Ujjwal,
What happened ? Did you give that letter ?

I would like to share my experience of calling for an ARF from Tower. The order was placed on Friday - Oct 30th. Landed in Delhi on Nov 3rd and arrived today Nov 5th. Shipper was UPS, though there was a custom duty of 30% !
This was actually for a friend of mine, and he seems to be so glad to have got it without any hassles ( despite the courier cost + customs ) .

-Gaurav

Hi Gaurav,
No words from customs yet. Sitting on it with fingers crossed. Since the package had already arrived last saturday, would wait till this week before I visit the FPO again.

Grate that the Customs cleared the entire ARF with plane, Radio, et all!! As it looks, there is no 'GO' (government order) for impounding such article. Its all the whism of the officials to do whatever and levy whatever tax they like.

-Ujjwal

Ujjwal it is an ARF that gaurav ordered for his friend. He has not mentioned radio as mentioned by you.

Duties/Taxes are fixed and not at the whism of the officials. Kindly note that revenue recovery even if the official has charged less and later found out can be done at any time by the Govt.

So gaurav you paid 30% + courier apart from the cost. good you recd the ARF. which one did you get??

UPS must have been expensive!!!

Ujjwal do keep us informed about your shipment progress it would help others on it.

@RCKatty: please pardon my limited knowledge in RC, I saw many ARF kits containing the Radio/outrunners so jumped to the conclusion. Yes if I  get the radio lately, a good trainer would be my next hunt. I guess I would be counting on local bangalore suppliers. Else try luck with scratch build (I know, it would be like working on 2 unknowns)


Following the other posts, people have been talking about duties varying from 10-30%.

Any way, just like OSS/FSF, I would definitely share my story if I get the things fixed the straight way.

Wish me luck folks.. there are many other hurdles for me like getting the Jakkur airfield membership.


-Ujjwal

Good luck think you should be OK but don't refer to anything like WPC etc.,

@ vinay RDS 8000 is available in India also good price i got one from bangalore.

You said 25K for the radio with servos and extra rx from the us is what you spent.

Quote from: rckatty on November 06, 2009, 08:08:22 PM
Good luck think you should be OK but don't refer to anything like WPC etc.,

@ vinay RDS 8000 is available in India also good price i got one from bangalore.

You said 25K for the radio with servos and extra rx from the us is what you spent.

Well I spent 23.5 K not 25K, my bad, But I got a lot of stuff for 23.5 K since my Brother came to bangalore to visit Us.
Here is what I got for 23.5 K. All of the below stuff was mailed to my brothers address in US and he got it for me. So it became cheap.

1)RDS8000 Mode 2, 8ch 2.4 ghz TX with battery X 1 and charger 110V  - HobbyPeople.net
2)8 channel 2.4 GHZ full range receiver X 1 came with the TX - HobbyPeople.net
3)7 Channel 2.4 GHZ full range receiver X 1 - HobbyPeople.net
3a)1 Reciever AA battery Holder with Switch Harness - HobbyPeople.net
4)Futaba S3004 X 4 - TowerHobbies
5)1/4 inch foam sheet for covering receiver - TowerHobbies
6)Thunder AC6 Charger 6 cells 50 W USB with built in 110V 220V adapter - NitroPlanes.com
7)6 channel Dynam simulator - NitroPlanes.com (Using it with emulator and G4.5 successfully with Gear and Flaps configured with Knobs.)
8)20 KG - 10 Gram resolution, digital Spring balance to measure thrust. - Did not reach Brother in time. Will get it from someone who will be travelling to India next time.
9)A small 5 KG Kitchen weighing machine 1 Gram resolution, to measure plane weight and Whey Protien and Glucon D etc etc   - Amazon.
10)Some Illusion Toy from amazon
11)A pair of nike fierce sports shoes  
12)Some measuring tape with Spring action for Body Measurement
13)Some measuring spoons for measuring quantity - teaspoon table spoon etc.

So it worked out cheap for me. Also luckily all the stuff I ordered are working fine.
Planning to go some RC stuff hunting along with Ujjwal at the local bangalore stores for building materials/Glues/Balsa etc etc etc. If I can find a cheap small ARF 30" trainer that would be great.

