The discussion about emergencies and complex systems reminded me of
Lister engines.

They're slow-speed diesel engines of very old design. Usually they are
used as backup generators.

They've gathered a considerable following, as evidenced on websites
like this one:

http://www.f1-rocketboy.com/lister.html

There's almost something steam-punky about them!

Some might wonder why anyone in his/her right mind would bother with
such old technology, particularly when much smaller, lighter, newer
generators are available.

One reason I can see is that in an emergency situation the big Lister
can be fixed with minimal tools and parts. Another is that even a small
one isn't going anywhere unless it's on a trailer. Still another is the
ability to buy and fabricate parts - everything is so big.

The performance achieved is pretty impressive, once all the bugs
areworked out.

What this has to do with Amateur Radio is:

1) In an emergency, old and simple has its advantages. This goes for
radios as well as engines

2) No RFI!

3) The Lister isn't too fussy about fuel; I suspect one can run on
diesel, heating oil, biodiesel, vegetable oil (in a warm climate) and
maybe kerosene (in a cold climate.) Our radios should be as flexible.

4) The Lister is simple enough that a reasonably-knowledgeable non-
professional can do whatever is needed to build and maintain a genset
based on one. I think the same should be true of Amateur Radio rigs -
maybe not all of them, but certainly at least some. While they may not
be as fancy or "state of the art" as some, what matters is they work.

73 de Jim, N2EY