We are pleased to report that OM Jack, NG2E, has successfully built a Michigan Mighty Mite transmitter, and has experienced JOO (the joy of oscillation). You can see Jack's prototype in the video below:
Jack has his eye on more ambitious homebrew projects, but is wisely taking a step-by-step approach. He described his plans this way:
- Capture this MMM into a semi-permanent design: ie, perf board.
- Measure performance. What does the carrier wave look like on a scope?
- Build a low-pass filter.
- Can I amplify the signal? Maybe add an amplifier stage or two. Transistor?
- Next, let's look at receivers. Pete & Bill recommend that I build a Direct Conversion receiver. I know Peter Parker (VK3YE) has a simplified version.
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Jack is a truly dangerous man. Note the "Self Repair Manifesto" on the wall over his bench...
ReplyDeleteHe probably melts solder (60/40) in his spare time, also.
Bruce - KK0S
Rest easy Bruce. That is actually the SolderSmoke bench of yours truly. Jack came by to visit. But you are right in being apprehensive -- his shack may soon look as bad as mine! 73 Bill
ReplyDeleteBill, my shack is a 4'x 3-1/2' desk which is also my work-from-home area. That gives me a precious 2' x 1-1/2' space for building. We take what we can get, I suppose.
DeleteBeautiful analog power up drift there, let's hope it chirps just a little bit when keyed. There's no better sound on the bands!
ReplyDelete73Paul VK3HN.
Nice looking bench. I too admired the manifesto, and Jack himself would be a good poster boy for the hobby; got that man's man air about him. Then I spotted the Folgers decaf can. Tell me its your mother-in-law's, Jack
ReplyDeleteI've always loved the sound of the MMM because for some reason it sounds a lot like the vintage tube transmitters. Love it... 73
ReplyDeleteI'm looking at the plans for this right now. I'm wondering if the variable capacitor could be replaced by a simple mylar capacitor of about 10nf.
ReplyDeleteZephod: Yes, sure you can try with fixed capacitors. Try starting with about 150 pf total, then add or subtract until the thing starts oscillating. That is what you'd be doing with the variable cap anyway. Let us know how this works out. Good luck. Bill
ReplyDelete