Re: S9 Generator Project? (capacitors for RF)
Here are pictures of the DE-5000 showing the dissipation factor of a Tayda 150 pF cap? with 0.005 vs. a high quality 150 pF cap. with 0.000.
Steve AA7U
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On 3/23/2025 7:11 PM, Steve Ratzlaff wrote:
Tayda Electronics also carries capacitors in that yellow blob shape; I've bought a bunch of them off and on. My DE-5000 LCR meter has a Dissipation Factor function that works in capacitance mode that I've found to be useful for judging these small values of caps used in RF circuits (and displays along with the capacitance value--you don't need to do anything to get the Dissipation readout). High quality good caps with very low dissipation will have a D of 0.000 even at the default 1 kHz test frequency (where I normally test caps but use 100 kHz for all RF inductors). Most of these Chinese caps will show a higher dissipation, sometimes up to 0.006 I've seen, with many in the .002--.003 range. If you need to use a good cap such as in a frequency sensitive circuit, I'd stay away from the caps that don't read 0.000 Dissipation factor.
73,
Steve AA7U
|
Re: S9 Generator Project? (capacitors for RF)
Thank You Steve for the tips ! I'll put that on my wish list. Looks like a great addition to the bench. Good DX ! Jim WB4ILP?
On Mon, Mar 24, 2025, 10:43 AM Steve Ratzlaff via <ratzlaffsteve= [email protected]> wrote:
Hi Jim,
Yes, that's the one but note that item comes with a bunch of
optional accessories. I buy the "main unit" by itself with no
accessories and put my own test clips on,? calibrate using those,
then don't need to do anything else. The unit comes from Japan,?
quickly.? Here's one with no accessories for the lowest
price--from eBay.?? ?? (You
need to download the free English manual separately.)
73,
Steve AA7U
On 3/24/2025 6:47 AM, Jim WB4ILP via
wrote:
Hey Steve,
Is your DE-5000 the one on Amazon for $138.00??
I'm not sure I'm ready to invest that much but do you
recommend it?
Thanks !
Jim WB4ILP?
On Sun, Mar 23, 2025, 10:11 PM Steve Ratzlaff via
<ratzlaffsteve= [email protected]>
wrote:
Tayda Electronics also carries capacitors in that yellow
blob shape; I've bought a bunch of them off and on. My
DE-5000 LCR meter has a Dissipation Factor function that
works in capacitance mode that I've found to be useful for
judging these small values of caps used in RF circuits
(and displays along with the capacitance value--you don't
need to do anything to get the Dissipation readout). High
quality good caps with very low dissipation will have a D
of 0.000 even at the default 1 kHz test frequency (where I
normally test caps but use 100 kHz for all RF inductors).
Most of these Chinese caps will show a higher dissipation,
sometimes up to 0.006 I've seen, with many in the
.002--.003 range. If you need to use a good cap such as in
a frequency sensitive circuit, I'd stay away from the caps
that don't read 0.000 Dissipation factor.
73,
Steve AA7U
|
Re: S9 Generator Project? (capacitors for RF)
Hi Jim,
Yes, that's the one but note that item comes with a bunch of
optional accessories. I buy the "main unit" by itself with no
accessories and put my own test clips on,? calibrate using those,
then don't need to do anything else. The unit comes from Japan,?
quickly.? Here's one with no accessories for the lowest
price--from eBay.?? ?? (You
need to download the free English manual separately.)
73,
Steve AA7U
On 3/24/2025 6:47 AM, Jim WB4ILP via
groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Hey Steve,
Is your DE-5000 the one on Amazon for $138.00??
I'm not sure I'm ready to invest that much but do you
recommend it?
Thanks !
Jim WB4ILP?
On Sun, Mar 23, 2025, 10:11 PM Steve Ratzlaff via
<ratzlaffsteve= [email protected]>
wrote:
Tayda Electronics also carries capacitors in that yellow
blob shape; I've bought a bunch of them off and on. My
DE-5000 LCR meter has a Dissipation Factor function that
works in capacitance mode that I've found to be useful for
judging these small values of caps used in RF circuits
(and displays along with the capacitance value--you don't
need to do anything to get the Dissipation readout). High
quality good caps with very low dissipation will have a D
of 0.000 even at the default 1 kHz test frequency (where I
normally test caps but use 100 kHz for all RF inductors).
Most of these Chinese caps will show a higher dissipation,
sometimes up to 0.006 I've seen, with many in the
.002--.003 range. If you need to use a good cap such as in
a frequency sensitive circuit, I'd stay away from the caps
that don't read 0.000 Dissipation factor.
