[HBQRP] Software Defined Radio

[Darrel Swenson]

Hi Gang...

Stay tuned for one of my 'rare' between the meeting e-mails.

Darwin, Ray, and myself have been talking about a couple of QRP projects
recently.  One of them is the new series of Software Defined Radios.  If you
are not familiar with them, these are the radios that plug into the USB port
on your computer.  The radio then operates with software on your computer.
[Ray may be able to give a 'better' explanation... I'm buying one to
learn!:)]

Apparently the same thing has been going on with the IA-QRPers in Des
Moines.  Anyway they are investigating the possibility of doing a group buy
on the Softrock 80/40 transceiver.  The transceiver normally sells for $32.
With the group buy, they hope to get the price to $30 (or below,) depending
on the number ordered.

Dar, Ray, and myself are thinking it might be fun to order one and build it
to learn.  If anyone else in the group would like to order one, please
e-mail me in the next day or two and let me know.  I will get together with
the IA-QRP group and see if we can combine orders.

Also, I'm looking for some ideas for group builds for the next couple of
meetings.  If you are not interested in the Software Defined Radio, are
there any kits you've heard about you would like us to do a group buy on?

Darrel... K0AWB