|
Group,
With all that time on my hands after the buildathon I pieced together a Rockmite ][ 20m kit I had waiting in the wings for about 2 years.? I almost got it done but am waiting for a Power Mod kit from Rex.
I have the 30 and 40 Rockmites already built so just filling in gaps.
Not a kit for a very beginner as the build instructions are small but well marked, but then the band specific part and the band mods and the enclosure are perterbations on the straight build and a little scattered. Read before building is always best.
? ?---John AC9UV
? ? ? 73
|
John,
I like the photos of your RockMite.
Is the QRPme's RockMite ][ CW Transceiver good for someone who has built a Sea Sprite from QRPme?
I am looking into building another radio once I've done all the mods to the Sea Sprite, etc.
My build of the Sea Sprite+ was a success.? And the only mods I have done are the 3rd pin for the crystal and the bypass for the antenna.? ?For the crystal, I simply took a discarded resistor lead and used that for the 3rd pin of the crystal.? No need to cause harm to an innocent crystal... LOL
I am no expert nor beginner, but there have been kits or homebrewing in the past where I failed.? I have 3 kit projects from various places that I have failed and eventually will try fix them.? So, I was happy I built the Sea Sprite radio and it worked.
I think understanding how to diagnose why a radio is not working and how to fix it is an acquired skill set via lots of experience building and fixing kits and homebrewing.? I have not gotten there yet.? Do you suggest a book to read to help fix radio electronics???
73 Daniel KK4MRN
|
There is the new 10M version coming out shortly as well, looking forward to it!!!
I know I have several kits not received that will be chasing me across the country as we work our way north to Chicago starting on Sunday. We delayed leaving a couple of days because the TORCON level where we are headed is a 9 today, gulp!!!
My Sea Sprinte will have to get assembled in Rockford, IL when Nani is with the grandbabies and I have slipped back to the RV for a little POTA activation and to make some solder smoke.
What was the bandwidth like at the receiver? I have a 200Hz audio filter I have to build yet, so many kits, so little time. I figure I can't die until I run out of kits to build.
My latest project is in use today, my new Molex connector just came from AMZ:?
I'll check back in a few days Daniel and John!
Davey - KU9L
On Friday, March 31, 2023 at 01:03:12 PM EDT, Daniel KK4MRN via groups.io <sqldan2000@...> wrote:
John,
I like the photos of your RockMite.
Is the QRPme's RockMite ][ CW Transceiver good for someone who has built a Sea Sprite from QRPme?
I am looking into building another radio once I've done all the mods to the Sea Sprite, etc.
My build of the Sea Sprite+ was a success.? And the only mods I have done are the 3rd pin for the crystal and the bypass for the antenna.? ?For the crystal, I simply took a discarded resistor lead and used that for the 3rd pin of the crystal.? No need to cause harm to an innocent crystal... LOL
I am no expert nor beginner, but there have been kits or homebrewing in the past where I failed.? I have 3 kit projects from various places that I have failed and eventually will try fix them.? So, I was happy I built the Sea Sprite radio and it worked.
I think understanding how to diagnose why a radio is not working and how to fix it is an acquired skill set via lots of experience building and fixing kits and homebrewing.? I have not gotten there yet.? Do you suggest a book to read to help fix radio electronics???
