[Heathkit] Building for Pleasure

[L L bahr]

Hi Mike:

I feel just about the same way you do.  I love to build stuff.  However, building any tube type rig from scratch is not very economical these days and at times almost unaffordable.  I do build QRP kits and that is enjoyable too.  But, taking a really in bad shape boat anchor receiver or transmitter and then restoring it is very rewarding in many ways for me too.  Most of the time restoring one of these old pieces is more economical too.  I say most of the time but if you want to do it correctly, the price is still not cheap.  I like to keep what I restore so I don't have to deal with the fact a truly nicely restored old radio would really be hard to sell for what you have into it even if you don't consider your labor.  So maybe giving it away to a friend is a nice idea!  One last comment.  Going to the epay site is really becoming a joke.  It seems like parts and tubes there cost more then you can buy new ones from other sources such as Mouser.  I in most cases can buy resistors, capacitors, and transformers fresh and brand new from the big parts stores for less. I don't actually operate on the air much either except to talk to a few close friends.  I have very little in common with most hams on the air today.  I've been a ham for 60 years and the operators as a whole on the air today are much different then those of days gone bye.

Lee, w0vt












I spent a lot of hours and probably $40 in new parts rebuilding the old 
girl.  After all that, I gave it away!
I took it to my buddy at my local electronics emporium and told him to 
find a home for it.
I have too much ham gear and test equipment as it is.  For me, the fun 
is in the challenge of building and/or repairing gear. Operating is sort 
of in second place.

Am I crazy?  Maybe just a little.  Do I care?  Nope.  I'm having fun.

Build on ...
Mike, WB0LDJ
mharmon at att dot net