For this project, I set out to create a dummy load that could handle HF at 100 watts for a reasonable amount of time. Until taking on this project, I was using the 20 watt dummy load kit from QRP-Labs. This worked fine for my QMX+, but not well for my Yaesu FT-710. I first…
Category: Electronics
QRP Radio Microphone
This project is to build a microphone that is compatible with my QRP-Labs QMX+. It will also incidentally be compatible with the popular uSDX radios as well as the Elecraft KX2/3. For this microphone to work, the microphone element must be an electret. It also needs a PTT push button. The operating manual of the…
Common Mode Choke for 80m EFHW
Since setting up my Yaesu FT-710, I’ve been fighting with a problem. When transmitting over 20w on 30m/40m, I will lose CAT control on my computer. I have no problems transmitting 100w on all other bands. My theory is that RFI is making it back into my shack and causing interference with the USB connection…
80m-10m Backyard EFHW “L” Antenna
For my common mode choke addition to this antenna, see HERE. My first semi-permanent antenna was a 40m EFHW in my backyard. the wire was strung E-W, and propagated mostly N-S. After that antenna came down over the winter, I looked into designing a new antenna. The requirements were: The design I came up with…
QRP-Labs QMX+ Build
This is intended to be a summary of my QMX+ build with some notes, suggestions, and solutions I may have found. The QMX+ is a 6m-160m CW/Digital transceiver from QRP-Labs.com. I purchased this as a kit, but you can also pay around $60 USD to have it assembled for you, although you’ll have to wait…
POTA Go-Box
The goal of this project was to create a sort of go-box for my ham radio. I was getting tired of filling my back seat with my radio equipment and lugging everything out one by one. I used an Apache 4800 weatherproof padded case from Harbor Freight. I got the extra large one to accommodate…
Building an EFHW Antenna
This build is for an End Fed Half-Wave (EFHW) antenna. There are already many pages that go into details of EFHWs so I won’t go into that here. First is the balun. I used a clear top project box to house the components. The balun is wound for 49:1. On the top is a 5/16″…
Rewinding a 64:1 Balun
I had purchased a 64:1 balun from amazon, however I paired it with a length of wire meant for a 49:1 EFHW. Instead of changing the length of wire, I decided to rewind the balun to accommodate the existing wire length. Below are pictures of this short project.
Bench Power Supply
Background My goal with this project was to create a power supply that could be used for various electronics projects. Ideally, It would have a fixed 5V and 12V output, as well as a variable output. Hardware For the input power source, I used a laptop power supply, supplying 19V at 5A max. Two buck…