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Amateur radio operators often seek reliable equipment for various modes and bands, from QRP operations to high-power DXing. Historically, Ten-Tec has been a notable manufacturer in the amateur radio market, known for its range of products including HF and VHF transceivers, RF amplifiers, and antenna analyzers. Their product line also encompassed specialized items such as QRP transceivers and kits, catering to enthusiasts of low-power communication, and antenna tuners for impedance matching. The company's offerings included test equipment vital for shack setup and maintenance, like SWR meters and RF analyzers, which assist in optimizing antenna systems and ensuring efficient power transfer. Additionally, Ten-Tec provided various accessories and components, supporting both commercial products and homebrew projects. The brand was recognized for its _made in the USA_ manufacturing, appealing to operators who prioritize domestic production. While the website currently displays limited product information, it mentions upcoming items like the _MODEL 594 PHOENIX_ and the _Tune-A-Tenna_, indicating potential future product releases.

The website https://www.qsl.net/dl5dbm showcases homebrew projects related to KW, 2-meter, 6-meter, antennas, amplifiers, preamps, power supplies, and more. It provides information and resources for radio amateurs interested in DIY projects and experimentation.

Engaging in **QRP** operations, where amateur radio transceivers transmit at five watts or less, presents a unique challenge and satisfaction for many radio amateurs. This mode emphasizes efficient antenna systems, keen operating skills, and often, the art of **homebrewing** equipment to maximize performance under power constraints. Operators frequently utilize CW (Morse code) for its superior signal-to-noise ratio, enabling reliable contacts over long distances with minimal power. The VK QRP Club, formally known as the CW Operators' QRP Club Inc., serves as a focal point for Australian amateurs passionate about these low-power pursuits. The club fosters a community where members can share insights on antenna design, circuit construction, and operating techniques specific to QRP. It provides resources such as information on club nets and frequencies, Morse practice materials, and a platform for exchanging ideas among enthusiasts. Membership offers access to a network of like-minded individuals, promoting the continued development and enjoyment of QRP within the amateur radio hobby. The club's activities encourage experimentation and skill refinement, vital aspects of successful low-power communication.

An RF power supply for 144 MHz schematics and instructions

VU3NSH article on high current universal supply for rigs

Offer a wide range of homebrewing projects mainly for VHF UHF operations. From vhf antennas to preamplifiers, chargers and power supplies

Presents a QRP AM/CW transmitter project specifically designed for the 10-meter band, utilizing a crystal oscillator and a collector-modulated AM oscillator. The design employs a 2N2219(A) transistor in a Colpitts configuration, generating 100 to 350 mW of RF output power depending on the 9-18 Volt supply voltage and modulation depth. Frequency stability is maintained by a 28 MHz crystal, with fine-tuning possible via a Ct1 trimmer capacitor for approximately 1 kHz adjustment. The resource details the RF oscillator stage, implemented with a 2N2219 NPN transistor, emphasizing frequency stability and low power dissipation. It also covers the amplitude modulation stage, managed by a 2N2905 PNP transistor, which impresses audio information onto the carrier. Selective components (C3, C4, C7, C5) enhance voice frequencies within a +/- 5 kHz bandwidth, and modulation depth is controlled by R2 and R3. The project includes a 3-element L-type narrow bandpass filter (Ct3, L3, C10) to suppress harmonics and ensure a clean output signal. The project provides a complete schematic diagram, a comprehensive parts list including specific capacitor, resistor, and inductor values, and construction notes for the coils (L1, L2, L3). It also offers practical advice on enclosure requirements, suggesting an all-metal case or a PVC box with graphite paint for RF shielding. Operational parameters such as current draw (27mA@9V to 45mA@16V) and input impedance (50 Ohms) are specified, alongside guidance on antenna matching and the importance of a valid amateur radio license for 10-meter band operation.

A system designed to automatically tune small transmitting magnetic loop antennas, particularly beneficial for **contest operations** where rapid frequency changes are common. The core of the system involves a PC-based control application, AutoCap, written in C#, which monitors antenna SWR via an external meter and commands a motor interface to adjust the loop's variable capacitor. The software is compatible with Windows and Linux via the Mono framework, offering a graphical user interface for monitoring system status, SWR, power, and motor commands. Key components include one or more magnetic loop antennas equipped with DC or stepper motors for capacitor adjustment, an SWR meter with data output (such as the Telepost LP-100A or a homebrew serial/USB SWR meter), the AutoCap PC software, and a motor interface. The most effective motor interface utilizes an **Arduino-based controller** with custom firmware, providing precise control over both simple DC motors and stepper motors, and supporting features like motor braking for finer adjustments. The system allows for configurable SWR thresholds, pulse widths, and motor effort settings to optimize tuning speed and resolution. Optional radio integration provides frequency hints, enabling the algorithm to learn the relationship between motor actions and resonant frequency, thereby speeding up initial tuning responses. The software also supports antenna profiles, allowing operators to save and recall specific configurations for different loops, including accumulated frequency hint data.

