Bob,
I have a set of boards for the Sierra that I bought 19 years ago from FAR
Circuits. 1 main board and two band modules, along with an edge connector.
They have been sitting in a box for nearly two decades, so I'd think it's
pretty safe to say that I'm not going to get to building it. Let me know if
you're interested ku4qo@... or zfreak@...
True that these boards don't have plated through holes which makes them a
bit fiddly to work with. Anything with a trace on the top of the board
needs to be soldered on both sides. Or, if the top trace is hidden by the
component, a small piece of wire can be soldered through the hole in
advance of placing the component. For example, the edge connector has 10
traces on the top of the board (out of 50 pins) that would need a piece of
wire connected top-to-bottom.
Good luck. I always thought the Sierra was a great field radio.
KU4QO
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On Thu, Jul 11, 2019 at 4:03 PM Bob Macklin <macklinbob@...> wrote: Are the PCBs for the NorCal Sierra available anywhere?
I thought Farr had them but they don't.
Bob Macklin
Seattle, Wa
|
Gents,
It¡¯s all available from Dirk and Steff in Germany.
Board, band modules, edge connector, variable capacitor, KC2 keyer board, pre programmed PIC, all manner of crystals, etc.
Easiest to email them.
I have made a start on mine.
de VK2HHS- Henrik
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On 12 Jul 2019, at 06:46, Bob Macklin <macklinbob@...> wrote:
Maybe I'll just do my own version of the Sierra on a Vector proto board.
Bob Macklin
K5MYJ
Seattle, Wa.
"Real Radios Glow In The Dark"
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kelly E" <kmacker@...>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 11, 2019 2:33 PM
Subject: Re: [qrp-tech] NorCal Sierra??
Try the Sierra group on Yahoo as they have some chatter and EU sources for
various parts and project
sierra_wilderness_radio@...
Or make a great offer for my Wilderness Sierra w digital freq and KC2
already built...:-)
72,
Kelly K4UPG
On 7/11/2019 5:01 PM, Graham wrote:
there was group in Germany which did a Norcal Sierra project
some details about three or four items down from the
top.
Not so easy to search for, everything I have found is in German but
Google translate helps.
Dates on some postings are over a year old so I have no idea what the
current status is. I tried follow the trail of bread crumbs as it seemed
like it would be an interesting project but I never found any info on the
current status of PCBs
cheers, Graham ve3gtc
On 2019-07-11 20:22, Pat Byers wrote:
Hi Bob,
Avoid the Far Circuits boards for the Sierra. They are very poorly done
and there are many issues with them. For example, the boards don't have
plated through holes so many components need to be soldered on both
sides of the board. This leads to the biggest gotcha -- the band modules
socket. It must not be mounted flush with the top of the board because
many of its connections need to be made on both sides. Even with care,
it's unlikely the finished product will work. I speak from experience.
If you're a bear for punishment and can get these boards my advice is to
spend a bunch of time on the Internet gleaning information. There was
some information when I tried my project at least 10 years ago but I
don't know if all of that info is still out there. If you still want a
Sierra (a great transceiver) you're better off paying big bucks to get
one if you can find one.
73,
Pat?????? VE3EUR
On 2019-07-11 4:02 p.m., Bob Macklin wrote:
Are the PCBs for the NorCal Sierra available anywhere?
I thought Farr had them but they don't.
Bob Macklin
Seattle, Wa
|
Maybe I'll just do my own version of the Sierra on a Vector proto board.
Bob Macklin
K5MYJ
Seattle, Wa.
"Real Radios Glow In The Dark"
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
----- Original Message ----- From: "Kelly E" <kmacker@...> To: < [email protected]> Sent: Thursday, July 11, 2019 2:33 PM Subject: Re: [qrp-tech] NorCal Sierra?? Try the Sierra group on Yahoo as they have some chatter and EU sources for
various parts and project
sierra_wilderness_radio@...
Or make a great offer for my Wilderness Sierra w digital freq and KC2
already built...:-)
72,
Kelly K4UPG
On 7/11/2019 5:01 PM, Graham wrote:
there was group in Germany which did a Norcal Sierra project
some details about three or four items down from the
top.
Not so easy to search for, everything I have found is in German but
Google translate helps.
Dates on some postings are over a year old so I have no idea what the
current status is. I tried follow the trail of bread crumbs as it seemed
like it would be an interesting project but I never found any info on the
current status of PCBs
cheers, Graham ve3gtc
On 2019-07-11 20:22, Pat Byers wrote:
Hi Bob,
Avoid the Far Circuits boards for the Sierra. They are very poorly done
and there are many issues with them. For example, the boards don't have
plated through holes so many components need to be soldered on both
sides of the board. This leads to the biggest gotcha -- the band modules
socket. It must not be mounted flush with the top of the board because
many of its connections need to be made on both sides. Even with care,
it's unlikely the finished product will work. I speak from experience.
