[Mishmash] Whatever Happened To Heathkit?

[Richard Barth]

At 08:24 AM 2/27/2009, you wrote:
>Hugh,
>
>     I think I remember Heathkit making a CB set.  I'm surprised because
>something operating as a business service (which was what CB was SUPPOSED to
>be but vastly digressed) required that such a radio be checked out by a
>licensed radiotelephone technician after it was assembled.  That would drive
>the price up considerably.  And there would be those that wouldn't bother
>with the FCC technician and just put it on the air often off frequency and
>over or under modulating.
>
>     I don't think that I remember anyone ever using one that I saw.
>
>     Regards,

As I recall, the Friendly Candy Company gave up on CB early 
on.  Originally, you were supposed to get a call sign issued by the 
Commission.  Then, they let you use a call that was basically your 
zip code (for all the identifying value that had.) Then they gave it 
up altogether and CB became a free-fire zone.  As for having your 
construction worked checked by a licensed tech, I somehow don't see 
that happening, even early on.


Richard Barth *** W3HWN(at)ARRL.NET *** Silver Spring, MD