A FIRST! K1OA Contact with N2CQR -- All Homebrew with SolderSmoke Direct Conversion Receivers on Both Ends

At around 0630 EDT on June 7, 2025 I heard K1OA calling CQ on 7030 kHz CW. This was exactly where I had a crystal.  I called him, but he didn't hear me.  I sent him an e-mail.  We tried again -- he heard me calling him and I heard him responding by calling me, but I don't think we succeeded in exchanging signal reports. It was close, but no cigar.  

I had to walk the dog. Scott and I agreed to meet on 7030 kHz at 0730 EDT.  Arggh.  There was a QSO there.  I thought we might have to try to change frequency, but this would have been tough because both of us were crystal controlled on transmit.   Fortunately, the contact on 7030 kHz wrapped up.   Scott called me, I responded, and we were able to exchange signal reports.  I was so excited that I almost forgot to hit the record button on my phone.   But I caught the last minute or so.  See above.  

This was really something.  This really goes to prove what Dean and I have been saying all along:  this receiver is not a toy!  It can be used for real ham radio contacts.  And now we have had these receivers on both ends of a contact.  For transmit, Scott was using a KA4KXX transmitter with about 3 watts output.  I was on my Tuna Tin 2 at about half a watt output.   

Thanks Scott! And thank you Walter!  

A Tale of "Ten Minute Transmitters" and "Tuna Tin Twos": N2CQR Goes Back to CW QRP!

Inspired by K1OA and KA4KXX, I put the SolderSmoke DC receiver to work on the CW portion of 40 meters. At first I used a very (perhaps overly) simple "Ten Minute" transmitter. On June 4, 2025 I worked N2WJW in New Jersey. But the transmitter drifted as it got hot. So I switched to the more robust Tuna Tin 2 (TWO transistors!) and worked W2XS in NY and N9FGC in Indiana on June 5. With both transmitters I was "rock bound" -- crystal controlled. Power out was always less than 200 milliwatts. Antenna was a low to the ground dipole. The receiver was powered by our beloved 9V battery. The transmitter had a second 9V battery. Some observations: First, even if you CAN hear other signals, the different tones allow your brain to seperate them out (this has long been known to CW operators, but might not be readily apparent to newcomers). So even if the DC receiver is broad in frequency response and even though it IS also receiving the other side of zero beat, you can make CW contacts (unless, of course, another station is on a frequency that produces exactly the same tone as the one you are trying to work), even at very low power . Second, you don't always really have to be right on the other station's frequency. Here's why: If he is looking he can see you in his waterfall! So that SDR waterfall is now a friend to crystal-controlled HDR operators. Who would have thought? Above is a picture of the my station with the Ten Minute transmitter. See the notes I wrote on the QSO with N2WJW.

Ten Minute Transmitter (the gray thing is a CW key)

Direct Conversion Receiver

Tuna Tin 2 that replaced the Ten Minute Transmitter

Note battery and crystal

Calvin KE8ICE's SolderSmoke Direct Conversion Receiver

Calvin KE8ICE said that building this receiver marks his transition from a kit assembler to a homebrewer.  FB! 

Check out this short video of Calvin's receiver in action: 

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BbcBVmmKygw

Thanks Calvin! 

For more details on this project, and info on how you could build this receiver see:

Join the discussion - SolderSmoke Discord Server:

https://discord.gg/Fu6B7yGxx2

 

Documentation on Hackaday:

https://hackaday.io/project/190327-high-schoolers-build-a-radio-receiver

 

SolderSmoke YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@soldersmoke 

Mr. Carlson Restores a BC-348 -- But 40 Meters Sounds Very Weak. Why?

Mr. Carlson mentions that he is a ham radio AMer.  He is also on SSB, but AM is, he says, his preferred mode.  FB. 

I got a real chuckle about the MVC switch position on the front panel.  "Manual Volume Control"  like "Manual Gain Control."  I thought I had invented this term.  You know, "real hams control their gain manually."  This is why Farhan never put AGC in the BITX20. But it seems the Army Air Corps was way ahead of me with the BC-348.    

