[ARC5] Using SCR-274N

[David Stinson]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bob Macklin" <macklinbob at msn.com>

> How do you use them?
> 
> This stuff was intended for short range communication  (not DX) and not 
> under crowed ham band conditions.
> 
> They were really made for voice operation, not CW.

I use them weekly on voice on crowded ham bands.
I expect to hear some crud from the sides.  
It hasn't stopped me at all; I get great signal reports.
It comes with the experience.

When I drive a Model-T Ford, I don't expect it to be a Porsche.
Working-around the Model-T's limitations 
is part of the challenge and romance of driving one.  
Anyone with a bunch of money to waste 
can drive a Porsche- big whoop who cares.  
That takes no talent or dedication. 
You have to love it to drive the Model-T.
I tolerate the sets limitations and they've not kept me
from communicating on the local AM nets, which is all I want.  
It would be silly to attempt to use a WWII Command Set  
to work DXCC, just like it would be silly to compare
a Porsche with a Model-T.  

If I want super radio performance, all I need to do is 
waste $5000 on a plastic "computer with an antenna."
It will do all those snazzy things.... and be trash in 20 years
when the proprietary chips crap-out.  
With luck, in 2053 my SCR-274N will still be fully operational.
The $5000 plastic "computer with an antenna"
will be dust in a landfill.

73 Dave S.