New hams when they so venture forth
Will eye the latest rigs, of course,
But take a tip from one whose seen
The cost to fix those rigs extreme.

And yes, it's seems to get much worse
With micros and displays to curse.
The cost of just the one of these
Will make the deepest pockets squeeze.

So don't forget the rigs once used
With circular dial and old style tubes?
Of course one had to dip and load
Each time the band was changed or mode.

But adjustment there was built right-in
To load one's beam; to tune it in.
And while there's limits to such schemes
It isn't quite the chore it seems.

And they weren't so hard to put to rights
When nothing worked but just the lights.
Our test gear then was just a meter
With knowledge gained from mag or teacher.

So, if you're a new one at this game
Research the older gear; the same
As such were used not long ago
And get more value for your dough.

And when you're after that DX so dear
Should fortune strike you'll have no fear
And really show the gang your worth
With rigs that do not cost the earth.

But wait, there is a better way
To keep that credit card at bay
And that's to build in part oneself
Much cheaper than that off the shelf.

So spend your cash the wisest way
And buy some tools this very day.
Although it's nice to have new gear
That from your brain you'll hold quite dear.

73 de Joe G3LLV