Normal view
July 13, 2024. Are you really a POTA or SOTA operator?
Afterall, the IARU says the purpose of ham radio is simply contests and operating -- so you must engage in either or both of those activities as an operator or participant.
Sixty-five years ago, if you answered that question in the affirmative, then this might be the type of rig you used. From the February 1959 RCA Ham Tips comes this jewel. [N4TRB host the RCA Ham Tips back issues.]
July 12, 2024. The Beginning, Ascension and Demise of the R L Drake Company.
If you are fortunate enough to have been a ham for some time, then likely you have owned a Drake radio. Maybe it is a Drake 2B Receiver paired with a DX-100 adorning one of your operating positions or perhaps a TR-7. Somehow AI steered my phone to this video. If all you know is an ICOM IC-7300 then you are missing a true ham radio experience.
July 11, 2024. Stuff from Amazon
Flash the Plastic for this stuff. I am sharing things I have purchased from Lauren Sanchez's boyfriend (Bezos).
Β
July 10, 2024. Subthreshold Conduction
Subthreshold Conduction! What is it? In MOSFET devices there typically is a minimum threshold voltage necessary to have the device turn on. But there can be some "turn on" below that critical voltage. (Subthreshold Conduction)Β
EvenΒ in standard transistors a small portion of current leaks (collector to emitter) even when they are technically switched off. When that leakage becomes significant things can happen!
Simple relay circuit activated from an Arduino. Depending on the actual relay used the 2N3904 may be underrated which could cause it to fail or have excessive leakage current. Use a TIP31C. If the worry may be stray RF activating the switching transistor slip several ferrite beads on the base lead.
July 9, 2024. How I built the Mega 2560 CW Code?
Just a short boring posting today. One critical aspect of the CW code development is the timing. A dash is three time the length of a dot. Then there is the time spacing between the elements like dah di dah dit (letter C) and time spacing between the next letter like dah dah di dah, (letter Q). Finally time spacing between words like CQ CQ.
July 8, 2024. An Absolutely Insane Proposal!
It is not a matter of absent mindedness but rather of having too much junk. Just yesterday while looking for something in the junk boxes, there I spotted a small box that had dust on it -- hmm this has not been opened in a long time.Β
Surprise -- not the kind like when you open a baby's diaper but a good kind!
July 7, 2024. Where to start?
Β That is such a powerful question and one not often asked? Unfortunately, too many times the answer comes before the question. Like Start by charging $1500 on the plastic and buying a radio only to find out you need another $600 to get the stuff that will make the $1500 stuff work, like a power supply and simple antenna.
July 6, 2024. I am in control ... or maybe not!
Some 12 years ago, I was presented with an interesting problem when I was designing the KWM-4 (my answer to a solid-state Collins KWM-2). My KWM-4 was a multi-band radio and thus the problem was how to switch the circuitry for the various bands.
July 5, 2024. What next?
Β I kept hearing fireworks up until about 11PM last night. Some sounded darn right loud and also thought about Cheech and Chong -- a lot of chemicals ending Up in Smoke.Β
One of those mysteries of ham radio -- A very advanced Solid-State radio only 600 of the DAVCO DR-30 were builtΒ during 1965-66Β and then the company went bust. Was it the timing being too ahead of its time? Or maybe the price point was a bridge too far. I actually have no information on the why, but it sure looks and has the right stuff to make it a really good receiver?
You can see with today's technology a replica like project could be designed, built and perhaps improved -- but that skill set is not a part of most of the US ham population. After all contests and operating are not a strong CV attribute for taking on a state-of-the-art SSB/CW receiver.Β
Is there a Davco DR-30 hiding out in your storage locker?
73's
Pete N6QW
TheΒ Davco DR-30Β is a remarkable piece of radio history! π» Manufactured from 1965-66, this miniature receiver is prized by collectors for its rarity, breakthrough engineering, and mil-spec construction. Here are some key features:
- Transistorized Design: The DR-30 was theΒ first transistorized ham receiver, bridging the gap between vacuum tube rigs and modern solid-state equipment.
- Smooth Tuning: Its spring-loaded dial ensuresΒ deliciously smooth tuningΒ with zero backlash and no VFO drift.
- Impressive Specs: With a Collins mechanical filter, noise blanker, high-Q preselector, and sensitive front end, the DR-30 was ahead of its time.
- Low Voltage Operation: It draws less than 100 milliamps at 12 volts, making it ideal for field day use.
- Mil-Spec Build: The DR-30βs robust construction ensures durability.
Sadly, fewer than 600 of these gems were made by the now-defunct Florida company.Β If youβre lucky enough to have one, itβs a real keeper! π12
July 4, 2024. Happy 4th of July
Another 4th of July is upon us. Hey Sam, put the Flag right side up!
July 3, I never thought...
Often the opener, I never thought was followed by "that the car could go that fast as you get a ticket", or "that the gun was loaded" or "that she would end up pregnant". Well, that phrase also covers today's bit of blabber.
The set up ~ Both Collins and Drake used PTOs in their radios which were hallmarked by a linear readout and excellent stability after a warmup. Collins in the rigs prior to the KWM-380 were all vacuum tube and Drake started with tubes and then went to Solid State.
July 2, 2024. Living in the past. The Atlas 180.
Mention Atlas Radio and immediately you think of Herb Johnson who also was the creative genius behind Swan Engineering later Swan Radio.
Atlas 180
July 1, 2024. My best ever Rig (Radio) I ever owned.
Yesterday while doing my shift at the Board and Care I thought about that subject. If you are new to the hobby likely the answer is a radio currently being sold through one of the popular suppliers (DX Engineering, Gigaparts, Amazon).Β
June 30, 2024. Some of that new technology for Old (and tired) Radios
As a follow on to yesterdays post, this is hamfest and flea market season. Don't pass up a good deal on one of those old boat anchors for with a bit of "N6QW Magic" you can have a really neat new rig for just pennies.
Β
June 29, 2024. The year is half over and nothing to show for it!
No new exciting rigs on the air that I created and my New Year's resolution regarding weight loss has gone south. Circumstances have just sort of happened. So how to recoup what is left in the 2nd half of 2024?
June 28, 2024. It is all about the requirements list
Whether you roll your own or flash the plastic for a rig, the process has to start somewhere. Often the starting point is at the wrong end of the process. Let us define what I mean.
June 27, 2024. A true whodunnit mystery
Playing with the electrons most decidedly is like a British mystery novel or movie. Not unlike Murder on the Orient Express -- they all did it!
June 26, 2024. The Hidden Gem ~ 17M QRP
Having a wheel of fortune like device in my garage I use that to select topics for the blog. Today it landed on 17Meters.
17M SSB VXO Version