Re: My Two Tinned Tunas EZBuild - Transmit Issue
Rex,
Interesting. Your TT2-EZ has a 2N3866 final transistor where the current
design of the Two Tinned Tuna -EZ build uses a 2n2222a for the final. Is that a change? would a heat sinked 2n3866 give more output power? would that be an possible modification?
Thanks,
---John AC9UV
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On 02/11/2023 10:37 PM Rex Harper <tunacankits@...> wrote:
Gangue,
I just hosed up my early TT2-EZ Build transmitter to my fairly accurate
PM-1300a dummy load/power meter. Powered from my portable Jackery, the
input voltage to the TT2 was 13.4 volts. The key down power was approx
.18W. I typed approx .18 on purpose. My college physics professor taught
me something very important in Physics 101. You can't read something
from a meter and write it down or say it is fact unless you can prove it
is fact. I'm looking at an un-calibrated analog meter with an unknown
full scale accuracy and see that the needle is between 150mW and 200mW
and slightly past the middle point between the two scale markings.? So
the .18W is MY best GUESS as to the power output from the transmitter. I
thought that the output was a little on the low side so I twiddled with
the power pot over by the crystal. Holding the key down while twiddling,
I raised the output power to about .48mW with minimum resistance on the
pot. I had no heat sink on the 2N3866 final transistor so I didn't key
down for too long....
I could have said my power readings were 180mW and 480mW but THAT would
convey accuracy that I can't actually read on my meter. YOUR mileage may
vary depending on kit parts, load variations and your technique of
measurement.
Rex? W1REX
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Re: My Two Tinned Tunas EZBuild - Transmit Issue
Gangue,
I just hosed up my early TT2-EZ Build transmitter to my fairly accurate PM-1300a dummy load/power meter. Powered from my portable Jackery, the input voltage to the TT2 was 13.4 volts. The key down power was approx .18W. I typed approx .18 on purpose. My college physics professor taught me something very important in Physics 101. You can't read something from a meter and write it down or say it is fact unless you can prove it is fact. I'm looking at an un-calibrated analog meter with an unknown full scale accuracy and see that the needle is between 150mW and 200mW and slightly past the middle point between the two scale markings.? So the .18W is MY best GUESS as to the power output from the transmitter. I thought that the output was a little on the low side so I twiddled with the power pot over by the crystal. Holding the key down while twiddling, I raised the output power to about .48mW with minimum resistance on the pot. I had no heat sink on the 2N3866 final transistor so I didn't key down for too long....
I could have said my power readings were 180mW and 480mW but THAT would convey accuracy that I can't actually read on my meter. YOUR mileage may vary depending on kit parts, load variations and your technique of measurement.
Rex? W1REX
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Re: My Two Tinned Tunas EZBuild - Transmit Issue
I replaced the LED and the LED works now when I key.? ?I noticed the trimmer resistor was not soldered well, so i soldered it better.
C8 and L3 is ok to flow together when you see it on the schematic.
When I hear it on my receiver, the tone sounds better.
And I made double sure that the transistors are incorrectly inserted.? Unless, I blew a final.
I have extras of those I got from mouser.??
And where would I stick an oscilloscope probe to read from the oscillator?
I have an RF Probe kit I've been meaning to build.? And I was supposed to home brew a peak detector today but have not gotten to it.? I assumed my TTT would built like last time years ago and i would already be playing with it...
I will keep going part by part...
Not sure what to check for voltages.
73 Daniel KK4MRN
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Re: My Two Tinned Tunas EZBuild - Transmit Issue
Daniel--?
Also, if your LED isn't working, you can probably check it with the diode check on your meter with no power applied. Should see something like 1.5V-2.0V drop. Since you are able to key the radio and you hear the oscillator, I'm guessing the keying circuit is working ok. If you do key down with power applied, measure the voltage at the top of the LED (junction of the resistor and the LED) to ground. If it is 0V or 12V, look at the resistor and the LED for issues.
More in a bit-- dinner time.
-HRS
H. Russell Smith, N0QLT???
?????????????????????????????
On Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 06:10:04 PM CST, Russell Smith via groups.io <n0qlt@...> wrote:
Daniel--
Overall, it looks like you did a terrific job!? I should show you some photos of the abominations I built when I first got started. Uggh. I shudder thinking about them now!? Yours is 100000000000% better!? In fact, in the VERY early days, all I had was a roll of what was probably acid-core radiator solder or something my dad gave me. I had it for years to remind me of those days. haha. It had to be 1/4 thick.
