Re: Tuna Helper power limit.
Colin,
While I haven't done ANY calculations
or run any destructive tests on the old version (or even the new
version for that matter) of the Tuna Helper, my seat of the pants
answer would be that either helper will handle the QRP 5 watt
'legal limit' just fine. The maine reason I changed the can and
relay on the new version was because the small can just had too
much stuff hosed up to it to remain stable. And I changed the
relay to reduce 1 more inventory item that I had to buy and have
on the shelf. Since the Topper used the bigger & less
expensive relay and worked just fine, and I now had more space on
the Helper][ board, I changed over to the Topper relay to make it
easier on my inventory budget. I believe the smaller Axicom relay
has an impressive 5A contact rating. I used them in some projects
for wheelchair vans because we needed the current rating and the
diminutive size was what I was looking for on the ver1 Helper pcb.
So hose them up and see what happens. Please report back if
everything works great but keep it to yourself if electrons are
suddenly turned into smoke particles...
Rex? W1REX
On 12/1/2020 10:55 AM, Colin Evans
M1BUU wrote:
Hi,
Silly question of the day- what kind of power will the Tuna Helper
(first edition, small can in my case) handle? I have a transmitter
that is producing about 2.5 watts output, is this a safe amount of
power? Chuck? Rex?
I am intending to run a Sudden Storm with the home made
transmitter so I mainly need the RX mute functionality.
Thanks for any info.
72, Colin M1BUU
|
Hi,
Silly question of the day- what kind of power will the Tuna Helper (first edition, small can in my case) handle? I have a transmitter that is producing about 2.5 watts output, is this a safe amount of power? Chuck? Rex?
I am intending to run a Sudden Storm with the home made transmitter so I mainly need the RX mute functionality.
Thanks for any info.
72, Colin M1BUU
|
Plenty for sale on eBay.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=%22BLF+147%22&_sacat=0&_sop=15
On Tuesday, December 1, 2020, 07:53:06 AM EST, MM Ali <prof.tele@...> wrote:
|
|
|
Re: Intriguing PCB holder
Not so sure it's any better than others I've seen and used. notice they only show it with the compoenet side up? Obviously, for thru-hole stuff, you are soldering on the bottom of the board. don't know how tall those magnetic "pegs" are, so not sure how it would be with the board upside down.
|
Re: Intriguing PCB holder
Hi Rex,
I was unaware of your project then a fellow responding to my post sent me that link to your product. Nice. I will put them on ny list. I was unable to see any pic on the page but the YouTube video you posted showed me all I need to know. I also subscribed to your channel.
Thanks again...
--
73/72 . .
Bob de k2ki
k2ki@...
k2ki.bb@... (Goes to my cell)
NEQRP #911
4SQRP #2292
FP #4214
SKCC #12195
NAQCC #2337
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 11/27/2020 5:01 PM, Rex Harper wrote: Gangue,
While looking over the new pcb holder, I can see that the construction looks nice and the price is certainly affordable....but:
I prefer to have the pcb as low to the bench top as possible. The main reason for me is that I like to have my forearms resting on the edge of the bench to support & stablize my hands... I have a full suite of Panduit vice & attachments but haven't used it in years. I also have a Dremel vice, Hendricks QRPkits vice, Vacu-Vice and a few others. I find most of them hold the pcb a considerable distance up off the bench top which makes me hold my hands even higher which I find quite uncomfortable. Plus, when attempting to sneak around a forest of leads to solder leads that were batch installed, turning the whole board/vice is very cumbersome....That Panduit is quite large and heavy! That is why I designed my own pcb holder gizmo called 'A Brass Set'! They are small and inexpensive and can be used with practically any size and shaped pcb. Flipping the pcb over for parts insertion or moving it around to get the best soldering angle for A lead in a forest of leads is extremely easy. Only one con is for using it on pcbs with very high profile components like those pictured in the Amazon link. I easily overcome that by using the 1.5" or 2" 6-32 bolts that I include in my tuna can kits. I have thousands of those laying about....but hardly ever have to press them into service. Just my very biased opinion from working on pcbs for over 50 years.
