[AMRadio] some items needed

[W4AWM at aol.com]

<< I have two friends close, both hams and into the big 'junk'.
 
 We all have an agreement that in the event of something happening,
 one of the other guys (or both) would have first pick, and help
 in disposing of the unwanted stuff for a reasonable price.
 No dumpsters. >>

Hi again, Brett,

Two things I forgot to mention in my previous mail:

The first is that like you, I have broached the first to go idea with a 
fellow who I trust implicitly.  The main problem is that he unfortunately 
lives 100 miles away, but should something befall me, I really believe that 
he would make the effort to take care of the details, as I would for him.  We 
have not shaken hands yet, bit I believe it will be a go.  There are certain 
folks in my immediate area who I would not want to get hold of my collection. 
 I want to make sure it goes where it will be appreciated and/ or where it 
will be sold for what is worth without taking advantage of the situation.  
Barring that, I have two worthy museums in mind and my survivors can take the 
tax break for the donation.

Another good reason for an up to date inventory is that, suppose your friends 
are not sure of the worth of a particular piece of gear, either because they 
are not familiar with it or the fact that it is a rare bird in excellent 
condition and is worth a bit more than they might think. Also, you cane make 
a note on the spread sheet indicating that a piece of gear or test equipment 
is on loan, or shipped off for restoration, etc.

Secondly, take your camera and photograph everything.  Be sure, for insurance 
purposes, to take several wide shots clearly establishing that the equipment 
is in your home or shop so they cannot come back at you and claim that the 
close-up of the gear does not prove ownership.  Your close-ups should be good 
enough to show the condition of cabinets, panels, rear and interior.  If you 
shoot these with film, a copy of prints or the negatives should be stored in 
a safe place. If done digitally, burn a CD of the file or make prints which 
should be safely stored. Never store only copies in the same location as the 
equipment.  In the event of a total disaster, they may be lost or destroyed 
leaving you out in the cold in more ways than one. Don't overlook the fact 
that this can also be done with a camcorder, enabling narration at the same 
time, but be sure to get the wides as well as the close-ups.

In the case of tools, open each drawer of your tool cabinet and make sure the 
tools are individually visible. Get a wide shot of the tool cabinet 
establishing that it is on your premises.  Also, check with your agent to 
asertain whether items are covered individually of if you need to purchase 
additional insurance for a "collection."

Like me, this is probably one of the last things you want to take time out to 
do, but it can pay benefits in more ways than one and once you get it done, 
keeping it up to date will be very easy.

73,  

John,  W4AWM