This is a great time-lapse video of the assembly of the Midland Amateur Radio Club‘s Elecraft K3:
See, that wasn’t so hard!
Update: Ten-Tec should take orders for the Model 539 QRP transceiver at Dayton
I just received the following from Ten-Tec:
We are progressing along per our schedule for having the 539 ready for orders at Dayton of 2012.
I have a hunch the Ten-Tec booth will be busy at the Hamvention this year.
Try your hand at Straight Key Night (SKN)
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.
Elecraft now accepting orders for the 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
Ken’s PCB holder makes for a great weekend project
Thanks, Ken (WA4MNT), for bringing this very cool and simple project to our attention.
Click here to download instructions–parts are available from Ken for $23, or components can be home-brewed (I can imagine the plastic components can be replaced with wood).
Check out some of Ken’s other projects at www.qrpbuilder.com.
Morse “encoded” National Guard building in Milan, Illinois
Dave Mayfield noticed a pattern in the bricks of this Milan, Illinois National Guard building.
(Source: WQAD)
Ham Radio Magazines now also available as a free download
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.
73 Magazine now available as free download
Ready for some serious browsing? Archive.org now has every issue of 73 Magazine from 1960 to 2003, available in PDF format for download.
Comedian Tim Allen Stars as Radio Amateur on New TV Show
(Source: ARRL)
Tim Allen — star of Home Improvement, Toy Story, The Santa Clause and Galaxy Quest, just to name a few — stars in Last Man Standing, an ABC comedy airing at 8 PM (EST) on Tuesday nights. Allen plays Mike Baxter, KA0XTT, a married father of three and the director of marketing at an outdoor sporting goods store in Colorado whose life is dominated by women. While Amateur Radio has not been prominently featured in the first episodes, according to John Amodeo, NN6JA — the producer of Last Man Standing — it is a part of the show and an important part of Mike’s character. The episode that will establish Mike as a radio amateur is currently scheduled to air in mid-January.
The YouKits HB1B four band transceiver now available at Ten-Tec
Jim 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)