Intrigued? see:
Rex?? W1REX
--
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
|
Re: Intriguing PCB holder
Gangue,
I just watched my own YouTube video all the way through and noticed a slight problem....
It was a couple of years ago when I designed 'A Brass Set' and the postal rates were cheaper for small packets so sending them out to DX customes was quite a bit cheaper. I ate the postage difference! But with MANY postage hikes and the elimination of the lowest DX package rate, I had to change my pricing... $17 with $5 US shipping now. DX postage is quite a bit higher as minimum cost of an ABS going to the UK is over $13!
Direct link to my YouTube video:
Rex? W1REXOn 11/27/2020 5:11 PM, Russell Smith via groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
I need to look at the Brass Set. One thing I'm given to do as I'm like Rex in wanting boards fairly low is to put on screws/standoffs upside down so the board sits solder-side-up. Works great IF you have mounting holes in all 4 corners... if not, I use $5 or so alligator clip "helping hands" from Harbor Freight (sometimes more than one set if board is heavy or large) or my PanaVise.
-HRS
--
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
|
Re: Intriguing PCB holder
I need to look at the Brass Set. One thing I'm given to do as I'm like Rex in wanting boards fairly low is to put on screws/standoffs upside down so the board sits solder-side-up. Works great IF you have mounting holes in all 4 corners... if not, I use $5 or so alligator clip "helping hands" from Harbor Freight (sometimes more than one set if board is heavy or large) or my PanaVise.
-HRS
H. Russell Smith, N0QLT
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Nov 27, 2020, at 4:01 PM, Rex Harper <tunacankits@...> wrote:
?Gangue,
While looking over the new pcb holder, I can see that the construction looks nice and the price is certainly affordable....but:
I prefer to have the pcb as low to the bench top as possible. The main reason for me is that I like to have my forearms resting on the edge of the bench to support & stablize my hands... I have a full suite of Panduit vice & attachments but haven't used it in years. I also have a Dremel vice, Hendricks QRPkits vice, Vacu-Vice and a few others. I find most of them hold the pcb a considerable distance up off the bench top which makes me hold my hands even higher which I find quite uncomfortable. Plus, when attempting to sneak around a forest of leads to solder leads that were batch installed, turning the whole board/vice is very cumbersome....That Panduit is quite large and heavy! That is why I designed my own pcb holder gizmo called 'A Brass Set'! They are small and inexpensive and can be used with practically any size and shaped pcb. Flipping the pcb over for parts insertion or moving it around to get the best soldering angle for A lead in a forest of leads is extremely easy. Only one con is for using it on pcbs with very high profile components like those pictured in the Amazon link. I easily overcome that by using the 1.5" or 2" 6-32 bolts that I include in my tuna can kits. I have thousands of those laying about....but hardly ever have to press them into service. Just my very biased opinion from working on pcbs for over 50 years.
Intrigued? see:
Rex W1REX
On 11/27/2020 3:18 PM, Bob - K2KI wrote:
Hi all,
I was doing some window shopping at Amazon and came across this:
Has anyone tried these? They look cool and you can get flexible arms to hold your PCB up higher and change the orientation of the board.
Any feedback god, bad or indifferent would be appreciate any info.
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
--
Bob de k2ki
--
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
|
Re: Intriguing PCB holder
Gangue,
While looking over the new pcb holder, I can see that the construction looks nice and the price is certainly affordable....but:
I prefer to have the pcb as low to the bench top as possible. The main reason for me is that I like to have my forearms resting on the edge of the bench to support & stablize my hands... I have a full suite of Panduit vice & attachments but haven't used it in years. I also have a Dremel vice, Hendricks QRPkits vice, Vacu-Vice and a few others. I find most of them hold the pcb a considerable distance up off the bench top which makes me hold my hands even higher which I find quite uncomfortable. Plus, when attempting to sneak around a forest of leads to solder leads that were batch installed, turning the whole board/vice is very cumbersome....That Panduit is quite large and heavy! That is why I designed my own pcb holder gizmo called 'A Brass Set'! They are small and inexpensive and can be used with practically any size and shaped pcb. Flipping the pcb over for parts insertion or moving it around to get the best soldering angle for A lead in a forest of leads is extremely easy. Only one con is for using it on pcbs with very high profile components like those pictured in the Amazon link. I easily overcome that by using the 1.5" or 2" 6-32 bolts that I include in my tuna can kits. I have thousands of those laying about....but hardly ever have to press them into service. Just my very biased opinion from working on pcbs for over 50 years.
