Ham Radio Workbench Podcast

It’s Christmas Season once again and George and Jeremy are back to discuss gift ideas for your workbench!  This week, we’re joined by previous guests Nick KN6NK, Rod VA3ON, and Smitty KR6ZY.  This discussion will give inspire you with plenty of tools, test equipment, supplies, and stocking stuffers to add to your holiday workbench wishlist!

Twitter Workbench Picture Thread - https://twitter.com/smittyhalibut/status/931740952690958336

Double Cross Antenna - http://w7dbo.net/MARTES_Double_Cross_Antenna.pdf

Mount Panavise Jr. to an Arm!  - https://twitter.com/CyberQueenMara/status/931560219125063680

• Weller ML100 Magna-Lite Micro Torch $10 https://www.amazon.com/Weller-ML100-Magna-Lite-Micro-Refillable/dp/B000KL2CGO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1510007582&sr=8-1&keywords=weller+torch
• Hakko CHP 170 Diagonal Micro Cutters $6 - https://smile.amazon.com/Hakko-CHP-170-Stand-off-Construction-21-Degree/dp/B076M3ZHBV/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1510971882&sr=1-1&keywords=chp170
• Stainless tweezers (curved, straight) $25 each, or super cheap set ($9)
• Slotted head ceramic driver/adjustment set ($14) - for tweaking trimpots without shorting stuff out
• iFixit 64-bit screwdriver kit ($30)
• Hakko flush cutters ($5)
• PowerPole crimper ($50)
• Wiha System 4 Precision Modular screwdrivers https://www.wihatools.com/tech-tools/system-4-precision
• Knipex mini Pliers set Of two  with Parallel jaws Knipex Tools 00 20 72 V01 Mini Pliers in Belt Pouch, Red, 2-Piece

• Aoyue soldering iron and  hot air rework station $150 http://www.aoyue.eu/aoyue-int899a-smd-rework-hot-air-soldering-station-with-turbine-engine.html
• Entry Level Hot Air Rework $75 - http://www.newark.com/tenma/21-11424/temperature-controlled-hot-air/dp/25AC4940
• Aven Circuit Board Holder $12 - https://www.amazon.com/Aven-17010-Adjustable-Circuit-Holder/dp/B00Q2TTQEE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1510976355&sr=8-3&keywords=board+holder
• PanaVise Jr $27 -  https://www.amazon.com/PanaVise-Model-201-Junior-Miniature/dp/B000B61D22
• MetCal Soldering PS2E $175 USED - https://www.ebay.com/itm/222692052462
• MetCal Soldering MX500 $250 - https://www.ebay.com/itm/272921431841
• How the MetCal works - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9Wmqc9O24w
• WES-51 or FX-888 soldering iron ($100)
• TS100 portable iron (requires external DC power) ($50-$80) Hackaday review  Video review
• Hot-air reflow station ($60)
• Controleo toaster reflow controller ($109)
• Tiny desk fan ($20) and solder fume extractor ($25-$50)
• Solder reel stand ($10-$20)
• Ceramic floor tile (12”x12” or larger), $1-$2

• Pluggable USB Microscope $35 - https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Microscope-Flexible-Observation-Magnification/dp/B00XNYXQHE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1510971418&sr=8-1&keywords=plugable+microscope
• Stereo microscope ($190) with 5x/10x, 10x/15x, or 10x/20x
• Prusa i3 MK3 3D Printer $999 Assembled - https://shop.prusa3d.com/en/17-3d-printers
• CNC router ($400+)
• MillRight CNC Router Kits - https://www.millrightcnc.com/
• Laser cutter ($500ish)

• Organization/storage tool rack  $11
• Global Industrial storage boxes (~$30-$70 per 100 boxes, mine are 4”W x 12”D x 4.5”H)
• Lift-N-Lok tool box (seem to not be available anymore)
• Veto Pro Pac Tool bag https://www.vetopropac.com/product/tech-mct
• Mechanics tool drawers (with organizers and Ptouch labels for the OCD crowd)
• DYMO LabelManager 160 Label Maker $15 - https://www.amazon.com/DYMO-LabelManager-Handheld-Label-1790415/dp/B005X9VZ70/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1511114832&sr=8-3&keywords=label+maker
• AKRO MILS - https://akro-mils.com/
• AKRO-MILS Small Parts Bins $30 - https://www.amazon.com/Akro-Mils-10164-Plastic-Storage-Hardware/dp/B000LDH3JC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1511115094&sr=8-3&keywords=akro+mils
• AKRO-MILS Mixed Parts Bins $30 - https://www.amazon.com/Akro-Mils-10144-20-Inch-16-Inch-Hardware/dp/B003P2UOCO/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1511115094&sr=8-4&keywords=akro+mils
• AKRO-MILS Large Parts Bins $30 - https://www.amazon.com/Akro-Mils-10124-Plastic-Hardware-6-5-Inch/dp/B003TV3NL0/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1511115094&sr=8-5&keywords=akro+mils

