[ARC5] Re: 'Scrap' chassis, modified sets

[Todd Bigelow - PS]

One more thing I'd like to add to the scrap or modified chassis thought: Even
today, some out there would like to create their past station from 30-40-50
years ago consisting of some piece of ARC-5 or Command gear.

As often as you find the ratty sets at hamfests, you'll find some decently
modified ones. So, as well as the idea of parts donors, it isn't a bad idea to
have a couple complete, working (or workable) units around as well. This will
allow you to do two things: first, you can play around and get a feel for how
the set works and what's involved. Second, you might have an opportunity to
save a clean unit from being hacked up by offering an already hacked but
working unit in exchange. Unless the set has already been massively changed
beyond what they want to use it for, they can likely use it for their project.

 I'll admit, it's a long shot and I've only succeeded once, but it's worth the
effort. Quite often, someone wanting a set to play with or modify isn't as
concerned with cosmetics as they are completeness or the presence of certain
parts. Even if the set you save isn't one you need or want, it makes good
trading material and you've saved another set from being irreversibly
destroyed. I've found that more often than not, trying totalk them out of it
won't work - if they're looking for a set to modify, they'll likely find one,
eventually. If they were of the same mindset as those of us who wish to
preserve and utilize history, they'd not be of a mind to modify in the first
place.

Just another reason to have more gear laying around the garage or radio room,
but a good one.

73 de Todd/'Boomer'  KA1KAQ