Mr. Carlson makes it sound (!) like the Dynamotors are a thing of the past.  Not true.  Every Saturday morning I listen to the Old Miltary Radio Net and hear a number of Dynamoters spinning in the background.  One belongs to Buzz W3EMB who uses a BC-348.  Buzz has an SDR attached to the IF of his BC-348, which I think is an admirable mix of the old and the new.  Those BC-348s are, after all, quite old.  WWII old -- like 85 years old.  And still working.  

Paul has a good discussion of the importance of short lead length, and of mounting shielded capacitors properly, and of the usefullness of a good groundplane under the capacitor.  Go Manhattan boards!  Paul's presentation on how to identify the outside foil of a capacitor was very good, but I was wondering if you could also find out by using a file to remove some of the yellow insulation, then test with a DMM to see which terminal is connected to the foil. 

"Lots of times you have to add solder to remove solder."  Indeed. 

The importance of testing for BOTH capacitance and leakage.  Yes. 

But why bother with "period correct" internal wiring harnesses, when you have already put a bunch of modern caps in there?   I mean, I'm in favor of the re-capping, but this seems inconsistent with the need for "period correct" internal wiring harnesses. 

When Paul first fired up the receiver, I was hoping he would disconnect the antenna to see how much band noise was getting through. 

When Paul got to the IF alignment, he spoke of the dangers of working on energized high-voltage gear.  I had been thinking about getting a BC-348 myelf, but Paul's comments reminded me of why this is probably not a good idea for me.  Paul's comments about "knowing where your hands are" is on target.  "One hand behind the back, " is a good rule for this kind of energized testing -- this will help prevent current from a mishap from flowing through your chest.  

I may have more comments later.  Off to the beach now.  

Back from the beach:   

"Contrary to popular belief, the simpler the receiver, the better they hear."  Amen Mr. C. 

Paul's heroic cleaning of the 915 kc crystal made me feel like a wimp for not having tried to do this with some "bad" 455 kc rocks I was given while trying to build the Mate for the Mighty Midget receiver.  I may go back to those crystals and try to clean them as Mr. C did. 

The grand finale of this 2.5 hour video was, as expected, a demonstration of how good it sounds.  But unfortunately it did not sound good.  Paul tuned through the 40 meter band and I heard NO CW signals.  I didn't even hear FT8.   There were a few anemic SSB signals and, as he reached the upper portion of the band some very weak AM broadcast signals.  I didn't even hear CHU Canada's time signal.  Huh?  Why?   Our very simple homebrew Direct Conversion receiver sounds a LOT better than that.  I mean look at the sweep of 40 meters that I did using only a simple dipole:  https://soldersmoke.blogspot.com/2024/12/an-evening-bandscan-on-40-meters-using.html  Why is there such a big difference in performance? 

Could it be the antenna that Paul was using?   He was on what he calls the 369 antenna.   Could there be a problem in the receiver?  Could it be band conditions?   

Donnie WA9TGT's Direct Conversion Receivers

Donnie WA9TGT writes: 

I recently built my first basic 40 meter (DC receiver) from http://www.qrpkits.com/  that uses the common SA602 & LM386 chip combo with Varactor diode tuning. I didn’t want to scratch build a DC Rx simply because I first wanted to build up this simple kit with its included PCB and at least play with it a little just to see if it was something I mite wanted to further pursue. I’ve since decided yes I want to, even with all a DC receivers short comings. It’s was nearly as rewarding hearing my call being sent back to me for the very first time coming through this little DC Rx after calling CQ as it was back in 1966 during my very first Novice contact. 

Donnie's inspirational QRZ.com page:  https://www.qrz.com/db/WA9TGT

KE5HPY's Altoids Direct-Conversion Receiver for 40 Meters

Click on the image for a much clearer view.

