Search results

For radio amateurs considering homebrew antenna projects, this resource details several designs from WE6W, an experienced operator. It covers the construction and characteristics of a _160 Meter QRP Loop Antenna_ optimized for high voltage, along with standard and folded variations of the double bazooka antenna. The site also presents a unique Field Day antenna design and instructions for building a Sterba Curtain, a directional array known for its gain. Each design includes practical insights from the author's building experience. The author provides comparative data, such as the performance of a standard bazooka against a traditional dipole, offering real-world context for antenna selection. The Sterba Curtain section includes notes on its beamwidth and gain, crucial parameters for directional operation. These designs are suitable for hams looking to experiment with cost-effective, high-performance antennas for various bands and operating scenarios, from QRP on 160m to directional DXing with a Sterba Curtain, which can offer significant forward gain, often exceeding **10 dB**.

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 project details a DIY SWR/Wattmeter designed around an _Arduino Uno_ shield, providing capabilities to measure RF power from 2 to **200 watts** and Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) for HF amateur radio bands. This construction features a compact design, integrating the measurement circuitry directly onto a custom PCB that interfaces with the Arduino Uno microcontroller. Key components include a directional coupler for sensing forward and reflected power, precision rectifiers, and analog-to-digital conversion for processing RF signals. The Arduino firmware handles calibration, calculations, and displays the results on an integrated LCD, offering real-time feedback on antenna system performance. The design prioritizes simplicity for homebrewers. Performance specifications indicate accurate readings within the **2-200W** power range, suitable for typical QRP to medium-power HF operations. The project provides schematics and a basic overview of the software logic.

QRP and Homebrew HAM Radio by DL2FI and DL7NIK QRP Made in Germany and more QRP Kits, qrp transceivers, accessories, mini keyers dealer for antennas, atu and more accessories

The project details modifications to an ARK-40 QRP CW transceiver kit, specifically replacing its original thumbwheel frequency selectors with a **BASIC STAMP BS-II microcontroller** and an optical shaft encoder. The redesigned control circuitry outputs a BCD code to the ARK-40's synthesizer, enabling more convenient knob-type tuning. This modification significantly alters the user interface, moving from discrete frequency selection to continuous tuning. Operating frequency is presented on an LCD readout, offering two distinct display modes: a "bandspread dial" mode that simulates an analog dial scrolling across the display in 1 kHz increments, and a conventional digital readout with 100 Hz resolution. Pushing the main tuning knob toggles between these modes, providing both rapid band traversal and fine-tuning capabilities. The software for the BASIC Stamp is written in P-Basic, addressing the challenge of accurate analog dial simulation. Physical modifications include fabricating a custom PC Board for the STAMP, mounting it with an L-bracket to the optical encoder, and creating a new front panel. The front-mounted speaker was relocated to accommodate the new tuning knob and display, transforming the **ARK-40 transceiver** into a more user-friendly rig with its built-in CW keyer and 5 watts of power.

Method of storing my portable wire antennas.

By Dave Gauding, NF0R

The homemade CW paddle key design, inspired by a QRP homepage, utilizes soldered PC board material for its construction. The builder, DL5NEJ, modified an existing design to achieve a smaller footprint, preferring a compact setup for portable operations. This paddle was specifically built to complement a Wilderness Radio SST20 QRP transceiver kit, demonstrating its suitability for low-power operations. The project details suggest a straightforward assembly process, with the primary components being readily available PC board scraps. The design emphasizes simplicity and functionality, aiming to provide a reliable keying experience comparable to commercial paddles like the Bencher. Performance evaluations indicated the simple paddle operates effectively, prompting further exploration into similarly minimalist QRP rig designs. Additional construction details for a similar paddle are available from PA0CMU.

Details a practical QRP wattmeter construction, leveraging a simplified SWR meter design by JA6HIC. The project focuses on a forward-only power measurement circuit, providing a functional instrument for RF power levels from milliwatts up to 5 watts. It maintains a 50-ohm input and output impedance, suitable for typical QRP transceivers and antenna systems. The resource includes the schematic for the "VSW" (Very Simple Wattmeter) and outlines a six-step alignment procedure. This calibration process involves using a known RF source up to 5W, setting full-scale deflection, and marking power increments. It also addresses minimizing frequency effects on readings with a 100pF trimmer capacitor, noting that measurement error is highest at the lower end of the scale. Construction notes mention using a piece of RG-213 coaxial cable for the inductance and coupler, with the wattmeter assembled in early 2003. The author provides an example measurement showing 0.8W into a dummy load and 1W into a 3-element beam.

