[Milsurplus] Intercom amp (AM-26/AIC)

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On Mon, Sep 13, 2010 at 9:07 AM, Mike Hanz <aaf-radio-1 at aafradio.org> wrote:

> I am unrepentant in making small changes like these.  There are pieces
> of this gear, like a BC-366 jack box, that will never become an
> important piece of history with its own softly lit display case - at
> least IMO - and changing a wire or two inside doesn't bother me one iota
> if it helps to make operation of the priceless sets more effective and
> enjoyable.

And as a result, I think your equipment and perhaps entire station has
a FAR better chance of surviving the Scrap Heap of Time intact than a
bunch of "original, NOS" black metal things in boxes. It's not that we
don't appreciate the equipment and history involved, it's how it is
perceived by the masses when we are gone that will make the
difference.

A lot of folks seem to assume museums will want their XYZ because it's
old and clean, and they paid a lot for it on ebay. As has been
discussed many times, museums are only interested in what sells, so to
speak. Getting people in the door. Functioning equipment, even if it
only receives a hiss, is more interesting to the average person than a
lump. And while some pieces are indeed quite rare and exotic, most are
not. They were produced in large 'throw-away' volumes and not expected
to survive long in most cases.

The morals and ethics that many of us may share with Dave are
something best left to individuals to decide on. We have politicians
in DC now trying to tell us a lot of things about what we owe society,
how much money we should make, etc etc. I'm sure they believe strongly
that their views are morally and ethically what's best for the country
and mankind in general. And no doubt there are some people who agree.
The point being, there are choices we can make to help increase the
odds our gear will survive. The 'original/NOS-preserved for future
generations' piece is nice if there's a demand (the CW key from the
Titanic for example), but IMO the aafradio approach is best, complete
with modifications. There aren't a lot of folks coming along behind us
with the interest we share in this stuff, and aside from a few truly
rare items out there yet to be discovered or pried loose, my guess is
the museums pretty much have what, if anything, they want. I still
remember hearing a ham operator from the CAF one night discussing all
the surplus BC-375s, ART-13s and other things donated to them and
filled part of a hangar, until the day they hauled it all off to the
scrap yard.

Even if your family members agree to take care of your collection
after you go, where does it go from there? Maybe the real question is
- at that point, who cares?

Use it, enjoy it, share the interest with others outside the
milsurplus groups. The more interest there is, the better chance of
survival and/or preservation.

~ Todd,  KA1KAQ/4