HFU HF Underground

General Category => General Radio Discussion => Topic started by: Nella F. on August 14, 2012, 2206 UTC

Title: R. I. P. PRO-34, #980073, 7A0, "800mhz. PLUS"
Post by: Nella F. on August 14, 2012, 2206 UTC
Beloved R. S. hand-held Pro-34, affectionately nicknamed "800mhz. Plus" went to antique heaven last Sunday. Purchaced Sept. 11, 1991 from "Berry Hill" Radio Shack @ 4:30pm, local time, it enjoyed a long & fruitful existance, providing its owner countless hours of scanning listening. An "operation", thanks to a "U. S. Scanner News" article, increased its receiving capacity, adding an occasional vicarious treat, thus earning its coveted nickname. It accidently fell off a temporary stand late last month, breaking... I don't khow what. It continued briefly to perform as usual but eventually most likely contracted S. I. S. or sudden inoperative squelch. A very rare disorder/malfunction the major sympton being turning the knob having no effect on the scanning mode. Even though "Plus's" beep remained audible & the display performed as usual, euthanasia was performed quickly & mercifully with no visible discomfort. My very limited electrical background proved a major hinderance @ the autopsy, official cause-of-death ruled inconclusive, (probable sis). In attendance @ its bedside were nephew PRO-43, 3A3 & grand-nephew PRO-94, 3A0. Long time friend ICF-SW7600G was also in attendance.(*) At owners convenience, burial to be performed at Whidbey Is. Dump.
R. I. P. "Plus"  :'(
*additional: Preceded in death by first cousin PRO: 2004 due to falty solder welds causing erratic read-out.
Title: Re: R. I. P. PRO-34, #980073, 7A0, "800mhz. PLUS"
Post by: Zane on August 15, 2012, 0116 UTC
Sorry to hear. I've got an elderly PRO-34 next to me. It's cranky. When you turn it on, the display light flickers and eventually fades out in sync with the scan rate. It's got tape to hold the battery cover on. When I used to take it to the auto racing track to hear the corner workers, I'd plug it into one of those old Motorola cop car speakers and you could hear it from a good distance.

I bought it for $25 from another guy who took it to the track too. It had an easily fixed problem with the charger connector.
I don't know if it has the "800 plus" mod in it. I don't turn it on often, but it seems to have a pretty good receiver.

It Keeps chugging along though. I'll make sure it doesn't read your post lest it decides to retire too.

Z
Title: Re: R. I. P. PRO-34, #980073, 7A0, "800mhz. PLUS"
Post by: Pigmeat on August 15, 2012, 1048 UTC
Whidbey Island!?!  Let me know if you ever run across a cigar chompin',ex-Navy Seal,smoke jumpin' fool out there?

He's not exceptionally dangerous in his normal state,but you want to stand with your back to the wall when he's around.
Title: Re: R. I. P. PRO-34, #980073, 7A0, "800mhz. PLUS"
Post by: Nella F. on August 16, 2012, 2323 UTC
Whidbey Island!?!  Let me know if you ever run across a cigar chompin',ex-Navy Seal,smoke jumpin' fool out there?He's not exceptionally dangerous in his normal state,but you want to stand with your back to the wall when he's around.

What kind of a car does he drive? I've got one person in mind...
Title: Re: R. I. P. PRO-34, #980073, 7A0, "800mhz. PLUS"
Post by: Pigmeat on August 17, 2012, 1302 UTC
I don't know. It's been a few years since I've talked to him other than the occasional  email. He normally drove some beat up truck when I knew him. Lanky old coot with a beard. He looks permanently tan due to his mother being of First Nations stock.

(He sports a very slight English accent due to his ex-RAF father taking the family to Northern England from Labrador when he was a kid.)

Drinks IPA like he was weaned on it and will go on about Manchester United until you're looking for the nearest axe handle to shut him up.

Rolls his own cigars to boot. The Jefe is a true original.
Title: Re: R. I. P. PRO-34, #980073, 7A0, "800mhz. PLUS"
Post by: Nella F. on August 17, 2012, 2217 UTC
Nope, not even close to the chap I had in mind.