22 Jun
2010
22 Jun
'10
9:12 a.m.
On 22 Jun 2010 at 6:43, A. Christoff Baumann wrote:
Heathkit disappeared largely because electronics (and
ham radio as
well) as a hobby has drifted out of the mainstream and into a pretty
selective niche. Electronics parts stores in general are largely an
anachronism... even RadioShack has been desperately trying to shake
off the "back wall" and become a cell phone boutique store.
One reason that is rarely mentioned is the decline of the GI Bill.
During the 60s and 70s, Heathkit's Educational division was a popular
place to spend GI Bill funds because you came away with your own TV
that you'd built from a kit.
But cheap imported goods was really the final straw.
--Chuck