[GreenKeys] OT: Interesting Group Buy

[Ed Tanton]

Hi Folks... I wanted to relate to you an interesting group buy-not one of 
our QRP-related buys, but larger. Several months ago, someone on the 
Green-Keys (RTTY/etc.) Reflector mentioned that there were some NIB 
(New-In-Box) MIL-Tempest-grade (Hi-Rel/Low RFI/etc. emission) RTTY TUs made 
by Dovetron, available. The Dovetrons are one of the best ever made. There 
were several lots of them listed at government auction.

When it was realized that there was considerable interest in obtaining 
these units, one of the guys took it on himself to take 'orders' and get 
registered with the auction people. I don't know how many were bought, but 
the money involved was in the thousands. When the auction was 'won', the 
units were picked up, checked out (even though new, it's still a good 
idea), and packaged for shipment. The comments have been rolling in ever 
since, as they were received. Basically all contain effusive praise.

We've done the same thing here, and it is a matter of no small amount of 
pride such things have worked so well for us. I've personally been the 
recipient of one or two of these, and-even though I've never had the 
opportunity to help 'kit' one together-I have shared in the enormous 
pleasure watching such selfless actions take place. We all like to think 
QRP is an idea where people try harder. It surely is. So is RTTY.

I didn't get one of these-I already have my own Dovetron... but just as I 
am proud to be a member of QRP-L, and a participant in QRP-related ham 
radio; I am equally proud to belong to that group of amateurs devoted to 
clanky old, oil-smelling, wonderful teletype machines.

These two 'places' (QRP-L and Green-Keys) are the best examples I know of 
to refute the idea in some circles that the Internet is taking over, and 
that Amateur Radio is dead. Neither idea is true-certainly not here. It 
occurred to me that I was very proud of these selfless, hardworking folks, 
and am honored to be amongst you.

Well done gentlemen (and ladies)!!!

72/73 Ed Tanton N4XY <n4xy@earthlink.net>

Ed Tanton N4XY
189 Pioneer Trail
Marietta, GA 30068-3466

website: http://www.n4xy.com

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