73 Daniel KK4MRN
|
Daniel,
The RockMite kits (40 meter) from QRPMe
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Double-sided PCB 2.0" x 2.5", plated-thru-holes, solder masked & silk screened for easy assembly
-?SAME size and mounting holes as the original so MINT TIN FRIENDLY
- 0.5W power output at 13V supply
- Supply voltage range 12-15V
- AVAILABLE FREQUENCIES:
80m will be shipped with a PAIR of 3550 & 3560 cyrstals
40m will be shipped with 7030 & 7040
30m will be shipped with 10106 & 10116
20m kits will be shipped with 14050 & 14060 crystals
- Automatic T/R offset, reversible
- Built-in custom version of Ham Gadgets PicoKeyer-RM Iambic keyer, 5-40 WPM
- Built in side tone, approx. 700Hz
- Includes assembly instructions and operating tips
-?ALL on-board parts, input/output connectors and wiring to connect them together are supplied in the Rockmite ][ kit
-?ALL parts for the keyer SPEED, audio VOLUME and power ON/OFF switch & LED mods are also NOW included
TOTAL parts kit PRICE of $50
It has a built in keyer, is a transeiver,? crystal controlled , half watt. The keyer menu is done by button pushes and paddle clicks with cw responses which requires the menu close at hand so you know how to navigate, but with the enclosure you have a speed pot which the thing you want to set most outside the menu. So a lot of features in a small package for a good price.?
The build is relatively straight forward but not a step by step, just read it and if you are getting the power mod (do that first) read all before. There is one resistor that is speed control but you don't put that in and run wires out to the pot on the enclosure, so a few things to watch out for.
So your coming through Chicago?? I live immediately west of Chicago (bordering) in Oak Park. if your going to Rockford you probably will tak the JFK towards Ohare, but the segment just north of the Loop is under some construction and a better route might be to take I290 which goes right through Oak Park.? Let me know and you can stop by and see my meger antenna farm.
? ?---John AC9UV
? ? ? 73
On 03/31/2023 12:22 PM David Knapp via groups.io <renewables@...> wrote:
There is the new 10M version coming out shortly as well, looking forward to it!!!
I know I have several kits not received that will be chasing me across the country as we work our way north to Chicago starting on Sunday. We delayed leaving a couple of days because the TORCON level where we are headed is a 9 today, gulp!!!
My Sea Sprinte will have to get assembled in Rockford, IL when Nani is with the grandbabies and I have slipped back to the RV for a little POTA activation and to make some solder smoke.
What was the bandwidth like at the receiver? I have a 200Hz audio filter I have to build yet, so many kits, so little time. I figure I can't die until I run out of kits to build.
My latest project is in use today, my new Molex connector just came from AMZ:?
|
|
 |
Overview of the QRPme Tuna Power System Kit
|
|
|
I'll check back in a few days Daniel and John!
Davey - KU9L
On Friday, March 31, 2023 at 01:03:12 PM EDT, Daniel KK4MRN via groups.io <sqldan2000@...> wrote:
John,
I like the photos of your RockMite.
Is the QRPme's RockMite ][ CW Transceiver good for someone who has built a Sea Sprite from QRPme?
I am looking into building another radio once I've done all the mods to the Sea Sprite, etc.
My build of the Sea Sprite+ was a success.? And the only mods I have done are the 3rd pin for the crystal and the bypass for the antenna.? ?For the crystal, I simply took a discarded resistor lead and used that for the 3rd pin of the crystal.? No need to cause harm to an innocent crystal... LOL
I am no expert nor beginner, but there have been kits or homebrewing in the past where I failed.? I have 3 kit projects from various places that I have failed and eventually will try fix them.? So, I was happy I built the Sea Sprite radio and it worked.
I think understanding how to diagnose why a radio is not working and how to fix it is an acquired skill set via lots of experience building and fixing kits and homebrewing.? I have not gotten there yet.? Do you suggest a book to read to help fix radio electronics???
73 Daniel KK4MRN
|
Daniel,?
Two books that you should have in your bookshelf in addition to EMRFD and SSD are The Art of Electronics by Horowitz and Hill and Malvino's Electronic Principles. You can get good used copies for like $5.? I have a bunch of texts I used when I was getting my undergrad electrical engineering degree. Those were not ever called out for any of my classes, but I used them more than most.? Definitely worth the money.
-HRS
H. Russell Smith, N0QLT???
?????????????????????????????
