Normal view
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
June 25, 2024. Forget QST!
If you are in the less than 1% of the ham population who actually rolls their own (homebrews) their rigs, then this is the publication you want to arrive in the mail.Β Roll your own refers to an era where real men rolled their own cigarettes and never resorted to store bought ones. Same idea with rigs!
June 24, 2024. Overtaken by the weather!
Despite my best laid plans, I did not operate during Field Day this year! My garage shack was 94F at 1300 PDST and that was just too hot, so once again foiled by Climate Change.
June 23, 2024. When radio was radio and not an IC7300.
According to an unreliable source (The Internet) Marconi is fingered as the 1st ham. But in fact, it was Heinrich Hertz who is credited with the theory that there could be radio waves back in 1890. It also said the 1st ham club was not at MIT or Stanford but Columbia University in 1908.
June 22, 2024. Trust no one --especially yourself!
Β Like a broken record I keep saying my time is very limited. This in turn leaves little time for new builds, but instead I have been hitting the "shelf of shame" and actually fixing some radios that are broken or never did work right.
June 21, 2024. Happy Summer.
Summer brings all sorts of wonderful opportunities. Some involve ham radio and some focus on the food consumed in the summer months. Things like watermelon and corn on the cobb or the tons of burnt burgers cooked on a charcoal grill.Β
- N6QW ~ The Ham Oracle
- June 20, 2024. CQ FD, CQ FD, you are 5X9 please give your call again at least 3 times!