SolderSmoke #254 (Audio and Video Versions): Australian Hex Beam Eaters, Fake Wires, Hybrid Rig, Antennas, Mythbuster II Transceiver, Mailbag

Hex Beam Eater

November 13, 2024

SolderSmoke Podcast #254 is available: 

Audio Version here:  http://soldersmoke.com/soldersmoke254.mp3

Video Version here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiZwWY1CQgI

Opening:  Disturbing news from Australia!  VK5RS reports that his Hex beam was EATEN by Cockatoos!  So stop whining about your HOA problems, OK?  It could be much worse! 

FAKE WIRES FROM CHINA!  Oh no!  Even the wires?  There is a good video from Mattias.  I have it on the SolderSmoke blog.  https://soldersmoke.blogspot.com/2024/11/clip-leads-made-with-fake-wire-buy-good.html  Important to note that Parts Candy doen't have this problem.  Buy your test clip leads from our sponsor, Parts Candy.  Link in the column on the right or go to partscandy (that's one word).com

Bill's appearance on the Ham Radio Workbench.  (Bill made some overly harsh comments about radio rejuvenation, and was trying to make amends.)  But now we throw down the gauntlet.  WE CHALLENGE the HRWB guys to build -- to homebrew - our TJ DC RX.  They will experience JOO, JVO and the elite status that comes with having built their own ham radio receiver.  And if they go on to build a 10 minute transmitter, they can use it for CW contacts.  Like on POTA (Thomas!) 

Anniversary approaching:  In August 2025 we will mark 20 years of the SolderSmoke podcast.  And we have already passed TEN YEARS OF JULIANISMO!  Pete joined the podcast on May 26, 2013.  Thanks Pete! 

Question for the group:   Which SSB transceivers did Doug DeMaw build?  

Pete's Bench:  Thermatron-Transistor Hybrid Goodness.  https://n6qw.blogspot.com/2024/10/blog-post_20.html

Dean's Bench:  The new Hex Beam (watch out for Cockatoos!)  Now that Dean and I both have Hex Beams, we plan on pointing them at Southern California in an effort to talk to an elusive RADIO GENIUS. Stay tuned! 

Dean's Hex Beam -- A Thing of Beauty

Also homebrew random wire with T match tuner for attic.  RF Burns!  

SHAMELESS COMMERCE:   Please link to our blog and podcast!   Please become a Patreon supporter (I have been posting special content there).  Be sure to make use of the great boards, parts and kits available at Mostly DIY RF.   Still use the Amazon link on the SolderSmoke blog page. 

Bill's Bench: The new Mythbuster II (20 meters only).  Built in about 3 weeks. On-the-air, while still on the bench!  Worked Euope and South Africa QRP.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6o9QerQ7jzg

Getting another CCI amp for the Dominican Republic. 

MAILBAG: 

-- Paul VK3HN,  talks about the nice sound of the Mythbuster II's receiver, and a new QRP rig from Dave Benson K1SWL. 

-- Rick N3FJZ sent some very kind words in support of the SolderSmoke podcast. Thanks Rick. 

-- Chris KD4PBJ sent us a very nice message.  Thanks Chris. 

-- Kevin from Belgium sent a nice blog post in support of SolderSmoke. 

-- John WB4BTL spotted his old call (from 1974) in my Novice Log.  

-- Dave KD2E spotted his Novice call in  my Novice log:  WN2TBB. He also  saw a good friend WN2EHE. 

-- Mehmet who has the awesome and useful WEBSDR of NA5B helped me with a Facebook problem.  Thanks Mehmet! 

-- Mike WN2A asked about the Yaesu FT-101 9 MHz VFOs. 

-- Phil W1PJE (from MIT!) writes about old broadcast radio shows. And some really nice words of encouragement. 

-- Grayson KJ7UM sent kind words of encouragement, and great background on hybrid rigs. 

-- Peter VK3TPM writes about the decline of blogging, but notes that blogs are useful repositories. 

-- Todd K7TFC sent me some additional Mostly DIY RF boards.  Thanks Todd! 

-- Ed DD5LP/G8GLM  Kind words on SolderSmoke, nice info on the G-QRP 50th edition. 

-- Bill AH6FC  Encouraging words and good info on solar.  Mahalo Bill!  

-- Michael AG5VG Building LC VFOs for 7 MHz.  FB OM!

-- Bob K7ZB An EE who likes the treatment of mixers in the SolderSmoke book.