Is this in the May issue? If so, I haven't received mine, yet.
Once I read the article, I may write a letter of disagreement with such a premise, but I have to see the article, first.
Kim Elmore, N5OP At 11:32 PM 4/20/2008, you wrote:
The "Getting On The Air" column by W1ZR. Vacuum tube based equipment is far too dangerous to consider for a first rig, and building your own equipment apparently isn't even a consideration any longer. If it uses tubes, GASP! High Voltage! We can't have any of that! Also, avoid gear older than 8 years, because you might not be able to get it repaired. I hang my head in shame over what has happened to this once great hobby where people were somewhat technically competent. Those that lacked technical skills at least learned a bit of theory to at least have a basic understanding of the operation of their equipment. At 44 years old, I'm a relative youngster in ham radio. I build and restore vacuum tube equipment. I also play the guitar. The electric guitar fraternity seems to embrace homebrewing far more than the amateur community does today. Most good guitar amp designs are still vacuum tube based, including modern designs. People regularly modify their amps or build clone designs. Yes, high voltage. You learn the proper precautions. Seems rather funny that a musician might be more apt to work with electronics than a ham radio operator. Modern electronics is too complicated, tubes are too dangerous - it's no wonder that electronics isn't even taught any longer throughout most of the school system. I'm really beginning to question why I continue to support the ARRL. At first when I saw the cover of this issue, I had thought there would be all these neat projects from the Homebrewer's Challenge. Needless to say, I was disappointed. I used to treasure QST. While I still save all my issues, I'm beginning to wonder why. It certainly isn't the technical journal it once was. 73, Joe, N6DGY Pleasant Grove, UT ______________________________________________________________ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list Searchable Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/amradio@mailman.qth.net/ List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body.
______________________________________________________________ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list Searchable Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/amradio@mailman.qth.net/ List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body.
