Re: 2N2/40+ Transceiver Schematics
About a week ago, I had 5 of those transformers in my cart Alan. When I was ready to order, they only had 3 available to ship. In a way, you helped me. I've been ordering an awful lot from Mouser recently, and you helped me trim a few dollars off this most recent order :-)
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I haven't done too much comparison between the 2N2/40+ and the Norcal kit version, but the 2N2/40+ could be a bit cheaper to build. It uses homebrew diode ring mixers instead of ADE-1's, and 3 x 2N2222A's in the final, instead of a single 2SC5739.? Sadly, the 2SC5739 is now obsolete. You can buy pulled versions online for around $12. I believe that the 2SC2166 and 2SC2078 are direct drop-in replacements. The nice thing about the 2SC5739 (and presumably the other equivalent CB type PA transistors) is that you can get 4 or 5W out with a single transistor. They have good gain too, so they don't need as much drive as other similar transistors. By comparison, the 3 x 2N2222A's in the 2N2/40+ only give about 2 watts. On the other hand, there's something very appealing about 2N2222A's. They're very cheap, and they're not going to be obsolete anytime soon. They will probably be among the very last through-hole small signal NPN transistors to become unavailable!
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I have about 250 PN2222A's here, along with a handful of the metal can ones. Now I'm thinking I should bite the bullet and buy 1,000. That way, when the apocalypse comes, and everyone else is out of parts, I'll still be able to build anything I want with the ubiquitous 2N2222A! :D
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Dave
AA7EE
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Re: Multi-function test jig idea for homebrew radios.
Here are the updated schematics and board layout pictures for the multifunction tester.
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1. The diode tester has been completely revamped. It now has its own adjustable current source, and a way to set the diode current by using a switch to short the test current to ground.
2. The comment to add a differential diode test feature has been incorporated.
3. Added 3pF trimmer caps to adjust coupling in the Q/SRF tester
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Pictures of the layout and the schematic attached.
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Re: 2N2/40+ Transceiver Schematics
Hi Dave,
I already ordered and received 4 audio transformers, 42TM003-RC from
Mouser :)
Unless I hear different I am comparing the schematics to the parts
list and the schematics has priority.
The main reason I am building the 2N2/40+ is because Jim recommended
I build it rather than the stock 2N2/40 because of the improvements
he made. I forgot about the Norcal Kit version that was sold several
years ago. I will compare it's schematic to Jim's 2N2/40+. Thanks
for reminding me of the Norcal kit version. I have all the docs in
my archives.
73,
Alan, N8WQ
On 3/19/25 19:51, davidgeorgerichards
via groups.io wrote:
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I must admit that I don't pay much attention to parts lists.
I tend to work from the schematic, and compile my own list of
parts. If I were building a 2N2/40+, I'd start with (which I think are the same ones you linked
to), and work from there.
?
I have a question - is there a reason you want to build the
2N2/40+ and not the newer one from the Norcal version of the
2N2? As I understand it, once the Pacificon contest was over and
Jim was free of the 2N2222-only requirement, he was then free to
substitute other active devices in some positions, for better
performance. Totally understood, if that's the one you want to
build; I'm just curious what your reasoning is.
?
73,
?
Dave
AA7EE
PS - did you buy 2 of those Xicon audio output transformers
from Mouser, that Michael recommended? I had 5 in my cart.
Yesterday, I noticed they only had 3 left!
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Thanks everyone for comments and suggestions. It's a good time to be a home-brewer.
73 de Todd W2TEF
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Re: 2N2/40+ Transceiver Schematics
I must admit that I don't pay much attention to parts lists. I tend to work from the schematic, and compile my own list of parts. If I were building a 2N2/40+, I'd start with (which I think are the same ones you linked to), and work from there.
?
I have a question - is there a reason you want to build the 2N2/40+ and not the newer one from the Norcal version of the 2N2? As I understand it, once the Pacificon contest was over and Jim was free of the 2N2222-only requirement, he was then free to substitute other active devices in some positions, for better performance. Totally understood, if that's the one you want to build; I'm just curious what your reasoning is.
