[Milsurplus] Using Old Radios

[Hue Miller]

I was talking with Tony Grogan once many years back when he described
a particular radio set as a "fine looking looking instrument".  Now consider
for a moment a comparison to musical instruments. I think you will find that
the majority of vintage instruments which CAN be played,  in other words 
are playable still, ARE in fact played still. This goes for baroque instruments 
much older than any Command Set radio.

Now consider, allied with the above consideration, the question: which 
approach increases the net sum of happiness in the universe? I think it's
the case, where the voice of the beloved instrument is heard still. And for
sure, even your mil-surplus radio was loved at some time: by the engineers
who proudly regarded their working prototype, by the gal in the war plant
at the end of the conveyer belt, who packed the shiny bright clean unit
in a carton, even tho she understood little about its theory or operation.
Pride in inventiveness and craft.

Now consider also, if the radio instrument could talk, i mean talk so that
you could understand. What would make it happier?

So i have this radio, a Navy fellow pulled it out of a shot up Tojo
fighter outside Pusan, in the dark, below freezing, stiff wind, and his
buddies are telling him hurry up. It sneaks by inspection and confiscation
by the SOB officers and MP's, and makes it all the way back to the States.
Where eventually, one afternoon, after diligent study, voltages are 
carefully applied. Lo and behold, a friendly crackle of noise from the
headphone, and lo and behold, signals come crackling in from hundreds
and thousands of miles, distant voices. I say, "welcome back to the world,
pal", and the radio says, "It's been a darn long time".

Also consider this: you cannot necessarily assume that your collections
will remain intact. Some huge asteroid could come and crush us. The seas 
could grow and rage thru your city. Your preferred saviour could fail to
 return and we blast each other to smithereens. No sure thing.
-Hue Miller