Re: Ordered my March 2023 Buildathon's updated Sea Sprite+ kit with coupler, key, and Zepp - I have comments and questions
Chuck,
That is why I mentioned it. You cut off 17ft for the CP and the rest is the antenna. Nice way to give you both and not need a feed line.?
? ---John AC9UV
On 02/23/2023 3:05 AM Chuck Carpenter <w5usj@...> wrote:
Rex is including a counterpoise. There are No-Tune sources who are expecting coax to be the counterpoise. Connecting direct to the V6 kit cuts out feed line.
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of John Putnum, AC9UV via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2023 4:18 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [QRpmeKits] Ordered my March 2023 Buildathon's updated Sea Sprite+ kit with coupler, key, and Zepp - I have comments and questions
On 02/22/2023 3:01 PM Daniel KK4MRN via groups.io <sqldan2000@...> wrote:
Based on feedback from Chuck, the antenna for the Sea Sprite+ with built-in No-Tune antenna coupler is designed to work with an EFHW (End Fed Half Wave) antenna.? ?The antenna included with the Sea Spirte+ is an EFHW (End Fed Half Wave).? The antenna is not a Zepp.
--
Chuck, W5USJ
|
Re: Ordered my March 2023 Buildathon's updated Sea Sprite+ kit with coupler, key, and Zepp - I have comments and questions
Rex is including a counterpoise. There are No-Tune sources who are expecting coax to be the counterpoise. Connecting direct to the V6 kit cuts out feed line.
?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of
John Putnum, AC9UV via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2023 4:18 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [QRpmeKits] Ordered my March 2023 Buildathon's updated Sea Sprite+ kit with coupler, key, and Zepp - I have comments and questions
?
On 02/22/2023 3:01 PM Daniel KK4MRN via groups.io <sqldan2000@...> wrote:
Based on feedback from Chuck, the antenna for the Sea Sprite+ with built-in No-Tune antenna coupler is designed to work with an EFHW (End Fed Half Wave) antenna.? ?The antenna included with the Sea Spirte+ is an EFHW (End Fed Half Wave).?
The antenna is not a Zepp.
-- Chuck, W5USJ
|
Re: Ordered my March 2023 Buildathon's updated Sea Sprite+ kit with coupler, key, and Zepp - I have comments and questions
antenna and counterpoise
---John AC9UV
On 02/22/2023 3:01 PM Daniel KK4MRN via groups.io <sqldan2000@...> wrote:
Based on feedback from Chuck, the antenna for the Sea Sprite+ with built-in No-Tune antenna coupler is designed to work with an EFHW (End Fed Half Wave) antenna.? ?The antenna included with the Sea Spirte+ is an EFHW (End Fed Half Wave).? The antenna is not a Zepp.
|
Re: Ordered my March 2023 Buildathon's updated Sea Sprite+ kit with coupler, key, and Zepp - I have comments and questions
Based on feedback from Chuck, the antenna for the Sea Sprite+ with built-in No-Tune antenna coupler is designed to work with an EFHW (End Fed Half Wave) antenna.? ?The antenna included with the Sea Spirte+ is an EFHW (End Fed Half Wave).? The antenna is not a Zepp.
|
Re: Ordered my March 2023 Buildathon's updated Sea Sprite+ kit with coupler, key, and Zepp - I have comments and questions
Daniel,
I have only had the experience with the AD9850 DDS in making the VFO project. It went together well and has been a solid stable frequency source for my projects. Also in building various QRPMe projects, a check that the receivers are actually working. For a frequency standard I bought some inexpensive small boards that are 9v powered and seem to be dead on accurate. Here is one of those. Price is right too. I just keep one with a 9v battery with a switch handy when I need to know.
As to the code. I'm rusty. Have to spend some heads down time to wake up that sleeping morse giant. I remember all those things to watch out for, being able to not get stuck on a letter and keep on... from the CWOps course I took a few years ago.
Letters pretty good, numbers a on the edge, pro signs have to work on, Q codes, some, CW strange abreviations like es for and I have some studying to do.?
I'll get there.
I agree, the building of kits, the hands on, getting things to work has always been what I was drawn to since my first crystal radio build when in junior high if I remember.
I'm signed up for the buildathon. See you online there
? ?--John AC9UV
On 02/22/2023 9:34 AM Daniel KK4MRN via groups.io <sqldan2000@...> wrote:
John,
Very cool.? I want to home brew my own VFO.? I will eventually.? I have all the parts to build multiple VFOs using Si5351A (module or chip), LCD, rotary encoder, and a microcontroller (chips and prototyping boards like Arduino UNO, Nano, Raspberry Pi Pico).? I don't think it would be hard.?
How does this AD9850 DDS compare to other DDS or PLL that are out there?? Or even the popular Si5351A clock synthesizer chip and a microcontroller used these days?
I tell you - without seeing all these hams homebrew and the kits coming from places like QRPme, QRPGuys, QRP-Labs, qrpkits, kitsandparts, and others..., I would have not stayed in this hobby.? ?Building radios "is" the primary reason I got into ham radio.
Have you gotten on-the-air yet?? ?Do you know all your letters, numbers, some prosigns and punctuation?? And you can easily skip characters you do not understand and move on to the next character you do understand?? That last question is important.? If yes to all the questions, get on the air.? (By the way, I need to take my own advice here... Once I re-learn them).
In the past, I did well with computer randomly-generated Morse code at 12WPM.? But I failed miserably the 3 times I actually tried to make contacts.? Real world Morse code is so un-even I guess while computer generated code is perfect.? ?So, maybe my mind needs to be able to adapt to imperfect code.? So, hopefully Long Island CW Club will help.? And they do help you live on the air.? ?And I am motivated to be on the air the weekend before the weekend of the Buildathon.? That is my goal.
And I finally registered and paid my $15 for the Expo on March 25-26.? ?And I got permission from my boss - the XYL for this weekend too. LOL
I am curious to see how many hams have bought the kit so far and who is going to the Expo.
Hey William, are you out there?? ?How are you learning your Morse Code?? I want to make a sked with you once we both get on the air.
Anybody else out there learning Morse Code too or needs to work on their rusty Morse code skills?
