[MRCA] QRP Military Radio Magic

[wa6bbq at sdf.org]

Excellent discussion!

I put my order in for a few progrock2's. (already have a box full of their
low pass filters, as yet unbuilt.)  TRC-77 will be one recipient, and I've
got a pile of the old boat radios. Always thought it would be fun to move
one onto 160M.

Thanks!
Jason WA6BBQ

>  I have really enjoyed all the QRP Labs kits I've built.  Just a couple
> weeks ago I put a 10m WSPR beacon on the air from here on Kauai using
> another Ultimate 3S kit and a low-pass-filter kit.  A successful result
> and quite economical.
>
> I've used ProgRock2 devices several times as a crystal substitute, and I'd
> like to share my experiences:
> -Â  The USB programming requires that you know how to use a terminal
> program to talk on a USB port.
> - The output is a harmonic-rich square wave, so filtering may be necessary
> in some applications.  QRP Labs has very inexpensive low pass filter kits
> that may be helpful.
> -Â  These are microcontroller/synthesizer modules and as such will spray
> significant radio noise.  When used in a transceiver or receiver you
> should be ready for some reception interference.  Shielding and filtering
> the lines into the ProgRock2 can help, but remember you are directly
> coupling the unit into your receiver.  If a birdie from the ProgRock2
> happens to fall on a desired channel it might be a difficult problem.
> -Â  If you are considering using a ProgRock2 in an FM transmitter
> application, you will need to make sure the rig uses phase modulation and
> not direct-FM.  Direct FM wants to frequency modulate the crystal
> oscillator, and if you use a ProgRock you can't do that.
>
> I don't want to discourage people about the ProgRock2 - it is a very handy
> device and have successfully used them in projects.  But I have also been
> frustrated and given up on that approach.  It is important to realize the
> reality of the situation and manage one's expectations.
>
>
> Steve WD8DASÂ Â 
>
> sbjohnston at aol.com  
> http://www.wd8das.net/Â Â  http://af4k-crystals.com/Â Â 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------Â Â 
> Radio is your best entertainment value.  
> --------------------------------------------------------------------Â Â 
>
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