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Learning KiCad at Ozarkcon

Walter - K5EST
 

Hi Everyone, at Ozarkcon this year is a really great chance to learn how to use 
KiCad for making professional PCB layouts and 3D printing for your cabinets for radio gear! 

KiCad works for SMD or THT (thru the hole) components, ground planes, and lots of other great features. KiCad is as easy to use for schematic capture, PCB layout and it even gives a 3D rendering of the assembled board. PCB are easy to order direct from China. Download KiCad (see below) and bring along your pc; we'll work on a project together.

KiCad now has a push and shove router which is capable of routing differential pairs and interactively. 
tuning trace lengths.

3D printing is a very cool new technology that kids are learning in middle and high school to make small cabinets, paddles for keyers, etc.  Download and install FreeCad to follow along. Working with 3D is not as difficult at you think.

Barry Buelow - WØIY has 2 time sections of learning this great software for 
us at Ozarkcon. Bring your laptops to follow along with the presentations.

You can download KiCad for free at http://kicad-pcb.org/

What computer OS do you use? Can I use my computer?
Here is the page that gives the info: http://kicad-pcb.org/download/
AND for you Chromebook owners, yes it is possible to run KiCad,

Will KiCad get me away from dead-bug construction? Well, it sure has
a good chance of me changing my ancient ways :-)

Here is a link to FreeCad:      https://www.freecadweb.org/

See you all at Branson.......it's gonna be fun!

Walter Dufrain - K5EST - QRPcw
4 State QRP Group #40 - JARL QRP Club #845
Coordinator, Ozarkcon 2019
 An ARRL approved Specialty Operating Convention
Re: WX predictions for Ozarkcon/Branson

Tim N9PUZ
 

I'd like to see those occasional Thunderstorms go away on Thursday. Could make SOTA adventures challenging!

Tim N9PUZ

On 03/31/19 07:27, Walter - K5EST wrote:
Looking at WeatherBug the WX for Ozarkcon (Branson) is looking so much better than last year's! https://www.weatherbug.com/weather-forecast/10-day-weather/branson-mo-65616

Thursday  Hi - 63   Lo - 50 F
Friday       Hi - 67   Lo - 46 F
Saturday   Hi - 70   Lo - 55 F
Sunday     Hi - 67   Lo - 58 F

Ozarkcon is going to be fun......see you there!
Re: WX predictions for Ozarkcon/Branson

Paul Smith
 

COOL wx, Did'nt it snow on us a couple times?
de PAUL

Sent from Outlook

From: main@4SQRP.groups.io <main@4SQRP.groups.io> on behalf of Johnny Matlock <jomatlock@...>
Sent: Sunday, March 31, 2019 3:06 PM
To: main@4sqrp.groups.io
Subject: Re: [4SQRP] WX predictions for Ozarkcon/Branson
 
Wonderful News!
Nice spring weather for a change.
Cu all at Ozarkcon!
Johnny AC0BQ 

On Sun, Mar 31, 2019 at 10:01 AM Tom Sevart <tmsevart@...> wrote:
On 03/31/19 07:27, Walter - K5EST wrote:
> Looking at WeatherBug the WX for Ozarkcon (Branson) is looking so
> much better than last year's!
> https://www.weatherbug.com/weather-forecast/10-day-weather/branson-mo-65616
>
> Thursday  Hi - 63   Lo - 50 F
> Friday       Hi - 67   Lo - 46 F
> Saturday   Hi - 70   Lo - 55 F
> Sunday     Hi - 67   Lo - 58 F
>
> Ozarkcon is going to be fun......see you there!
>

Great news!  I'm totally tired of winter.

--
Tom Sevart N2UHC
St. Paul, KS




--
Check out the 4SQRP website at 4sqrp.com
Re: WX predictions for Ozarkcon/Branson

Johnny AC0BQ
 

Wonderful News!
Nice spring weather for a change.
Cu all at Ozarkcon!
Johnny AC0BQ 

On Sun, Mar 31, 2019 at 10:01 AM Tom Sevart <tmsevart@...> wrote:
On 03/31/19 07:27, Walter - K5EST wrote:
> Looking at WeatherBug the WX for Ozarkcon (Branson) is looking so
> much better than last year's!
> https://www.weatherbug.com/weather-forecast/10-day-weather/branson-mo-65616
>
> Thursday  Hi - 63   Lo - 50 F
> Friday       Hi - 67   Lo - 46 F
> Saturday   Hi - 70   Lo - 55 F
> Sunday     Hi - 67   Lo - 58 F
>
> Ozarkcon is going to be fun......see you there!
>

Great news!  I'm totally tired of winter.

