Ham Radio Outlet

Waited in store at counter for 20 min without staff acknowledging that I was there. Finally asked a simple question «Do you have a 2 meter no gound plane antenna?» to a staffer and he couldn’t answer it. Second experience of bad service there. I will buy over the internet from another source.

I am new to cb and wanted to see if i could get an antenna for an older President cb radio i inherited. Jerry was really helpfull and even hooked up an external speaker to my unit because my speaker wasn’t working. He spent 20 min or more with me and gave me good information and was very kind even though i havent bought an antenna yet. i will be back to get a set up for my nice old unit with help from Jerry again.

Semi-​Knowledgeable people, but unfortunately the knowledge seems to end at the surface. Talked on the phone with one of their people after encountering an interference issue between my radio (music) and my CB radio, where the radio (music) would pick up enough RF from the CB when transmitting, to make the radio (music) cut out, and need to be manually restarted to continue listening.
Now, As I had my CB initially installed a foot or so away, it didn’t interfere, and then I moved it right on top of the other radio (music), inside the dash (this was to clear up space for other instruments.)
As both radios worked before, but after moving now causes the cutout, there is obviously RF entering the radio (music) from the CB that needs to be prevented.
I was told, and I quote. «You need to turn your radio (music) off. There is nothing else you can do. They are just too close.»
I informed them, that I am an Electronics Technician. I was then informed «Well then you should already know this. Turn your radio off. They are too close.»
Ham Radio Outlet. Educate. Yourselves.
What in the world do you think SHIELDING is? In a case like this, it is more than likely the amplifiers in the radio are not sufficiently shielded enough, and so when the CB is transmitting, the RF being generated in the CB radiates out and causes the radio (music) to cutout from interference. By installing a grounded metal plate and/​or grounded RF mesh, the excess RF generated inside the CB would be shunted straight to ground, and not reach the radio.
LEARN about what you are talking about… Or just say you DON’T KNOW. Or give the customer a suggestion like going somewhere that can possibly help, or that they would need to look into a custom solution, instead of saying something is IMPOSSIBLE. When it clearly isn’t. At all. I was looking for an easy off the shelf solution, and as one isn’t available, I will just make one myself.
Fellow Unilocalers, with this in mind… I would say go elsewhere. Yes, my situation isn’t very common. But when they make it obvious they are willing to pump out false information… They mark themselves as a company to avoid.
Save yourself the future problems. Because they don’t care.

I am new to the amateur radio world and came here to buy my first radio. I walked in and was greeted by Joe (N6SIX) and I let him know what I was looking for. I was kind of surprised that he didn’t try to change my mind because I was only looking to buy a $ 150 portable radio. He took the time to talk to me about the features and the pros/​cons of the radio. I appreciated the advice of learning how to program the radio manually before buying the cable. He could have made another $ 30 but i believe that he wanted me to learn and grow in the hobby. I will definitely be a repeat customer because of the customer service I received.

I went here today to have a look, despite two lackluster reviews, since I was in the area. I did not purchase anything, but I can assure you, the bad reviews, which may be a bit old, seem a bit exaggerated to say the least. This store is fairly well stocked, with several employees working. The lighting is fine. There were plenty of books for sale toward FCC test preparation or general radio engineering. This part of town can be dead on a weekend, so it may be best to visit during the week, but I found it to be a professional retailer with a lot to offer.

My first visit. I found the older gentleman inside to be a bit cold. I tried to strike up a conversation because I would like to get into ham radio, but he seemed to have no time for me even though the store was empty. I might return if I ever need anything as this seems to be the only store around. It looked like they had a very well put together selection.

Very rude sales people! I was in mid sentence talking with a sales rep, when another store employee interrupted, and had my sales rep talk to someone on the phone. I waited for several minutes, and no other employees stepped up to help. I guess they do not need the extra business. I am going elsewhere from now on.

Not so great and frequently OUT OF STOCK on common items.
HRO in Anaheim is much better, much BIGGER, more professional and sales people have a way better attitude.
The San Diego store is like walking into a dungeon. BUY some lights!
OK for a hole in the wall.
The Mexican Food place a few doors down is the highlight of the visit, sadly not HRO. Uh yup.

Really great and friendly people work here. The staff are a great help answering technical questions. Prices are high compared to the Internet, but you do get a face to face and brick and mortar location to go to if you are making a major radio investment so probably worth the extra cost for those key pieces of equipment or if you need something quick. You also get direct expertise that you may not get on the web.

If your into Ham Radios this is your ham heaven! This store has everything you might need! And all the sales people are so informative and willing to help, especially Joe if you go there you should ask for him, because he’s so patient and if you have questions or dont understand, he’ll gladly take the time to help you.
One thing that all the sales people have in common is their love of Ham Radios, so if you share that love, head on over!