Ham Radio Workbench Podcast

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

This week, Jeremy is back and he’s brought along John Jacobs, W7DBO, host of the new Field Radio Podcast!  John introduces his show and talks about the skills that he uses as a maker to build field portable gear including design and 3D Printing.

Airspy Mini Software Defined Radio - https://v3.airspy.us/product/a-airspy-mini/

MPD Digital Custom Coax Cables - https://usacoax.com/

Pine64 Rock 64 Single Board Computer - https://www.pine64.org/?page_id=7147

Times Microwave Coax Loss Calculator - http://www.timesmicrowave.com/calculator/

Spyserver on Pi (or ODROID or Tinker Board)- http://photobyte.org/running-spyserver-raspberry-pi-3/

HamRadio360 - ADS-B with Nick KK6LHR - http://hamradio360.com/index.php/2017/06/13/ham-radio-360-ads-b-with-nick-kk6lhr/

NOAA Weather Satellites

• Double Cross Antenna - https://www.rtl-sdr.com/instructions-for-building-a-double-cross-antenna-great-for-noaameteor-weather-satellites/
• http://w7dbo.net/MARTES_Double_Cross_Antenna.pdf
• Wideband Preamp - https://v3.airspy.us/product/upu-fpwb/
• NOAA Preamp/Filter - https://v3.airspy.us/product/upu-fp137s/
• Weather Satellite Image Decoding WXTOIMAGE, - http://www.wxtoimg.com/
• Orbitron Satellite Tracker - http://download.cnet.com/Orbitron/3000-2074_4-28180.html

John Jacobs’ Website - http://W7DBO.net

W7DBO VHF/UHF Build VIdeo - https://youtu.be/9f1iXXHV7yM

Field Radio Podcast You Tube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdQ0a59Oqea3OF00701H-Ew

LED Power Pole Tester - http://www.ebay.com/itm/192175042400

Comms to Go - http://commstogo.com/

Wago Connectors - https://www.amazon.com/Wago-Lever-Nut-Assortment-Pocket-Pack/dp/B01N0LRTXZ/ref=sr_1_4?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1503726606&sr=1-4&keywords=wago+lever+nuts

DROK Power Meter - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XFZ6PC4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Tenergy Power Meter - https://www.amazon.com/Tenergy-Precision-Meter-Analyzer-Backlight/dp/B017YCTRKK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1503726568&sr=8-2&keywords=tenergy+watt+meter

Tinkercad - Free online design tool - https://www.tinkercad.com/#/

Thingiverse - Why reinvent the wheel? - https://www.thingiverse.com/

Simplify 3D - Slicing Tool - https://www.simplify3d.com/

OctoPrint - Raspberry Pi Print Server - http://octoprint.org/

Monoprice Maker Select Plus V2 Printer - https://www.monoprice.com/pages/3d_printers

Monthly 3D Geek Box - http://www.makergeeks.com/

Fox Smart - Cheaper Filament - http://thefoxsmart.com/

This week, Jeremy is back and he’s brought along John Jacobs, W7DBO, host of the new Field Radio Podcast!  John introduces his show and talks about the skills that he uses as a maker to build field portable gear including design and 3D Printing.

Airspy Mini Software Defined Radio - https://v3.airspy.us/product/a-airspy-mini/

MPD Digital Custom Coax Cables - https://usacoax.com/

Pine64 Rock 64 Single Board Computer - https://www.pine64.org/?page_id=7147

Times Microwave Coax Loss Calculator - http://www.timesmicrowave.com/calculator/

Spyserver on Pi (or ODROID or Tinker Board)- http://photobyte.org/running-spyserver-raspberry-pi-3/

HamRadio360 - ADS-B with Nick KK6LHR - http://hamradio360.com/index.php/2017/06/13/ham-radio-360-ads-b-with-nick-kk6lhr/

NOAA Weather Satellites

• Double Cross Antenna - https://www.rtl-sdr.com/instructions-for-building-a-double-cross-antenna-great-for-noaameteor-weather-satellites/
• http://w7dbo.net/MARTES_Double_Cross_Antenna.pdf
• Wideband Preamp - https://v3.airspy.us/product/upu-fpwb/
• NOAA Preamp/Filter - https://v3.airspy.us/product/upu-fp137s/
• Weather Satellite Image Decoding WXTOIMAGE, - http://www.wxtoimg.com/
• Orbitron Satellite Tracker - http://download.cnet.com/Orbitron/3000-2074_4-28180.html

John Jacobs’ Website - http://W7DBO.net

W7DBO VHF/UHF Build VIdeo - https://youtu.be/9f1iXXHV7yM

Field Radio Podcast You Tube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdQ0a59Oqea3OF00701H-Ew

