Subject: Speaker for Sierra
Date: Fri, 19 Dec 1997 08:47:42 -0500
From: Derek Brown <DBrown@RFMD.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

I prefer headphones for copying CW.  When I have a guest an external
speaker would be real nice.  So far I've tried a 4 ohm and a 16 ohm
speaker (would have tried an 8 ohm but couldn't find one) with
disappointing results.  The next step is a small amplified speaker
such as the one Radio Shack offers (I already have one of these but
haven't tried it yet).  Seems that some folks have even swapped out
the audio amplifier IC in their Sierras to provide more drive.  I'm
not sure that I'm ready to modify my Sierra yet.  I'd like to hear
from some who have actually worked this issue - regular or amplified
speakers.

Please E-mail direct.

72 de Derek Brown, WF4I
Greensboro, NC
dbrown@rfmd.com

Subject: Speaker for Sierra
Date: Fri, 19 Dec 1997 09:13:14 -0500
From: "Wilford D. Lindsey" <70511.3041@compuserve.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Derek:

You might try to locate a Radio Shack DWP-40. I have one for just the
use you describe--it is tiny...portable...efficient...and even includes
a wee bit of filtering and DSP which come in handy on occasion. Highly
recommended :-).

72/73,
--Doc/K0EVZ qrp-l 861 norcal 2050 cqc 414 ARS 311 FISTS 3868 mn-qrp 19
   nj-qrp 69  ak/qrp 139  AR QRP 73  ARCI 9398  ARRL  QRP WAS 44/42
   DXCC 73/44 Grid EN34 <><  FOX Total 12/19/97 = 20. The FOX 11/25/97.
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------
 Icom 751A   Omni V   Corsair I   Sierra   Norcal 40a   SW-40   49er
  Mercury Paddles  Emtech ZM-1  MFJ 259  MFJ 941D  GAP  TNT/2 Windom
   SLV/W6MMA  G5RV  Timewave 599zx  Autek QF-1  RS DSP-40

 "Things should be as simple as possible, but no simpler"--A. Einstein

Subject: Re: Speaker for Sierra
Date: Fri, 19 Dec 1997 09:16:00 -0600
From: Roger Whitaker <k9ljb@iname.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

    I don't know about the Sierra, but the RS amplified speaker works
fine in the mobile with the MFJ rigs. I have been using it for several
years now. Even worked in the rather noisey Saab.
72
--
Roger B. Whitaker   K9LJB

"Madness takes its toll. Please have exact change."

Home page:   http://www.cityscape.net/~whitaker/

Subject: Re: Speaker for Sierra
Date: Fri, 19 Dec 1997 09:59:52 -0600
From: Ed Manuel <n5em@flash.net>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Gang,

>From my old telephone days I used to use a nice little speaker that mounted
in old key telephones.  This was used for hands-free intercom and they were
45 ohm speakers.  Typically, about 2 inches x 3 inches, rectangular and
about an inch deep.  Put into a proper enclosure it might just be the right
thing for the rigs that need a higher impedance, without having to go to an
amplified/powered speaker.

I see in the Mouser Catalog, pg. 287 that you can still buy small round,
square and oval speakers in 8, 40 and 100 ohm impedances for typically
around $3.  Looks like a credit card order for some experimental speakers
is on the to-do list for today.  How about designing your 2N2222 output
stage to drive 100 ohms?  Hmmmmmm

Ed Manuel, N5EM
n5em@flash.net

Ed Manuel, N5EM
n5em@amsat.org
n5em@flash.net

Subject: Sierra key clicks
Date: Tue, 30 Dec 1997 06:24:11 EST
From: G3TUX <G3TUX@aol.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Hallo all,

I have reports of hard/clicky keying on my Sierra signal (using both KC2 and
straight key) and, listening on another RX, have to agree.

I wonder if this is a known problem/are there any fixes on offer? All help
(dierect to me) will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks and 73 for '98,     Chris    G3TUX@aol.com

Subject: Sierra Blue / Sierra Mods
Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 07:40:03 -0500
From: Derek Brown <DBrown@RFMD.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Gang,

I plan to build some "accessories" (i.e. NorCal paddle) for my Sierra.
 Has anyone come up with a paint color (preferably in a spray can)
which closely matches the dark blue cabinet on the Wilderness Radio
Sierra (not the light blue panel color)?  If so, what brand & color?

Also, if you've completed the Sierra Mods (by Bob Follett, AB7ST)
found on the G3YCC Ham Radio Pages, where did you acquire the small
size SM caps (some of the values are quite large)?

