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Andy Williss (VK5LA)

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If you sat down and added up everything that you could think of that you had purchased over the years, how much money do you have invested in Ham Radio?
Posted: May 19, 2008 (1825 votes, 43 comments) by VK5LA

Survey Results

Less than $1,000	4% (67)
Between $1,001 and $2,500	8% (152)
Between $2,501 and $5,000	20% (356)
Between $5,001 and $10,000	26% (477)
Between $10,000 and $50,000	34% (626)
Between $50,000 and $100,000	6% (108)
Over $100,000	2% (39)

Survey Comments

Worth all the dough!
I have been a ham for nearly 50 years and have probably spent $50 K or more over those years. It was all worth it! I continue to be active and love the hobby. It has brought me more enjoyment and new friends than any $50K fancy car would! I will spend more too, as soon as the stock market gets a bit less insane. Posted by W2FBS on September 18, 2008

Lets see here I have around $6k worth of equipment on the desk right now. Half of this was purchased in the last year. Then again the pro3 cost me around $3k all on its own. Now that I think about it I may have more than $10k invested in ham radio, lol. WOW, if I can spend this much in 4 1/2 years what will I have into it 25 years down the road? Posted by KB3LAZ on September 10, 2008
Buy used and build antennas
My rule of thumb is to buy equipment at a fair used price that will allow me to resell it at a minimal loss if/when I decide to replace it. Also, I try to homwbrew as much as I can. When I was 14 years old I saved up all my money from a summer job and bought HF rig for $1200 and sold it for the same price some years later. Last year I bought one for $1150! Posted by AA9OC on August 20, 2008
a little here a little there
I have spent quite a bit on gear over the years, and I have only been back into it for a little over a year -- with 7 years off. I would wager that I have spent well over $25k, but that was when I had land for big antennas and towers, which get pricey very fast -- which definitely over-shadowed the price of my radios and amps. My stacked 8 element yagis that I had for 10m -- and the antennas were homebrew -- cost $2k alone to setup. I have not spent too much lately; maybe about $2000 in the past year, which was for getting set back up into the hobby. The price for anything copper goes up anymore and I am going to be putting quite a bit into the hobby. The other thing that I believe a lot of us are forgetting: if you add everything to the cost of the hobby, it will add up quick. Coax, twin lead, connectors, various cables, electronic components, and everything else that you can think of will add up really fast. John, KC8NTP/7, Nevada Posted by KC8NTP on June 3, 2008
Interesting trend
Of all the survey questions that I've followed over the years here on eHam this is the first one that I can remember where the relative percentages for the choices were not firmly established with the first 100 responses. Usually each of the relative percentages stays within 2-3% of what they are at after just the first 100 responses. The next 2000 or so responses to these survey questions rarely move them much. But this time what I have noticed is that the $10-50K group has dropped from 41% (if I recall correctly) to the now current 35%. Posted by N9DG on June 2, 2008
DOH!
Sorry, better subtract one from that $100,000 or more total. Stupid MS Mouse clicked on the last category when I was hitting submit. Posted by N2NH on June 2, 2008
$$$
Between $10,000 and $50,000 best sums up my financial depth over 20+ years - KJ7XJ Posted by KJ7XJ on June 2, 2008
ACBER
Typical CB LID! Has to post 5 times, guess he does not know you only have to hit return key once! Why not pull his comment as he is NOT A HAM! Posted by W9LVM on June 2, 2008
ACBER
Typical CB LID! Has to post 5 times, guess he does not know you only have to hit return key once! Why not pull his comment as he is NOT A HAM! Posted by W9LVM on June 2, 2008
A Related Question
I feel it would be very informative to know the percentage of Hams that own radios they paid $2,000 or more for. Posted by K4SFC on June 2, 2008
$20K in 43 Years
Funny that this topic should come up. After hearing my 80-ish parents (no disrespect intended) comment "well, if you didn't spend so much money on ham radio... ", I recently calculated how much I'd actually spent since age 15. Total outlay (less dollars from equipment sold) since 1965 has been about $20,000. If I trashed my antennas and simply sold off my station gear, I'd probabaly net $5K - $6K. If you average $15K over 43 years it comes out to $348.84 per year. If you consider the hours of enjoyment, friendships gained, career enhancement, mental stimulation, etc. ham radio can be a low cost hobby with high return on investment. Compare it to the typical costs of boating, golf or luxury vacations and ham radio looks even better! Posted by K8DXX on June 1, 2008
Happier on 11 meters
My Kenwood TS2000 with a Behringer B-1 mic is the best sounding radio on 11 meters. Thanks to "W", the FCC has no money, it's all in Iraq. Life is good. Good band openings too. Posted by ACBER on June 1, 2008
Happier on 11 meters
My Kenwood TS2000 with a Behringer B-1 mic is the best sounding radio on 11 meters. Thanks to "W", the FCC has no money, it's all in Iraq. Life is good. Good band openings too. Posted by ACBER on June 1, 2008
Happier on 11 meters
My Kenwood TS2000 with a Behringer B-1 mic is the best sounding radio on 11 meters. Thanks to "W", the FCC has no money, it's all in Iraq. Life is good. Good band openings too. Posted by ACBER on June 1, 2008
Happier on 11 meters
My Kenwood TS2000 with a Behringer B-1 mic is the best sounding radio on 11 meters. Thanks to "W", the FCC has no money, it's all in Iraq. Life is good. Good band openings too. Posted by ACBER on June 1, 2008
Just starting
I've not been a ham for a year yet. I've spent about $1000 and I can happily see spending more. The fellowship, the fests, and everthing that goes with it makes the money an investment in happiness. Posted by KI4YMD on June 1, 2008
Not about the money
I don't consider the monetary cost of ham radio, it is really more about the enjoyment of meeting new friends, talking to old friends, and having fun. I still get excited about a rare dx contact, or talking to an old friend that I haven't seen or talked to in years. I could easily spend much more on other things if I didn't enjoy my radios so much. Posted by NC4TL on June 1, 2008

