[Elecraft] Looking for Grandkid radio

[Don Wilhelm]

Neil,

I have seen several responses recommending a regenerative receiver. I 
would suggest otherwise.  While regenerative receivers are "fun" to play 
with and can be quite sensitive and selective when properly tuned, they 
do require some 'training' to know how to properly operate both the 
tuning and the regen knobs together.   If you want to pursue the Regen 
route, look at some of the regen designs by George Dobbs G3RGV - he has 
several that work well.

Since your grandson likely has access to a computer, I would suggest 
that you look at some of the SDR receivers, such as the SoftRock kits - 
inexpensive and quite functional for all modes.  Building the kit (with 
help from grandpa) may peak his interest in building his own gear and 
add to his interest in the hobby. some software running on the computer 
is necessary, but there are several software applications that will do - 
Rocky is one of the easiest to install and configure, HDSDR is good but 
requires a bit more configuration "smarts".  There is also PowerSDR that 
can be used and there may be more that I am not familiar with.

If kit building is not in store, then look for a used 
receiver/transceiver that may be up to the task.  If you can find 
someone who has an SWL40 transceiver for sale (ask on the QRP-L 
reflector), that is a good starting point for 40 meters that will give 
good results - there are versions for other bands as well, but I suggest 
that 40 meters is the best starting band for single band rigs.  There is 
usually some activity on 40 when other bands are 'dead' - and an antenna 
for 40 meters is of a reasonable size.

I started introducing  my 2 grandsons to electronics when they about 8 
years old.  It only "took" for one of them who got his license at age 
13.  The 6 granddaughters were not interested at all.  So do keep 
working with him - if it "takes", ham radio in its diverse interests and 
niche activity groups can produce a lifelong hobby, and may be an 
introduction to a rewarding career in electronics and/or communications 
technology.

I am one of those examples - I became aware of ham radio in Boy Scouts 
at the age of 14 when the local ham radio club offered classes in morse 
code.  That led to my novice license at age 15, and those ham club 
members, coupled with my interest in math, led me to pursue an 
electrical engineering degree.  That led to a very rewarding career and 
now even though I am officially retired and at age 75 1/2, my workbench 
is always full (and usually backlogged) with repairs of Elecraft gear. 
So there is hope for your grandson to engage in a lifelong pursuit that 
he may really enjoy.  If he enjoys puzzles, he may enjoy puzzling over 
electronics problems which is the heart and soul of troubleshooting (and 
design).

73,
Don W3FPR

73,
Don W3FPR

On 11/5/2015 6:46 PM, Niel Skousen wrote:
> Found out last night that one of grandsons (6 1/2 yr) has developed an interest in Morse code and radios.  Who know how long it will last 8-)
>
> BUT in the interest of feed the fire, I'm looking for something that I can help him listen on at his house ...
>
> Anybody got anything collecting dust that needs a new home ??
>
>