On 30 Jan 2006 16:58:14 -0800, wrote:

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. 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.

64. First licensed in 1958, although I was an SWL for a few years
before that using a BC-342. Still have it.

Wes N7WS, formerly KN7CVT, K7CVT

Welll... I got a BC-610E in 1960, even-up trade for my Globe DSB-100,
from an Airman rotating in from Guam. I'm 62 and licensed in 1959. I
got (back) into B/As in about 1985. I see the same thing here in the DC
area. I have no idea what'll become of the treasures in the next 20-30
years? de K3HVG

In message .com,
writes
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. 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 think I beat the others. I'm 74, licenced in '52.

That's why I'm on BA!

Mike G3IJE
--
M.J.Powell

"M. J. Powell" wrote in message
...

I think I beat the others. I'm 74, licenced in '52.

That's why I'm on BA!

I was licensed in '52, but I'm not telling although Mike is a bit older.

Leanne - W1WXS

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

"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

"CLFE" wrote in message
...
"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.

Huh? How was I stating any assumptions about when hamfesters got into the
hobby?

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.

Well, the topic was interest in boatanchors. If you're saying that there's
almost as many people between 20 to 40 with an interest in boatanchor radios
as people over 65 -- you've noticed something I've missed.



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.

Well, they sure sell a bunch of fancy video cards and other such
computeralia at Best Buy and Circuit City and Fry's. I'm assuming the
buyers are the gamers who are into upgrading their computers, much as the
hot-rodders of my generation would buy manifolds and camshafts at the speed
shop.


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



Military threats are so last millenium. Given our huge trade deficit and
our enormous foreign-financed budget deficit, they'll just fly over and buy
everything with what used to be our money.

Frank Dresser

I'll be 51 in a couple of weeks, going on 12
according to wifee. Been a ham since I was
18. As a dumb kid, I was always interested in
electronics, and did a lot of dumpster diving
for old radios and TV's. Hate to admit it, but I
ruined quite a few for their parts. Had more than
my share of military BA's over the years as well.
Now I'm paying my pennance and restoring many
of the old rigs I once destroyed.

Steve W6SSP

wrote:

Just a question that has been rattling around in the gourd. What age
group are B/A enthusiast-type folks here on the Net?

65! Licenced in 1957.

Irv VE6BP
--
--------------------------------------
Diagnosed Type II Diabetes March 5 2001
Beating it with diet and exercise!
297/215/210 (to be revised lower)
58"/43"(!)/44" (already lower too!)
--------------------------------------
Visit my HomePage at http://members.shaw.ca/finkirv/index.html
Visit my Baby Sofia website at http://members.shaw.ca/finkirv4/index.htm
Visit my OLDTIMERS website at http://members.shaw.ca/finkirv5/index.htm
--------------------
Irv Finkleman,
Grampa/Ex-Navy/Old Fart/Ham Radio VE6BP
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Irv Finkleman wrote:

wrote:

Just a question that has been rattling around in the gourd. What age
group are B/A enthusiast-type folks here on the Net?

65! Licenced in 1957.

Irv VE6BP
--
Oops! That should read licenced in 1958!
--
--------------------------------------
Diagnosed Type II Diabetes March 5 2001
Beating it with diet and exercise!
297/215/210 (to be revised lower)
58"/43"(!)/44" (already lower too!)
--------------------------------------
Visit my HomePage at http://members.shaw.ca/finkirv/index.html
Visit my Baby Sofia website at http://members.shaw.ca/finkirv4/index.htm
Visit my OLDTIMERS website at http://members.shaw.ca/finkirv5/index.htm
--------------------
Irv Finkleman,
Grampa/Ex-Navy/Old Fart/Ham Radio VE6BP
Calgary, Alberta, Canada