Saturday, January 28, 2017

SolderSmoke Podcast #193: BITX 40, OLEDs, KWM-4, Noise Abatement


SolderSmoke 193   28 Jan 2017


Report from Pete on BITX 40 Session with California radio club.

Update on the BITX40 Module Revolution
-- Check out the BITXHACKS page.  Send in contributions.
-- BITX20 mailing list very active.
-- Raduino!
-- Interview with Farhan with W5KUB --   Eliminating the commercial gear.
-- BITX 40s on the beach in Australia.  FB

Bench Reports:

Pete:
-- Color Displays!
-- KWM-4
-- OLED MADNESS!

Bill: 
-- Fixing up the old HT-37   HT37 to HT37 QSO with W1ZB
-- Dabbling in VHF with Ramsey Aircraft band receiver.  NOT FUN.
-- Going all IC with Si5351 OLED NE602 rig.
-- BANDSWEEP
-- OLED Noise and the Active Decoupling solution.

Using LTSPICE as a diagnostic or understanding tool.

Of Waterfalls, Homebrew Rigs and Casual Critics on 40 meters. Words of Wisdom from W8JI.

LEXICON:  HAYWIRE   TOMBSTONE    BIKESHEDDING from Todd K7TFC

Some great recent interviews by Eric 4Z1UG:
Ian G3ROO  Origins of ROO   Regen at age 8
Hans Summers G0UPL     Balloons!   NO COMMECIAL GEAR
David White WN5Y          ELECTROLUMINESCENT  RECEIVER EXPLAINED
Rob Sherwood NC0B 

MAILBAG: 

Chris KD4PBJ's BITX 40 with improved stability
Jerry W0PWE built a DIGITIA!  Very nice.  Worked Keith N6ORS and heard me! TRGHS
Mike AB1YK's Al Fresco Scratch built BITX.  But give that LC VFO another chance Mike!
Steve N8NM 30 meter rig with salvaged CB LC VFO. FB
Keith N6ORS Franken SDR rig with parts from the 1980s.  FB
SKN Bandscan from Mike WA6ARA  I worked W1PID Jim!
What is Mikele up to?
Rocking Johannesburg and Kirghizstan via local repeaters:


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10 comments:

  1. Dale W4OPJanuary 28, 2017 at 2:57 PM

    Hi Bill,
    I would like to recommend:
    https://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/panel-indicator-lights/filter/Base_Type,BA9S,1,454:
    For modern replacements for the ubiquitous #47 and other bayonette bulbs. These are LED in warm white and have the advantage of low current drain (about 10X less than a #47) and no heat that can discolor plastic dials. I have been using them on my restorations for more than 10 years now:
    http://www.parelectronics.com/vintage-radio-restoration.php
    The best part, they are almost free. The warm whites do not have that annoying blue cast to them. Check out the National NC-270 as that shows the color well. I thought about diffusing the illumination "spot beam" from them but it is identical to the original incandescents, so I left them alone.

    Dale W4OP

    ReplyDelete
  2. RandyJanuary 28, 2017 at 3:41 PM

    Bill & Pete,

    Looking forward to listening.

    I have been bitten by the BITX bug. I have my BITX40 with Raduino running. I made 7 contacts last Saturday during the NA QSO party. I have one un-boxing video posted. A second video will be release Weds showing a bit of wiring and operating.

    Keep up the good work

    Randy, K7AGE

    ReplyDelete
  3. Mikele 9a3xzJanuary 28, 2017 at 3:54 PM

    still another great podcast ,fantastic guys ,Bill and Pete ,bravooo ,lets go on ;) 9a3xz,Mikele

    ReplyDelete
  4. Mikele 9a3xzJanuary 28, 2017 at 3:56 PM

    still another great podcast ,fantastic guys ,Bill and Pete ,bravooo ,lets go on ;) 9a3xz,Mikele

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ray M0DHPJanuary 29, 2017 at 5:17 PM

    Hi Bill. These could be the mechanic's gloves you've seen on Wheeler Dealers.

    http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorsport/mechanics-gloves/tiger-grip-professional-nitrile-work-gloves-box-of-100


    73 Ray

    ReplyDelete
  6. N8NMJanuary 29, 2017 at 11:50 PM

    FB Podcast!

    It took a while for me to warm up to using the mechanics gloves, but I've become a fan of them. I don't know if I could manage SMD stuff with 'em on, but I rarely do any metal work without them. It's just easier to work when you're not bleeding...

    73 - Steve N8NM

    ReplyDelete
  7. GryffynJanuary 31, 2017 at 9:20 AM

    Quick note about "tombstone"... I've heard it used before (I believe on the Amp Hour podcast) when talking about reflowing and how there are things you can do to avoid "tombstoning" components. Not so good if you're trying to get surface mount components situation and one decides to "stand up" due to the laws of liquid solder physics and other forces.

    Cheers!

    Trevor
    Annapolis, MD

    ReplyDelete
  8. Bill MearaFebruary 1, 2017 at 5:42 AM

    On the gloves: Thanks for the info, but I'm guessing that it wouldn't be good if the soldering iron touched that plastic and had it melt onto the operator's hand! Ouch!

    ReplyDelete
  9. DB8TSMarch 6, 2017 at 3:05 PM

    Hey Bill! I've googled a little bit too and found Edd's (original) orange gloves at greasejunkie.com
    We are looking forward for your report now ;)

    Thanks for another episode of soldersmoke podcast!

    73 - Tobias DB8TS

    ReplyDelete