[Collins] A4 versus M2: how do they compare

[Ray, W2EC]

Not a good choice for a new ham? Not trying to be a smarta__ here, but
it was good enough for new hams 40 years ago. If a new ham buys a piece
of new SS gear and it breaks, he's going to send it back for to the
factory for repair and not learn a thing about what broke and how to fix
it. If he gets a piece of tube gear and it breaks, he can look to the
vast experience on the various e-mail lists and maybe even learn a
little about electronics in the process of repairing it.

Humor mode on:
I think it almost should be mandatory for each new ham to have a piece
of tube gear to work with before they are allowed to use SS gear. Then
they might be able to go beyond the classroom level of experience and
get some practical electrical experience. Please don't tell me about the
high voltages involved. Or are we expecting that the "new breed" are
incapable of developing a respect for high voltage as the older hams
amongst us have?
Humor mode off:

Ray W2EC


> I agree.  New or just refurbished tube gear it will run for a long time
> without maintenance.
> 
> These radios are 30+ (40+ ?) years old and they all need some work.  The
> work requires expertise in an old technology.   I don't think this is a good
> choice for a new ham.