[carpe] links for carpe meeting on soldering, and some amateur radio QRP

R P Herrold herrold at owlriver.com
Wed Mar 28 16:13:21 EDT 2018


cq cq cq de wb8sky

Action item:  curent Amateur radio licensees, please consider 
becoming a VE:
	http://kparc.org/VE.pdf
and
	http://www.arrl.org/files/file/VEs/VE%20Manual%20Web%20FINAL%202014.pdf
a reference manual for VEs, but no question pool, nor answer 
form

------------------------------------------



Gabriel Sheeley called and mentioned that Jim Prior had 
volunteered me for the upcoming April 10 meeting, and that 
soldering was the desired topic.  I started typing


This write up kind of 'just grew' as I assembled links, and a 
BOM for one to follow along with, or replicate the meeting 
later (I anticipate we will do more than one to cover this 
topic.  I also include materials from a NASA program, which 
seems completely unaware of the emergence of the 'Maker 
movement' in recent years


I've been licensed for over 45 years in Amateur radio, and an 
electronics hobbyist longer than that.  I know there are 
others in the group also licensed.  If there is interest, we 
can do a 'volunteer examiner' session and do the exams.  Self 
study of the question pools is the way to know what will be 
asked:

This site [ http://ncvec.org/ ] looks as though it needs a 
good paid editor to clean up nameing, ,and site organization, 
but as it is a volunteer effort, you get what you pay for

Technician
	http://ncvec.org/downloads/2018-2022%20Tech%20Pool%202nd%20Errata%2002122018.pdf
	http://ncvec.org/downloads/2018-2022%20Tech%20Graphics.pdf

General
	
	http://www.ncvec.org/downloads/FINAL%20Revised%202015-2019%20General%20Class%20Question%20Pool%202-11-2015.pdf


	http://ncvec.org/page.php?id=350 (this looks stale)

	http://www.ncvec.org/downloads/Final%20Element%203%20Pool.pdf
		errrata
	http://www.ncvec.org/downloads/Revised%20G7-1.pdf

Amateur Extra
	http://www.ncvec.org/downloads/2016%20ExtraClassPool2nd%20Errata.doc
	http://www.ncvec.org/downloads/2016%20Extra%20Class%20Pool%20Diagrams.pdf


from: http://www.w5yi-vec.org/ve_manual.php

Since the Federal Communications Commission released rules in 
2007 that removed CW - Morse Code as a testing requirement 
from ALL Amateur license examinations in the United States, 
there have been few if any rule changes that impacted the VEC 
Program.

Currently there are three license classes that require only 
written examinations:
Element 2: 	35 question written test for a Technician 
License. Pool effective 7/01/14 to 6/30/18 .....passing score 
for written exam is 26 questions answered correctly

Element 3: 	35-question written test for a General 
license.Pool effective 7/01/15 to 6/30/19....passing score for 
written exam is 26 questions answered correctly

Element 4: 	50-question written test for an Amateur Extra 
license. Pool effective 7/01/16 to 6/30/20....passing score 
for written exam is 37 questions answered correctly



stuff for the April and a later CARPE meeting
==============================================
Parts and tools

I assume you will find a soldering iron -- a 35 watt one is 
fine, and MicroCenter ahs all this in stock --  and solder, 
flux, and a wipeing sponge for the session


Here are some parts, and some PDF links to let us explore the 
topics of soldering to small PCB's identifying components, and 
more.  We will consider the Schematics, Instructions, PCB 
layout, and BOM -- Bill of materials,


Desired sub-topics:

	joining single strand wire, one to another

	tinning multi strand wire, and joining

	PCB soldering 


One always hopes to actually DO SOMETHING INTERESTING, and so 
the mention of the 'QRP Pixie' -- QRP is amateur radio 
operator, and shoprt wave listener shorthand for 'very low 
power'

Review:

http://qrznow.com/qrp-pixie-chinese-7-00-cw-transceiver-kit-40m/

Manual and schematic:
http://www.oz1bii.dk/documents/Pixie-Transceiver-OZ.pdf


parts:

https://www.banggood.com/5Pcs-DIY-QRP-Pixie-CW-Receiver-Transmitter-Kit-7_023MHz-Shortwave-Radio-p-1146534.html