It is a thing of beauty.  You can see all four stages in there.  There is the Bandpass Filter in the upper left.  Below that is the VFO.  In the center you can see the SBL-1 mixer. Off to the right is the audio amplifier.  FB Chuck! 

Chuck KE5HPY writes: 

Allow me to add an endorsement of the joy and practicality of the DC receiver. Whether XTO, VFO or DDS, ring diode mixer, or Polykov, the DC IF concept is a real winner.  They really deliver wonderful audio and clarity that is very satisfying for homebrew builder.

Thought you might enjoy these photos of a 40 m receiver and built 10 or so years ago.  The design is straight out of EMRFD.  At that time, the Altoid tin craze was in full swing and this is one of several projects I stuffed in a tin.  This compact receiver has traveled on lots of camping and kayak trips where it delivered good DX reception using only a 30 foot piece of wire for antenna running back to the tent. It’s fun to hear intercontinental QSOs when you’re in the middle of nowhere. With my 40 m dipole attached at home, I think this little rig can hear anything my Icom hears.  

It’s great that you’re promoting this practical technology. Keep up the good work.

An Evening Bandscan on 40 Meters using the High-School Direct-Conversion Receiver

This video shows how useful this receiver really is.  Build one of these!

Listening to 40 meters on the DC Receiver -- And I Heard a Distinguished Homebrewer!

I made the video above to show postential builders how useful our Direct Conversion receiver really is.  Late in the video (starting at 11:17), I heard a station calling CQ.  It was N4QR.  A check of QRZ.com shows it was Bob Null.  Here is picture from Bob's QRZ page: 

Check out the old general coverage receiver and -- wait for it -- the homebrew thermatron transmitter.  TRGHS. 

Google led me to this amazing video by Stever N4LQ that describes a book that N4QR put together on how to build thermatron transmitters from Junkbox/Hamfest parts: 

Steve N4LQ is in contact with Bob N4QR and asked him which transmitter he was using when I heard him.  Bob said he thinks it was his 30 watt 807 final transmitter. 

Thanks Bob. and thanks Steve!

My Receiver Doesn't Work Right! What Should I Do?

An early version of our DC receiver.  Note the tuning guide under the grey tuning knob. 

We prepared this for use by the high school students who were building direct conversion receivers. Unfortunately none of them got to the point where they would use this little article, but given the fact that a number of people are now engaged in direct conversion receiver projects, I thought it would be a good idea to post this here. Also, much of this applies more generally to receiver problems. 

My receiver doesn’t work right!

What should I do?

First, relax.  You will be able to get it to work.  The design is good, people around the world have built this receiver, and you will be able to get it to work.  But homebrew radio is not plug-and-play radio.  Sometimes a new receiver needs some tweaking, peaking, and coaxing. 

Realize that the 40 meter band has its ups and downs.  The downs usually come at mid-day.  The sun’s position high in the sky causes a build up of the D layer of the ionosphere.  This tends to absorb radio waves. So signals are often weak at mid-day.  Signals will be much stronger in the morning, and in the evening.

Can you hear the “band noise” when you connect your antenna?   This sounds like hiss or static.  Some of this is the result of thunderstorms in Brazil.  Some of it is from events far away in the cosmos. Some of it comes from the weed whacker down the block!  But if you can hear this noise, that is a very good sign that your receiver is working.  The signals you are looking for will be stronger than this band noise.

Where are you tuning?  Your receiver tunes from about 6.8 MHz (with the screw all the way our) to about 7.8 MHz (screw all the way in).  But we are only really interested in the ham frequency band between 7.0 MHz and 7.3 MHz.  Try to tune your receiver near the middle of the tuning range (with the screw about half-way in).  You should hear morse code from about 7.0 to 7.06 MHz.  Then you should hear strong digital signals at 7.074 MHz.  Tuning further up (screw going in) you should start to hear hams speaking to each other using Single Sideband.   At first they will sound like Donald Duck.

 Don’t worry about the Donald Duck speech!  Just carefully tune through the signal until you hit the spot where the speech sounds normal.  You may have to tune up and down a bit until you find the right spot.  Now you can listen. 