On Friday, March 31, 2023 at 12:03:12 PM CDT, Daniel KK4MRN via groups.io <sqldan2000@...> wrote:
John,
I like the photos of your RockMite.
Is the QRPme's RockMite ][ CW Transceiver good for someone who has built a Sea Sprite from QRPme?
I am looking into building another radio once I've done all the mods to the Sea Sprite, etc.
My build of the Sea Sprite+ was a success.? And the only mods I have done are the 3rd pin for the crystal and the bypass for the antenna.? ?For the crystal, I simply took a discarded resistor lead and used that for the 3rd pin of the crystal.? No need to cause harm to an innocent crystal... LOL
I am no expert nor beginner, but there have been kits or homebrewing in the past where I failed.? I have 3 kit projects from various places that I have failed and eventually will try fix them.? So, I was happy I built the Sea Sprite radio and it worked.
I think understanding how to diagnose why a radio is not working and how to fix it is an acquired skill set via lots of experience building and fixing kits and homebrewing.? I have not gotten there yet.? Do you suggest a book to read to help fix radio electronics???
73 Daniel KK4MRN
|
Russell,
I found this entry on Amazon for one of the books.
Seems like it is a valued book. I have seen prices down to 9.50 for used 1989 copy.
? ?---John AC9UV
On 03/31/2023 4:01 PM Russell Smith via groups.io <n0qlt@...> wrote:
Daniel,?
Two books that you should have in your bookshelf in addition to EMRFD and SSD are The Art of Electronics by Horowitz and Hill and Malvino's Electronic Principles. You can get good used copies for like $5.? I have a bunch of texts I used when I was getting my undergrad electrical engineering degree. Those were not ever called out for any of my classes, but I used them more than most.? Definitely worth the money.
-HRS
H. Russell Smith, N0QLT??? ?????????????????????????????
On Friday, March 31, 2023 at 12:03:12 PM CDT, Daniel KK4MRN via groups.io <sqldan2000@...> wrote:
John,
I like the photos of your RockMite.
Is the QRPme's RockMite ][ CW Transceiver good for someone who has built a Sea Sprite from QRPme?
I am looking into building another radio once I've done all the mods to the Sea Sprite, etc.
My build of the Sea Sprite+ was a success.? And the only mods I have done are the 3rd pin for the crystal and the bypass for the antenna.? ?For the crystal, I simply took a discarded resistor lead and used that for the 3rd pin of the crystal.? No need to cause harm to an innocent crystal... LOL
I am no expert nor beginner, but there have been kits or homebrewing in the past where I failed.? I have 3 kit projects from various places that I have failed and eventually will try fix them.? So, I was happy I built the Sea Sprite radio and it worked.
I think understanding how to diagnose why a radio is not working and how to fix it is an acquired skill set via lots of experience building and fixing kits and homebrewing.? I have not gotten there yet.? Do you suggest a book to read to help fix radio electronics???
73 Daniel KK4MRN
|
OUCH! My wallet hurts just looking at that.
I think my copy is second edition. I bought it on a work trip when I was somewhere that had a Borders or Barnes & Noble It was like $75 or something back in 2000. My original copy got damaged in the tornado in 2011. I think I found another copy on ebay or Better World/Thrift Books/Goodwill for $5-$10, but that was in 2011.? I really want the 3rd, but I'm not ready to let go of the cash yet. For most of our purposes, the 1st or 2nd has some good information of historical interest.? Paul Horowitz is a Ham, I believe (or was licensed at one time).
Here's one copy of Mavino. Just about any edition is fine:
-HRS
H. Russell Smith, N0QLT???
?????????????????????????????
On Friday, March 31, 2023 at 04:24:11 PM CDT, John Putnum, AC9UV <johnfputnam@...> wrote:
Russell,
I found this entry on Amazon for one of the books.
Seems like it is a valued book. I have seen prices down to 9.50 for used 1989 copy.
