[NJARC] A few thoughts on the repair clinics and the News letter.

[Radiomf at aol.com]

I have many concerns about the repair clinics. There are many people who get 
free repairs only to later sell the item. Some of them ARE members! I think 
that this is human nature and comes with the territory.  I personally was told 
by a guy from NYC after fixing his three AA5's that they were headed for e-bay 
the very next day. Some blurring of our original intent has gone on. We never 
really said we would do free repairs. Only an appraisal of condition and 
value. We wanted to show people how to fix the radios themselves, but that is 
largely overly optimistic in view of the advanced age and lack of appropriate 
skills of many of those who bring radios.
Another big problem is the lack of organization. We need a CLINIC 
COORDINATOR. Someone to make sure the event is well planned. These tasks are currently 
handled by at least 4 people:
1 Alex, schedules the public appointments, but not with any "experts" in 
particular.
2 Al K, brings essential test equipment
3 Phil, matching experts with work.
4 Sal, on site printing of schematics.
Others bring tools, tubes, tube tester, resistors, and capacitors.
The one hour "appointments" can drag out for more than half the day upsetting 
all of the advance planning.
I think there needs someone stationed at the entrance to document what goes 
in and out as well as a more concerted effort at requesting donations.
By setting up a "shop" at Info Age, I think that will make things a bit 
easier. Twice a month seems a bit much, but maybe if there were a rotating schedule 
of at least 4 teams?
Marty F