Posted: 7/3/2014 2:29:39 PM EDT
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An older ham I had Elmered called me, asked me to drive over to his apartment about 90 miles away. He had been hit by a drunk driver a few years ago and now walks with a walker, but is about as recovered as he's going to get. Does not have a car. The drunk driver, already five convictions, this was just one more. Just ran a red light and T-boned him.
He told me, "I can't get out to ship this to you... " indicated an Icom R75 on his desk with his other radio gear. I remembered that he had that before getting licensed. "I'm not using it, and was doing my Will. I couldn't think of anyone better for it to go to. I figured I might as well give it you you now." He wouldn't take any money for it, though I offered. "Don't spoil this... just take it," he said. We went to lunch and talked about things. He's an old Western Union tech, took care of teletype gear, and Navy radio op. As far as ham, he has no room whatsoever in his apartment for any sort of antenna for HF, but has a 2m rig and can talk on that. I remember encouraging him to get his General ticket, and he did. First Tech, and a year later, General... at nearly 80 yrs old. And he's not able to get around and hang wire, or make trips to the park with portable gear, so that idea is out. Well, I have a nice R75 now. Kind of a bittersweet gift. |
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I will.
With no family left, he could pass away and I'd not know about it. Well, I suppose that's a good reason to call and email him every so often. The R75 is sitting on the shelf up over my desk here in my home office. I really don't need it in the shack, nor will this be useful at the club shack. I think I'll rig up an attic loop, or some other antenna*, and use it for listening when I'm here in the house. And if I hear something interesting, an Arfcom emergency or something, I can always walk out to the shack and be on the air in about 15 seconds. * A tuned loop!!! I have one already for AM broadcast band. I have another variable cap out in the shop. I can make one for SW. |