Does anyone in the US have experience with shipping to Kontronik in Germany?

[eltavito]

I’m getting a little worried because I sent two Jive ESCs for firmware update to Kontronik in Germany on 1 February 2011 and as of today they haven’t received them. I am wondering if there is a normal delay due to customs, etc or if my ESCs are lost. They were sent via USPS First Class from NC. Has anyone else gone through his process? How long did it take?
Thanks!
Occy

[alexf1852]

I sent my Jive back to Germany last June to get upgraded to the new v9 firmware. I sent it via USPS priority mail. I think I remember it getting there in about a week. They upgraded the firmware and checked it the next day and sent it back via DHL.

Did you send it in with their service/repair form completely filled out and copy of the purchase receipt? I would send an email to info@kontronik.com or service@kontronik.com.

[acrow]

I’m getting a little worried because I sent .... on 1 February 2010 and as of today they haven’t received them.

I'd be getting impatient after 13 months too.

Regards

Acrow

[OICU812]

I always send stuff overseas Via DHL for sure, pure tracking all the way to the vendor etc, from here 3 days to Germany and was 23 bucks. Definetely get some emails out, call if you have to as there is number on their site as well and get it sorted. :thumbup:

[whytlotus]

If you sent 1st class, the delivery time you are experiencing sounds about right. The best way from the states, although expensive, is one step above priority. It cost me about $37 each way, but you get tracking with it..not so on priority and less. Never declare more than $500.00 value. That will cause Kontonik to incur import duty and they will refuse the package. Ask me how I know... I sent 4 Jives for the free V9 update late last May. After they refused the package...my nightmare began. I didn't get them back until a week before IRCHA, only to have to send them back again to get the updates which they did for free. My guess is they should get there soon unless you declared more than $500 value, if so, you might be in for the same experience I had. A little more on this here...

http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=235915

[eltavito]

I think I declared about $800 in value :(

I will try DHL next, if they Jives ever get back to me. Thanks a lot for the info guys, I should have asked the question BEFORE sending the Jives.

Occy

[flyfishsick]

Good luck!!! i sent one in for an update and they never got it (or lost it! )!!!!:mad:

this is the one thing that i do not like about Kontronik if you have to send it in you are rolling the dice :thumbdown:

[Mentalic]

Its why my Jive 80 is still running V8. I fly all year and sending it to Germany for a flash is ridiculous.. Only problem I've had with V8 is it will loose its heli mode 4 setting but I figured out what causes it. When doing auto after auto and if you lift off a few times before it sets rpm it will loose mode 4 setting every time...

[Klinger]

Good luck getting it through using a postal service. Mine sent on similar registered aussie post got held in customs for 6 weeks, refused entry to germany and finally sent back to me. I had all the declarations and values listed but the german customs suk. Its a wonder they can do business with the world when their heads are up there arses. Note, I'm not talking about Kontronik....just their problems with customs & postal services!

[flyfishsick]

at least you got yours back!!! i never got mine back :mad: :bawl

i love the Kontronik line but if sometime goes wrong you are screwed !!!!

it is Castle for me (with the V-bar gov)

[4cyclic]

You need to send it with tracking and insurance. Bit more expensive, but worth it. Close to $40 with usps. I sent my 120hv last June , took 2 weeks to get to Kontroniks.

Good info on the $500 cap , though.

[dswitkin]

Does Kontronik offer firmware updates in person at IRCHA? That would be a huge convenience.