Re: QRPGuys DSB Digital Transceiver
I've really been looking forward to this, I ordered mine earlier
today. I'm going to use it with a Raspberry Pi 4B, USB sound card,
and Gentoo Linux. Antenna will be a QRPGuys UnUnTenna Plus also
ordered today. Good fun ahead.
N1ESE
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On Tue, Oct 1, 2019 at 8:59 PM Ken wa4mnt <wa4mnt@...> wrote:
Gang,
We are pleased to offer the QRPGuys DSB Digital Transceiver kit. It includes three easily changed FT8 band modules for 40/30/20m. The kit uses all thru hole components. Price is $40. We are also offering bare band module pcb's for those wanting to experiment with different bands and modes, 4 for $10. Come by and see it at <>.
ken - wa4mnt
www.qrpguys.com
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Heads up! QRPGuys DSB Kit Available!
I just ordered my QRPGuys DSB Digital Transceiver kit. Really looking
forward to building this, should be fun for only $40.
N1ESE
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QRPGuys DSB Digital Transceiver
Gang,
We are pleased to offer the QRPGuys DSB Digital Transceiver kit. It includes three easily changed FT8 band modules for 40/30/20m. The kit uses all thru hole components. Price is $40. We are also offering bare band module pcb's for those wanting to experiment with different bands and modes, 4 for $10. Come by and see it at <>.
ken - wa4mnt
www.qrpguys.com
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Re: On The Bench -- WWV+ 10 Mhz project
Terry, I'd sent that message to the group and CC to me. The link worked both ways here. I usually don't CC to me but wanted to check the link. Try this: <www.w5usj.com/OnTheBenchWWVproject.html> Link not working.
--
Terry VK5tm
www.vk5tm.com ( ) Chuck, W5USJ (ex K2OFN) ARCI 5422, SKCC 19956 EM22cv, Rains Co., Texas
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Re: On The Bench -- WWV+ 10 Mhz project
Link not working.
--
Terry VK5tm
www.vk5tm.com ( )
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Re: OT: Cleaning up vintage equipment
Good advice to stay away from strong solvents. Carb cleaner and brake cleaner are usually recycled solvent mixtures that can vary considerably from batch to batch.
I restored about a dozen 5 tube ac/dc AM radios several years ago. Nothing in particular always worked. I switched off between several household cleaners with inconsistent results. The only thing that worked consistently was scotch-brite pads and elbow grease. Even then, metal corrosion under the layer of crud makes it impossible to get a cosmetically decent surface.
Eric KE6US
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On 9/30/2019 5:52 PM, kz6oscar wrote: Before I invested too much time, I¡¯d clean it up enough to power it up and see if it¡¯s worth the effort. You¡¯ll have bring it up slowly on a Variac to reform the power supply caps.
Then I¡¯d soak the crud with rubbing alcohol and hit it again with brushes. Stay away from strong solvents, you don¡¯t know what they will dissolve.
Good luck
Logan
On Sep 30, 2019, at 3:43 PM, Ed Skinner <ed@...> wrote:
OFF-TOPIC - Skip as you may wish.
I've acquired a 1950s oscilloscope. The exterior is cleaning up nicely with Simple Green and a toothbrush. But the inside is baked-on dust and fluff. Compressed air isn't cutting it. I don't see any paper parts so I'm willing to risk some kind of spray.
What do you think? Old school potentiometer cleaner? Flux remover spray? Automotive carb cleaner?
¡ª
Ed Skinner, ed@..., , 480-492-7664
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Re: OT: Cleaning up vintage equipment
Before I invested too much time, I¡¯d clean it up enough to power it up and see if it¡¯s worth the effort. You¡¯ll have bring it up slowly on a Variac to reform the power supply caps.
Then I¡¯d soak the crud with rubbing alcohol and hit it again with brushes. Stay away from strong solvents, you don¡¯t know what they will dissolve.
Good luck
Logan
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Show quoted text
On Sep 30, 2019, at 3:43 PM, Ed Skinner <ed@...> wrote:
OFF-TOPIC - Skip as you may wish.
I've acquired a 1950s oscilloscope. The exterior is cleaning up nicely with Simple Green and a toothbrush. But the inside is baked-on dust and fluff. Compressed air isn't cutting it. I don't see any paper parts so I'm willing to risk some kind of spray.
What do you think? Old school potentiometer cleaner? Flux remover spray? Automotive carb cleaner?
