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Old May 1st 10, 07:43 PM posted to rec.radio.amateur.moderated
John from Detroit John from Detroit is offline
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First recorded activity by RadioBanter: Mar 2010
Posts: 48
Default What makes a real ham

KØHB wrote:
"John from Detroit" wrote in message
...


As to being open to real progress.. For many decades we have pushed
the progress forward.. to this day Hams still use better hardware than


the military in many cases... Why.. Because hams designed it, not
military engineers.


Better in what way?

I don't know of any amateur equipment, including the latest $10K stuff
from the JA engineers, which is as capable or durable as the most basic


military communications equipment.



Better in that it's more advanced.. Several years ago (about 30) I was
chatting with a ham who had just finished his hitch in the military, He
commented on being ask to check out some equeptment since he was a
certified electronics tech both in civilian life and military life.

As he unzipped his jump suit so he could squat down easier the MP's with
him noticed his HT-220.. At the time they were still using HT-200's (I
do admit the 200 is more solid (durable) than the 220)

I watched his dad bounce a 200 off the pavement. (He had the radio at
his ear when he tripped and threw the radio down to help regain his
balance.. The radio continued to work.. he is one of the very few people
taller than 6'3"me)

And you said you did not knwo any ham gear as GOOD as military
hardware. True story:

Some years ago a Ham "90 day wonder" LT was put in charge of a
communications unit.. The SGT's figured they would have to teach him all
about the stuff.

Well. he noticed an order for a new piece of gear (Linier amp as I
recall or Transmitter) and ask the Sgt if it had come in yet "Yes, but
we did not get the manual" so.. he said "Let's take a look at it"

He then demonstrated that he knew how to work the hardware, Even w/o the
manual.. The Sgt though wanted the manual.

So he called back to the states.... Direct to the President and founder
of Henry Radio.. yes, the amplifier or transmistter was a common Ham
unit with a new paint job and military style knobs.

Several pieces of gear, Henry, Collins, Drake and more, came in civilian
and military versions. The only difference was the olive drab paint and
the military style knobs and an "A" for Army (or some other designator
to indicate the cosmetic differences)

As recently as Viet Nam they were still using ham gear in the Military.
Good Solid KWM-2's in fact.