Heathkit cult

[Don Melcher]

Absolutely - I worked for a large power utility in telecom - well over 200
"state-certified" communications technicians - with either FCC or NABER
certificates (mostly FCC) that had been though a 3-year apprentice program
(I managed to skip that part and went straight to tech by passing the test)-
I don't think more then 10 of us knew how a radio worked.

I worked in the field and in the shop. The problem with computer diagnostics
is that it can't match the service monitor on either side of your head - IF
you know what you are listening to/for. The other techs used to get p.o.'ed
because I would work on the radios with the volume turned up - usually WAY
up. But I also found and fixed problems/complaints others missed or couldn't
fix.

I also discovered quickly in the field that was the best way to keep
somebody from bugging you when you were trying to get some work done - I
used to run a "2-tone test" with some god-awful sounding tone pairs at ear
splitting levels that would just drive you nuts.

Don



-----Original Message-----
From: Heathkit Owners and Collectors List
[mailto:HEATH at LISTSERV.TEMPE.GOV]On Behalf Of Davies, Doug A FOR:EX
Sent: Friday, October 15, 2004 11:13 AM
To: HEATH at LISTSERV.TEMPE.GOV
Subject: Re: Heathkit cult


>>Anyone tried to take an FT-1000MP apart lately? Jeez.

Brian, W0DZ<<

Further to this point, I recently spoke with a two-way technician here in
town about this very subject.  He told me they really don't troubleshoot
much any more.  He said the customer simply can't afford it.  He showed me a
computer interface that they use with one brand of commercial radios they
sell and service.  It plugs into the radio and, with a few diagnostic
routines, tells the "technician" what the problem is and which board to
change out to fix the problem.  This fellow told me that at shop rates of
$60.00/hour and up, the customer can't afford to have anyone troubleshoot
their radios anymore.  And, with SMT becoming the norm, he says that more
often than not, one ruins five parts trying to replace one. Ten minutes with
the computer and the radio is out the door.

This guy is a relative oldtimer and he concurs with the assesment that new
"technicians" coming out school now have limited basic skills when it comes
to actually working on radios. Things like proper soldering techniques and
the correct way to assemble a coax connector have to be taught on the job.
He still refuses to use crimp-on connectors, by the way <grin>.  So, I think
many of the posts are correct in that ham radio as many of us knew it is a
dying hobby.  It's proceeding rapidly to a plug-and-play world.

Doug  VA7DD

-----------------------------------------------------------
Products bought, sold or traded here is the responsibility of the
parties involved.  This list and the City of Tempe are not responsible
for losses or misrepresentations of any kind.  Buyer beware!

-----------------------------------------------------------
This list is a public service of the City of Tempe, Arizona
-----------------------------------------------------------

Subscription control - http://www.tempe.gov/lists/control.asp?list=HEATH
To post - HEATH at LISTSERV.TEMPE.GOV
Archives - http://interactive.tempe.gov/archives/HEATH.html