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Some modifications for the Tigertronics Signalink USB sound card radio interface

DragonOS is a linux distribution dedicate to Software Defined Radio. It leverages the portability, security, and power of Lubuntu Linux as a delivery package and operating environment for a pre-installed suite of the most powerful and accessible open source SDR software. DragonOS has verified support for a range of inexpensive and powerful SDR hardware, including RTL-SDR, HackRF One, LimeSDR, BladeRF, and many others.

Elecraft K3 vs. ICOM IC-781 vs. Kenwood TS-850: comparative Measurements and Experience

L4B by Drake amplifier mod

Constructing a compact directional antenna for the 17-meter band, this resource details the build process for a Moxon rectangle, a two-element Yagi variant with folded-back elements. It covers the antenna's evolution from the _VK2ABQ beam_ and provides specific dimensions for a version built using fishing pole whips. The content includes a discussion of the antenna's radiation pattern, feedpoint impedance, and its inherent front-to-back ratio, which is often superior to a standard two-element Yagi. Practical considerations for element spacing and material choices are also addressed, alongside a visual representation of the antenna's physical layout. Performance data presented includes a comparison showing the Moxon rectangle's **2.5 dB gain** over a half-wave dipole and a front-to-back ratio of **20 dB**. The resource also touches upon the antenna's relatively wide bandwidth for a two-element beam and its suitability for portable operations due to its compact footprint. It offers insights into optimizing the design for specific operating conditions and discusses the advantages of its lower take-off angle compared to omnidirectional wire antennas, making it effective for DX contacts on the 17-meter band.

A collection of audio amplifier projects by N1HFX

A synthesized 2.3 GHz Amateur Television (ATV) transmitter design, conceived by Ian G6TVJ, is presented, targeting broadcast-quality video performance on the 13cm band and extending up to 2.6 GHz. The core of the design utilizes a commercial Z-comm Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) that tunes from 2.2-2.7 GHz, providing a +10 dBm output and simplifying RF alignment. This VCO's stability, originally intended for narrowband applications, readily accepts high-frequency video modulation, contributing to the transmitter's robust performance. The exciter stage, incorporating a Mini Circuits VNA 25 MMIC amplifier, boosts the signal to +16dBm, while a Plessey SP4982 prescaler divides the output frequency for the synthesizer. The synthesizer employs a Motorola MC145151 CMOS parallel IC, favored over the common Plessey SP5060 for its superior video modulation characteristics and ease of programming without microprocessors. This choice addresses issues like LF tilt and distorted field syncs often seen with SP5060 designs, particularly when operating through repeaters or over long distances. The MC145151 divides the signal further, enabling precise frequency stepping, with programming handled by EPROMs for channel selection and LED display. The loop filter network, critical for video integrity, was developed through experimentation to prevent the PLL from reacting to video modulation, ensuring a clean transmitted picture. The transmitter incorporates a Down East Microwave commercial power amplifier module, delivering approximately 1.6W output, driven by the exciter through a 3dB attenuator. Construction involves surface-mount SHF components on micro-strip lines etched onto double-sided fiberglass board, housed within a tinplate box. The design boasts no AC coupling in the video path, preserving low-frequency response, a common failing in other ATV transmitters. Performance tests with a 50Hz square wave revealed no LF distortion, and a calibrated "Pulse & Bar" signal showed a near 100% HF response, demonstrating its capability for high-quality ATV transmissions.

This circuit is very simple and has a fantastic range of potential uses.

Collection of ATV projects

N1HFX project to improve PL tone encoder providing a more stable frequency

This article was first published in CQ-TV issue 208. Author try to explain digital television in layman's terms and without getting too involved in mathematics.

NHRC-2 Based Repeater Controller A perfect controller for a simple repeater or link, or portable/solar powered system.

A Tape Measure Beam Antenna for Radio Direction Finding based on WB2HOL design.