'Pixie' starter 'CW' transmitter and receiver -- Crystal 
controlled, on the common frequency [40 meter band, at 7.032 
MHz] used for such 'weak signal' work by convention in the 
amateur radio community, worldwide.  continuous wave (for FCC 
type A1 signalling -- Morse code), in a low power (QRP) form, 
not requiring a formal license as it is below 100 mW output

runs off 9 to 12 VDC (no tight tolerance like digital 
components sometimes have)

5 kits for under $20

($12 to $15 on Amazon)

detailed writeup, Assembly hints, BOM, PCB, and schematic
	http://www.oz1bii.dk/documents/Pixie-Transceiver-OZ.pdf

Assembly and fire-up narrative
	http://www.vk3bq.com/2015/06/28/pixie-qrp-7mhz-cw-kit/


50 9V connectors without barrel jack for $5

https://www.banggood.com/50Pcs-9V-Battery-Connector-Snap-Clip-T-Style-Cable-Wire-Lead-Holder-Adapter-145mm-p-1122480.html


5 !! 9V connectors without barrel jack for $9 !!

https://www.banggood.com/5PCS-T-type-9V-DC-Battery-Power-Cable-Cylinder-Jack-Connector-p-1047198.html



https://www.banggood.com/Frog-Sounds-HAM-Radio-QRP-Kit-Telegraph-CW-Transceiver-Receiver-Radio-Station-p-980512.html?rmmds=myorder&cur_warehouse=CN

The 'Frog Sounds' is a  a more advanced kit for under $20 for 
a single unit; it is a bit up in complexity from the Pixie, 
and the 40-9er.  It does require a license to legally transmit

A really nice review is here;

	https://2e0dfu.wordpress.com/2016/03/11/chinese-qrp-transceivers-3/

https://2e0dfu.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/scan-160130-0001.jpg
	schematic
https://2e0dfu.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/scan-160130-0002.jpg 
	Instructions --- over 100 mW !! License needed
https://2e0dfu.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/scan-160129-0001.jpg 
	BOM

https://2e0dfu.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/57.jpg
	Alternative schematic -- there is some suggestion of 
minor component changes between implementations

($21 and up on Amazon)



https://www.banggood.com/10pcs-10P-2_54MM-Stackable-Long-Connector-Female-Pin-Header-p-1205370.html

long lead, 'wire-wrap ready sockets



a nice low end display of V and A, with computer ready output

https://www.banggood.com/DC-Meter-LCD-Digital-Dual-Display-Voltage-Current-Temperature-RS485-Interface-Optional-Modbus-p-1160876.html

$10



Another low end display of V and A in the ranges we are 
interested in without the panel mount case

https://www.banggood.com/3A-DC-DC-Adjustable-Boost-Power-Supply-Module-With-Dual-LCD-Display-Voltage-Ammeter-With-Housing-p-1156605.html

$10



An interesting panel mount V and A display from two 
monitored and displayed inputs

https://www.banggood.com/0-33V-0-3A-Four-Bit-Voltage-Current-Meter-DC-Double-Digital-LED-Display-Voltmeter-Ammeter-p-1060303.html

$7



a cheap low end VOM ($6)

https://www.banggood.com/ANENG-AN8201-Mini-Digital-Multimeter-Backlight-ACDC-Ammeter-Voltmeter-Ohm-Tester-1999-Counts-Pocket-p-1223855.html?rmmds=search&cu

[Harbour Freight will occasionally give these away as a 
promotion]


more inexpensively available at Amazon

single strand 'wire-wrap' ready wire, 30 AWG size

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LWI20M0/
305 Meters, mixed colors
$10

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B008AGUAII/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
305 Meters, blue
$12


https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B006C4ABR0/
50 FEET, blue
$9 ... mentioned as the spool is easier to handle


hand wire-wrap tool, and stripper for 30 AWG

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BFYE0CY

WOW -- I bought for under $7 last month -- buy it off Bangood, 
which had them for like $7



a 'Forty-9er' kit

https://www.amazon.com/SainSmart-Forty-9er-Shortwave-Transmitter-Telegraph/dp/B013SAOYPA/

a couple of 'stages' of send / receive circuitry, so probably 
more selective.  I seem to remember this from years ago in QRP 
circles