• Bag of powerpole connectors - 10 pairs for $9.99 free shipping https://www.ebay.com/itm/ANDERSON-POWERPOLE-Sermos-AC-DC-Connectors-30-Amp-10-Pair/192363652204?hash=item2cc9c4646c:g:ZvAAAOSwTM5YxtBX
• Hatchbox 3D Printing Filament - https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=hatchbox
• Box o’ Resistors!  $7 - https://www.amazon.com/Cutequeen-750-Values-Resistor-25pcs/dp/B016NXK6QK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1510972481&sr=8-3&keywords=resistors
• USB Cables!  Especially Anker Powerline for anything that is doing power
• RF Adapters (You use one for a project, and it lives with that project forever.)
• Snap-on RF Chokes
• Wire for signals hookup, power transmission
• RF Coax Cable - LMR400, LMR240, LMR195, etc
• Lifetime supply of 63/37 solder ($33) (get a smaller spool of thicker solder if doing power connectors
• Solder braid - https://www.amazon.com/NTE-Electronics-SW02-10-No-Clean-Solder/dp/B0195UVWJ8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1511115385&sr=8-3&keywords=solder+braid
• Heatshrink tubing
• Glue-lined heatshrink ($12)
• SMD practice board ($1)

• Elecraft XG3 Signal Generator( Sweep Gen, Beacon CW and RTTY, Foxhunt Tx) - http://www.elecraft.com/XG3/xg3.htm
• Digilent Analog Discovery II  $279 (www.digilent.com / www.digikey.com ) http://store.digilentinc.com/digital-discovery-portable-logic-analyzer-and-digital-pattern-generator/
• Airspy HF+/Airspy R2/Airspy Mini $99-$199 - https://v3.airspy.us/
• Siglent SDS-1202X-E Oscilloscope - http://www.saelig.com/product/sds1202x-e.htm
• Non-contact thermometer ($19)
• Non-contact voltage probe ($19)
• Socket tester ($9)
• Component tester ($15)
• LC meter ($25)
• Frequency counter ($17)
• Bus Pirate ($28)
• 8ch 24MHz logic analyzer, works with Sigrok ($14)
• Saleae mixed-signal analyzers, ($110-$600)
• Rigol DS1054Z Oscilloscope ($400)
• Bench Power Supply - Generic unit, many options, $50-$100, may need to swap pots out for 10-turn
• Bench Power Supply eez-h24005, $400, but unknown when next manufacturing run
• Bench Power Supply Rigol (1-channel $300, 3-channel $475)
• Bench Power Supply Siglent (basic 3ch $270, or fancy 3ch $370)
• Spectrum analyzer - SSA3021X, ($1600) SDR dongle ($21), noise source ($12), directional coupler
• Fluke Mulitmeters - 87V $370 - https://www.amazon.com/Fluke-FLUKE-87-V-Digital-Multimeter/dp/B00T3LZLFG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511115922&sr=8-1&keywords=fluke+87v
• EEVBlog Bryman 235 Digital Multimeter $125 - https://www.amazon.com/EEVblog-BM235-Brymen-Multimeter/dp/B01JZ1ADCO/ref=sr_1_1?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1511115964&sr=1-1&keywords=eevblog
• Siglent SDM3000 Series Benchtop Multimeters - http://www.saelig.com/category/siglent-dmm.htm?Screen=CTGY&Category_code=siglent-sdm-multimeters

• Wago 221 Lever-Nut Assortment Pocket Pack $19.95 https://www.amazon.com/Wago-Lever-Nut-Assortment-Pocket-Pack/dp/B01N0LRTXZ/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1510008024&sr=1-1&keywords=WAGO+WIRE+NUTS&dpID=41fWIAdO%252BDL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=src
• Airspy Mini $99 - https://v3.airspy.us/product/a-airspy-mini/
• QRP Labs CW QCX Transceiver - https://www.qrp-labs.com/qcx.html
• BITX40 40M QRP SSB Transceiver - http://www.hfsigs.com/
• Assorted jumper wires ($8)
• Breadboard + jumper wire kit ($12)
• Breadboard power supply ($6, 3-pack $8, 6-pack $11)
• FTDI USB/TTL adapter: 3.3v, 5v ($15) (avoid eBay, lots of FTDI counterfeits)
• Lady ada toolkit $100 https://www.adafruit.com/product/136
• Leatherman Squirt electricians edition (ES4)  $32
• Allen wrench handles (Lee Valley Tools) http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.aspx?p=75480&cat=1,70373,70375. $15
• Membership for a Makerspace https://spaces.makerspace.com/directory/