¡ª
Ed Skinner, ed@..., , 480-492-7664
|
OT: Cleaning up vintage equipment
OFF-TOPIC - Skip as you may wish.
I've acquired a 1950s oscilloscope. The exterior is cleaning up nicely with Simple Green and a toothbrush. But the inside is baked-on dust and fluff. Compressed air isn't cutting it. I don't see any paper parts so I'm willing to risk some kind of spray.
What do you think? Old school potentiometer cleaner? Flux remover spray? Automotive carb cleaner?
¡ª
Ed Skinner, ed@..., , 480-492-7664
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Re: [4SQRP] Peanut Power RULES! Oct. 6
This one? It worked here... 73 de Lee, AA4GA On Mon, Sep 30, 2019 at 1:24 PM Gary Kohtala via Groups.Io <gary.k7ek= [email protected]> wrote: The 'check to see what your number is' link does not work. 404 Error.
Best regards,
Gary, K7EK
---
On Friday, September 27, 2019, 11:43:16 AM EDT, Jim Stafford <
qrp@...> wrote:
* JOIN us in this quick and fun non-contest contest. Whether you've
played in this game before or not, grab your Peanut Power number (PPN) and
see what kind of nut you really are. It's fun. It's quick. It's something
unique from the north Georgians. Come out or stay in and play! Note: YOU
DO NOT HAVE TO RUN QRP POWER TO PLAY!*
*If you don't have time to read this entire email, then go to: *
*One change to rules*... if you *need* a Peanut Power Number, send
KJ4YM@... an email.
___________________________________________________________________________________
OK, here are more details............
*Everyone plays.*.. Outdoors, Indoors, QRP or higher power, CW, SSB, even
*DIGITAL*!.. There is even QRO!
Sponsored by the North Georgia QRP Club (nogaqrp.org), this sprint will
be held on *Oct. 6, 2018 *from 6PM to 8PM EDT,* (Oct.6, 2018 - 2200z to
2359z).*
Your QSO will be worth more if you have a *Peanut number;* *Y**ou now
keep the same number each year..*
To check to see what your number is, go to:
This short sprint is different from most other QRP QSO events.
1. It is *open to all amateurs at any power level*. We do this to attract
some new folks to QRP while running their comfortable power - QRO *(<=
100 watts pls).* All are welcome. This is a fun event, not cut-throat!
2. It is a *short sprint* lasting only 2 hours and not tying up the
entire afternoon. Although a brief sprint, please run reasonable CW
speeds so that all can copy.
3. It starts *late in the day* (right after close of CA QSO party!) which
means we start at 3PM PDT, later than most contests.
4. There are 5 categories covering a variety of situations - the
prestigious category in the *Peanut Power* 1W CW, 2W PEP SSB or less and *operating
from the field*....it's the *GOOBER CLASS!* SOTA/POTA anyone?
5. Certificates will be awarded for each of 5 category winners (minimum 3
entries per category).
6. Sprint encourages SSB as well as CW contacts. The exchange: *RS(T), *
State/Province/Country *(S/P/C)*, and your *Peanut Number *or *Power.*
Call *CQ NUT* and have FUN!
7. Multipliers count each band/mode. Work *GA* (or any other S/P/C) on 3
bands and 2 modes (SSB and CW/DIGITAL) = 6 multiplier.* Puts emphasis on
switching bands and modes during the event.* Check SSB on the *quarter*
hour.
8. We encourage activity on all 3 permitted bands - *80M, 40M, and 20M*.
CW: 3561 khz, 7061 khz, 14061 khz SSB: 3999 LSB khz, 7999 LSB khz, and
14339 USB khz. Spread out from those frequencies.
9. Logs are not submitted - *simply a score* - but keep your log, in case
it's requested for verification. Watch the NoGaQrP (nogaqrp.org) website
for results. There is an online score calculator. It's all on the website -
10. Work stations holding a Peanut Power Number (PPN) for 7 points.
Stations worked not having a PPN (they will send power instead) yield 3
points. Yes, *QRO* stations may request a PPN. Remember, you do not declare
a category *until you decide to send in your entry. *If you get halfway
through and change your power, simply enter in a different category than
you originally thought..
*Peanut numbers are now permanent*. Don't know or remember your number?
See <>*
<> If you have *requested a new number* this
year, this page will be updated before Sunday, Oct. 6
To request your PPN, send an email to NoGaNuT Pete at kj4ym@...