Derek Brown, WF4I
Greensboro, NC
dbrown@rfmd.com

Subject: Re: Sierra Blue / Sierra Mods
Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 11:12:02 -0700
From: Kory Hamzeh <kory@avatar.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

At 07:40 AM 1/15/98 -0500, Derek Brown wrote:
>Gang,
>
>I plan to build some "accessories" (i.e. NorCal paddle) for my Sierra.
> Has anyone come up with a paint color (preferably in a spray can)
>which closely matches the dark blue cabinet on the Wilderness Radio
>Sierra (not the light blue panel color)?  If so, what brand & color?
>

Hi Derek,

This is what QRPBob told me:

        Rustoleum - American Accents
        Satin Finish - All Purpose Enamel
        Midnight Blue #7943
        Iris Blue #7933

Good luck!

Kory
AC6RN

Subject: Re: Sierra Blue / Sierra Mods
Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 11:16:13 -0800 (PST)
From: talljazz@teleport.com (Dan Presley)
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

>
>To:DBrown@RFMD.com
>From:talljazz@teleport.com (Dan Presley)
>Subject:Re: Sierra Blue / Sierra Mods
>
>I found a pretty close match at the local "Ace" hardware store. The brand
>is "Now" spray paint (in a can), and the color is Royal Blue,# 21207. I
>used this on my SLT,SST and Norcal paddle base-looks pretty darn close.
>Dan N7CQR
>

Subject: SIERRA MODS ANYONE??
Date: Fri, 16 Jan 98 10:35:17 CST
From: QLF%mimi@magic.itg.ti.com
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

From: Brad Bradfield             QLF

Subj: SIERRA MODS ANYONE??

Good morning QRP'er dudes and dudettes - - - - -

It's been a while since I posted anything to the list.  I can't even read
it on a daily basis because of various reasons.  (Don't ask, it's a long
story.)

I responded to a post yesterday from Derek [forgot the call, sorry Derek]
looking for Sierra blue paint, and mod info, and got to wondering if
anyone has kept any kind of file of Sierra notes and/or mods from the
qrp-l.  I have a number of files, but nothing like complete, and I'd be
interested in seeing what others have.  My e-mail system will not let me
accept an attached file from outside our company walls, so anything you
send me will have to be an actual e-mail file.  If it's worth the effort,
maybe we can get a directory set up in the qrp-l archives specifically for
Sierra notes and mods.

Because I can't always read the archives, please send any notes to me
directly at my e-mail address below.

OBTW, I love my Sierra (Wilderness model.)  I have band modules for 160, 80,
40, 30, 20, and 15.  The modules for 160 and 80 are not completed.  I also
have the KC-2 installed, and have the Buzznot patiently awaiting
installation.  The support I've always received from Bob Dyer and Wayne
Burdick has been superb!  Thanks guys!

72's es 73's,

Brad, WB0CGH

Brad Bradfield, PE
WB0CGH
108 Forestwood Dr.
Corinth, TX  76205

qlf@msg.ti.com

Subject: Re: Sierra Blue / Sierra Mods
Date: Sat, 17 Jan 1998 11:00:47 EST
From: kf2ew@juno.com (David M Kopacki, Sr.)
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

The Iris Blue, although the cap on the can is a near perfect match, does
not dry to the same light blue cover as the front of the Sierra.  There
is also a Krylon paint which matches perfectly (the cap, that is) but
dries to a color worse than the Iris Blue.  The Iris Blue was the closest
that I could find, and I'm using it.

Mike Kopacki, KF2EW

On Thu, 15 Jan 1998 11:12:02 -0700 Kory Hamzeh <kory@avatar.com> writes:
>At 07:40 AM 1/15/98 -0500, Derek Brown wrote:
>>Gang,
>>
>>I plan to build some "accessories" (i.e. NorCal paddle) for my
>Sierra.
>> Has anyone come up with a paint color (preferably in a spray can)
>>which closely matches the dark blue cabinet on the Wilderness Radio
>>Sierra (not the light blue panel color)?  If so, what brand & color?
>>
>
>Hi Derek,
>
>This is what QRPBob told me:
>
>       Rustoleum - American Accents
>       Satin Finish - All Purpose Enamel
>       Midnight Blue #7943
>       Iris Blue #7933
>
>Good luck!
>
>Kory
>AC6RN
>
>
>

Subject: Re: Sierra Blue / Sierra Mods
Date: Sat, 17 Jan 1998 11:00:47 EST
From: kf2ew@juno.com (David M Kopacki, Sr.)
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Derek,
Bob, at Wilderness Radio, advised me that when he sent the specs out to
the manufacturer of the enclosure, that he sent a case painted with spray
Krylon colors.  I found two closely matching colors, although the light
blue turned out to be quite different.  The dark blue is real close.  It
is Krylon Interior / Exterior, Regal Blue, #1901.  And yes, I am almost
finished my Norcal paddles using the same paint scheme.  I also finished
the AT-11 automatic antenna tuner using the same colors.