The Junk Drawer - a random collection of useful and invaluable items.  This week George and Jeremy bring you a veritable hodge podge of exciting ham radio content!  PowerFilm Solar shares an exclusive offer for HamRadio360 listeners.  George gives a preview of progress on build projects.  He then shares interviews with SteppIR, Flex Radio, and Novexcomm from Pacificon.  Our friends at the ICQ Podcast share an exciting announcement about G8BBC, the official BBC Ham Radio Station.

Exclusive 10% discount onPowerfilm Solar 30 watt panel (Expires Dec 7, 2017)! (Promo code is HamRadio on Amazon) - http://www.powerfilmsolar.com/products/workbench

Elecktor article on Android function generator - https://www.elektormagazine.com/news/review-function-generator-in-the-pocket

RF Analyzer for Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mantz_it.rfanalyzer

SDR Touch for Android - http://sdrtouch.com/

EveryCircuit for Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.everycircuit.free&hl=en

EveryCircuit for iOS - https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjc5fnt-KPXAhUGMyYKHeVFBSoQFggoMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fapp%2Feverycircuit%2Fid797157761%3Fmt%3D8&usg=AOvVaw1O1cL6FCmTfREJ-BNPT8Z8

Airspy HF+ - https://airspy.com/airspy-hf-plus/

Airspy Groups.io - https://airspy.groups.io/g/main/topics

SDR# / SpyServer Changelog - https://airspy.com/downloads/changelog.txt

SpyServer Directory - https://airspy.com/spy-servers/

Flex Radio - http://www.flexradio.com/

SteppIR Urban Beam - https://www.steppir.com/shop/horizontal-antennas/urbanbeam/

NovexComm Radio Mounts - http://www.novexcomm.com/

G8BBC - https://www.icqpodcast.com/download-the-show/2017/10/22/icq-podcast-episode-251-g8bbc

The Junk Drawer - a random collection of useful and invaluable items.  This week George and Jeremy bring you a veritable hodge podge of exciting ham radio content!  PowerFilm Solar shares an exclusive offer for HamRadio360 listeners.  George gives a preview of progress on build projects.  He then shares interviews with SteppIR, Flex Radio, and Novexcomm from Pacificon.  Our friends at the ICQ Podcast share an exciting announcement about G8BBC, the official BBC Ham Radio Station.

Exclusive 10% discount onPowerfilm Solar 30 watt panel (Expires Dec 7, 2017)! (Promo code is HamRadio on Amazon) - http://www.powerfilmsolar.com/products/workbench

Elecktor article on Android function generator - https://www.elektormagazine.com/news/review-function-generator-in-the-pocket

RF Analyzer for Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mantz_it.rfanalyzer

SDR Touch for Android - http://sdrtouch.com/

EveryCircuit for Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.everycircuit.free&hl=en

EveryCircuit for iOS - https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjc5fnt-KPXAhUGMyYKHeVFBSoQFggoMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fapp%2Feverycircuit%2Fid797157761%3Fmt%3D8&usg=AOvVaw1O1cL6FCmTfREJ-BNPT8Z8

Airspy HF+ - https://airspy.com/airspy-hf-plus/

Airspy Groups.io - https://airspy.groups.io/g/main/topics

SDR# / SpyServer Changelog - https://airspy.com/downloads/changelog.txt

SpyServer Directory - https://airspy.com/spy-servers/

Flex Radio - http://www.flexradio.com/

SteppIR Urban Beam - https://www.steppir.com/shop/horizontal-antennas/urbanbeam/

NovexComm Radio Mounts - http://www.novexcomm.com/

G8BBC - https://www.icqpodcast.com/download-the-show/2017/10/22/icq-podcast-episode-251-g8bbc

Continuing the discussion of digital technologies in Ham Radio, George and Jeremy invite Kenneth Finnegan W6KWF back to do a very deep dive on Packet Radio, AX.25, and KISS modes.  We talk TNCs, equipment, and practical applications of Packet Radio this week on The Workbench.

