[Milsurplus] Using Old Radios

[J. Forster]

Michael St. Angelo wrote:

> I believe eBay spoiled the hobby. I equate "rarity and historical value"
> with speculators who are more intereseted buying and selling radios than
> understanding their functionality
> and appreciating the technology of the time.

That is certainly not true of all who love old radios. I bought a few pieces in
the late 1950s with my limited funds and did not 'convert' them. I'm now very
glad of that decision and only wish I'd been able to buy more. What was common
then, is now rare to unobtainable. With scarcity goes price.

What do you think a full ARC-5 system with cables, connectors, control boxes,
and mounts in NOS condition is worth these days? I'd guess more than $5000.
That's roughly $250 in late 1950s money.

IMO, people like August Lenk are to be congratulated for having the foresight to
buy and preserve the equipment.

As to eBay, yes, prices have risen, but I would have had no chance to complete
some of the systems I collect w/o it. I saw not a single ARC-5 Rx or Tx that had
not been 'converted' at the biggest ham flea in the northeast last week. Not a
single one, and I was looking very carefully.

-John