If you're a bear for punishment and can get these boards my advice is to
spend a bunch of time on the Internet gleaning information. There was
some information when I tried my project at least 10 years ago but I
don't know if all of that info is still out there. If you still want a
Sierra (a great transceiver) you're better off paying big bucks to get
one if you can find one.
73,
Pat?????? VE3EUR
On 2019-07-11 4:02 p.m., Bob Macklin wrote:
Are the PCBs for the NorCal Sierra available anywhere?
I thought Farr had them but they don't.
Bob Macklin
Seattle, Wa
|
Try the Sierra group on Yahoo as they have some chatter and EU sources for various parts and project
?sierra_wilderness_radio@...
Or make a great offer for my Wilderness Sierra w digital freq and KC2 already built...:-)
72,
Kelly K4UPG
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 7/11/2019 5:01 PM, Graham wrote: there was group in Germany which did a Norcal Sierra project
some details about three or four items down from the top.
Not so easy to search for, everything I have found is in German but Google translate helps.
Dates on some postings are over a year old so I have no idea what the current status is. I tried follow the trail of bread crumbs as it seemed like it would be an interesting project but I never found any info on the current status of PCBs
cheers, Graham ve3gtc
On 2019-07-11 20:22, Pat Byers wrote:
Hi Bob,
Avoid the Far Circuits boards for the Sierra. They are very poorly done and there are many issues with them. For example, the boards don't have plated through holes so many components need to be soldered on both sides of the board. This leads to the biggest gotcha -- the band modules socket. It must not be mounted flush with the top of the board because many of its connections need to be made on both sides. Even with care, it's unlikely the finished product will work. I speak from experience.
If you're a bear for punishment and can get these boards my advice is to spend a bunch of time on the Internet gleaning information. There was some information when I tried my project at least 10 years ago but I don't know if all of that info is still out there. If you still want a Sierra (a great transceiver) you're better off paying big bucks to get one if you can find one.
73,
Pat?????? VE3EUR
On 2019-07-11 4:02 p.m., Bob Macklin wrote:
Are the PCBs for the NorCal Sierra available anywhere?
I thought Farr had them but they don't.
Bob Macklin
Seattle, Wa
|
there was group in Germany which did a Norcal Sierra project
some details about three or four items down from the top.
Not so easy to search for, everything I have found is in German but Google translate helps.
Dates on some postings are over a year old so I have no idea what the current status is. I tried follow the trail of bread crumbs as it seemed like it would be an interesting project but I never found any info on the current status of PCBs
cheers, Graham ve3gtc
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 2019-07-11 20:22, Pat Byers wrote: Hi Bob,
Avoid the Far Circuits boards for the Sierra. They are very poorly done and there are many issues with them. For example, the boards don't have plated through holes so many components need to be soldered on both sides of the board. This leads to the biggest gotcha -- the band modules socket. It must not be mounted flush with the top of the board because many of its connections need to be made on both sides. Even with care, it's unlikely the finished product will work. I speak from experience.
If you're a bear for punishment and can get these boards my advice is to spend a bunch of time on the Internet gleaning information. There was some information when I tried my project at least 10 years ago but I don't know if all of that info is still out there. If you still want a Sierra (a great transceiver) you're better off paying big bucks to get one if you can find one.
73,
Pat?????? VE3EUR
On 2019-07-11 4:02 p.m., Bob Macklin wrote:
Are the PCBs for the NorCal Sierra available anywhere?
I thought Farr had them but they don't.
Bob Macklin
Seattle, Wa
|
Thanks,
I don't think the boards are available anymore!
Bob Macklin
Seattle, Wa
PS:
I think some of the old NorCal stuff is competition to Elecraft!
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----- Original Message ----- From: "Pat Byers" <ve3eur@...> To: < [email protected]> Sent: Thursday, July 11, 2019 1:22 PM Subject: Re: [qrp-tech] NorCal Sierra?? Hi Bob,
Avoid the Far Circuits boards for the Sierra. They are very poorly done
and there are many issues with them. For example, the boards don't have
plated through holes so many components need to be soldered on both sides
of the board. This leads to the biggest gotcha -- the band modules socket.
It must not be mounted flush with the top of the board because many of its
connections need to be made on both sides. Even with care, it's unlikely
the finished product will work. I speak from experience.
If you're a bear for punishment and can get these boards my advice is to
spend a bunch of time on the Internet gleaning information. There was some
information when I tried my project at least 10 years ago but I don't know
if all of that info is still out there. If you still want a Sierra (a
great transceiver) you're better off paying big bucks to get one if you
can find one.
73,
Pat?????? VE3EUR
On 2019-07-11 4:02 p.m., Bob Macklin wrote:
Are the PCBs for the NorCal Sierra available anywhere?