Kenneth Finnegan - https://twitter.com/KWF http://blog.thelifeofkenneth.com

MMDVM Zumboard - http://mmdvm.blogspot.com/

DStar Registration - http://www.dstargateway.org/D-Star_Registration.html

DMR Registration - https://www.dmr-marc.net/cgi-bin/trbo-database/register.cgi

New Elecraft AX1 Antenna - https://va2ss.com/2017/10/19/elecraft-ax1-ultraportable-1720-meter-antenna-system/

Pacificon - http://www.pacificon.org/

Microwave Update 2017 - http://www.microwaveupdate.org/

Sierra Radio Systems - http://www.sierraradio.net/

Motrolla CDM1250 - https://www.motorolasolutions.com/en_us/products/two-way-radios/analog-business-radios/discontinued/cdm1250.html#tabproductinfo

Motrola CDM1550 - https://www.motorolasolutions.com/en_us/products/two-way-radios/analog-business-radios/discontinued/cdm1550.html#tabproductinfo

eMMC to SD Card adapter - https://ameridroid.com/products/emmc-adapter

Raspberry Pi Compute Module - https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/compute-module-3/

http://blog.thelifeofkenneth.com/2017/08/building-stand-alone-raspberry-pi.html

TAPR - https://www.tapr.org/packetradio.html

Bell 202 Modem - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_202_modem

TNC - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terminal_node_controller

Nationwide Packet Network of BBS - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulletin_board_system

AMPRNet - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMPRNet

AX.25 - https://www.tapr.org/pub_ax25.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AX.25

TNC-X Raspberry Pi - https://tnc-x.com/TNCPi.htm

Kantronics TNCs - http://www.kantronics.com/

Soundcard Packet - https://www.soundcardpacket.org/

Direwolf - http://info.aprs.net/index.php?title=Dire_Wolf

AGWPE - https://www.sv2agw.com/downloads/

UZ7HO Soundcard Modems - http://uz7.ho.ua/packetradio.htm

OSI Model - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OSI_model

AFSK - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frequency-shift_keying

HDLC - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-Level_Data_Link_Control

KISS - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KISS_(TNC)

Outpost Software - http://www.outpostpm.org/index.php

Alinco - http://alinco.com/Products/ham/mbl/DR-135/

http://www.scc-ares-races.org/freqs/packet-freqs.html

HR360 APRS Shows - http://hamradio360.com/index.php/2017/01/24/ham-radio-360-all-about-aprs-with-w6kwf/

http://hamradio360.com/index.php/2017/03/07/ham-radio-360-aprs-follow-up-listener-qa/

Continuing the discussion of digital technologies in Ham Radio, George and Jeremy invite Kenneth Finnegan W6KWF back to do a very deep dive on Packet Radio, AX.25, and KISS modes.  We talk TNCs, equipment, and practical applications of Packet Radio this week on The Workbench.

Kenneth Finnegan - https://twitter.com/KWF http://blog.thelifeofkenneth.com

MMDVM Zumboard - http://mmdvm.blogspot.com/

DStar Registration - http://www.dstargateway.org/D-Star_Registration.html

DMR Registration - https://www.dmr-marc.net/cgi-bin/trbo-database/register.cgi

New Elecraft AX1 Antenna - https://va2ss.com/2017/10/19/elecraft-ax1-ultraportable-1720-meter-antenna-system/

Pacificon - http://www.pacificon.org/

Microwave Update 2017 - http://www.microwaveupdate.org/

Sierra Radio Systems - http://www.sierraradio.net/

Motrolla CDM1250 - https://www.motorolasolutions.com/en_us/products/two-way-radios/analog-business-radios/discontinued/cdm1250.html#tabproductinfo

Motrola CDM1550 - https://www.motorolasolutions.com/en_us/products/two-way-radios/analog-business-radios/discontinued/cdm1550.html#tabproductinfo

eMMC to SD Card adapter - https://ameridroid.com/products/emmc-adapter

Raspberry Pi Compute Module - https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/compute-module-3/

http://blog.thelifeofkenneth.com/2017/08/building-stand-alone-raspberry-pi.html

TAPR - https://www.tapr.org/packetradio.html

Bell 202 Modem - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_202_modem

TNC - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terminal_node_controller

Nationwide Packet Network of BBS - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulletin_board_system

AMPRNet - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMPRNet

AX.25 - https://www.tapr.org/pub_ax25.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AX.25

TNC-X Raspberry Pi - https://tnc-x.com/TNCPi.htm

Kantronics TNCs - http://www.kantronics.com/

Soundcard Packet - https://www.soundcardpacket.org/

Direwolf - http://info.aprs.net/index.php?title=Dire_Wolf

AGWPE - https://www.sv2agw.com/downloads/

UZ7HO Soundcard Modems - http://uz7.ho.ua/packetradio.htm

OSI Model - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OSI_model

AFSK - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frequency-shift_keying

HDLC - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-Level_Data_Link_Control

KISS - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KISS_(TNC)