The CW Decoder program facilitates copying Morse code with a computer, displaying decoded CW as text, and generating a sidetone. It incorporates a spectrum display of the audio, allowing operators to select a specific audio frequency for decoding via a sliding cursor. This utility also enables keyboard-based transmitter keying, supporting full CW break-in operation for efficient QSO management. Developed by WD6CNF, the software is a Windows-compatible application designed to assist amateur radio operators in their CW activities. Its features cater to both decoding received signals and transmitting via keyboard input, streamlining the CW operating experience. Functionality includes real-time audio analysis and signal processing, providing a visual representation of the CW signal. The program's integrated keying capability offers a direct interface for transmitting, enhancing its utility as a comprehensive CW station tool.

The free pdf book is a compilation of articles congenial to QRP published on 2003- 2005 years at free e- magazine AntenTop. 17 Mb pdf file.

The article "Exploring the World of 10 Meter Beacons" by Ken Reitz, KS4ZR, provides an in-depth look at 10-meter beacon operations, focusing on their utility for propagation analysis. It details FCC Rules part 97.203 governing beacon stations, including license requirements, power limits (under 100 watts), and the specified band segment of 28.200-28.300 MHz for U.S. operations. The content highlights the diversity in beacon construction, from converted CB radios to home-brew QRP transmitters, and discusses the robust operating conditions these 24/7 stations endure. The resource presents several case studies of active 10-meter beacon operators like Ron Anderson KA0PSE/B, Domenic Bianco KC9GNK/B, and Bill Hays WJ5O/B, detailing their equipment, antenna setups, and typical signal report volumes. It also introduces the NCDXF/IARU International Beacon Project, which features 18 synchronized beacons worldwide transmitting on 28.200 MHz at varying power levels (100W, 10W, 1W, 100mW) to facilitate propagation testing. The article also covers the PropNet Project utilizing PSK31 on 28.131 MHz and the 250 Synchronized Propagation Beacon Project on 28.250 MHz. Practical advice for monitoring includes using the RST reporting method, understanding the impact of the solar cycle on 10-meter propagation, and tips for setting up a personal beacon, such as frequency selection and power output considerations. The IY4M Guglielmo Marconi Memorial Beacon Robot on 28.195 MHz is also mentioned for its automatic QSO mode. The article concludes with a list of other resources for 10-meter beacon information.

Build a 5 watt, 80 meter QRP CW Transceiver Designed by N1HFX

QRP Kits and Projects for the low power Amateur Radio enthusiast

A NorCal Project A Crappie, not crappy, portable antenna

The St. Louis Vertical Revisited by Dave Gauding, NF0R here are a few ideas and observations on the St. Louis Vertical

The QRP choke balun described utilizes a high permeability ferrite rod and RG-174 coax, aiming to present high impedance to common-mode currents across the HF spectrum. The construction involves winding as many turns of RG-174 as possible around the ferrite rod, then encapsulating the assembly with hot glue. This design prioritizes maximizing inductance to suppress unwanted shield currents, particularly in unbalanced antenna configurations. While the balun's effectiveness is subjectively reported as good, a potential design consideration involves the dielectric properties of the hot glue. This material could increase turn-to-turn capacitance, potentially reducing the balun's performance at higher HF frequencies, though this specific aspect has not been formally tested by the author, _AA5TB_. The project serves as an illustrative example of a practical, junk-box construction rather than a rigorously engineered solution. Photographs detail the evolution of the balun, from the initial winding process to its integration within a _B&W dipole center insulator_ and final camouflaged assembly.

80 metre ceramic resonator VXO CW Transmitter by VK1PK

VU2VWN project to homebrew a CW for 40 meters band

A multi-mode QRP radio beacon built around the Arduino. This radio propagation beacon transmitter project is presented by M0XPD

Antenne Cadre Project by F5NGZ, description by F5TZA in french

Transverter for 70MHz, a project by G3XBM

AA7EE QRP DSB transceiver homebrew project

Some rules of thumb for beginners, with a QRP approach, by James R. Duffey KK6MC/5

Paddles made from readily available materials, like double sided PC board material and cost almost nothing to build.

Small and inexpensive homebrew HF radio 5W Output, CW SSB AM FM, DSP, Speech Processor, Sprectrum Scope, Watefall Display. mcHF is a small, home-brewed amateur radio project. Firmware is released as open source.

