An eTour Just For The Fun Of It

• If Motorola ever made it, it is here. Radios, parts, accessories, and literature abound. GE and some other commercial stuff is common, too. However, Motorola rules the roost. I used to be a Motorola tech (long ago and far away in “another life”) so I know its good stuff. Should I ever get a burning urge to work on another Motrac I know where to find one.

• Strange brands from Hong Kong and some other Asian locations pop up. The two dominant categories seem to be HT's and FM stereo transmitters. I can understand the HT's but I didn't know there was that big a market for FM transmitters (most are low power). The reviews here on e-Ham are pretty good for the HT's (look for Puxing and Quansheng). However, somebody's going to have to fill me in on why anyone would want a 7 watt FM stereo transmitter (a “pirate” broadcast station in the neighborhood maybe?).

• There wasn't as much MFJ “stuff” as I expected. I find this odd because MFJ makes a gadget for just about every purpose (I own a bunch of `em) and we all know that the quality control varies. I expected to find lots of MFJ problem unloading, but didn't see much when compared to other vendors and manufacturers. I suspect we “cuss” our MFJ stuff when it won't work, then we fix it, then we hang onto it because nobody else makes stuff quite like it. We love `ya Martin, keep on trying.

• A lot of the ham gear seems to be sold by non-hams. This happens when “professional” eBay-ers buy garage sale and estate merchandise for resale. After scanning several listings I got to where I could easily tell when the seller really knew about the goods or not. Typical statement: “I turned it on and it lit up”. Scariest statement: “I tried the mike switch and said `hello' but nobody answered”. Dumbest statement: “I know some hamm (sic) would love this for a gift” (comment about a dead CB radio). Best “hidden meaning” statement: “This thing really, really modulates . . . I mean it can flat out modulate.” (comment on a modified CB radio). Most clueless statement: “I think this is a ham radio” (comment on an old Heath linear) - close but no cigar!

• Some blatantly illegal modifications and merchandise appear. Yep, there are radios that will “work” on the ham bands and CB. There are amplifiers with names like “Da Bomb”, “Fire Box” and “Blitzkrieg” among others that escape eBay's rules by being promoted as “ham” merchandise. I looked closely at much of this stuff and, frankly, I'd be scared to plug it in! Rough construction, dubious parts, dirt, and obvious mechanical “problems” almost always were visible in the pictures. With due respect to eBay I've also seen these things at some hamfest flea markets. But, some of the hams who sell on eBay require the buyer to be listed in a call sign database (to purchase radios or amps). I like that.

• Boat Anchor Heaven! This is my favorite part. I don't own any “heavy” gear right now, but I sure do remember when I did (back before it was called a boat anchor). My favorite listings are the ones by hams who have either had the gear since it was new or have lovingly restored it for sale. These have great descriptions. I also love what I call “semi-boat anchors”. These are the solid state but pre menu-driven rigs with lots and lots of knobs, meters and switches. I'm kind of in the market for a Kenwood 800-900 numbered rig so I really spent some time on these. Quality of the goods and the sellers varied greatly.

• General-coverage battery powered receivers of all types. I love to look at the old Zenith stuff (a Trans-Oceanic is a work of art), but there's lots more. I don't currently own a battery-powered multi-band, multi-mode receiver, but I'm thinking about one.

• The old “legitimate” CB stuff is really interesting! Yes, I was KEH3607 in 1963 and owned a Johnson 5-channel crystal controlled “Messenger” set. They are still around, but a little scarred up. Its fun to look at the 23 channel rigs - their designs always scream “1970's” with fake walnut grain trim and huge, chrome knobs. Burt Reynolds and Sally Field joyride in the black TransAm again! I had a Kraco CB in my 1976 Pinto. Talked on it while driving to the disco. Wore my powder blue polyester leisure suit, too. Just shoot me. Some memories are painful. I won't mention it again.

• Neat test equipment - lots of it older. I haven't owned an “o-scope” in years, but there are plenty to be had. Some of the older, dedicated test gear is fun to look at. Remember when tube testers could be found in a back corner at grocery stores? I came close to bidding on a Simpson VOM (remember the big, black-cased ones?).

• Radios for sale without power cords, manuals, original boxes and key accessories like microphones. Hmmmm. Some of the listings even say “cord is very short”. Might these be a bit “warm” in the chain of ownership sense?

• Scanners and more scanners. I just bought a new Uniden hand-held from AES. It takes fourteen fingers and a magnifying glass to program it. Unless I pay some outfit to do the setup work, I can get more utility out of something a lot older and a lot cheaper - maybe I'll list it on eBay!

• Strangest item? A “Ghost Hunter/Franks Box” ghost finder/detector/recorder. The listing didn't say how it worked, you just gotta believe in it I guess. If the spooks are on any of our bands, they better be silent keys!

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