From the Newsletter history archives... Vintage Equipment From the September '87 Newsletter (entitled "Ham Radio News & Views"), it was noted that those that attended the 1987 Shelby Hamfest on either day...but especially Saturday, it didn't take long for the hamfest goer to find out that the odds caught up with them in having unusually good fortune of having clear weather for the hamfest the past few years. But like all dyed-in-the-wool hams, it didn't deter the hardy souls that tromped & sloshed around in the rain. Of course, attendance was affected, but it was reported to be a good hamfest nevertheless. Many club members bought some new or used equipment, so many members had some new toys to play with. Jim, N4EUX, bought a new hard drive for his computer; Max Cowick, KB4UWI, got a new mobile rig; Charlie Eaker, KB4SGO, and his XYL, Linda, each got a new handie-talkie; Al Huffman, KB4DXL, and his XYL got a new MFJ keyer/Bencher paddle...and the list goes on. The editor extolled those getting new equipment to enjoy the new stuff,'cause by next month it will be old and they would be looking to get something "new" again at the Rock Hill/Johnson City Fest. Has anything changed in the last 20 years?? (Each month, a brief spotlight will appear here on equipment you may have seen at hamfest swap tables. This month the spotlight is on the Swan-350 Transceiver ). The Swan 350, at its introduction in the mid-sixties seemed to have everything going for it: stunning design with its good looks and attractive layout; extremely smooth vernier tuning knob, respectable power (350watts) which belted out a very clean & crisp CW signal, very good audio both coming and going; built-in power supply; all at a very attractive price (a dollar a watt was the catch-phrase at the time). But...after a very few short years of use (say 3), owners noticed an annoying and dismaying trait of this unit...that of a very unstable VFO and its associated oscillator! After about 5 years, the units were so unstable, that owners began dumping them...cheap! In units that followed (Swan 500, etc.), the damage had been done by the 350 and the ham fraternity summarily rejected the brand. Sales started slumping, and eventually the company went belly-up after trying to market CB units for awhile. If you spy one at a hamfest...RUN! -Ed Pg 3 Swan 350 Home Previous Next Now, try your hand at this month's offering: (Email me if you know! -Ed) This month's selection is probably going to be a "toughie" to guess...and is only featured here because of what this vehicle went on to become (you'll probably be surprised!). I will give you this much...the vehicle shown here got its roots in England and was renamed (the company) when it came to be imported onto our shores.. Later, it became to be manufactured here in the states also...but under the renamed moniker. But its very last name is what may surprise you! Oh yeah, the car is much smaller than what it looks. Good luck!!! ??? ??? ??? ??? Auto Trivia - [Last Month] The "big 3" automakers (GM, Ford, Chrysler) all offered pickups as a complement to their automobile line. Anyone outside of this circle were known as "Independents". This independent truck's strong points were its economy, its quietness, and , above all, its dependability. I hope you guessed this truck to be a 1951 Studebaker 1/2 ton "stepside" !

Back Next