When did Kenwoods etc become "boatanchors"?
 

Kenwoods, Yaesus, Icoms, Sonys...sheesh!
Don't you guys with your modern rice boxes have plenty of other forums to
fill up? I know you'd like to think your stuff is "classic" but it isn't
and doesn't belong here.

When did Kenwoods etc become "boatanchors"?
 

Yes, my 35 year old Yaesu 570 with nothing but tubes is most certainly
classic but indeed it is not a BoatAnchor by our unwritten definition.

At least for now.

But as the elmers pass on and the next generation of tube heads come up,
they will make up their own definitions.

Just human nature.








"Cal" wrote in message
...
Kenwoods, Yaesus, Icoms, Sonys...sheesh!
Don't you guys with your modern rice boxes have plenty of other forums to
fill up? I know you'd like to think your stuff is "classic" but it isn't
and doesn't belong here.

When did Kenwoods etc become "boatanchors"?
 

On Tue, 14 Mar 2006 09:55:22 -0600, "Cal"
wrote:

Kenwoods, Yaesus, Icoms, Sonys...sheesh!
Don't you guys with your modern rice boxes have plenty of other forums to
fill up? I know you'd like to think your stuff is "classic" but it isn't
and doesn't belong here.


Okay, what is a boat anchor?

bob
k5qwg

What's A Boat Anchor
 

From the mists of history and country legend:
ORIGINS OF BOATANCHOR

THREE VERSIONS -- Opinions From The Internet.

Version I -- During World War II, Military Radio Techs used the term
BoatAnchor as they struggled with the huge, heavy, electronic equipments of
the day -- full of transformers, tubes etc. Also the US Navy frequently
marked electronic gear with an anchor. After the war -- tons of the
equipment appeared on the surplus market and was dubbed BoatAnchors due to
the reasons above - one or both.

Version II -- After WWII a national magazine editor answered a query "As
what to do with an outdated heavy, large, surplus electronic instrument?"
and answered "Tie a line to it and use it as a BoatAnchor"

Version III To all those who expressed interest in the CQ magazine reference
to boatanchors, I found it after only an hour or two of skimming. And I
also found that some of my recollections were a bit hazy after all those
years. The original letter to the editor (not to the "Surplus Editor" as I
incorrectly recalled) appeared on page 16 of the October 1956 issue of CQ
and was as follows: Gentlemen: I recently acquired a "Signal Corps Wireless
Set. No. 19 MK II Transceiver." Are there schematics or conversion data for
this rig? Any info will be appreciated. David J. Wilke W3LSG Pottstown,
Pennsylvania The editor replied: The only conversion we seem to have on the
files here at CQ calls for 100 feet of 1" Manila line, one end of which is
to be tied securely around the MK II Transceiver.

This then converts the unit into a fine anchor for a small boat. If any
readers have better conversions we will be glad to hear about them. Ed. This
letter apparently generated a lot of interest and in the February 1957 issue
of CQ there was a follow-up from CQ's editor, another letter from W3LSG and
several pictures. If I find the time I will scan them and post links to
them here.

The expression "boatanchor" may have originated earlier than 1956, as Doug
Hensley pointed out. I found no earlier references in amateur radio than
these CQ's, but there may be some. However, there was no reason to call
amateur gear of that era "boatanchors" since almost all of it fit that
description. It wasn't till later when smaller, lighter gear became popular
that there was reason to categorize some gear as boatanchors. And it is also
interesting to me that a word originally used to denote something of little
value, useful only to anchor a small boat, has taken on a more affectionate
meaning. We love our "boatanchors". Roger K6XQ


--
CL -- I doubt, therefore I might be !






"Bob Miller" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 14 Mar 2006 09:55:22 -0600, "Cal"
wrote:

Kenwoods, Yaesus, Icoms, Sonys...sheesh!
Don't you guys with your modern rice boxes have plenty of other forums to
fill up? I know you'd like to think your stuff is "classic" but it isn't
and doesn't belong here.


Okay, what is a boat anchor?

bob
k5qwg

What's A Boat Anchor
 

Roger,
Thanks for posting this. I almost fell off of the couch I was
laughing so hard!

Personally, I think the definition of boatanchor will change
with time. These days, I consider anything that uses tubes
(but not CRT's) as boatanchors, including my Kenwood
rigs that use tube drivers and finals. 30 years from now,
any pre-Pentium PC will be considered a boatanchor, and
highly collectable.

Steve W6SSP

"Caveat Lector" wrote in message
news:9vKRf.12436$Uc2.7879@fed1read04...
From the mists of history and country legend:
ORIGINS OF BOATANCHOR

THREE VERSIONS -- Opinions From The Internet.

Version I -- During World War II, Military Radio Techs used the term
BoatAnchor as they struggled with the huge, heavy, electronic equipments
of the day -- full of transformers, tubes etc. Also the US Navy frequently
marked electronic gear with an anchor. After the war -- tons of the
equipment appeared on the surplus market and was dubbed BoatAnchors due to
the reasons above - one or both.

Version II -- After WWII a national magazine editor answered a query "As
what to do with an outdated heavy, large, surplus electronic instrument?"
and answered "Tie a line to it and use it as a BoatAnchor"

Version III To all those who expressed interest in the CQ magazine
reference to boatanchors, I found it after only an hour or two of
skimming. And I also found that some of my recollections were a bit hazy
after all those years. The original letter to the editor (not to the
"Surplus Editor" as I incorrectly recalled) appeared on page 16 of the
October 1956 issue of CQ and was as follows: Gentlemen: I recently
acquired a "Signal Corps Wireless Set. No. 19 MK II Transceiver." Are
there schematics or conversion data for this rig? Any info will be
appreciated. David J. Wilke W3LSG Pottstown, Pennsylvania The editor
replied: The only conversion we seem to have on the files here at CQ calls
for 100 feet of 1" Manila line, one end of which is to be tied securely
around the MK II Transceiver.

