<<<As we get older I think we will drift back to larger components and bigger rigs and stronger eye glasses>>>
I think that's happening to me right now. Well, the bigger components and dime store magnifier glasses have happened. Bigger rig is next.
It's not the troublesome radio, it's the ability to repair it and the amount of risk taken. Many of wouldn't think a second about repairing a Ranger, easy to repair and low risk (since we likely didn't pay x thousand dollars for it). The same could not be said for a
FT1000XZ V5.2a Track and Field or similar new radio.
Right. I wonder how many guys ever pull the covers off their $5000 Yaesu? It's getting harder for me to get motivated to get into my 1000MP Mk V now that I recapped a few older items. Fun has a lot to do with it. Replacing big easy to see discrete hand wired components is fun. Peering at a SMT double sided board under bright lights and a big magnifying glass with home fabricated iron tips and tweezers isn't fun. It's...sweat and nervousness.
Yeah, but wait til you work on an FT-1000 Disco Duck Field and Stream rig....
Not sure if that one is through hole or SMT but in any case I'm told the 1000 series is easy compared to what's getting built and sold now. I always heard the 1000D sounded great on AM by the way.
Rob