 If you tune further up you will hear Shortwave Broadcast band AM signals.  You will be able to tune them in.  Sort of.  But they will sound distorted.  This is unavoidable with this kind of receiver.  But you will be able to hear the hams on Single Sideband with no distortion.

Sometimes you will only hear one side of the conversation.  That is normal.  The other station may be either too far away from you, or too close to you.  You may be outside his or her skip zone.

One very obvious thing to check:  How is your battery?  Is it drained, or is it still at about 9 volts?   You may need to change it.

How is your antenna?   It doesn’t have to be fancy or elaborate.   33 feet of wire will do.  But it does need to be up in the air a bit.  And you need to have the 33 foot counterpoise wire connected to the ground (on the PC board).  With many pieces of consumer electronics antennas are kind of optional – the devices will often work without them.  Not so with ham gear.  Antennas are important.  If you are not receiving signals,  it may be because of your antenna.

Challenge Accepted! Why we Designed the High-School Direct-Conversion Receiver the Way we Did

Dean KK4DAS's Beautiful DC Receiver

The folks over at Ham Radio Workbench have graciously accepted the challenge issued in our last podcast: that they scratch-build homebrew the 40 meter Direct Conversion receiver that Dean KK4DAS and I designed for local high school students.  We want to help our brothers over at HRWB.  For example, we may be able to supply a few of the 3D printed PTO coil forms.  Here is some background information on the project. 

Details on the project can be found here: 

 https://hackaday.io/project/190327-high-schoolers-build-a-radio-receiver

----------------------

Design Decisions in the Direct Conversion Receiver

Why did we do it this way?

In thinking about how to design this receiver, we had to make early design decisions on almost every stage.  Here are some of our key considerations.

VARIABLE FREQUENCY OSCILLATOR:

Normally we might have used a variable capacitor to change the frequency of this oscillator.  But variable capacitors are now expensive and hard-to-source.  Our friend Farhan in Hyderabad used a simple variable inductor for this purpose in his “Daylight Again” transceiver. The coil form for this part could be 3D printed.  A metallic screw would vary the inductance as it is screwed in and out of the coil.  

We also decided to use the same simple Colpitts oscillator circuit used by Farhan in his own high school direct conversion receiver.  This circuit is unusual in that the feedback capacitors are also the frequency determining elements (along with the variable inductor).  This simplified the circuit and reduced the parts count, and proved to be remarkably stable.

For the VFO buffer we used the simple JFET buffer from Farhan’s Daylight Again design.  

Based on suggestions from other radio amateurs, we developed a simple frequency readout based on the position of the end of the tuning screw  (how far in or out?).

We selected the 40 Meter band for this receiver because we thought it would be easier to get the VFO stable on this frequency, and because Farhan had built his receiver for 40 meters.

MIXER:

At first we hoped to use a simple singly-balanced mixer using two diodes and a single trifilar transformer.   But we found unacceptably high levels of AM breakthrough (mostly from Radio Marti on 7335 kHz) when using this circuit.  So we switched to a diode ring.  This required two more diodes and an additional trifilar transformer.   We believed the students would have great difficulty building and installing two trifilar transformers so early in their building experience.  So we used transformers that had been wound in Hyderabad by a women’s collective employed by Farhan, and developed a scheme for fool-proof installation of these transformers.

We also found that the mixer needed a diplexer at its output – this would provide a 50 ohm termination at all frequencies and would result in much cleaner action by the mixer and greatly reduced AM breakthrough from Radio Marti.   We used the same circuit used by Roy Lewellen W7EL in his Optimized Transceiver circuit.

BANDPASS FILTER: 

This was the simplest board in the project but it required the students to wind two coils on toroidal cores.  A simple dual-tuned circuit design would be sufficient.  We used component values from the QRP Labs website.  We showed them how to wind the coils, and made a video about the technique.  Students used a simple Vector Network Analyzer (Nano VNA)  to tune the filter.

