Category Archives: Announcements

Announcements, Kits, News

41dB Step RF Attenuator Kit

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Hendricks QRP Kits has just added a new 41dB step RF attenuator kit to their product line. Read Doug Hendricks announcement, via QRP-L, below:

We have added another test equipment kit to the lineup at Hendricks QRP
Kits. Ken LoCasale has used the step attenuator circuit in the ARRL
Handbook as the basis of a 41dB step attenuator. The kit comes in a custom
case, and is complete with all parts needed to finish, including a
commercial quality double sided, solder masked and silk screened pc board.
The attenuator uses a pi net work of 2W resistors, and will handle 5 W.
Attenuators are great to use to work low power, and are the easiest way to
make very low power contacts. Check out the manual at www.qrpkits.com.
Kits are in stock and ready to ship. The price is $50 plus shipping and
handling. Thanks, Doug

Click here for Hendricks QRP Kits.

Announcements, News

First photo of the Kenwood TS-990S?

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UPDATE May 8, 2012: Want to see the real photo of the TS-990S? Check out this post.

The image above has been floating around the Internet for a couple of months as the concept for the Kenwood TS-990S. Is it the real thing? No. Absolutely not.

It is, without a doubt, a Photoshopped image. I ran an image error level analysis to see what parts were Photoshopped–see results below and follow this link to the full anaysis.

This analysis shows where Photoshop cuts and pastes were made--notice the areas highlighted in pink.

We will post TS-990S images when they become available from Kenwood. [UPDATE: see our most recent post with photo.]

Announcements, Events, Morse Code

Try your hand at Straight Key Night (SKN)

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Photo courtesy: ARRL

For many, the CW event of the year is Straight Key Night (SKN). This is the time of year that you dust of the straight key and hit the bands with fellow hams who are using the most time-honored tradition  for sending CW.

Regardless of your sending and receiving skills on CW, SKN has a lot in store for you. Since this is a non-contest event, fellow operators are more patient with making contacts and more likely to rag chew. For many, this is the first time they’ve used their straight key since the previous year’s SKN, thus CW speeds are more comfortable for the novice across the band.

Straight Key Night is held every January 1 from 0000 UTC through 2359 UTC. 

The ARRL has a great article about SKN–check it out and get pumped for a full day of straight key bliss.

Announcements, Morse Code, Portable, QRP Radios

Elecraft now accepting orders for the KX3

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The Elecraft KX3

It appears that Elecraft is now accepting orders for the KX3 QRP tranceiver that we first mentioned on QRPer.com during the 2011 Dayton Hamvention. Order are expected to be shipped in February 2012.

The kit version of the KX3 will be priced at $899.95 US, while the factory assembled and tested version will sell for $999.95 US.

Here are full details from an email via Elecraft’s Wayne (N6KR) and Eric (WA6HHQ):

Some of the [KX3] options can be ordered now, while others (including the internal 2-m module and 100-W external amplifier/ATU), will be available later this year.

The basic KX3 includes:

  • 10 watts output typical (13.8V) on 160-6 meters. (Up to 5W using internal batteries)
  • All modes (SSB, CW, Data, FM, AM)
  • Many features from the Elecraft K3, including the same full-size LCD
  • Advanced DSP features, including PSK31 and RTTY text display, noise reduction, auto-notch
  • Built-in 8-AA-cell battery holder
  • USB serial cable for firmware upgrades and for use with logging/contesting software

Available options include:

  • KXPD3 precision attached keyer paddle
  • KXFL3 dual-bandwidth roofing filter module for SSB/CW/Data modes
  • KXAT3 internal wide-range automatic antenna tuner
  • KXBC3 internal NiMH battery charger
  • MH3 hand mic with UP/DN VFO controls
  • RS232 control cable (optional replacement for supplied USB cable)

In addition, a custom-designed KX3 dust cover is available (please contact [email protected] ).

Delivery of both the basic KX3 and options subject to availability. As always, we invite suggestions for new features, improvements and accessories.

For more information ontheKX3, including pictures, specifications and videos, see our KX3 Page: http://www.elecraft.com/KX3/kx3.htm

Announcements, News

Ham Radio Magazines now also available as a free download

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Image source: VE3WGX

Just after we announced that 73 Magazine was available on archive.org as a free download, Ham Radio Magazine (1968-1990) is also now available. [Thanks to John AE5X (via QRP-L) and Eric WD8RIF for the tip!]

I cannot underscore the treasuretrove of information that you can mine out of these two publications. Both 73 and Ham Radio Mag have numerous articles related to home brewing, antenna design and low power operation.

What are you waiting for???  Christmas is here early! Go grab your copies of Ham Radio Magazine!

[UPDATE: It appears Ham Radio Magazine has been removed from Archive.org. Has anyone noticed if they’re still available somewhere online?  Please comment!]

Be sure to check a full index of article by topic at Bill VE3WGX’s website.

Announcements, News

73 Magazine now available as free download

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Ready for some serious browsing? Archive.org now has every issue of 73 Magazine from 1960 to 2003, available in PDF format for download.

Click here to go to the 73 Magazine page on Archive.org.

Announcements, QRP Radios

The YouKits HB1B four band transceiver now available at Ten-Tec

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YouKits HB1B Four Band QRP TransceiverJim Wharton (NO4A) announced on QRP-L this morning that Ten-Tec has received their first shipment of  YouKits HB1B four band QRP transceivers and they are ready for sale. Ten-Tec is the exclusive distributor for for the Canadian company YouKits, hence will honor all warranties. The HB1B is not a kit, in fact it is fully assembled and ready for use.

Click here to view/purchase the YouKits HB1B at Ten-Tec.

