unscientific poll

[Al Tanner]

I think your reality check is true. There is also the cost of labor involved.
A very large cost. You will not find programers, designers, testing
personnel, proofreaders, technicians, AutoCAD technicians, stock boys or
shipping clerks available for 1977 wages. All the management in the world
cannot sell enough "kits" to support the workforce required. Plus, insurance,
retirement funds, medical, etc. Who is going to "man" the phones 24 hours a
day and answer all those questions. A 10 buck an hour feller. I think not.
The days of these companies is over. Most of us "older" fellers have enough
problems soldering tube gear, how do you think we will be able to see to
solder circuit boards.( I know...YOU can see just fine yadda yadda) The tube
gear and plug the component in the little hole printed circuits were just
fine, but today that kind of technology is becoming obsolete. Take a look
inside your new Icom or Yaesu...Think you could find a problem with it using
your trusty VOM and Heathkit 'scope. Guess again. Home-brew still works fine,
and you can get more projects than you can build in a lifetime if you look
thru old QST and handbooks. Sure its hard to find some parts, but those that
build are happy with it. It's that or the little QRP rigs, and I believe
that's going to be it from here on out....Al/W8FAX

Listserver Subscription:listserv at listserv.tempe.gov - "subscribe heath 'name' 'call'"
Listserver Submissions: heath at listserv.tempe.gov
Listserver Unsubscribe: listserv at listserv.tempe.gov - -"signoff heath"