[Hallicrafters] Opinions on the SX-110

[Troglodite at aol.com]

Glen,
 
While I agree with you in principle, I think what you propose is for the  
wrong reasons. I get the impression that you feel newcomers must "suffer what we  
suffered" or "pay their dues." Both of these carry connotations of an 
unpleasant  experience.
 
On the other hand, many of us started with very simple gear, perhaps a  
homebrew regenerative receiver or an old ARC-5, and a single 6V6 transmitter. We  
learned by doing, and had a lot of fun in the process. The point is, we never  
thought of it as "suffering" or "paying dues." We did it for entirely 
different  reasons. We wanted to be HAMS. We wanted to join the fraternity.
 
Sure things have changed. We have much more sophisticated gear at prices  
some of us can afford. :-) But where is the spirit of adventure? Where is the  
comraderie' that used to be so common. Why are all of us old-timers so sure that 
 OUR way is the ONLY way?
 
I guess what I am trying to say is that the only people who can improve the  
situation on the bands today are US. Do your best to control your temper.  
Politely point out that a little courtesy goes a long way. Reach out and help  
the struggling newcomer. You'll be glad you did. And maybe, just maybe, we'll be 
 able to figure out how to put the fun back in.
 
73,
 
Doug Moore KB9TMY

> I really think that newcomers should have to use the
equipment  that most amateur radio operators had to use
(not Collins or other "high end"  stuff that cost
several weeks salary back when it was new) like the
low  end Hallicrafters or National equipment for at
least 6 months of regular  operating.  Then give them
the "new" stuff.  I believe that the  number of
complaints would drop to no more than 1% of what are
now heard.  <