[Boatanchors] A good idea ---- Lamenting about the down hillspiral

[Mark K3MSB]

Consider the use of BA gear vs a modern DSP radio in the context of
the "means justifies the ends" and the "ends justify the means"
dilemma.

I have an IC-756 Pro III with a legal limit amplifier as well as
numerous pieces of vintage equipment.

When I'm working DX, I use the Icom and linear as the ends justify the
means.  I want that new DX country for another notch on my DX gun
holster.

When I'm using my vintage gear,  I'm more interested in using the
equipment than with whom I'm talking to.   The means justify the ends.

Back in 2007 I had two "memorable" QSOs on CW.    The first was
working the Scarborough Reef DXpedition BS7H on 20 CW.   It took me
quite a while (days) to break through that RF wall with a KW and 3
element beam, but I did it.

The other (as opposed to a sequential second) memorable QSO was
working Jim W8GKI in the Spring 2007 CX contest on 80 CW.  Jim was
running his CBY 52209 transmitter and BC-457 receiver and I was using
my B&W 5100B transmitter and BC-348 receiver.  This was the first time
I had my 348 on the air, and I was working a station also running WWII
era equipment.  It was "only" a PA to NM contact, but it thrilled me
just as much, but in a different way, than working BS7H.

Running vintage gear is akin to driving a vintage car.  You don't
really care where you're going, it's the ride that gives you the
enjoyment.   With DXing, you want to get to the destination and have
to endure the rough ride to get there (and where I'm at with 263
countries worked on CW, the ride is getting rough).

I really feel that those that got into amateur radio in the PBAT age
(Push Button AutoTune) have really missed out in an exciting age of
amateur radio.  But, within the context of this thread, it wasn't
their fault, and their lack of interest in vintage gear isn't
something to be held against them.  Their "world" is PBAT,  whereas
ours on this group view PBAT as the "brave new world" into which our
"world" has progressed.   It's perspective.

73 Mark K3MSB