--
Tom Sevart N2UHC
St. Paul, KS




--
Check out the 4SQRP website at 4sqrp.com
Re: WX predictions for Ozarkcon/Branson

Tom Sevart
 

On 03/31/19 07:27, Walter - K5EST wrote:
Looking at WeatherBug the WX for Ozarkcon (Branson) is looking so much better than last year's! https://www.weatherbug.com/weather-forecast/10-day-weather/branson-mo-65616
Thursday  Hi - 63   Lo - 50 F
Friday       Hi - 67   Lo - 46 F
Saturday   Hi - 70   Lo - 55 F
Sunday     Hi - 67   Lo - 58 F
Ozarkcon is going to be fun......see you there!
Great news! I'm totally tired of winter.

--
Tom Sevart N2UHC
St. Paul, KS
WX predictions for Ozarkcon/Branson

Walter - K5EST
 

Looking at WeatherBug the WX for Ozarkcon (Branson) is looking so much better than last year's!  https://www.weatherbug.com/weather-forecast/10-day-weather/branson-mo-65616

Thursday  Hi - 63   Lo - 50 F
Friday       Hi - 67   Lo - 46 F
Saturday   Hi - 70   Lo - 55 F
Sunday     Hi - 67   Lo - 58 F

Ozarkcon is going to be fun......see you there!

Walter Dufrain - K5EST - QRPcw
4 State QRP Group #40 - JARL QRP Club #845
Coordinator, Ozarkcon 2019
 An ARRL approved Specialty Operating Convention
Re: Getting good to go ...

W6BOW
 

Tom K0AMD,

For me the mini60 has been a most helpful addition to my "test bench".
Some years ago I built a 30 Meter station - Xmtr/Rcvr - based on circuits drawn from ARRL's "Solid State Design, for the Radio Amateur" by the venerable Wes Hayward, W7ZOI and Doug DeMaw, W1FB.
My most advanced piece of test gear at that time was the Heath Kit  solid state dip meter. 

I find the mini60 helpful for a variety of purposes not least for adjusting my antenna(s) to minimum SWR at their feed points. After that I use a tuner to match the coax/balanced line at the xmtr output. 
The mini60 battery life doesn't seem great. Just be mindful to have it fully charged before you "climb the ladder".


(While on this subject I have a question. I can adjust my antenna (trim the length/experiment with counterpoise length and positioning) to achieve quite acceptable SWR levels of 2:1 or lower. Using my tuner at the rig I can lower the SWR to 1:1. Signals sound stronger when I bypass the tuner but is that due to noise and not signal levels. Sometimes my power output reads higher than when I bypass the tuner to the antenna directly.)  When does it matter and when does it not matter when/if I bypass the tuner. Why?)


So much sophisticated yet reasonably priced tools are available these days. I own a Tektronix 2430 scope which I purchased a few years ago for "cheap" on e-Bay. I haven't found the time yet to fire it up. Looking through the adds for modern day test gear (at reasonable prices new) I've wondered if it would be worth breaking out the old 2430. Why not go for a current and quite possibly more accurate and with many more "bells and whistles" test "appliance"? 

There is a lot to be said (not everything mind you) for simplicity. QRP operation is a prime example. It allows us to get down and dirty with the fundamentals of the art and science of radio. That's why I will attempt to get my 2430 up and running. Even if I fail I'll still have learned a lot in the process. Maybe the mini60 has been out there long enough now to make them widely/cheaply available used. If you've never used an antenna analyzer before, this could be your opportunity. I haven't even used many of my mini60 features yet including interfacing with a computer. 

These are just one ham's personal opinions. Goals not imperatives. Ham Radio is a river broad and deep. We stand on the shoulders of giants whomever we are and regardless of our expertise.

73

Don-W6BOW
San Francisco CA  USA


 

-----Original Message-----
From: Thomas Martin <tem494@...>
To: main <main@4sqrp.groups.io>
Sent: Sat, Mar 30, 2019 6:05 pm
Subject: Re: [4SQRP] Getting good to go ...

Don
You have a picture with the mini60 antenna analyzer what do you think of it.

Tom 
K0amd


On Mar 30, 2019, at 7:41 PM, Brian Crittendon via Groups.Io <aaa5mi@...> wrote:

I Still have my PM1. Bought it when my Dad made me sell my tube rig because the electric bill doubled. I was WN8IOP back in 71.

