Re: Sprite n Lil Squall Maximum PS voltage?
Here are results I found:? 11.4VDC supply, 250 mW; 12.4 VDC, 350 mW; 15.7 VDC; 450 mW.
Curt
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Re: Sprite n Lil Squall Maximum PS voltage?
I figured the Audio amp IC was the limiting factor.? The electrolytics are 35 V.
The 1/2 pint pixie clone uses discrete components and no ICs, maximum spec is 20 VDC.? And the Pititico was fooling with was powered with 2x9V and got about 50% more power than with a 12V supply.? Was just curious, the poor propagation has been encouraging desperate measures.?
I am guessing with the higher voltage IC that 2x9VDC will work here as well, especially if the batteries aren't brand new.? And, the polarity protection will drop the supply voltage a bit too.
72, Curt KB5JO
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Re: Sprite n Lil Squall Maximum PS voltage?
Curt,
Probably the LM-386-?
Typically, the max voltage is 14Vdc on board (13.8 charged auto
battery).
At 02:52 PM 7/3/2020, you wrote:
What is the maximum supply
voltage for Sprite n Lil Squall before smoke comes out?? What is the
limiting component?? Using 2x9V batteries in series would surely be
nice.
The version in the one I built recently is an LM386N-4
The transistors are good for about 40Vce
One thing to check is diminishing returns that I've noticed.? Power
output doesn't increase in proportion to voltage increase.? But
power dissipation does. So you might pop something and not have gained
much.
Chuck, W5USJ (ex K2OFN)
ARCI 5422, SKCC 19956
EM22cv, Rains Co., Texas
-- Chuck, W5USJ
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Sprite n Lil Squall Maximum PS voltage?
What is the maximum supply voltage for Sprite n Lil Squall before smoke comes out?? What is the limiting component?? Using 2x9V batteries in series would surely be nice.
72, Curt KB5JO
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Colin,
They opened everything up here too, to their regret.? People started acting as if the virus was gone but it was just waiting to teach an unhappy lesson.? We have gone back to restrictions about two months ago.? Guess I need to read King's "The Stand".
I looked at the FETer but dropped it because it is really a transmitter and receiver using a switch to change modes.?
I have just the thing for the budding WW2 spy, a bayou jumper receiver ( early pre bayou jumper ) and a 2fer transmitter.? I had them paired before building the Bayou Jumoer from Four States.? Will send you the pair when plague eases enough for me to get to the post office.
Going to get the Sprite 20 out today for a drive.
Curt KB5JO
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Firstly, sorry to hear and your son and his family, sending best wishes. I deliver vegetables to between 50 and 70 households a week, it is a worry, but thankfully the virus appears to be in retreat over here. The bars and restaurants are allowed to open from this weekend but there's still lots of nervousness.
OK on the Sprite and the other projects- it's not just me getting side tracked on other projects then!
I have a Kits and Parts 1W40 and 1W30. I bought the 1W40 to build into a 'mock' paraset. The village I used to live in had a WW2 / 1940s weekend. Over the years I'd seen lots of old wireless sets fitted to the Jeeps but none of them worked, they were just for show. I'd always thought it would be cool to actually use a rig for real, having genuine CW contacts whilst the public watched. I don't own a period vehicle, let alone a Jeep, so I thought I could dress as a spy and carry a briefcase radio, setting up in a park tapping out CW on 40m from a shady corner! I added a Kits and Parts 5w amp, which I blew up because I'd chosen to omit the VSWR sense circuitry and didn't even think to make a wire link across. The instructions were later amended at my request to save other builder's bacon!? I couldn't find the transistors used in the Kits and Parts amp so I was forced to order from Diz. The postage cost was more than the transistor's worth so I decided to buy a 1W30 kit too. I built the 1W40 into a wooden 'briefcase' with amp, AF amp and loudspeaker, and home brew EFHW tuner. Unfortunately the rig has been disappointing, so it's on my list to disassemble and box up as stock, leaving as a barefoot 1W40. The 5W amp does work though, I'm sure I'll find a good use for it. I built the 1W30 and it's in a nicely finished case but I'm yet to try it on air.