$20

found it:
	http://norcalqrp.org/files/49erOrigMnl.pdf
		home site -- Northern California QRP club

	writeup, theory of operation, PCB, BOM, and Schematic

	slightly over the legal limit at 250 mW, so again a 
license is required

	http://www.w0ch.com/49er/norcal_49er.htm
	http://www.farrukhzia.com/k2zia/Purdum0316-QST-in-Depth-AssemblyManual.pdf

Seemingly 'QST' -- the American Radio Relay League magazine 
had an article as well:	
	http://www.farrukhzia.com/k2zia/Purdum0316-QST-in-Depth-AssemblyManual.pdf

a QRP hobby site with lots of similar kit:
	http://www.w0ch.com/index.htm



Compare to:

A commercial and assembled QRP kit

https://www.amazon.com/MFJ-9340K-QRP-Cub-Transceiver-Meter/dp/B00AR0CPUQ/

About $100 for a nice case and a non-kit form



====================
SOLDERING

and Soldering per se

https://protostack.com.au/download/NASA%20Student%20Handbook%20for%20Hand%20Soldering.pdf

NASA Training Program
Student Workbook for
Hand Soldering

150 pps

comprehensive, but not tactical

-----------

https://snebulos.mit.edu/projects/reference/NASA-Generic/NASA-STD-8739-2.pdf

WORKMANSHIP STANDARD FOR
SURFACE MOUNT TECHNOLOGY

again, comprehensive

-----------

https://granasat.ugr.es/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/soldering_primer.pdf

SOLDERING 
GUIDE

20 pps

more tactical

-----------

INSPIRE

Interactive 
Nasa 
Space 
Physics 
Ionosphere 
Radio 
Experiments

... yeah -- a bureaucrat approved _that_ one


http://theinspireproject.org/downloads/pdf/VLF_Instructions_Apr2011.pdf
.
VLF
Assembly Instructions

INSPIRE VLF
Receiver Kit

NASA driven, very professional 

kitting and assembly guide

more: (Space Camp)


a longer and probably later version:

http://theinspireproject.org/downloads/INSPIRE_VLF3_Rev1C_Assembly_InstructionsOnline.pdf



http://theinspireproject.org/downloads/pdf/inspire%20Theory_of_Operations.pdf

THE INSPIRE VLF-3 RECEIVER 
Theory of Operation 

 technical  information  and  trouble  shooting  
guidance for the receiver

more files, audio samples, logging forms

http://theinspireproject.org/downloads/

but:


The INSPIRE Project
107 S West Street PMB #425
Alexandria, VA 22314 - 2824

7.
Include a write up accounting your procedure, location, and 
observations and an article reporting on the results will be considered
in the next INSPIRE Journal

a bit pricey:

Kit Cost:

    VLF-3 Radio Receiver Kit - $120.00 each + S H

http://theinspireproject.org/default.asp?contentID=27

The INSPIRE Project, Inc.
is a NASA educational portfolio program

The INSPIRE Project, Inc is a non-profit scientific 
educational corporation that provides engaging opportunities 
for students to observe naturally occurred Very Low Frequency 
(VLF) waves generated by lightning and in the process gain 
hands-on, real world experience in science and electronics. It 
seeks to enhance educators knowledge of atmospheric and space 
science to encourage our next generation of scientists. 
INSPIRE’s educational platform serves a wide range of science, 
technology, engineering and math (STEM) topics and programs. 


sadly: barnacle bureaucrats in DC 

https://oig.nasa.gov/audits/reports/FY16/IG-16-001.pdf

However, the Office’s efforts have been hampered by an outdated 
strategic framework and a lack of long-term goals 
upon which to evaluate the success of NASA’s educa
tion activities.Specifically, the Office of Education 
did not update a 2006 framework document to align with the priorities outlined 
in the Agency’s 2014 Strategic Plan until July 2015.  
Furthermore, the updated framework did
not include measurable long-term goals that address the Nation’s need to 
increase the number of students who earn advanced degrees in 
preparation for STEM careers.

------------------

https://science.nasa.gov/learners
   ... forwards to:
https://science.nasa.gov/about-us/email-updates
   and is complete
with an outlink to a dead ML

------------------


TI Op Amp tutorial and application guide

http://www.ti.com/lit/an/sboa092b/sboa092b.pdf

95 pps

-----------------

-- Russ herrold


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