[Milsurplus] ID Cables

[antqradio@juno.com]

Mike
I agree that cost is driving all of the change in military procurement. 
But it is my impression that Mil Specs "went away" because commercial
quality was just as good, without the added cost of constant inspection.

Look at cell phones as an example.  I would bet the usual reason for
upgrading is either for more bells and whistles (games, e-mail etc.) or
because the battery has reached end of life (due to constant charge
cycling).  And a replacement, if one could be found, is way too
expensive.

Along the same lines, the wife wants a new big screen TV.   I want to put
it off until the living room set fails.  That should be sometime in the
next decade.  Heck, it's only five years old!

Regards,
Jim

On Fri, 13 Dec 2002 08:29:01 -0500 Mike Feher <n4fs@monmouth.com> writes:
> 
> George -
> 
Snip

> At times they do have the contractor go through a 
> ruggedization process to make the equipment field compatible. Some time
ago, the 
> "Perry Initiative" even did away with all Mil-Specs and Standards and
in 
> order to use one now a waiver has to be issued on the contract. All in
the 
> name of saving money. Of course, in the mean time, equipment is failing
left 
> and right in the field. Component manufacturers do not even make parts 
> to Mil-Specs. any longer. All in all it is a pretty sad picture. 73 - 
> Mike