[TenTec] Inflation Calculator

[Dave Heil]

Martin AA6E wrote:
> They do work for salaries, however!
> 
> You couldn't buy an Orion at any price in 1986, but the point is that we 
> had to work more hours to afford high-end equipment in the days of 
> Collins, Hallicrafters, et al.
> 
> -aa6e

Bingo!

Lots of folks were making about $120 per week, gross pay in 1961-63.
A Hallicrafters HT-32B was $795 and a Hammarlund HQ-170 was $379.  The 
pair cost nearly $1200--roughly ten weeks pay.

I didn't get on the air until late 1963 as a fourteen-year-old.  I 
bought my receiver and my folks got me a transmitter, both low-end and 
second hand.  I bought no new major pieces of gear until I bought an L-7 
amp in 1980 or so.  I made do with 'trailing edge technology' until 1987.

By the way, I *have* an HT-32B and HQ-170 and they're still working, 
forty-some years down the road.

73,

Dave Heil K8MN