The Pititico looks interesting! I built a G3XBM FETer for 80m, it seems to work but I've not actually tried it on air. The FETer uses a switch to change the circuitry around a single FET to make a transmitter and receiver.
73, Colin
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Colin, ? I haven¡¯t used the Sprite in awhile.? Made a detour breadboarding a 1 transistor transceiver called a Pititico, invented by an op n Brazil. ? 
It works pretty well, especially since it is only 10 parts.? I eventually managed two QSOs with it, one to a station north of me about 160 miles and another NE of me about 200 miles.? It receives quite well, and RBN has heard me as far as 900 miles. ? Now I am in process of building a 5W10 transceiver from Kits n Parts.? It is an experimental conversion of the 5W20. ? I will be playing with the Sprite 20 also off and on while the plague continues to rage.? XYL n I are staying away from everyone including family.? My 50 year-old son, his girlfriend, and her little girl all caught the virus.? He is having a rough time with it, ten days in. He has no idea where he got it.? Probably at his job.? People who say it is a myth have no idea. ? GL n 72, Curt KB5JO ? Sent from for Windows 10 ?
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From: Colin Evans M1BUUSent: Thursday, July 2, 2020 3:23 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [QRpmeKits] Sprite on 20M ? Curt - anymore adventures with the Sprite recently?
I have been building a QRP Labs 50 watts class C amp for 20m. I realised that I don't really use my QCX 30 so I'm swapping it over to 20m to drive the new amp. I'm also incorporating all the updates and mods, including new firmware. All this has meant that my limited time at the bench has been swallowed up and the Sea Sprite has been put on the back burner for now. I did get some more toroid cores and caps, so I should be able to try out a BPF pretty easily. (I pinched one of the yellow cores I used on the Sprite for the QCX, so it's currently looking a bit tatty!)
I will resume with the Sprite in due course, I also have a QRPme Corn Challenge board to play with.
Lots of projects on my list and it keeps getting longer!
73?
Colin
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Curt - anymore adventures with the Sprite recently?
I have been building a QRP Labs 50 watts class C amp for 20m. I realised that I don't really use my QCX 30 so I'm swapping it over to 20m to drive the new amp. I'm also incorporating all the updates and mods, including new firmware. All this has meant that my limited time at the bench has been swallowed up and the Sea Sprite has been put on the back burner for now. I did get some more toroid cores and caps, so I should be able to try out a BPF pretty easily. (I pinched one of the yellow cores I used on the Sprite for the QCX, so it's currently looking a bit tatty!)
I will resume with the Sprite in due course, I also have a QRPme Corn Challenge board to play with.
Lots of projects on my list and it keeps getting longer!
73?
Colin
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Re: Lobstercon...GOOD NEWS for some....But not for us.
Rex and the gangue,
Lobstercon
2020? doesn¡¯t look like a good place to be for us.
Too many
possibilities for interaction, not only with our Lobstercon group, but other
campers who may not have the same concern for ¡°older Folks¡± health and
welfare.? We are living in a very infectious area of CT and have only been
out of the house for about 14 times in the last 10 weeks.? We haven¡¯t
looked into taking a test for COVID-19, but it has had limited access here.
We have hopes to do some travelling in the Fall, but
even that is very iffy given the increases in virus infections in all the States
as they ¡°open up¡± to keep the economy from collapsing.
Sorry we won¡¯t be with you this year, but please have fun, Lobster
and stay safe.
Jim and Claudia Francoeur
?
?
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Re: Another 20m BPF FYI Only...
Thanks for passing on the information Chuck.
I have some T30 cores on order and some 820pF kemet gold max's turned up in the mail today.
I'm currently finishing off the case for a home made CW computer keyer, but then I intend to investigate a BPF for the Sprite.
I have a list of projects as long as my arm that I would like to do!
73, Colin
On Tue, 16 Jun 2020, 12:30 Chuck Carpenter, < w5usj@...> wrote:
Another archive find.? Saved as "Improved"
20m BPF..