Bob, at Wilderness, also told me that they were aware of the SM cap mod.
However, he said that they tightened up the tolerance on the disk caps
that the kit calls for and that improved the performance.  I used the
ones supplied with the kit.  I did not use any SM caps.  I replaced the
final.  I added the transformer recommended by Wilderness and my power
output exceeds anything I have seen so far published.  Credit goes to
Clark Fishman, WA2UNN, for making this all possible.  Anyway, I don't
think you really need to change the CAPS.

Mike Kopacki,
KF2EW
On Thu, 15 Jan 1998 07:40:03 -0500 Derek Brown <DBrown@RFMD.com> writes:
>Gang,
>
>I plan to build some "accessories" (i.e. NorCal paddle) for my Sierra.
>
> Has anyone come up with a paint color (preferably in a spray can)
>which closely matches the dark blue cabinet on the Wilderness Radio
>Sierra (not the light blue panel color)?  If so, what brand & color?
>
>Also, if you've completed the Sierra Mods (by Bob Follett, AB7ST)
>found on the G3YCC Ham Radio Pages, where did you acquire the small
>size SM caps (some of the values are quite large)?
>
>Derek Brown, WF4I
>Greensboro, NC
>dbrown@rfmd.com
>
>
>
>

Subject: Sierra Shaped Keying Question
Date: Sun, 18 Jan 1998 10:05:09 -0500
From: Paul Stroud <aa4xx@ipass.net>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Hi Gang,

      I'd appreciate hearing from any of you who have done any shaped
keying mods to the Sierra.  My Sierra has an attack time of 1-2ms and a
similar decay time, making the keying a little on the "hard" side,
although not objectionable.

Thanks es 72,
Paul   AA4XX

Subject: Sierra Output Transformer
Date: Sun, 18 Jan 1998 11:48:01 -0500
From: Derek Brown <DBrown@RFMD.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

In a response to one of my previous inquiries, someone mentioned
converting an output choke (on his Sierra) to a transformer to
increase the transmitter output.  Can anyone provide details or point
me to an appropriate URL for this mod.

Derek Brown
Greensboro, NC
dbrown@rfmd.com

Subject: Re: Sierra Output Transformer
Date: Sun, 18 Jan 1998 22:56:48 EST
From: victnr@juno.com (Victor E Turner)
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Hi Derek:
                     I have a norcal Sierra built from a pc board I got
from Jim Cates a while ago. I read alot of articles concerning the hugh
variation in outputs different people  obtained and the difficulty people
had optimizing their band modules. I also felt that tweaking the band
modules had to be hurting the spectral purity of the transmit signal as
well as creating a  problem with the receiver. The receive performance
suffers when the band module is compromised for transmit power. I decided
to use a  1:4 step up transformer and design the low pass filter with a
50ohm in 50ohm output filter section on the band module.I simply removed
the collector choke and substituted  10 bifilar turns wound on a T50-43
ferrite core. this will step the resulting approx 14.4 collector z up to
near 50 ohms. I replaced the final transistor with a MRF477 to provide 5
watts output. If the choice of the MRF477 seems odd, It is because first
of all it has greater gain than the original device and has lots of
collector dissipation. Its pricey but should be indestructible.  At this
power level Wayne Burdick's warnings about inadequate decoupling are
correct and one should add  .01 and a 10micro farad bypass caps in
parallel with c-45 ( original norcal Sierra. I replaced the driver with a
2n5109 . T2 uses a 12:2 turns ratio. Reduce the driver's  (Q6) emitter
resistor R13 from 22 ohms to 10 ohms.The other mods  are concerned with
adequate drive and have been covered in QRPp. Without listing all band
module components I would recommend solid state design for the radio
amateur, otherwise drop me a letter and Ill reply with my values. Warning
I tried this mod on a Wilderness Sierra and due to some Bias changes made
to the xmitmixer buffer it was unstable; if the earlier buffer circuit is
restored there were no problems. In closing let me say that The Sierra is
a fine Rig which in its original form is a fine performer. I only
modified mine because I operate in my motor home with mobile antennas and
needed a bit more power.  These modifications will result in 5 watts on
most bands. I have only used 40,30 and 20 meters so don't know about the
others I suspect some drop as you move up. mine will produce 6 watts on
40 meters I just adjust the power down with the drive adjust. Undertake
this modification only if you feel competent or can obtain help from a
knowledgable friend.
Vic Turner
WA6EIW repea )aOn Sun, 18 Jan 1998 11:48:01 -0500 Derek Brown
<DBrown@RFMD.com> writes:
>In a response to one of my previous inquiries, someone mentioned
>converting an output choke (on his Sierra) to a transformer to
>increase the transmitter output.  Can anyone provide details or point
>me to an appropriate URL for this mod.
>
>Derek Brown
>Greensboro, NC
>dbrown@rfmd.com
>
>
>
>

Subject: Re: Sierra Output Transformer
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 1998 06:27:04 EST
From: kf2ew@juno.com (David M Kopacki, Sr.)
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Derek, I don't think it is a published mod.  Bob at Wilderness provided
the general info.  Clark Fishman and I made the mod on my Sierra.  You
should have info in another email message...