On Saturday, March 30, 2019, 6:53:54 PM EDT, W6BOW via Groups.Io <DBuckter@...> wrote:


Dear All,

Attached find pics of my work in progress portable Hilltopper 20 setup.

I think I got a call from a station in Hawaii earlier today running the HT20 to a 6' all band mobile antenna at ground level in front of the QTH.
He/she was very faint. Can't wait to get out and about portable in more DX favorable locals.

I've had more than passing success working back East /Mid-West/South-East/ and North to Alaska using my all bander doublet.

I'm impressed by the steadily growing interest in QRP (I started with the Tent\Tec PM1. Remember that seminal rig?) over the years and in spite of propagation's vagaries .  
I am coming to appreciate how much depends upon what is or is not happening on the Sun and/or up in the ionosphere.

I'll be QRT for three weeks while on R&R (Rest and Reunion with XYL's family) in Thailand.

CU next year in Branson I hope.

73 

Don - W6BOW
San Francisco  CA  USA
Re: Getting good to go ...

Thomas Martin
 

Don
You have a picture with the mini60 antenna analyzer what do you think of it.

Tom 
K0amd


On Mar 30, 2019, at 7:41 PM, Brian Crittendon via Groups.Io <aaa5mi@...> wrote:

I Still have my PM1. Bought it when my Dad made me sell my tube rig because the electric bill doubled. I was WN8IOP back in 71.

On Saturday, March 30, 2019, 6:53:54 PM EDT, W6BOW via Groups.Io <DBuckter@...> wrote:


Dear All,

Attached find pics of my work in progress portable Hilltopper 20 setup.

I think I got a call from a station in Hawaii earlier today running the HT20 to a 6' all band mobile antenna at ground level in front of the QTH.
He/she was very faint. Can't wait to get out and about portable in more DX favorable locals.

I've had more than passing success working back East /Mid-West/South-East/ and North to Alaska using my all bander doublet.

I'm impressed by the steadily growing interest in QRP (I started with the Tent\Tec PM1. Remember that seminal rig?) over the years and in spite of propagation's vagaries .  
I am coming to appreciate how much depends upon what is or is not happening on the Sun and/or up in the ionosphere.

I'll be QRT for three weeks while on R&R (Rest and Reunion with XYL's family) in Thailand.

CU next year in Branson I hope.

73 

Don - W6BOW
San Francisco  CA  USA
Re: Getting good to go ...

W6BOW
 

Good for you Brian for conserving your PM1. Wish I had mine. 


-----Original Message-----
From: Brian Crittendon via Groups.Io <aaa5mi@...>
To: main <main@4SQRP.groups.io>
Sent: Sat, Mar 30, 2019 5:42 pm
Subject: Re: [4SQRP] Getting good to go ...

I Still have my PM1. Bought it when my Dad made me sell my tube rig because the electric bill doubled. I was WN8IOP back in 71.

On Saturday, March 30, 2019, 6:53:54 PM EDT, W6BOW via Groups.Io <DBuckter@...> wrote:


Dear All,

Attached find pics of my work in progress portable Hilltopper 20 setup.

I think I got a call from a station in Hawaii earlier today running the HT20 to a 6' all band mobile antenna at ground level in front of the QTH.
He/she was very faint. Can't wait to get out and about portable in more DX favorable locals.

I've had more than passing success working back East /Mid-West/South-East/ and North to Alaska using my all bander doublet.

I'm impressed by the steadily growing interest in QRP (I started with the Tent\Tec PM1. Remember that seminal rig?) over the years and in spite of propagation's vagaries .  
I am coming to appreciate how much depends upon what is or is not happening on the Sun and/or up in the ionosphere.

I'll be QRT for three weeks while on R&R (Rest and Reunion with XYL's family) in Thailand.

CU next year in Branson I hope.

73 

Don - W6BOW
San Francisco  CA  USA
Re: Getting good to go ...

Brian Crittendon
 

I Still have my PM1. Bought it when my Dad made me sell my tube rig because the electric bill doubled. I was WN8IOP back in 71.

On Saturday, March 30, 2019, 6:53:54 PM EDT, W6BOW via Groups.Io <DBuckter@...> wrote:


Dear All,

Attached find pics of my work in progress portable Hilltopper 20 setup.

