Monthly Archives: September 2010
Ham kits business models
Recent posts on this blog mentioning the Chinese DIY scene and the explosion of offerings have prompted a very interesting exchange of views and reflections on how best to nurture this business and make it accessible to the global ham … Continue reading
SDR Cube
A summary description of the SDR Cube from a recent message from George N2APB t the NUE-PSK list:
“The SDR Cube is a single-band, multi-mode QRP transceiver. SSB, AM, CW and digital (though the NUE-PSK modem). The rig’s band is determined by the type of Softrock “RF front end” you have installed, but the default is 20m if you order that option from us. You can put it on different bands, if you wish, by using a different plug-in module on that Softrock, as is widely available in the Softrock community. Many guys already have Softrock receivers and transceivers – any of which will work with the SDR Cube, and they just install it inside the box, or provide connection to it via a plug on the back.
Several other distinguishing features of the SDR Cube really make it attractive: an live, +/- 4 kHz “bandscope” function showing live spectrum on the graphic display, binaural audio output, RIT and XIT, four memories and two VFOs, CW shaping, adjustable audio filtering with graphic filter’s display, a great level-controlled RF front end, a memory keyer supporting Iambic A and B modes, and a tight integration with the NUE-PSK modem for digital mode support.” Continue reading
JT65 and HF
Julian G4ILO has an interesting post about using W6CQZ’s JT65-HF software. “One of the features of JT65-HF is that it automatically links in to the PSK Reporter network so you can see all the stations you heard on a map and, even … Continue reading
IK1ZYW Labs & FT817 remote
Interesting update on IK1ZYW Labs on project to achieve remote control of the FT817. Also a pointer to an interesting page on FT817 Accessories, the external keypad project (circuit, manual & firmware available as well as various configurations of components … Continue reading
QRM busting
Mads LA1TPA recently visited Julian G4ILO’s shack and was so impressed by his approach to cutting through the QRM using an MFJ-1026 Noise canceler and a pa0rdt-Mini-Whip active broadband RX antenna, he’s replicating the solution at his own QTH. His post links … Continue reading
Arnie Coro and the Super Islander
Looking back over some older email list posts today I came across an interesting exchange of posts on the QRPp list. In early August Arnie Coro CO2KK announced latest progress on the ‘Super Islander Version 5 QRP transceiver project’. Key … Continue reading
October WorldRadio Online highlights
The October edition of WorldRadio Online magazine is available now. Highlights include: * An End-Fed Dipole That’s Easy to Build and Great for the Field – a trail-friendly design inspired by Kurt N. Sterba’s Aerials column in the August edition of WorldRadio … Continue reading
Guide to A123 Battery Packs
Charles Preston, a member of the Buddipole User Group email reflector has just posted links to two clear and useful guides to using the A123 Battery Packs available from Buddipole. While the Buddipole site links to documents about the batteries … Continue reading
webSDR
I’ve spent a little time playing with websdr over the last day or so. This is certainly one way to achieve the subliminal morse background mentioned a couple of posts ago! (Assuming of course the workload is low and the … Continue reading
China DIY
Interesting comment from Edwin VK2VEL re the boom in the Chinese Kit scene in response to the recent mention of the KN-Q7 40 m SSB QRP kit. The KN-Q7 was designed by Ke Shi, BA6BF and has since been superceded by … Continue reading