Mike, KF2EW

On Sun, 18 Jan 1998 11:48:01 -0500 Derek Brown <DBrown@RFMD.com> writes:
>In a response to one of my previous inquiries, someone mentioned
>converting an output choke (on his Sierra) to a transformer to
>increase the transmitter output.  Can anyone provide details or point
>me to an appropriate URL for this mod.
>
>Derek Brown
>Greensboro, NC
>dbrown@rfmd.com
>
>
>
>

Subject: Sierra Mods
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 1998 11:08:30 -0800
From: Derek Brown <DBrown@RFMD.com> (by way of Jerry Parker <jparker@fix.net>)
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

I've heard about a Sierra mod which involves converting an output
choke to a transformer to increase transmitter output.  Can you
provide details or point me to a URL?

Derek Brown, WF4I
Greensboro, NC
dbrown@rfmd.com

Subject: Sierra Band Module Alignment
Date: Wed, 21 Jan 1998 08:34:22 +1000
From: lenriquez@pacific.simoco.com (Luke Enriquez)
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

     G'day All,

        I know there has been a lot of talk about the variable band module
     powers with the Sierra. I have just joined Norcal, so I dont have
     access to previously published notes about these problems, so forgive
     me if I am repeating anything.

        I took the Sierra and the 80, 40 and 20 modules to work. Hooked it
     all up to a Tektronix Spectrum Analyser. The band modules had been
     previously peaked using a QRP wattmeter. The 80 and 20 modules looked
     good, spectrally pure, so to speak. I could peak 20 just a little bit
     more, but not much. 40 m came up quite a lot, except when I started
     the sidebands were quite high. I noticed all modules had a high Q
     (Thanks to Adrian VK3FHH who redid some critcal coils for me. :) ).

        I can see why tuning using a wattmeter can lead to variable
     results. It did not take much of a turn in the trimmer caps for the
     sidebands to raise 20dBm and carrier drop 20dBm. I'm assuming you
     couldn't see this type of effect with a wattmeter. Am I wrong?
     Unfortunantly, I didn't have time or access to a wattmeter. I didn't
     measure how far away the sidebands were, but there were a set of three
     distinct peaks either side of the carrier. Properly tuned, they were
     about 50 dB down from the carrier. Where do they come from? Is this
     what it should look like? QRP elmers, please let me know......


     Regards and 73's,
     Luke
     VK3EM


Subject: Sierra 40M Band Module - Lack of Sensitivity
Date: Wed, 21 Jan 1998 18:54:41 +1000
From: lenriquez@pacific.simoco.com (Luke Enriquez)
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

     G'day All.


        Okay, well after doing some tests tonight I'm convinced something
     is wrong with my 40M band module. Both the 80M and 20M modules are
     sensitive down to -130dBm (Impressive) but the 40M can only get
     -100dBm. There is hardly any Q in the 40M module. You can turn one of
     the variable caps 360 deg and get no change. The other variable cap
     you can turn and get no change of 3/4 of its rotation. In other words,
     a very very low Q compared to the 80M and 20M modules. Any
     suggestions?

     Regards and 73's,

     Luke

Subject: Sierra Questions - Mods?
Date: Sat, 24 Jan 1998 06:48:12 -0800
From: Dave Fifield <fifield@pacbell.net>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Hi there,

I expect these questions have been asked and answered many times before,
but since I didn't own a Sierra until this week, I didn't bother to
save the previous answer/s, so please indulge me, I implore you....

I picked up a pristene example of the Sierra fitted with a KC-1
together with 7 band modules. I have 2 basic questions:

1. What is the going price for this rig (with the extras) on the
   secondhand market?
   (I think I did okay, but I'd just like to make sure!)

2. Is there a compilation of all the mods that one can do to the
   Sierra (like more power output, XIT...)? I'd really appreciate
   it if someone could point me in the right direction or send me
   the file/s.

Please send replies to me personally, don't clog the list.

Thanks in advance,
Dave Fifield, AD6AY

Subject: Re: Does BOB from Wilderness Radio have an email?
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 1998 22:19:06 -0800 (PST)
From: "David D. Meacham" <ddm@datatamers.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Luke,
Bob's E-mail address is: qrpbob@datatamers.com
72, Dave, W6EMD



Subject: Help with Sierra 10M band module
Date: Sat, 7 Feb 1998 20:49:29 -0800
From: "Don Minkoff" <ad716@lafn.org>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

I have been using and enjoying my Sierra now for a couple of months and
decided to build up a few more band modules since 10 and 15 are becoming to
come to life.

I built three previous band modules and had no problem with them working
the first time.  Even aligned them in my lab at work.

