WEST ORTON

[Journeyman]

As you say Steve we all make mistakes when trying something, the secret is finding ways round the mistakes that keep the integrity of the project. We can all end up on the rocks its how we get afloat again that counts!

Wave, Dave.

[Steve M]

Six pairs of connecting cables completed.

2021-04-11_04-04-54 by Steve Mumford, on Flickr

[Steve M]

With the wiring coming along my thoughts have turned towards plugging everything in and testing the running. Part of that will include the points which now need connection to switches (LEDs will come later).

That in turn means a mimic panel.

I’ve already mocked up a schematic on SCARM and laminated it at work (doubtless it will change) ready for temporary mounting on thin plywood. Because the layout is modular, I want to be able to disconnect the panel and store it out of harms way. I will hopefully achieve this with more D-sub plugs.

Now it’s time for a bit of a rant.

It’s something I’ve noticed recently with Amazon. I found the odd extra bits needed on their website - clearly showing delivery tomorrow - so I pushed the ‘buy’ button. OK, I probably won’t need them tomorrow, but when the confirmation email arrived it now says delivery on Tuesday.

It’s bloody infuriating and probably misrepresentation on their part.

[IanS]

Now it’s time for a bit of a rant.

It’s something I’ve noticed recently with Amazon. I found the odd extra bits needed on their website - clearly showing delivery tomorrow - so I pushed the ‘buy’ button. OK, I probably won’t need them tomorrow, but when the confirmation email arrived it now says delivery on Tuesday.

It’s bloody infuriating and probably misrepresentation on their part.

Look carefully at the details. Amazon have introduced a 'delivery day' where all your orders in a week are delivered on one day. Check that hasn't been enabled.

Although I have noticed a few items listed as 'delivery by 10pm' then when I've gone to order the 10pm turns into 10pm the next day so it may Amazon sellers pulling a fast one!

[Walkingthedog]

You must live in the wrong place. Often things ordered in the morning arrive the same day in the evening. Almost every time I order something and the delivery is in 3 days time it arrives the next day. Ordered something last week, arrived the next day, opened the box and it was a pack of plastic tiles that clip together (20 quids worth) that I didn’t order. Contacted them and they told me to keep the tiles and the proper item arrived next day.

[Steve M]

Thanks Ian, that option is definitely not switched on but the items are now listed as available for delivery today. Re-ordered to test to see if anything changes and miraculously they are now arriving later today!

Probably do a free return on the others unless I keep them for future projects - they may come in handy for the fiddleyard.

Brian, the ironic thing is that we have an Amazon warehouse less than five miles away!!!

[teedoubleudee]

I've noticed stuff from Amazon and especially eBay arriving earlier than estimates. I have an Amazon Prime account and try to select Prime items wherever possible which are always delivered next day. eg Ordered something on Easter Sunday and delivered following day, Easter Monday!

[Walkingthedog]

I think they do a good job. Bought a Henry carpet cleaner from them a couple of years ago and it stopped working. Contacted them to see about a warranty repair. They sent a new one next day and said dump the broken one. I didn’t. I repaired it myself and my son now has it.

In my opinion if anybody doesn’t like the way a company works, don’t use them

[IanS]

I ordered a fire blanket at around 9pm one day, got it around 2pm the next from Amazon. It always depends on number of things: 1) is it an Amazon or Amazon marketplace product? 2) is it a good seller?

I have also managed to order something (I can't remember what it was) and got delivery the same day. The nearest depot is the new one they're using near Durham Services but the distribution info always shows as Newcastle.

I'm glad to hear that you've managed to order successfully.

To keep on topic before we're sanctioned - what were the bits you ordered?

[Steve M]

i have been very satisfied with Amazon in the past but my comments relate to a deterioration in recent service levels - I don’t feel the current standard of over promise, under deliver is particularly good. And yes, I have had same day deliveries in the past without asking for them. Perhaps they have changed the default settings on their site?

Ian, I ordered a couple of D-sub breakout boards for the control panel. A bit more expensive than eBay but at least they shouldn’t be stuck in the South China Sea for weeks on end.