?
73,
?
Dave
AA7EE
PS - did you buy 2 of those Xicon audio output transformers from Mouser, that Michael recommended? I had 5 in my cart. Yesterday, I noticed they only had 3 left!
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Hi Todd,
?
I rolled my own already, because ordering 10 boards from JLCPCB is already cheaper than other options.
Look for the second version of the PCB, which has non-plated holes.
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73, Mike AF7KR
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Todd
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For many of us modular construction goes well, and the modules can be enjoyed in more than one project. And means of construction can be varied. Yes having a practical means to mix SMT and leaded parts is quite useful. I have some assembled modules here ready for most of a receiver when I get back to it.?
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Curt wb8yyy?
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Ryan, thanks for the quick response and link to video. And thank you for a great proto board with free gerbers! To me it makes a lot of sense as a Manhattan-alternative.
Dead bug makes sense.
Soldering the grounds and lifting or shifting the others makes sense.
I was slow to imagine those because I was thinking about using a socket. Maybe a small, non-conductive shim under the socket could take the force of IC insertion without damaging the shifted, connected pins.
Thanks for the inspiration!
73 de Todd W2TEF
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The W7RLF board is designed to use IC's either dead-bug style, or with the grounds being used to mount the IC to the groundplane only, and the rest of the pins being bent up to float above the board with components or jumpers attached directly to them. The spacing of the pads is the same pitch as IC pins, so should be pretty straightforward to do.? Grainy video here shows this with an LM386:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoiyA2U8BbY
?
--
Ryan Flowers - W7RLF
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I've bought a few various PCB's but haven't used any yet.? Take a look and you might be pleasantly surprised at the variety and price.? ?Amazon is pretty amazing, we buy virtually everything from my electronics to our morning coffee.? Lots of components available in small lots and you can read the reviews.? They have a good selection and pricing on soldering supplies and soldering irons/stations.? I just bought a new station and a bunch of soldering supplies at a great price.? I don't mean to be an Amazon ad but it does make it easy to source electronic hobby supplies.? The list of items they have is nearly endless and most everything has many reviews.?? Prices are usually very competitive. Jim WB4ILP?
Jim,
I did NOT know about that: thank you. I generally avoid Amazon in my own little one-person Quixote protest. But sometimes one just has to admit they've won and go there!
Do you have some favorites?
73 de Todd W2TEF
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Jim,
I did NOT know about that: thank you. I generally avoid Amazon in my own little one-person Quixote protest. But sometimes one just has to admit they've won and go there!
Do you have some favorites?
73 de Todd W2TEF
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Hey Todd, I'm sure you already know but maybe this will help others.? There are a ton of protoboards available on Amazon in various sizes and aspect ratios with a variety of trace patterns.? They are sold in multiple lots and are cheap and of reasonable quality.? They could be "carefully" sandwiched over an appropriate size piece of solid copper PCB material to provide a ground plane. Jim WB4ILP?
I've watched this group for some months, and remember the hey-day of QRP-L and Manhattan construction when I was first getting into Amateur Radio. Recently re-licensed, I've been building back up my junk box and beginning to play a little. Chiefly I've started with old-fashioned proto-boards and the K3NG keyer. Digital is an easier way to begin building. IMO.
I'm watching with great interest the revival/review of Manhattan building on this list. Thank you!
I notice economics of building have changed somewhat. It's harder to stockpile a variety of parts without the variety-packs NorCal & others occasionally put together. SMT's can be a bargain, though, including variety-packs from ebay. Copper boards are not free, but custom PCB printing is dirt cheap, sometimes cheaper than the raw boards.
Ugly/Manhattan are classic (and sometimes beautiful-- but not when I do it!) modes of building. "Limerick" as in the current-ish run of GQRP Sudden receivers () and Chuck's Muppet seem related as ways to evolve Manhattan.
