Relearning CW

So, after 20 some odd years as a ham, I figured I should try actually using CW.  Really, the code itch started after using digital modes for so long...  I figured it would be a similiar style QSO but using my brain instead of the computer to decode.  This seemed like it would have the advantage since I can often identify the mode (psk, rtty, etc) but the computer has issues trying to decode.  With CW this wouldn't be an issue since it would be strong enough to understand.  Turns out, code is a whole different beast!

Once upon a time I learned CW at 5wpm then promptly never used it.  Turns out, this would be a bad thing.  While I was able to quickly get back to the 5wpm range, going faster is surprisingly tough.  I've been using the G4FON and Morse Machine on the computer, and IZ2UUF software on my phone.  This allowed me to practice at 20-25wpm character speed.  After a couple months of trying I can usually decode 75-90% of a QSO at 10-13wpm.  Since practicing I've also joined SKCC since they seem to go out of their way to help newbies.  Eventually I'll have to take the leap and find someone to try a QSO with... I honestly think I could do it, I'm just too nervous at the moment.

To encourage me though I decided to supplement my old cheap straight key with the following piece of amazing modern hardware.  Below is my shiny Begali Simplex paddle in palladium with blue finger pieces.  They also sent Red and and the stock black finger pieces for when I want a change.  I have to admit, dealing with Bruna was a pleasure and the craftsmanship on this key is amazing.  And this is their most basic paddle.  The quality is amazing for just a bit more than a basic Bencher costs, I can't imagine how nice the higher end models are.  I've been practicing with this using a Picokeyer Plus keyer I built the other day.  At this point sending at 13wpm is doable, and receiving at 10-13wpm is doable..... it might be about that time to go on the air.

And forgive the coils of cables... my shack has been a bit messy lately as the current setup isn't final.
Click on each pic to see them in their full size glory.

The Twins

We were clearing out the brewing closet today, and while moving stuff to the crawlspace I stumbled over my old twins.  The receiver has a couple scratches on the top from where a speaker used to sit, but they are otherwise in visually pristine condition.  I'll have to check them out and see if they still work, they've been packed up for many years now.  I'd love to have get these two running again!

Building the 4SQRP SS-40 Receiver Kit

So, after over 20 years as a ham, it was finally time to build a radio.  After searching for a kit that looked challenging, but still buildable for a beginner, I settled on the SS-40 superhet receiver from the Four State QRP Group.  This little receiver has about 150 parts including 1 surface mount piece, 2 toroid coils, and 1 transformer to wind.  After placing my order on Sunday, I received it on Wednesday, just in time for a 4 day weekend I had scheduled trying to use the last of my carryover PTO from 2012.  When I pulled it out of its envelope, here is what I saw:

The board seems to be really high quality.  While I don't have much experience (built a couple electronics kit in highschool/college, but that was quite awhile ago), the boards markings were easy to read, and the traces are inside the board so no chance of accidentally lifting a trace.  After taking in the sight of what will eventually be a radio, it was time to start inventorying the parts.  After getting everything checked off I was missing one resistor, luckily I did have a spare in my parts drawer so that wasn't an issue.

The directions did not come with the kit, but were online.  After printing them off it was time to get started.  Everything was pretty straight forward and easy to follow.  The build was done in sections.  Below is a picture after adding the controls, the power supply, and audio amp stages.  It only took 2 of my days off to finish building.  I only ran into a couple issues.  I grabbed one wrong resistor, after realizing my mistake I had to desolder and replace it with the correct one.  After that I checked any resistor I wasn't sure about with a DMM just to be safe.  The other issue was due to my inexperience with coils.  When I put on the transformer I hadn't removed enough enamel from the wires.  It was surprisingly hard to remove that piece and I ended up scorching the board a little bit trying to remove it, but in the end it was fixable.  After that there were no issues building the kit.

Finally, everything was built and it was time to test.  It turned out I didn't have any plugs that would fit the power jack so I ended up using alligator clips to hook it to my power supply.  Once I flipped the switch it came to life with signals everywhere.  It really is extremely low noise and sensitive.  At one point I just had a 3ft coax connected and it was able to receive a couple stations with that.  When hooked up to the s9v it is almost wall to wall signals.  It does cross the digital part of 40m also so I recognize the sound of psk31, and even once heard an olivia signal, though I had to tune back and forth since it was wider than the passband of the filter.

Here is what it sounds like when finished.  Sorry for the bad sound, you can hear the lens moving as it focuses on this camera.  I may try to redo the video when I get a chance.

So there you go.  My first attempt at a kit went extremely well and it was an absolute blast to build and now use.  I now have the bug and have ordered a keyer kit.  Now I'm trying to decide if I should get their matching transmitter or go for a transceiver kit.  Since their transmitter is only $32 I'll probably go that route first and have a whole 40m station for a bit over $100.  After that I'm eyeing either the OHR or the Ten Tec 20m or 15m transceiver kits. 

If you haven't ever built a radio, I highly recommend checking out an inexpensive kit like this one.  Building the kit is fun, its a total rush when you first power it up and hear this radio you built pulling in signals, plus you get a decent piece of gear.

Until next time...  73 de N0QBX sk

New Antenna is Almost Ready!

We've been working on adding a s9v18 here.  A HUGE thank you to the XYL for helping me with running radials.  I finally received the LMR-400 feedline on Friday, right before I had to head up north for a fantastic fishing weekend for a buddies bachelor party.  Today I was finally able to put that feedline into the ground/house and try out the antenna...with only 20 of the planned 32 radials into the ground, none of which headed east, I was able work Germany, Netherlands, California, Belgium, Canary Islands, and France... and the night is still really young.  My wife had to listen to me switch between the vertical and the fan dipole at least five times ( with all the relays in the LDG at-200 rattling away each time) before I was REALLY happy with the noise level on the new vertical.  As a side note it's a huge improvement on noise on 14.230/SSTV.  Now I just need to lay the last 12 radials and it should be even better.  Anyway, hoping to meet you on the air.... especially if your on digital in WY since that is the last state I need for digital WAS.... 73, de N0QBX