Build your own c-band dish

[rgk]

Radio Electronics August 1981:
Build your own C-band dish
Buy 64K ram for your TRS-80 only $149
Get your Sears catalog on Laser Disc
Read why Beta will overtake VHS

and much more...... Good times ....

http://www.americanradiohistory.com...s/1981/Radio_Electronics_August_1981.CV01.pdf

 

[eurosport]

The build quality of electronics back then was so much better than the throw away Chinese garbage for sale everywhere now.

 

[rgk]

The build quality of electronics back then was so much better than the throw away Chinese garbage for sale everywhere now.

I agree. You would have to spend a ton of money today to match the quality of a late 70's Sansui. Marantz, Pioneer, etc.

 

[fred555]

I have a 70's Marantz Amplifier and it will still crack plaster and rattle the china cabinet!

 

[primestar31]

I have a 70's Marantz Amplifier and it will still crack plaster and rattle the china cabinet!

Yeah, but that's if you pick it up and DROP it on them! lol

 

[rgk]

I have a 70's Marantz Amplifier and it will still crack plaster and rattle the china cabinet!

My best receiver is a Sansui 8080. Not quite the TOTL but still awesome. They sell for more on Ebay now than when they were new. Primestar is correct, they aren't light.

 

[fred555]

I had the whole set, amplifier, tuner, tape deck, but gave the tuner and tape deck to a poor family.
Then I saw how much the set was selling for in tact , wow.

 

[wallyhts]

Awesome post thanks

 

[rgk]

Awesome post thanks

You're welcome. Reading the old electronics magazines is a great way to study history. There are a number of sites with many titles to read. You can start with the beginning of commercial radio broadcasting in 1920 and see electronics circuits as they evolve. You read about all the problems that had to be solved for broadcasting to be successful and the difficulties that existed in finding a successful business model. In the beginning advertising on radio was considered to be a big no-no.

In the early days RCA tried to monopolize all aspects of radio from broadcasting, to tubes, to radio manufacture, to print media regarding radio. Check inside any radio from the 1920s to 1930s and there is probably a label with a huge list of patents it was built under.

The evolution of television is also covered which literally took decades of really stupid concepts before someone decided to use a CRT to display the picture. The CRT was around for at least a decade before someone hit on the idea to use it.

You also get an entirely different perspective on WWI, the depression, WW2 and so on. You will read things that you'll never see in a history book.

 

[Jason S]

Very interesting link.

The build quality of electronics back then was so much better than the throw away Chinese garbage for sale everywhere now.

I agree. You would have to spend a ton of money today to match the quality of a late 70's Sansui. Marantz, Pioneer, etc.

About 10 years ago we had a really nice 80's Pioneer setup that we gave away because we were moving... Wish I hadn't.

However, I just picked up an 80's Panasonic combo AM/FM, cassette, turntable unit with Turbo Thruster Panasonic speakers at a thrift shop for $10. I figured I could use it in my shop, if nothing else.

Got it home and started looking it over, everything was dusty but appeared to be good shape. Hooked up the speakers and rattled the windows. I pulled a side off to take a look at the internal components and was amazed at the build quality. So, I cleaned/detailed it and spent $20 more for a new needle and turntable belt. Needless to say, it'll be staying in the house now...

 

[pdiddy]

Radio Electronics August 1981:
Build your own C-band dish
Buy 64K ram for your TRS-80 only $149
Get your Sears catalog on Laser Disc
Read why Beta will overtake VHS

and much more...... Good times ....

http://www.americanradiohistory.com...s/1981/Radio_Electronics_August_1981.CV01.pdf

Thanks for the link,it was fun looking at that magazine and all the ads and prices of the time.

 

[N5XZS]

Oh, the good old day!! Make me go back in time..... Cant belive is 30+ some years has gone by...

 

[highskies]

My best receiver is a Sansui 8080. Not quite the TOTL but still awesome. They sell for more on Ebay now than when they were new. Primestar is correct, they aren't light.

I have some vintage stereo equip myself, most of it still working like a charm, never broke down after all these years. I have an early 70s Bose 1801 power amp, weighs close to 90 pounds I think. Also have a late 70s Bose Spatial Control Receiver in perfect working condition still. It was made specifically for Bose 901 speakers. Also have 2 Sansui receivers..8080DB and a G-7000. Good thing most of these are still in great working condition, because I don't think it's possible to find certain parts for some of these anymore, thus hard to find a tech willing to service them these days.