But I find really interesting pre-printed proto-boards designed to be flexible and easy to build on. For $5 for a handful (shipped!) they seem like no-lose propositions.
The first I found was the W7RLF Protoboard:
This has great big pads for soldering to like Manhattan, spaced closely enough that perhaps SMD components could be used to connect them, too. But it seems really oriented to discrete components mounted in Limerick/Manhattan style. It has a full solid ground plane with the diamond shape pads connecting to it. I haven't yet wrapped my head around an easy way to use DIP IC's with this board (besides adding "sleds"), but the capacity to use header pins on the edges is a nice touch. This could be a nice board for an all-discrete build.
Next I found the the Makerverse Protoboard:
This seems to be well suited for a mix of SMD's, IC's, and other through-hole components. Its "ground plane" is really a tight grid: I don't know how that will work for RF applications: whether it might be tight enough to act as a solid, or whether it might offer a lot of unwanted capacitance.
Today I discovered the (6-8 year-old!) ElectronicEel protoboard:
With the ground plane option, this seems to combine a solid ground plane with a little nicer (more ample for mature eyes!) spacing than the Makerverse board.
Someday I need to learn KiCad or something and roll my own. A solid ground plane seems fundamental. I like the headers on the edges. I would love to add dedicated pads for BNC (and SMA), Barrel/power-pole DC connectors, and maybe PCB-mounted Pot's/switches. Maybe a power bus or two. Maybe some longer pads specifically for DIP IC's going down the middle like a traditional protoboard.
A board like this seems like it could take away some of the fiddliest bits of home-brewing.
With digital VFO's and $5 CPU's where one can program practically bare metal with high-level languages like Python, this seems like a great time to be a home-builder. Custom PCB's that are delivered for less than the cost of a couple gallons of gas is amazing. Custom PCB's that are flexible prototyping boards seem ideal for the experimenter.
What proto boards have you found or do you like? Or, dare I dream, what KiCad maestro might feel inspired to roll the "ultimate" 2025 QRP home-brewers protoboard?
73 de Todd W2TEF
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I've watched this group for some months, and remember the hey-day of QRP-L and Manhattan construction when I was first getting into Amateur Radio. Recently re-licensed, I've been building back up my junk box and beginning to play a little. Chiefly I've started with old-fashioned proto-boards and the K3NG keyer. Digital is an easier way to begin building. IMO.
I'm watching with great interest the revival/review of Manhattan building on this list. Thank you!
I notice economics of building have changed somewhat. It's harder to stockpile a variety of parts without the variety-packs NorCal & others occasionally put together. SMT's can be a bargain, though, including variety-packs from ebay. Copper boards are not free, but custom PCB printing is dirt cheap, sometimes cheaper than the raw boards.
Ugly/Manhattan are classic (and sometimes beautiful-- but not when I do it!) modes of building. "Limerick" as in the current-ish run of GQRP Sudden receivers () and Chuck's Muppet seem related as ways to evolve Manhattan.
But I find really interesting pre-printed proto-boards designed to be flexible and easy to build on. For $5 for a handful (shipped!) they seem like no-lose propositions.
The first I found was the W7RLF Protoboard:
This has great big pads for soldering to like Manhattan, spaced closely enough that perhaps SMD components could be used to connect them, too. But it seems really oriented to discrete components mounted in Limerick/Manhattan style. It has a full solid ground plane with the diamond shape pads connecting to it. I haven't yet wrapped my head around an easy way to use DIP IC's with this board (besides adding "sleds"), but the capacity to use header pins on the edges is a nice touch. This could be a nice board for an all-discrete build.
Next I found the the Makerverse Protoboard:
This seems to be well suited for a mix of SMD's, IC's, and other through-hole components. Its "ground plane" is really a tight grid: I don't know how that will work for RF applications: whether it might be tight enough to act as a solid, or whether it might offer a lot of unwanted capacitance.
