[ForSale-Swap] Re: OT: Aerospace hardware collectors

[J. Forster]

Don Davis wrote:

> Well, since 100% of aerospace equipment is launched into space and burns up
> later, I'd guess that it is a pretty rare bunch of hardware?

Not at all. There are almost always backup or qualification units produced.

> Schematics / manuals / write-ups are virtually unobtainable from the outside
> of the
> users, and any spares are usually destroyed or used in other experiments or
> for display pieces.

Many of the items were COTS (Commercial, Off The Shelf) but only produced in
very small quantities. When I first collected the stuff, the manufacturers were
often willing to send manuals out for free, or $10 to $20 at most. Good old
days, IMO.

> You might find bits and pieces at surplus (if you know
> where to look...), but none of this stuff is marked in any way that would
> identify it to the casual observer.

True, but it has a 'look' about it. Deutsch RTK connectors for example. Also
very nicely made satin nickel plated boxes. Sometimes labels give a pretty good
indication.,

> And, folks in the business won't talk
> about it.  I'm curious as to exactly what you are looking for?

Just to compare notes on stuff with other collectors and possibly some swaps or
manual exchanges.-John

> 73
>
> Don AD6PB  (27 years in aerospace)