HB1B Description (Courtesy of Ten-Tec)

HB1B Four Band CW QRP Transceiver

Come enjoy the fun of QRP operation with this simple, light weight, palm of your hand, trail friendly quad band transceiver.

TEN-TEC is the exclusive U.S. distributor for the YouKits brand.

The YouKits HB1B covers 80-40-30-20 meter amateur bands.

It is a fully assembled transceiver using the latest SMT technology.

Receives SSB & CW. Transmits CW only.

Features:

  • Bright easy to read LCD display informs you of frequency, mode, supply voltage, S meter, RIT and more
  • BNC RF connector
  • Sensitivity (typical) .8 micro volts. MDS .2 micro volts
  • Transmitter power, 5 watts (typical)
  • Powerful DDS electronic synthesizers allow 3.2-16 MHz general coverage receive.
  • Convenient 30 frequency memory storage
  • Includes internal battery holders for Lithium batteries. An external (optional) 12 to 14 VDC regulated power supply may also be used.
  • Easily adjustable tuning steps for both Amateur bands and general short wave listening.
  • Low current consumption: About 60 mA on receive or about 800 mA on transmit depending on supply voltage
  • Built in adjustable keyer with automatic CQ and call sign insertion for memory keying.
  • Use with straight key or your favorite key paddle.
  • Adjustable 4 pole crystal filter, 400Hz to 3KHz continuousely adjustable.
  • 8 ohm headphone output (requires stereo plug). No internal speaker.
  • RIT (receive incremental tuning) allows for 10Hz or 100 Hz tuning
  • Power Plug- 2.1mm ID x 5.5mm OD with center positive. The Radio Shack part number for an equivalent is 274-1567. They come in a two pack for $3.29.
  • An optional Lithium battery pack R9411 is available, requires slight modification to the radio.
  • Size: 5.2” X 3.4” X 1.4” (not including knobs)
  • Weight: 14 oz (not including batteries)
Announcements, Events, News

QRPacificon 2011

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If you live near Santa Clara, California you still have time to register for the 2011 QRPacificon, sponsored by the NorCal QRP Club.  By registering you will be included in the Saturday evening drawing.

Events schedule

Friday night we will kick off the festivities with our no host banquet again hosted and arranged for us by James Bennett, KA5DVS. James will be our host and provide more details later. If you would like to join us plan to meet in the hotel lobby at 6:30 on Firday.

We will start presentations at 8:00 Saturday Morning and will have a great lineup of speakers. Presentations will run throughout the morning

8:15 Jim Duffey KK6MC
Jim’s talk will be on VHF and UHF antennas for QRP-Portable operation

9:30 Tony Parks, KB9YIG
Softrock SDR design and the RXTX Softrick transceiver

10:45 Rex Harper, W1REX
PIC or PICaxe? What IS the big whoop? Why should every ham ‘play’ with a PICaxe?

Saturday night will feature

  • Annual QRP Auction, one item per seller up for auction to the highest bidder. Doug Hendricks, KI6DS will be the auctioneer, and we always have a lot of fun at this event.
  • QRP 2011 Builders contest. If you have built a piece of QRP gear since last year’s pacificon, please bring it to enter in the show. Prizes will be awarded. Please bring a 3 x 5 card with information about your entry on it. Judging will start right after the auction.
  • 2 buildathon projects: The SDR Receiver project for new SMD builders, and the PICaxe kit. Both designers will be available during the buildathon. If you plan to take part in either build project please plan to bring your own tools and equipment.
  • QRP Vendors Many of our vendors will be setup to sell their goodies. If you are a QRP vendor, then take this time to setup – tables are free.
  • NorCal QRP Hfpack Zombie Night “Hanging Eye Ball QSO’s” Here is another opportunity to meet with your fellow qrp’ers.
  • Door prizes – We have an ever growing collection of donations for this year. In order to be in the drawing you must be registered. You can do this by going to the QRPAcificon Name Badge Page.

Registration is free. More more information about QRPacificon please visit www.norcalqrp.org

(Source: NorCal QRP Club)

Announcements, Articles, News

Ask Ten-Tec: Questions about the Ten-Tec Model 539 QRP transceiver and Model 418 Amplifier

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Soon to come:  an interview with Ten-Tec regarding the much-anticipated new Ten-Tec Model 539 and companion  Model 418 100 Watt amplifier.

Many online readers are intrigued by this new product, and have already emailed questions about it.  If you have a question or comment about the TT 539, please contact me; I’ll do my best to present it to Ten-Tec during this upcoming interview.

And do check back for the complete interview next week!

Click here to go to our contact form.

Announcements, News, Portable, QRP Radios

Ten-Tec’s new 100 Watt Amplifier – The Ten-Tec Model 418 – Photos and preliminary specifications

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The Ten-Tec Model 418 100 Watt Amplifier on display at the 2011 Ten-Tec Hamfest. Click to enlarge.

Today at the 2011 Ten-Tec Hamfest, Ten-Tec announced two new products in development: the Model 539 QRP transceiver and the companion Model 418 100 Watt amplifier.

Being a QRPer, I typically have no use for amplifiers, but this one, I must admit, will make for a perfect in-the-field companion to the (future) Model 539 or any QRP transceiver.

The Model 418 can sense the incoming RF and will automatically switch bands accordingly.

Best of all, though, is that the standby current will be as low as 150mA!

Ten-Tec Model 418 Features:

  • 100 Watts
  • All HF Bands + 6 Meters
  • MOSFET Amplifier
  • Standby current as low as 150mA
  •  DC input voltage 10V – 16V
  • Selectable input attenuation, Delay
  • 2 selectable antenna connections
  • Dedicated 6M antenna connection
  • Band switching
    • Manual OR Auto – RF Sensed
    • Seamless connection to PC
    • Seamless connection to Ten-Tec Model 539 QRP Transceiver