do you ever ....... ?

[AB2T]

Dunno, $2000 in 20 years? That's today's dollars. I homebrew as much as I can. Antennas usually cost $20 or less given that I buy remnant wire at hamfests and recycle many parts. Other electronics, like stereo equipment, old computers, etc. I get at garage sales, thrift shops, dumpster diving, etc. I'm set for another twenty years when it comes to ham gear. I'm always on the lookout for used computers, though.

Even if I had a huge income I don't think I'd run out and buy everything new. I like the pride of accomplishment that comes with homebrewing. Experimenting as I go is a large part of the fun of ham radio.

73, Jordan

[K0BAM]

Oh I dunno a couple thousand dollars. It's a hobby I get enjoyment out of. Ya know, I was fly fishing with my $100.00 outfit and talking to a guy who has spent well over $5,000 on his stuff. The trout I catch are just as tasty as the trout he catches. But it's something he enjoys and doesn't mind spending money on. Now let's talk golf...

[W6OGC]

With the many facets of the hobby and complexities of the hobby and the shear amount of information you can learn from others and reading ( forgot one expense the books on the hobby) a great asset. But to sum it up it is a hobby that can be enjoyed whether you spend $100 or a $100,000 you can get the same enjoyment just where you want to operate at and progress at what ever rate you wish if any.

The old Old Timers figured that amateur radio wasn't as much a hobby as it was a disease for which there is only one treatment, and no cure.

[KB4QAA]

In 30 years I've only had 3 main HF rigs, two of which were used. I've spent more in the last three years on boat anchors than in the previous 27 years combined.

Compared to friends and co-workers who have bought fishing boats, campers, stereo gear, motorcycles and kids it doesn't seem like much.

I've been frugal but finally reached the point that buying quality test equipment is going to probably last the rest of my life. Having the right tool for the job makes the hobby Sooo much more enjoyable!

[G0GQK]

If I was going to worry about money spent it would be on the cars which I've bought since 1958.
All they ever did was cost money, buy a good tranceiver and it will go for 20 years

[KB3LAZ]

OTOH, what is the value of what I've learned?

IMHO, amateur radio has been a tremendous bargain for me these past 45 years....

73 de Jim, N2EY

I dont think one could put a value on the knowledge obtained. Priceless yet so meaningful. Also, the memories are very valuable as well.

[NN3W]

less than if I bought a boat....

[N7GH]

...i guess my answer would be several thousands over the 30 odd years - and i honestly don't know - cars maybe ??

discuss

Realistically any hobby that you are into for any amount of time is going to run into some good coin... photography, cars, collecting (any kind), and etc. Here's something to think about too... which have you spent more money on in your lifetime... your hobbies or social drinking? Think about it.

[G6URM]

Realistically any hobby that you are into for any amount of time is going to run into some good coin... photography, cars, collecting (any kind), and etc. Here's something to think about too... which have you spent more money on in your lifetime... your hobbies or social drinking? Think about it.

ah that one is simple on my hobby - as i dont drink that much never have ( used to BEFORE i got into AR - but it got less and less as i realised the money was better spent ) may have had a social pint once a week or so up till i had my stroke (near on 10 years ago now ) - but now with all the meds i am on - NEVER TOUCH THE STUFF

frankly i prefer TEA anyways -

[KB3LAZ]

Realistically any hobby that you are into for any amount of time is going to run into some good coin... photography, cars, collecting (any kind), and etc. Here's something to think about too... which have you spent more money on in your lifetime... your hobbies or social drinking? Think about it.

I can count the number of time I have had a drink on my fingers so it is safe to say my hobbies. Coffee is another story. Smokes on the other hand..I dont want to add that figure. A rough guess on my smoking habbit in 10 years wold be 20k. Add in the cost of the wifes who has been smoking for twice that long and you are talking 60+k in a lifetime.