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Hilltopper mods - 'how to get them'

Dave Benson
 

gang-

As my original post mentioned, fixes 1) and 2) are free for the asking.

Please contact me directly for these:   davek1swl at gmail.com
-----------------------
The price for all three is $7 via Paypal (A check's fine too)  The big difference is the need for a padded mailer, po$tage and Paypal fee- those alone add up to $5.

For this flavor:  Paypal to my e-mail address above.
-----------------------

I'll be able to ship later this week- I've just reordered parts

73- Dave, K1SWL
Re: Dummy Load Antenna

Charles Wells
 

Thanks for all of the replies.  Now I've got more possibilities to explore, and that is great.

Chas, AD0UY


On Sun, Mar 24, 2019 at 6:24 PM Bryan Nehl <k0emt@...> wrote:
This is the dummy load antenna that I built and use:


I did add a binding post to the top.  I have a small telescoping whip with banana plug on the end I can plug into it.

72 de Bryan, k0emt
Re: Dummy Load Antenna

Bryan Nehl
 

This is the dummy load antenna that I built and use:


I did add a binding post to the top.  I have a small telescoping whip with banana plug on the end I can plug into it.

72 de Bryan, k0emt
VK3YE 716 Receiver

Curt
 

I am listening on 40M CW with receiver built from VK3YE circuit Dec 2017. It uses 2 transistors, a 386 audio chip, 716 resonator, three diodes for the "varactor", three potentiometers,  and a home etched circuit board.  After finally putting it into a box, have been listening with it.  For something so simple, ( and cheap ) the performance is amazing, stable and sensitive.  Tunes 7.028-7.070.  Started here http://home.alphalink.com.au/~parkerp/projects/projresrx.htm

Curt KB5JO
FW: [QRP-L] Sasquatch Stomp this coming Friday

AG1P Ron
 

-----Original Message-----
From: qrp-l-bounces@mailman.qth.net [mailto:qrp-l-bounces@mailman.qth.net]
On Behalf Of Wayne McFee
Sent: Sunday, March 24, 2019 11:55 AM
To: pQRP@yahoogroups.com; qrp-tech@groups.io; qrp-l@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [QRP-L] Sasquatch Stomp this coming Friday

Calling all Stompers,

Pull on those QRP Boots and get set for this annual fun event.

Check it out at:

https://sites.google.com/site/pnwqrpgroup/sasquatch-stomp

Remember the re-birth rule and do remember that QSOs with non-stompers count
too. For those, use the RST numbers you received in place of a Sasquatch
number.

Hope to work you in the Stomp.

73,

Wayne NB6M


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Re: Hilltopper Mods

Paul AI4EE
 

Dave -

I would also like to make the mods you list. In addition, I would also like to have another pushbutton switch. I will gladly pay you for all parts, including shipping.

Tnx, Paul, AI4EE


On 3/24/2019 6:22 AM, Dave Benson wrote:
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

Virus-free. www.avast.com

Re: Dummy Load Antenna

Jim, N5IB
 

About two years back I made an OzarkCon QSO Party dummy load out of NiChrome wire. Measured off enough to have a DC resistance of 50 ohms, which was about 50 inches for some fine gauge stuff I had here. It formed into a loop about 17" in diameter, using some polyethylene tubing to define the shape. Since the RF resistance would be somewhat higher I re-measured the formed loop with an antenna analyzer and trimmed for close to 50 ohms resistive part at 7 MHz. The loop, of course, has some inductance, and it took about 200 pF in parallel to tune out that reactance.

Some small PVC pipe and fittings to make a suitable stand and it was ready to QSO. Alas, I had so much fun chatting and visiting that I didn't put it on the air for more than a few minutes.

If you don't have any NiChrome you could achieve a similar effect by stringing a few resistors end-to-end in series, maybe with some wire between them to space them out enough for a loop a foot or so in diameter.

Jim, N5IB

PS... also check out in this group's Files section "Quick HF DF Loop.pdf " uploaded Feb 9 of 2017, as an idea for the oscillator hunt.
Re: Dummy Load Antenna

Dwayne R <masterdr@...>
 

that isn't a dummy load. . that is a full fledged antenna. . .
The 50 ohm is used to insure a impedance match to the transmitter.

you can do the same thing with very large loops. . .. measuring the
resistance of the wire per 100 feet, and building an antenna that is
long enough to equate to 50 ohms. . . .

No tuner needed. . .

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

On Sun, 3/24/19, Charles W. Powell via Groups.Io <doctorcwp=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:

Subject: Re: [4SQRP] Dummy Load Antenna
To: "4 State QRP" <main@4SQRP.groups.io>
Date: Sunday, March 24, 2019, 12:35 PM

Easy
one!
http://wa0itp.com/dlspecial.html
72,
Chas
- NK8O

On Mar 24, 2019, at 12:31 PM, Johnny
Matlock <jomatlock@gmail.com>
wrote:
Gm Charles Terry used to have a link to a dummy
load antenna, but the one I found is Broken?Maybe someone else has a better
link?73Johnny 
On Sun, Mar 24,
2019 at 10:54 AM Charles Wells <odu1993@gmail.com>
wrote:
I was looking at the Ozarkcon Dummy
Load Special Antenna with an eye toward assembling same. 
I'm slightly confused about some details.
My
interpretation is that one end of the zip cord is soldered
together so that the total length of the radiator is 40
ft.  One end is then connected to the BNC ground and the
other to the resistive load.  Is this interpretation
correct?
Thanks for your help.
Chas

--

Check out the
4SQRP website at 4sqrp.com
Re: Dummy Load Antenna

N1KWW <bgrass2@...>
 


On Sun, Mar 24, 2019 at 1:32 PM Johnny Matlock <jomatlock@...> wrote:
Gm Charles 
Terry used to have a link to a dummy load antenna, but the one I found is Broken?
Maybe someone else has a better link?
73
Johnny 

On Sun, Mar 24, 2019 at 10:54 AM Charles Wells <odu1993@...> wrote:
I was looking at the Ozarkcon Dummy Load Special Antenna with an eye toward assembling same.  I'm slightly confused about some details.