It looks really good as an Elsie model, but no much with the VNA
The Elsie model parts are 162nH/800pf, 3.9uH-33pF,
162nH/800pF...
First time I've used solenoid-wound coils in a l-o-n-g time.?
Toroids weren't working out; too much change with one turn
difference.
So, I used the Air Cores function in mini-ring-core calculator to what-if
and came up with 11 turns #22 with a 1/8th ID: Right at 162nH.
The trimmer is 5-30 pF across 22pF.? Tuning helped the VNA sweep
data results but not enough.? Adjustment of the two input/output
parallel circuits might be useful for better results.? I think
filters with larger inductance and smaller capacitor values work out
better.
Chuck, W5USJ (ex K2OFN)
ARCI 5422, SKCC 19956
EM22cv, Rains Co., Texas
--
Chuck, W5USJ
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Another 20m BPF FYI Only...
Another archive find.? Saved as "Improved"
20m BPF..
It looks really good as an Elsie model, but no much with the VNA
The Elsie model parts are 162nH/800pf, 3.9uH-33pF,
162nH/800pF...
First time I've used solenoid-wound coils in a l-o-n-g time.?
Toroids weren't working out; too much change with one turn
difference.
So, I used the Air Cores function in mini-ring-core calculator to what-if
and came up with 11 turns #22 with a 1/8th ID: Right at 162nH.
The trimmer is 5-30 pF across 22pF.? Tuning helped the VNA sweep
data results but not enough.? Adjustment of the two input/output
parallel circuits might be useful for better results.? I think
filters with larger inductance and smaller capacitor values work out
better.
Chuck, W5USJ (ex K2OFN)
ARCI 5422, SKCC 19956
EM22cv, Rains Co., Texas
-- Chuck, W5USJ
|
Lobstercon...GOOD NEWS for some....
Lobster Chomping Fans,
Over the last few
weeks, I've had several conversations with Mike @ TPB&C
and as of today, Lobsteron2020! is ON! TPB&C opened for
Maine residents on Memorial Day Weekend. As of a couple of
days ago, our governor opened it up a little bit more. Now
anyone from Maine, New Hampshire or Vermont can come and camp
out in Maine. Visitors from other states are also allowed to
camp but under CERTAIN PROVISIONS: YOU must provide evidence
of a negative results Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of
the start of your visit or certify a properly completed 14 day
self-quarantine cession which meets the requirements of the
Maine CDC regulations. I'm including a draft copy of the
certifiation form herein.
Of course, following
the above rules will only get you into the campground. Due to
the advanced age of many Lobsterconners (including ME!), we
will be practicing good mask wearing, social distancing rules
and whatever else the Lobsteron Grand Poo-Bah (ME again!)
deems necessary to make sure we all remain safe. This will be
a good thing as we don't want to loose any Lobsterconners
prematurely... OK, so things won't be like 'normal' and we
will have to make modifications to how and what we do, but it
will at least be a much needed social gathering. Just think,
most of the ham related gatherings have been canceled so if we
can pull this off safely and still have FUN, it will be the
talk of QRP community....and a model for others!
Mark your calendars
for July 10,11 & 12!
It's less than a month
away...
Rex? W1REX
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Curt -?
All noted. I have some 220pF caps too, so could try 220+270 to give ~490pf.
I switched the Sprite on again this afternoon and there was no BCI, I guess Radio Romania International (yes, seems it was RRI not "Radio Armenia") wasn't transmitting!
Lots of chance for experiment.
73, Colin
Colin,
I am sure 2x270pF (540pF) will work just fine.? Anything marked 510 isn't going to be 510 anyway.? You can use the toroids in the picture for the BPF, mine uses 9 turns on 37-6 cores.? You can use the 6 mix you have to make the series inductor, mine uses 29 turns on a 37-6 core.? You can squeeze or spread windings on the toroid cores to tune things since you have the VNA ( which I don't). I used a trim cap for the series cap and tuned for maximum output power.? Chuck can show you how to connect the fixture to do the testing.
