Spec sheets
Getting a new toy (that is how an adult must refer to a gadget that doesn’t produce an appreciable increase in the quality of life in the home) can be fun. Finding out that you already have an even better toy, in the bottom of the sock drawer (a long story) is even better. Saving money, for the NEXT toy!
I had calculated that having a versatile radio transmitter, while on vacation, might be worthwhile. I control my impulses well, and I rather enjoy the hunt for good gear. Reading spec sheets, checking prices in the wilds of retail, deciding what accessories would make a choice into a great choice. I do it with gusto. For the last couple of days, I’ve had a full desktop of bragging from the industry. And then I realized something important: I don’t really like to talk to strangers. Listening is fine, but actually doing the social thing, saying my name and location and adding a “five/nine” is not necessary.
But, what about having a receiver? I have receivers, covering the best technological advances of a lifetime. What if I could coax (not co-ax) some new signals out of the gear on hand? And so I’ve been watching videos, learning how the rest of the world does this. That little handheld that I bought back in the last decade is still “state of the art”. I might need to try some new antenna ideas, but that’s possible. Sure, there’s less shortwave activity, but perhaps the quality has improved.
And if I find that I need something more powerful, I can plan ahead. Not as much of an adrenalin rush as opening a new box, but easier to squeeze into a fixed budget lifestyle.
