The urge to collect things is deeply ingrained in the human race and there is virtually nothing that hasn't been considered for a collection. A hobby such as collecting can help to expand one's horizon, create interesting contacts and may lead to friendships. Inherent in this need to accumulate things is also a certain propensity for acting in a destructive manner.

This chapter then deals with motives for collecting, various directions that can be taken in deciding on a theme for a collection and the possibilities for acquiring items for our chosen subject. We will also talk about an attractive display of our collection and the possible influence our collector activities may have on others.

One thing cannot be in doubt: It is up to the collector himself / herself whether the hobby enriches both the collector and those around, or if it is allowed to spoil a hitherto harmonious environment. Unfortunately, there is no statistical record of how many people have idolized their hobby to the point where nothing else around them seems to matter. Quite often it's in the collector's hand whether his or her contemporaries understand and become interested in reasons for collecting, related fields and individual pieces in the collection.

It should be taken as given, that the act of collecting must have a meaning for the collector as well as for those around him or her; impart some sense of satisfaction and achievement. Let's explore then the possible circumstances that explain our doings:

Ideally, preservation should be the overriding motive for collecting; interest in the origins and history of the respective piece. All things considered, keeping and maintaining of old objects and customs for contemplation by today's and future generations is really the only sensible reason for collecting.

This altruistic motive is rarely found in its purest form with private collectors. Museums are the appropriate institutions for that. Still, it is commendable that private individuals collect and do that for whatever reasons - quite often at a time well before the items thus hoarded seem to qualify as museum pieces.

Condition of a piece, in most cases the exterior appearance, will find expression in its price. The collector will have to pay special attention to the value as determined by differences in condition. Members have access to thousands of "value for collector" prices as posted by other members and based on actual transactions. This information can be found listed on the respective model pages. Wherever possible, condition is mentioned. Quite often, these "collector prices paid" have been recorded over several years and quite likely also indicate a trend.

Development of the "value for collector" of collected pieces largely depends on age and usually takes quite different courses. Factors coming into play are whether it's a true rarity, a rare collector item, an exotic piece or whether the item was mass produced. Not to be overlooked are also current popularity of the field in which one's interest resides and the general economic situation in the country.

Where to find Radios?
That's the often posed question from collectors. A radical change took place in the second half of the '80s. Radios worth collecting more and more disappeared from the side of the street where they were used to be put as useless rubbish. Same picture at second-hand markets. However, other sources opened up: Collector markets like „Garage Sales“ and „Radio meets“ and Flea Markets, Internet, as well as conventional auctions. Some valuable sets appeare in antique stores.

Members of Radiomuseum.org exchange information via the Forum. To buy from and/or exchange with fellow members is another possibility in Markt. Click on Membership to find out what the prerequisites, terms and conditions are.

But foremost in importance here are written notes for which we create an opportunity on the model page. Members will be able to record here any noteworthy detail and only the respective member will have later access to that information.

Another feature that goes under this heading is the possibility to narrow down the search if, for instance, the exact model designation is unknown because of a missing back panel or for any other reason. Members may key in up to five (5) of the valves / tubes of the set to be identified and will receive in turn a list of plausible models. The same feature can be used if schematics are not available. The system will suggest similar circuits that can be consulted if need arises.