The completed 10M module doesn't want to adjust past a few hundred milli
watts.
It acts like the var. cap is bad.I can push on it and very slowly adjust it
and I can get a watt out but remove my tuning tool and its back to nothing.
Does anyone have any ideas for me?  Should I get a replacement cap. and try
it?

I have enjoyed lurking on the list these past few weeks.

Don Minkoff -NK6A
Mar Vista, CA

Subject: Re: Sierra 10 m module component values?
Date: Sun, 08 Feb 1998 18:15:07 -0800
From: Frank <frank001@postoffice.worldnet.att.net>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Arjen Raateland, FEI/Impacts Research wrote:
>
> I have a Wilderness Sierra, whose manual dates from Dec. 1995.
> Somewhere it says to get the latest component values for the 10 m
> module from Wilderness. To get ready for the sun spots I recently
> ordered a 10 m module from Wilderness, but there was no information on
> any changes. Still I have a scribbled note in the manual saying that
> L3 and L4 should be 20 t instead of 16 t.
>
> Does anybody have a bearing on this module?
>
> I know about the optimized values for the low-pass filter by Dave
> Meacham, but are there other changes perhaps? The components all check
> out with the manual, but who is to tell if the number of turns on the
> inductances should be different from the manual.
>
> thanks very much, oh2zaz
> Arjen Raateland
> --... ...-- -.. . --- .... ..--- --.. .- --..
> Finnish Environment Institute, Helsinki, Finland
> SAS Support
> EMAIL: Arjen.Raateland@vyh.fi
> tel. +358 9 4030 0457
> fax  +358 9 4030 0490
> .-.-. -.-

Just finished the 10m module for my Sierra. I used the following values
per Rev B, 9-16-96 of Appendix D parts list.  Worked out fine for me:

L1 18T #28
T1 Sec same as L1; PRI 2T #26
L3,L4 16T #28
L5,L6 10T #26
L8,L9 22T #28

73 Frank W6EV

Subject: re: Help with Sierra 10M band module
Date: Sun, 8 Feb 1998 23:06:20 -0500
From: "Heron, George" <G.Heron@dialogic.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

I (and many others) had very similar problems getting the Sierra 10m
band module to peak with any meaningful power level.

Calls to Bob Dyer (Wilderness) and chats with Dave Maliniak (N2SMH)
repeated the guidance of tuning C36 and C33 verrrrry carefully to get
the peak.

Bob also strongly recommended substituting a J310 for Q5's stock J309,
and a ferrite bead on base leg of Q6.  Bob also mentioned that
compressing the windings of the leftmost coil may help.

Dave indicated going to silver mica caps on the band module may have
helped some.

And "piece de resistance" was this weekend with ol' buddy Clark Fishman
WA2UNN coming over with an MRF 237 in hand to subsitute for the Q7
final.  This is one hot transistor!

All said & done: I'm now up to 2.5W on 10 meters!!  And even more on the
lower bands.  (Now I *must* bring the level control out to the back, as
I never operate more than 1W.)

You should follow all the advice given in several postings and archived
files (and a QRPp article too, I think) concerning "all Sierra
improvement mods".  It's a great rig for doing all sorts of stuff like
this.

72,
--George Heron, N2APB
  Sparta, NJ

=======================
[snip]
The completed 10M module doesn't want to adjust past a few hundred milli
watts.
[snip]

Subject: Sierra Tuning Linearity/KC-2 Problem!
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 1998 21:08:25 EST
From: AC6JA@aol.com
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

i am wondering if i'm missing a tuneup procedure to get the sierra to tune
from 0.00 to 0.150.  if i calibrate to .150, then 0.00 is below the 0 mark
on
the dial. if i calibrate to 0.00, then at .150 i am on .145.  any way to get
150khz coverage in the 0 to 150 range of the dial?
thanks for the help.  other than that, the rig's been working great.  also
just finished the kc-2.  i did have one problem with getting the kc-2 to
work
properly.  turns out that my safety measure of installing 0.01 bypass caps
on
the paddle jack was keeping the kc-2 from toggling between freq and s-meter.
once the bypass caps were removed, everything worked fine.  from reading the
kc-2 manual, they mention that Q3 and Q4 and some resistors are used to
multiplex the paddle and other signals.  looks like the caps retain a charge
keeping the display button from toggling.  after playing with the paddle
plug
in the paddle jack, the kc-2 display would work intermittently.  that's how
i
stumbled on the caps being the problem.  anyways, no caps now and
everything's
working as it's supposed to.  anyone else experience this problem?
thanks for the bandwidth, and any help on the tuning problem.