73 Daniel KK4MRN
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Re: Ordered my March 2023 Buildathon's updated Sea Sprite+ kit with coupler, key, and Zepp - I have comments and questions
John,
Very cool.? I want to home brew my own VFO.? I will eventually.? I have all the parts to build multiple VFOs using Si5351A (module or chip), LCD, rotary encoder, and a microcontroller (chips and prototyping boards like Arduino UNO, Nano, Raspberry Pi Pico).? I don't think it would be hard.?
How does this AD9850 DDS compare to other DDS or PLL that are out there?? Or even the popular Si5351A clock synthesizer chip and a microcontroller used these days?
I tell you - without seeing all these hams homebrew and the kits coming from places like QRPme, QRPGuys, QRP-Labs, qrpkits, kitsandparts, and others..., I would have not stayed in this hobby.? ?Building radios "is" the primary reason I got into ham radio.
Have you gotten on-the-air yet?? ?Do you know all your letters, numbers, some prosigns and punctuation?? And you can easily skip characters you do not understand and move on to the next character you do understand?? That last question is important.? If yes to all the questions, get on the air.? (By the way, I need to take my own advice here... Once I re-learn them).
In the past, I did well with computer randomly-generated Morse code at 12WPM.? But I failed miserably the 3 times I actually tried to make contacts.? Real world Morse code is so un-even I guess while computer generated code is perfect.? ?So, maybe my mind needs to be able to adapt to imperfect code.? So, hopefully Long Island CW Club will help.? And they do help you live on the air.? ?And I am motivated to be on the air the weekend before the weekend of the Buildathon.? That is my goal.
And I finally registered and paid my $15 for the Expo on March 25-26.? ?And I got permission from my boss - the XYL for this weekend too. LOL
I am curious to see how many hams have bought the kit so far and who is going to the Expo.
Hey William, are you out there?? ?How are you learning your Morse Code?? I want to make a sked with you once we both get on the air.
Anybody else out there learning Morse Code too or needs to work on their rusty Morse code skills?
73 Daniel KK4MRN
|
John,
This procedure works exactly as shown, the smaller the screwdriver the better. Actually, I had more of an issue putting it back together than I did taking it apart (as usual!).
Good Luck,
Davey - KU9L
On Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 05:29:45 PM EST, John Putnum, AC9UV <johnfputnam@...> wrote:
Rex,
Just got that nifty tool. I read the instructions but getting the cylinder out to clean seems to be stuck. Not wanting to force it. How is it best to do that. I thought of a screwdriver between the cylinder and the black half cylinder or between the yellow end where it sticks through to the iron. Any suggestions?
? ?Looks like a winner,
---John AC9UV?
On 02/14/2023 8:59 PM Rex Harper <tunacankits@...> wrote:
Gangue,
I forgot to mention that on their de-soldering page, they have replacement tips for that tool. Pretty cheap. I added some of those to my order. I always like to stash away any specialty items like iron tips to extend the life of a tool.
Rex
On 2/14/2023 9:41 PM, John Putnum, AC9UV wrote:
Rex,
Thanks, order in.? I have a nice little solder sucker that is from Japan that works well but the timing of lifting solder and positioning the tip has always been a source of humor.
? ?---John AC9UV
Gangue,
I just discovered this tool a couple of days ago...
It is a de-soldering iron which is a 40watt soldering iron with build in solder sucker. Brilliant! I just wish I had thought of it! I'd retire and just play with my QRP stuff all day.... Oh wait! I am retired and play with my QRP stuff all day. Well, if I did invent it, I would at least have some money in the bank....
Anyway, I ordered a few for me and made sure my order was processed before I alerted you guys. I haven't got mine yet but the reviews looked real promising so I bought some!
Rex? W1REX
|
Rex,
Just got that nifty tool. I read the instructions but getting the cylinder out to clean seems to be stuck. Not wanting to force it. How is it best to do that. I thought of a screwdriver between the cylinder and the black half cylinder or between the yellow end where it sticks through to the iron. Any suggestions?
? ?Looks like a winner,
---John AC9UV?
On 02/14/2023 8:59 PM Rex Harper <tunacankits@...> wrote:
Gangue,
I forgot to mention that on their de-soldering page, they have replacement tips for that tool. Pretty cheap. I added some of those to my order. I always like to stash away any specialty items like iron tips to extend the life of a tool.
Rex
On 2/14/2023 9:41 PM, John Putnum, AC9UV wrote:
Rex,
Thanks, order in.? I have a nice little solder sucker that is from Japan that works well but the timing of lifting solder and positioning the tip has always been a source of humor.
? ?---John AC9UV
Gangue,
I just discovered this tool a couple of days ago...
It is a de-soldering iron which is a 40watt soldering iron with build in solder sucker. Brilliant! I just wish I had thought of it! I'd retire and just play with my QRP stuff all day.... Oh wait! I am retired and play with my QRP stuff all day. Well, if I did invent it, I would at least have some money in the bank....
Anyway, I ordered a few for me and made sure my order was processed before I alerted you guys. I haven't got mine yet but the reviews looked real promising so I bought some!
Rex? W1REX
|
Re: Band Frequencies for QRS (Slow Code), CW and Morse Code Newbie Hams, and Typical Frequencies for Rock-Bound Kits
Oh, yeah--Daniel--? If you haven't tried 7055 kHz, most of the ops there don't go very fast--usually more than 5WPM, but I've heard 10WPM or slower, too. You don't have to stick to 7110-ish for speed reasons.
-HRS
H. Russell Smith, N0QLT???
?????????????????????????????
On Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 03:28:09 PM CST, Russell Smith via groups.io <n0qlt@...> wrote:
Daniel--
Short answer:
Anything your license will support.
Why?