Quote1 Reciever AA battery Holder with Switch Harness

Do NOT use this as the contacts can be unreliable. Get someone to make you a hardwired battery pack with re-chargeable cells.

1)RDS8000 Mode 1, 8ch 2.4 ghz TX X 1 and charger 230V can be changed to mode 2, 3 or 4
2)8 channel 2.4 GHZ full range receiver X 1 came with the TX
3a)1 Reciever AA battery Holder with Switch Harness x1
4) Sanwa SRM 102Z X 4
5)1/4 inch foam sheet for covering receiver x1

is available in India for 15K here in india the 7ch Rx will be around 3K
So everything would have been 18K out here in India

Quote from: sushil_anand on November 07, 2009, 05:26:44 PM

Quote1 Reciever AA battery Holder with Switch Harness

Do NOT use this as the contacts can be unreliable. Get someone to make you a hardwired battery pack with re-chargeable cells.

Hmm, Ok. I ordered these just for testing on the ground. I plan to use a Bec on the ESC initially, later on as the model goes bigger, I will be using some alternatives. I will definitely not consider using the battery holder for flights. Thanks for the suggestions

Quote from: rcdhamaka on November 07, 2009, 05:50:39 PM
1)RDS8000 Mode 1, 8ch 2.4 ghz TX X 1 and charger 230V can be changed to mode 2, 3 or 4
2)8 channel 2.4 GHZ full range receiver X 1 came with the TX
3a)1 Reciever AA battery Holder with Switch Harness x1
4) Sanwa SRM 102Z X 4
5)1/4 inch foam sheet for covering receiver x1

is available in India for 15K here in india the 7ch Rx will be around 3K
So everything would have been 18K out here in India

Well here is the Price split up:

1)RDS8000 Mode 1, 8ch 2.4 ghz TX X 1 and charger 230V can be changed to mode 2, 3 or 4
2)8 channel 2.4 GHZ full range receiver X 1 came with the TX
3)7 Channel 2.4 GHZ full range receiver X 1 - HobbyPeople.net
4)1 Reciever AA battery Holder with Switch Harness x1
for 242 $ Shipped

AND

4)Futaba S3004 X 4 - TowerHobbies
5)1/4 inch foam sheet for covering receiver - TowerHobbies
for 63 $ Shipped

Together 242 + 63 = 305(Inc shipping to brother's place.) X 46.7(Approx) Rs as per the http://www.x-rates.com/calculator.html = 14,261.8

18000 - 14,261.8 = 3738.2 Rs. + Also the S3004s have ball bearings and are better than the sanwa ones you mentioned (Not sure though as Iam new to RC. )

Also Am not sure if the 7 channel receiver is available for 3k flat. So its like I have saved approx 4k.

I do agree its a great buy at 18,000 for people buying in India But since my brother was any way visiting Me, I wanted to take that advantage, Nothing like I hate Indian stores or so.

Also The price split Up further so as not to cause confusion

6)Thunder AC6 Charger 6 cells 50 W USB with built in 110V 220V adapter - NitroPlanes.com
7)6 channel Dynam simulator - NitroPlanes.com (Using it with emulator and G4.5 successfully with Gear and Flaps configured with Knobs.)

for 84 USD Shipped

8)20 KG - 10 Gram resolution, digital Spring balance to measure thrust. - Did not reach Brother in time. Will get it from someone who will be travelling to India next time.
for 13 USD Shipped

9)A small 5 KG Kitchen weighing machine 1 Gram resolution, to measure plane weight and Whey Protien and Glucon D etc etc   - Amazon.
for 25 USD Shipped

10)Some Illusion Toy from amazon
11)A pair of nike fierce sports shoes  
12)Some measuring tape with Spring action for Body Measurement
13)Some measuring spoons for measuring quantity - teaspoon table spoon etc.
for approx 70 USD   Shipped

Good that you have recd the your RDS8000 set. Also the rate link you posted would as of friday and it changes every day. The banks charge a little above the RBI reference rate.

Apart from this all banks charge something known as Foreign Currency Transactions - Cross currency mark-up of 3.5%.