This then converts the unit into a fine anchor for a small boat. If any
readers have better conversions we will be glad to hear about them. Ed.
This letter apparently generated a lot of interest and in the February
1957 issue of CQ there was a follow-up from CQ's editor, another letter
from W3LSG and several pictures. If I find the time I will scan them and
post links to them here.

The expression "boatanchor" may have originated earlier than 1956, as Doug
Hensley pointed out. I found no earlier references in amateur radio than
these CQ's, but there may be some. However, there was no reason to call
amateur gear of that era "boatanchors" since almost all of it fit that
description. It wasn't till later when smaller, lighter gear became
popular that there was reason to categorize some gear as boatanchors. And
it is also interesting to me that a word originally used to denote
something of little value, useful only to anchor a small boat, has taken
on a more affectionate meaning. We love our "boatanchors". Roger K6XQ


--
CL -- I doubt, therefore I might be !






"Bob Miller" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 14 Mar 2006 09:55:22 -0600, "Cal"
wrote:

Kenwoods, Yaesus, Icoms, Sonys...sheesh!
Don't you guys with your modern rice boxes have plenty of other forums to
fill up? I know you'd like to think your stuff is "classic" but it isn't
and doesn't belong here.


Okay, what is a boat anchor?

bob
k5qwg

What's A Boat Anchor
 

Personally, I think the definition of boatanchor will change
with time. These days, I consider anything that uses tubes
(but not CRT's) as boatanchors, including my Kenwood
rigs that use tube drivers and finals. 30 years from now,
any pre-Pentium PC will be considered a boatanchor, and
highly collectable.

Hmmm, I guess I had better hang on to those two KayPro transportables in the
back room. I wonder if I have the CPM disks for the kayPro II.

Leanne

What's A Boat Anchor
 

Greetins Steve and All! I am already regreting getting rid of my Tandy
TRS-80 with cassette tape memory. I just tossed it in the landfill. I
still have the tape recorder, but alas, the best is gone.
I consider my Tempo One a boat anchor, but on the young side.
Have a great week! Jon in South Carolina.

What's A Boat Anchor
 

It's a tube rig made in America by Americans. I love my 78 Toyota pickup,
but it will never be the classic a pre-70's American made vehicle is, it is
worthless to anyone but me. Same for rice box radios, after the new is worn
off, they're worthless compared to vintage American made rigs, just look on
EBay. Yes, I owned rice boxes the first time around, thousands of dollars
worth of rice boxes, and now they're worth the same amount as my 78 Toy
pickup.
I'm really not trying to be nasty, just realistic.
"Caveat Lector" wrote in message
news:9vKRf.12436$Uc2.7879@fed1read04...
From the mists of history and country legend:
ORIGINS OF BOATANCHOR

THREE VERSIONS -- Opinions From The Internet.

Version I -- During World War II, Military Radio Techs used the term
BoatAnchor as they struggled with the huge, heavy, electronic equipments
of the day -- full of transformers, tubes etc. Also the US Navy frequently
marked electronic gear with an anchor. After the war -- tons of the
equipment appeared on the surplus market and was dubbed BoatAnchors due to
the reasons above - one or both.

Version II -- After WWII a national magazine editor answered a query "As
what to do with an outdated heavy, large, surplus electronic instrument?"
and answered "Tie a line to it and use it as a BoatAnchor"

Version III To all those who expressed interest in the CQ magazine
reference to boatanchors, I found it after only an hour or two of
skimming. And I also found that some of my recollections were a bit hazy
after all those years. The original letter to the editor (not to the
"Surplus Editor" as I incorrectly recalled) appeared on page 16 of the
October 1956 issue of CQ and was as follows: Gentlemen: I recently
acquired a "Signal Corps Wireless Set. No. 19 MK II Transceiver." Are
there schematics or conversion data for this rig? Any info will be
appreciated. David J. Wilke W3LSG Pottstown, Pennsylvania The editor
replied: The only conversion we seem to have on the files here at CQ calls
for 100 feet of 1" Manila line, one end of which is to be tied securely
around the MK II Transceiver.

This then converts the unit into a fine anchor for a small boat. If any
readers have better conversions we will be glad to hear about them. Ed.
This letter apparently generated a lot of interest and in the February
1957 issue of CQ there was a follow-up from CQ's editor, another letter
from W3LSG and several pictures. If I find the time I will scan them and
post links to them here.

The expression "boatanchor" may have originated earlier than 1956, as Doug
Hensley pointed out. I found no earlier references in amateur radio than
these CQ's, but there may be some. However, there was no reason to call
amateur gear of that era "boatanchors" since almost all of it fit that
description. It wasn't till later when smaller, lighter gear became
popular that there was reason to categorize some gear as boatanchors. And
it is also interesting to me that a word originally used to denote
something of little value, useful only to anchor a small boat, has taken
on a more affectionate meaning. We love our "boatanchors". Roger K6XQ


--
CL -- I doubt, therefore I might be !