 

AUDIO AMPLIFIER: 

We had to make several design decisions here.  First, we rejected the idea of using an IC amplifier like the ubiquitous LM-386. We wanted this to be a completely analog and discrete component experience. Then we rejected the idea of using a push-pull output circuit.  While this would have eliminated the need for an audio output transformer, it would have resulted in a more complicated circuit.  In the end we opted for three simple RC-coupled common-emitter amplifiers with an audio output transformer.  There was no feedback in these circuits.  We found there is a lot of gain (hFe) variation in the 2N3904 transistors that we used.  Care needs to be exercised in making sure that transistors of moderate (but not too high) gain are used.  

This AF amplifier chain probably presented a 1500 ohm impedance to the mixer (instead of the desired 50 ohms), but we think this problem may have largely been taken care of by the diplexer.  

We found some very small (one square inch) speakers that could be easily used in this circuit.

ANTENNA:

While the students could use a wide variety of antennas, we recommended a simple ¼ wave antenna with a ¼ wave counterpoise.  We thought that this antenna – of only 33 feet in length would provide good performance with low complexity, and would be well suited to the “upper floor bedrooms” from  which many of the students would be listening.  Also, this antenna would not require the use of coaxial cable or an impedance matching transformer. We made a video on how to build and use this antenna. 

POWER SUPPLY:

We opted for the use of 9 volt batteries.  This proved to be a safer and wiser choice that limited the kind of mayhem that could occur should a variable voltage supply be used.

Details on the receiver can be found here: 

https://hackaday.io/project/190327-high-schoolers-build-a-radio-receiver

May 29, 2023

Pil Joo's Homebrew Superheterodyne Ham-Radio Receiver

It is just very cool to see someone build a superhet and get it to work.  For so many years amateurs were told that "homebrew receivers are too hard."  Even simple regens or direct conversion rigs were sometimes seen as beyond the abilities of amateurs.  But here we see another reminder of this not being true.  Even a superhet -- which is a lot more difficult than a direct conversion receiver -- can be homebrewed by an amateur builder.  Three cheers for Pil Joo! 

He wrote on the SolderSmoke Facebook page: 

I finished my first super het receiver. It's for the 40m band. It consists of: bandpass filter, tuned amp, diode ring mixer, wide band amp, crystal ladder filter, wide band amp, then SA602 + LM386 combo. I learned tons as i put all the components. First two amps are my design. The third amp is bga2866. The bandpass filter is what i posted a few days ago. I planned to make another one but with 2.5db insertion loss i thought it was good enough.

The result is actually quite good. I can hear everything a local kiwisdr can hear. Now, I have lots of ideas about how i can improve, but that will be another radio.

Pil Joo

Pete N6QW Has Hybrid Rig On-The-Air

 

A thing of beauty on a wooden board.  Pete's post: 

https://n6qw.blogspot.com/2024/11/11252024-1st-dx-with-40m-hybrid-rig.html

"Them that know can make it go!"  Indeed.  

Pete talked about the history of this rig, and especially of the Thermatron portion of it, in the most recent episode of the SolderSmoke podcast: 

https://soldersmoke.blogspot.com/2024/11/soldersmoke-254-audi-and-video-versions.html

Thanks Pete! 

2014 "Off the Shelf" Regen Comes Off the Shelf (Two Videos)

Walter KA4KXX spotted an error in the schematic of my 2014 "Off the Shelf" regen receiver: The source resistor on the MPF-102 should be 2200 ohms, not 2.7 ohms. See:

https://soldersmoke.blogspot.com/2014/09/schematic-for-off-shelf-regen.html

Walter's e-mail caused me to take this old receiver off the shelf. In this video you can listen to it in action on the shortwave broadcast bands. In a second video I put it on the 40 meter ham band and listen to some SSB.

The Rad Receiver from N6GWB

Geoff N6GWB and his eldest have produced a really wonderful receiver, and have joined the elite ranks of those who have built their own receivers.   Congratulations to both!  ( Be sure to watch the video below.)

