My grandfather became a silent key in 1988. I am new to Ham Radio and I now have his call sign. Does anybody know how I could track down any of his old equipment? He sold his station piecemeal when money became tight for him in the late 80s. I would love to buy something he used and incorporate it in my station. It would mean a lot to me. His name was Edward Stetzer, QTH, Long Island, NY Thanks for reading this request. Bill Stetzer K2ZBA
My Condolences. Best bet would be go to the Long Island area Hamfests and look for any stuff with the Call Sign on stick on labels. Back that far there was no internet to research what he had for sale. Another idea, find some of his old station photographs and see if you or someone else can Identify the equipment in the photos. Do you happen to have any old Log books, sometimes folks put notes there or on QSL cards of what radio they were using. Best of luck. Edward V. Stetzer, K2ZBA 8 Laurel St Floral Park, NY 11001-2824 License Class: General License Issue Date: Jan 31 1984 License Expiration Date: Jan 31 1994 Birth Date: Apr 20 1919
Another suggestion is to visit the local clubs and introduce yourself. Maybe he was a member, or someone will remember him. Sadly, 1988 is quite awhile ago and there's been turn over in the hobby of course. Guys his age, or close to it are also probably SK. Good Luck with your search and be sure to check back in and let's us know if you have any luck. Vy 73 Paul
Great ideas. I'm gonna try to track down some photos and see if there are any log books. Maybe I can just find a QSL card he sent. I don't think I can get up there for a hamfest or club meetings (I live in NC), but I'm going to look up clubs in the area and email some members. I will definitely post what I find out.
Good luck. Not ham - but my grandfather was in to CB back in the 70's and 80's when it was big. I have his CB in my station along with his QSL cards, club membership cards and some things with his FCC call sign written on them.
It may be very hard to find his exact gear that he had.. 27 years is a long time. Perhaps if you track down if he was in any radio clubs someone there may know. Another suggestion would be to find any old photos.. identify what equipment he had (if you don't know.. post the photos here and we can help), and search for the same make/model to re-create the station he had.
I gave on on finding any of his equipment BUT I did find out what his station consisted of. I found him mentioned in an article in CQ Journal and it mentioned what he was running. I even found an article he wrote in 1981 and got a copy of that issue. It has been a fun search. Happy Thankgiving all!!