LED Power Pole Tester - http://www.ebay.com/itm/192175042400

Comms to Go - http://commstogo.com/

Wago Connectors - https://www.amazon.com/Wago-Lever-Nut-Assortment-Pocket-Pack/dp/B01N0LRTXZ/ref=sr_1_4?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1503726606&sr=1-4&keywords=wago+lever+nuts

DROK Power Meter - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XFZ6PC4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Tenergy Power Meter - https://www.amazon.com/Tenergy-Precision-Meter-Analyzer-Backlight/dp/B017YCTRKK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1503726568&sr=8-2&keywords=tenergy+watt+meter

Tinkercad - Free online design tool - https://www.tinkercad.com/#/

Thingiverse - Why reinvent the wheel? - https://www.thingiverse.com/

Simplify 3D - Slicing Tool - https://www.simplify3d.com/

OctoPrint - Raspberry Pi Print Server - http://octoprint.org/

Monoprice Maker Select Plus V2 Printer - https://www.monoprice.com/pages/3d_printers

Monthly 3D Geek Box - http://www.makergeeks.com/

Fox Smart - Cheaper Filament - http://thefoxsmart.com/

This week we are joined by Michael VA3MW from FlexRadio Systems to deep dive on remotely operating your station from just about anywhere you have internet access. George also breaks down his new KX3 Portable Enclosure and discusses the wiring and placement of equipment. Unfortunately Jeremy experienced severe technical difficulties and was unable to join the call.

Wago 221 lever connector blocks-tech specs./mfg site

Wago 221 kit at Amazon

FlexRadio Systems

PST Rotator AZ

Elecraft W2 watt meter

Remote QTH control systems

TX Factor   ht N4MN

Don’t forget to order your BitX40 7 W QRP Transceiver kit today! –http://www.hfsigs.com/

This week we are joined by Michael VA3MW from FlexRadio Systems to deep dive on remotely operating your station from just about anywhere you have internet access. George also breaks down his new KX3 Portable Enclosure and discusses the wiring and placement of equipment. Unfortunately Jeremy experienced severe technical difficulties and was unable to join the call.

Wago 221 lever connector blocks-tech specs./mfg site

Wago 221 kit at Amazon

FlexRadio Systems

PST Rotator AZ

Elecraft W2 watt meter

Remote QTH control systems

TX Factor   ht N4MN

Don’t forget to order your BitX40 7 W QRP Transceiver kit today! –http://www.hfsigs.com/

This week, George and Jeremy discuss their summer workbench projects.  George has been busy trying to build the ultimate portable Field Day setup around his Elecraft KX3 and Jeremy has been busy learning more about Software Defined Radios with Airspy devices and accessories.

PowerFilm 30W Foldable Solar Panel Giveaway - http://www.powerfilmsolar.com/products/workbench

Elecraft KX3 QRP Transceiver - http://www.elecraft.com/KX3/kx3.htm

Elecraft PX3 Panadapter - http://www.elecraft.com/PX3/px3.htm

Elecraft KXPA100 Amplifier - http://www.elecraft.com/KXPA100/kxpa100.htm

Airspy Mini - https://v3.airspy.us/product/a-airspy-mini/

Airspy R2 - https://v3.airspy.us/product/a-airspy/

Airspy Spyverter - https://v3.airspy.us/product/a-spyverter/

SDR Sharp and SpyServer Downloads - http://airspy.com/download/

Powerfilm Solar 60W Foldable Panel - http://www.powerfilmsolar.com/products/?f163600_60w_foldable_solar_panel&show=product&productID=271511&productCategoryIDs=6578,6579

Buddipole PowerMini solar charge controller - http://www.buddipole.com/powermini.html

This week, George and Jeremy discuss their summer workbench projects.  George has been busy trying to build the ultimate portable Field Day setup around his Elecraft KX3 and Jeremy has been busy learning more about Software Defined Radios with Airspy devices and accessories.

PowerFilm 30W Foldable Solar Panel Giveaway - http://www.powerfilmsolar.com/products/workbench

Elecraft KX3 QRP Transceiver - http://www.elecraft.com/KX3/kx3.htm

Elecraft PX3 Panadapter - http://www.elecraft.com/PX3/px3.htm

Elecraft KXPA100 Amplifier - http://www.elecraft.com/KXPA100/kxpa100.htm

Airspy Mini - https://v3.airspy.us/product/a-airspy-mini/

Airspy R2 - https://v3.airspy.us/product/a-airspy/

Airspy Spyverter - https://v3.airspy.us/product/a-spyverter/

SDR Sharp and SpyServer Downloads - http://airspy.com/download/

Powerfilm Solar 60W Foldable Panel - http://www.powerfilmsolar.com/products/?f163600_60w_foldable_solar_panel&show=product&productID=271511&productCategoryIDs=6578,6579

Buddipole PowerMini solar charge controller - http://www.buddipole.com/powermini.html

This week, George and Jeremy talk with Brian Yee W6BY, about building and operating ham radio gear for the microwave bands. There is a surprising amount of activity in the microwave spectrum and getting on the air is easier than you might think.

