The thrill of the hunt
Hard call here. What’s more fun? Actually buying something you don’t need, or dreaming about the purchase? Forget the financial burden, this has to do with the feel good part of things.
I don’t buy lottery tickets (I’m too frugal), but I get a real poke in the ribs when it comes to old amateur radio gear. Not really old; I’ve dealt with tubes and the chance of a shock is far too high at my age. My penchant is for stuff that predates surface mount technologies (although I’m not a purist). My own shack contains stuff manufactured when I didn’t have a pension plan in view, and most of it works; a tribute to lead-based solder and components that can be seen with the naked middle-aged eye.
But, I check out eBay and swap nets and forum listings, because someday I’m going to find the perfect piece of gear. Now here’s the bump. There are two upcoming hamfests. One in five days and two hours drive, another in thirty-three days and three hours drive. Those times are one way; I still have to factor in going home and continuing the mundane. I just have to convince the driver that this is a plan with merit.
Now, what would I love to find, on some flea market table? Well, there’s always a need for more Morse keys. And books, although I have the better ones in my library already. Some additional antenna switches, because I dream of a wall of receivers, all tuned in to interesting stuff. Maybe some digital hardware, because computers aren’t going away. Wire. Always need more wire; particularly lengths of coax that can be used in the future.
As for money… well, I might find a bargain.
