Without a doubt, today’s solid-state equipment performs much better and is easier to use than the earlier generations of ham gear that used vacuum tubes. Even so, there are still many amateur radio operators and electronics hobbyists who are building circuits that use tubes and enjoying their warm glow.
One of the reasons for this interest is nostalgia. Many of us grew up with radios that used vacuum tubes, and it takes us back to use them even today. Another reason is that the technology is simpler, making it easier for hobbyists to design and build their own circuits.
Some of these hobbyists call themselves “glowbugs.” The Glowbug website contains a wealth of information about tubes and tube circuits, including:
- receiver Circuits and Accessories,
- transmitter Circuits,
- VFO Circuits,
- interesting Links to other’s pages,
- excerpts of books online and more.
The Glowbugs also have a mailing list, on which they talk about all manner of things relating to vacuum tubes. I have been hesitant to actually subscribe to this list and add to the already high volume of e-mail that I receive daily, but I may succumb and sign up anyway.
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