[Milsurplus] Funny true story

[Michael D. Harmon]

Here's another true story.  Yes, I know - hard to believe it really 
happened.

Back in 1979 or 1980, I was working as a systems programmer for the 
University of Missouri.  A friend of mine, N0SS, had given me a defunct 
4CX5000 power tube from a radio station.  I don't know why the station 
didn't have it rebuilt.  The 4CX5000 is a big heavy tube made of 
silver-plated copper with concentric ring element connections and a 
finned heat sink on top.  It was so unique-looking, I decided to use it 
as a paperweight on my desk.  As a joke, I made a professional-looking 
label that said "Dilithium Power Module From USS Enterprise - 
Compliments Of Starfleet Command HQ".

One day there was member of the faculty in my office getting help with a 
core dump from a malfunctioning program.  He glanced at the tube, 
noticed the label, and did a quick double-take.  He turned back toward 
me with a shocked look and said, "That's not really what that thing is 
-- is it?".  I tried to keep a straight face and tell him yes, but my 
expression must have given me away.  The joke didn't last very long, but 
the few seconds in the interim were priceless.

Mike, WB0LDJ