I think I got a call from a station in Hawaii earlier today running the HT20 to a 6' all band mobile antenna at ground level in front of the QTH.
He/she was very faint. Can't wait to get out and about portable in more DX favorable locals.

I've had more than passing success working back East /Mid-West/South-East/ and North to Alaska using my all bander doublet.

I'm impressed by the steadily growing interest in QRP (I started with the Tent\Tec PM1. Remember that seminal rig?) over the years and in spite of propagation's vagaries .  
I am coming to appreciate how much depends upon what is or is not happening on the Sun and/or up in the ionosphere.

I'll be QRT for three weeks while on R&R (Rest and Reunion with XYL's family) in Thailand.

CU next year in Branson I hope.

73 

Don - W6BOW
San Francisco  CA  USA
Getting good to go ...

W6BOW
 

Dear All,

Attached find pics of my work in progress portable Hilltopper 20 setup.

I think I got a call from a station in Hawaii earlier today running the HT20 to a 6' all band mobile antenna at ground level in front of the QTH.
He/she was very faint. Can't wait to get out and about portable in more DX favorable locals.

I've had more than passing success working back East /Mid-West/South-East/ and North to Alaska using my all bander doublet.

I'm impressed by the steadily growing interest in QRP (I started with the Tent\Tec PM1. Remember that seminal rig?) over the years and in spite of propagation's vagaries .  
I am coming to appreciate how much depends upon what is or is not happening on the Sun and/or up in the ionosphere.

I'll be QRT for three weeks while on R&R (Rest and Reunion with XYL's family) in Thailand.

CU next year in Branson I hope.

73 

Don - W6BOW
San Francisco  CA  USA
Re: MFJ Cub

W6BOW
 

Martin - K0BXB,

Admirable craftpersonship! 
You should have no problem finding a home for them.

Don - W6BOW
San Francisco  CA  USA


-----Original Message-----
From: Martin <huyettmeh@...>
To: main@4SQRP.groups.io <main@4SQRP.groups.io>
Sent: Thu, Mar 28, 2019 7:13 pm
Subject: [4SQRP] MFJ Cub

I have an original SS-40 Receiver, NS-40 with a 4sqrp VXO switch selectable in the same case and the Magic Box which I am ready to part with. I haven’t used them for some time but am confident they still work. Each are built into their own case which I fabricated from sheet metal from a microwave cover and computer side covers! They look pretty good if I have to say so myself.
 
If you might be interested, please contact me. I’ll consider any fair offer as I’d love to see them in someone’s hands who will appreciate them. They are great gear. I’ve just got too much and keep buying more! 😊
 
Thanks,
Martin
K0BXB
 
Re: Sold: [4SQRP] Cricket 80a

Martin
 

It went to Washington State! 😊

-----Original Message-----
From: main@4SQRP.groups.io <main@4SQRP.groups.io> On Behalf Of Tom Sevart
Sent: Saturday, March 30, 2019 07:22
To: main@4SQRP.groups.io
Subject: Re: Sold: [4SQRP] Cricket 80a

On 03/29/19 11:28, Martin wrote:
My Cricket is on its way to Washington!

Now, if cockroaches were only that easy to get rid of!

Martin
They go to Washington, DC.


--
Tom Sevart N2UHC
St. Paul, KS
Re: Sold: [4SQRP] Cricket 80a

Tom Sevart
 

On 03/29/19 11:28, Martin wrote:
My Cricket is on its way to Washington!
Now, if cockroaches were only that easy to get rid of!
Martin
They go to Washington, DC.


--
Tom Sevart N2UHC
St. Paul, KS
Re: Hilltopper Mods

Gary E. Kohtala
 

Hi Dave,

Please add me too. I have one each HT 20 and HT 40. Glad to pay for the new part(s). Thanks!

Best regards,

Gary, K7EK

Sent from BlueMail

On Mar 24, 2019, at 11:01, "Bob Zolecki via Groups.Io" <aol.com@groups.io target=_blank>bobzolecki=aol.com@groups.io> wrote:
Hi Dave
Please put me on your list for the chip update and let me know what the price is when available...I have a beta HT-20
73 de Bob KR9Z



-----Original Message-----
From: Dave Benson <davek1swl@...>
To: main <main@4sqrp.groups.io>; HilltopperKit <HilltopperKit@4sqrp.groups.io>
Sent: Sun, Mar 24, 2019 6:23 am
Subject: [4SQRP] Hilltopper Mods

Folks-

Here are several easy mods to improve Hilltopper performance. They address audio levels and quality.