Outpost Software - http://www.outpostpm.org/index.php

Alinco - http://alinco.com/Products/ham/mbl/DR-135/

http://www.scc-ares-races.org/freqs/packet-freqs.html

HR360 APRS Shows - http://hamradio360.com/index.php/2017/01/24/ham-radio-360-all-about-aprs-with-w6kwf/

http://hamradio360.com/index.php/2017/03/07/ham-radio-360-aprs-follow-up-listener-qa/

This week George and Jeremy host a roundtable to discuss the differences and similarities between some of the most popular digital voice communication modes available to amateurs today.  They are joined by Rod Hardman VA3ON (DMR), Rich Timpa KC6OBJ (DStar), David Ranch KI6ZHD (Yaesu System Fusion), and Randy Neals W3RWN (Allstar).  In this conversation opinions and facts are explored about the benefits and potential of each of these digital modes of communication.

KF7IJZ / KJ6VU / KR6ZY / W6KWF Eagle Board Layout Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYoorqf2llE

Modes

All Star - https://www.hamvoip.org/

DMR - http://www.dmr-marc.net/ / https://brandmeister.network/

DSTAR - http://www.dstarinfo.com/

Yaesu System Fusion -  http://systemfusion.yaesu.com/what-is-system-fusion/

Radios

DMR - Tytera MD380 UHF - https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/ht/0380.html

DMR - Tytera MD9600 Mobile - https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/fm_txvrs/0196.html

DMR - Hytera (Commercial Quality) - https://www.gigaparts.com/hytera

DSTAR - ID-51 Plus 2 Handheld - https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/ht/1151.html

DSTAR - ID-4100 Mobile - https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/fm_txvrs/4100.html

DSTAR - IC-7100 Mobile HF w/ DSTAR - https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamhf/3071.html

Yaesu System Fusion HT - FT-2DR - https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/ht/6002.html

Yaesu System Fusion Mobile - FTM-100DR - https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/fm_txvrs/0100.html

Digital Mode Hotspots

DVMEGA (DMR, Fusion, DSTAR) - http://www.dvmega.auria.nl/

MMDVM ZUMSpot (DMR, Fusion, DSTAR) - http://mmdvm.blogspot.com/

SharkRF Open Spot (DMR, Fusion, DSTAR) - https://www.sharkrf.com/products/openspot/

All Star Micro Node - http://micro-node.com/

New ICOM SDR(?) IC-9700 144/440/1200 Radio - http://qrznow.com/icom-ic-9700-vhfuhf1-2ghz-prototype-transceiver-shown-at-tokyo-hamfair-2017/

DSTAR HF Coordination - http://www.dstarinfo.com/DSTARHFNet.aspx

This week George and Jeremy host a roundtable to discuss the differences and similarities between some of the most popular digital voice communication modes available to amateurs today.  They are joined by Rod Hardman VA3ON (DMR), Rich Timpa KC6OBJ (DStar), David Ranch KI6ZHD (Yaesu System Fusion), and Randy Neals W3RWN (Allstar).  In this conversation opinions and facts are explored about the benefits and potential of each of these digital modes of communication.

KF7IJZ / KJ6VU / KR6ZY / W6KWF Eagle Board Layout Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYoorqf2llE

Modes

All Star - https://www.hamvoip.org/

DMR - http://www.dmr-marc.net/ / https://brandmeister.network/

DSTAR - http://www.dstarinfo.com/

Yaesu System Fusion -  http://systemfusion.yaesu.com/what-is-system-fusion/

Radios

DMR - Tytera MD380 UHF - https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/ht/0380.html

DMR - Tytera MD9600 Mobile - https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/fm_txvrs/0196.html

DMR - Hytera (Commercial Quality) - https://www.gigaparts.com/hytera

DSTAR - ID-51 Plus 2 Handheld - https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/ht/1151.html

DSTAR - ID-4100 Mobile - https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/fm_txvrs/4100.html

DSTAR - IC-7100 Mobile HF w/ DSTAR - https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamhf/3071.html

Yaesu System Fusion HT - FT-2DR - https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/ht/6002.html

Yaesu System Fusion Mobile - FTM-100DR - https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/fm_txvrs/0100.html

Digital Mode Hotspots

DVMEGA (DMR, Fusion, DSTAR) - http://www.dvmega.auria.nl/

MMDVM ZUMSpot (DMR, Fusion, DSTAR) - http://mmdvm.blogspot.com/

SharkRF Open Spot (DMR, Fusion, DSTAR) - https://www.sharkrf.com/products/openspot/

