[AMRadio] Getting on the Air - May 2008 QST

[Kim Elmore]

Is this in the May issue?  If so, I haven't received mine, yet.

Once I read the article, I may write a letter of disagreement with 
such a premise, but I have to see the article, first.

Kim Elmore, N5OP

At 11:32 PM 4/20/2008, you wrote:
>The "Getting On The Air" column by W1ZR.  Vacuum tube based equipment
>is far too dangerous to consider for a first rig,  and building your
>own equipment apparently isn't even a consideration any longer.  If it
>uses tubes, GASP!  High Voltage!  We can't have any of that!   Also,
>avoid gear older than 8 years, because you might not be able to get it
>repaired.  I hang my head in shame over what has happened to this once
>great hobby where people were somewhat technically competent.  Those
>that lacked technical skills at least learned a bit of theory to at
>least have a basic understanding of the operation of their equipment.
>
>At 44 years old, I'm a relative youngster in ham radio.  I build and
>restore vacuum tube equipment.  I also play the guitar.  The electric
>guitar fraternity seems to embrace homebrewing far more than the
>amateur community does today.  Most good guitar amp designs are still
>vacuum tube based, including modern designs.  People regularly modify
>their amps or build clone designs.  Yes, high voltage.  You learn the
>proper precautions.  Seems rather funny that a musician might be more
>apt to work with electronics than a ham radio operator.
>
>Modern electronics is too complicated, tubes are too dangerous - it's
>no wonder that electronics isn't even taught any longer throughout
>most of the school system.
>
>I'm really beginning to question why I continue to support the ARRL.
>At first when I saw the cover of this issue, I had thought there would
>be all these neat projects from the Homebrewer's Challenge.  Needless
>to say, I was disappointed.  I used to treasure QST.  While I still
>save all my issues, I'm beginning to wonder why.  It certainly isn't
>the technical journal it once was.
>
>73,
>Joe, N6DGY
>Pleasant Grove, UT
>
>
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