The CAT and audio interface version 3 project by PA5CA presents a comprehensive solution for integrating amateur radio transceivers with computer sound cards, facilitating digital mode operation and CAT control. It includes detailed schematics for the interface circuitry, illustrating the isolation transformers for audio paths and optocouplers for CAT data lines, ensuring robust electrical separation between radio and PC. The resource also provides PCB layouts, enabling constructors to fabricate their own boards for this specific design. The project outlines the component selection and assembly process, emphasizing the use of readily available parts to build a reliable interface. It addresses common challenges in sound card interfacing, such as ground loops and RF interference, through its isolated design. This construction guide offers practical insights into building a functional interface, making it suitable for hams interested in DIY radio accessories for digital modes like FT8, RTTY, and PSK31.

QJackRcd is a simple stereo recorder for Jack with few features as silence processing for automatic pause, file splitting, background file post-processing.

A Linux Smith charting program. You can enter either discrete components or transmission lines, see the results on screen and/or generate Postscript output. Component values can be changed numerically or using scrollbar

Some techniques on homebrewing yagi antennas by VK5AJL

LPI personnel have combined experience over many years in servicing customers throughout the world. Our experience covers projects in some of the most lightning prone areas.

The workaday world of antenna & tower projects. Posted by K4ZA, Tower Works, Charlotte NC.

Crystal receivers, construction projects and plans, old-time crystal sets, hints, crystal receiver store.

A simple VHF quarter wave antenna from PL25

Constructing a digital interface for the Elecraft K2 transceiver, this resource details the "Fat Wire" design by WG4S. It demonstrates how to integrate a sound card for digital modes, outlining specific connections to the K2's microphone jack and internal audio path. The author shares practical insights from his build, including the use of _RG-62_ coax for its flexible braid and the strategic placement of components like the 2.2K resistor and _2N2222_ transistor. The guide provides a breakdown of the interface's internal wiring, specifying connections for AF In (pin 1), AF Out (pin 5), PTT (pin 2), and Ground (pin 7) on the K2's microphone connector. It also covers the external connections to a laptop's headphone and line-in jacks, along with a DB-9 connector for PTT control via _DTR_ or RTS lines. The author notes that his laptop's headphone output level was sufficient for the K2, negating the need for an attenuator. Reflecting on the design, the author, Dan WG4S, acknowledges a later suggestion to house the components directly within the DB-9 shell for a more compact build. This iterative feedback highlights the ongoing evolution of DIY ham radio projects and the community's collaborative spirit in refining designs.

Balloon Projects, scheduled launches at amsat

Battery-powered monitor designed to provide an audible indication of keying for those whose rigs lack a CW sidetone

Amateur projects to investigate radiowave propagation - G3PLX's chirp project, ionosonde database, and more

A stepper switch controller made with arduino by N3OX

Describes Atlantic Tower Services (ATS), a company specializing in antenna tower erection and maintenance, operating from Orlando, Florida. ATS offers a range of services including site maintenance, structural repairs, system modifications, and complete tower installations for various communication needs. The company emphasizes its capability to handle diverse tower projects, from routine inspections to complex upgrades, ensuring structural integrity and optimal performance for amateur radio and commercial installations. ATS focuses on delivering reliable infrastructure solutions, supporting the backbone of communication systems. Their service portfolio covers critical aspects of tower ownership, addressing both preventative care and reactive solutions for existing structures. They are equipped to manage projects involving different tower types and heights, adhering to safety standards and operational best practices. Services include **site maintenance** and _structural modifications_.