All Star Micro Node - http://micro-node.com/

New ICOM SDR(?) IC-9700 144/440/1200 Radio - http://qrznow.com/icom-ic-9700-vhfuhf1-2ghz-prototype-transceiver-shown-at-tokyo-hamfair-2017/

DSTAR HF Coordination - http://www.dstarinfo.com/DSTARHFNet.aspx

The BITX40 is a $60 Arduino controlled 7 watt QRP SSB 40 meter transceiver designed and built by Ashar Farhan VU2ESE.  They are available as a “kit” from http://www.hfsigs.com/ .  The assembly only involves soldering wires for things like speakers, power, and microphones and also finding a suitable case.  We originally spoke about the BITX40 back in Episode 26 (http://hamradio360.com/index.php/2017/06/20/ham-radio-360-workbench-26-the-bitx40-transceiver-an-introduction/)

Mark “Smitty” Smith KR6ZY is back with us again to share with us the modifications and upgrades he’s made to the original BITX40 over the summer.  In this episode, we discuss adding upper sideband capabilities, adding an IF shift, and even multibanding the radio!  Smitty shares lots of great resources and ideas in this episode of the Workbench.

Smitty KR6ZY can be found online on twitter @smittyhalibut (https://twitter.com/smittyhalibut) and on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/user/SmittyHalibut

Cale K4CDN is taking a much deserved break for the rest of the year!  - http://hamradio360.com/index.php/2017/09/19/ham-radio-360-lessons-from-irma-and-my-vacation/

Workbench Autodesk Eagle board layout tutorial with KF7IJZ, KJ6VU, W6KWF, and KR6ZY - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYoorqf2llE

OSHPark Board Manufacturer - https://oshpark.com/

ESP01 / ESP8266

• http://www.instructables.com/id/Getting-Started-With-the-ESP8266-ESP-01/
• https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13678
• ESP Libraries Source https://github.com/esp8266/Arduino
• Arduino IDE - https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software
• ESP8266 in Arduino - https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/esp8266-thing-hookup-guide/installing-the-esp8266-arduino-addon
• Teensy - https://www.pjrc.com/teensy/
• ARRL HF Data Rates - http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-files-symbol-rate-petition-with-fcc
• Hardware random number generator - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardware_random_number_generator

RTL-SDR v3 with Direct Sampling - https://www.rtl-sdr.com/rtl-sdr-blog-v-3-dongles-user-guide/

QRP Labs Filter Kits

• https://www.qrp-labs.com
• LPFs: https://www.qrp-labs.com/lpfkit.html
• BPFs: https://www.qrp-labs.com/bpfkit.html
• HF BPF 10-band Set - http://shop.qrp-labs.com/BPFSET

D-STAR QSO Party - https://www.icom.co.jp/world/dqp/

Silicon Dust HDHomeRun OTA TV to IP Box - https://www.silicondust.com/

Smitty’s BITX40 Intro Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ESph5JCOpw

BITX40 Mods

Groups.io - https://groups.io/g/BITX20

BitX Hacks - http://bitxhacks.blogspot.com/

Raduino Software - https://groups.io/g/BITX20/wiki/Raduino-Topics

Allard’s Software - https://groups.io/g/BITX20/wiki/Allard%27s-Raduino-Code

Software upgrades https://github.com/amunters/bitx40/

Make it do CW http://bitxhacks.blogspot.com/2017/03/nd6t-bitx-cw-update.html http://bitxhacks.blogspot.com/2017/02/putting-bitx-raduino-on-cw.html

USB and LSB (for digital) - https://groups.io/g/BITX20/wiki/USB-LSB-operation

Front panel and case - https://www.banggood.com/Electronic-Plastic-Shell-Cartridge-Handle-Project-Case-Desk-Instrument-200x175x70mm-p-1035473.html?rmmds=myorder

Optical/Rotary Encoder Tuning - https://groups.io/g/BITX20/topic/mouse_encoder/5553536?p=,,,20,0,0,0::Relevance,,mouse,20,2,0,5553536

Dr. Jack Purdum W8TEE VFO TFT - https://groups.io/g/BITX20/topic/5116056

AGC Board - http://kv4qb.blogspot.com/2016/11/bitx-40p-building-part-1.html

SteppIR Urban Beam - http://www.steppir.com/UrbanBeam

The BITX40 is a $60 Arduino controlled 7 watt QRP SSB 40 meter transceiver designed and built by Ashar Farhan VU2ESE.  They are available as a “kit” from http://www.hfsigs.com/ .  The assembly only involves soldering wires for things like speakers, power, and microphones and also finding a suitable case.  We originally spoke about the BITX40 back in Episode 26 (http://hamradio360.com/index.php/2017/06/20/ham-radio-360-workbench-26-the-bitx40-transceiver-an-introduction/)

Mark “Smitty” Smith KR6ZY is back with us again to share with us the modifications and upgrades he’s made to the original BITX40 over the summer.  In this episode, we discuss adding upper sideband capabilities, adding an IF shift, and even multibanding the radio!  Smitty shares lots of great resources and ideas in this episode of the Workbench.

