[ARC5] dying hobby?

[K2GKK D C_Mac_ Macdonald]

The National NCX-5 AND the NCL-2000 intro prices were also $585!

73 de Mac, K2GKK/5
Licensed 30 Nov 1953
Oklahoma City, OK
USAF (Retired) 61-81
FAA (Retired) 94-10

Cell: 405-642-7337
________________________________
From: arc5-bounces at mailman.qth.net <arc5-bounces at mailman.qth.net> on behalf of Mike Morrow <kk5f at earthlink.net>
Sent: Sunday, August 6, 2023 16:45
To: ARC-5 List <arc5 at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [ARC5] dying hobby?


The "obscenity" of expensive ham radios was back in the "good ol' days" before the Japanese started to dominate the market with better designs, better quality, and better prices.



When introduced in 1965 at $585, the Drake TR-4 just by itself with no options or accessories cost the 2023 equivalent of $5,800.



When introduced in 1961 at $1,250, the Collins KWM-2A just by itself with no options or accessories cost the 2023 equivalent of $13,000.



Even when I bought one as a kit in 1976 at $340, the Heathkit HW-101 just by irself with no options or accessories cost the 2023 equivalent of $1,900.



Today a very capable Yaesu FT-891 street price is barely $600. This radio will run circles around any of the earlier rigs.



Hams today are in the salad days of high performance to price ratios, thanks to the Japanese.



Mike / KK5F



-----Original Message-----
From: howard holden <holden7471 at msn.com>
Sent: Aug 5, 2023 8:38 AM
To: mstangelo at comcast.net <mstangelo at comcast.net>, ARC-5 List <arc5 at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [ARC5] dying hobby?



Makes sense. Why would you have to take a test, then get an obscenely expensive radio and multiband antenna just to have to get help if needed? Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t trade my ham license for all the tea in China, etc., but back in the day, when I sold some of those toy CBs for a living, I had to get my CB call, early 70s I think when the FCC was so overwhelmed they resorted to having people use their initials and zip code for a temp license. Never used it beyond the showroom, and even there only when “required” to demo a CB to some fool. And back then I did use a “CB” radio, but converted to 10 meters AM in the car. An old Lafayette with tunable RX and crystal TX.



Howie WB2AWQ






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