Today I discovered the (6-8 year-old!) ElectronicEel protoboard:
With the ground plane option, this seems to combine a solid ground plane with a little nicer (more ample for mature eyes!) spacing than the Makerverse board.
Someday I need to learn KiCad or something and roll my own. A solid ground plane seems fundamental. I like the headers on the edges. I would love to add dedicated pads for BNC (and SMA), Barrel/power-pole DC connectors, and maybe PCB-mounted Pot's/switches. Maybe a power bus or two. Maybe some longer pads specifically for DIP IC's going down the middle like a traditional protoboard.
A board like this seems like it could take away some of the fiddliest bits of home-brewing.
With digital VFO's and $5 CPU's where one can program practically bare metal with high-level languages like Python, this seems like a great time to be a home-builder. Custom PCB's that are delivered for less than the cost of a couple gallons of gas is amazing. Custom PCB's that are flexible prototyping boards seem ideal for the experimenter.
What proto boards have you found or do you like? Or, dare I dream, what KiCad maestro might feel inspired to roll the "ultimate" 2025 QRP home-brewers protoboard?
73 de Todd W2TEF
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2N2/40+ Transceiver Schematics
I downloaded the parts list from Jim K8IQY's web site labeled "2n2_40+_new_piggy.pdf" and at the top of the list it says "revised for 11/23/2003 schematics".
The only schematics I see are labeled "2N240+BA.SCH; 02012002".
Can someone point me to the newer schematics? Thanks...
73,
Alan, N8WQ
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Re: SW+ and the ME40+ replacement from Midway Electronics
Sorry for the email not working. Lots to do since I took over
operations of a broadcast radio station and am contract engineer
for seven other radio stations. This cuts into my free time but
I'm getting there. I have about a dozen kits ready to place on
ebay once I get the manual done.
Here's a teaser for the Mark 2:
One nice mod with
this unit is that you can modify it to span 120khz and with a ten
turn pot with digital display, it allows you to work from 7005 to
7125 easily. I just have to make sure the ten turn pot will fit in
the smaller enclosure. The display is actually more white but the
cellphone camera kind of changed the tint. Oh well...
I don't want to break any rules by posting ads here but I will
accept pm's at this address if interested. Otherwise they will
start showing up on ebay when available. I actually kitted over
400 of the ME40,30, 20, 80 and sold many overseas too. I currently
have enough parts to make about 100 kits. Since I had about a 12
month pause, I have to make sure parts are still available and
close to the same price.
Hams like the idea of a simple, easy to repair kit made from
scratch that doesn't need a microprocessor to work and a very
quiet receive noise floor, and can work the world.
It's tough to keep the price down to the original legacy unit but
with the threat of tariffs and thru hole parts being discontinued,
it will be a challenge.
One thing I'm happy about is that I got a place overseas that can
make the famous 42IF123 transformers for me and I have them called
42MID123. These are nicer because the internal capacitor is not
present that allows them to work well above the 10.7 mhz 30m band
without having to destroy the internal capacitor and possibly
damaging the coil.
Since I sell mostly the 40 meter versions I'm starting with them.
I will have the 80, 30, and 20 meter versions when I get into full
production.
72 - Rick
On 3/18/2025 11:48 AM, Daniel KK4MRN
via groups.io wrote:
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Show quoted text
Hello Rick,
I do not think it is premature to post the FAQ so early.? I
think it is a good thing because some of us were worried if the
store was closing or something because all the radios
disappeared from ebay and I got no responses from the email.?
Same with others. I meant to call the phone number during your
normal business hours but I kept forgetting.? But later you said
you had issues with email.
?
So, there are a few of us that are happy that Midway
Electronics are still in business and new kits are coming out.?
I am waiting for the other bands like the 30 and 20m
versions.??
?
Mark I Kit with Case.?
Mark II Kit with Case and Digital Display.
?
ME+ kits are no longer available due to the enclosures
quadrupled in price.
?
However the ME+ boards and parts are still available if you
provide your own enclosure.
?