When I was a Novice (Tech +, actually, but still a novice operator), I loved the 40m Novice Band. It was years later, as a General or Advanced, before I ventured out of my "safe space."? And when I did, I quickly found myself running back home to the Novices.? I was off the air for several years without a station, pretty much operating only at the University's superstation whenever I could. By the time I started back in again on my own, the Ham world had changed. The band had shifted and there just wasn't the activity in my old stomping ground.? I'm a bit sad there isn't the volume of stations in the good-ole Novice band (I think it used to be something like 7100-7150 back then), but I'm even more encouraged by what I hear in the old "General" part. I hear speed demons--the ones who answer a 10WPM station at 40+ WPM and I've heard 10WPM and below working special events and DXpeditions. (not as common, but it DOES happen). Speed isn't everything, I promise. If you can bop along at a pace comfortable to you, you'll make contacts. And if you listen in, you'll come to the same conclusion that it's everyone in the lower part of the band now.? Don't be afraid to try, that's how you get faster. And if you get run over, just ask the other station to QRS or sign off quickly. In my early days, there was more than one time I had to QRT for some fabricated reason or other: QSB, QRM, QRN, QRP, QRO, QRSS,QSY, QLF, Qsomethingorother, storm, go somewhere, alien abduction, Elvis at the door, etc.", sent 73, and signed off. I don't condone lying but I've politely excused myself when I needed to.
If you HAD to choose, I'd say anything between 7010kHz-7038 kHz for Extras and 7027-7038 for Generals is a safe bet. You'll work more DX down around 7010kHz-7015kHz. If you can buy only ONE crystal, I'd probably get it for something 7050kHz-7060kHz.? The latter frequency range is where the SKCC crowd hangs out (7055kHz, I believe, is the calling frequency), and you are very likely to make frequent contacts. They are a friendly bunch and pretty much follow the Novice QSO format.
-HRS
H. Russell Smith, N0QLT???
?????????????????????????????
On Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 01:33:51 PM CST, Daniel KK4MRN via groups.io <sqldan2000@...> wrote:
I did a little research. Many rock-bound CW QRP or QRPp kits come with crytals around 7.030, 7.040, or 7.110.? My Two Tinned Tunahs came with 7.110 and another I forget.? The March Buildathon and the SST+ will come with a 7110 crystal.? What are some other good frequencies/bands to get?? I see some crystal specials on the QRPme web site.? Of course, other band would require a different band module if you have a Super Tuna, Sea Sprite, Lil Sqal, Sudden Receiver, etc... I tend to hear QRS (Slow Code) around 7.110 - 7.125.? Good place to make contacts for CW Newbie hams. SKCC Skeds are a good place to arrange to make contacts. ARRL USA Frequency Allocations FCC Part 97 Regulations in the USA Novice Historical Society - what the Novice frequencies were in 1957 Does anyone know what the Novice frequency range on 40m in 1953 was?
1958 Novice Frequency Privileges:?
3.7 to 3.75mc CW.
7.15 to 7.2mc, CW.
21.1 to 21.145mc, CW.
FCC CW Band frequencies in USA:
80m: 3.525 - 3.600 MHz: Novice, Technical, General and other ham licenses. 40m: 7.025 - 7.125: Novice, Technician, General and other ham licenses. 30m: 10.100 - 10.150: General and other ham licenses. 20m: 14.025 - 14.150: General and other ham licenses.?? 17m:??18.068 - 18.110 General and higher?? 15m: 21.025 - 21.200? General and higher 12m: 24.890 - 24.930 General and higher? 10m: All licenses can do 28.000 - 28.300? I did not list the extra frequencies that some licenses have to keep it simple.? And I did not list MF nor VHF frequencies. I do not list 60m.? Nor do I list ranges for hams outside the USA. I also do not list the VOICE portion of bands the General and higher license have the ability to do CW as long as they follow gentleman agreements. Hams should follow band plans and gentleman agreements.?? Let's keep the ham radio hobby fun.? ? And just because some hams are rude, stubborn, or do not follow the rules does not mean we should be rude or not follow the rules as well.?? I am interested in knowing what good watering holes there are for QRP, QRPp, rock-bound radios, radios from QRPme, QRS (Slow Code) and beginner CW operators are. 73 Daniel KK4MRN
|
Re: Band Frequencies for QRS (Slow Code), CW and Morse Code Newbie Hams, and Typical Frequencies for Rock-Bound Kits
Daniel--
Short answer:
Anything your license will support.
Why?
When I was a Novice (Tech +, actually, but still a novice operator), I loved the 40m Novice Band. It was years later, as a General or Advanced, before I ventured out of my "safe space."? And when I did, I quickly found myself running back home to the Novices.? I was off the air for several years without a station, pretty much operating only at the University's superstation whenever I could. By the time I started back in again on my own, the Ham world had changed. The band had shifted and there just wasn't the activity in my old stomping ground.? I'm a bit sad there isn't the volume of stations in the good-ole Novice band (I think it used to be something like 7100-7150 back then), but I'm even more encouraged by what I hear in the old "General" part. I hear speed demons--the ones who answer a 10WPM station at 40+ WPM and I've heard 10WPM and below working special events and DXpeditions. (not as common, but it DOES happen). Speed isn't everything, I promise. If you can bop along at a pace comfortable to you, you'll make contacts. And if you listen in, you'll come to the same conclusion that it's everyone in the lower part of the band now.? Don't be afraid to try, that's how you get faster. And if you get run over, just ask the other station to QRS or sign off quickly. In my early days, there was more than one time I had to QRT for some fabricated reason or other: QSB, QRM, QRN, QRP, QRO, QRSS,QSY, QLF, Qsomethingorother, storm, go somewhere, alien abduction, Elvis at the door, etc.", sent 73, and signed off. I don't condone lying but I've politely excused myself when I needed to.
If you HAD to choose, I'd say anything between 7010kHz-7038 kHz for Extras and 7027-7038 for Generals is a safe bet. You'll work more DX down around 7010kHz-7015kHz. If you can buy only ONE crystal, I'd probably get it for something 7050kHz-7060kHz.? The latter frequency range is where the SKCC crowd hangs out (7055kHz, I believe, is the calling frequency), and you are very likely to make frequent contacts. They are a friendly bunch and pretty much follow the Novice QSO format.
-HRS
H. Russell Smith, N0QLT???
?????????????????????????????
On Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 01:33:51 PM CST, Daniel KK4MRN via groups.io <sqldan2000@...> wrote:
I did a little research. Many rock-bound CW QRP or QRPp kits come with crytals around 7.030, 7.040, or 7.110.? My Two Tinned Tunahs came with 7.110 and another I forget.? The March Buildathon and the SST+ will come with a 7110 crystal.? What are some other good frequencies/bands to get?? I see some crystal specials on the QRPme web site.? Of course, other band would require a different band module if you have a Super Tuna, Sea Sprite, Lil Sqal, Sudden Receiver, etc... I tend to hear QRS (Slow Code) around 7.110 - 7.125.? Good place to make contacts for CW Newbie hams. SKCC Skeds are a good place to arrange to make contacts. ARRL USA Frequency Allocations FCC Part 97 Regulations in the USA Novice Historical Society - what the Novice frequencies were in 1957 Does anyone know what the Novice frequency range on 40m in 1953 was?
1958 Novice Frequency Privileges:?
3.7 to 3.75mc CW.
7.15 to 7.2mc, CW.
21.1 to 21.145mc, CW.
FCC CW Band frequencies in USA:
80m: 3.525 - 3.600 MHz: Novice, Technical, General and other ham licenses. 40m: 7.025 - 7.125: Novice, Technician, General and other ham licenses. 30m: 10.100 - 10.150: General and other ham licenses. 20m: 14.025 - 14.150: General and other ham licenses.?? 17m:??18.068 - 18.110 General and higher?? 15m: 21.025 - 21.200? General and higher 12m: 24.890 - 24.930 General and higher? 10m: All licenses can do 28.000 - 28.300? I did not list the extra frequencies that some licenses have to keep it simple.? And I did not list MF nor VHF frequencies. I do not list 60m.? Nor do I list ranges for hams outside the USA. I also do not list the VOICE portion of bands the General and higher license have the ability to do CW as long as they follow gentleman agreements. Hams should follow band plans and gentleman agreements.?? Let's keep the ham radio hobby fun.? ? And just because some hams are rude, stubborn, or do not follow the rules does not mean we should be rude or not follow the rules as well.?? I am interested in knowing what good watering holes there are for QRP, QRPp, rock-bound radios, radios from QRPme, QRS (Slow Code) and beginner CW operators are. 73 Daniel KK4MRN
|
Band Frequencies for QRS (Slow Code), CW and Morse Code Newbie Hams, and Typical Frequencies for Rock-Bound Kits
I did a little research. Many rock-bound CW QRP or QRPp kits come with crytals around 7.030, 7.040, or 7.110.? My Two Tinned Tunahs came with 7.110 and another I forget.? The March Buildathon and the SST+ will come with a 7110 crystal.? What are some other good frequencies/bands to get?? I see some crystal specials on the QRPme web site.? Of course, other band would require a different band module if you have a Super Tuna, Sea Sprite, Lil Sqal, Sudden Receiver, etc... I tend to hear QRS (Slow Code) around 7.110 - 7.125.? Good place to make contacts for CW Newbie hams. SKCC Skeds are a good place to arrange to make contacts. ARRL USA Frequency Allocations FCC Part 97 Regulations in the USA Novice Historical Society - what the Novice frequencies were in 1957 Does anyone know what the Novice frequency range on 40m in 1953 was?
1958 Novice Frequency Privileges:?
3.7 to 3.75mc CW.
7.15 to 7.2mc, CW.
21.1 to 21.145mc, CW.
FCC CW Band frequencies in USA:
80m: 3.525 - 3.600 MHz: Novice, Technical, General and other ham licenses. 40m: 7.025 - 7.125: Novice, Technician, General and other ham licenses. 30m: 10.100 - 10.150: General and other ham licenses. 20m: 14.025 - 14.150: General and other ham licenses.?? 17m:??18.068 - 18.110 General and higher?? 15m: 21.025 - 21.200? General and higher 12m: 24.890 - 24.930 General and higher? 10m: All licenses can do 28.000 - 28.300? I did not list the extra frequencies that some licenses have to keep it simple.? And I did not list MF nor VHF frequencies. I do not list 60m.? Nor do I list ranges for hams outside the USA. I also do not list the VOICE portion of bands the General and higher license have the ability to do CW as long as they follow gentleman agreements. Hams should follow band plans and gentleman agreements.?? Let's keep the ham radio hobby fun.? ? And just because some hams are rude, stubborn, or do not follow the rules does not mean we should be rude or not follow the rules as well.?? I am interested in knowing what good watering holes there are for QRP, QRPp, rock-bound radios, radios from QRPme, QRS (Slow Code) and beginner CW operators are. 73 Daniel KK4MRN
|
Re: short lesson on food cans
Rex isn't kidding. I've built a few TT2 transmitters that way. Be thankful for the lip and up-top connectors. In the pic, you can see a Rex Super Tuna, an updated (aka toroid version) TT2, and an as-close-to-DeMaw's-version-as-I-could-do-in-2022 model. The two on the wooden bases that look like Dr. Who props (my original and the DeMaw version) were scratch built, including rotating the pcb by hand against flat sandpaper to make them round, painting the traces with enamel paint, and etching the board. Wiring the can took quite a while and was trickier than it should have been. I have another couple that aren't pictured because they aren't in the cans yet. I still need to make a base for the Super Tuna as well. (And finish about 50 other QRPME kits... Ah, grad school takes up so much time!)
A funny story about the DeMaw version-- I found a vintage can on eBay and did some research on the company. It turns out it came from a long-defunct canner that sold some bad tuna that did some folks in. I hope my can wasn't one of the bad ones. ;)? I used as many vintage parts as I could scrounge up, although I'm not 100% certain the chokes were newer Millers or actual Radio Shack ones--I had both mixed together. I think they are the exact same part (or very, very close). I worried that the ferrite properties wouldn't be close enough, but they were. I get about 300mW-350mW out.
The really beat up one was my very first. I had been a Ham a little while when I made it, but that's been every bit of 20 years ago--if not 25--I've been licensed for over 30 now. I've made a dozen or more contacts with it.? It's officially retired as it's pretty fragile. I did a bunch of things wrong when I mounted it in the can (no lip, stupid kid, limited/no tools). It survived the Joplin, MO EF-5 Tornado in 2011 (I pulled it out of the rubble), repaired it, and finally put it on the air a few years back. I'm leaving in its original state (minus a new final transistor that replaced one that broke off at some point in the jostling) and it's retired with honors, mistakes and scars and all.