So it would be approx Rs. 48.75/USD.

As I said before thats the advantage of getting it from abroad who has contacts there . My brother has a bank account here which he uses to pay loans of the property he purchased.
All I have to do is deposit 23.5 K into that account without any conversion charges. And in US he used his CC to purchase stuff. So this avoids any conversion charges and is a advantage for both of us.

As I am repeating again,

"For the people who has contacts abroad, only then its worth buying from US hobby stores , For others I highly recommend buying from the local Hobby stores!!! " Especially after talking to Ujjwal over the Phone and listening to all the Hasle he has been going through to get his investment back into his hands.

Quote from: vinay on November 08, 2009, 09:42:11 AM
As I said before thats the advantage of getting it from abroad who has contacts there . My brother has a bank account here which he uses to pay loans of the property he purchased.
All I have to do is deposit 23.5 K into that account without any conversion charges. And in US he used his CC to purchase stuff. So this avoids any conversion charges and is a advantage for both of us.

As I am repeating again,

"For the people who has contacts abroad, only then its worth buying from US hobby stores , For others I highly recommend buying from the local Hobby stores!!! " Especially after talking to Ujjwal over the Phone and listening to all the Hasle he has been going through to get his investment back into his hands.

Now that brings clarity to the whole thing.

I was keeping a mum for the benefit of the RC community, as I learnt the hard way that the community is living with many unspoken bitter reality. Nevertheless, here it goes.

Guys, as far as Customs import code handbook goes, Radio Controllers of ANY TYPE is indeed **Restricted**( what ever stupid the authorities are, when most of other countries facing similar security threat have not taken such drastic  step to curb the hobby). So please please please, unless you have some one coming from US, don't endeavor to order Radio/ARF thru post. Its real easy to wake overnight, meticulously fill your cart at Towers, and use that Credit Card offered so invitingly by Banks. The real problem is at the *last mile* we used the term for Analog Modem connection   between PSTN office and your home.

There might be people lucky enough have their package untouched, even I got many small photography stuff like filters, release cable, right angle finders form HK/SG. But you may end up loosing your time, money and peace at the end if you order these kind of stuff. May be the Radio was a sensitive item, may be servos, LiPo, out-runners would be still okay ?

And to the LHS. Following other wider forums like IndiaMike, its would have been better to have *only* hobbyist on the forum and no commercial  entities. This  is because people have more trust on amateur seniors, rather that those with some conflicting interest. Furthermore, stocking litter better quality/trusted brands would more win customers that pushing brands. Leaving multiple Radio options, where complication of whatever type certification you provide (if at all), items like Servos, LiPo, motors shouldn't pose much trouble in stocking brands which are though economical, still of certain quality. The sample case I am putting is like I am still facing hard time choosing a 5/9gm Micro Servos from LHS. I don't want to spend all my fortune on those from Futaba/JR. From all the review I have read on bigger RC forums (read west), HTX is one such best of both cost and quality worlds. But surprisingly hardly any one is even offering HTX , forget any comparable price of $3.5 + 1.2 (30% customs) + $1.5 (part of shipping, considering I will order lot many stuff for $29/2.5KG shipping) =  $6.2 = @Rs 300/pcs

I know we have to live between sometime painful/patience HK/towers orders and best we can find at LHS.

LHS, I hope I not speaking anything more than whatever even your regular customers might have always wished from you. I am just voicing that.

With such terrible setbacks like mine, many don't return to the hobby. I wish not to join that league. 

Trying all my might and finance to bounce back and meet all you fliers in flesh soon.

Quote from: ujjwaana on November 08, 2009, 03:45:17 PM
And to the LHS. Following other wider forums like IndiaMike, its would have been better to have *only* hobbyist on the forum and no commercial  entities. This  is because people have more trust on amateur seniors, rather that those with some conflicting interest.

Hmmm... I am not sure that shutting out shops would do the forum any good.  In fact, the whole idea is for suppliers to compete for customers using the forum.  If, and when, suppliers mislead customers about anything, there are enough amateur seniors around to point that out. 