The main reason I replied here because I was wondering what
would be a good place for us to know when your radios Mark I and
later your Mark II radios will be for sell and later other
bands? ? Not sure if QRPTech is the place or not.
?
73 Daniel KK4MRN
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Re: SW+ and the ME40+ replacement from Midway Electronics
Hello Rick,
I do not think it is premature to post the FAQ so early.? I think it is a good thing because some of us were worried if the store was closing or something because all the radios disappeared from ebay and I got no responses from the email.? Same with others. I meant to call the phone number during your normal business hours but I kept forgetting.? But later you said you had issues with email.
?
So, there are a few of us that are happy that Midway Electronics are still in business and new kits are coming out.?
I am waiting for the other bands like the 30 and 20m versions.??
?
Mark I Kit with Case.?
Mark II Kit with Case and Digital Display.
?
ME+ kits are no longer available due to the enclosures quadrupled in price.
?
However the ME+ boards and parts are still available if you provide your own enclosure.
?
The main reason I replied here because I was wondering what would be a good place for us to know when your radios Mark I and later your Mark II radios will be for sell and later other bands? ? Not sure if QRPTech is the place or not.
?
73 Daniel KK4MRN
?
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Re: SST-20 from Wayne Burdick, N6KR - Manhattan Circuit Construction Madness Project
Re; SST transceivers, for those considering a homebrew version:
For my 20m SST, I made several worthwhile mods:
1.? I added a JFET amplifier after the crystal filter feeding into the '603 product detector per NA5N's circuit in his Homebrewer's Handbook. ? ? ?Not so much for additional?RX gain; it does decrease the NF a bit. 2.? Added a second tuned circuit after the '602 transmit mixer. This used a T30-6 mounted below the board where pins 4 and 5 were located and ? ? ?small diameter wires connecting the?inductor to a very small variable?capacitor (30 pF 4mm) mounted on top of the board towards the centre of the board ? ? ?between the '602 and LT1252, with a small NP0 or C0G, 2.5 mm LS, to bring?it to resonance. The existing 5 pF NP0s seemed to work OK in creating the ? ? ?needed BP. 3.? For the crystal filter, changed to 220 pF coupling capacitors between the crystals and changed the in and out L networks to 22 uH and 56 pF, per K8IQY's ? ? ?version of his 10m Iowa SST, as in QRPp.?The lower filter impedance gives a bit sharper filter; his (K8IQY's) filter uses the same 3.932 MHz (nominal) ? ? ?crystals as the 20m version. 4.? For the VXO, adding a small value NP0 or C0G (~2p2 - 5 or 6pF) will increase the tuning ranging. One might also mount an axial RFC vertically in the ? ? ?original ?VXO's RFC and add a smaller?value in ?series to extend the tuning range downward. It will get to the point that the JFET oscillator voltage ? ? ?decreases at the low end; that's how you'll it's gone too far. 5. The early WR SST boards had through holes?for a capacitor near the AF gain control. Adding a capacitor?(~ 10-15 uF electrolytic?or tantalum) will roll off? ? ? ?some of the HF audio nicely; 22uF was too much (decreased the desired AF signal).
If you're homebrewing?an?SST, any of the above can be implemented in your layout. It took a little foresight to make the above changes on an SST PWB.
IF anyone's interested in the above mods, I can remove the covers and write down the exact component values I used for the 20m version.
Regards, Walt ?K3ASW
Daniel
?
The output power depends upon bias voltage and the impedance presented to the output of the final. If this transistor directly feeds the low pass filter, at 12-13 volt bias it will provide 1.5 to 2 watts. To obtain more from a signal transistor requires a transformer, and of course also a beefier transistor. Yes examine the design of the 5 watter to see if it contains a transformer as it should require it. Note the increased output power requires a more robust TR switch. Best to heat sink any final stage device you employ.?
?