GL n 72 Curt KB5JO
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Thanks for the offer of parts Chuck. I considered making a parallel capacitor but figured that the value of each individual capacitor would need to be fairly close?together in value. I do have 330 and 180p caps.
I've also acknowledge the later post describing a different filter.
I will order some small -6 toroids.
I have plenty of ideas to work with!
73, Colin
On Sat, 13 Jun 2020, 01:20 Chuck Carpenter, < w5usj@...> wrote:
Colin,
I used 330pF and 180pF for the 510.? The 240 nH 8t on T30-6 and the
4.7uH I filled a T30-2 up with #26 then overlapped about 5 turns
more.
The 47u is a 10% but the filter came out quite close with the
VNA.
I would send you the parts I used if I can send them regular mail.?
I think they are thin enough to make a regular mail envelope.? Tape
them between two cards the size of QSLs.
At 04:42 PM 6/12/2020, Colin Evans M1BUU wrote:
Curt,
I have just test driven the Sea Sprite 20, it looks as though I have
further work to do. I was getting very strong BCI. The station was
identifying a "Radio Armenia International transmitting from
Bucharest" Google hasn't helped me so far.
The problem I have is component supply, it just seems so hard to get hold
of decent quality capacitors in amateur radio friendly values.
I have a NanoVNA waiting for a suitable project so I may experiment with
a band pass filter. I have some 270pF caps, so that should get me to
540pF if doubled up. The filter I've seen asks for 510pF. I have one each
of the toroidal cores (1x -2 mix, 1x -6 mix) so I'm just one core short.
I do have the larger -6 cores though.
If all else fails, I'll see if I can get hold of the parts to put the 40m
values in (my kit was short).
73, Colin
On Fri, 12 Jun 2020, 00:45 Curt via
,
<rhulett1=
[email protected]> wrote:
- Colin,
- Beautiful! You do nice work!?? Fast too!?? I still need to
print out the wrapper for mine several years after building it.??
Wish we could QSO 2xSprite but likelyhood of that for awhile is
zero.?? Maybe when the spots come back about 2025.
- I built mine with Chuck's 2.5MHz width BPF, and he has done some more
detailed work with filter designs and testing.?? I am getting about
400 mW with 12VDC and no problem with BCI.
- Let us know how she drives.
- 72, Curt KB5JO
Chuck, W5USJ (ex K2OFN)
ARCI 5422, SKCC 19956
EM22cv, Rains Co., Texas
--
Chuck, W5USJ
|
Colin,
I am sure 2x270pF (540pF) will work just fine.? Anything marked 510 isn't going to be 510 anyway.? You can use the toroids in the picture for the BPF, mine uses 9 turns on 37-6 cores.? You can use the 6 mix you have to make the series inductor, mine uses 29 turns on a 37-6 core.? You can squeeze or spread windings on the toroid cores to tune things since you have the VNA ( which I don't). I used a trim cap for the series cap and tuned for maximum output power.? Chuck can show you how to connect the fixture to do the testing.
GL n 72 Curt KB5JO
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Curt,
I did this as an update to the user guide July 2017.? Pretty close
to the version with the VNA test fixture. The Elsie model is also dated
7/2017.
The 250 pF capacitors don't seem to be a standard value?? For the
VNA evaluation the caps were 330 and 180 pF
I've browsed through all my Sprite 20m filter designs and only find the
one here.
But, I finally found this revised Elsie model in an old list... seems to
be the one with the values you described.
And, it looks good: about 2 MHz across the flat part of the curve and
impedance right at 50 Ohms and high RL. No idea when or why it was
done?
At 06:58 AM 6/13/2020, you wrote:
Chuck,
Didn't your recent work with the NanoVNA show best performance
using? parallel inductances of 160 nH, parallel cap of 800 pF,
series inductance 3.9 uH, series cap of 33 pF?