Mike  AC6JA/qrp

Subject: Re: Sierra Tuning Linearity/KC-2 Problem\!
Date: Thu, 12 Feb 1998 10:02:10 -0500
From: Zack Lau <zlau@arrl.org>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Try adjusting the VFO inductor--Zack W1VT

Subject: Sierra+KC-2 has slight warble?
Date: Thu, 12 Feb 1998 20:09:00 +0200
From: Arjen Raateland <Arjen.Raateland@vyh.fi>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Hi gang,

Since I have put a KC-2 into my Sierra it has developed a slight warble
in the RX signal tone at some settings of the controls and certain
signal strengths. I haven't made any statistics about the phenomenon,
but sometimes I notice it and sometimes not. Also there is a very slight
shift of frequency when switching from frequency display to S meter
mode. It's not a BIG deal, but perhaps there is something that I can do
about it the next time I open the rig for modifications.

The VFO signal is fed to the buffered input of the KC-2 using a hookup
wire (sturdy multistrand teflon coated wire from you know who on this
list ;-) ). The 10 pF coupling cap is at the main PCB side of the wire.
The KC-2 is at the spot where Wilderness put the holes for it and the
wire is more or less straight.

In the opinion of the list, would it help to replace the wire with
miniature coax? Should I make the coupling cap smaller?

I also used hookup wire (and the same 10 pF coupling cap) when I had a
KC-1 in the Sierra and that didn't cause any problems. I still have some
very nice RG174-like teflon coax from 20 yrs ago, but thinking that the
capacitance of the coax might cause a problem or two, I again used
hookup wire.

I'd be grateful for any opinions on this (small) subject.
oh2zaz
--
Arjen Raateland
Finnish Environment Institute
SAS Support
phone +358 9 4030 0457

Subject: Re: Sierra+KC-2 has slight warble?
Date: Thu, 12 Feb 1998 14:35:37 EST
From: K5BDZ@aol.com
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Arjen
Troubleshooting from 3000 miles away, I would first guess that you have run
some connecting wire close to a frequency determining (VFO parts) component
and that very few pF coupling is causing the problem.  To check, open the
top,
tie a string (non-metalic) on the connecting wire(s) you installed, and back
away over a foot (1/3 metre) from the radio, pull the string to move the
wires, and watch the results.  If that is the problem, move wires or add
longer wires and dress them away from VFO and along / against front panel or
bottom chassis to connect.
Good Luck (and hope this 3000 mile trouble shoot works for you)'
Bill, K5BDZ

Subject: Sierra & KC-2 mods ...
Date: Sat, 14 Feb 1998 22:32:18 +0200 (EET)
From: "Arjen Raateland, FEI/Impacts Research" <Arjen.Raateland@vyh.fi>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Gang,

Thanks for all the good advice on how to get rid of the slight warble
in the Sierra & KC-2 combination. I followed Dave Meacham's advice for
the KC-2 (in a Cascade), more or less. He wrote it up in QRPp  of Dec.
96, p. 59.

I had to take the KC-2 from the fron panel to increase the value of
the coupling cap (C8) between first & second stage of the VFO buffer
from 22pF to 82pF (Dave used 100pF) and so I took the opportunity to do
two other small mod's I had planned for some time.

First of all, I got rid of the warble alright. The coupling cap from
the VFO to the KC-2 is now only 4 pF and I didn't need to use coax.

My other mod's were as follows:

1. Use the AUX output of the KC-2 to switch the sidetone oscillator
on. You can then zero beat a signal very accurately against your own
sidetone and be right on spot - assuming the rig is adjusted properly.

It's very simple to do: wire a MOSFET 2N7000 (BS170) with source to
ground, drain to the anode of D3 (pin 5 of R6C) through a Si-diode in
series. The anode of this extra diode goes to the anode of D3.
The two diodes form a logical OR gate. The gate of the MOSFET is
connected to the AUX signal from the KC-2. Only two parts to fit to
the bottom of the PCB.

2. Inhibit the TX during message recording with a similar MOSFET
switch circuit. This time no extra diode is needed. The drain of the
new MOSFET goes to the gate of Q8 (keying MOSFET). Source goes to
ground and the gate is connected to the MSG REC line of the KC-2. Only
one part to fit on the bottom of the PCB and no messing with RF
signals.

I hope these mods are of useful to others. If you have questions, feel
free to send me a message.

73, OH2ZAZ
Arjen Raateland
--... ...-- -.. . --- .... ..--- --.. .- --..
Finnish Environment Institute, Helsinki, Finland
SAS Support
EMAIL: Arjen.Raateland@vyh.fi
tel. +358 9 4030 0457
fax  +358 9 4030 0490
.-.-. -.-

Subject: Sierra on 10 m
Date: Sun, 15 Feb 1998 13:01:57 +0200 (EET)
From: "Arjen Raateland, FEI/Impacts Research" <Arjen.Raateland@vyh.fi>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Subject: 10 m module for Sierra
Date: Sun, 15 Feb 1998 16:04:54 +0200 (EET)
From: "Arjen Raateland, FEI/Impacts Research" <Arjen.Raateland@vyh.fi>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Sorry for the empty message a bit earlier.