Geoff writes:

Though I built it, my eldest has retained naming rights.  Behold the Rad Radio Receiver, an Soldersmoke inspired build.  It’s a 40m DC reciever.  I had planned on making this a truly 50-50 N6QW N2CQR build, but I needed to get it done for a show and tell this Wednesday.  I have N6QW dual JFET RF amp and mixer modules.  I have the N2CQR ceramic ocillator circuit from the 2017 DC receiver project.  I had planned on including the all analog audio amp from the more recent N2CQR DC project, but alas, time got the best of me.  I was hoping to make the whole thing all-analog.  (I thought the all analog would get me more “hard work” kudos at the show and tell.) I ended up including a LM386 audio amp making this a bit of a cyborg.

I have included pictures of the receiver open and closed.  The closed pic includes bespoke decals.  I have also include a brief movie demonstrating the audio.

Many, many thanks for the inspiration and knowledge!

Geoff

N6GWB

Another CW Contact with the SupeRX/TX 40 (Video)

I changed the crystal in the transmitter.  I got a different rock from Mouser and am now on 7030.  

Wednesday April 3, 2024. On 40 meters in the afternoon with Mike KM4KY in North Carolina.

MXM SupeRX/TX 40 Rig Info

 

My SupeRX/TX 40 -- now on 7030 kHz

Click on schematics for a better view

Details on the receiver: https://archive.org/details/73-magazine-1991-04

Details on the transmiiter: https://archive.org/details/73-magazine-1991-12/page/10/mode/2up

Article on MXM Industries of Smithville,Texas:  

https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Hambrew_Magazine.htm

Click on images for a better view

Click on images for a better view

A QRP CW Contact (Video) with the Winterfest MXM SupeRX/TX 40 (1 Watt, Crystal Controlled Transmitter)

I picked this transceiver up at Winterfest for one dollar. 40 meters. Superhet receiver with 455 kc ceramic filter and 2 NE602s. Crystal controlled one watt transmitter on 7039.5 kc. I emailed Jeff KA2BKG and asked him to slide up a bit to my freq. I am glad he did. Thanks Jeff.

Justin's Receiver -- A 40 meter Superhet from AC8LV

 

FB Justin!  I really like the board that you are using as a base for the project.  And you have some great mentors in Nick and Loren.  

It is wonderful that you have that receiver working.  But I would tweak and peak quite a bit before taking on the transmitter.  Get a decent outside antenna -- even a dipole or a 1/4 wave with counterpoise would be a big improvment.  Like this one:  

https://soldersmoke.blogspot.com/2023/03/an-antenna-for-high-school-direct.html

And try to square away the grounding on the board (maybe some copper tape from Amazon) and the power supply you are using (I hope it is not one of those noisy wall warts).  When  you are experimenting, it can be useful to power varous stages with 9V batteries -- this is a good way to find out where noise is coming from.  If your AF amp is squealing at 12 volts, you need to break the feedback loop that is leading to oscillation.  Often the feedback is through the power supply.  Finally, try to get that homewbrew crystal filter working -- if the bandpass is uneven, you just need some impedance matching at the input and output.  

Great work Justin!   Keep at it.  73  Bill 

Bill,

I am sending video and pictures of my 40m  superhet that I built. I have it on the floor in an extra room in the house. The antenna is a stock vhf dipole that came with my rtl sdr which I use as a spectrum analyzer. In one of the clips I am receiving RW7K. I have been working on the station for the past year with help from Loren Moline, WA7SKT through texts when I have a problem. The LO / VFO is from Nick Woods Videos.

Next, I will build an outdoor antenna and the transmitter section. I first started homebrewing at the beginning of the pandemic, but this is by far my largest accomplishment. I would like to thank you and Pete for the soldersmoke videos which have been a great inspiration.