"Bob Miller" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 14 Mar 2006 09:55:22 -0600, "Cal"
wrote:

Kenwoods, Yaesus, Icoms, Sonys...sheesh!
Don't you guys with your modern rice boxes have plenty of other forums to
fill up? I know you'd like to think your stuff is "classic" but it isn't
and doesn't belong here.


Okay, what is a boat anchor?

bob
k5qwg

What's A Boat Anchor
 

Ed wrote:
It's a tube rig made in America by Americans. I love my 78 Toyota pickup,
but it will never be the classic a pre-70's American made vehicle is, it is
worthless to anyone but me. Same for rice box radios, after the new is worn
off, they're worthless compared to vintage American made rigs, just look on
EBay. Yes, I owned rice boxes the first time around, thousands of dollars
worth of rice boxes, and now they're worth the same amount as my 78 Toy
pickup.

No, not at all. I have used German boatanchors and Soviet boatanchors.
Never used any of the prewar or wartime Japanese boatanchors, but I have
seen a few on display now and then.

If the input power in watts is less than the weight in pounds, it's a
boatanchor.
--scott


--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

What's A Boat Anchor
 

Scott Dorsey wrote:



If the input power in watts is less than the weight in pounds, it's a
boatanchor.
--scott


hehehe...thats a good measure. Do you have one for receivers? I'm
wondering how an S-38 "qualifies".

-Bill

What's A Boat Anchor
 

Scott Dorsey wrote:
Ed wrote:
It's a tube rig made in America by Americans. I love my 78 Toyota pickup,
but it will never be the classic a pre-70's American made vehicle is, it is
worthless to anyone but me. Same for rice box radios, after the new is worn
off, they're worthless compared to vintage American made rigs, just look on
EBay. Yes, I owned rice boxes the first time around, thousands of dollars
worth of rice boxes, and now they're worth the same amount as my 78 Toy
pickup.

No, not at all. I have used German boatanchors and Soviet boatanchors.
Never used any of the prewar or wartime Japanese boatanchors, but I have
seen a few on display now and then.

If the input power in watts is less than the weight in pounds, it's a
boatanchor.
--scott

Well, than that leaves out the R-390/390A series. They weigh about 70-80 pounds,
and draw 140W w/o ovens, and 250W w/ovens.

It also leaves out the KWM-2, TCS, and just about everything else I can
think of.

Care to try again with your definition?

-Chuck

What's A Boat Anchor
 

Ed,
I suppose we'll have to agree to disagree.
I think the definition of 'boatanchor' is a fluid thing,
much like the definition of 'classic car'. My
1973 Datsun 240Z is considered by most to be
a classic car. So is my 1951 MG-TD, '58 Austin-Healey
100-6, and all of the other foreign made cars in
my collection. A teenager down the street from me
has a 'tricked-out' older Datsun truck. I'm sure he
considers it a classic.

The Kenwood TS-520, and Yaesu FT-101 rigs date
back to the late 1970's. If you compare one of these rigs
on the air to the newer fancy rigs, chances are you won't
be able to tell the difference. These are indeed classic rigs
that were very well built, and were relatively inexpensive.
Quite a few remain on the air today.

Not sure what you have against 'riceboxes', but I like
mine and will continue to use it, and enjoy it every bit
as much as my Halli HT-44/R-390 and Heathkit HW-101.

Steve

"Ed" wrote in message
. com...
It's a tube rig made in America by Americans. I love my 78 Toyota pickup,
but it will never be the classic a pre-70's American made vehicle is, it
is worthless to anyone but me. Same for rice box radios, after the new is
worn off, they're worthless compared to vintage American made rigs, just
look on EBay. Yes, I owned rice boxes the first time around, thousands of
dollars worth of rice boxes, and now they're worth the same amount as my
78 Toy pickup.
I'm really not trying to be nasty, just realistic.
"Caveat Lector" wrote in message
news:9vKRf.12436$Uc2.7879@fed1read04...
From the mists of history and country legend:
ORIGINS OF BOATANCHOR

THREE VERSIONS -- Opinions From The Internet.

Version I -- During World War II, Military Radio Techs used the term
BoatAnchor as they struggled with the huge, heavy, electronic equipments
of the day -- full of transformers, tubes etc. Also the US Navy
frequently marked electronic gear with an anchor. After the war -- tons
of the equipment appeared on the surplus market and was dubbed
BoatAnchors due to the reasons above - one or both.

Version II -- After WWII a national magazine editor answered a query "As
what to do with an outdated heavy, large, surplus electronic
instrument?" and answered "Tie a line to it and use it as a BoatAnchor"

Version III To all those who expressed interest in the CQ magazine
reference to boatanchors, I found it after only an hour or two of
skimming. And I also found that some of my recollections were a bit hazy
after all those years. The original letter to the editor (not to the
"Surplus Editor" as I incorrectly recalled) appeared on page 16 of the
October 1956 issue of CQ and was as follows: Gentlemen: I recently
acquired a "Signal Corps Wireless Set. No. 19 MK II Transceiver." Are
there schematics or conversion data for this rig? Any info will be
appreciated. David J. Wilke W3LSG Pottstown, Pennsylvania The editor
replied: The only conversion we seem to have on the files here at CQ
calls for 100 feet of 1" Manila line, one end of which is to be tied
securely around the MK II Transceiver.

This then converts the unit into a fine anchor for a small boat. If any
readers have better conversions we will be glad to hear about them. Ed.
This letter apparently generated a lot of interest and in the February
1957 issue of CQ there was a follow-up from CQ's editor, another letter
from W3LSG and several pictures. If I find the time I will scan them and
post links to them here.