I don't look at it as how much money it's all worth. I look at it as how many interesting people I've spoken to, in so many different counties, states, and countries, in so many interesting discussions, laughs, tech-talks, and debates. Its the hobby that's never ending and always eventful. It is simply fun...! Posted by KG4CLD on May 31, 2008
I was a poor ham......
When I started back in the early '90's, it was almost impossible to come up with the $$$ that was needed for this hobby. I'd work hard and spend thousands building a station and then have to sell it all off whenever hard times occured. And that happened a lot!!! Now that I'm middle-aged and settled into my career and making much better money.......it's nice to be able to hang on to the gear that I purchase. Even if I lose interest for a time, it's always waiting for me. Ya' see? There are advantages to getting older. LOL! Posted by KC5CQD on May 29, 2008
Messing with the curve
I'm new so that means no $$$ yet... Give me time.. That WILL change.. 73 Posted by REVWEST on May 29, 2008

I made more QSOs with the cheap gear I had early in my ham career such as my DX40 and DX60 & Swan 270B. Also made more QSOs with my Icom 706's than my Drake TR-7A. More QSOs with my Yaesu FT-817 than my Icom 756 Pro II. Go figure. Love each rig I ever owned. 73, Jim N3AWS Posted by N3AWS on May 29, 2008
Different Interests Now
In more than 25 years in ham radio, I've spent ALOT of money on the hobby....but my interests have changed, and I've sold most of my equipment....my money is now spent on things that bring me MUCH more pleasure than ham radio ever did...classic guitars. They actually DO increase in value, and I don't have to deal with lousy band conditions, QRM, or the new "CBer hams" to enjoy playing them.....wish I would have done this years ago... Posted by RADIO123US on May 28, 2008
Ham Radio $$$
I don't care how much money I've spent on Ham radio over 30+ years in the hobby. Ham radio has been a benefit to my career, created long lasting friendships, and hours of fun and learning. I've worked hard and reaped the benefits, survived a life threating illness, take care of family and home. Buy a new rig about every 4.5 years to keep current with new technology. Enjoy old technology too by using and maintaining a vintage amateur AM station circa 1953. Don't want to know what I've spent keeping them air-worthy ! Ham radio is a great hobby and not even close to the most expensive past time generally reserved for males ! de K2JX Posted by K2JX on May 27, 2008
not too much and worth it
I probably averged about $1,000 a year over the 47 years I have been a ham. About like bowling maybe. Cheaper than golf; sports cars; scuba; or many hobbies. It gave me good friends and heled me mature and keep out of trouble as a teen. Gave me life long friends. Gave me tech info and contacts that helped my career. Gave me countless hours of fun. Allowed me to be helpful in my community in public service. All in all darn cheap for a a great quality thing! Posted by W4FID on May 27, 2008

well, I think I have spent about $1500 over the past 4 years being a ham. First station was free via a trade of old computer equipment. My XYL approves. She's the one who said when I wanted a HF rig, just buy the Yaesu rig. Also she's the one was surprised at me looking at a store bought antenna. She said "you make all your antennas..." Posted by KI4ENS on May 25, 2008
NO Regrets
