Shelf Queens

[Opcom]

What electronical Shelf Queens, radios or other equipment, having been untouched for several years, adorn your own shelves?
Post up and tell us, or let's see pictures of the best and worst!

8-)



Here's some of mine, so no one will be embarrassed by their own useless junque:
` 15" PPI radar display from an airport
` A CPRC-6 Canadian VHF FM military pack radio
` The smallest tube type desk intercom I have ever seen, maybe 3x4x4"
` SAIC V2 tactical computer
` WWII airborne wideband VHF jammer - KW amplifier section only
' Hallicrafters CRX-1 low band VHF receiver 30-50MHz.
enough!


The reason I got thinking about the shelf queens that most everyone must have a few of, is the radio club meeting tomorrow. I usually try to attend the Vintage Radio Phonograph Society meetings. This isn't formally an announcement and it's late anyway but if you are in Dallas and not busy Saturday at noon, it doesn't cost anything.

This month's VRPS meeting is about "Shelf Queens"
AUGUST 17, Garden and Arts Building, 906 S Senter Rd, Irving Texas
Noon: tailgate swap
2PM: Meeting
Topic: Shelf Queens-Bring a radio or other item that you have been meaning to restore but just have not gotten it done. What is your excuse? Good one? And/or an item that you have completed will be welcome, if you would like to show it off.
Also, bring a refreshment or snack that you can share. This will be our summer social meeting.

[AJ1G]

I can see this developing into an interesting topic.

A pair of Navy TCM transmitters, a matching original power supply for them, several SCR-522 VHF sets and their dynamotor power supplies are just the tip of my own shelf/garage/basement queen iceberg.

Too many radios, not enough time.

[kb3ouk]

The only thing I have like that is a BC-1060A scope, started to work on it but then stopped. I have a bunch of broadcast receivers that sit around and collect dust too.

[K4RT]

I have a Heathkit HX-20 transmitter that's been sitting on the shelf for about 10 years. Don't know if I'll ever do anything with it.  I've had an NC-173 receiver on the shelf for about 15 years. I'll probably pair that with my Apache xmtr.

[W3RSW]

If they're working are they shelf queens or has time just slipped by?

It's been I don't know how long since I've fired up the ranger, at least since before I moved here in '95.  Just haven't thought of the actual time, always said to self, " ought to load that up one of these days."

About the same way I think of hitting "xmit." On the working rigs, heh, heh.

[ka4koe]

Precision Radiation Instruments PRI 107C

http://www.orau.org/ptp/collection/surveymeters/precision107C.htm   45 bux off ebay

Ludlum Model 12

http://www.drct.com/dss/INSTRUMENTATION/Ludlum/Ludlum-Model-12.htm    Don't ask

USN PRD27S

http://www.armygasmasks.com/HDER-G01-Dual-probe-Geiger-Counter-Set-p/aaagas-89.htm    50 bux off ebay for mine

CDV-700 with Pancake

http://www.dosimeter.com/probes-cables-detectors/cdv-700-rp-replacement-probe/

Hot Stuff

http://www.amazon.com/Images-SI-Inc-Uranium-Ore/dp/B000796XXM/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1377096500&sr=8-12&keywords=uranium+ore

See one of the attached reviews of the hot stuff.

Note hot stuff is not kept indoors.

Since none of the reactors in Baxley, GA have melted down/exploded, I only get about 30 clicks per minute on these boogers on a good day. So to really use them, I have to get a lethal RAD dose.

Philip

[Opcom]

If they're working are they shelf queens or has time just slipped by?

The original thing was about ones that did not work and have been waiting for repair for a long time. They don't have to be pretty as long as you don't want to get rid of them.

[ka4koe]

If they're working are they shelf queens or has time just slipped by?

The original thing was about ones that did not work and have been waiting for repair for a long time. They don't have to be pretty as long as you don't want to get rid of them.

Maybe I missed that part. They all work, but just sit on the shelf taking up space and collecting dust. Frankly, not really sure what possessed me, and before I knew it, had 4 of them. I had 5, but gave it to one of our group in appreciation for some books that were sent to me.

[K9PNP]

BC-348Q.  Problem in RF input.  Still trying to find time to physically tear down the shields there and check.

HA-460.  Coupling cap blew up.  Classify this one as 'awaiting parts'; parts are not the cap, found something else wrong.

6M Gonset Communicator.  Believe it is a Communicator II.  Last time I had it on the bench was about 1988 or so.  Guess if I ever get back to it, will have to rebuild the power supply first thing.

Gave some of the old military rigs to a couple to military museums who could make better use of them than I could.  Don't worry, nothing given away that would have been useable on HF AM.

[K1NSS]

"Shelf Queen" -  best phrase I've heard in a ham's age. Tip O' The Phones!

[Opcom]

"Shelf Queen" -  best phrase I've heard in a ham's age. Tip O' The Phones!

Someone certainly told it to me, and old term, maybe.

It might be the opposite of a "Lab Queen", which is a pristine, perfectly maintained piece of expensive equipment that is also never used.

[K1NSS]

Very interesting, the possible Lab Queen connection! Someday, when the robots run everything, and geeks, like everybody else will be on the outside looking in,  this kind of tech talk will be remote as Phoenician sailor slang.  Better enjoy it while can, before it's gone with the wine-dark sea and the rosy fingered dawn.

[K1NSS]

Reminds of my 6th grade school's Science Room, loaded with cool Defense Education Act swag that never got used.  Beautiful 4 and 1/2 inch Newtonian reflector with equatorial mount, among other things.  Could I borrow it for a few nights?  No.  Could we have a class star party some night?  No.   Could we just take it out during lunch and look at the swings?  Get back to your seat.     

[AB5S]

Lord, the "shelf queens" I have here!
WWII Navy RBM receiver pair in their "beach landing" case
 and with power supply, matching serial numbers.
WWII Navy RAK and RAL receiver pair.
WWII National RBH and RBL.
WWII Navy TCS TX/RX with P-380 power supply and remote.
WWII Signal Corps BC-669 with original AC power supply,
remote control, full crystal set, full spares set
(this coming winter's project).
WWII SCR-522 and many WWII Ferrying Command sets.
WWII BC-348, BC-224, BC-223
And a couple of Drake TR-7s that need work.
Probably some I've forgotten, buried in "The Cave"
until the bulldozer uncovers them.

On the bright side- some "shelf queens" actually graduate.
Just woke these old gals up after nearly 20 years on the shelf.
WWII Navy REP Morale receiver.
Zenith 5R316 (photo pilfered with thanks from radioattic.com)

73 OM DE Dave AB5S