"Frank Dresser" wrote in message
...

wrote in message
oups.com...
Just a question that has been rattling around in the gourd. What age
group are B/A enthusiast-type folks here on the Net? I know we have the
folks from when they (the B/A's) were the most active (and I'm talking
SX11 here), but I wonder if there's a large following of Boomers that
picked up on it too.

There's plenty, if you define the boomers as those born between the late
40s
and early 60s. Probably the majority on this group, as we are the most
likely to have some sort of interest in both computers and vacuum tube
electronics.


I only say this because I don't see as many
30's-40's-50's people at the Hamfests and other gatherings as I see my
elders (Gentlemen, all). So the question bubbles up outta the tar? How
old are the folks on rec.radio.amateur.boatanchor?
rgds, Mark S.


I'll be 49 in a few days. Although I'm not a ham, I've been to a few
hamfests. I'd guess the bulk of the guys at the fests were retired guys,
but that might only mean that retired guys have more free time. But it's
my
sense that younger people have less interest in vacuum tube electronics,
and
most of what interest they have is in hi-fi audio and guitar amps.

Frank Dresser



Many of those "retired" folks had some good electronics backgrounds. Even if
they were Mill workers - Coal Miners or the like, many ended up doing
repairs to the equipment. So, don't let yourself be fooled that "all" these
"retirees" were late comers into the hobby. Many of those "retirees" have
ham set ups that would rattle your imagination. Then too, some of them would
tell you - they grew up with radio but never took the time to get into it,
and now that they're retired, they want to do so - so in that case - your
assumption would be correct. The hamfests I go to are still pretty well
populated by young and old alike. Maybe not too many "young" under say 30,
but a handful. Enough to make me believe the hobby/profession isn't dead
yet. As to those over 20 to say 40 - maybe not as populated as the retirees,
but not far behind.

Now for my 2 cents as to the above post (respectfully)

Though many of the parts available at the time Vacuum tubes were used - were
still available with transistors/ICs - and many still are yet today - isn't
so much the reason for lack of interest. This argument has raged for the
last few years at various times and even recently in another group. SMT has
chased many away, but still - with all the "parts big enough to see and
solder" without an Electron Microscope and thousand dollar soldering set -
the younger group has seemingly NO interest. The SMD isn't the only reason.

As I said in another group - you would think - that as much as these kids
seem to be into computers (or were) - video games, cell phones, etc......
some would want to get involved. I said also that yes - though Cell phones
and the like are created in China or where ever for sale here - the fact
remains, someone still has to maintain the cell sites - and it takes
knowledge to do that. We can ill afford to allow our technology and
maintenance to be exported. When we cease "maintaining" as well, we're done.
Our Technology then, may as well be tube state - because if we can't fix it,
those who seek to destroy us would have an open hand at doing so. If the
armed forces are the only way to get these kids to train now days, we're in
trouble. The armed forces couldn't possibly keep up the pace.

Just my 2 cents...

clf