• 2023
  • Aug
  • 11

My haul from the Columbus 2023 Hamfest

I really tried to be good this year and not drag home much. Some parts and things still made it into my car, however - I guess I just didn’t lock the doors or something.

But, I did limit myself to something I’ve been looking for (An AA5 radio and a tube tester,) some books, and a handful of parts. The only real impulse buy was the Simpson Meter - how can you pass up that awesome Bell System aqua and yellow? While it’s not of much use these days, requiring oddball 15V batteries, it’s still an interesting piece and will go on display with my other Bell System artifacts.

I wanted to bring home the big coffin radio that was at the show, but there’s simply no room for that. Some other test equipment caught my eye as well, but again - no room or need. I don’t need a 200W meter sitting in the rack drawing more current than the rest of the equipment!

Everything that I could test works well, and I kept spending to a minimum. I guess that leaves more money for later shows(?) We’ll see what Findlay brings…

bellmeter.jpg
A 1970s Simpson meter made for Ma Bell. Even has a KS number on the face!
motoradio.jpg
An AA5 radio. The color is rather bleah, but the radio itself works well.
radioads.jpg
Some 1970s vintage radio books full of old radio manufacturer ads.
radiohandbook.jpg
Everything you wanted to know about radio-electronics, and a cool little GE planner with more useful data.
selenium.jpg
Hey, they were free. Fart smells for everyone.
switches.jpg
Some oddball switches. These and the GE planner were part of a package deal for a few bucks.
tester.jpg
A not-too-bad condition tube tester for a really good price. Nowhere near the $300 others ask for these cheapies.
wtf.jpg
Some mini banana jumpers and a who-knows-what device for a buck.
The Columbus 2023 Hamfest »
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