More than likely, it's something VERY simple like a bad solder joint. Easy enough to happen to anyone--even those of us that have been doing this for 40+ years.
The very first thing I would do is check and make sure all the components are correct and in the right place.
Next would to be to look at your soldering. There are a few places where it looks like solder didn't flow as well as you might like-- C8, L3, for example.? You might want to make sure the parts are in and flat against the board, too.
Do make sure the final transistor is in correctly.
Next, I'd start looking at voltages. Check your parts and report back, OK?
When I build stuff, I typically follow a policy of direction-- I always point the resistor (or other banded components) so they can be read right to left or up to down. I also put any parts like capacitors with the values facing me or facing to the right.? That helps me keep everything easy to see and troubleshoot.? You'll develop your own policies, but that's what I do to keep things neat and in line.
-HRS
H. Russell Smith, N0QLT???
?????????????????????????????
On Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 04:57:24 PM CST, Daniel KK4MRN via groups.io <sqldan2000@...> wrote:
Hello,
I was wondering if I can get some insight into why my Two Tinned Tunas EZBuild is not transmitting.
I can hear the TTT on my receiver on 7.110 when I key down, but that is probably the crystal oscillator.? I got 2 crystals: 7.030 and 7.110.
I took out the final, nothing changed.
I hooked it up to an an oscilloscope, nothing.??
Well, I wanted to use my TTT EZB for an education - well, looks like I will be getting one figuring out what is going wrong and trying to fix it.? LOL
The LED was missing or I lost it.? So, I found a red LED.? ?The LED never lights up.? I think I got A and K correct.? K is the flat side.? Or the LED consumes too much power.??
And one of the coils did not match what was mentioned in the documentation.? L2 in the docs:
L2 = 10uH = brown black black (large tubby)
There were 4 coils included in the kit.? I found the other 3.? I used what was left for L2.
Or it's my bad soldering skills.??
73 Daniel KK4MRN
|
Re: My Two Tinned Tunas EZBuild - Transmit Issue
Daniel--
Overall, it looks like you did a terrific job!? I should show you some photos of the abominations I built when I first got started. Uggh. I shudder thinking about them now!? Yours is 100000000000% better!? In fact, in the VERY early days, all I had was a roll of what was probably acid-core radiator solder or something my dad gave me. I had it for years to remind me of those days. haha. It had to be 1/4 thick.
More than likely, it's something VERY simple like a bad solder joint. Easy enough to happen to anyone--even those of us that have been doing this for 40+ years.
The very first thing I would do is check and make sure all the components are correct and in the right place.
Next would to be to look at your soldering. There are a few places where it looks like solder didn't flow as well as you might like-- C8, L3, for example.? You might want to make sure the parts are in and flat against the board, too.
Do make sure the final transistor is in correctly.
Next, I'd start looking at voltages. Check your parts and report back, OK?
When I build stuff, I typically follow a policy of direction-- I always point the resistor (or other banded components) so they can be read right to left or up to down. I also put any parts like capacitors with the values facing me or facing to the right.? That helps me keep everything easy to see and troubleshoot.? You'll develop your own policies, but that's what I do to keep things neat and in line.
-HRS
H. Russell Smith, N0QLT???
?????????????????????????????
On Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 04:57:24 PM CST, Daniel KK4MRN via groups.io <sqldan2000@...> wrote:
Hello,
I was wondering if I can get some insight into why my Two Tinned Tunas EZBuild is not transmitting.
I can hear the TTT on my receiver on 7.110 when I key down, but that is probably the crystal oscillator.? I got 2 crystals: 7.030 and 7.110.
I took out the final, nothing changed.
I hooked it up to an an oscilloscope, nothing.??
Well, I wanted to use my TTT EZB for an education - well, looks like I will be getting one figuring out what is going wrong and trying to fix it.? LOL
The LED was missing or I lost it.? So, I found a red LED.? ?The LED never lights up.? I think I got A and K correct.? K is the flat side.? Or the LED consumes too much power.??
And one of the coils did not match what was mentioned in the documentation.? L2 in the docs:
L2 = 10uH = brown black black (large tubby)
There were 4 coils included in the kit.? I found the other 3.? I used what was left for L2.
Or it's my bad soldering skills.??
73 Daniel KK4MRN
|
My Two Tinned Tunas EZBuild - Transmit Issue
Hello,
I was wondering if I can get some insight into why my Two Tinned Tunas EZBuild is not transmitting.
I can hear the TTT on my receiver on 7.110 when I key down, but that is probably the crystal oscillator.? I got 2 crystals: 7.030 and 7.110.