Moral of the story-- it's a HECK of a lot easier to build these with the good thought Rex & Co. have put into it.?
-HRS
H. Russell Smith, N0QLT???
?????????????????????????????
On Friday, February 17, 2023 at 08:49:51 PM CST, Rex Harper <tunacankits@...> wrote:
Dave & Gangue,
The new Sea Sprite+ kit will come in all sealed up in a 401 size
can....with a special label.
Short lesson on cans for QRPme proto boards is here: ??
Back in the DeMaw's day (1976), there was no such thing as an
EZ-Open can so mounting a board to a tuna can was quite tedious.
When it was 'Back to the Future-ized' by Doug Hendricks in his
NORCAL adventures it was still tedious. I bought a 1930's canning
machine from a museum in Lubec Maine and started kitting the kits
INSIDE tuna cans. I remember when it would take more time to mount
& wire up the connectors down in the can that it would take to
build the entire rest of the kit. Even then, EZ-Open lids were a
rarity usually only found on cat food cans as nobody wanted to
dirty up their can openers opening up that disgusting cat food!.
That's when I discovered the Dole's pineapple can. It was so easy
to open and then mount the pcb on the lip that remained from the
opening but I still had mount and wire those connectors down in
the can. I thought: "Gee, if I could only can the kits using an
EZ-Open lid, I could design an EZ-Builld TT2 with all the
connections ON the PCB and make it really EZ to Build...." I could
find EZ-Open lids but I had to buy like 8000 lids at a time and
even then, if I could find the $$$ to buy the lids it would cost
me $800 or so to have a special chuck made to seal them.
One day, I mentioned my EZ-Open lid dilemma to my can supplier
and he said to check with his canning machine service
troubleshooter "Maybe he will know where you could find one!". I
tracked him down, told him about my tuna can adventures and he
told me he had such a chuck right on his desk and he that was
using it as a paperweight!! He sent it to me for free and I got my
first batch of EZ-Open lids from him in the same box....all for
FREE! He finagled them from a customer and then sent them to me...
Then I found a supplier where I could buy the special lids and
scored on another canning machine for about $1500 that came with
extra chucks for 211 & 401 cans. I took those lids to my
friend the machinist and he modified both of my antique regular
chucks for EZ-Open lids. I've never looked back and have had lots
of FUN bringing out all kinds of kits in all 3 sized tuna cans.
W1REX
|
Re: short lesson on food cans
Rex,
The big three Ham manufacturers have nothing on your tuna cans!? Thanks for sharing and thanks for the history lesson!
Davey - KU9L
On Friday, February 17, 2023 at 09:49:51 PM EST, Rex Harper <tunacankits@...> wrote:
Dave & Gangue,
The new Sea Sprite+ kit will come in all sealed up in a 401 size
can....with a special label.
Short lesson on cans for QRPme proto boards is here: ??
Back in the DeMaw's day (1976), there was no such thing as an
EZ-Open can so mounting a board to a tuna can was quite tedious.
When it was 'Back to the Future-ized' by Doug Hendricks in his
NORCAL adventures it was still tedious. I bought a 1930's canning
machine from a museum in Lubec Maine and started kitting the kits
INSIDE tuna cans. I remember when it would take more time to mount
& wire up the connectors down in the can that it would take to
build the entire rest of the kit. Even then, EZ-Open lids were a
rarity usually only found on cat food cans as nobody wanted to
dirty up their can openers opening up that disgusting cat food!.
That's when I discovered the Dole's pineapple can. It was so easy
to open and then mount the pcb on the lip that remained from the
opening but I still had mount and wire those connectors down in
the can. I thought: "Gee, if I could only can the kits using an
EZ-Open lid, I could design an EZ-Builld TT2 with all the
connections ON the PCB and make it really EZ to Build...." I could
find EZ-Open lids but I had to buy like 8000 lids at a time and
even then, if I could find the $$$ to buy the lids it would cost
me $800 or so to have a special chuck made to seal them.
One day, I mentioned my EZ-Open lid dilemma to my can supplier
and he said to check with his canning machine service
troubleshooter "Maybe he will know where you could find one!". I
tracked him down, told him about my tuna can adventures and he
told me he had such a chuck right on his desk and he that was
using it as a paperweight!! He sent it to me for free and I got my
first batch of EZ-Open lids from him in the same box....all for
FREE! He finagled them from a customer and then sent them to me...
Then I found a supplier where I could buy the special lids and
scored on another canning machine for about $1500 that came with
extra chucks for 211 & 401 cans. I took those lids to my
friend the machinist and he modified both of my antique regular
chucks for EZ-Open lids. I've never looked back and have had lots
of FUN bringing out all kinds of kits in all 3 sized tuna cans.
W1REX
|
short lesson on food cans
Dave & Gangue,
The new Sea Sprite+ kit will come in all sealed up in a 401 size
can....with a special label.
Short lesson on cans for QRPme proto boards is here: ??
Back in the DeMaw's day (1976), there was no such thing as an
EZ-Open can so mounting a board to a tuna can was quite tedious.
When it was 'Back to the Future-ized' by Doug Hendricks in his
NORCAL adventures it was still tedious. I bought a 1930's canning
machine from a museum in Lubec Maine and started kitting the kits
INSIDE tuna cans. I remember when it would take more time to mount
& wire up the connectors down in the can that it would take to
build the entire rest of the kit. Even then, EZ-Open lids were a
rarity usually only found on cat food cans as nobody wanted to
dirty up their can openers opening up that disgusting cat food!.
That's when I discovered the Dole's pineapple can. It was so easy
to open and then mount the pcb on the lip that remained from the
opening but I still had mount and wire those connectors down in
the can. I thought: "Gee, if I could only can the kits using an
EZ-Open lid, I could design an EZ-Builld TT2 with all the
connections ON the PCB and make it really EZ to Build...." I could
find EZ-Open lids but I had to buy like 8000 lids at a time and
even then, if I could find the $$$ to buy the lids it would cost
me $800 or so to have a special chuck made to seal them.
