Alongside the RF probe Steve G0FUW provided a build document for a crystal oscillator for testing in the sudden transceiver project. This was a nice simple build and seems to be working well, I used the RF probe to check that it was working then tuned to the signal on my transceiver to verify the frequency.
As part of the QRP build group Steve G0FUW has provided build documents for a couple of pieces of test equipment. I started building this a few weeks ago but needed to get some bits – croc clips, banana plugs and finally some stiff wire. Getting the Christmas decorations last weekend I spotted some nice stiff copper wire and so finally finished off the build. It is simple and uses a multimeter for readings, but does the job.
I’ve finally got going with second part of the Sudden SSB N6QW Transceiver, I had a couple of false starts when I was missing components, not helped by the fact that I didn’t realise that I needed two of these to begin with…should have read the build document more thoroughly!
Having completed both amps the voltages all seem to be vaguely reasonable, however I have made a mistake. I incorrectly wound the transformers on the left they two coils are wound in opposite direction so I’ll have to sort that, but another day.
Having put the finishing touches to the audio amp I’ve now powered it up and given it the finger on the input treatment, I get buzzing and can hear a slight increase in noise with volume so it seems to be working correctly.
I need to actually try putting some audio through it, but for now it’s complete and can await the other stages.
Earlier this week I made a start on the audio amplifier for the Sudden SSB N6QW Transceiver I’m building with the scratch QRP build group, yes another audio amp! I decided on a Manhattan approach using “Manhattan Style Solder Pads” from Kanga Products which are great and allow for a much neater approach than ugly (obviously) and for me a much easier construction style than vero board, which I grew to hate in putting together the audio amp that I built for M0NTV direct conversion receiver which I’m still debugging. One thing I have noticed with Manhattan is that you really do need to get the placement of the pad right first time as the glue sets pretty much instantly, no time for hesitation!
A great thing about the pads from Kanga Products is that they are double sided, one side is a single pad and the other side is split into a double pad, I have found this very useful for various situations where you want to fit a couple of pads close together. The double pads can been seen on my board used for the IC sockets and just above the IC on the left where I have used a double rather than two singles for neatness and to keep the pads compact.
I just need to add a 2r7 on the bottom right, connect up the volume pot, connect up the speaker and add a connection wire, then pop in the ICs and it should be ready to power up!
A little while ago Steve Hartley G0FUW posted to the GQRP reflector that he was thinking of running a small building group for people with zero or very little scratch building experience looking to build a 17m N6QW Sudden SSB transceiver in modules. I expressed my interest along with quite a few others and the group got going with Steve running it along with Nick G8INE.
Steve and Nick compared previous notes and put together a shopping list of items required for the project as well as providing a build techniques guide going through various construction techniques such as manhattan, veroboard, printed pcb…
I’ve got together the various components and have made a start on the audio amplifier, a post on that to follow…