Smitty KR6ZY can be found online on twitter @smittyhalibut (https://twitter.com/smittyhalibut) and on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/user/SmittyHalibut

Cale K4CDN is taking a much deserved break for the rest of the year!  - http://hamradio360.com/index.php/2017/09/19/ham-radio-360-lessons-from-irma-and-my-vacation/

Workbench Autodesk Eagle board layout tutorial with KF7IJZ, KJ6VU, W6KWF, and KR6ZY - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYoorqf2llE

OSHPark Board Manufacturer - https://oshpark.com/

ESP01 / ESP8266

• http://www.instructables.com/id/Getting-Started-With-the-ESP8266-ESP-01/
• https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13678
• ESP Libraries Source https://github.com/esp8266/Arduino
• Arduino IDE - https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software
• ESP8266 in Arduino - https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/esp8266-thing-hookup-guide/installing-the-esp8266-arduino-addon
• Teensy - https://www.pjrc.com/teensy/
• ARRL HF Data Rates - http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-files-symbol-rate-petition-with-fcc
• Hardware random number generator - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardware_random_number_generator

RTL-SDR v3 with Direct Sampling - https://www.rtl-sdr.com/rtl-sdr-blog-v-3-dongles-user-guide/

QRP Labs Filter Kits

• https://www.qrp-labs.com
• LPFs: https://www.qrp-labs.com/lpfkit.html
• BPFs: https://www.qrp-labs.com/bpfkit.html
• HF BPF 10-band Set - http://shop.qrp-labs.com/BPFSET

D-STAR QSO Party - https://www.icom.co.jp/world/dqp/

Silicon Dust HDHomeRun OTA TV to IP Box - https://www.silicondust.com/

Smitty’s BITX40 Intro Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ESph5JCOpw

BITX40 Mods

Groups.io - https://groups.io/g/BITX20

BitX Hacks - http://bitxhacks.blogspot.com/

Raduino Software - https://groups.io/g/BITX20/wiki/Raduino-Topics

Allard’s Software - https://groups.io/g/BITX20/wiki/Allard%27s-Raduino-Code

Software upgrades https://github.com/amunters/bitx40/

Make it do CW http://bitxhacks.blogspot.com/2017/03/nd6t-bitx-cw-update.html http://bitxhacks.blogspot.com/2017/02/putting-bitx-raduino-on-cw.html

USB and LSB (for digital) - https://groups.io/g/BITX20/wiki/USB-LSB-operation

Front panel and case - https://www.banggood.com/Electronic-Plastic-Shell-Cartridge-Handle-Project-Case-Desk-Instrument-200x175x70mm-p-1035473.html?rmmds=myorder

Optical/Rotary Encoder Tuning - https://groups.io/g/BITX20/topic/mouse_encoder/5553536?p=,,,20,0,0,0::Relevance,,mouse,20,2,0,5553536

Dr. Jack Purdum W8TEE VFO TFT - https://groups.io/g/BITX20/topic/5116056

AGC Board - http://kv4qb.blogspot.com/2016/11/bitx-40p-building-part-1.html

SteppIR Urban Beam - http://www.steppir.com/UrbanBeam

Curious about what the “10 MHz” connector on the back of your test equipment is?  Interested in calibrating an SDR to reduce tuning error?  Do you want an accurate frequency source for tuning radios?  How about a super accurate sense of what time it is?  This week, Dr. Frank Howell K4FMH joins Jeremy and George to talk about GPS Disciplined Oscillators and Frequency References for your workbench.

News

• Hurricane Watch Net - https://www.hwn.org/
• Icom IC-9700 - http://qrznow.com/icom-ic-9700-vhfuhf1-2ghz-prototype-transceiver-shown-at-tokyo-hamfair-2017/
• Circuit Board Printer - Voltera - https://www.voltera.io/
• Circuit Board Printer - BotFactory - https://www.botfactory.co/page/homepage