The expression "boatanchor" may have originated earlier than 1956, as
Doug Hensley pointed out. I found no earlier references in amateur radio
than these CQ's, but there may be some. However, there was no reason to
call amateur gear of that era "boatanchors" since almost all of it fit
that description. It wasn't till later when smaller, lighter gear became
popular that there was reason to categorize some gear as boatanchors. And
it is also interesting to me that a word originally used to denote
something of little value, useful only to anchor a small boat, has taken
on a more affectionate meaning. We love our "boatanchors". Roger K6XQ


--
CL -- I doubt, therefore I might be !






"Bob Miller" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 14 Mar 2006 09:55:22 -0600, "Cal"
wrote:

Kenwoods, Yaesus, Icoms, Sonys...sheesh!
Don't you guys with your modern rice boxes have plenty of other forums
to
fill up? I know you'd like to think your stuff is "classic" but it
isn't
and doesn't belong here.


Okay, what is a boat anchor?

bob
k5qwg

What's A Boat Anchor (Classic)
 

Well apply your "Classic" to these definitions - Websters

classic


1 : serving as a standard of excellence : of recognized value

2. TRADITIONAL, ENDURING characterized by simple tailored lines in
fashion year after year a classic suit

3. historically memorable

4. noted because of special literary or historical associations


--
CL -- I doubt, therefore I might be !

What's A Boat Anchor (Classic)
 

I like the term "classic". It certainly describes the equipment more
accurately and adds a touch of dignity... unlike the term B/A!! Hi!!

My first connection with the term-in-question would have been in 1959.
Having just traded a WRL DSB-100 double-sideband rig even for a
BC-610E/BC-614/JB-70 from an AF Sgt, just returning from Guam, my local
(sage)ham radio dealer informed me that "Nobody uses those old
boatanchors, anymore!" Sounds like he picked up on that CQ mag article,
maybe?


Caveat Lector wrote:
Well apply your "Classic" to these definitions - Websters

classic


1 : serving as a standard of excellence : of recognized value

2. TRADITIONAL, ENDURING characterized by simple tailored lines in
fashion year after year a classic suit

3. historically memorable

4. noted because of special literary or historical associations

What's A Boat Anchor (Classic)
 

IMOHO, if it don't keep you warm on a long winters night it ain't a
boatanchor.








On Wed, 15 Mar 2006 18:20:54 -0500, K3HVG wrote:

I like the term "classic". It certainly describes the equipment more
accurately and adds a touch of dignity... unlike the term B/A!! Hi!!

My first connection with the term-in-question would have been in 1959.
Having just traded a WRL DSB-100 double-sideband rig even for a
BC-610E/BC-614/JB-70 from an AF Sgt, just returning from Guam, my local
(sage)ham radio dealer informed me that "Nobody uses those old
boatanchors, anymore!" Sounds like he picked up on that CQ mag article,
maybe?


Caveat Lector wrote:
Well apply your "Classic" to these definitions - Websters

classic


1 : serving as a standard of excellence : of recognized value

2. TRADITIONAL, ENDURING characterized by simple tailored lines in
fashion year after year a classic suit

3. historically memorable

4. noted because of special literary or historical associations

What's A Boat Anchor
 

Here ya go:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communications_receiver





On Wed, 15 Mar 2006 12:19:37 -0800, "Steve" wrote:

Ed,
I suppose we'll have to agree to disagree.
I think the definition of 'boatanchor' is a fluid thing,
much like the definition of 'classic car'. My
1973 Datsun 240Z is considered by most to be
a classic car. So is my 1951 MG-TD, '58 Austin-Healey
100-6, and all of the other foreign made cars in
my collection. A teenager down the street from me
has a 'tricked-out' older Datsun truck. I'm sure he
considers it a classic.

The Kenwood TS-520, and Yaesu FT-101 rigs date
back to the late 1970's. If you compare one of these rigs
on the air to the newer fancy rigs, chances are you won't
be able to tell the difference. These are indeed classic rigs
that were very well built, and were relatively inexpensive.
Quite a few remain on the air today.

Not sure what you have against 'riceboxes', but I like
mine and will continue to use it, and enjoy it every bit
as much as my Halli HT-44/R-390 and Heathkit HW-101.

Steve

"Ed" wrote in message
.com...
It's a tube rig made in America by Americans. I love my 78 Toyota pickup,
but it will never be the classic a pre-70's American made vehicle is, it
is worthless to anyone but me. Same for rice box radios, after the new is
worn off, they're worthless compared to vintage American made rigs, just
look on EBay. Yes, I owned rice boxes the first time around, thousands of
dollars worth of rice boxes, and now they're worth the same amount as my
78 Toy pickup.
I'm really not trying to be nasty, just realistic.
"Caveat Lector" wrote in message
news:9vKRf.12436$Uc2.7879@fed1read04...
From the mists of history and country legend:
ORIGINS OF BOATANCHOR

THREE VERSIONS -- Opinions From The Internet.

Version I -- During World War II, Military Radio Techs used the term
BoatAnchor as they struggled with the huge, heavy, electronic equipments
of the day -- full of transformers, tubes etc. Also the US Navy
frequently marked electronic gear with an anchor. After the war -- tons
of the equipment appeared on the surplus market and was dubbed
BoatAnchors due to the reasons above - one or both.

