Month: July 2016

SolderSmoke Podcast #188: Blue Rig, 6U8 RX, Dial strings, Hamfest, VFO Builds, MAILBAG

SolderSmoke Podcast #188 is available.

http://soldersmoke.com/soldersmoke188.mp3

 Audio “sparkle”

Bench Reports:
Pete: Blue Rig, Amplifier Project, LBS and Simpleceivers around the world
Si5351s in the new Elecraft KX2

 Bill:
Mighty Midget Mate 6U8 RX Refinement
Using a Millen 61455 IF can
Broad, but beautiful. But not as nice as PA3GSV’s
Tweaking a VFO the old fashioned way
Reduction Drive Re-works.
A Confession: Using Amplified Computer Speakers

 Back to the lipsticked pig. Pete convinces Bill to fix the S38-E
dial cord.

Manassas Hamfest Report.

Field Day.

Mysteries:

Who is WV2YAU

Who sold Bill the hombrew SWR meter at Manassas?

MAILBAG

Hardcore Homebrew SWR Measurement

No store-bought, appliance, CB-ish Radio Shack SWR meters for the OM who built the SWR sensor on the right. No! He rolled his own center conductor and pick-up loops. Dennis Klipa and I have been exploring the theory behind SWR meters, so when I saw this thing, I immediately went for it. I picked it up at the Manassas Hamfest. I kick myself for not asking the seller for the story behind this project. If anyone has any ideas on how/why/who built this thing, please let me know. The seller was tailgating close to the stables at Manassas on June 19, 2016.