One day, I mentioned my EZ-Open lid dilemma to my can supplier
and he said to check with his canning machine service
troubleshooter "Maybe he will know where you could find one!". I
tracked him down, told him about my tuna can adventures and he
told me he had such a chuck right on his desk and he that was
using it as a paperweight!! He sent it to me for free and I got my
first batch of EZ-Open lids from him in the same box....all for
FREE! He finagled them from a customer and then sent them to me...
Then I found a supplier where I could buy the special lids and
scored on another canning machine for about $1500 that came with
extra chucks for 211 & 401 cans. I took those lids to my
friend the machinist and he modified both of my antique regular
chucks for EZ-Open lids. I've never looked back and have had lots
of FUN bringing out all kinds of kits in all 3 sized tuna cans.
W1REX
|
Re: QSO Ham Expo Buildathon
Rex,
Does the kit still use the large-size Dole can? I see in your video it is about 2" tall, but our local Walmart either had the skinnier cans or the 5-6" tall variety. I am learning about cans more and more every day and not making sweeping assumptions, LOL.
Davey - KU9L
On Friday, February 17, 2023 at 06:47:19 PM EST, Rex Harper <tunacankits@...> wrote:
Gangue,
While Dan has been
keeping you all aware of my upcoming Buildathon, I thought you
might care for an update from me directly.
This will be the 9th
& 10th live streamed Buildathon I've done in the last
couple of for the QSO Ham EXPO. We have built all sorts of
specially designed kits in the past but this Buildathon kit is
the one that I am most excited about. I've tried all kinds of
simple (or at least I thought so) designs but in reality only
one or two hit the mark. The main problem is only having about
a 2 hour window to 'Git'er done!'. This year, Eric at QSO
Today put a theme to the Expo if I might paraphrase: "Now that
you have your license, what's next?" I thunk hard before I
pitched my idea to Eric. We would build a VERY simple
transceiver in 1 two hour session and then put it on the air
and try to make some contacts. Of course, this means extra
problems: key & antenna. So I added a simple key and
antenna to the build. But the exciting part is the operating.
Imagine a BUNCH of identical rigs all operating with the same
antenna on the same frequency trying to contact each other. I
think this is a really cool idea. The added benefit is this
should really either confirm or dispel the myth that you can't
make contacts on these very simple QRPp rigs. Another neat
thing would be that this could possibly be another WBB
(World's Biggest Buildathon) style event the World's Biggest
Buildathon & Operating Event. My friend Colin in the UK
did a SOTA event where he built a Rockmite station on the
summit and used it for his activation. I had 244 builders in
the ballroom at FDIM build and test a minimalist 20m
transmitter in a little over an hour...with no soldering
irons. At the WBBOPE we will have soldering irons and then a
special event activating th completed? rigs.
So I have 50 builders
signed up with another four weeks or so before the shipping
drop dead date. I have lots of pcbs and parts already on order
so I see no problems with getting the kits kitted and out the
door on time. Up on my web page for the Buildathon is a map of
QTHs for the builders signed up so far, elementary docs for
the new kit design and a YouTube link to a real time build of
the previous incarnation of the rig. I will post a video of
the complete build of the new rig just as soon as I get a
board in house. I expedited a few boards so I can get them in
sooner in order to generate the docs and a video of the
complete build ASAP. Everyone should be well versed on the
construction of the kit before we run the live stream event.
Now mind you, this is
specifically aimed at new licensees so the 7110 frequency in
the technician 'Novice' area should be especially receptive to
slow code senders and beginners just getting on the air! I
will be one of those slow code senders myself! I got to get
practicing but QRPme and my wife's Honey-Do list seems to
always interfere with my plans. But I will try harder!
That's all for now.
Rex? W1REX
|
Ordered and I also received my desoldering iron today with 3 spare tips. My XYL Ham is accusing all of the kit builders of putting something addicting into those kits!!!!
On Friday, February 17, 2023 at 06:58:39 PM EST, Rex Harper <tunacankits@...> wrote:
Gangue,
I was wondering why
nobody ordered an RF Probe kit from me in a long time even
after all the RF Probe emails that flew around a few weeks
ago. I went looking for them, as I have more than 1 design. While the SMD
probe was pretty easy to find on my test equipment button, it
was unavailable as I ran out of pcbs for that kit a long time
ago. I had produced that kit, from Chuck's, W5USJ, design but
tacked it to another kit pcb to get the boards done cheaply. I
only ordered that other kit once so never separated the design
from that other kit to make individually. I replaced it with
through hole design for a Buildathon and listed it as a
Buildathon kit but never called it an RF Probe so I lost track
of it.
Found it, renamed it
and listed it as an RF Probe kit (in a test tube) under the
test equipment button. I can confirm that it is W5USJ
approved!
Problem resolved....
W1REX
|
Gangue,
I was wondering why
nobody ordered an RF Probe kit from me in a long time even
after all the RF Probe emails that flew around a few weeks
ago. I went looking for them, as I have more than 1 design. While the SMD
probe was pretty easy to find on my test equipment button, it
was unavailable as I ran out of pcbs for that kit a long time
ago. I had produced that kit, from Chuck's, W5USJ, design but
tacked it to another kit pcb to get the boards done cheaply. I
only ordered that other kit once so never separated the design
from that other kit to make individually. I replaced it with
through hole design for a Buildathon and listed it as a
Buildathon kit but never called it an RF Probe so I lost track
of it.
Found it, renamed it
and listed it as an RF Probe kit (in a test tube) under the
test equipment button. I can confirm that it is W5USJ
approved!
Problem resolved....
W1REX
|
Gangue,
While Dan has been
keeping you all aware of my upcoming Buildathon, I thought you
might care for an update from me directly.
This will be the 9th
& 10th live streamed Buildathon I've done in the last
couple of for the QSO Ham EXPO. We have built all sorts of
specially designed kits in the past but this Buildathon kit is
the one that I am most excited about. I've tried all kinds of
simple (or at least I thought so) designs but in reality only
one or two hit the mark. The main problem is only having about
a 2 hour window to 'Git'er done!'. This year, Eric at QSO
Today put a theme to the Expo if I might paraphrase: "Now that
you have your license, what's next?" I thunk hard before I
pitched my idea to Eric. We would build a VERY simple
transceiver in 1 two hour session and then put it on the air
and try to make some contacts. Of course, this means extra
problems: key & antenna. So I added a simple key and
antenna to the build. But the exciting part is the operating.
