and sold BE. These are not mass-produced cars or toasters, and the volume is very small. On some models even the large manufacturers may only sell 5 or 10 a year, and predicting what model somebody will need is very difficult.

The buyer needs to ask the questions when ordering. Usually the manufacturer will give you a good idea of delivery. If you need it faster than they can deliver, call someone else. Or better yet, plan ahead.

By the way, no self-respecting broadcaster with more than a couple of FM stations should be without a spare 500watt or 1,000watt FM amplifier and a couple of exciters.

"I'm finding more and more broadcast manufactures and suppliers that are playing the order it and then we'll make it game."

It's not a game, it's called staying in business.
 
We have over 20 stations with translators. There are several exciters for emergencies. To continue the build out process we need a transmitter a month for the next 2 years. This also keeps us with some spares if a big dog dies. Because we are non commercial this is a budget battle that always continues.

I talked to P Tek and another order got priority. I think it was a Gamma that delayed my shipments. :)

I have a host of things now and would love to make everything the same. Nicom is okay, Bext too. I have some Elettronika units that take time to get repaired. Some old QEI gear. Some Bext. CCA, McMartin, and even a Sparta.

The neat thing about the current P Tek gear is the built in FSK ID and stereo generator. Unlike the older 2 ton power supplies they have updated. This makes the power supplies lighter.

If anyone has old exciters or transmitters that need moved we provide a tax certificate.
 
A few weeks ago I figured out that I had used up all my spares and had 5 dead FM amplifiers/transmitters that needed repair or replacement (all 300-1000 watts).

On Wednesday I sent a PTek 500 watt to the factory for repair. They received it Friday, fixed it Friday, and shipped it back out Friday, I'll get it on Tuesday.

How's that for turnaround?
 
Forgive me it has been years since I have been to a transmitter site or followed the latest FCC rule requirements. I am curious about the PTEK transmitters and other similar brands.

For a transmitter in the 1 to 2.5K TPO range it look like you can use a standard 5/8" coax (no pressure line). Other than engineering (FCC), power, and antenna mounting it looks like you just plug & play. Class A not LPFM.

Also I noticed that some of the transmitters have built in LED metering. Do you still require a seperate Mod & stereo monitor.

And do you still use cart machines (just kidding).
 
You would want to use air line if the antenna requires pressure. Rules still require you to be in compliance but no longer spell out "how". Many stations have no modulation monitor. Contract engineers usually have a frequency-agile monitor with them.
 
Chuck said:
I recently purchased one of their Gamma 3000 transmitters. I did have to wait about 30 days for delivery. I also was asked to pay in advance. That was a part of the sales agreement, so I wasn't surprised or disappointed. I didn't think that was very unusual, since I doubt many manufacturers keep an in depth stock of every transmitter they make, just on the off chance that someone might order one. There is a relatively finite customer base for this kind of product.
Click to expand...

There is no way in hell I'm paying "in full" for anything. I'll give a deposit, but I'm not paying anyone for a transmitter and hope it gets delivered sometime in the future. Suppose "Peter" decides he doesn't want to do this anymore and closes up shop before you get your rig? Any respectable manufacture will have a couple of units sitting around they can send out for emergencies.

To expect me to fully pay for it before I get it isn't gonna happen. Which means I probably won't be buying PTek.
 
Thanks Bill, has the rules on remote transmitter monitoring changed. Instead of dialup can you monitor your transmitter by computer or critical alerts by email (as long as you have continuous access say by iphone).
 
Bengalsfan said:
There is no way in hell I'm paying "in full" for anything.
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Do whatever you like. Since most transmitter sales are "negotiated deals" then you are free to bargain for whatever suits you best. Paying up front saved me money, and I was comfortable with the situation. They did what they said they would.

I have no dog in this fight other than to tell you that I got a good deal on a 3000 watt transmitter and so far it has behaved very nicely.
 
musiconradio.com said:
Thanks Bill, has the rules on remote transmitter monitoring changed. Instead of dialup can you monitor your transmitter by computer or critical alerts by email (as long as you have continuous access say by iphone).
Click to expand...

Per 73.1350(b)(2), you must have the capability to turn the transmitter off at all times. Any method in which the station's operation can be terminated within 3 minutes after notification of an official with the FCC.
 
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