1)   'Loud sidetone':

The value of R8  (now 22k) can be increased to 47K to 100K.  (This change has been posted before, but it's worth including in this summary )

2) 'Low audio'  

The values of R5 (150K) and C22 (470 pF) may be changed to 330K and 220 pF respectively.  This yields a gain increase of 6 dB without affecting that stage's rolloff characteristic.

These two components are in 'tight quarters'- between U3 and the pushbutton switch.  Cutting one or both component leads and tacking the new components on the underside of the board makes the change much easier. 

 But wait- there's more!......

As some of you have noted, there's a 'screech' on loud CW signals- it necessitates riding the gain control. I evaluated samples of a more robust op-amp-  the NJM4556AD.

3) Replacing the NE5532P with that new device eliminates the screech. You'll hear some distortion when limiting occurs, but it's much less objectionable than the NE5532's rude noises. Its 'limiting' threshold is also about 6 dB higher than the present device.  The net result of this change, combined with 2) above,  is 6 dB more audio without the rudities (that's a word!).

Note that if you increase the gain without replacing the IC, you'll find yourself riding the gain control more often
------------------------------------------------
Here's the deal:

If you'd like parts for fixes 1) and 2), simply send me your address and I'll drop them in the mail to you.

I can provide the NJM4556AD as well, but I'd need to charge for it at my cost.  Most of that is postage- nearly $4 for a 'non-flat' mailing these days.   This part is also readily available through Digikey and Mouser.

73- Dave Benson, K1SWL
email: davek1swl at gmail.com
Sold: [4SQRP] Cricket 80a

Martin
 

My Cricket is on its way to Washington!

 

Now, if cockroaches were only that easy to get rid of!

 

Martin

K0BXB

 

From: main@4SQRP.groups.io <main@4SQRP.groups.io> On Behalf Of Martin via Groups.Io
Sent: Wednesday, March 27, 2019 12:07
To: main@4SQRP.groups.io
Subject: [4SQRP] Cricket 80a for sale

 

I’ve got a Cricket 80a with marking, © 2017 that I bought a couple years. It’s all built up. Transmitter works. Receiver works for about a second after power or key up and then fades. It is probably something simple but for the life of me I can’t find it.

 

Everything is there except the key arm which I stole to use in another setting. The one with the key jack on it is mounted.

 

If someone is interested in it make me a modest offer and I’ll likely accept.

 

Thanks,

Martin

K0BXB
Re: QRP rig FS - SOLD

Paul Goemans
 

The S & S TAC 1 is sold, thanks !
 
 
Paul Goemans WA9PWP
Stoughton, WI
4sqrp ss-40 ns-40 magic box for sale

Martin
 

Sorry about the incorrect subject line with this. Guess I was too sleepy to pay attention to what I was doing last night.

On 3/28/19 9:13 PM, Martin via Groups.Io wrote:

I have an original SS-40 Receiver, NS-40 with a 4sqrp VXO switch selectable in the same case and the Magic Box which I am ready to part with. I haven’t used them for some time but am confident they still work. Each are built into their own case which I fabricated from sheet metal from a microwave cover and computer side covers! They look pretty good if I have to say so myself.

 

If you might be interested, please contact me. I’ll consider any fair offer as I’d love to see them in someone’s hands who will appreciate them. They are great gear. I’ve just got too much and keep buying more! 😊

 

Thanks,

Martin

K0BXB

 
MFJ Cub

Martin
 

I have an original SS-40 Receiver, NS-40 with a 4sqrp VXO switch selectable in the same case and the Magic Box which I am ready to part with. I haven’t used them for some time but am confident they still work. Each are built into their own case which I fabricated from sheet metal from a microwave cover and computer side covers! They look pretty good if I have to say so myself.

 

If you might be interested, please contact me. I’ll consider any fair offer as I’d love to see them in someone’s hands who will appreciate them. They are great gear. I’ve just got too much and keep buying more! 😊

 

Thanks,

Martin

K0BXB

 
MFJ Cub

Charles W. Powell
 

I have a 20 meter MFJ cub that I would part with for any reasonable offer.   If anyone is interested, e-mail me at nk8o at arrl.net.  I'm working on clearing out some of the excess stock from the shack!  (I'll never catch up...)  And I'm going to Ozarkcon, so I could leave it with someone there or mail it out.

72,

Chas - NK8O
4181 - 4200 of 23632  
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