Category Archives: Gear

K1 Assembly Burp #1

Posted on November 30, 2015 by robert

Things were going swimmingly with the K1 Filter Board assembly, still at a rate of 1 component per 3 minutes (I follow a 7-step process:  check value, check value, install, check value, solder, check value, check solder).  Then I hit a … Continue reading →

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Scratching the Itch…

Posted on November 29, 2015 by robert

Putting together a Doppler antenna switch for fox hunting (Handi-Finder) reminded me how fun making things can be.  It’s been many years since I’ve built a radio kit, and I’ve been itching to feel that “glow” you get when you … Continue reading →

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TNC-Pi for Raspberry Pi 2

Posted on August 1, 2015 by robert

I just ordered a TNC-Pi 2 (they have a model for the older Pi versions as well) from Coastal Chip Works on Wednesday.  It was in my mailbox on Friday – FAST service! Nice looking board, well put together.  I’m curious … Continue reading →

Posted in APRS, Digital Mode, Gear, Raspberry Pi | Leave a comment

Something Other Than DX For a Change?

Posted on January 18, 2015 by robert

After enjoying a straight-key QSO on SKN and thinking of the keys I had used back as a novice, I thought I’d see what I could find on eBay.  I remembered a brass key that my father had used (another … Continue reading →

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Straight Key Night 2015

Posted on January 3, 2015 by robert

A friend of mine, John, WA1ABI, is a real fan of Straight Key Night (SKN).  For the past couple of years, I’ve thought I should dig up my 40 year old Brown Brothers Key, a Christmas present from 1974, the last … Continue reading →

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GoKit Phase 1 – A long time coming

Posted on July 29, 2014 by robert

After participating in a multi-agency shelter communication drill this past weekend (which went quite well), I decided it was time to dust off my GoKit components.  I had originally intended to make a VHF-only kit using a Yaesu FT-2900R, then … Continue reading →

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Heatsink “Accessory” for KX3

Posted on May 16, 2014 by robert

I love my 2-year old KX3, simply the best all mode QRP portable rig I’ve ever used.  The popularity of the radio is evidenced by an ever-growing marketplace providing accessories.  Due to thermal issues experienced by those running digital modes … Continue reading →

Posted in Digital Mode, Gear, JT65A-HF, JT9, QRP | 8 Comments

Astron RS-35M “Phantom Power”

Posted on November 3, 2013 by robert

I had just uncovered (literally) my current adapter for my Fluke meter (a female to male cord with banana plugs in the hot lead), and decided to check to see how much power my Astron RS-35M linear power supply was … Continue reading →

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Solar Excellence

Posted on October 27, 2013 by robert

The Sun has been seething this past week, with SFI and SN > 170.  10m has been open quite a bit.  The K and A factors have been low, so conditions have been great except for times immediately after some … Continue reading →

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A fortunate misfortune

Posted on September 25, 2013 by robert

Back in December 2012 I described a project that implemented a NTP clock based on a Raspberry Pi board and a Adafruit LCD Plate.  The project answered a need that I had — a two line LCD clock that didn’t … Continue reading →

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