Imagine a BUNCH of identical rigs all operating with the same
antenna on the same frequency trying to contact each other. I
think this is a really cool idea. The added benefit is this
should really either confirm or dispel the myth that you can't
make contacts on these very simple QRPp rigs. Another neat
thing would be that this could possibly be another WBB
(World's Biggest Buildathon) style event the World's Biggest
Buildathon & Operating Event. My friend Colin in the UK
did a SOTA event where he built a Rockmite station on the
summit and used it for his activation. I had 244 builders in
the ballroom at FDIM build and test a minimalist 20m
transmitter in a little over an hour...with no soldering
irons. At the WBBOPE we will have soldering irons and then a
special event activating th completed? rigs.
So I have 50 builders
signed up with another four weeks or so before the shipping
drop dead date. I have lots of pcbs and parts already on order
so I see no problems with getting the kits kitted and out the
door on time. Up on my web page for the Buildathon is a map of
QTHs for the builders signed up so far, elementary docs for
the new kit design and a YouTube link to a real time build of
the previous incarnation of the rig. I will post a video of
the complete build of the new rig just as soon as I get a
board in house. I expedited a few boards so I can get them in
sooner in order to generate the docs and a video of the
complete build ASAP. Everyone should be well versed on the
construction of the kit before we run the live stream event.
Now mind you, this is
specifically aimed at new licensees so the 7110 frequency in
the technician 'Novice' area should be especially receptive to
slow code senders and beginners just getting on the air! I
will be one of those slow code senders myself! I got to get
practicing but QRPme and my wife's Honey-Do list seems to
always interfere with my plans. But I will try harder!
That's all for now.
Rex? W1REX
|
Re: Ordered my March 2023 Buildathon's updated Sea Sprite+ kit with coupler, key, and Zepp - I have comments and questions
Daniel,
I used the AD9850 DDS. I have attached pictures of the board and the circuit for the pixie. The firmware I would have to track down.
I did the CWOPS Basic course a couple of years ago. It helped a lot but need more practice.
Interesting pixie link:
Links off that last one have some code.
Not wanting to stray too far from QRPMe specific topics.
? ? Enjoy,
---John AC9UV
? 73
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 02/17/2023 10:37 AM Daniel KK4MRN via groups.io <sqldan2000@...> wrote:
Hello John,
I am learning via Long Island CW Club.? I recommend the club for CW newbies.? They have 1-hour zoom meetings where you can see and hear other hams - CW students - learning the code.? And the LICW Club has changed things around.? Now, they concentrate on 12WPM instead of 20WPM. And they have a carousel that you can start at anytime. They did some research on what the original Koche scientific studies back in the early to mid 1900s.??
There is one very fast ham who can send and receive code with his brain very quickly - and he will tell you - it does not matter how fast or slow you go - who cares - if you know all your letters and digits, just get on the air...? It was Chuck Adams.? It is not necessary to do 20+ WPM these days. If you can, great.? If not, no worries. However, I do hope that hams QRS (slow code) for this event though.
Sadly, I have been doing this off and on for many years.? Hopefully it will stick with me this time via LICWC.
Did you use the Si5351A synthesizer chip for the DDS?
73 Daniel KK4MRN
On Friday, February 17, 2023 at 11:19:14 AM EST, John Putnum, AC9UV <johnfputnam@...> wrote:
Daniel,
I built the Sea Sprite a few weeks ago. Nice build, clean harmonics. Power about .54w as measured on one of my wattmeters.
I have register for the buildathon and ordered the kit.
I will have to see if I am confident with my code recognition to get on the air then.
I have not built the Lil Squall transiever but have built a couple of pixies and several Rockmite ][ and the topper. I have a 20m Rockmite kit waiting in a box for some time.
I modified one pixie to replace the crystal with a vfo that I put together from a nano ,a DDS chip, a display, and a rotary encoder. Worked nicely. I use the vfo as a frequency standard for my projects.
The pixie kits I have built have marginally acceptable harmonics. They need a LPF added to clean that up I think.?
Buildathons can be hectic. Depends on how fast you go. Rex moves right along and my problem sometimes I get a little behind, or my wife interrupts me... Doing it ahead of time can be done but the buildathon experience is different. In any case with Rex you always learn something new and useful about tools, tool use, or build techniques. In some cases how to fix problems you just caused. A great time is had by all.
? ?Enjoy,
---John AC9UV
On 02/17/2023 5:26 AM Daniel KK4MRN via groups.io <sqldan2000@...> wrote:
Hello,
By the way, I ordered the March 2023 Buildathon's Sea Sprite+ kit.? ?I still need to register for the event though.
I have some comments and questions on down.
lt
Has anybody else ordered this kit?
Anybody else participating in the Buildathon?
Anybody else getting on 7110 the weekend of March 25th and 26th?
Anybody build a QRPme Sea Sprite transceiver or QRPme Lil Squall Transceiver in the past or building one now?
Or even a Pixie transceiver?
The March 2023 Buildathon is a virtual online event.
But, if you're in Los Angeles, California, you can go in person - I think.
March 2023 Buildathon's Sea Sprite+ kit
Includes built-in antenna coupler.?
Additional items are a key and enough wire to construct a 1/2 wave End Fed Zepp antenna.
Good for a new Technician ham to build and Get On The Air.? All they need is a battery and a pair of headphones.
According to the web page, the kit's boards are on order.? So, it will take awhile for Rex to get them, then he has to put on his superman cape and turn out a bunch of kits and mail them in advance of March 25th...? I look forward to building the Sea Sprite+ and getting on the air.? ?I do suggest that anyone participating QRS (slow code) for newbies.? And hopefully I can make a few contacts - well, I hope at least one confirmed contact - with this radio especially the weekend of the Buildathon.? But more contacts the merrier.? ?Let's just make it a week long - weekend to weekend - so others who did not make a contact can keep trying.? Sometimes conditions improve.? ?So, I will be listening.? I will keep the radio on.... And if nobody pounces, I will pounce.
