workshops + hamfests

[KA4HJH]

>Look in Nuts and Volts magazine for "Hamfests" in your local
>area. These are Amatuer Radio conventions, and at least around
>here, attract retired people dealing in surplus electronics.

Here's a calendar:

http://www.arrl.org/hamfests.html


>Prices are typically about 50% of Mouser (100 5% resistors
>for 90 cents) Banana plugs for 15-25 cents etc. I have even found
>synthesizer patch cords (3.5mm to 3.5mm 24 inch long for 40
>cents each) and a couple of times even synthesizers (mint EML101 for $80,
>Arp Odyssey for $100)
>
>I have also gotten burned a couple of times (a Alesis HR-16B for $5
>turned out to have had 117 volts routed to +5)

Caveat emptor! Watch out for some of those parts dealers, too. Some of
their prices aren't really that much of a bargin, which you don't notice in
the heat of the moment. "It's a hamfest, it has to be cheaper than Mouser!"
I always keep some catalogs back in the truck just for reference. I HAVE
gotten some insane deals on parts, though.

I saw an Odyssey go for $40 once. Every key was a different shade of
yellow. I have a CZ-1000 that somebody poured beer all over and then busted
a few keys. Took a while to clean it up but it still works! $40. The guy
even threw a set of so-cheap-they're-worthless screwdrivers, which was what
he was really hawking.

>Important: Get there early! These places sometimes open at 6 am,
>good deals gone by 8 am.

YES! I try (I said try) to be there by 5:30 AM, flashlight in hand. Many of
the outdoor ones have people taking money at 4:00 AM, although no one's
awake and selling yet.

Make a list of things you're especially looking for so you don't have to
remember later when you're too excited. Wear comfy shoes. Sunscreen. Lip
balm. Cellular phoness (with your hamfest buddies).

Stop me if I'm repeating myself. 8-)

Terry Bowman, KA4HJH
"The Mac Doctor"