Good evening from my alternative #hamr shackadelic that is our living room sitting in a comfort chair with a view of the Pacific ocean. I finished reading David Bower, K4PZT's article in the September/October 2012 edition of The DX Magazine. First, let me say, I really like the ring of ARC-5, it sounds really rugged unlike our modern wireless monikers.
Listen to the sound of saying, "I own an ARC-5 transceiver and a Commander 1500 watt linear amplifier."
Bower's article is well written and I consider it as one of the best reads thus far because I want to sit in the radioman's chair. His narrative almost demands the purchase of a J-38 straight key that flew and sent Morse code during World War Two.
He explains the difference between "ARC" and "Commander" that is a 'command' denotes receiver whereas 'arc' means transmitter. Bower further discusses the impact of surplus WWII communications equipment on Amateur Radio that kept the price range within the means of most following the war.
I really enjoyed Bower's final paragraphs as he describes his flight in the radioman's seat. Perhaps, even one day, we may see the return of monikers like ARC-5 and Commander as terms to remember the greatest generation.
Contest on!