Somebody on this list recently mentioned having problems with tuning
the TX side of the 10 m module for his Sierra. I was assembling my own
10 m module at the time and had a note in my manual from who knows
where that L3 and L4 should be 20 t rather than 16 t. Well, sure
enough I had to add two turns to L3 (first LC in the TX bandpass) to
tune right.

I now get about 1 W out. I have a ferrite bead both on the gate of Q5
(J310) and the base of the 2N2222A (Q6). I have replaced the gate
resistor of Q5 R11, which originally was 5k1, with 27k and add a
resistor in parallel on each module as necessary to maintain
stability. My 15 m module has 15k over C35 and the other, lower band,
modules have no extra filter load resistor. For the TX to be stable
the 10 m module clearly needs about 10 k (with R11 at 27k in parallel
this works out to about 7k).

With R11 of 27k as the only load resistor, the TX would behave as a
free running oscillator on 10 m. The output would vary in frequency
with the tuning of the second LC circuit TX bandpass filter.

I could see this very well on my spectrum analyser scope adapter
(copyright Steven Weber KD1JV). Just monitoring the output power
wouldn't have given this situation away so easily. On a GC receiver I
could hear the signal on the intended output frequency as if nothing
was wrong (more or less).

I need to stress that increasing R11 is a modification of my own.
Having the extra ferrite bead on the gate of the J310 (Q5) is good for
stability according to my earlier experiments, but for the higher
bands extra loading is still needed.

Why increase R11: I hope for the output to be cleaner (higher Q in the
band pass filter) and I got a little more gain/output.

With R11 at the original value there shouldn't be problems except that
in my case L3 wasn't large enough at 16T. (BTW the trimmer caps on the
Sierra modules are at their maximum value when the half moon is on the
lower side close to the PCB.)

Perhaps this account is of some value to other experimenters and/or
elicits comments from more experienced builders.

73, oh2zaz

Arjen Raateland
--... ...-- -.. . --- .... ..--- --.. .- --..
Finnish Environment Institute, Helsinki, Finland
SAS Support
EMAIL: Arjen.Raateland@vyh.fi
tel. +358 9 4030 0457
fax  +358 9 4030 0490
.-.-. -.-

Subject: 1995 handbook, sierra
Date: Mon, 16 Feb 1998 09:24:08 -0600 (CST)
From: rspenc@creighton.edu
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Hi Gang:

I recently read through my QRPp and saw that someone homebrewed (very
nicely, may I add) the Norcal Sierra using information available in the
1995 ARRL Handbook. Question is, where could I get a copy of this article,
and would it be legal to get a photocopy- particularly the board artwork
(I am somewhat experienced at etching circuit boards)? I cannot find the
1995 Handbook around, and am not aware if the material exists in the
current ARRL Handbook (I usually purchase a new one evert 4 years or so).

Any hints?
Thanks!!!

Rich  WK2A

Dr. Richard S. Penc                  | Amateur Radio: call WK2A
Assistant Professor                  | Interests: QRP, constructing,
Department of Atmospheric Sciences   | 6m
Creighton University                 |
2500 California Plaza                | FCC Licenses:
Omaha, NE  68178                     | General Radiotelephone
                                     | Second Class Radiotelegraph
                                     | Radar Endorsement
                                     |
phone: (402) 280-2420                | Accredited VE: ARRL, W5YI
fax:   (402) 280-1731                |
email: rspenc@creighton.edu          | Certifiably crazy computer geek
       richpenc@juno.com             |



Subject: Re: 1995 handbook, sierra
Date: Mon, 16 Feb 1998 10:03:35 -0600
From: Dave Sjolin <sjolin@swbell.net>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

rspenc@creighton.edu wrote:

> I recently read through my QRPp and saw that someone homebrewed (very
> nicely, may I add) the Norcal Sierra using information available in the
> 1995 ARRL Handbook. Question is, where could I get a copy of this article,
> and would it be legal to get a photocopy- particularly the board artwork
> (I am somewhat experienced at etching circuit boards)? I cannot find the
> 1995 Handbook around, and am not aware if the material exists in the
> current ARRL Handbook (I usually purchase a new one evert 4 years or so).

Rich, the Norcal Sierra is also featured in the 1998 ARRL Handbook. No
template is shown in the article but you are directed to contact ARRL
Technical Department Secretary and request the '96 Handbook Sierra
template package. This includes data on band modules for 160, 12 and 10
meters that were not included in the 1995 Handbook.

I am not sure if the entire article is the package. You might give the
ARRL a call and ask them on Tuesday.

