[SOC] [OT] Blast from the Past

[Tom McCulloch]

Ian,
 Nice story.  It's interesting how certain things jog our memories.

72/73
Tom, WB2QDG

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Daddy, why do they call it the "World Series" if its always played in the 
Bronx?



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ian C. Purdie" <ianpurdie at integritynet.com.au>
To: "EQA" <Electronics-qa at vk2tips.com>; "Second Class Operators' Club" 
<soc at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, November 01, 2006 7:46 PM
Subject: [SOC] [OT] Blast from the Past


> My beautiful twin grand-daughters purchased for me, and my best friend, 
> from the
> local $2 shop two ties [wear around the neck] with a Christmas motif.
> All Electronics included.
>
> Reindeers with eyes which flash on demand when you push a button etc. etc.
>
> Put's me back to around about 1980 when my then Sales Manager took an 
> order to
> purchase 100,000 of these new LED's with controllers embedded. They were
> National's FRL XXXX. Can't think of the exact number. 4494? FRL4494?
>
> I do remember these flashing LED's cost me 33c apiece or $33,000 back then 
> in 1980.
>
> Our "client" had this brilliant idea he would purchase legitimacy 100,000
> "KISS" badges, drill a hole in them, place the LED and a rough switch 
> which
> contacted with the then new technology of cell batteries. 1V5 volts. Watch 
> type.
>
> "KISS" was all the rage then and touring Australia.
>
> Of course this entrepreneur knew nothing about electronics, he simply 
> hired 15 year old kids off the street to complete his mission. They knew 
> nothing, he knew nothing, he purchased 100W soldering irons from the local 
> hardware etc. etc. The 15 year old kids were his assembly line with 100W 
> soldering irons.
>
> To end a boring tale? Back in 1980 I had no choice but to write off that 
> $33,000. Cheaper than fighting a lawsuit.
>
> Today?
>
> He was a man before his time, just didn't know how to implement technology 
> successfully for his dreams and aspirations.
>
> So, I look at these two ties, the same intent, perhaps better technology, 
> even at a cost of $33,000 to me I still admire the man.
>
> Never met him BTW. But I respect him as a "goer"
>
>
> 72/73's
>
> Ian C. Purdie
> Budgewoi N.S.W. Australia - Co-ords S33?14', E151?34'
> VK2TIP "I'll give ya the TIP mate" QRP-L #1978. SOC #171 FP#91
> http://www.electronics-tutorials.com/
>
>
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