Micro:Bit Microcontroller platform  www.microbit.org

George does a webinar about designing the Workbench power management PCB project https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEQvaXnt7Bo&t=2430s

Order your BitX 40 QRP 40M radio kit - http://www.hfsigs.com/

The perfect Ham Radio Computer?  The Asus Transformer Mini T102HA - https://www.asus.com/2-in-1-PCs/ASUS-Transformer-Mini-T102HA/

Brian Yee W6BY presents “Amateur Radio in the Bands Above 1 GHz” at BayCon 2017

http://www.bay-net.org/docs/baycon2017/microwave_ops.pdf

Brian works on an old earth station written up in CQ VHF

http://www.jamesburgdish.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=MxX1eY3BIK8%3D&tabid=544&mid=1040

Brian Yee W6BY on microwave comms for ham radio – YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RGIzYZQKGA

Microwave Update 2017 – Santa Clara California, October 26-29 http://www.microwaveupdate.org/

Down East Microwave https://www.downeastmicrowave.com/

Khune Electronic Microwave Components https://www.kuhne-electronic.de/

Paul K1GHZ Microwave kits http://www.w1ghz.org/

50 MHz and Up Group – Northern California http://www.50mhzandup.org/

San Bernardino Microwave Society SBMS http://www.ham-radio.com/sbms/

George’s Blog - http://www.kj6vu.com/

Bay Net - http://www.bay-net.org

This week, George and Jeremy talk with Brian Yee W6BY, about building and operating ham radio gear for the microwave bands. There is a surprising amount of activity in the microwave spectrum and getting on the air is easier than you might think.

Micro:Bit Microcontroller platform  www.microbit.org

George does a webinar about designing the Workbench power management PCB project https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEQvaXnt7Bo&t=2430s

Order your BitX 40 QRP 40M radio kit - http://www.hfsigs.com/

The perfect Ham Radio Computer?  The Asus Transformer Mini T102HA - https://www.asus.com/2-in-1-PCs/ASUS-Transformer-Mini-T102HA/

Brian Yee W6BY presents “Amateur Radio in the Bands Above 1 GHz” at BayCon 2017

http://www.bay-net.org/docs/baycon2017/microwave_ops.pdf

Brian works on an old earth station written up in CQ VHF

http://www.jamesburgdish.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=MxX1eY3BIK8%3D&tabid=544&mid=1040

Brian Yee W6BY on microwave comms for ham radio – YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RGIzYZQKGA

Microwave Update 2017 – Santa Clara California, October 26-29 http://www.microwaveupdate.org/

Down East Microwave https://www.downeastmicrowave.com/

Khune Electronic Microwave Components https://www.kuhne-electronic.de/

Paul K1GHZ Microwave kits http://www.w1ghz.org/

50 MHz and Up Group – Northern California http://www.50mhzandup.org/

San Bernardino Microwave Society SBMS http://www.ham-radio.com/sbms/

George’s Blog - http://www.kj6vu.com/

Bay Net - http://www.bay-net.org

This week, George and Jeremy take a look back at Field Day 2017 and the things that we made to make it a great one. We also spend some time with Jason K6DGN to talk about his USB HT Battery Charger and some of his other interests.

Order your BitX 40 QRP 40M radio kit - http://www.hfsigs.com/

The perfect Ham Radio Computer?  The Asus Transformer Mini T102HA - https://www.asus.com/2-in-1-PCs/ASUS-Transformer-Mini-T102HA/

Dewalt TSTAK boxes - http://www.dewalt.com/products/gear-and-equipment/tool-storage/tstak

Making your own external HT battery pack by Jason K6DGN - http://www.bay-net.org/docs/baycon2017/ht_charger.pdf

Yeeco 5V to 12V Regulator - https://www.amazon.com/Yeeco-Converter-Regulator-Stabilizer-Adjustable/dp/B011EBSKK0

K6DGN’s YouTube Channel - http://www.youtube.com/user/helidragon510/

RC Flight and Amateur Radio with K6DGN on the Everything Ham Radio Podcast - http://www.everythinghamradio.com/2017/05/remote-controlled-vehicles-jason-k6dgn-eth070/

George’s Blog - http://www.kj6vu.com/

Ohio Valley Experimenters Club - http://ovec.club

Bay Net - http://www.bay-net.org