I would submit that the 'average' ham of today (at least in the US)
doesn't even own a real soldering station (not just iron or gun) or
knows how to use one. Our society is mostly toss when broken, buy what
is lacking (Amazon next day wins, FleaBay not far behind).
And the rest are aging; so hands are thicker and eyes are weaker, making
some of the newer connectors (AND mustard seed sized components) harder
to work on. (And we miss the Heathkit product lines too; /nearly/ idiot
proof!)
I include myself in the aging portion; but I do what I can still do, as
needed (maybe not as tidily, but pretty matters only after it works!).
Magnifying headsets help; a younger but also aging neighbor takes up the
slack.
It's a sad comment on the state of ham radio; those that know, can't
anymore while those that can't, just click and ship shop. Where's the
fun and joy in that?
73,
Rick nk7i
On 12/10/2025 3:31 PM, Jim Brown via Elecraft wrote:
On 12/10/2025 12:36 PM, Richards via Elecraft wrote:
Do hams no longer make cables?
I've probably made a thousand cables over my 70 years as a ham and 40
years in pro audio, but there are a few coax connectors for which I
either don't have a suitable tool or don't feel comfortable doing
myself. As I recall, one of the connectors that he needed was one of
those.
73, Jim K9YC
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