When I started I was in my late 20s. Now in 70s. I have some of the best stations and some skimpy ones. One thing for sure is this Hobby has given me a better job and lots of new Brain cells. It has been the best learning experience in my life. It also has paid me back in job rewards in both the Military and at work at Chrysler. If you have a friend that is a HAM get him or her to take the test and get going. It can help you in many ways also. I retired at 58 now retired 12 years. Posted by KU4IP on May 25, 2008
Where did the money go?
Over the 44 years I have been a ham My best estimate would be about $25,000+ or an average of $568 /YR. Some years were a lot leaner than others. If we add in costs going to hamfests and other related activities over those years, the number goes up. A lot of my equipment was acquired via "Hoss Trading". 73 George K3UD Posted by K3UD on May 23, 2008
OK, so I'm a packrat...
Not a lot of new here. My starter rigs were new, but after the first couple radios its been all older equipment from my pre-ham youth. 22A's, Memorizers, a 7400A, you know, the classics. I've got a couple fiberglass vertical antennas but the rest are modified commercial discards or homebrew. The basement's full so as soon as I can decide what to cull out, I'll spend my retirement putting them on the market again. Posted by N7TRZ on May 21, 2008
Wow! I've spent a lot
I just took a quick inventory of the major equipment in my shack, to include the major only items I'm currently using. I didn't factor in tax, shipping, tools, odds & ends, and stuff in the closet waiting to be sold. The amount totalled up to $3969.78 which is a LOT of money!! Since I love to buy and sell stuff, I have no doubt in my mind that $10 - $15K of ham equipment (including accessories) has probably passed through my hands since I got my ticket about 10 years ago. This stuff is a great investment as you get top dollar when selling it, so it's not all bad. Looks like I've spent the most at Ham Radio Outlet, followed by Gigaparts, Glen Martin Engineering, AES, then the Wireman. 73, Dan / ab0re Posted by AB0RE on May 20, 2008
Why not
Life has been good to us. We travel, have a beautiful home, family is cared for and we donate to many causes. I do spend a lot of money on ham gear, much much more than most everyone, but it is my hobby. I still get great joy from this hobby after 55 plus years at it. It led me to a profession that has provided me much material and SPIRITUAL wealth. George W6GF Posted by W6GF on May 20, 2008
It's worth it also...
Most of it in the last 10 years (about 25K, 15K in the prior 35 years). KJ4VO grins when I come into the store with an order list in hand. I do have lots of fun, and I spend lots on my Granddaughter also. Steve W4CNG Posted by W4CNG on May 20, 2008
Sell it off
I also sell stuff I'm not using, usually, so at any given time my station's not worth a lot. If I think about all the stuff I've bought and sold over the years, though...geesh...at least $100K, probably more. But it was never all in the shack at one time! I include the "cost to build" homebrew stuff in that. Some of my most expensive rigs have been completely homebrew. Parts aren't cheap, especially when the project is a large amplifier. WB2WIK/6 Posted by WB2WIK on May 20, 2008
$ yet to be spent
If I follow thru with amplifier and tower/beam plans my total will increase quite a bit. I'll just have to remember to tape prices on everything that will have to be sold after I'm gone. I'm taking an HT with me though...Just in case! 73 Posted by KS4XN on May 20, 2008