Intrigued? see:
Rex? W1REX
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 11/27/2020 3:18 PM, Bob - K2KI wrote: Hi all,
I was doing some window shopping at Amazon and came across this:
Has anyone tried these?? They look cool and you can get flexible arms to hold your PCB up higher and change the orientation of the board.
Any feedback god, bad or indifferent would be appreciate any info.
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
--
Bob de k2ki
--
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
|
Re: Intriguing PCB holder
Looks cool,? I just use a panavise with several attachments. Having it stable on the bench is a plus.
?
---John AC9UV
On 11/27/2020 2:18 PM Bob - K2KI <k2ki@...> wrote:
?
?
Hi all,
I was doing some window shopping at Amazon and came across this:
Has anyone tried these?? They look cool and you can get flexible arms to hold your PCB up higher and change the orientation of the board.
Any feedback god, bad or indifferent would be appreciate any info.
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
--
Bob de k2ki
k2ki@...
k2ki.bb@... (Goes to my cell)
4SQRP #2292
FP #4214
SKCC #12195
NAQCC #2337
|
Re: Intriguing PCB holder
I think I'll give these a try. Thanks for sharing!
On Fri, Nov 27, 2020 at 2:18 PM, Bob - K2KI <k2ki@...> wrote: Hi all,
I was doing some window shopping at Amazon and came across this:
Has anyone tried these?? They look cool and you can get flexible arms to hold your PCB up higher and change the orientation of the board.
Any feedback god, bad or indifferent would be appreciate any info.
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
--
Bob de k2ki
k2ki@...
k2ki.bb@... (Goes to my cell)
4SQRP #2292
FP #4214
SKCC #12195
NAQCC #2337
|
Hi all,
I was doing some window shopping at Amazon and came across this:
Has anyone tried these?? They look cool and you can get flexible arms to hold your PCB up higher and change the orientation of the board.
Any feedback god, bad or indifferent would be appreciate any info.
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
--
Bob de k2ki
k2ki@...
k2ki.bb@... (Goes to my cell)
4SQRP #2292
FP #4214
SKCC #12195
NAQCC #2337
|
Re: News update from QRPme...
Looking better and much easier to navigate! I realize it is tough for a one-man show to do it all but this is a very good improvement to getting around you site. Can't wait to see when it is completed.
73,
kevin
kc6pob
On Sunday, October 11, 2020, 03:34:18 PM PDT, Rex Harper <tunacankits@...> wrote:
Gangue, Couple of things: After many years of failed attempts, I finally got a clue and figured out how to get into my html code and replace that cumbersome QRPme opening page with some nice hot buttons! I still have go through all the sub-menus, note items that don't have a thumbnail and get those generated and up in the images file. I don't have physical items for lots of things on my website so it is going to take some time for me to get all them squared away...