Quote from: ujjwaana on November 08, 2009, 03:45:17 PM
The sample case I am putting is like I am still facing hard time choosing a 5/9gm Micro Servos from LHS. I don't want to spend all my fortune on those from Futaba/JR. From all the review I have read on bigger RC forums (read west), HTX is one such best of both cost and quality worlds. But surprisingly hardly any one is even offering HTX , forget any comparable price of $3.5 + 1.2 (30% customs) + $1.5 (part of shipping, considering I will order lot many stuff for $29/2.5KG shipping) =  $6.2 = @Rs 300/pcs

This is yet another reason why we want LHS folks on the forum.  We need to tell them what we need to see, so that they can work towards those, and take the burden of dealing with red tape away from end users.  I do remember the TechOne foamies being available at RCForAll as a practical example of this.

So yes, it is frustrating. But shutting out anyone does not seem to achieve anything positive.  Voice your opinion on what you would like to see and the rough prices (taking into consideration the typical 30% duty), and let us see how much the LHSes can deliver.

Hey what happened to your radio package?

How much % customs do they charge ?

So was it a story with a peaceful ending ? 

In summary, Ujjwal's experience leaves a lot to desire for in terms of importing radios from outside (as understood from a private conversation with him). 

He strongly feels that importing a radio is best avoided.  It is up to the Indian hobby stores to ensure that commonly used models are available (even if via pre-order) to the local RC hobbyists, as this is the primary reason people are tempted to import directly.

Ujjawanaa,

What happened to your radio.Have you received it or not.Are you charged any customs?or have you paid any AMYAMYA.

The radio was received.  Any number of typical Indian factors may have played a role in securing the release.  Let us leave it at that hint of ambiguity    

BTW, the factors would mean anywhere from no further action needed (which itself is like a negative thing for the LHSes, as they are forced to pay 35% extra), to knowing someone in authority, to spending a bit extra.  In any case, it is not a pretty picture overall.

I requested them to return the parcel back to 'If Not Delivered, Return To' address on my package. I filed a RMA with Towers. They re-shiped to my friend's US address.

On a general note, I won't advise people to import Radio, at least in Bangalore, till the security situation cools down (when?). As I said MOST of other items *Should NOT* cause much problem other than Max of 31% duties ( What I saw in their book was @24% for batteries/ motors below 11,000 volts.). But please check all the LHS before ordering. 3-4 weeks of waiting is indeed painful, unless the exact item is so much rewarding to bear the pain.

LHS, please give freedom of choice in a country liberated by martyrs. I see a mum over Radios on most of the RC shops (esp those closing down). May be this  is challenging. But please see you can provide other brands at least on advance orders.

I guess this thread is  better to be locked/Closed. I would date when my friend brings it  in person.

Thanks to every humble person to contribute here. I had never thought that this would go this long!!

Regards and Happy flying!
Ujjwal  

Quote from: ujjwaana on November 14, 2009, 01:43:28 AM
I guess this thread is  better to be locked/Closed. I would date when my friend brings it  in person.

I see no reason at all for locking this thread.  What really is new here ?  We all know that it is purely a matter of luck whether you get into  trouble for getting a radio shipped.

Quote from: ujjwaana on November 14, 2009, 01:43:28 AM
I requested them to return the parcel back to 'If Not Delivered, Return To' address on my package. I filed a RMA with Towers. They re-shiped to my friend's US address.

On a general note, I won't advise people to import Radio, at least in Bangalore, till the security situation cools down (when?). As I said MOST of other items *Should NOT* cause much problem other than Max of 31% duties ( What I saw in their book was @24% for batteries/ motors below 11,000 volts.). But please check all the LHS before ordering. 3-4 weeks of waiting is indeed painful, unless the exact item is so much rewarding to bear the pain.

LHS, please give freedom of choice in a country liberated by martyrs. I see a mum over Radios on most of the RC shops (esp those closing down). May be this  is challenging. But please see you can provide other brands at least on advance orders.

I guess this thread is  better to be locked/Closed. I would date when my friend brings it  in person.

Thanks to every humble person to contribute here. I had never thought that this would go this long!!

Regards and Happy flying!
Ujjwal 

like the sayings go "No pain no gain" or another "you win some you lose some"

Who will bear the return costs.