Exactly the same as long ago

[WA6MHZ]

This thread is to list down not what has changed, but what has remained the SAME throughout history.

Some things never change.

In this age of microprocessors, computers and cellphones, it is refreshing to pick up an item in a store and notice that it is the same as it was 50 or more years ago.


I just got in a Walter Ashe radio catalog from 1949. 60 years ago.
It was fun to see all the old Hallicrafters, Hammarlunds and Nationals, plus a few very rare brands that quickly came and went.

Betcha never seen a Hunter Cycle Master 20-A, or Hunter Bandit (Not the AMP!) Who has seen a BeeBee FM Transmitter or Micamold 45W transmitter?
Or better y et, a Meck T60-2 or Sperti 2 meter HT from 1949???


But back to the subject of this thread.

Some of the things you can get today that are in this 1949 catalog:
B&W Dipole connector center part
Various tube plate caps
Aligator Clips
RF Chokes
Relay racks
IF transformers
large variable caps
Doorknob HV caps
Most plugs and sockets
All hardware: Nuts, bolts, washers, solder lugs, wing nuts, cable clamps
antenna insulators
Morse code hand keys
many meters
D-104 mike, plus several other mics
Hand tools, drill bits, Nibblers, pliers, cutters, etc.
Allen wrenches, nutdrivers,
Greenlee Punches
Transformers
Terminal strips
Relays
Power Resistors
Pots and rotary switches
Light bulbs
Tube sockets
Speakers
wire

Most of these have remain unchanged since their inception. Some were designed as far back as before 1900!

So, when we look at all the NEW fancy stuff, let's also look around what HASN'T changed in many many decades.

Some things are so good they can't be improved on.

[KB3LAZ]

Crystal filters.

[NS8N]

I was going to be cheeky and say the F-layer hasn't changed. But then again, I am not entirely sure that is true.

[KG4CGC]

I was going to be cheeky and say the F-layer hasn't changed. But then again, I am not entirely sure that is true.

Some scientists in Stockholm are about to classify another layer that did not even exist 60 years ago.
The new G-Layer, new in name that is, is made up of space debris and has gotten so thick that it has stabilized in distance from the Earth and in consistency.
Unlike the other layers, the G-Layer starts at about 800 miles and a longpath signal can be achieved in a single hop.
Currently the use of the G-Layer is restricted to the United States military and a selected group of researchers.
It is currently slated for civilian use when it becomes decommissioned in 2056.

[W9MAV]

Some scientists in Stockholm are about to classify another layer that did not even exist 60 years ago.
The new G-Layer, new in name that is, is made up of space debris and has gotten so thick that it has stabilized in distance from the Earth and in consistency.
Unlike the other layers, the G-Layer starts at about 800 miles and a longpath signal can be achieved in a single hop.
Currently the use of the G-Layer is restricted to the United States military and a selected group of researchers.
It is currently slated for civilian use when it becomes decommissioned in 2056.

Very interesting! Thanks for the info.

[NS8N]

Some scientists in Stockholm are about to classify another layer that did not even exist 60 years ago.
The new G-Layer, new in name that is, is made up of space debris and has gotten so thick that it has stabilized in distance from the Earth and in consistency.
Unlike the other layers, the G-Layer starts at about 800 miles and a longpath signal can be achieved in a single hop.
Currently the use of the G-Layer is restricted to the United States military and a selected group of researchers.
It is currently slated for civilian use when it becomes decommissioned in 2056.

The garbage-layer, hi hi.

[G0BXU]

Some scientists in Stockholm are about to classify another layer that did not even exist 60 years ago.
The new G-Layer, new in name that is, is made up of space debris and has gotten so thick that it has stabilized in distance from the Earth and in consistency.
Unlike the other layers, the G-Layer starts at about 800 miles and a longpath signal can be achieved in a single hop.
Currently the use of the G-Layer is restricted to the United States military and a selected group of researchers.
It is currently slated for civilian use when it becomes decommissioned in 2056.

I don't think I've got this, "Currently the use of the G-Layer is restricted to the United States military and a selected group of researchers." - what is restricted, using it for propogation? How can 'they' restrict it?

"It is currently slated for civilian use when it becomes decommissioned in 2056" - What is going to be decommissioned? The 'restriction' of it's use (for propogation) - again, how?

Is this layer of debris so thick now that it would make the passage of a spacecraft through it impossibly dangerous? Or is there still enough room for trips to the moon and mars, and of course safe return?

If a trip to outer space were undertaken safely, would this layer of junk make communications to and fro, at worse impossible, at best unreliable?

I don't think I will be booking a ticket anytime soon.

Alan

[NS8N]

I'm pretty sure he is joking. It reeks of sarcasm.

[AD5MB]

the G-layer is a major component of the "launch windows" you hear about. they need to slot takeoffs in between bigger hunks of debris.

[KG4CGC]

To answer some of your questions Alan, the US owns the G-Layer as well as the Moon and the Sun and as well as the rest of the solar system.
When the G-Layer becomes opened up for civilian use in 2056, there will be a tax which will be agreed upon through international committee.
Holes will be opened up to allow ships to pass through via the H.A.A.R.P. stations which will be located in all major regions on the planet. Only recognized craft which have payed for passage through international agreement will be allowed to return to Earth. Same goes for communication paths through the layer.

I believe it was inevitable that the US would dominate the technology through military secrecy.