I also finally got all the Lobstercon2020! pictures gathered up and a little story written which can be found on the Lobstercon page on my website. Attendance was down a bit this year for some strange reason and we only had 10 people in attendance. It was a beautiful day and we still had a GREAT time. Check it out. I posted a new item up on the site: an MePads panel with an assortment of SMT component paddy boards... Another new item is almost up there but I'm still waiting for a missing piece from the machine shop. Once my existing stock (16 pcs) of Rockmite enclosures are gone, I will be replacing them with enclosures made from printed circuit boards. I already have the pcb stock in from the fab house and I'm just waiting for the custom machined corner posts. My machinist buddy only has time now for machining so he stopped his powder coating efforts. It's a very messy business if you aren't geared up for it with the right equipment...and he didn't have it. So powder coated Rockmite enclosures will soon be history and replaced by nice pcb enclosures with pre-drilled holes and silk screened and solder masked front & back panels....for less money! Finally, most of my BIG summer projects here at the farm are almost behind me and I can re-focus my time on some QRP adventures. I have ALL the Acorn Tube 2 parts on the kitting bench and will get them kitted up ASAP. I know it's been a long overdue project but I've had lots of unexpected things (from 1 person in particular) zoom to the top of my ToDo list and they are mostly gone. I have 1 or 2 things to finish up and can then focus all my attention on the Buildathon kit. I'm anxious to get it underway... Rex? W1REX
|
News update from QRPme...
Gangue,
Couple of things:
After many years of
failed attempts, I finally got a clue and figured out how to
get into my html code and replace that cumbersome QRPme
opening page with some nice hot buttons! I still have go
through all the sub-menus, note items that don't have a
thumbnail and get those generated and up in the images file. I
don't have physical items for lots of things on my website so
it is going to take some time for me to get all them squared
away...
I also finally got all the Lobstercon2020! pictures
gathered up and a little story written which can be found on
the Lobstercon page on my website. Attendance was down a bit
this year for some strange reason and we only had 10 people
in attendance. It was a beautiful day and we still had a
GREAT time. Check it out.
I posted a new item up on the site: an MePads panel with
an assortment of SMT component paddy boards...
Another new item is almost up there but I'm
still waiting for a missing piece from the machine shop.
Once my existing stock (16 pcs) of Rockmite enclosures are
gone, I will be replacing them with enclosures made from
printed circuit boards. I already have the pcb stock in from
the fab house and I'm just waiting for the custom machined
corner posts. My machinist buddy only has time now for
machining so he stopped his powder coating efforts. It's a
very messy business if you aren't geared up for it with the
right equipment...and he didn't have it. So powder coated
Rockmite enclosures will soon be history and replaced by
nice pcb enclosures with pre-drilled holes and silk screened
and solder masked front & back panels....for less money!
Finally, most of my BIG summer projects here at the farm
are almost behind me and I can re-focus my time on some QRP
adventures. I have ALL the Acorn Tube 2 parts on the kitting
bench and will get them kitted up ASAP. I know it's been a
long overdue project but I've had lots of unexpected things
(from 1 person in particular) zoom to the top of my ToDo
list and they are mostly gone. I have 1 or 2 things to
finish up and can then focus all my attention on the
Buildathon kit. I'm anxious to get it underway...
Rex? W1REX
|
Directional Power Meter Manual Pg12
On page 12, the bottom paragraphs, line 3
The text for the 3rd power calculation example
"Po = ((Vpk x 0.707) + 0.3) divided by Rload"
Should be:
Po = ((Vpk x 0.707) + 0.3)^2 divided by Rload**
Converts Vpk to Vrms, squares the result and divides it by Rload,
typically 50 Ohms
Basically, the same result as the line 2 calculation only more
impressive.
**The Editor/Proof Reader team, 'me', missed it.? Two years later,
it jumped right off the page... ;-)
Chuck, W5USJ (ex K2OFN)
ARCI 5422, SKCC 19956
EM22cv, Rains Co., Texas
--
Chuck, W5USJ
|
Re: The Directional Watt Meter Kit Manual Update
Please slide a copy my way.? 73, Bob
-----Original Message-----
From: Chuck Carpenter <w5usj@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Sun, Sep 6, 2020 7:09 pm
Subject: Re: [QRpmeKits] The Directional Watt Meter Kit Manual Update
I checked the manual on the QRPme.com webpages and noticed it is at the Preliminary version.
The latest released version is 22 January 2019.? I'm sending a copy to Rex (I think I did...8^)).? In the meantime if anyone would like the updated version right away, I'd email a copy:1.74Mb.