I have a pretty good chunk spent on radio gear but then again i dont go out and buy the latest and greatest piece of equipment that just hit the market either. most of my gear is at least 25+ years old or so except for one rig that is about 10 years old. Posted by KC9GUZ on May 20, 2008
Money Spent
This is starting my 54th year, June 16th, in Amateur Radio. I really can not put a price tag on everything, I can only say that what ever I spent was worth more than all the money in the world. I have met many new friends, traveled thru radio, world wide, shared happy and sad moments with people whom I have never met in person. Kept my sanity while in the service (MARS). I now have the pleasure of introducing younger people into the ranks of ham radio. Ham Radio also has provided me with a great living wage over the years from the stand point of being in repair as an electronics technician. Thanks to Tesla, Marconi, De Forest and all those great gentlemen who for their brilliants, discovering and inventing RADIO!!! Money is not the driving force in Ham Radio, knowledge is, investments in learning pay back, equipment is fun but not an investment! 73 and 88 to all, de K7AZN Jack Posted by K7AZN on May 20, 2008
"Just one more Dear!"
Oh well...One of my favorite sayings to my Wife is: "Honey - just one more peice of Equipment and I'll finally have it built, the way I want it to be" Strange...There's always one more after that! Thank Goodness she is so understanding about the enjoyment I get from this Hobby. Hope to See ya out on the Bands. God Bless Jerry N5JFJ Posted by N5JFJ on May 20, 2008
All Been Worth It!
Even with the occasional high dollar purchase, dollar for hour it still works out to not be an unreasonably expensive hobby. Plus my XYL knows exactly where I am and what I am doing and approves of it. I have acquaintences from work who think that I soend "a lot" of money on radio, but if you add up the amount that they spend in bars, nightclubs, chasing women, buying boats, motorcycles and other toys, they outspend me 10 to 1. Posted by 5R8GQ on May 19, 2008
Poor return on investment
I spent a lot of money in the last 25 years on ham radio. I could probably could buy a new car for what I have spent. "Small Car" Posted by KA5ROW on May 19, 2008
Compensatory Sales
I sell my old stuff, and usually get at least 50% of the value back - often more. So this does a lot to compensate for the cost of the new equipment. Phil - AD5X Posted by AD5X on May 19, 2008
The XYL?
How much does the XYL think you've spent? =0) Posted by KF8ZN on May 19, 2008
It's worth it!
I have bought, traded, and sold ham radio gear since 1969 and I am difinitely on the short stick as far as money goes. The enjoyment, friends, events, and things that I have learned more than make up for what I have spent. Posted by KW4J on May 19, 2008
Add In Time
At $1 an hour spent playing radio rather than other duties my total must be $250k at least! Posted by HB9DRV on May 19, 2008
It was too much
Now that I think about how much I spent, it was too much. But 28 years of amateur radio purchases were, eventually re-sold...though at a significant loss...I'm a poor businessman. And, most of the gear I have or had was purchased used to begin with. It is unlikely I will ever again make a major purchase. No deluxe transceiver in my future. Posted by N2UGB on May 19, 2008

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