Roger, G3XBM, shares his extensive experience in **QRP** (low-power) amateur radio operation, detailing various aspects of transmitting with minimal power. The resource provides insights into VLF (Very Low Frequency) reception techniques and the construction of simple **crystal radio sets**, reflecting a foundational approach to radio experimentation. It includes links to external resources covering QRP clubs, online receivers, manufacturers, and technical references, offering a curated collection for enthusiasts. His page serves as a hub for those interested in the challenges and rewards of QRP, often comparing the efficacy of different low-power setups. The practical application extends to understanding basic radio principles through hands-on projects like crystal sets, which G3XBM has explored. The collected links provide a starting point for further research into specific QRP equipment or operating practices, drawing on G3XBM's long-standing engagement with the QRP community.

QRP and other projects from Honolulu, HI

A resurrection of some homebrew projects from our vintage years and the NorCal-sponsored project series in tribute to Doug DeMaw, W1FB

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 small random wire antenna tune that can tune from 40 to 10 meters bands.

Small QRP Z-match project for max 10 W output by DL2LTO

Software Defined Radio Projects, HF Receivers and Transceivers projects by YU1LM/QRP

An Homebrew 10 Meter transceiver

Photos from around the world of perhaps the most famous QRP project ever created. Vintage 1970's and newer versions of the Tuna Tin Two are featured.

Taking the venerable SMK-1 design to 20m and adding an RF amp, audio filter, and a TiCK Keyer ... by Wayne McFee, NB6M

Schematic of a homebrew receiver and keying

A family of small size QRP SSB transceivers for the 15 MHz. Includes a cigarette pocket size QRP transceiver and a larger shirt-pocket transceiver.

The FieldComm Association, based in Central Virginia, operates as a specialized amateur radio club with a primary interest in emergency communications. Members engage in various technical aspects of radio, including digital modes, QRP operations, and DXing. The association provides a platform for hams to develop skills in field deployment and reliable communication under challenging conditions, often leveraging modern digital protocols. This organization's activities support the practical application of amateur radio for public service, emphasizing readiness and operational proficiency. Members collaborate on projects and share knowledge, fostering expertise in areas like portable station setup and efficient data transmission. The focus on emergency communications distinguishes its operational priorities from general interest clubs, aligning its efforts with community preparedness.

The QRPSPOTS.com domain, once a dedicated resource for QRP operators to share real-time DX spots, has undergone a significant transformation. Previously, it served the amateur radio community by providing a platform for DX spotting, including features like a telnet cluster, web cluster, JOTA cluster, and integration with RBN and PSK Reporter data. This functionality was specifically tailored to the QRP operating mode, allowing hams running low power to find and share contacts effectively across various bands. However, the current iteration of the website, as observed, no longer presents any amateur radio content. Instead, it displays information related to a Chinese educational institution, featuring sections like "About Us," "Talent Training," "Teaching and Research," and "International Exchange." The site also lists academic notices, enrollment information for international professional qualifications, and details about CPA and ACCA project classes. This shift indicates that the domain has been repurposed, moving away from its original ham radio utility. The Four State QRP Group, which previously sponsored the QRP Spots service, is no longer associated with the content presented on this URL.

This project describes the construction of a real CW QRP keyer with a small microcontrolle

This project is based around the recent HF1 QRP transceiver by Ashhar Farhan, VU2ESE. The transceiver is an interesting SSB design with wide tuning range from 0-30MHz and should cover several amateur bands. The schematic for the transceiver can be found on the Minima mail list in this post with a PDF attachment

A 70 MHz QRP transverter project

A really simple project to make a power meter measuring RF output powers from a few mW up to half a watt. A DIY amateur radio project for QRP enthusiasts

Simple QRP projects, 10m, 6m, WSPR beaconing, sub-9kHz and other random stuff

Projects in ham radio, programming, and robotics. Specializing in amateur satellite operations.

An homemade HF, 6m, 2m SSB CW transceiver project by m0dgq

Italian station operating mostly in QRP Mode, contain some interesting QRP projects for portable antennas and antenna mounts.

This resource indicates that the specific page detailing the RockMite QRPp Rig CW transceiver project, previously hosted by WY3A on QSL.net, is currently inaccessible. The QSL.net platform, which provides free web hosting services to over 30,000 amateur radio operators and organizations, confirms the file or page no longer exists. Users are advised to attempt direct contact with the website owner or utilize an internet search to locate the content. The platform's error message clarifies that QSL.net support cannot assist in finding individual missing pages due to the decentralized maintenance of its numerous hosted sites. It encourages reporting any missing files related to the QSL.net main site itself. Donations are encouraged to support the free email and web services provided to the amateur radio community.

This project is a 40 meter to 6 meter CW "no tune" transverter using ten 2N2222 transistors and one 2N2907. The transverter requires 2 watts of drive from a 40 meter cw transceiver and outputs 2 watts on 6 meters.