I think all the kits for the students have been delivered. If
you are a
student and don't have your kit please drop me an email direct
(not to
the list). Assuming the answer is no, we start tommorow!
First, READ THE MANUAL! Dave has done a great job on the manual
and it
contains tons of useful information. Don't worry if the
"Theory of
Operation" stuff goes over your head, that's why we are
doing this.
Inventory your kit. If you are missing any parts, double check
then
contact Dave Benson for a replacement. Don't wait to do this
step, it
will save you grief in the long run. Also use this opportunity to
familiarize yourself with identifying the components. If you have
trouble identifying the components after reading the manual, post
your
question (with the Elmer101 subject header ;-)
Get the soldering iron, solder, desoldering braid and sponge
ready.
Do you have a 12-14 volt power source? It needs to be able to
supply at
least 500mA to the circuit. You should avoid using switching
power
supplies (like out of a computer) as they are electrically noisy.
A
small 12 volt battery should be fine, 8 D cell batteries in
series would
also work. You can buy a wall transformer that will power the
rig, but
they are pricy. Should we post a schematic of a linear power
supply for
these rigs that you can build easy? I'm sure that would be a no
brainer
for our elmers... Should that be one of our sections?
There are some parts that you need to complete the rig that you
can get
from RadioShack listed here:
1) 5k pot RS#271-1714
2) 100k pot RS#271-1716
3) headphone jack RS#274-249
4) key jack RS#274-247
5) antenna jack RS#278-105 this is if you want a BNC antenna
antenna connection.
6) power jack RS#274-1569
7) power connector RS#274-1582
The only one of these that you need ASAP is #2 as it will be used
in the
VFO section (next).
You will need some small hookup wire for testing and final
assembly, 20
gauge stranded insulated should work well.
Check your power source output with your volt meter and verify
that it
is at the proper voltage. Tommorow we will build up the power
supply on
the radio. This the simplest part of the whole project and a good
place
to start (no power, no RF ;-)
Also, Please, speak up if you need anything! Also feel free to
comment
on how we may run the class better (be careful, you may be
volunteering
;-). All questions are welcome.
Watch for more tommorow.