[Milsurplus] In search of a RAL

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi,

I went to the Cadillac, MI hamfest this morning..the first hamfest I've
been to in this century. I was looking specifically for a RAL - any
condition. I got there at the starting gun and hurried around the modest
sized area. No RAL. Then I went back around more slowly and I did find a
Drake 2B. No I didn't buy it. The owner was off somewhere doing more
important things than talking to people interested in his unpriced gear.
The fellow who checked all the items on the table for the owner told me
the receiver powered up without smoke but that it didn't work. . When
the owner finally showed up he wanted $125 for the non working receiver.
I took a pass. I talked to the guy who did buy it and he paid $95. I
didn't feel bad cuz I think that was too much for a broken radio. We
talked about it a bit and he will probably do okay with it. He knows how
to fix them and he expects to make a profit. I was only looking at it as
"for use" in my shack. And...it's NOT a RAL.

I *DID* find a "sleeve" of 5 NOS 6BA6Ws for a buck each. Those are mine
now. I have a set of Hi-Z cans that the cord was ruinated long ago and
asked a guy who had a set of cans if he knew where to get the cords. He
suggested his and I could just buy them for the cord. They were cheap.
So I bought them. Of course they work just fine so now - I still need a
cord set for the one I already had. I have a plain wire cord set on them
and the cord does NOT lay flat on the table. Miserable to use.

I'll take another cruise looking for a RAL at the next nearby hamfest
next month. No telling what will actually be there.

73,

Bill  KU8H