[ARC5] New Homes for Old Warriors...

[Tom Bridgers]

I’d recommend doing the following:
1. Whoever receives Dave’s radios, which are top of the line to be sure, will need help in understanding and appreciating the very hard work that he put into restoring the radios, and the steps he took to complete the restoration (and the tools and test equipment used therein), and how the radios work as a system.   Additionally the recipient will need to understand the general techniques used to diagnose and fix a TX or RX that doesn’t work.

An example of what I’m talking about are the outstanding reports that Dave has written and shared with this group over many years about many different types of radios and systems.  The clarity with which Dave writes, the documentation he provides, and the photos are superb.

Not to put to fine a point on it, but compare Dave’s notes, reports, and documentation about putting the ARC-5/SCR-274N family of radios on the air or troubleshooting them —that he’s shared with us from time to time —with the widely available 60-page ARC-5 Alignment and Troubleshooting Manual and you’ll understand the superiority of Dave’s reports and notes.

2.  Digitize all the information and images and put it on YouTube.  Or if that’s impractical or not permitted, find a free (or modestly priced) website that is affordable and sustainable.  Assuming the website survives over time, isn’t it ideally accessible forever?

While access to a website doesn’t give you the hands-on experience of operating, repairing, or maintaining Dave’s radio systems, it certainly is a relatively inexpensive way to preserve all 
that his collection has to offer. Including personal voice overs by him if he’s willing.

3.  When #1 and #2 are completed, or even before, search 
for an organization or person to take physical possession of the radios.

Who knows, maybe  in that process, you’ll find others wanting to do the same.  Maybe the ARRL, AWA. or other electronics/scientific/military affinity groups would be willing to play a role in facilitating the process...

4.  The point I’m trying to make about #1 and #2 above is that if the physical radios don’t survive through the years for one reason or another, the digitized material on a website most likely will.

YMMV,
-tom KE4RHH