Version II -- After WWII a national magazine editor answered a query "As
what to do with an outdated heavy, large, surplus electronic
instrument?" and answered "Tie a line to it and use it as a BoatAnchor"

Version III To all those who expressed interest in the CQ magazine
reference to boatanchors, I found it after only an hour or two of
skimming. And I also found that some of my recollections were a bit hazy
after all those years. The original letter to the editor (not to the
"Surplus Editor" as I incorrectly recalled) appeared on page 16 of the
October 1956 issue of CQ and was as follows: Gentlemen: I recently
acquired a "Signal Corps Wireless Set. No. 19 MK II Transceiver." Are
there schematics or conversion data for this rig? Any info will be
appreciated. David J. Wilke W3LSG Pottstown, Pennsylvania The editor
replied: The only conversion we seem to have on the files here at CQ
calls for 100 feet of 1" Manila line, one end of which is to be tied
securely around the MK II Transceiver.

This then converts the unit into a fine anchor for a small boat. If any
readers have better conversions we will be glad to hear about them. Ed.
This letter apparently generated a lot of interest and in the February
1957 issue of CQ there was a follow-up from CQ's editor, another letter
from W3LSG and several pictures. If I find the time I will scan them and
post links to them here.

The expression "boatanchor" may have originated earlier than 1956, as
Doug Hensley pointed out. I found no earlier references in amateur radio
than these CQ's, but there may be some. However, there was no reason to
call amateur gear of that era "boatanchors" since almost all of it fit
that description. It wasn't till later when smaller, lighter gear became
popular that there was reason to categorize some gear as boatanchors. And
it is also interesting to me that a word originally used to denote
something of little value, useful only to anchor a small boat, has taken
on a more affectionate meaning. We love our "boatanchors". Roger K6XQ


--
CL -- I doubt, therefore I might be !






"Bob Miller" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 14 Mar 2006 09:55:22 -0600, "Cal"
wrote:

Kenwoods, Yaesus, Icoms, Sonys...sheesh!
Don't you guys with your modern rice boxes have plenty of other forums
to
fill up? I know you'd like to think your stuff is "classic" but it
isn't
and doesn't belong here.


Okay, what is a boat anchor?

bob
k5qwg

What's A Boat Anchor
 

So what exactly is a 'Wiki' anyways?

A tiny Wookie?

A smaller wok?






"Bricktop" wrote in message
...
Here ya go:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communications_receiver





On Wed, 15 Mar 2006 12:19:37 -0800, "Steve" wrote:

Ed,
I suppose we'll have to agree to disagree.
I think the definition of 'boatanchor' is a fluid thing,
much like the definition of 'classic car'. My
1973 Datsun 240Z is considered by most to be
a classic car. So is my 1951 MG-TD, '58 Austin-Healey
100-6, and all of the other foreign made cars in
my collection. A teenager down the street from me
has a 'tricked-out' older Datsun truck. I'm sure he
considers it a classic.

The Kenwood TS-520, and Yaesu FT-101 rigs date
back to the late 1970's. If you compare one of these rigs
on the air to the newer fancy rigs, chances are you won't
be able to tell the difference. These are indeed classic rigs
that were very well built, and were relatively inexpensive.
Quite a few remain on the air today.

Not sure what you have against 'riceboxes', but I like
mine and will continue to use it, and enjoy it every bit
as much as my Halli HT-44/R-390 and Heathkit HW-101.

Steve

"Ed" wrote in message
y.com...
It's a tube rig made in America by Americans. I love my 78 Toyota
pickup,
but it will never be the classic a pre-70's American made vehicle is, it
is worthless to anyone but me. Same for rice box radios, after the new
is
worn off, they're worthless compared to vintage American made rigs, just
look on EBay. Yes, I owned rice boxes the first time around, thousands
of
dollars worth of rice boxes, and now they're worth the same amount as my
78 Toy pickup.
I'm really not trying to be nasty, just realistic.
"Caveat Lector" wrote in message
news:9vKRf.12436$Uc2.7879@fed1read04...
From the mists of history and country legend:
ORIGINS OF BOATANCHOR

THREE VERSIONS -- Opinions From The Internet.

Version I -- During World War II, Military Radio Techs used the term
BoatAnchor as they struggled with the huge, heavy, electronic
equipments
of the day -- full of transformers, tubes etc. Also the US Navy
frequently marked electronic gear with an anchor. After the war -- tons
of the equipment appeared on the surplus market and was dubbed
BoatAnchors due to the reasons above - one or both.

Version II -- After WWII a national magazine editor answered a query
"As
what to do with an outdated heavy, large, surplus electronic
instrument?" and answered "Tie a line to it and use it as a BoatAnchor"

Version III To all those who expressed interest in the CQ magazine
reference to boatanchors, I found it after only an hour or two of
skimming. And I also found that some of my recollections were a bit
hazy
after all those years. The original letter to the editor (not to the
"Surplus Editor" as I incorrectly recalled) appeared on page 16 of the
October 1956 issue of CQ and was as follows: Gentlemen: I recently
acquired a "Signal Corps Wireless Set. No. 19 MK II Transceiver." Are
there schematics or conversion data for this rig? Any info will be
appreciated. David J. Wilke W3LSG Pottstown, Pennsylvania The editor
replied: The only conversion we seem to have on the files here at CQ
calls for 100 feet of 1" Manila line, one end of which is to be tied
securely around the MK II Transceiver.

This then converts the unit into a fine anchor for a small boat. If any
readers have better conversions we will be glad to hear about them. Ed.
This letter apparently generated a lot of interest and in the February
1957 issue of CQ there was a follow-up from CQ's editor, another
letter
from W3LSG and several pictures. If I find the time I will scan them
and
post links to them here.