Also, I have a copy of the 1969 patent for the "Broadband Directional Coupler" and I'll send that to Rex.
--
Chuck, W5USJ
|
Re: The Directional Watt Meter Kit Manual Update
I checked the manual on the QRPme.com webpages and noticed it is at the Preliminary version.
The latest released version is 22 January 2019.? I'm sending a copy to Rex (I think I did...8^)).? In the meantime if anyone would like the updated version right away, I'd email a copy:1.74Mb.
Also, I have a copy of the 1969 patent for the "Broadband Directional Coupler" and I'll send that to Rex.
--
Chuck, W5USJ
|
The Directional Watt Meter Kit
This kit was originally developed for the 2016 BuildAthon at
FDIM,? details on the QRP me website.
Based on my 4-port coupler, included in the KotMC and the W7EL Power
Meter electronics (with permission) a kit was produced.? For one
application, I'd incorporated the coupler into an ATU with dual meters to
show Fwd and Ref voltages.
 ?
The BuildAthon kit was further revised and updated and became the
Directional Power Meter kit.
 ?? The BNC
connectors, not supplied, were attached for tests and
measurements.
For details, check the manual from the QRPme.com web pages.?
As well as 3 ranges of QRP power, the meter Fwd and Rev voltages can be
used to measure/calculate VSWR using an equation like this:
For my own amazement, I wrote a simple program in Small Basic to do that
calculation.? Those of you with real programming skills might
develop something that would calculate, change power levels , and display
the results and other automation capability.
This was a fun project and the results were well worth the
effort.
Note: since the project was finished sep 2018, I've used the recently
obtained NanoVNA to check it out over a wide range of frequency -- looks
good!
Chuck, W5USJ (ex K2OFN)
ARCI 5422, SKCC 19956
EM22cv, Rains Co., Texas
-- Chuck, W5USJ
|
QRPme Limerick and Paddles Kit
- OK, I found the the Limerick Paddle and Keyer** that I
thought I'd almost remembered...? ;-)
- Go to the web page here for pictures and to order.??
- It's not the RM][ pico keyer but a PIC that Rex programmed.
Attachment connections are Limerick Pads, a surface mount scheme using
through-hole parts.
- ** It was done in 2015 when I was a mere 81...
- There is also the FUN keyer that I'd forgotten.? I don't do much
with the kits the are programmable and this one was only 2 years
ago.
- It looks like it could be keyed with a paddle or the built in
straight key.?
Chuck, W5USJ (ex K2OFN)
ARCI 5422, SKCC 19956
EM22cv, Rains Co., Texas
-- Chuck, W5USJ
|
Re: All-Tuna-Cans Station
Pavel,
That diagram you did is still good.? I don't know about the
keyer.? I know he has a couple of straight keys.? Also I recall
a paddle he did using the keyer chip from the RockMite ][ kits, I
think?
Good point on the voltage drop.? A good solid power source is needed
for best results.? A 9V battery is not a good power source.
At 01:38 PM 9/5/2020, you wrote:
Some time ago I even created
this diagram for Rex's cans:
It's also published on his site:?
Not sure if it's still applicable -- I hope Chuck can confirm.
72,
Pavel AC4PA
On Sat, Sep 5, 2020 at 12:47 PM rlynngirou via
<rlynngirou=
[email protected]> wrote:
- I have a 40m station I can no longer use. I have lost most of my
hearing and part of my sight. Asking 50 USD + shipping. Included is y2
receiver TT2 anniversary edition that did not get assembled yet. If
interested contact me at
rlynngirou@...
Content-Type: image/png; name="image.png"
Content-Disposition: inline; filename="image.png"
Content-ID: <ii_keq0cnr30>
X-Attachment-Id: ii_keq0cnr30
Chuck, W5USJ (ex K2OFN)
ARCI 5422, SKCC 19956
EM22cv, Rains Co., Texas
-- Chuck, W5USJ
|
Bruce Beford N1RX
Bob - K2KI
Robert Dobson