Requests for special numbers *may no longer be **accommodated.* Remember
to include the phrase - "*PEANUT POWER NUMBER"* in the subject line of
your request. But even *without a number*, get on and make some
contacts, just *send your output power followed by a W*.
Dang, those goobers are tasting great!
NoGaNuT Pete
|
On The Bench -- WWV+ 10 Mhz project
This is a project started a while back with the MRX-40 in QST September 1997.
With the recent activity for a 10 MHz WWV receiver, the project was revisited for my own amazement... ;-)
My over-enthusiastic story in a simple HTML web page format is here...
www.w5usj.com/OnTheBenchWWVproject.html
...including a lot of help with hyphens, U & L case and spaces in file names. Don't use them!
But I did leave the Caps in for now cuz it's going to take some time to clean up.
Chuck, W5USJ (ex K2OFN)
ARCI 5422, SKCC 19956
EM22cv, Rains Co., Texas
|
John, 3rd Planet Solar, has a nice SMD dummy load kit in his catalog.
< >
It uses really large SMD resistors and even with shaky hands and less than optimum vision, it's easy to assemble.
Checking the SWR/RL with my MFJ-259C, it was essentially flat to 150 MHz, better than -28dB RL.
One mod I did was to add a "traditional" peak detector to the other outputs provided: 1N270 and 0.1 uF. Picture available.
I give it a 5 out of 5 stars.
Chuck, W5USJ (ex K2OFN)
ARCI 5422, SKCC 19956
EM22cv, Rains Co., Texas
|
Re: Peanut Power RULES! Oct. 6
On September 27, 2019, at 4:05 PM, Jim Stafford <qrp@...> wrote:
Found out the links I sent out for the PPS were not up to date, so try
these:
BY CALL
<>
BY NUMBER
<>
Check the BY CALL first to see if you have a number already (you use the
same number as last year).? Then if? not, ask kj4ym@...
for a new one.
Hope these links work.
Happy Peanutting,
Jim/w4qo
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Re: [4SQRP] QRPGuys DSB xcvr on FT8 mini-report {long]
Thanks for the report Chuck, I'm really looking forward to this project.
N1ESE
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On Fri, Sep 27, 2019 at 9:25 PM chuck adams <chuck.adams.k7qo@...> wrote:
I built a beta version of the DSB transceiver, which will be
available via the QRPGuys.com web page sometime in the near
future upon arrival of parts.
I built the kit according to the PDF from their web page. My
days of writing new manuals has passed. Too much effort. Little
return on investment of time and energy.
The kit went together without any problems. The diagrams and
step by step instructions are just fine. I found some typos
and some missing wire lengths needed by newbies. Ken has revised
the manual and will probably have another done before the kits
start shipping.
Installed WSJT-X V2.1.0 on a RPi4.4 (4GB model) with 240GB SSD
(not needed to run the program) and a $4 USD 3D USB audio
module off of ebay. Paid the $4 to get a US supplier instead
of $2 to get one coming on a slow boat. I can safely say I was
the first to use a RPi4 to do FT8 with a QRPGuys DSB transceiver.
I made a mistake of setting the upper freq to 1400Hz and have
yet to find the config file or see an obvious way to extend
the band. This should help find more contacts.
I used an OHR WM-2 wattmeter to set the output at just 1W.
I did not want to risk over driving the audio. Remember I
used to do CW when I was active. This is on 20m using my
dual MFJ mobile whips in a dipole configuration at 7m above
the patio.
Worked over 20 Qs today and had 3 busted Qs as the band faded
on me during some exchanges. Heard some DX, both today and
last night, but too many competing stations with much higher
power and antennas.
Rig works just fine. I now have to find a way to get the log
and I am assuming that exporting cabrillo format is the way to
do it. Manuals don't help too much. Manual does not show way
to expand band either, that I can find.
I'm asked about other modes in emails. I guess you can if you
change out the crystal or go to a DDS to replace the crystal.
There is a pad on the board to do DDS.
I am not a real fan of sitting at a computer and using a mouse
to make a contact. Sorry girls and guys. I'm going back to
the paddle and 20m CW to try for DXCC before the end of the
year. Got CQ WW DX coming up soon.
For $40 for the kit and 3 band modules I think you will get your
monies worth for doing FT8. I don't have clue what the other
station is seeing on the waterfall with a DSB signal. Probably
double the bandwidth or their superhet rejects the other sideband.
Someone asked me to do a video. Not going to happen. Sorry. I've
got too many left to do. :-)
The RPi thread has been terminated for qrp-tech. Also the ping series.