73,
Steve AA7U
|
Re: S9 Generator Project? (capacitors for RF)
Hi Dave,
I highly recommend the DER DE-5000 LCR meter. It's the least
expensive meter that has 100 kHz selectable test frequency, plus
has near lab-grade accuracy. I don't buy any optional accessories
but use simple mini clips on short 2-3 inch pieces of buss wire
with banana plugs for the connections. There's an English manual
one can download free. Once you do the initial calibration you're
good to go. I find the default 1 kHz test frequency is good enough
for measuring small capacitors, but I always use the 100 kHz test
frequency to measure all RF inductors.
73,
Steve AA7U
On 3/24/2025 6:37 AM,
davidgeorgerichards via groups.io wrote:
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Thanks for mentioning your LCR meter Steve. Seems like a
worthwhile addition to the workbench. Having purchased cheap
capacitors in the past, I'm putting this on my list of wants.
Would you recommend it?
?
Dave
AA7EE
|
Re: S9 Generator Project? (capacitors for RF)
Hey Steve, Is your DE-5000 the one on Amazon for $138.00?? I'm not sure I'm ready to invest that much but do you recommend it? Thanks ! Jim WB4ILP?
On Sun, Mar 23, 2025, 10:11 PM Steve Ratzlaff via <ratzlaffsteve= [email protected]> wrote:
Tayda Electronics also carries capacitors in that yellow blob
shape; I've bought a bunch of them off and on. My DE-5000 LCR
meter has a Dissipation Factor function that works in capacitance
mode that I've found to be useful for judging these small values
of caps used in RF circuits (and displays along with the
capacitance value--you don't need to do anything to get the
Dissipation readout). High quality good caps with very low
dissipation will have a D of 0.000 even at the default 1 kHz test
frequency (where I normally test caps but use 100 kHz for all RF
inductors). Most of these Chinese caps will show a higher
dissipation, sometimes up to 0.006 I've seen, with many in the
.002--.003 range. If you need to use a good cap such as in a
frequency sensitive circuit, I'd stay away from the caps that
don't read 0.000 Dissipation factor.
73,
Steve AA7U
On 3/23/2025 6:36 PM, k6whp via
wrote:
Chuck,
?
As long as you're on about this, wonder if you (or others)
could keep your eyes peeled on Amazon or eBay for NP0 and or C0G
cap assortments to fill in the potholes in my collections.
?
NOT SMD but would love disk ceramic but willing to
compromise..
?
Also appreciate comments on something like this:
?
?
?
Thanks greatly!
--
William, k6whp
--------------------
"Cheer up, things could get worse. So I cheered up and things
got worse."
?
?
?
|
Re: S9 Generator Project? (capacitors for RF)
Thanks for mentioning your LCR meter Steve. Seems like a worthwhile addition to the workbench. Having purchased cheap capacitors in the past, I'm putting this on my list of wants. Would you recommend it?
?
Dave
AA7EE
|
OK Chuck,
?
A private message is winging it's way to you with the files attached.
?
Tom-N8TPN
|
I use Ideal-tea SM103.SA
?
?
No magnetic issues.
?
Jim. G4EQX
|
Lee Tried the plastic bags years ago and found them fiddly and infuriating at times (the zipper ones).? Gave the matter some thought and came up with the storage boxes idea (see pics).? You can see at a glance several values, how many you have available (for re-stocking purpose). Each compartment dimensions can be amended for larger parts, etc, simply by arranging the dividers. The lid fits tightly and prevents the dividers from moving or components seeping over to adjacent partition. I use these types of boxes for caps, transistors, diodes and other small parts. Best thing since sliced bread. Bought the boxes locally at the Liddl store but no doubt they can be had from Allie/Temu, etc.
Best
Fil VK6RE/LZ1
On Sunday, 23 March 2025 at 10:32:13 pm GMT+2, Leland L. Bahr via groups.io <w5drc@...> wrote:
When I buy resistors, I usually buy 100 of a value at a time.? I buy
1/8, 1/4, 1, 2, 3 ,and 5 watt values.? (Buying in big quantities reduces
prices.)? Because of the quantity, small pouches are out of the question
for me.? So I put each value of each wattage in separate sandwich sized
freezer bags.? Freezer bags are heavier duty than sandwich bags.? I then
put each wattage bagged resistors in same sized boxes? (8x12x5)? (All 1
watt resistors go in the 1 watt box.)? I always put in a paper label in
each bag showing it's resistance.? This works out very well for me.?
When working on restoring boat anchor rigs I always use a larger
replacement wattage then original to keep physical sizes approximately
the same.
Lee, w0vt
|
Re: ADC Project Crystal Matching
Folks, if you have an SDR for frequency measurement and you are not very good with tones, you can try on CW the "ZAP" commmand (for instance, on HDSDR), which moves the frequency so the tone is "spot on" on the frequency you have selected for your CW tone. That way you only have to copy the frequency from the screen.
