You should demo your spark transmitter. At last week’s meeting of our local club (Cowtown Amateur Radio Club in Fort Worth), an operator and collector knowledgeable about early radio (Jim Sargent) brought and demo’d a spark transmitter with both a rotary and fixed gap spark generator. I’d always wondered how they functioned, as did many in our club. Jim also gave us a rundown on the technology’s development. Your club will certainly appreciate your presentation.

Bill Blodgett

Arlington, Texas

On Sep 28, 2026, at 1:50 PM, Hubert Miller via Milsurplus <[email protected]> wrote:

Well, i failed the 'reading comprehension' test, when i mistook the state where 73 magazine was headquartered. Back to 'Dick and Jane' books for me.

The ham club out here on the coast is almost all 'appliance operators'. I really do not think most could draw you a transistor RF stage. Parts level repair, if done at all, is generally the province of some depot. So be it. I hope at least a few will keep finding classic communications gear to be fascinating.

I have a spark ( "B wave" ) trans - receiver i plan to sell next year. I thought i'd demo it, working into a power meter or light bulb, here at the monthly ham club meeting. Wouldn't that be fun ? I'm sure it would be the first and last time they see any such thing. I don't know if it would register with watchers, but it wouldn't cost me anything and might be moderate fun.

-Hue Miller

Sent from my Galaxy

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