[Amps] The cost of amplifiers, radios

[Bill Turner]

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On Sun, 4 Dec 2016 01:06:36 +0000 (UTC), you wrote:

>No argument there, but most of us couldn't afford a $13,000 radio today.
>
>Luxuries, including ham radio equipment, have gotten cheaper in real (non-inflationary) dollars since the 1950s and 1960s.  But the cost of necessities (land, houses, cars) and college education has risen dramatically, and real wages have not.  So there's less left over for luxuries.
>
>73,
>Cathy
>N5WVR

REPLY:

I agree, but a serious ham will find a way. Second job, used
equipment, horse trading, etc. 

You might consider homebrew but I caution you: While you can save a
LOT of money by scrounging parts, it will be FAR more work than you
imagine. I homebrewed five amps of various designs before I got it
right.  

In terms of effort, I would have been way ahead to flip burgers at
McDonalds until I had the cash. 

Been there, done that. 

73, Bill W6WRT