Workbench

KF7IJZ’s Workbench

• Remote Airspy Server w/ ASUS Tinkerboard
• • Airspy SDR Receivers
  • • Airspy R2 - 24Mhz - 1.8Ghz 10Mhz Bandwidth SDR Receiver - $169 - https://v3.airspy.us/product/a-airspy/
    • Airspy Mini - 24Mhz - 1.8Ghz 6Mhz Bandwidth SDR Receiver - $99 - https://v3.airspy.us/product/a-airspy-mini/
    • SpyVerter HF Converter - $49 - https://v3.airspy.us/product/a-spyverter/
  • ASUS Tinkerboard
  • • I Used a Tinkerboard because I had one, but I would recommend an ODroid device instead - http://www.hardkernel.com/main/main.php
    • Tinkerboard Hardware - https://www.asus.com/us/Single-Board-Computer/Tinker-Board/
    • Tinkboard Linaro Linux Distro available on that page under Downloads
    • Armbian Distro for Tinkerboard - https://www.armbian.com/tinkerboard/
    • Good review of Tinkerboard - https://forum.armbian.com/index.php?/topic/4614-asus-tinker-board/
  • Software
  • • Spyserver for ARM 32 Bit - http://airspy.com/download/
    • Airspy on ARM Instructions (do this first) - http://photobyte.org/running-spyserver-raspberry-pi-3/
• Arduino MIDI Mute Button
• • Hardware
  • • Adafruit Pro Trinket 5V - https://www.adafruit.com/product/2000
    • Adafruit 24mm LED Arcade Buttons - https://www.adafruit.com/product/3430
    • Adafruit MIDI Jack - https://www.adafruit.com/product/1134
  • Arduino MIDI Wirting and Communication Guide - https://www.arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/Midi
  • Use “Debounce” Example code from Arduino IDE
  • Arduino MIDI Message Guide (code is deprecated, but message formats are relevant)- http://little-scale.blogspot.com/2011/08/simple-examples-of-sending-midi-data.html
  • Eagle Best Practices
  • • 1/16” Margin around the edge of the board
    • Avoid acute angles on circuit traces
    • Vias should be at least 0.04” in size
    • Traces should be at least 0.03” in size
    • Keep good space between signal lines and ground planes/traces
• Other Links
• • Perseus SDR - http://microtelecom.it/perseus/
  • SDR Console Software - http://sdr-radio.com/Software/Download1/Download
  • RF Space - http://rfspace.com/RFSPACE/Home.html
  • Cloud SDR - http://www.cloud-sdr.com/
  • SDR# Tuner from Mouse - https://www.rtl-sdr.com/building-a-tuning-knob-for-sdr/

KJ6VU’s Workbench

• RIDGID Toolbox for KX3 Project - http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-22-in-Pro-Organizer-Black-222571/205440492
• BBC Micro:Bit - http://microbit.org/

K4FMH’s Workbench

• Trimble based GPS GPSDO 10Mhz / 1PPS Clock - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Trimble-GPS-Receiver-GPSDO-10MHz-1PPS-GPS-Disciplined-Clock-sine-and-square-wave-/252162780444?hash=item3ab612ad1c:g:o2IAAOSw1WJZHdMY
• PCTEL GPS (L1) 26dB Timing Antenna Kit - http://www.ebay.com/itm/PCTEL-GPS-L1-26dB-TIMING-ANTENNA-KIT-GPS-TMG-26N-W-Mount-Kit-/263159662203?epid=1209248913&hash=item3d4589c67b:g:KU0AAOSw8gVX3BPx
• Six Output Video Distribution Amplifier - Sigma Electronics VDA-100A - https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=SIX+Output+Video+Distribution+Amplifier+Sigma+Electronics+VDA-100A&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.XSigma+Electronics+VDA-100A.TRS0&_nkw=Sigma+Electronics+VDA-100A&_sacat=0
• Leo Bodnar Precision 2 Output GPSDO (450Hz - 800Mhz) - https://v3.airspy.us/product/lb-gpsdo-1/
• HP 3586A Selective Level Meter - http://ve2zaz.net/HP3586_AD5962/HP3586_AD5962.htm

Show Links

• K4FMH’s Blog - http://k4fmh.com
• WWV - https://www.nist.gov/pml/time-and-frequency-division/radio-stations/wwv
• EEVBlog Frequency Reference Videos
• • Rubidium - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPPB7ZzO_TA
  • Cesium - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yTL06ZU5SU
• Lady Heather Disciplined Oscilator Control Program - http://www.ke5fx.com/heather/readme.htm
• U-Blox GPS Receivers and Timing Devices - https://www.u-blox.com/en
• Gerry Sweeny on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/gezzasw
• WGUR “The Noise” - http://www.gcsuradio.com/
• K4FMH on Linux in the Ham Shack - http://lhspodcast.info/2015/10/lhs-episode-155-interview-with-frank-howell/
• K4FMH on Twitter - https://twitter.com/frankmhowell