I am enjoying this! jon, ea2sn / ae2sn
|
I don't know if anyone else has run into
this.? I do quite a bit of smd soldering or try to.? I have bought
many many cross tweezers from several sources that claim they are
stainless steel.? The problem is that they are either not
stainless steel or are a very low grade as they are magnetic.?
Tonight I was trying to set a couple 1206 rf chokes and my
stainless steel magnets kept grabbing the part and not wanting to
let go!? How does one know if the tweezers are actually non
magnetic?
Thank you.
Jim Pruitt
WA7DUY
|
Another Matt/Matthew with almost the same callsign? Wow.
I thought N3AAZ (also in this group) was remarkable, but now we have N3AR, and a Matt to boot!
?
Truth is stranger than fiction --
de N3AZ
|
learnmorsecode.com/DC/index.html
|
If you don't mine, send away.
ciao dude,
chuck
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On 3/23/25 18:35, Tom, N8TPN via groups.io wrote: Chuck and Group et al...
I still have the files from the old qrp-tech Winter 2018 Project #4 "The K7QO DC Receiver".
I have both the original and the R2 version.
Chuck would you like me to send them to you for review before I post them here?
BTW, it is so great to see you back with us!
Tom - N8TPN
|
Re: S9 Generator Project? (capacitors for RF)
Tayda Electronics also carries capacitors in that yellow blob
shape; I've bought a bunch of them off and on. My DE-5000 LCR
meter has a Dissipation Factor function that works in capacitance
mode that I've found to be useful for judging these small values
of caps used in RF circuits (and displays along with the
capacitance value--you don't need to do anything to get the
Dissipation readout). High quality good caps with very low
dissipation will have a D of 0.000 even at the default 1 kHz test
frequency (where I normally test caps but use 100 kHz for all RF
inductors). Most of these Chinese caps will show a higher
dissipation, sometimes up to 0.006 I've seen, with many in the
.002--.003 range. If you need to use a good cap such as in a
frequency sensitive circuit, I'd stay away from the caps that
don't read 0.000 Dissipation factor.
73,
Steve AA7U
On 3/23/2025 6:36 PM, k6whp via
groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Chuck,
?
As long as you're on about this, wonder if you (or others)
could keep your eyes peeled on Amazon or eBay for NP0 and or C0G
cap assortments to fill in the potholes in my collections.
?
NOT SMD but would love disk ceramic but willing to
compromise..
?
Also appreciate comments on something like this:
?
?
?
Thanks greatly!
--
William, k6whp
--------------------
"Cheer up, things could get worse. So I cheered up and things
got worse."
?
?
?
|
Re: S9 Generator Project?
On Sun, Mar 23, 2025 at 07:48 AM, chuck adams wrote:
1.? I decided I would go ahead and keep the 3120 pcs resistor kit.? We get about 10cm of
??? rain per year and usually in one or two storms during summer monsoon season.
??? I'd quote a line from 'Oklahoma Crude' with Faye Dunaway and George C Scott,
??? but that would not be appropriate.? :-)? Measurements in circuit show the
??? critters stand up to heat and don't separate leads from internals upon
??? soldering.
Chuck,
?
As long as you're on about this, wonder if you (or others) could keep your eyes peeled on Amazon or eBay for NP0 and or C0G cap assortments to fill in the potholes in my collections.
?
NOT SMD but would love disk ceramic but willing to compromise..
?
Also appreciate comments on something like this:
?
?
?
Thanks greatly!
--
William, k6whp
--------------------
"Cheer up, things could get worse. So I cheered up and things got worse."
?
?
?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/252355197685?_skw=NP0+capacitor+assortment&itmmeta=01JQ2VV19FBBARXK65ECV7827B&hash=item3ac18abaf5:g:fHAAAOSw3mpXD0mm&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA8FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1fOemuP%2F6oKDkcqKhCOI%2B4SIhwQfHvS2rF09oLgn%2FmiNrfVtz3FkWBb%2Fazi8ZT7Dg6s8t%2Fx9bYy88GMTo0adn84nYewE37urlLxiJhbyzqR5R1MAGtF6oFUHs2K90RQKY1j38GJNBxheqiRsk7uSWxnoSB3N3njAEAgr9%2BYWIswAmibHbgMAjenmV44QZ54cM37uwey4dHN72lGCD2MftuKgGgKnLVkqr0jQMhJLOahXWhQ5wo%2FBFc9b3OG4PBzoKyoA9VPOn7IwrvshEly%2FORY3q55yyv%2Fyt9itA4qeE460Q%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR4iV7Nu4ZQ
|
Chuck and Group et al...
?
I still have the files from the old qrp-tech Winter 2018 Project #4 "The K7QO DC Receiver".
?
