If you've arrived at this page its probably because you are curious .. curious about my history of giving certain radio gear as gifts to fellow Hams as opposed to selling it at a hamfest or on-line. So, because your curious I will try to explain.

I believe that Amateur Radio, like certain other endeavors, has a life of its own. That is, it continues to grow and “sprout” new incantations of itself as time goes on and, because of this, carries along certain things that belong only to it and not to us as an individual Ham operators. Some of the things that belong to the living component of Amateur Radio and therefore only temporarily used by any single Ham are special pieces of gear, certain callsigns and Ham “idioms”, such as the well worn CQ. There are other things that I believe belong to this group but what is important here is that I believe that certain pieces of gear are part of the living Amateur Radio aspect of our hobby.

A key that belonged to someone special or was special in its own right because it is linked to a specific event in the life process of Amateur Radio is a prime example. Along with this certain models of radios also possess that special connection.

The pieces of gear that I once owned and have since passed along, to me, were part of that larger life that is Amateur Radio. Each held within itself a snapshot of a unique time, event or individual and because of that has taken on a life of its own and become part of the lifeline that is Amateur Radio. It was something that for a time I possessed, treasured and found great satisfaction using and then, at some point a situation presented itself to me and I knew it was time to let it go so it could continue along its way. So – I gave it and its magic away and know that it will continue to move through the life of Amateur Radio – occasionally making a stop and spending some time with a single Ham and then, later, moving on again on its way.

To me not every piece of gear or memorabilia feel that way ... but certain things do and in recognizing that I know that at some point I will know when its right to let them go and in the letting go, pass both them and there unique connection to Amateur Radio go with them.

- Steve, WØSJS