? ?---John AC9UV
On 03/31/2023 4:01 PM Russell Smith via groups.io <n0qlt@...> wrote:
Daniel,?
Two books that you should have in your bookshelf in addition to EMRFD and SSD are The Art of Electronics by Horowitz and Hill and Malvino's Electronic Principles. You can get good used copies for like $5.? I have a bunch of texts I used when I was getting my undergrad electrical engineering degree. Those were not ever called out for any of my classes, but I used them more than most.? Definitely worth the money.
-HRS
H. Russell Smith, N0QLT??? ?????????????????????????????
On Friday, March 31, 2023 at 12:03:12 PM CDT, Daniel KK4MRN via groups.io <sqldan2000@...> wrote:
John,
I like the photos of your RockMite.
Is the QRPme's RockMite ][ CW Transceiver good for someone who has built a Sea Sprite from QRPme?
I am looking into building another radio once I've done all the mods to the Sea Sprite, etc.
My build of the Sea Sprite+ was a success.? And the only mods I have done are the 3rd pin for the crystal and the bypass for the antenna.? ?For the crystal, I simply took a discarded resistor lead and used that for the 3rd pin of the crystal.? No need to cause harm to an innocent crystal... LOL
I am no expert nor beginner, but there have been kits or homebrewing in the past where I failed.? I have 3 kit projects from various places that I have failed and eventually will try fix them.? So, I was happy I built the Sea Sprite radio and it worked.
I think understanding how to diagnose why a radio is not working and how to fix it is an acquired skill set via lots of experience building and fixing kits and homebrewing.? I have not gotten there yet.? Do you suggest a book to read to help fix radio electronics???
73 Daniel KK4MRN
|
Russell,
? Done, thanks.
---John AC9UV
On 03/31/2023 4:31 PM Russell Smith via groups.io <n0qlt@...> wrote:
OUCH! My wallet hurts just looking at that.
I think my copy is second edition. I bought it on a work trip when I was somewhere that had a Borders or Barnes & Noble It was like $75 or something back in 2000. My original copy got damaged in the tornado in 2011. I think I found another copy on ebay or Better World/Thrift Books/Goodwill for $5-$10, but that was in 2011.? I really want the 3rd, but I'm not ready to let go of the cash yet. For most of our purposes, the 1st or 2nd has some good information of historical interest.? Paul Horowitz is a Ham, I believe (or was licensed at one time).
Here's one copy of Mavino. Just about any edition is fine:
-HRS
H. Russell Smith, N0QLT??? ?????????????????????????????
On Friday, March 31, 2023 at 04:24:11 PM CDT, John Putnum, AC9UV <johnfputnam@...> wrote:
Russell,
I found this entry on Amazon for one of the books.
Seems like it is a valued book. I have seen prices down to 9.50 for used 1989 copy.
? ?---John AC9UV
On 03/31/2023 4:01 PM Russell Smith via groups.io <n0qlt@...> wrote:
Daniel,?
Two books that you should have in your bookshelf in addition to EMRFD and SSD are The Art of Electronics by Horowitz and Hill and Malvino's Electronic Principles. You can get good used copies for like $5.? I have a bunch of texts I used when I was getting my undergrad electrical engineering degree. Those were not ever called out for any of my classes, but I used them more than most.? Definitely worth the money.
-HRS
H. Russell Smith, N0QLT??? ?????????????????????????????
On Friday, March 31, 2023 at 12:03:12 PM CDT, Daniel KK4MRN via groups.io <sqldan2000@...> wrote:
John,
I like the photos of your RockMite.
Is the QRPme's RockMite ][ CW Transceiver good for someone who has built a Sea Sprite from QRPme?
I am looking into building another radio once I've done all the mods to the Sea Sprite, etc.