I thought Farr had them but they don't.
Bob Macklin
Seattle, Wa
|
Hi Bob,
Avoid the Far Circuits boards for the Sierra. They are very poorly done and there are many issues with them. For example, the boards don't have plated through holes so many components need to be soldered on both sides of the board. This leads to the biggest gotcha -- the band modules socket. It must not be mounted flush with the top of the board because many of its connections need to be made on both sides. Even with care, it's unlikely the finished product will work. I speak from experience.
If you're a bear for punishment and can get these boards my advice is to spend a bunch of time on the Internet gleaning information. There was some information when I tried my project at least 10 years ago but I don't know if all of that info is still out there. If you still want a Sierra (a great transceiver) you're better off paying big bucks to get one if you can find one.
73,
Pat?????? VE3EUR
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 2019-07-11 4:02 p.m., Bob Macklin wrote: Are the PCBs for the NorCal Sierra available anywhere?
I thought Farr had them but they don't.
Bob Macklin
Seattle, Wa
|
Are the PCBs for the NorCal Sierra available anywhere?
I thought Farr had them but they don't.
Bob Macklin
Seattle, Wa
|
On Thu, Jul 11, 2019 at 09:57 AM, Bob Macklin wrote:
make sets of matched crystals.
I'd buy a few sets if you start providing them!
|
Re: 5W 20m Assembly Guide [long]
Chuck,
0.90 manual downloaded and it is superb! Ordered the 20M 5Watter kit today and have internally pledged to build the other three 1Watter kits before I get to the 5Watter.
It is a pledge that may not be adhered to, however.
Thanks for your excellent work in service to our hobby!
--
William, K6WHP
"Cheer up, things could get worse..so I cheered up and, sure enough, things got worse!"
|
Since I have become a FAN of the Elecraft crystal filter I am thinking is
should just build a test setup to make sets of matched crystals.
I'm 85 and I'm tired of watching TRUMP BS on TV so I can spend my time on
electronics.
Bob Macklin
K5MYJ
Seattle, Wa.
"Real Radios Glow In The Dark"
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----- Original Message ----- From: "Peter Filiberti" <kf7psm@...> To: < [email protected]> Sent: Thursday, July 11, 2019 9:46 AM Subject: Re: [qrp-tech] Norcal 40A The 4 in the filter need to be matched very close it is crucial. The one for the oscillator should be close as well but it can be a little off. You can buy 50 cheap but then it takes days and patience to match them.
|
The 4 in the filter need to be matched very close it is crucial. The one for the oscillator should be close as well but it can be a little off. You can buy 50 cheap but then it takes days and patience to match them.
|
Re: 5Watter Schematics and PCB layout
Is the new version limited to 4 layers as well ?
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On Thu, Jul 11, 2019 at 4:43 AM w8diz <w8diz@...> wrote: On 7/10/19 11:14 PM, AA9GG wrote:
What do you draw your schematics with and use for PCB layout??
Hello Paul,
I have been using expresspcb.com's free SCHematic and PCB layout
software for over 15 years.
Their free software has a very easy learning curve...just plain
intuitive to draw schematics and do the PCB layout.
The GOTCHA is that expressPCB does not produce Gerber files for PCB
production...they force you to use their PCB production house...however...
I found someone that wrote a Windows Only software package that will
produce Gerber files from express PCB source files.
I used that software to produce the 5Watter PCBs...and they are beautiful.
Note that you must you an earlier version of expressPCB software...the
latest version will not work.
I can help anyone that wants to pursue this path for PCB
production...just email me in private.
-Diz, W8DIZ
--
Paul Mateer, AA9GG
Elan Engineering Corp.
www.elanengr.com
|
5Watter Schematics and PCB layout
On 7/10/19 11:14 PM, AA9GG wrote: What do you draw your schematics with and use for PCB layout??
Hello Paul, I have been using expresspcb.com's free SCHematic and PCB layout software for over 15 years. Their free software has a very easy learning curve...just plain intuitive to draw schematics and do the PCB layout. The GOTCHA is that expressPCB does not produce Gerber files for PCB production...they force you to use their PCB production house...however... I found someone that wrote a Windows Only software package that will produce Gerber files from express PCB source files. I used that software to produce the 5Watter PCBs...and they are beautiful. Note that you must you an earlier version of expressPCB software...the latest version will not work. I can help anyone that wants to pursue this path for PCB production...just email me in private. -Diz, W8DIZ
|
Howdy Russ.
I could use the NC40A board and xtals if you can ship to the U.S.
Many thanks for any consideration.
73, Joe W2KJ
I QRP, therefore I am
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On Jul 10, 2019, at 9:44 PM, va3rr via Groups.Io <va3rr@...> wrote:
I could send you a board and some matched xtals. $7 CAD, includes shipping...
de va3rr
|
All I need are the matched crystals! I'd like enough to do 3 boards.
