[PCR-1000] Re Replacing the logic board

[Max Topley]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Martin Francis" <martin@classaxe.com>
To: <pcr-1000@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2004 4:41 PM
Subject: RE: [PCR-1000] Re Replacing the logic board


> Hi fellas,
>
> may I step in?
>
> Let's all draw a breath and shake hands before we end up with a possible
> mini flame war on our hands.

That's fine by me.

> As one of the new technologists who programs computers for a living, I'd
> like to weigh in by saying that I have enormous respect for people who
> understand vacuum technology and analogue circuitry in general.

Me too. I'm happy enough with logic and digital circuitry, but I need lots
of hand-holding when it comes to analog and RF stuff. I couldn't come close
to designing the RF board in the PCR-1000, for instance, but I've written
code for sat-com systems in airliners. The complexity of modern electronics
means makes it necessary to specialise.

> I collect
> and restore vintage radio sets (I have 50) and some of these things are
> works of sheer genius.

A friend of my dad gave me an ex-RAF R-1155 comms receiver when I was a kid.
I thought it was a technical marvel at the time and, considering the state
of technology at the time, I still do.

But I'm really surprised at how many radio enthusiasts nowadays throw up
their hands in horror if you suggest reaching for a soldering iron. When I
first got my VHF/UHF licence, around 35 years ago (gulp!), there was simply
no commercial kit available, so you had no alternative to modifying or
scratch-building. There's no substitute for hands-on experience when it
comes to judging the limits of what is possible.

> Hats off to technology old and new, and to all of
> those who practise it!

I'll drink to that!

-- 
  Max