Just a warning for people thinking about getting into #microwave #amateurradio -- it's a labyrinth of hobbies, knowledge, and equipment. Precision machining, stripline circuits, strange semiconductors (IMPATT diode amplifier, anyone?), exotic electron tubes (which can and will kill you one way or another: xrays, high voltage, beryllium oxide), metrology, physics, too many wrong hex keys, DIY, repair of vintage surplus gear, morse code (modulation is sheer luxury), scouring ebay, haunting electronics store surplus sections, and poring through poorly scanned service manuals from defunct startups.