More on disposition of radio collections - reflections from a semi-old collector

[Graham Hunter]

Hi Bob,

I totally agree with all the points you have made. We all should take heed,
regardless of age.

73,

Graham, N6GH



On 3/29/06, Bob And Bettina Groh <rgroh at swbell.net> wrote:
>
> I've been following the recent thread on Boat Anchors regarding large
> collections of ham radio equipment and the (eventual) problem of
> disposing of them after the collector's eventual (and inevitable, I
> might add) demise and exit from this world.
>
> I, too, have accumulated my share of old radio's - both amateur radio
> types and broadcast types. When I was younger, I frankly did not give
> much thought to what a burden these might be to my family when I pass
> away. But now I am older (just retired and a 'youngish' 65) and I have
> certainly given the problem much more thought. Additionally I have
> helped other's dispose of their collections and have, in some cases,
> purchased collections of equipment for my own collection. Anyways here
> are some serious thoughts for those of us who love our radio's.
>
> 1.   Make a list of your radio's and keep it up to date. Include an
> estimate of condition and what you would guesstimate the 'street value'
> is. Make sure your wife and family know where this list is.
>
> 2.   Make a list of people and organizations your wife and family can
> turn to for help when the time comes to dispose of your equipment. In my
> case, this includes a few local hams and the antique radio club that I
> belong to.
>
> 3.   Keep your collection honed down!  Purge it on a regular basis. EBAY
> and these lists are a great way to keep the surplus down I'm still
> working on that part of it and, more or less constantly, I go though my
> 'stuff' (not just ham or radio gear either) and get it gone!
>
> 4.   Buy with discrimination! It is easy to become a hoarder! I am
> trying to be more discriminating now - in fact, I skipped the last
> couple of hamfests. I only buy what really appeals to me and only at a
> good 'value point'. I have plenty and plenty of radio's to work on. I do
> enjoy the hunt for new and interesting radios (building an HBR is still
> a dream) but I am more discriminating that before. Plus I try to sell
> some for every one I buy (kind of spread the joy).
>
> So it is serious - this 'obsession' that we have. It does behove us to
> try to keep it in check and try to make things easier for your spouse
> and your family when the big cleanup is needed. With any luck, I'll sell
> my last radio just before you pass on and that will be one less burden
> for my wife to cope with. Meanwhile I intent to have some fun with my
> collection. But remember - the emphasis should be on the fun (and in
> preserving old radios!).
>
> 73 de WA2CKY
> Bob Groh
>
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