I took out the final, nothing changed.
I hooked it up to an an oscilloscope, nothing.??
Well, I wanted to use my TTT EZB for an education - well, looks like I will be getting one figuring out what is going wrong and trying to fix it.? LOL
The LED was missing or I lost it.? So, I found a red LED.? ?The LED never lights up.? I think I got A and K correct.? K is the flat side.? Or the LED consumes too much power.??
And one of the coils did not match what was mentioned in the documentation.? L2 in the docs:
L2 = 10uH = brown black black (large tubby)
There were 4 coils included in the kit.? I found the other 3.? I used what was left for L2.
Or it's my bad soldering skills.??
73 Daniel KK4MRN
|
Re: Two Tinned Tunas - 22pF cap
Please ignore.
No part is missing.
Brain fart in the morning.
My last cap was a 22uF electrolytic cap.
My apologies.
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Two Tinned Tunas - 22pF cap
I am missing a 22pF capacitor in my TTT EZB kit.
Can I use 2 count of 10pF ceramic capacitors instead?? These either came from Jameco or Radio Shack.
I used my multimeter against a 1000pF capacitor which has a value of 1.031nF +/- a few .001nF
I added on 10pF, I get 1.043nF
I added another 10pF, i get 1.052nF.
That last digit is not reliable because it bounces around each time I measure it.
So, will these 2 x 10pF work?
I have a 33pF ceramic 100V C0G/NP0 I got from digikey.? Or would this work?
Or do I need to get the actual 22pF capacitor???
I am asking so i can go ahead and build the kit.
Thanks,
Daniel KK4MRN
|
Re: Two Tinned Tunas EZBuild QRP Transmitter
The power falls off as the frequency increases, and similarly the power increases as the frequency reduces. Expect about 300mW output on 30m and around 250mW on 20m.
On 80m, you'd probably get 500-600mW, but that's just a guess.
?
73, Colin
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Re: Two Tinned Tunas EZBuild QRP Transmitter
Dan,
I would also be interested in knowing how this varies per band also, assuming that 40M is the default for all of them
On Fri, Feb 10, 2023 at 2:47 PM, Colin Evans M1BUU <colin.evans2@...> wrote: OK Daniel,
?
I've had my 40m tuna tin transmitters out on the bench. All of my 40m transmitters put out in the region of 400mW from a 12.6v regulated supply capable of 3 amps. My 12v supply is distributed via a reverse polarity protection diode (think it was a 1N5818). I have a TTT EZBuild that I built with toroids instead of RF chokes and that puts out around 850mW.
73, Colin
?
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Re: Two Tinned Tunas EZBuild QRP Transmitter
OK Daniel,
?
I've had my 40m tuna tin transmitters out on the bench. All of my 40m transmitters put out in the region of 400mW from a 12.6v regulated supply capable of 3 amps. My 12v supply is distributed via a reverse polarity protection diode (think it was a 1N5818). I have a TTT EZBuild that I built with toroids instead of RF chokes and that puts out around 850mW.
73, Colin
?
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Re: Two Tinned Tunas EZBuild QRP Transmitter
Daniel,
For my TTT-EZBuild, I got readings of 264 vmax and 179 vrms. The setup was a 12v Gel cell battery in, a Heathkit cantenna 50 ohm dummy load with a direct line from that to the oscilloscope on a 1:1 setting.? I noticed in poking around in the circuit that the input voltage to the input signal to Q2 was about the same as the output signal (voltage) so I did not see Q2 amplifying much, It seems to be more of a switch. But then maybe I don't understand the circuit well.?
The output seems clean, the low pass filter gets rid of any harmonics that I can see. The low output that seems to be ,as stated by Rex, "typical power around 250-350mW depending on power supply and build components." . That does not register on my one of my power meters.
The Sea Sprite on the other hand shows 7.2 v? max and 5.04 vrms. and .49 watts on one my watt meters. Some images attached.
? ?Let me know if you are getting similar readings from the TTTEZ.
? ?---John AC9UV
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On 02/10/2023 10:49 AM Daniel KK4MRN via groups.io <sqldan2000@...> wrote:
Colin,
Can you get out your TTT EZB and test it?? I want to have numbers I can compare against.? ?I just want to be in the same ball park when it comes to power output.? ? If you have screen shots of oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, etc... That would be cool to see as well.?
Is the radio in your photo a TTT EZB built?? And using Manhattan construction method?? Or is that some other radio?
I will be using a peak detector hooked up to a 50 ohm dummy load and a >10M ohm multimeter.? And I understand my equipment is not calibrated.? Just numbers to see what it is.? ?
