1965 Ham Station Budgets

Sixty years ago this month, the March 1965 issue of Electronics Illustrated offered some guidance on equipment for the new ham. The magazine noted that there was a lot of information on learning the code and getting your license, but it was sparse when it came to setting up a new station.

Therefore, they showed possible stations for four different price points: $100, $250, $500, and $1000.

The hundred dollar station consisted of an Ameco AC-1T transmitter kit, along with a Lafayette KT-320 general coverage receiver. The next step up would be a Heathkit DX-60 transmitter and HR-10 receiver. There was enough in the budget for a Lafayette 9902501 VFO.

For $500, the magazine recommended an E.F. Johnson Viking Ranger II, and Lafayette HA-350 receiver.

The well heeled ham could spend $1000 on a Hallicrafters HT-37 transmitter and Drake R-4 receiver.



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