My build of the Sea Sprite+ was a success.? And the only mods I have done are the 3rd pin for the crystal and the bypass for the antenna.? ?For the crystal, I simply took a discarded resistor lead and used that for the 3rd pin of the crystal.? No need to cause harm to an innocent crystal... LOL
I am no expert nor beginner, but there have been kits or homebrewing in the past where I failed.? I have 3 kit projects from various places that I have failed and eventually will try fix them.? So, I was happy I built the Sea Sprite radio and it worked.
I think understanding how to diagnose why a radio is not working and how to fix it is an acquired skill set via lots of experience building and fixing kits and homebrewing.? I have not gotten there yet.? Do you suggest a book to read to help fix radio electronics???
73 Daniel KK4MRN
|
Davey,
Rockford has a tornado warning tonight and high winds. The whole area has a squal line going through. I hope those in Rockford are going to be OK.
---John AC9UV
? ? ?73
On 03/31/2023 12:22 PM David Knapp via groups.io <renewables@...> wrote:
There is the new 10M version coming out shortly as well, looking forward to it!!!
I know I have several kits not received that will be chasing me across the country as we work our way north to Chicago starting on Sunday. We delayed leaving a couple of days because the TORCON level where we are headed is a 9 today, gulp!!!
My Sea Sprinte will have to get assembled in Rockford, IL when Nani is with the grandbabies and I have slipped back to the RV for a little POTA activation and to make some solder smoke.
What was the bandwidth like at the receiver? I have a 200Hz audio filter I have to build yet, so many kits, so little time. I figure I can't die until I run out of kits to build.
My latest project is in use today, my new Molex connector just came from AMZ:?
|
|
|
Overview of the QRPme Tuna Power System Kit
|
|
|
I'll check back in a few days Daniel and John!
Davey - KU9L
On Friday, March 31, 2023 at 01:03:12 PM EDT, Daniel KK4MRN via groups.io <sqldan2000@...> wrote:
John,
I like the photos of your RockMite.
Is the QRPme's RockMite ][ CW Transceiver good for someone who has built a Sea Sprite from QRPme?
I am looking into building another radio once I've done all the mods to the Sea Sprite, etc.
My build of the Sea Sprite+ was a success.? And the only mods I have done are the 3rd pin for the crystal and the bypass for the antenna.? ?For the crystal, I simply took a discarded resistor lead and used that for the 3rd pin of the crystal.? No need to cause harm to an innocent crystal... LOL
I am no expert nor beginner, but there have been kits or homebrewing in the past where I failed.? I have 3 kit projects from various places that I have failed and eventually will try fix them.? So, I was happy I built the Sea Sprite radio and it worked.
I think understanding how to diagnose why a radio is not working and how to fix it is an acquired skill set via lots of experience building and fixing kits and homebrewing.? I have not gotten there yet.? Do you suggest a book to read to help fix radio electronics???
73 Daniel KK4MRN
|
Russel and John,
Thanks for the feedback.
I think I will get a RockMite.? But I do not have to stick with 40m.? Hmmm...? Maybe 80, 30, or 20m.? I think 30m is special for CW because no voice modes are allowed.??
I am eyeing the Lil Squall though.? And am thinking of the Sudden Receiver too.? ? However, to use a Two Tinned Tuna with a Sudden Receiver, I would need a T/R switch/Mute circuits; there is a can kit for the T/R switch.? And a can for power distribution but the amp needs its own power supply.
Usually, I have no interest in RF amps, but I think an amp to bring up a QRPp radio to QRP would be good to have.??
I bought the Kindle version of the book Electronic Principles - Malvino.? ?Good quality technical books cost money.? And I looked at the preview on Amazon so that is what convinced me to get it.? Most of my books I get these days are Kindle books.? However, my Experimental Methods in RF Design is a softcopy.? ?I also have Grob's Basic Electronics which so far looks like a good supplement to Electronics of Radio.? However, I typically read the books on my ipad or my Windows 10 PC with 27" monitor.
Any good books on troubleshooting?
73 Daniel KK4MRN
|
David Knapp