Speaking as another smart aleck who started collecting radios & TV sets as a teen...you're already doomed to a life staring at the wrong end of a picture tube. The best thing is that Fairfax, VA is close enough to Federalsburg, MD (motto: "Where'd you say, again?") that maybe someday I can pawn some sets off on you.

(Sorry, as of right now I still refuse to PAY somebody to take them, but that time may yet come.)

See, Kiddo, I'm TRYIN' to HELP you... I didn't stop until I scored myself an RCA 621 T/S from 1946, their 1st TV after the War... Had one for a couple years now, I NEED to take it to Terry DeWick in Knoxville.. Before the 621, I HAD to have a Zenith Porthole... Got it, it went to see Terry, & now I LOVE blowing the Minds of Young Whippersnappers, somewhat like yrself, who've NEVER seen a B/W TV so BIG, or one that is SO "Odd" looking. "THEY HAD TV back then ? Why ain't it Color ? Why does it take SO LONG to come on ?!?"

Well... I WAS thinking of how cool one of those Admiral Bakelite consoles would look in the dorm...

I'm just hoping to keep the floodwaters back enough that I don't have to rent like, 3 uhauls when I move out on my own.

Best way to do that is to be selective.

I had a floor model Zenith 23" color 1970 ish in my dorm room.... Got it from a
kid 5 floors up for $10. cause he couldn't get a picture on it- so they turned every
turnie thing stickin out of it, front or back.... The room me & the room mate had
quickly became the lounge.....

.

If that was a CCI set, it makes sense. They had GREAT pictures. There is a reason my 12B13C52 chassis set has been a daily driver for as long as it has for me.

And now the common room has a flat TV in color and no one uses it.

Hi! You mentioned studying for your ham ticket...good luck! Lots of hams both here and on Audiokarma. Pay particular attention to the rules & regs questions and you should do fine.
73s!
John

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind! I'm hoping to take the test next summer. I should have plenty of time to prep in that time.

Do you have to retake the test periodically, or are you licensed for good once you get it?

License term is 10 years...as long as you renew at the appropriate time no further testing required. There's practice tests online @ QRZ.com for example...give 'em a shot. You may end up taking the test sooner than you think.