Down the Rabbit Hole
Funny how things come full circle. When I was a young electronics experimenter, tube equipment was cheap and solid state devices were expensive and exotic. I could work with low-power diodes and transistors, but to accomplish anything with some power, tube circuits were king.
The annual San Antonio Radio Fiesta was a few weeks ago, and I inadvertently purchased a few radios. That wasn’t my intention, but circumstances got the better of me. — I should explain.
Christmas gifts for my two great-nephews are always a challenge, and with one entering the first grade, I wanted to up my game a little. The standard Lego-based gifts are always popular, but I sensed that something more involved might be a real hit. By the time I was in Grade School, I was fascinated by all things electrical and radio, so why not give them a crystal radio?
I’ve lived here at Roy Creek Ranch for 22 years, with varying interest in Amateur Radio. Career was a big part of that, with little spare time each weekend before work each Monday morning. Add a 2-3 hour daily commute and ham radio just didn’t fit in.
Marilyn and I enjoy the odd flea market ramble, and a trip to Bussey’s in Schertz, Texas was fun. It was our first time to this meet, and we didn’t really know what to expect. I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, but old tools, radios or cast iron always get my attention.
About 40 years ago, Bob (a high-school buddy) and I started a surplus electronics business. We were hoping to make a little extra money and feed our Amateur Radio habit. We started with a purchase of 18,000 pounds of stuff.