On 20 Apr 99 at 19:23, Tony Duell wrote:
> > I think more can be learned from old machines (of all types) than new
> > ones.
>
> I will agree with that. I challenge anyone to repair a PDP11 or a PDP8 or
> a PERQ, or a ... and _not_ learn something about computer operation.
> Ditto for programming those machines in machine code/microcode.
>
> And you'll learn more about radio from the insides of an AA5 that you
> will from one of the modern sets with all the electronics hidden inside
> chips.
>
Out of curiousity was the term for the configuration of
the common tube mantle-radio, "All-American 5", used in the UK and
Europe or is this an expression you've acquired from Yanks.
>
> YEs. My parents (both of them) would try to fix things when they broke.
> So I grew up in house where things were being repaired. So I couldn't
> fail to learn something from this, and (even if I say so myself) learn to
> fix even more complex problems.
>
> -tony
>
My mothers purchase of 10 failed washing machines and a box of Audel
books at an auction sale was my inception into this world when I was a
teenager. I had always liked to tinker but applied study and effort resulted in
a profit of almost $400 to us, which was a considerable amount in the early
50s. Still have those books.
ciao larry
lwalker_at_interlog.com
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Received on Tue Apr 20 1999 - 20:50:19 BST