I had forgotten the op amp was used in the transmitter. Of course it has to provide a robust output. Most classic designs do use a transistor here and often a transformer between it and the final amplifier. Wayne was being creative to use a then available op amp to simplify things. I could dig to see if I have one here or network on alternatives. The SST does look like a modified SW-20. Another variation on the SST arrangement is the 4state Cyclone design, but different device technology for the PA that also serves as first mixer on receive. The SST may be the best fit for simpler Manhattan construction.?
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Curt
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Looks like a W1AW-specific version of the venerable "Neophyte."
Should be fun!
--Kirk, NT0Z
My book, "Stealth Amateur Radio," is now available from
www.stealthamateur.com and on the Amazon Kindle (soon)
On Monday, March 17, 2025 at 09:31:24 AM CDT, Jim WB4ILP via groups.io <outbackerwb4ilp@...> wrote:
Hey Mike, Yes, I'm a long time ARRL member.? I'll take a look. Thanks ! Jim
Jim:
If you are an ARRL member (and
therefore, a QST subscriber) there are several QST articles
available via download at the ARRL site; simply do a periodical
archives search at the ARRL site for "W1AW receiver".
Mike N4MWP
On 3/17/25 00:22, Jim WB4ILP via
wrote:
Does anyone have the schematic/information for the
simple W1AW receiver?? I only vaguely remember seeing it and I
believe it was offered as a commercial product at one time.? I
always wanted one but it was only available for a short time as
I remember.
Thanks !
Jim WB4ILP?
On Sun, Mar 16, 2025, 8:46 PM chuck adams via
<chuck.adams.phd= [email protected]>
wrote:
Here
is a beginner project.
You remember the VE3DNL WWV receiver standard.? Found
schematic online
in a search for
something else a few minutes ago.
I know that some one (Nick?) did an improvement back in the
day.
My photo of the build attached with schematic.? Thanks Glen,
VE3DNL, for
the
work back in the days of old.
For calibration of generators and frequency counters (the
trusty FCC-1), I
use a GPSDO (GPS disciplined oscillator) that has warmed up a
few hours.
Cost under $100 on ebay and other places.? Aliexpress $67.74
USA vendor
with 4.8+ rating and free shipping, but that is one that
looked interesting.
I'm sure some one here has splurged.
chuck, aa7fo
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Re: SST-20 from Wayne Burdick, N6KR - Manhattan Circuit Construction Madness Project
Daniel
?
The output power depends upon bias voltage and the impedance presented to the output of the final. If this transistor directly feeds the low pass filter, at 12-13 volt bias it will provide 1.5 to 2 watts. To obtain more from a signal transistor requires a transformer, and of course also a beefier transistor. Yes examine the design of the 5 watter to see if it contains a transformer as it should require it. Note the increased output power requires a more robust TR switch. Best to heat sink any final stage device you employ.?
?
I had forgotten the op amp was used in the transmitter. Of course it has to provide a robust output. Most classic designs do use a transistor here and often a transformer between it and the final amplifier. Wayne was being creative to use a then available op amp to simplify things. I could dig to see if I have one here or network on alternatives. The SST does look like a modified SW-20. Another variation on the SST arrangement is the 4state Cyclone design, but different device technology for the PA that also serves as first mixer on receive. The SST may be the best fit for simpler Manhattan construction.?
?
Curt
?
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Re: SST-20 from Wayne Burdick, N6KR - Manhattan Circuit Construction Madness Project
I finally searched for Dave AA7EE blog site and yeah, wow - that is a beauty.
?
?
Dave has a link to another SST where JH1PJL switched out the LT1252? for 2SC1815 for the driver and a 2SC799 for the PA.?
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I think Chuck swapped out for a TI TL592 but HE would prefer a transistor, fet, or darlington.
?
I do have those transistors used in kitsandparts 5Watter which is the 2SC5706.? I should buy more of those 2SC5706 but they do get hot i read so they need a heat sink.?
And I have 2N3553 as well.? Of course, since I have parts for the NorCal 40A...
?
?
?
?
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hwstar
Alan N8WQ
Todd W2TEF
Kirk Kleinschmidt, NT0Z