[K6BW] Call to action for QRPers

[Bill Smith]

Here are excerpts from recent emails on the QRP-L list.  Unfortunately,
Pacificon, a large annual Bay-Area ham convention has been cancelled this
year.  There may be a substitute sponsored by the QRP group (QRP is a
popular segment of the amateur hobby where enthusiasts typically build their
own equipment and make contacts with low power, 5-watt, battery operated
transmitters).

On 2/16/09, ki6ds at dospalos.org <ki6ds at dospalos.org> wrote:

"Guys, I have spent the past day thinking about the state of QRP and what we
as a group need to do.  We need to take action.  Get off our butts and do
something.  If we don't, the events that make our hobby so much fun will
wither and die.  We used to have Atlanticon, Ozarkcon, Dayton, Hamcon  in
Texas, Ft. Tuthill, Lobstercon, Salmoncon and Pacificon.  Today, the only
ones left are Ozarkcon, Dayton, Ft. Tuthill, Lobstercon, and  Salmoncon.
Atlanticon, Hamcon, and Pacificon are all gone for now.  Those 3 events used
to be huge, talked about for weeks on this reflector, and  were events that
will be remembered for a lifetime.  But they are gone.   For various
reasons.  (Pacificon may be revised as a stand alone QRP  Event, stay
tuned.)

We can sit around and lament what once was, talk about the good old days,
etc.  Which will do absolutely nothing to fix the problem.  What we need  is
action.

Guys, many, many of you have offered to help with NorCal and Pacificon.
Well, the time to act is now.  Here is how you can help.  Attend at least
one of the remaining QRP Forums this year, and buy a kit to support the ones
that you can't attend.  QRP needs you to act, now!  You need to make  plans
to attend at least one of the events planned for this year, and you need to
take a fellow qrper with you!!  Or, fill up a car or van and bring  a group
and have a great time.  We need people to attend.  These events are hard
work and don't 'just happen'.  They cost time and money."

Speaking of that, have you renewed your Hamilton Wireless Association
membership this year?  Only $25.00.  One of our current projects is to hold
a construction project where we get together and assemble a simple
electronic project such as the QRP CW transmitter described below.  We
aren't held to a particular assembly, another idea is to homebrew a
"derlicht" transmitter from parts extracted from a broken compact florescent
light bulb, a nearly zero-bux assembly.  A date hasn't been set yet, but we
have three persons who have reportedly ordered the NS-40 transmitter.  Would
you like to join in this project?  Let me know.

Meanwhile, hope you can brave the wind, rain and cold and will attend the
meeting tonight.  Good things are happening at HWA!

73 de Bill, AB6MT
hbco2 at sbcglobal.net



 Here is a description and ordering information:

General Description

The NS-40 Transmitter is an upgraded version of the overall winner in the
FDIM 2008 Homebrew Contest. It is a truly unique QRP transmitter design.
NS stands for No Simpler, so this is the No Simpler 40 Meter Transmitter.

Why is it called the No Simpler? Because there are only 14 electronic
components, and NO TOROIDS or COILS of any kind to wind - NONE! All
inductors are incorporated directly on the PC board as etched spirals.

This is an ideal first kit for budding homebrewers and will also appeal to
the seasoned QRP'r due to it's innovative design. Just because this is a
simple transmitter, doesn't mean that there is a compromise in performance.
The transmitter incorporates a two transistor MOPA (Master Oscillator-Power
Amplifier) circuit, with a 2N7000 crystal oscillator driving the IRF510
Class E final. Both are keyed for a clean, click-and-chirp-free signal. The
innovative Low Pass Filter (LPF) provides harmonic rejection to greater
than -50 dBc. The signal is a clean 5 watts into a 50 ohm load.

Using the rugged and low-cost IRF510 MOSFET this transmitter utilizes a
CLASS-E final amplifier for maximum efficiency and reliability. The 2N7000
oscillator easily drives the final to a full 5 watts out while running at
comfortable temperatures. The PA heat sink helps the final accommodate
accidental high SWR (>5:1) excursions while tuning or trying out a new
antenna.

As mentioned above there are no toroids or other coils to wind. That's
because David has incorporated all necessary coils as PRINTED CIRCUITS on
the PC board, i.e. SPIRAL-PC-TRACE INDUCTORS. While this may be common at
VHF and UHF, we believe this is a first for a 40 meter application. You
have to see and build it to believe it.

The PC board is the size of a post card - and actually has a blank QSL  card
form printed on the back. You could put a stamp on the bare board and  mail
it!

The kit comes with all components, 7030 kHz crystal, pc board, mounting
hardware, and heat sink. All components are through hole mounted. This is a
very easy kit to build and populating the board will take an experienced
builder only about 20 minutes.

The cost of the kit is $30, DX orders please add $3.00, which includes first
class postage, shipping, and handling. All profit will go toward  funding
OzarkCon 2009.

The size of the pc board drives the cost of the kit. Board prices, including
tooling costs, continue to climb so the price of the kit came in a little
more than we had expected, but it is a great kit anyone will enjoy building.

 Specifications:    5 watts at 13.6 volts, Harmonic rejection better
han  -50 dB

 Manual and Supporting Documents
 Assembly Manual
 Schematic
 Parts List
 Educational and Supporting Information, Includiing Class E Design

 Ordering Information

 Please send your check or money order for $30 (DX $33) made out to "4SQRP
 Group" and payable in US funds to:
 Terry Fletcher, WAØITP
 1305 Casper Dr
 Ottumwa, IA 52501