"Old radio parts are too cool to throw away," according to Rich Holoch, KY6R. Instead of discarding old tubes, dials, variable capacitors and the like, Rich uses the parts to create radio-related "assemblage art."

It all started when Rich's wife noted that Amateur Radio operators continue to carry the torch for Morse code long after its demise in most commercial communications. She joked that Rich would be one of the last to use the mode, inspiring him to create his first assemblage based on a pun of the gun-owners' old line that "You'll have to take my key [rather than gun] from my cold dead hands."

Rich enjoyed creating the art so much that he continued creating his "shrines" devoted to radio. The Web site flickr hosts his radio assemblage art. You will also find his non-radio-related assemblages and collection of ham radio photos.

My personal favorite assemblages are one "that lets us hams pray for sunspots," another that incorporates old teleprinter keys (one of my favorite modes) and finally, one that (to me) represents the wide-eyed innocence of youth that I recall having when I began exploring the shortwaves.

Until next time, keep on surfin'!

Editor's note: Stan Horzepa, WA1LOU, does not throw away old radio parts either. To ask him what he plans to do with his dust collectors, send him e-mail or add comments to his blog. By the way, every installment of Surfin' is indexed here, so go look it up.

Stan Horzepa, WA1LOU
Contributing Editor