I don't think the problem will be the use.  The problem wil be the parts and
the inability to replace of find what is needed.
Many of the rigs made in the late 80's and early 90's are already
unrepairable if certain chips go out.
You can still find the parts to keep a 60 year old valiant running if
necessary.
You will wonder why you fought going to a modern radio once you have one
under your hands.
The changes in technology that have been made in 45 years have to be
experienced to be appreciated.
Duel vfo's, memories, no tune xcvers on receive and transmit, general
coverage from below the broadcast band through 6 meters, all modes, computer
control.
Its all a different world!!!
Not to mention QSK with enough power to drive your amp if you want.


-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of John Miller
Sent: Tuesday, April 07, 2015 10:42 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Maybe time to say good bye

I have a feeling the radios made today will never see the life span of a
TS-830 and the like. I hope my TS-2000 can last that long since likely the
next time I'll even afford a used radio, that radio will probably be 30 to
40 years old at least. I have a feeling though, as heavily as it's used now,
it won't see anywhere near that long.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Colin McDonald" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 07, 2015 11:18 AM
Subject: Re: Maybe time to say good bye


> Unless one can repair old radios oneself, they are a bottomless money 
> pit much of the time.
> Just like classic cars, they are old technology that was perhaps top 
> shelf at one time, but is now tedious and finiky at best.
> Perhaps the TS590 will be the same in 40 years from now lol.
> You've put a pile of cash into that old radio to make it the best it 
> can be...time to accept defeat and get yourself something reliable and 
> where you simply turn it on and use it without any worry of tubes or 
> tuning up etc.
> I've got a TS830S here that I very rarely use siply because of the 
> pain in the ass it is to tune the radio and then the manual antenna 
> tuner everytime I change frequencies.
> I've hardly been on HF in the last while because of the manual tuner 
> really...it's just such an anoyance to have to retune the thing every 
> 500Kcs SO an automatic tuner is certainly on the list this summer.
>
> 73
> Colin, V A6BKX
> From: Michael Ryan
> Sent: Tuesday, April 07, 2015 8:37 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Maybe time to say good bye
>
> Hi all:=20
>
> Well apparently the cause of my fuse blowing in my 102 is due to too = 
> high a plate current and over loading.=20 As the TW-1 has allowed me 
> to tune up for max power, lowest reflected = power and SWR, moving the 
> plate control back to the specified setting of = 300MA max, doesn't 
> drop the pitch of the meter enough for me to really = use it solo.=20 
> Basically, I need my XYL's help to insure my plate is OK before = 
> operating. I can detect a little ripple in the TW-1's tone and I think 
> I = may be able to use this as the guide to tell me my plate has 
> dropped = back to the safe levels but not sure.=20 I don't like under 
> loading, which I could do but this would result in = another part of 
> the finals being damaged. Yes it protects 1 part of the = tube but 
> damages another and that's pointless as you can't graft parts = of 
> tubes together. LOL=20 So I'm going to send her back to NC4L in FLA as 
> he's the only person = who's willing to straighten up my amp keying 
> relay and re_install 1 of = the optional CW filters I have and then 
> she may be treated like a = classic car. Taken out on Sunny days 
> etc.=20 I'm also considering a new rig and my 2 considerations are the 
> IC-7410 = and TS-590. I've heard the Yaesu FTDX-1200/5000 and I'm not 
> overly = impressed with the audio coming out of them for the money.=20 
> The FT-950 on the other hand has some of the best audio in an entry to 
> = mid priced rig and its to bad they stopped making that. I could get 
> 1 on = the used market but I've been pretty much been beaten'  up when 
> buying = and I'm not prepared to go through all that again.=20 I even 
> got taken with my 102 but due to the fact its my favourite rig, I = 
> spent an additional 800CAN to get her where she is now. This was after 
> = trading an 18 month old FT-450 with desk mic, probably worth at 
> least = 800CAN and the 102 plus accessories I got in trade was 
> probably worth = half that.=20 So we'll see, certainly for contesting 
> it maybe time to get a modern set = up. I'm even considering unloading 
> my AL-811H and get an ALS-600. When = you can't beet them, join them. 
> LOL=20
>
> 73:=20
> Mike DE VO1AX=20