I will send more updates when the transmitter section is finish along with a much longer description of the projects

Thank you

Justin Elliott
AC8LZ

Bill, Pete, and Dean 

Thank you for the compliment. Pete, I want you to know, I’m a huge fan and I enjoy the one-liner jokes. I enjoy your contributions to the videos when you’re on Dean. 

Here are pics / videos of my superhet. 

The bandpass filter is a homebrew version of qrp labs design for 40m, I had to add an extra capacitor to get the bandpass where I wanted it. It is 6.9mhz to 7.32mhz. 

Mixer / demods are ade-ask.

The rf amps are kits i bought online, assembled, then used the schematics to replicate. They are the W7OI created and which have been mentioned on the channel

The LO/VFO are arduino driven from Nick Woods (M0NTV) YouTube channel. I believe episode 26

The crystal filter was built for 9MHz, but when I swept it I found the bandpass was saw toothed, so I used a commercial filter that Loren Moline WA7SKT sent. 

The audio amplifiers are a Common Emitter Amp I found on YouTube, I can’t recall the channel and a commercial amplifier, which I can now reproduce as I have the schematics. 

The speaker is a 2W 8 ohm speaker. 

...

Justin Elliott

AC8LZ

Videos from Mike AG5VG -- His Homebrew BITX Rigs

Here are two great videos from Mike AG5VG showing his two homebrew receivers in action.  (The transmitter portions of Farhan's circuit will come later.) See yesterday's post for more details. 

On the video above (40 meters) 

-- I love that speaker.  

--  The enclosure and the reduction drive for the VFO is really great.  FB OM. 

-- Very cool that Mike captures a 40 meter QSO with "Wild Bill" ZS6CCY in South Africa, someone who we've spoken to many times, often on the long path, sometimes from Mozambique. 

-- I like how Mike demonstrates the effect of removing the antenna.  You can definitely see what we mean when we say you should be able to "hear the band noise."   

  

Above you see the 20 meter receiver in action.  You can see one of the physical benefits of using a wooden base:  You can easily mount connectors, switches and tuning controls using just pieces of copper-clad board screwed into the wood.   This is what I am doing with my latest BITX 15-10 rig. 

For the tuning of the VFO, it looks to me as if Mike has a large "main tuning" control in the center, with a smaller "fine tuning" or "bandspread" control off to the left.  Does that smaller control work with a varactor diode or with a smaller variable cap?  Also, to the right of the main tuning control we see a 3 pole switch.  Is that switch putting additional L or C into the VFO circuit to move the frequency around?  These techniques would all be quite valid;  Mike demonstrates that there are many ways to skin a cat (or tune a VFO!) 

Mike:  Please send more info. 

Pine Boards, Analog VFOs, and Homebrew BITX Transceivers -- AG5VG's Magnificent Creations

Click in image for a better view

This is amazingly cool.  WE ARE NOT ALONE!  There are others out there breaking the tyranny of the Si5351, building BITXs with analog LC VFOs.  And using copper clad boards affixed to pine boards. Plywood cabinetry!  And medicine bottle coil forms.  Really great.  And what a wonderful workshop. Thanks Michael.     

Good Afternoon Bill,

This is Michael Sahn, AG5VG.

I hope your doing well, all is well here in south Texas. I have recently built a bitx20 receiver and bitx20 for 40 meters receiver.

I built it using the analog VFO and both of mine are stable. What an awesome feeling it is to have a stable homebrew VFO. I have attached pictures .

It’s been a fun journey to get to this step. I have just been enjoying the receiver as Farhan instructed us. Then I’m going to go through the transmit side.

Air core coils are great for VFO. On my bitx40 I used a medicine bottle bottom but I put the VFO in a tin can as you will see in the pictures.

The bitx20 is all out, hand capacitance is a slight issue but it’s all learning experience.

Going to be adjusting the pvc coil bandpass filter inductors, I think the value is a bit off so it’s not as loud as it should be, but everything else is set good.

Just wanted to check in and great job on the videos and podcasts. I really enjoy them

73s

Michael

Click on image for a better view

Click on image for a better view