I have both the original and the R2 version.
?
Chuck would you like me to send them to you for review before I post them here?
?
BTW, it is so great to see you back with us!
?
Tom - N8TPN
|
ADC Project Crystal Matching
For the all transistor transceiver group.
You will need to match crystals.? Here is one option of many.
Go to W7ZOI.net and go to the technical stuff button top right.
At the bottom of the new page is a section labeled filter design
and crystal things.? Top of the list is "9 MHz Filters with
Inexpensive Crystals".? There is a Colpitts Oscillator in Fig 3.
First photo below is my build using Manhattan Construction.? I'm
a bit rusty and some things I forgot.? 1.? I hate Rustoleum with
a passion.? It is a very very good paint.? That is the problem.
Used clear matte on the base board.? It just won't melt with the
soldering iron.? I'm going to drive miles to find a can of Krylon
for any other boards in the future.? 2.? Use an IC socket cut to
three pins for interchanging parts.? The 2.54 headers work, but
sometimes flaky.? 3.? Use the 2.54mm vector board to get pins
to 2.54mm spacing, like some preformed legs from manufacturers,
for ease of changing in and out.
I changed the 47 ohm resistor to 10K to drop the voltage on the
collectors of the transistors to around 8V.? Second photo shows
4MHz crystal output with the circuit.? That is the frequency
the counter showed for a whole hour.? Not a Hz shift at all.
Reasons.? Room temp never changed.? We used crystals on HP projects
for thermometers back in the day.? With the lower voltages there
is less heating of the crystal, thus no drift.
Note the sockets for the transistors.? Tried 2N2222s from the 840
pack (third figure) and the 2N3904.? The 2N2222 does not work.
The 2N3904 does.? I tried a stray 2N4401 in a small plastic
container of random parts and it works.? This for the 4.000MHz
crystal.? No joy for 9.0000MHz crystals.? This due to the 470pF
caps being too large.? See specs for other crystal checkers.
Here are the h_fe figures for the three transistors.? This done with
the Chinese Critter Checker.
2N2222? h_fe = 288
2N3904? h_fe = 359
2N4401? h_fe = 439
You can see why I prefer the 2N4401, even though a number of sites
show them as interchanging parts.? There are plus and miuses in life.
This checker to be used later (with mods).? If you don't have a freq counter,
possibly an SDR.? General coverage receiver with SSB/CW capability.
Use fixed dial setting and match tones of the crystals.? Closer than
a random selection.
I recommend, for all new Manhattan builders, to try this out.? It will get
you started.? IMHO.
FYI and thank you for your time,
chuck
OH.? For the 840 pack of transistors.? You can throw the chart out.? It is
an Easter egg hunt for the right parts.? Some one has a sense of humor at
the assembly line.
|
Re: S9 Generator Project?
John, KC9ON has a great website with a good selection of crystals at great prices and many other interesting products.?? Jim WB4ILP?
On Sun, Mar 23, 2025, 6:06 PM davidgeorgerichards via <djdaverichards= [email protected]> wrote: On Sun, Mar 23, 2025 at 07:48 AM, chuck adams wrote:
2.? I went searching high and wide.? Can't find the QRP crystals for an S9 Signal
??? Generator like the old NorCal QRP Club had.
John KC9ON over at 3rd Planet Solar has them. He has a website, or you can order from his eBay store. There is a range of frequencies available. You can pick 5 frequencies from the list, for $10 inc,. shipping. He has all the frequencies that were used in the Norcal S9 Signal Generator -?
?
?
?
Dave
AA7EE
|
Jim,
I have to go back into the bat cave to find what I need.? It's not on my current
drives and I have an old computer in a cabinet to dig out.? Then I have to
go through the DVD collection to find the old stuff.
This will take time and may take a day or two.
There may be a better alternative.?? Those interested, form a search party.
Go to archive.org and the wayback machine and search for k7qo.net and
k7qo.com.? Some the snapshots do not grab all the material.
We did the DC project on qrp-tech.io and the posting there may help.
Surely, someone on this group has the documents and you may fell
free to put them in the files section for those interested.
Another option.? Search the internet for DC receivers and there are a number
of candidates for the project and I recommend modifying to allow the use
of the new digital VFOs.? QRPGuys,? KitsAndParts and QRP-Labs to start a
list of DDS VFOs available for a multitude of projects.? Let lose the hounds.
FYI
BTW.? Jim is in charge.....? :-)
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On 3/23/25 14:07, Jim WB4ILP via groups.io wrote: Thank You Chuck !? ?I'll be watching.? I want to build the DC RX Manhattan style.
I just ordered a few NE602 and NE612 from AliExpress.? I hope they are genuine.
Jim WB4ILP
|
Matthew McDevitt N3AZ
k6whp