A Picaxe Morse Code keyer project with source code and links to useful resources by K6ACJ

Homebrew Tube Projects, Vacuum Tube Data, Articles From Old Handbooks

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

A home made project for an ATV RF power amplifier

Constructing a dip oscillator provides radio amateurs with a fundamental piece of test equipment for resonant circuit analysis. This particular design, adapted by VK3YE from a concept by _Drew Diamond VK3XU_, details a practical build using readily available components. The unit incorporates four plug-in coils, covering a frequency range from **2.6 MHz to 55 MHz**, mounted on 5-pin DIN plugs for versatility. A salvaged two-gang air dielectric variable capacitor, fitted with a vernier reduction drive, serves as the tuning mechanism, with the smaller gang optimizing bandspread at higher frequencies. In practical application, the dip oscillator is used by setting the meter needle to approximately two-thirds scale. When the instrument's coil is brought near a tuned circuit under test, a noticeable dip in the meter reading indicates resonance. This allows for precise measurement of resonant frequencies in antennas, filters, and other RF circuitry, proving invaluable for homebrewing and troubleshooting. The design emphasizes short wire runs for stable operation, particularly at the higher end of its operational range.

Adding a 20m band pass filter for the Icom IC-706MkII(G) by ON7EQ

Twenty-four repeaters, including D-STAR and Fusion systems, are maintained and operated by MARCA Inc., primarily located on Arizona mountaintops and around the Phoenix metropolitan area. The organization, holding the callsign _W7MOT_, facilitates a wide range of amateur radio activities, such as ARRL Field Day events near Forest Lakes, Arizona, and participation in ARRL FMT contests. Members engage in antenna experimentation, construction, and maintenance trips to repeater sites. The club's interests span diverse topics, including HF voice, digital modes like _WSPR_, _WSJT-X_ (FT8, FT4), and CW, alongside DXing, MESH networking, and EOC operations. It supports technologies from SDR radio building to antique radio restoration and computer-based operations like Echolink, fostering a Single Board Computer (SBC) and Raspberry Pi group. Monthly meetings, held on the third Tuesday, feature business discussions and guest presentations, with informal summer gatherings and an annual holiday dinner in December. Monthly VE testing sessions for Technician, General, and Extra Class licenses are conducted by Ray Vasquez, K4RMV. Post-meeting discussions often cover specialized interests such as repeater operations, technical topics, D-STAR, SDR, APRS, Fusion, and Raspberry Pi projects.

Interfacing the Jabra 9450 flex wireless headset to the Icom IC 7300 ham radio trasceiver.

Add bands to your Hustler xBTV Series Vertical

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

Schematic of a fast charger for Gel Cell batteries

A PTT switch from Home Depot parts

Band filters for PA6Z made by PA9M, designed by W3NQN.

Blog site for various home brew projects including antennas, power dividers etc

News/Projects for Amateur Radio

13cms and 23cms ATV my projects and builds. Also using wifi amps on 13cms, 13cms dish feeds using a Sky dish. GB3CZ

A shortwave radio listeners log book runs on Windows and MacOS Catalina and above. The KB6IBB SWL Logger is a program designed for the shortwave radio listener. It offers shortwave specific logging of stations, with most tasks handled automatically. The program also incorporates the use of EiBi shortwave database for logging and looking up various known shortwave stations world wide.

Details on projects by WA3TFS published in QST magazine over the past few years. Includes an online shop with several ham radio kits, circuit boards, simple SDR transceivers

Modifications to an Ameritron ALS 600 power amplifier by AF6SA

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

Repairing and restoring a Tektronix 465 oscilloscope

Installing a mobile rig in a vehicle requires careful planning and execution to ensure optimal performance and safety. The process begins with selecting the right equipment, such as the ICOM IC706MKII for low bands and the ALINCO DR-610 for VHF/UHF operations. Proper mounting is crucial; both radios are strategically placed under the back seat of the Silverado, allowing for a clean installation while maintaining passenger comfort. The Hustler antenna, equipped with various resonators, ensures coverage across multiple bands, while the LDG automatic antenna tuner fine-tunes the match for efficient operation. A remote head for the tuner enhances accessibility, making adjustments easier while driving. Each step of the installation is documented to provide insights and tips for fellow operators looking to enhance their mobile setup. The experience shared here reflects practical knowledge gained through hands-on work, aiming to inspire others in the ham community to undertake similar projects.

Build a 7 Element 4M (70MHz) Beam By Paul M1CCZ