There seems to be a pretty large group of 70s nerds here. We have the need to take things apart and build our own. We share a bond with tinkerers who do the same with cars, motorcycles, guns and pretty much anything that can be modified, including computer programs. I’ll bet most of them can be found in the Usenet archives as well.
My mechanic appitude and hands on have made me a master of trades and a jack if none... well almost;)
My current musings are about 800 dollars into aliexpress electronic components. I want to build a white noise amp for securing discussion areas. Part of y justification to my family is to augment our 30k worth of prepping, medical, communications, defense Continuity of Civilization SHTF Stash.
Reduency in components and boards, manuals, and plans for repair after the flash. If we survive the initial blast we have enought for 10 years
At least the kids will continue.