[HBR] Re original/present HBR values

[Amargosa Enterprises]

Re my post 28 Sept in reply to N2EY's query on HBR-16 original/present values. 

For those who missed it, CQ Magazine for Oct 2006 page 18 has some interesting data on calculating radio equipment "present" values from "original" costs based on consumer price index models.  The article gives a URL for two different on-line calculators, both based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics model for Consumer Price Index.  It also provides some original/present value conversions for various receivers popular in the 1940/1970 era.  

Per my Sept post, a 1967 HBR20 at an original hard-money parts-only cost of $225 gives a calculated 2006 "present" value of $1367, and using an original soft-money parts-only cost of $325 gives a present value of $1670.

Using N2EY's posted HBR 16 cost estimates of $70 to $150 (and assuming construction in 1967) the calculator gives us $425 to $911 respectively as present values.

Keep in mind all these numeric gyrations provide no allowance for labor to construct; the gyrations assume those of us who built these beauties were either worthless or priceless !! 

The HBR20 uses substantially more parts than does the HBR16, so the difference in present costs appears rational.

If we simply average the high/low values, a case can be made that one of the more complex Crosby HBR designs (HBR16/HBR18/HBR20) has a probable present value (based solely on CPI manipulation) falling in a range of $668 to $1518, and a mid-point present value of $1093.

Seems to me this tracks pretty well with the present e-Bay sell values in the $500/$600 range.  The CPI projection is based on economic theory, while the e-Bay bid price is based on present market perception.

Jay W6HHT