I put the group back on moderating status.
FYI
chuck, k7qo
|
A Siglent SVA 1015X Spectrum & Vector Network Analyzer image
sent to me by Ken, WA4MNT, shows that the second harmonic
is down more than 50dB from the fundamental.
This has got to be much better than the other kits that
have come out. My opinion and not that of any one else.
chuck, k7qo
|
QRPGuys DSB xcvr on FT8 mini-report {long]
I built a beta version of the DSB transceiver, which will be
available via the QRPGuys.com web page sometime in the near
future upon arrival of parts.
I built the kit according to the PDF from their web page. My
days of writing new manuals has passed. Too much effort. Little
return on investment of time and energy.
The kit went together without any problems. The diagrams and
step by step instructions are just fine. I found some typos
and some missing wire lengths needed by newbies. Ken has revised
the manual and will probably have another done before the kits
start shipping.
Installed WSJT-X V2.1.0 on a RPi4.4 (4GB model) with 240GB SSD
(not needed to run the program) and a $4 USD 3D USB audio
module off of ebay. Paid the $4 to get a US supplier instead
of $2 to get one coming on a slow boat. I can safely say I was
the first to use a RPi4 to do FT8 with a QRPGuys DSB transceiver.
I made a mistake of setting the upper freq to 1400Hz and have
yet to find the config file or see an obvious way to extend
the band. This should help find more contacts.
I used an OHR WM-2 wattmeter to set the output at just 1W.
I did not want to risk over driving the audio. Remember I
used to do CW when I was active. This is on 20m using my
dual MFJ mobile whips in a dipole configuration at 7m above
the patio.
Worked over 20 Qs today and had 3 busted Qs as the band faded
on me during some exchanges. Heard some DX, both today and
last night, but too many competing stations with much higher
power and antennas.
Rig works just fine. I now have to find a way to get the log
and I am assuming that exporting cabrillo format is the way to
do it. Manuals don't help too much. Manual does not show way
to expand band either, that I can find.
I'm asked about other modes in emails. I guess you can if you
change out the crystal or go to a DDS to replace the crystal.
There is a pad on the board to do DDS.
I am not a real fan of sitting at a computer and using a mouse
to make a contact. Sorry girls and guys. I'm going back to
the paddle and 20m CW to try for DXCC before the end of the
year. Got CQ WW DX coming up soon.
For $40 for the kit and 3 band modules I think you will get your
monies worth for doing FT8. I don't have clue what the other
station is seeing on the waterfall with a DSB signal. Probably
double the bandwidth or their superhet rejects the other sideband.
Someone asked me to do a video. Not going to happen. Sorry. I've
got too many left to do. :-)
The RPi thread has been terminated for qrp-tech. Also the ping series.
I put the group back on moderating status.
FYI
chuck, k7qo
|
Re: Peanut Power RULES! Oct. 6
Found out the links I sent out for the PPS were not up to date, so try these:
BY CALL <>
BY NUMBER <>
Check the BY CALL first to see if you have a number already (you use the
same number as last year).? Then if? not, ask kj4ym@...
for a new one.
Hope these links work.
Happy Peanutting,
Jim/w4qo
|
Peanut Power RULES! Oct. 6
/JOIN us in this quick and fun non-contest contest.? Whether you've played in this game before or not, grab your Peanut Power number (PPN) and see what kind of nut you really are.? It's fun. It's quick.? It's something unique from the north Georgians.? Come out or stay in and play! Note: YOU DO NOT HAVE TO RUN QRP POWER TO PLAY!/
/**/*/If you don't have time to read this entire email, then go to:
/*//
*One change to rules*... if you *need* a Peanut Power Number, send KJ4YM@... an email.
___________________________________________________________________________________
OK, here are more details............
*Everyone plays.*.. Outdoors, Indoors, QRP or higher power, CW, SSB, even *DIGITAL*!.. There is even QRO!
Sponsored by the North Georgia QRP Club (nogaqrp.org), this sprint will be held on*Oct. 6, 2018*from 6PM to 8PM EDT,*(Oct.6, 2018- 2200z to 2359z).*
Your QSO will be worth more if you have a *Peanut number;*/_Y_//_ou now keep the same number each year.._/
To check to see what your number is, go to:
This short sprint is different from most other QRP QSO events.
1. It is *open to all amateurs at any power level*. We do this to attract some new folks to QRP while running theircomfortable power - QRO *(<= 100 watts pls).*All are welcome. This is a fun event, not cut-throat!