Do only the crystals in the filter need to be matched?
I was getting ready to make a setup to match crystals but at 85 years old I
would rather spend my time on something else.
Bob Macklin
K5MYJ
Seattle, Wa.
"Real Radios Glow In The Dark"
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----- Original Message ----- From: "va3rr via Groups.Io" <va3rr@...> To: < [email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, July 10, 2019 6:44 PM Subject: Re: [qrp-tech] Norcal 40A I could send you a board and some matched xtals. $7 CAD, includes shipping... de va3rr
|
Re: Started Shipping the "organic" 5Watters
Sounds like a plan!
What do you draw your schematics with and use for PCB layout??
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On Wed, Jul 10, 2019 at 11:01 AM w8diz <w8diz@...> wrote: Hi All,
Before I ship, I was waiting for one more part, a power connector to add
to the kit.
Found out that the part will not arrive until mid August from where
else...China.
So.... I shipped all the kits ordered TODAY.
If / When the power connectors arrive from China, I will not mail that
one solo part due to shipping costs...but
in the future, if you place an order for anything, I will include the
connector in that shipment...hope you all understand.
SOoo...most of you should receive the kits either Friday of
Saturday...Sorry UK, Japan, Ireland...you'll have to wait a bit longer.
I will have the full documentation available on the website
<> some time Friday.
The first North America QSO that I have with a 5Watter...will receive a
full refund for that one kit - Chuck Adams is not eligible :)
and the first other DX QSO that I have with a 5Watter...will also
receive a full refund for that one kit.
73, Diz, W8DIZ
--
Paul Mateer, AA9GG
Elan Engineering Corp.
www.elanengr.com
|
|
|
5W 20m Assembly Guide [long]
For those that may be interested.
I have placed Version 0.90 of the K7QO 5W 20m Assembly Guide at
The document is 211 pages at this point and will change a little
over the next week, with your help.? It is written for my build of
the 5W 20m prototype using what Diz called PCB #2.? There were a
couple of small changes to the production board that don't effect
the build at all.? J1 was moved as Diz did not like it close to the
standoff hole and he added some heat sink mounting holes for the PA.
The document is a 'guide'.? It is not meant to replace the build
instructions that will appear on the 5W web page at kitsandparts.com
Please note.? I built this unit, which Diz gave the official S/N 001
as his is S/N 000, and I did it with my own board and with my own
parts except for two binocular cores that are new to the 1W and 5W
series and the set of crystals that Diz contributed to the project
and for which I am very thankful.
Photographs may contain parts that are different from the production
kit, so it is up to you to be able to identify parts by using
the official web page of Diz at kitsandparts.com in Tampa FL USA.
If you are going to build a 5W, and remember that I have all
the parts listed for the 20m only version, then you may want to
take a look at the above before you receive your kit to give
you some idea of one way to build it.? Because the document is
so large, I seriously doubt that anyone will or even want to
print the thing off.? It's going to be more expensive than the
kit.? IMHO.
Let me know if you find something in error or a better idea.
I built my transceiver using a previous version of the schematics
and I have to go back in and change the highlighting and add
some sections to be highlighted in the manual so as not to confuse
anyone, even myself.
Someone sent me an email or posted that they were looking forward
to the video(s).? Won't be one unless someone pays me to do it
by buying a kit for me to use in the process.? I can be bribed.
I think the manual above is better than a video.
Look for me on 20m in pursuit of WAS (22 states and counting) and
DXCC (1 country and counting) with the rig.? I'm running at 3W
until I get my heatsinks off the boat and I may not change even
that since the spots are coming back.? :-)? See the last chapter
in the manual on what I did for the heat sinks.? I think I'll be
around 14.054MHz as shown in the front view photograph.? Spots
on reversebeacon.org site.
My A/C died in the lab yesterday, so I'm off the bench until the
guy gets here in the morning.? Off to work on a Raspberry Pi 4
that's still in the box.
I am working on an enclosure manual and video and hope to get it
done ASAP.? See the last chapter on my resulting enclosure that
was built in a short period of time.? Like an hour without the
painting.
The digital display is a qrpguys display with a board layout that
I did to allow me to 'floor mount' it without having to use holes
in the front panel.? Used the Keystone 621 right angle 4-40 tapped
brackets found at Mouser and other vendors.
I'm looking forward to working a large number of you on 20m with
this rig and your 5W.
FYI
chuck, k7qo
|
GE Gentleman,
I wonder if anyone might have a built Norcal 40a for sale Or a Wilderness
Radio Sierra?
I would much appreciate hearing from you.
Tks es 73 de VE3VTG
Good on QRZ
|
Kelly
AA9GG