[Elecraft] Appreciation

[Ron Willcocks]

Hi all,
         I don't think we really appreciate the likes of our K1's and K2's
until you have been through what I have today.
Here in ZL, we have a "Nostalgia Night" coming up, and I pulled out the 47
year old Military tranceiver I have here and fired it up to check for
break-downs. (Normal after that time frame)
I wasn't dissapointed. The transmitter went into "NET" by itself, the BFO
wouldn't  work.
Found the problems, but not before zapping myself on 350v DC , and nearly
causing a rupture turning the beast over to work on it.
Tuning CW is a nightmare with  the bandspread being 2 - 4 mhz and 4 -
8mhz...almost direct drive. CW is sent by keying the antenna
relay!!.....chirp chirp... You have to of course NET the TX  to the RX when
you find someone to talk to......forget and you are talking to yourself.
Going to be a fun night, but I reckon we all should drive a set like this
again to really appreciate where modern radios like the K1 and K2 have
really got us.
Still.....there is something about 8 valves all glowing ..the smell of old
wiring heating, and the incredible noise you get on AM. (The noise limiter
is two back to back diodes)............
It is hard to imagine this type of war surplus set was the "norm" when I got
my ticket.
Personally I prefer what we have today, but a once a year trip down memory
lane brings one back to earth somewhat!
Cheers.....Ron ZL1TW
K1 # 575
K2/100 # 2204
1945 ZC1 MkII 23707  (Tropicalised)