The expression "boatanchor" may have originated earlier than 1956, as
Doug Hensley pointed out. I found no earlier references in amateur
radio
than these CQ's, but there may be some. However, there was no reason to
call amateur gear of that era "boatanchors" since almost all of it fit
that description. It wasn't till later when smaller, lighter gear
became
popular that there was reason to categorize some gear as boatanchors.
And
it is also interesting to me that a word originally used to denote
something of little value, useful only to anchor a small boat, has
taken
on a more affectionate meaning. We love our "boatanchors". Roger K6XQ


--
CL -- I doubt, therefore I might be !






"Bob Miller" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 14 Mar 2006 09:55:22 -0600, "Cal"
wrote:

Kenwoods, Yaesus, Icoms, Sonys...sheesh!
Don't you guys with your modern rice boxes have plenty of other forums
to
fill up? I know you'd like to think your stuff is "classic" but it
isn't
and doesn't belong here.


Okay, what is a boat anchor?

bob
k5qwg

What's A WiKI (was Whats A Boat Anchor)
 

From URL:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki

A wiki (IPA: ['wi?.ki?] wee-kee or ['w?.ki?] wick-ey or Wik-EE[1]) is a
type of website that allows users to add and edit content easily and is
especially suited for collaborative writing.

The name is based on the Hawaiian term wiki, meaning "quick", "fast", or "to
hasten" (Hawaiian dictionary). Sometimes the reduplication wikiwiki (or
Wikiwiki) is used instead of wiki (Hawaiian dictionary).

The term Wiki also sometimes refers to the collaborative software itself
(wiki engine) that facilitates the operation of such a website (see wiki
software).

Aloha ya all
--
CL -- I doubt, therefore I might be !
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"YT" wrote in message
t...
So what exactly is a 'Wiki' anyways?

A tiny Wookie?

A smaller wok?

What's A Boat Anchor
 

"Steve" wrote in message
...
Roger,
Thanks for posting this. I almost fell off of the couch I was
laughing so hard!

Personally, I think the definition of boatanchor will change
with time. These days, I consider anything that uses tubes
(but not CRT's) as boatanchors, including my Kenwood
rigs that use tube drivers and finals. 30 years from now,
any pre-Pentium PC will be considered a boatanchor, and
highly collectable.

Steve W6SSP

"Caveat Lector" wrote in message
news:9vKRf.12436$Uc2.7879@fed1read04...
From the mists of history and country legend:
ORIGINS OF BOATANCHOR

THREE VERSIONS -- Opinions From The Internet.

Version I -- During World War II, Military Radio Techs used the term
BoatAnchor as they struggled with the huge, heavy, electronic equipments
of the day -- full of transformers, tubes etc. Also the US Navy
frequently marked electronic gear with an anchor. After the war -- tons
of the equipment appeared on the surplus market and was dubbed
BoatAnchors due to the reasons above - one or both.

Version II -- After WWII a national magazine editor answered a query "As
what to do with an outdated heavy, large, surplus electronic
instrument?" and answered "Tie a line to it and use it as a BoatAnchor"

Version III To all those who expressed interest in the CQ magazine
reference to boatanchors, I found it after only an hour or two of
skimming. And I also found that some of my recollections were a bit hazy
after all those years. The original letter to the editor (not to the
"Surplus Editor" as I incorrectly recalled) appeared on page 16 of the
October 1956 issue of CQ and was as follows: Gentlemen: I recently
acquired a "Signal Corps Wireless Set. No. 19 MK II Transceiver." Are
there schematics or conversion data for this rig? Any info will be
appreciated. David J. Wilke W3LSG Pottstown, Pennsylvania The editor
replied: The only conversion we seem to have on the files here at CQ
calls for 100 feet of 1" Manila line, one end of which is to be tied
securely around the MK II Transceiver.

This then converts the unit into a fine anchor for a small boat. If any
readers have better conversions we will be glad to hear about them. Ed.
This letter apparently generated a lot of interest and in the February
1957 issue of CQ there was a follow-up from CQ's editor, another letter
from W3LSG and several pictures. If I find the time I will scan them and
post links to them here.

The expression "boatanchor" may have originated earlier than 1956, as
Doug Hensley pointed out. I found no earlier references in amateur radio
than these CQ's, but there may be some. However, there was no reason to
call amateur gear of that era "boatanchors" since almost all of it fit
that description. It wasn't till later when smaller, lighter gear became
popular that there was reason to categorize some gear as boatanchors. And
it is also interesting to me that a word originally used to denote
something of little value, useful only to anchor a small boat, has taken
on a more affectionate meaning. We love our "boatanchors". Roger K6XQ


--
CL -- I doubt, therefore I might be !






"Bob Miller" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 14 Mar 2006 09:55:22 -0600, "Cal"
wrote:

Kenwoods, Yaesus, Icoms, Sonys...sheesh!
Don't you guys with your modern rice boxes have plenty of other forums
to
fill up? I know you'd like to think your stuff is "classic" but it
isn't
and doesn't belong here.


Okay, what is a boat anchor?

bob
k5qwg

Boatanchor.

Any radio that makes my back ache when I pick it up!! :)

73

Jerry

What's A Boat Anchor
 

Beats me, but their definition sounded good! I actually like Jerry's
better, but the older I get that means that BA's get smaller.


On Thu, 16 Mar 2006 13:46:58 GMT, "YT" wrote:

So what exactly is a 'Wiki' anyways?