72, Curt KB5JO
Chuck, W5USJ (ex K2OFN)
ARCI 5422, SKCC 19956
EM22cv, Rains Co., Texas
-- Chuck, W5USJ
|
Chuck,
Didn't your recent work with the NanoVNA show best performance using? parallel inductances of 160 nH, parallel cap of 800 pF, series inductance 3.9 uH, series cap of 33 pF?
72, Curt KB5JO
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Colin,
I used 330pF and 180pF for the 510.? The 240 nH 8t on T30-6 and the
4.7uH I filled a T30-2 up with #26 then overlapped about 5 turns
more.
The 47u is a 10% but the filter came out quite close with the
VNA.
I would send you the parts I used if I can send them regular mail.?
I think they are thin enough to make a regular mail envelope.? Tape
them between two cards the size of QSLs.
At 04:42 PM 6/12/2020, Colin Evans M1BUU wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Curt,
I have just test driven the Sea Sprite 20, it looks as though I have
further work to do. I was getting very strong BCI. The station was
identifying a "Radio Armenia International transmitting from
Bucharest" Google hasn't helped me so far.
The problem I have is component supply, it just seems so hard to get hold
of decent quality capacitors in amateur radio friendly values.
I have a NanoVNA waiting for a suitable project so I may experiment with
a band pass filter. I have some 270pF caps, so that should get me to
540pF if doubled up. The filter I've seen asks for 510pF. I have one each
of the toroidal cores (1x -2 mix, 1x -6 mix) so I'm just one core short.
I do have the larger -6 cores though.
If all else fails, I'll see if I can get hold of the parts to put the 40m
values in (my kit was short).
73, Colin
On Fri, 12 Jun 2020, 00:45 Curt via
,
<rhulett1=
[email protected]> wrote:
- Colin,
- Beautiful! You do nice work!?? Fast too!?? I still need to
print out the wrapper for mine several years after building it.??
Wish we could QSO 2xSprite but likelyhood of that for awhile is
zero.?? Maybe when the spots come back about 2025.
- I built mine with Chuck's 2.5MHz width BPF, and he has done some more
detailed work with filter designs and testing.?? I am getting about
400 mW with 12VDC and no problem with BCI.
- Let us know how she drives.
- 72, Curt KB5JO
Chuck, W5USJ (ex K2OFN)
ARCI 5422, SKCC 19956
EM22cv, Rains Co., Texas
--
Chuck, W5USJ
|
Curt,
I have just test driven the Sea Sprite 20, it looks as though I have further work to do. I was getting very strong BCI. The station was identifying a "Radio Armenia International transmitting from Bucharest" Google hasn't helped me so far.
The problem I have is component supply, it just seems so hard to get hold of decent quality capacitors in amateur radio friendly values.
I have a NanoVNA waiting for a suitable project so I may experiment with a band pass filter. I have some 270pF caps, so that should get me to 540pF if doubled up. The filter I've seen asks for 510pF. I have one each of the toroidal cores (1x -2 mix, 1x -6 mix) so I'm just one core short. I do have the larger -6 cores though.
If all else fails, I'll see if I can get hold of the parts to put the 40m values in (my kit was short).
73, Colin
Colin,
Beautiful! You do nice work!? Fast too!? I still need to print out the wrapper for mine several years after building it.? Wish we could QSO 2xSprite but likelyhood of that for awhile is zero.? Maybe when the spots come back about 2025.
I built mine with Chuck's 2.5MHz width BPF, and he has done some more detailed work with filter designs and testing.? I am getting about 400 mW with 12VDC and no problem with BCI.
Let us know how she drives.
72, Curt KB5JO
|
Colin,
Beautiful! You do nice work!? Fast too!? I still need to print out the wrapper for mine several years after building it.? Wish we could QSO 2xSprite but likelyhood of that for awhile is zero.? Maybe when the spots come back about 2025.
I built mine with Chuck's 2.5MHz width BPF, and he has done some more detailed work with filter designs and testing.? I am getting about 400 mW with 12VDC and no problem with BCI.
Let us know how she drives.
72, Curt KB5JO
|
