Gary,
I am sorry to hear he is selling his station. Wonder if he could handle a
simple no frills rig like a Ten Tec Scout?
Probably the ideal station for an old timer who cannot deal with the hidden
menus of today's radios is the Atlas 110 series, TX 110/RX110. Although
QRP, it gives a good account of itself on SSB with a one wave plus
horizontal loop antenna or multiband dipoles. Some matching could be
provided to give him switched settings by band, but a trap antenna might be
the simplest. Or the Lattin which has linear stub decouplers in place of
traps. (G3YCC web site)
Another easy to use rig is the old Yaesu FT 7 which has a few more watts
than traditional QRP but few controls. Maybe even an Atlas 210 would work
if he is mainly a voice operator.
Giving the challenged Op a check list to make sure he is hooked up and
turned on re his rig and antenna might extend his operating years. Maybe
even have it in large print if needed. I hope you can find a wait to keep
him on air. I have a friend in similar situation with a father, who has had
to move to assisted living. It is sad the retirement communities do not
accommodate ham radio better.
73,
Stuart K5KVH
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