Brings back memories. I disagree though on space requirements.
When I graduated from college and took my first job in San Diego I rented a
two bedroom/two bath apartment in 1972. Since the second bathroom was rarely
used, it became my work shop where I built my 4-1000 amp. I still have the
amp (weighs a ton) with vac variables, RF Switch bandswitch, etc. all parts
bought at swap meets. Got me on the honor roll......
73 Hardy N7RT
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rob Atkinson" <ranchorobbo@gmail.com>
To: <amps@contesting.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2010 5:05 PM
Subject: Re: [Amps] Fleamarkets and more
> If there is a lack of homebrewing of big RF it is due to death by 1000
> cuts. Many minor factors have combined to end the practice. Notice
> that QST doesn't seem to run anything on homebrewing with high voltage
> now. I'm just starting to take a stab at this myself. My findings:
>
> You firstly need a place to work. There has to be a lot of room.
> Lots of light. Plenty of room to spread out tools, parts, the item
> being built and lots of AC service circuits and outlets and at least
> one stout bench or table. You can't build a big amp or transmitter
> on a card table in a corner.
>
> You need test equipment, tools, variacs, various soldering irons,
> guns, and so on plus supplies.
>
> You need to know about tools, what to get, how to use them. Good
> tools and good supplies aren't cheap.
>
> This and more is in addition to knowing electronics. Being familiar
> with DC, solid state, digital logic doesn't get you far with AC, RF
> and tubes (but it is better than just knowing about macrame).
>
> It is easy to feel overwhelmed but on top ot that the modern day OM
> with a XYL who also works may find it hard to find the room, time and
> money to set up shop. So the vacuum variables, plate transformers and
> 4-1000 go begging at flea markets while CDs with PSK31 software move.
>
> I am very fortunate--I have a good friend who is a professional
> mechanic who has forgotten more about tools than I will ever learn and
> he is a ham who builds things and he is teaching me what to buy and
> how to use it. There is also a large machine shop where I work
> staffed by master machinists who don't mind my questions about metal
> work.
>
> When you start to realize how good gear can be if you make it yourself
> you start spending 95% of your time at hamfest flea markets and the 5%
> you spend on the indoor new manufactured stuff is only to look around
> and think, "nothing here for me" and go back outside.
>
> Someone posted some message about not knowing about tools ( or
> something like that). You have to get off your butt and search. One
> word: Wikipedia Don't know about punches? Look up Punch in
> Wikipedia.
>
> I am discovering that if all you do is buy stuff and use it you are
> not experiencing the richness of ham radio as a hobby.
>
> 73
>
> Rob
> K5UJ
> _______________________________________________
> Amps mailing list
> Amps@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
_______________________________________________
Amps mailing list
Amps@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
|