[Milsurplus] [ARC5] responsibility to our posterity

[Ray Fantini]

I have said it before and will say it again, the history of modifications and use in Ham radio is also valid and worth preserving as well. I have the greatest admiration for those who restore and produce historically accurate systems, but working with antique technology is a highly individualistic hobby and we are all allowed to promote and support our own views without apologies. Just about every six months or so the series of emails pop up again saying the way it was built and used for one particular function is the only way there is. If that's the path you choose to follow fine with me, but I will point out the BC-348 I have on YouTube 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKRez8euQU4
That represents the best of the "Ham" modifications from the forties and fifties and operates just as well as an unmodified one. I have owned several BC-348 receivers and for me nothing is gained by having to use the 28 volt dynamotor or having to use the high impedance outputs for the audio. Maybe there is some degree of realism you can only get from the noise, high in rush current and maintenance involved with the dynamotor but the radio works just as well without it. How far do you pursue this concept of it has to be in all original? Do you sit around and listen to you all original 348 with it being powered by an R-2800 while wearing a leather flight jacket? And if it were not for the hams who years ago bought this stuff how much of it would be around today? Don't see a whole lot of old radar stuff out their do you?
Ray Fantini KA3EKH


Subject: Re: [Milsurplus] [ARC5] responsibility to our posterity

Many of the mods were because of a serious lack of understanding of the
designs.