Ham Radio Outlet — Local services in Milwaukee

I bought my first radio from the Milwaukee AES crew in 1963, when I was a 14-year-old novice. At that time, I bought what looked like a clean used Globe Scout Deluxe for the then princely sum of $69.00. As I was about to leave the store for a long bus ride home, Miles (AES’ long-time technician) stopped me and persuaded me to let him check my used radio before it left the store. When he plugged it in and turned it on, there was a flash, a blown fuse, and the distinct smell of magic radio smoke in the air. Miles spent the next 3 or 4 hours working on my used transmitter. That meant staying long after quitting time. When he was done, the rig worked perfectly and would continue to work well for the next three years (when I traded a working radio, and some cash, for a used Hallicrafters HT-37. I’m forever grateful for that.

It seems that when HRO took over AES’ Milwaukee operation they chose to continue Miles’ legacy of great service. Last month I bought a brand-new radio accessory. When I took it out of the box, applied 12 volts, and turned it on, it emitted a loud squeal and then went dark. When I called Milwaukee, they immediately sent another unit and a pre-paid UPS shipping label for the return of the non-functional accessory.

I can’t say enough good things about the staff at the Milwaukee store. Service standards are as high today as they were when Miles worked overtime to help a kid...

Recently decided to acquire a new HT. Went to HRO's website, placed my order and waited patiently. A day later, HRO called me to let me know my radio was on backorder and it may take awhile to arrive. Starting to go a little stir crazy from the quarantine, I got back on HRO's website and found an open box HT that was an upgrade to the radio I had originally ordered. To be sure it was in stock, I called the Milwaukee HRO and spoke with Paul. Paul went above and beyond to not only make sure the radio was in stock by physically walking over to the table to check, but also helped me cancel my original order and got my new radio out the door SAME DAY.

A few hours and one long conversation with a fellow ham later, I decided I actually no longer wanted the open box radio I had just ordered. So, called Paul, asked about return policy and ordered the new radio. Paul and the HRO crew got my new radio out the door same day too (for those keeping track, that's two radios, ordered 3 hours apart,, going out same day). It's now two days later and UPS is driving up my driveway to make a delivery. Thanks so much to Paul and the HRO team for their outstanding...

I know next to nothing about ham radios, but I needed an adapter for a VCR I’m attempting to resurrect and hoped they might have the part. The gentlemen in the store greeted me right away. The one who assisted me knew exactly where the tiny piece I needed was, which was impressive considering the sheer volume of items in the store. And the price was great. When I asked, “What the heck do you all sell here?” he took time to give me the nickel tour, which was really interesting. There are lots of neat items here, even for those that aren’t (yet) ham radio enthusiasts - think super cool items for the science-y kid or adult in your life. And possibly neat project ideas for homeschoolers.

The store was quite busy! Employees were putting together online orders for shipping. Even though I knew zero, I was assisted and treated with total respect. Great store and personnel. Bravo for a local business kicking butt on every level. Northern Milwaukee needs more success...