[Milsurplus] Using Old Radios

[Peter Gottlieb]

Mike Morrow wrote:
> 
> Personally, I have no interest in any item, no matter how rare, 
 > that does not have *all* original components within, unless repair
 > has been made with components identical and contemporary to those replaced.
> 


I understand that viewpoint.

For me, I am more interested in functionality than rarity and historical value. 
  Call me insenstive, if you will, but I want my radios to work, and I use them. 
  Of course, mine aren't tremendously old.  Except for the exotic TACAN stuff my 
radios are from the mid seventies forward.

That being said, when I need to repair a radio I do it very professionally, not 
like the crappy depot maintenance sometimes seen.  I use exact parts and 
workmanship equal to or better than the factory.  When a modification is needed, 
I always do it in a manner that is 100% reversible; for example, to put a new 
connector in I make up a plate to hold the new connector which mounts where the 
original connector went, then keep all the removed parts and a diagram in a 
baggie.  This is "just in case" I ever want to fully restore it.

But for use, I do use my rigs.  The PRC-104 goes out in the field with me, in 
rain and snow and mud and sometimes gets slightly banged around.  It is one 
tough little radio and clearly can take way more than I ask of it, which is why 
I like it so.  I want to have a rig that is there when I need it, come hurricane 
or whatever.  I want to worry about my family, not my radio.

Peter