73 Daniel KK4MRN
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Re: Two Tinned Tunas EZBuild QRP Transmitter
Yes, I'll be able to get my TTT out to test at some point. No, the Manhattan project in the picture is a NorCal Forty-9er (N6KR of Elecraft fame). My TTT's are standard can variety :-) 73, Colin 
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Re: Two Tinned Tunas EZBuild QRP Transmitter
Mine outputs 1.5kW.
OK, it's 1.5kW divided by a bunch.? On every TT2 I've built, It's been ~250mW or so. Maybe as much as 350mW.? My measuring method isn't too exact.? I've used both my homebrew analog dummy load wattmeter (modified slightly from EMRFD) and the Elecraft dummy load with a peak detector circuit built in it.?
It seems to me I may have also used a similar homebrew QRP dummy load/detector in an empty water chestnut or chicken chunk can I nicked from the trash bin when Mom was busy playing the NYT Spelling Bee on her phone or something. The best thing about building this stuff having to eat delicious foods "for science." I'm always dragging home something "for the can."? Not the first person to do it, I built one solid-state transmitter in a canned Ham can on a wooden base. It has a fixed-in-place crystal because it required tuning a trimmer cap. Next one will likely have a crystal socket (maybe an octal socket?) of some kind and a broadband circuit.? Nor' Easter Ham. That would be a cool Rex product, but I think the name is already taken...
As for a practical matter, measuring power in this situation really doesn't matter too much-- ball park is probably good enough to know it's working right. You'll have all kinds of losses that could change a little from day to day during operating sessions (including propagation). There will also be differences from unit to unit.? I think the litmus test is really the RBN or on air results, remembering that if you are pretty sure you've got 1/4W or a? little more leaving the rig and propagation is good, you might be heard a surprisingly long way from home.? I called CQ on 40m last night with one of the $3 eBay Pixie kits and the RBN found me 1100 miles away. I have an inverted Vee at 18ft.
My semi-educated thought on the matter is this: If you have a way to peak an output (e.g., expanding/contracting coil windings, swapping out lower-output transistors), that's a good and right thing to do. Every little bit counts at QRPp levels. BUT... the better thing is to trade a little power for a good sounding signal, if the situation arises.? Still, I wholehearted applaud your pursuit of an academic exercise. Bonus points for you! That's how I got started on the path to a career as an EE.
A final thought-- EVERYONE that likes to homebrew should build at least one TT2. It's a rite of passage for those of us that missed it the first time around (I was 5 in 1978) or at least it's something good and holy. It's funny that such an idea has influenced so many people enough to become an indisputable icon. :)
Rex-- Shoot me an email off list. I may have some information of interest to you.
-HRS
H. Russell Smith, N0QLT???
?????????????????????????????
On Friday, February 10, 2023 at 09:22:19 AM CST, Daniel KK4MRN via groups.io <sqldan2000@...> wrote:
I got my Two Tinned Tunas Kit in the mail the other day from QRPme.com and plan on building the kit this weekend.
I even got a free gift.? A FreeKey.? I am not sure if that is included with every Two Tinned Tunas Kit.
Can others tell me a ball park figure of what the power output was for their Two Tinned Tunas EZBuild Kit?
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Re: Two Tinned Tunas EZBuild QRP Transmitter
Colin,
Can you get out your TTT EZB and test it?? I want to have numbers I can compare against.? ?I just want to be in the same ball park when it comes to power output.? ? If you have screen shots of oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, etc... That would be cool to see as well.?
Is the radio in your photo a TTT EZB built?? And using Manhattan construction method?? Or is that some other radio?
I will be using a peak detector hooked up to a 50 ohm dummy load and a >10M ohm multimeter.? And I understand my equipment is not calibrated.? Just numbers to see what it is.? ?
73 Daniel KK4MRN
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Re: Two Tinned Tunas EZBuild QRP Transmitter
I can't remember off the top of my head but somewhere around 400mW would be reasonable on 40m.
?
The FreeKey is awesome! In all honesty, the FreeKey is my favourite portable straight key. The FreeKey is also awesome for testing in the shack.
?
?
?
Build your TTEZB and then measure the power, but if you can't wait, I could dig mine out and measure it.
?
73, Colin
M1BUU
?
?
?
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Two Tinned Tunas EZBuild QRP Transmitter
I got my Two Tinned Tunas Kit in the mail the other day from QRPme.com and plan on building the kit this weekend.