A tiny Wookie?

A smaller wok?






"Bricktop" wrote in message
.. .
Here ya go:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communications_receiver





On Wed, 15 Mar 2006 12:19:37 -0800, "Steve" wrote:

Ed,
I suppose we'll have to agree to disagree.
I think the definition of 'boatanchor' is a fluid thing,
much like the definition of 'classic car'. My
1973 Datsun 240Z is considered by most to be
a classic car. So is my 1951 MG-TD, '58 Austin-Healey
100-6, and all of the other foreign made cars in
my collection. A teenager down the street from me
has a 'tricked-out' older Datsun truck. I'm sure he
considers it a classic.

The Kenwood TS-520, and Yaesu FT-101 rigs date
back to the late 1970's. If you compare one of these rigs
on the air to the newer fancy rigs, chances are you won't
be able to tell the difference. These are indeed classic rigs
that were very well built, and were relatively inexpensive.
Quite a few remain on the air today.

Not sure what you have against 'riceboxes', but I like
mine and will continue to use it, and enjoy it every bit
as much as my Halli HT-44/R-390 and Heathkit HW-101.

Steve

"Ed" wrote in message
gy.com...
It's a tube rig made in America by Americans. I love my 78 Toyota
pickup,
but it will never be the classic a pre-70's American made vehicle is, it
is worthless to anyone but me. Same for rice box radios, after the new
is
worn off, they're worthless compared to vintage American made rigs, just
look on EBay. Yes, I owned rice boxes the first time around, thousands
of
dollars worth of rice boxes, and now they're worth the same amount as my
78 Toy pickup.
I'm really not trying to be nasty, just realistic.
"Caveat Lector" wrote in message
news:9vKRf.12436$Uc2.7879@fed1read04...
From the mists of history and country legend:
ORIGINS OF BOATANCHOR

THREE VERSIONS -- Opinions From The Internet.

Version I -- During World War II, Military Radio Techs used the term
BoatAnchor as they struggled with the huge, heavy, electronic
equipments
of the day -- full of transformers, tubes etc. Also the US Navy
frequently marked electronic gear with an anchor. After the war -- tons
of the equipment appeared on the surplus market and was dubbed
BoatAnchors due to the reasons above - one or both.

Version II -- After WWII a national magazine editor answered a query
"As
what to do with an outdated heavy, large, surplus electronic
instrument?" and answered "Tie a line to it and use it as a BoatAnchor"

Version III To all those who expressed interest in the CQ magazine
reference to boatanchors, I found it after only an hour or two of
skimming. And I also found that some of my recollections were a bit
hazy
after all those years. The original letter to the editor (not to the
"Surplus Editor" as I incorrectly recalled) appeared on page 16 of the
October 1956 issue of CQ and was as follows: Gentlemen: I recently
acquired a "Signal Corps Wireless Set. No. 19 MK II Transceiver." Are
there schematics or conversion data for this rig? Any info will be
appreciated. David J. Wilke W3LSG Pottstown, Pennsylvania The editor
replied: The only conversion we seem to have on the files here at CQ
calls for 100 feet of 1" Manila line, one end of which is to be tied
securely around the MK II Transceiver.

This then converts the unit into a fine anchor for a small boat. If any
readers have better conversions we will be glad to hear about them. Ed.
This letter apparently generated a lot of interest and in the February
1957 issue of CQ there was a follow-up from CQ's editor, another
letter
from W3LSG and several pictures. If I find the time I will scan them
and
post links to them here.

The expression "boatanchor" may have originated earlier than 1956, as
Doug Hensley pointed out. I found no earlier references in amateur
radio
than these CQ's, but there may be some. However, there was no reason to
call amateur gear of that era "boatanchors" since almost all of it fit
that description. It wasn't till later when smaller, lighter gear
became
popular that there was reason to categorize some gear as boatanchors.
And
it is also interesting to me that a word originally used to denote
something of little value, useful only to anchor a small boat, has
taken
on a more affectionate meaning. We love our "boatanchors". Roger K6XQ


--
CL -- I doubt, therefore I might be !






"Bob Miller" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 14 Mar 2006 09:55:22 -0600, "Cal"
wrote:

Kenwoods, Yaesus, Icoms, Sonys...sheesh!
Don't you guys with your modern rice boxes have plenty of other forums
to
fill up? I know you'd like to think your stuff is "classic" but it
isn't
and doesn't belong here.


Okay, what is a boat anchor?

bob
k5qwg

What's A Boat Anchor
 

"Chuck Harris" wrote in message
...
Scott Dorsey wrote:
Ed wrote:
It's a tube rig made in America by Americans. I love my 78 Toyota
pickup,
but it will never be the classic a pre-70's American made vehicle is,
it is
worthless to anyone but me. Same for rice box radios, after the new is
worn
off, they're worthless compared to vintage American made rigs, just
look on
EBay. Yes, I owned rice boxes the first time around, thousands of
dollars
worth of rice boxes, and now they're worth the same amount as my 78 Toy
pickup.

No, not at all. I have used German boatanchors and Soviet boatanchors.
Never used any of the prewar or wartime Japanese boatanchors, but I have
seen a few on display now and then.

If the input power in watts is less than the weight in pounds, it's a
boatanchor.
--scott

Well, than that leaves out the R-390/390A series. They weigh about 70-80
pounds,
and draw 140W w/o ovens, and 250W w/ovens.

It also leaves out the KWM-2, TCS, and just about everything else I can
think of.

Care to try again with your definition?

