Monday, October 31, 2011

Dropping off my ARRL Homebrew Challenge 3 radio at the ARRL Headquarters today


Hitting the road to drop of my entry into the ARRL Homebrew Challenge 3 (challenge to build a complete amateur radio from scratch).  This is for the 10m and 6m class.

TX power is about 70-75 watts on both 10 and 6.  It uses the NXP BLF647 LDMOS for the PA, an Si570 for the VFO, AD8009a current feedback op-amps for the pre-driver and first IF amplifier.  It also uses lots of old school parts for the chassis and front panel controls (each of which has an easy-to-find modern equivalent).

I will post two youtube videos soon.  One on the construction of this radio and the 2nd on how to use this radio with an on-air demo.

73, Greg N8ZRY


Tuesday, October 25, 2011

MSU alumnus can see through walls

Check out this article and video in the State News. The video is hilarious!

'if i could see through walls i would....'

MSU alumnus can see through walls

I miss Michigan State. Can't wait to go back again soon to visit everyone. Thank you Kelsie for your article, Go Green!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Monday, October 10, 2011

homebrew amateur radio equipment inspiration: K5AM's homebrew contest station

[photo: k5am station}

This is a truly amazing radio station! All of the equipment was developed and built by K5AM. I like the appearance of this gear, it is how a radio should look.

For more info: K5AM - NCJ Article

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Senior Member of the IEEE


Was recently elevated to Senior Member of the IEEE.  Hopefully this will help me to contribute more to the engineering community as a whole and further some of the more crazy ideas (such as learning by making something), or help to grow some of our popular conferences such as the 2010 Symposium on Phased Array Systems and Technology.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

homebrew amateur radio equipment inspiration: N6QW

A mmic based 20M transceiver. This makes implementation of complicated radio systems less complicated allowing the developer to focus on system level issues such as tuning, transmit signal chain stability, well-built chassis, etc.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

homebrew amateur radio equipment inspiration: Wa7MLH

The WA7MLH home brew radio equipment is very intersting, extensive re-use of old chassis and parts.

Many unique designs all of which appear to be lowest cost possible.

Impressive work and worth looking at:

Sunday, October 2, 2011

ARRL Homebrew Challenge 3 Radio is Complete!!







My ARRL Homebrew 3 Challenge radio is now complete!  This radio is dual band, 10m & 6m, SSB and CW.  It provides over 100 watts of transmit power at 10m and 70 watts at 6m.
It features new technology such as the NXP Semiconductor BLF647 LDMOS power RF mosfet, AD8009a current feedback op-amps for the IF and pre-drivers.  Signal meter shows RF voltage at the antenna terminals.  It uses an old Motorola police microphone, military connectors for power and microphone, and has 1 Hz tuning resolution with a digital display.
Next step:  use it on the air.  I'm sure i will run into further issues using it on the air, but this is part of the process.  

Stay tuned.....