My interpretation is that one end of the zip cord is soldered together so that the total length of the radiator is 40 ft.  One end is then connected to the BNC ground and the other to the resistive load.  Is this interpretation correct?

Thanks for your help.

Chas

--
Check out the 4SQRP website at 4sqrp.com
Re: Dummy Load Antenna

Charles W. Powell
 

Easy one!


72,

Chas - NK8O

On Mar 24, 2019, at 12:31 PM, Johnny Matlock <jomatlock@...> wrote:

Gm Charles 
Terry used to have a link to a dummy load antenna, but the one I found is Broken?
Maybe someone else has a better link?
73
Johnny 

On Sun, Mar 24, 2019 at 10:54 AM Charles Wells <odu1993@...> wrote:
I was looking at the Ozarkcon Dummy Load Special Antenna with an eye toward assembling same.  I'm slightly confused about some details.

My interpretation is that one end of the zip cord is soldered together so that the total length of the radiator is 40 ft.  One end is then connected to the BNC ground and the other to the resistive load.  Is this interpretation correct?

Thanks for your help.

Chas


--
Check out the 4SQRP website at 4sqrp.com
Re: Dummy Load Antenna

Johnny AC0BQ
 

Gm Charles 
Terry used to have a link to a dummy load antenna, but the one I found is Broken?
Maybe someone else has a better link?
73
Johnny 

On Sun, Mar 24, 2019 at 10:54 AM Charles Wells <odu1993@...> wrote:
I was looking at the Ozarkcon Dummy Load Special Antenna with an eye toward assembling same.  I'm slightly confused about some details.

My interpretation is that one end of the zip cord is soldered together so that the total length of the radiator is 40 ft.  One end is then connected to the BNC ground and the other to the resistive load.  Is this interpretation correct?

Thanks for your help.

Chas

--
Check out the 4SQRP website at 4sqrp.com
Re: Dummy Load Antenna

Paul Smith
 

Charles,
My dummy load antenna is a dummy load built in a ALTOIDS tin with banana connectors on the OUT end. I attach a hank of wire and string it around the room and it works great with a little more wire to radiate with.
de Paul
Dummy Load Antenna

Charles Wells
 

I was looking at the Ozarkcon Dummy Load Special Antenna with an eye toward assembling same.  I'm slightly confused about some details.

My interpretation is that one end of the zip cord is soldered together so that the total length of the radiator is 40 ft.  One end is then connected to the BNC ground and the other to the resistive load.  Is this interpretation correct?

Thanks for your help.

Chas
Re: Hilltopper Mods

Bob Zolecki
 

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
Re: Hilltopper Mods

Johnny AC0BQ
 

Gm Dave 
Put my name on 2 of the chips and the necessary parts to mod my Hilltoppers. 
I have the beta 20 that is built, but I have a 40 that is still in the box, awaiting some TLC bench time. 
I will drop you a check in the mail. 
72 
Johnny AC0BQ

On Sun, Mar 24, 2019 at 5:23 AM Dave Benson <davek1swl@...> wrote:
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



--
QRP....."More smiles per Watt"
72
JOHNNY AC0BQ  ..
Magic Box for Sale

John Lonigro
 

I have an unassembled Magic Box kit that I won as a door prize at Ozarkcon several years ago.  I also have a printout of the instructions.  No idea what it is worth, but if anyone is interested, please submit a bid. The highest reasonable bid, as of tomorrow night at midnight, wins.  I'll bring the kit with me to Ozarkcon and we can make the exchange then.  Don't let the "reasonable" qualifier scare you off.  This is all very subjective and what is unreasonable to you might be perfectly acceptable to me.  I figure if I haven't built the kit by now, I probably will never build it.  Might as well let someone have it who could put it to good use.

Please don't send any bids via the 4SQRP reflector. Use my personal email address, which is jonigro(at)gmail.com.  Thanks.

72,

John. AA0VE
Re: FS resistor assortment

George H. Gates
 

Item sold. Geo. W2BPI



Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
Hilltopper Mods

Dave Benson
 

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
Re: FS resistor assortment

Peter Dehman
 

Four Sail

On Sat, Mar 23, 2019 at 2:56 PM Frank Perkins <N6CES.r@...> wrote:
What is FS?


On Sat, Mar 23, 2019, 11:52 AM George H. Gates via Groups.Io <w2bpi1=aol.com@groups.io> wrote:
Fill up your junk box. Must clean out shack. $20.00 plus shipping. 72  George/W2BPI

Re: FS resistor assortment

davemrtn
 

So, is that $10 per resistor !!??

How about some details...


David Martin - NA1MH - Mountain Home, Ar. -----------------------------------------
Wherever I go, there He is.
Recycle, Reuse, Re-purpose, Repair
>Professional Sports - An activity for small minds<
!! There is a reason it is called "Sports Trivia" !!

On 3/23/2019 13:52, George H. Gates via Groups.Io wrote:
Fill up your junk box. Must clean out shack. $20.00 plus shipping. 72  George/W2BPI

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