-Chuck

I think that was more of a tougue-in-cheek than a definitative definition...
73, Steve, k,9.D/C'I

What's A Boat Anchor
 

Interesting that there are really two threads going here

1. What is origin of the name "Boatanchor"

2; What qualifies as a "Boatanchor"

For number one, a lot of research went into finding the origin
See results here URL:
http://ac6v.com/73.htm#ba

For number two. Qualifications -- lotsa opinions here -- many subjective
depending on the muscles of the beholder (;-)

Some proposed "Classic" -- I really feel the TS-520, TS-830, HRO models, and
several Collins do or will qualify as classic by virtue of obtaining a
standard of excellence, but a classic is not necessarily a boatanchor IMHO

But if you want to see a lot of real boatanchors see URL:
http://members.cox.net/wa6mhz/

--
CL -- I doubt, therefore I might be !

What's A Boat Anchor
 

That MHZ museum.....Pity the poor rigs on the bottom of the 'pile' !!



"Caveat Lector" wrote in message
news:7%ESf.12655$Uc2.8181@fed1read04...
Interesting that there are really two threads going here

1. What is origin of the name "Boatanchor"

2; What qualifies as a "Boatanchor"

For number one, a lot of research went into finding the origin
See results here URL:
http://ac6v.com/73.htm#ba

For number two. Qualifications -- lotsa opinions here -- many subjective
depending on the muscles of the beholder (;-)

Some proposed "Classic" -- I really feel the TS-520, TS-830, HRO models,
and several Collins do or will qualify as classic by virtue of obtaining a
standard of excellence, but a classic is not necessarily a boatanchor IMHO

But if you want to see a lot of real boatanchors see URL:
http://members.cox.net/wa6mhz/

--
CL -- I doubt, therefore I might be !

When did Kenwoods etc become "boatanchors"?
 

Cal wrote:
Kenwoods, Yaesus, Icoms, Sonys...sheesh!
Don't you guys with your modern rice boxes have plenty of other forums to
fill up? I know you'd like to think your stuff is "classic" but it isn't
and doesn't belong here.

As time marches on, that boatanchor definition will inevitably expand
to include tube radios of all sorts.

And why shouldn't it? Those early "rice boxes" have a lot in common
with the "true boat anchors".

They are all vintage radios, and of a design not made any more.

Don't sweat it - it's all good...

- 73 de Mike KB3EIA -

When did Kenwoods etc become "boatanchors"?
 

Bob Miller wrote:
On Tue, 14 Mar 2006 09:55:22 -0600, "Cal"
wrote:


Kenwoods, Yaesus, Icoms, Sonys...sheesh!
Don't you guys with your modern rice boxes have plenty of other forums to
fill up? I know you'd like to think your stuff is "classic" but it isn't
and doesn't belong here.



Okay, what is a boat anchor?


Since we are dealing in exact definitions here - its that thingy on a
boat that is supposed to keep it in one place. Kind of a hooked cross on
a big chain.

When did old time radios become "boatanchors"? hehe ;^)

- 73 de Mike KB3EIA -

When did Kenwoods etc become "boatanchors"?
 

............. Those early "rice boxes" have a lot in common
with the "true boat anchors".

I rebuilt a K'wood 520 for Gary KM6A. It had tubes (6146)so it is BA for
me...perhaps the end of BA but BA just the same. Crap sakes! If you look
the other way, as in back, before tubes there were crystal sets...proto
solid state....so our beloved tube sets were perhaps a short lived
transitional stage....~8^* OOOOH but I like them anyway.

EdZ

When did Kenwoods etc become "boatanchors"?
 

On Tue, 14 Mar 2006 09:55:22 -0600, "Cal"
wrote:

Kenwoods, Yaesus, Icoms, Sonys...sheesh!
Don't you guys with your modern rice boxes have plenty of other forums to
fill up? I know you'd like to think your stuff is "classic" but it isn't
and doesn't belong here.

I've wondered if some American-made tube radios could really be
called boatanchors, such as the S-38. It's small, line-powered and
thus NO power transformer, and light enough that even if it doesn't
float, I wouldn't feel confident using it to anchor the smallest boat
that would hold me.

I recall my father's NC-300. He used it for a short while with his
SB-400, then when he got and assembled an SB-301, he put the NC-300 on
a separate table for SWL. That thing has double conversion, lots of
tubes including one for current regulation, a VR-150 for voltage
regulation, a 100kHz crystal calibrator w/oscillator tube, and of
course a power transformer to run them all that by itself must weigh
many times more than an S-38. It's got the mass of a boatanchor, and
so in a pinch (when you don't mind destroying a perfectly good radio)
it would work well to hold a boat in one place.

When did Kenwoods etc become "boatanchors"?
 

Ed Zeranski wrote:
............ Those early "rice boxes" have a lot in common
with the "true boat anchors".

I rebuilt a K'wood 520 for Gary KM6A. It had tubes (6146)so it is BA for
me...perhaps the end of BA but BA just the same. Crap sakes! If you look
the other way, as in back, before tubes there were crystal sets...proto
solid state....so our beloved tube sets were perhaps a short lived
transitional stage....~8^* OOOOH but I like them anyway.

I came in late to the game, having been weaned on transistorized
radios. And am happy to have discovered hollow state technology at this
late stage of the game. The glow, the sound, the look and the smell too,
for cryin' out loud. All awesome.

To put it another way, perhaps more understandable today...

TUBEZ RULEZ!


- 73 de mike KB3EIA -