2. It is a *short sprint* lasting only 2 hours and not tying up the entire afternoon. Although a brief sprint, pleaserun reasonable CW speeds so that all can copy.
3. It starts *late in the day* (right after close of CA QSO party!) which means we start at 3PM PDT, later than most contests.
4. There are 5 categories covering a variety of situations - the prestigious category in the *Peanut Power*1W CW, 2W PEP SSB or less and *operating from the field*....it's the *GOOBER CLASS!*SOTA/POTA anyone?
5. Certificates will be awarded for each of 5 category winners (minimum 3 entries per category).
6. Sprint encourages SSB as well as CW contacts. The exchange: *RS(T), *State/Province/Country *(S/P/C)*, and your *Peanut Number *or *Power.*Call /*CQ NUT*/*//*//and have FUN!
7. Multipliers count each band/mode. Work*GA*(or any other S/P/C) on 3 bands and 2 modes (SSB and CW/DIGITAL) = 6 multiplier.*? Puts emphasis on switching bands and modes during theevent.*Check SSB on the_quarter_hour.
8. We encourage activity on all 3 permitted bands - *80M, 40M, and 20M*. CW: 3561 khz, 7061 khz, 14061 khz SSB: 3999 LSB khz, 7999 LSB khz, and 14339 USB khz.? Spread out from those frequencies.
9. Logs are not submitted -*simply a score*- but keep your log, in case it's requested for verification. Watch the NoGaQrP (nogaqrp.org) website for results. There is an online score calculator. It's all on the website -
10. Work stations holding a?Peanut Power Number (PPN) for 7 points. Stations worked not having a PPN (they will send power instead)yield 3 points. Yes, *QRO*stations may request a PPN. Remember, you do notdeclare a category /*until you decide to send in your entry*./If you get halfway through and change your power, simply enter in a different category than you originally thought..
*Peanut numbers are now permanent*.? Don't know or remember your number?See<>* If you have_requested a new number_this year, this page will be updated before Sunday, Oct. 6
To request your PPN, send an email to NoGaNuT Pete atkj4ym@... Requests for special numbers *may no longer be **accommodated.*Remember to include the phrase - "*PEANUT POWER NUMBER"*in the subject line of your request.? But even _without a number_, get on and make some contacts, just _send your output power followed by a W_.
Dang, those goobers are tasting great!
NoGaNuT Pete
|
Re: Rasp. pi 4 Power Issue and Portability
I keep forgetting, I can always power 5V to the GPIO. Duh. On Thu, Sep 26, 2019 at 6:24 PM JT Croteau via Groups.Io <jt.tobit@...> wrote:
With the USB-C cable/charger bug on the pi 4, it has had me wondering how to power it properly from 12V. Anyone running their pi 4 from 12V and mind sharing with me how. I haven't bought a pi 4 yet, been debating whether to go with the 4 or 3B since I want to run exclusively from 12V (I live off-grid on solar power, everything is 12V). I'd really like to go with the pi 4 however.
Thanks
|
Rasp. pi 4 Power Issue and Portability
With the USB-C cable/charger bug on the pi 4, it has had me wondering how to power it properly from 12V. Anyone running their pi 4 from 12V and mind sharing with me how. I haven't bought a pi 4 yet, been debating whether to go with the 4 or 3B since I want to run exclusively from 12V (I live off-grid on solar power, everything is 12V). I'd really like to go with the pi 4 however.
Thanks
|
I don't know how many readers here are into scratch - build.
Anyway, I can't just toss these.
I have 2 "wideband amplifier boards" from Northern 550 hybrid SSB boat radio. 4.5 x 2.5 inches, 5 transistors, 2 - 23 MHz. Final is 2 parallel 2N5641. Spec per manual delivers
5W PEP into 100 ohms load; was driven by one MOSFET RF amp at 0.7 - 1 volt drive. Board was to drive directly the grids of two power tubes at about 200W PEP. Has what it
calls an output transformer but it's really just a ferrite wound choke; looks like 11 turns and it could be tapped down. Looks like mounting against radio chassis sinked the power
transistors.
I have about a half dozen JPEG scans from the manual; schematic, parts list, text description which I can email. Removed from retired equipment. NOTE, looks okay BUT untested.
I want $ 14 each, mailed.
-Hue Miller
Newport, OR
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Lee Hiers
Jim Stafford W4QO