I even got a free gift.? A FreeKey.? I am not sure if that is included with every Two Tinned Tunas Kit.
Can others tell me a ball park figure of what the power output was for their Two Tinned Tunas EZBuild Kit?
|
Re: Buildathon live streamed - March QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo 2023 - updated Sea Sprite transceiver, built-in antenna coupler, and half wave end fed zepp, and simple key
Rex will be selling a nice kit which includes a transceiver with built-in coupler, key, and antenna.? Yep, all 3. The transceiver is an updated Sea Sprite. Did I get this correct Rex? Clicking the link I provided below to the original message will give the info.? I include it here too: From Rex: " I will be pushing for everyone to put their rigs on the air for a mini event on Saturday night and Sunday morning."
The event is in March 25-26,2023 which is a Saturday and Sunday. From the web page of the event:
The?QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo?is the first and only on-line amateur radio convention, since August 2020.? ?
For more information on how we do what we do, PLEASE SCROLL DOWN THIS PAGE
Event tickets and registration cost $15.00 per person for the Expo weekend and 30 day on demand period
?
Will Return
March 25-26, 2023
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Re: Buildathon live streamed - March QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo 2023 - updated Sea Sprite transceiver, built-in antenna coupler, and half wave end fed zepp, and simple key
If we could get an estimated date and time to be watching for new rig signals, I would love to give some new comer a South Dakota qso. With qsl card to follow. De n5vwn?
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On Feb 9, 2023, at 17:28, Daniel KK4MRN via groups.io <SQLDan2000@...> wrote:
? Hello,
Did anyone notice in an earlier message from Rex Harper, W1REX. This looks exciting:
[Rex] will be hosting another Saturday Buildathon live streamed for the March QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo.
The kit we will be building is a brand new updated version of the Sea Sprite transceiver operating on 7110.
[Rex has] changed:
- the output portion of the kit to a low pass filter
- with built in antenna coupler.
- [Rex] will be adding a half wave end fed Zepp antenna wire
- and simple pcb key to the mix.
So in a couple of hours, a brand new [Technician] ticket holder can be completely on the air on 40m. Yes, they will have to source a 12V battery and some headphones.I know the Sea Sprite rig is very simplistic and the performance is questionable but I have to start with a kit that can be built by practically anybody in a couple of hours.
My hope is that any beginner builder could get an 'hf station' ready for on air operation in one session.
Half of the workshop is aimed at getting beginners to build while the other half is the on the air action. I will be pushing for everyone to put their rigs on the air for a mini event on Saturday night and Sunday morning. Possible a couple of hundred exact same rigs & antennas on the same frequency operating at the same time. This is an neat opportunity to get a real handle on whether or not one can actually make contacts on such a rig.
In a Sunday workshop on the QSO Today event, we will discuss the mini-event results and then talk about the parts of the little transceiver as to how they work and affect the performance thereof AND possible changes and improvements.? Should be fun. More info as it develops....Link to original message: /g/QRpmeKits/message/328
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Buildathon live streamed - March QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo 2023 - updated Sea Sprite transceiver, built-in antenna coupler, and half wave end fed zepp, and simple key
Hello,
Did anyone notice in an earlier message from Rex Harper, W1REX. This looks exciting:
[Rex] will be hosting another Saturday Buildathon live streamed for the March QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo.
The kit we will be building is a brand new updated version of the Sea Sprite transceiver operating on 7110.
[Rex has] changed:
- the output portion of the kit to a low pass filter
- with built in antenna coupler.
- [Rex] will be adding a half wave end fed Zepp antenna wire
- and simple pcb key to the mix.
So in a couple of hours, a brand new [Technician] ticket holder can be completely on the air on 40m. Yes, they will have to source a 12V battery and some headphones.I know the Sea Sprite rig is very simplistic and the performance is questionable but I have to start with a kit that can be built by practically anybody in a couple of hours.
My hope is that any beginner builder could get an 'hf station' ready for on air operation in one session.
Half of the workshop is aimed at getting beginners to build while the other half is the on the air action. I will be pushing for everyone to put their rigs on the air for a mini event on Saturday night and Sunday morning. Possible a couple of hundred exact same rigs & antennas on the same frequency operating at the same time. This is an neat opportunity to get a real handle on whether or not one can actually make contacts on such a rig.
In a Sunday workshop on the QSO Today event, we will discuss the mini-event results and then talk about the parts of the little transceiver as to how they work and affect the performance thereof AND possible changes and improvements.? Should be fun. More info as it develops....Link to original message: /g/QRpmeKits/message/328
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David Knapp