Would it be bad to go ahead and build SST+ kit and try it on the air before March 25th if I get it before the 25th?? Thoughts?
Map of Sea Sprite+ Builders signed up for 3/25 Buildathon
SST+ Version 6 Board layout
SST+ Version 6 Schematic
Presentation at the Buildathon on Saturday March 25th, at 10:00 PDT (1800 UTC)
2-hour session
Build a Simple Station and GOTA (Get On The Air!)
Speaker: Rex Harper W1REX
There will be a follow up session on Sunday morning.
QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo is the first and only on-line amateur radio convention, since August 2020.? ?
Event tickets and registration cost $15.00 per person for the Expo weekend and 30 day on demand period
March 25-26, 2023
Original message from Rex:
73 Daniel KK4MRN
|
Re: Ordered my March 2023 Buildathon's updated Sea Sprite+ kit with coupler, key, and Zepp - I have comments and questions
I ordered. That weekend is only a few days before we leave FL for the weekend, We will be in IL for 2-3 weeks before we head to Colorado for the summer so worst case we will make it a buildathon with 5, 7 & 10 year old grand babies cheering me on in the burbs of Chicago, IF we aren't parked at the RV dealer 214th in line to work on that refrigerator. I think I found the sweet spot on the thermostat, but it feels like trying to align a Heathkit TV with only metal alignment tools, lol.
On Fri, Feb 17, 2023 at 11:37 AM, Daniel KK4MRN via groups.io <SQLDan2000@...> wrote:
Hello John, I am learning via Long Island CW Club.? I recommend the club for CW newbies.? They have 1-hour zoom meetings where you can see and hear other hams - CW students - learning the code.? And the LICW Club has changed things around.? Now, they concentrate on 12WPM instead of 20WPM. And they have a carousel that you can start at anytime. They did some research on what the original Koche scientific studies back in the early to mid 1900s.??
There is one very fast ham who can send and receive code with his brain very quickly - and he will tell you - it does not matter how fast or slow you go - who cares - if you know all your letters and digits, just get on the air...? It was Chuck Adams.? It is not necessary to do 20+ WPM these days. If you can, great.? If not, no worries. However, I do hope that hams QRS (slow code) for this event though.
Sadly, I have been doing this off and on for many years.? Hopefully it will stick with me this time via LICWC.
Did you use the Si5351A synthesizer chip for the DDS?
73 Daniel KK4MRN
On Friday, February 17, 2023 at 11:19:14 AM EST, John Putnum, AC9UV <johnfputnam@...> wrote:
Daniel,
I built the Sea Sprite a few weeks ago. Nice build, clean harmonics. Power about .54w as measured on one of my wattmeters.
I have register for the buildathon and ordered the kit.
I will have to see if I am confident with my code recognition to get on the air then.
I have not built the Lil Squall transiever but have built a couple of pixies and several Rockmite ][ and the topper. I have a 20m Rockmite kit waiting in a box for some time.
I modified one pixie to replace the crystal with a vfo that I put together from a nano ,a DDS chip, a display, and a rotary encoder. Worked nicely. I use the vfo as a frequency standard for my projects.
The pixie kits I have built have marginally acceptable harmonics. They need a LPF added to clean that up I think.?
Buildathons can be hectic. Depends on how fast you go. Rex moves right along and my problem sometimes I get a little behind, or my wife interrupts me... Doing it ahead of time can be done but the buildathon experience is different. In any case with Rex you always learn something new and useful about tools, tool use, or build techniques. In some cases how to fix problems you just caused. A great time is had by all.
? ?Enjoy,
---John AC9UV
On 02/17/2023 5:26 AM Daniel KK4MRN via groups.io <sqldan2000@...> wrote:
Hello,
By the way, I ordered the March 2023 Buildathon's Sea Sprite+ kit.? ?I still need to register for the event though.
I have some comments and questions on down.
lt
Has anybody else ordered this kit?
Anybody else participating in the Buildathon?
Anybody else getting on 7110 the weekend of March 25th and 26th?
Anybody build a QRPme Sea Sprite transceiver or QRPme Lil Squall Transceiver in the past or building one now?
Or even a Pixie transceiver?
The March 2023 Buildathon is a virtual online event.
But, if you're in Los Angeles, California, you can go in person - I think.
March 2023 Buildathon's Sea Sprite+ kit
Includes built-in antenna coupler.?
Additional items are a key and enough wire to construct a 1/2 wave End Fed Zepp antenna.
Good for a new Technician ham to build and Get On The Air.? All they need is a battery and a pair of headphones.
According to the web page, the kit's boards are on order.? So, it will take awhile for Rex to get them, then he has to put on his superman cape and turn out a bunch of kits and mail them in advance of March 25th...? I look forward to building the Sea Sprite+ and getting on the air.? ?I do suggest that anyone participating QRS (slow code) for newbies.? And hopefully I can make a few contacts - well, I hope at least one confirmed contact - with this radio especially the weekend of the Buildathon.? But more contacts the merrier.? ?Let's just make it a week long - weekend to weekend - so others who did not make a contact can keep trying.? Sometimes conditions improve.? ?So, I will be listening.? I will keep the radio on.... And if nobody pounces, I will pounce.
Would it be bad to go ahead and build SST+ kit and try it on the air before March 25th if I get it before the 25th?? Thoughts?
Map of Sea Sprite+ Builders signed up for 3/25 Buildathon
SST+ Version 6 Board layout
SST+ Version 6 Schematic
Presentation at the Buildathon on Saturday March 25th, at 10:00 PDT (1800 UTC)
2-hour session
Build a Simple Station and GOTA (Get On The Air!)
Speaker: Rex Harper W1REX
There will be a follow up session on Sunday morning.
QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo is the first and only on-line amateur radio convention, since August 2020.? ?
Event tickets and registration cost $15.00 per person for the Expo weekend and 30 day on demand period
March 25-26, 2023
Original message from Rex:
73 Daniel KK4MRN
|
David Knapp
