[ARC5] Attitudes toward the value of old military radios

[Mike Hanz]

While I agree with just about every point that you made, Mike, I note in 
QRZ that Jim has only been licensed for 4 years, and has started CW ops 
only a year ago.  I'm inclined to give him some slack, with the thought 
that he may come around to a more mature appreciation of this equipment 
as he grows older (and hopefully wiser...unlike me.)  He is following 
the same path that almost all of us have - experimenting with the sets 
and discovering how remarkable they really are.  I think most all of us 
have revised our viewpoints over the years, as the radios which were 
basically just another commodity and so plentiful back in the day have 
ceased being a commodity and passed into the rarity of bygone history.  
I also remember when my enjoyment of hobbies began to transition from 
stuff I could simply enjoy for its intrinsic functionality into more of 
a collector's interest.  With the radio sets, there is a win/win aspect 
to this transition that doesn't exist with many other collection 
venues.  I know the old Corvettes I used to so lovingly restore 
gradually got to the point where they were shelfware because of the 
danger of accidents. There's nothing wrong with shelfware, but having it 
both ways is definitely a plus.

While I will defend his right to his opinion, he might reflect on the 
subtle effect on such factors as obtaining the MD-7 he has been seeking 
with evident frustration.  The ham radio community has long been one in 
which young folks are encouraged with spare pieces of this and that, and 
it would not seem to enhance his search if he inadvertently implies 
disrespect for the inclinations of the preservationists and collectors 
on the list.  There is room for everyone, and I've noticed that a number 
of its denizens have contributed ideas to the experimental-minded 
newcomers.  I think that will certainly continue...the list doesn't seem 
all that homogeneous to me.

As the vernacular goes, "jus sayin..."

73,
Mike  KC4TOS

On 9/30/2014 11:19 AM, Mike Morrow wrote:
> "J"-somebody writes:
>
>> Sure, I understand that there is a limited supply, but the demand
>> surprises me. After all, we're talking about 70 year old technology here!
>> If the the parts and rigs are getting  that expensive, one could have a
>> medium priced modern rig with all of the bells and whistles for the total
>> cash outlay.
> That is the attitude of a ham tinkerer...one little interested in history,
> development, and military usage of the equipment.  That's fine, but that's
> not what you will find on this list in general, nor among any who own this
> equipment with intent to maintain its originality.