A DIY Automatic Band Decoder (ABD) project, designed for dual-radio operation, addresses the common challenge of integrating band data with older transceivers lacking dedicated outputs. This particular build utilizes an AVR AT90S8515 microcontroller and a 16x2 Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) to provide band information, specifically targeting Kenwood rigs via a computer's LPT port. The design aims for cost-effectiveness while maintaining functionality, offering a solution for hams seeking to add automatic band switching capabilities to their station without significant expense. The project outlines the core components required, including the microcontroller, LCD, and an enclosure, noting that the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) fabrication and AVR programming might present challenges for some builders. It details the input requirements, such as a four-pin input and PTT for each radio, along with a 13.8V DC power supply. The decoder provides 2x6 outputs capable of sinking 500mA, suitable for controlling external devices like antenna switches or filters. Despite the original unit being damaged by a lightning strike in 2004, the author confirms its successful operation prior to the incident and mentions plans for a revised version. The resource includes a schematic in PDF format and images of the finished PCB and assembled unit, demonstrating the practical implementation of the design.

Announces the retirement of Brand Electronics, a manufacturer specializing in **power meters** and various ham radio accessories, effective 2025. The company has served the amateur radio community for over 35 years, providing equipment for station setup and operation. The product line historically included accessories compatible with major transceivers from Icom, Yaesu, and Kenwood, alongside components and technical references for homebrew projects. Their offerings supported accurate RF power measurement, crucial for optimizing antenna systems and ensuring legal limit compliance. This notice serves as a final update regarding the company's operational status, marking the cessation of manufacturing and sales activities. The site provides no further details on product support or inventory liquidation.

The 222 MHz Transverter project, based on Zack Lau's (W1VT) original July 1993 QEX magazine design, provides an IF of 28 MHz for both transmit and receive paths. Rick Bandla (VE3CVG) contributed supplemental notes and construction details, including modifications to achieve 10 mW output power from an initial 4 mW PEP. The design incorporates three distinct boards: a Local Oscillator (LO), a Transmitter (Tx), and a Receiver (Rx), with an estimated parts cost of just over $150 CDN, significantly less than commercial kits. Construction involves both through-hole and surface-mount components, with specific guidance on mounting MAV and MAR devices, grounding techniques, and component selection. The project details include parts lists, schematics for the LO, Tx, and Rx, and board layouts. Troubleshooting advice emphasizes sequential testing, starting with the LO, then Tx, and finally Rx, using a 194 MHz and 222.100 MHz capable FM handheld for signal tracing. Further enhancements are discussed, such as an optional Tx driver stage to boost output to 100 mW and the potential modification of a Motorola Maxor 80 PA for 222 MHz SSB/CW operation. The resource also covers practical aspects like power attenuation pads for IF radios (e.g., FT817) and considerations for enclosure design, including repurposing a Maxor 80 case. Performance reports indicate successful 70 km contacts with only 4 mW output.

The FT101ZD DDS VFO project replaces the original VFO in the Yaesu FT101Z/ZD rigs with an AD9850 DDS module, providing enhanced frequency control. It uses the original optical encoder and clarifier for compatibility, with a custom 6V power supply modification. The project includes selectable step sizes, a frequency save function, and works with both RX and TX modes. The design involves mechanical and electronic modifications, including SMD components and a custom PIC processor. Calibration ensures accurate frequency output, with further improvements under consideration.

The project details the construction of a GM3OXX OXO transmitter, designed to accommodate **FT-243 crystals** using 3D-printed FX-243 holders from John KC9ON. It presents specific frequency adjustments, noting a 7030 KHz HC-49/s crystal could be tuned from 7029.8 KHz to 7031.7 KHz with an internal 45pF trimmer capacitor. The build incorporates a modified keying circuit to prevent oscillator run-on key-up and includes a TX/RX switch for sidetone via a connected receiver, with the transmitter output routed to a dummy load on receive. Practical construction aspects are thoroughly covered, including the process of cutting a rectangular opening in a diecast enclosure for the FT-243 socket and the selection of a **low-pass filter** (LPF) based on the QRP Labs kit, derived from the W3NQN design. The author achieved approximately 800mW output power from a 14.75V supply, measured with an NM0S QRPoMeter, using a 16.5-ohm emitter resistor in the 2N3866 final stage. The article also touches upon the potential for frequency agility across the 40M band using multiple FX-243 units with various crystals. The narrative includes a brief diversion into Bob W3BBO's recent homebrew projects, such as his Ugly Weekender MK II transceiver, highlighting the enduring appeal of classic QRP designs. The author reflects on the personal satisfaction derived from building RF-generating equipment, irrespective of DX achievements, and shares experiences of making local contacts with the 800mW OXO transmitter on 40 meters.

Demonstrates the construction of 'The Virgin', a **direct-conversion receiver** specifically designed for the 40m amateur radio band. This project, completed in February 2016, features a fixed operating frequency determined by a crystal oscillator, requiring a physical crystal change to alter the reception frequency. The design incorporates two integrated circuits and a power regulator, emphasizing simplicity with a single control knob. The author details the initial design, subsequent modifications to the front end, and troubleshooting steps addressing common issues like audio motorboating and power supply instability. The resource presents the final design of the receiver, reflecting the author's first experience building such a unit between December 2015 and February 2016. It offers practical insights into basic circuit construction and the iterative process of refining a homebrew radio project. The content is particularly relevant for those interested in fundamental receiver principles and hands-on **QRP** transceiver building.