Good luck. 73 de Dave, N0IT

Subject: Re: 1995 handbook, sierra
Date: Mon, 16 Feb 1998 11:22:51 -0500
From: Thomas Isgro <kc8dgu@postoffice.worldnet.att.net>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

rspenc@creighton.edu wrote:
>
> Hi Gang:
>
> I recently read through my QRPp and saw that someone homebrewed (very
> nicely, may I add) the Norcal Sierra using information available in the
> 1995 ARRL Handbook. Question is, where could I get a copy of this article,
> and would it be legal to get a photocopy- particularly the board artwork
> (I am somewhat experienced at etching circuit boards)? I cannot find the
> 1995 Handbook around, and am not aware if the material exists in the
> current ARRL Handbook (I usually purchase a new one evert 4 years or so).
>
> Any hints?
> Thanks!!!
>

The artical is in the 98 Handbook
--
**********************************************************************
**********************************************************************

73 de
KI8CZ
Tom Isgro
OHIO

http://www.qsl.net/ki8cz


10-X  #68364      SCI  #1479     QRP-L #945      ARS  #203
C.A.T.T #2115    FIST 2360       NORCAL          ARRL

**********************************************************************
**********************************************************************

Subject: Re: 1995 handbook, sierra
Date: Mon, 16 Feb 1998 10:16:21 -0700
From: "John A. Evans - N0HJ" <jaevans@codenet.net>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

>Date: Mon, 16 Feb 1998 10:14:47 -0700
>To: sjolin@swbell.net
>From: "John A. Evans - N0HJ" <jaevans@codenet.net>
>Subject: Re: 1995 handbook, sierra
>In-Reply-To: <34E86357.115A@swbell.net>
>References: <Pine.HPP.3.95.980216092036.7809D-100000@bluejay.creighton.edu>
>
>>Rich, the Norcal Sierra is also featured in the 1998 ARRL Handbook. No
>>template is shown in the article but you are directed to contact ARRL
>>Technical Department Secretary and request the '96 Handbook Sierra
>>template package. This includes data on band modules for 160, 12 and 10
>>meters that were not included in the 1995 Handbook.
>>
>>I am not sure if the entire article is the package. You might give the
>>ARRL a call and ask them on Tuesday.
>>
>>Good luck. 73 de Dave, N0IT
>
>
>Folks,
>
>  The template is available from the ARRL for $4 ($2 for members) and
includes
>the artwork for the board and modules plus some other notes, but is not the
>complete article and assembly manual.
>
>72 - john - n0hj - considering a homebrew sierra
>
>
--------------------------------------------------------------------
John A. Evans                      Chief Systems Administrator
Office: (719) 528-1800 x164        Titan Software Systems
Fax:    (719) 528-1888             1115 Elkton Drive, Suite 200
email:  jaevans@cos.cst.titan.com  Colorado Springs, CO 80907-3535
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Norcal  #262  QRP-L  #219  QRP-ARCI  #8303  NE-QRP  #213 CQC  #045
CQrp    #15   NJ-QRP #50   AK-QRP    #52    NW-QRP  #454 FISTS #3184
Personal Web Page:  http://www.geocities.com/capecanaveral/9773/
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Sierra Transmit Power
Date: Mon, 16 Feb 1998 12:24:47 -0500
From: Derek Brown <DBrown@RFMD.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Among the many responses to my requests for information on Sierra
transmit mods, I received the following idea (which I implemented
among others).  This idea is offered in response to the person who was
having trouble peaking the transmit power on 10 M.  On the 20 M module
and above I made the following changes to make it easier to find the
peak transmit output:

Change C33 & C36 from their original trimmers [from either 9 - 50 pF
[green] (20 - 15 M) or 5 - 30 pF [yellow] (12 & 10 M)] to 3.5 - 20 pF
trimmers [blue] (Mouser Stk No. 24AA082).  Add fixed capacitors at C32
& C35 (normally not used on these higher frequency modules) to center
the trimmer adjustment range.

These mods made it very easy to peak the transmit power even on 10 M.
 Since I originally built the rig with these mods, I really don't know
just how "touchy" the transmit output adjustment can be.

Derek, WF4I
Greensboro, NC
dbrown@rfmd.com

Subject: Norcal Sierra Lives!! (long)
Date: Tue, 17 Feb 1998 23:34:10 -0700
From: Steve Galchutt <n0tu@webaccess.net>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

No it's not a long-delay email echo...

I found an unbuilt Norcal Sierra 2 weeks ago and just built it.(story
follows)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Down the home stretch...
Last night at 9:45pm I had one more toroid on the 40m band module to go.
the main board was loaded and ready to go. 10pm is my usual bedtime
since I get up around 5am! But I was near the "turn on" stage, so I
decided to go for it! The toroid went faster than I expected. After 15
of those guys ya just gotta get a little faster! ...a little after ten I
did another 30 minute check over of components...no mistakes!  Yes!

11pm...I fed it power and watched the current... 35ma ...good sign!

11:30pm...2 watts into the dummy...Alright!!

11:45pm..Rx comes alive...but just hearing lotsa QRN but not many
sigs...compare my argosy and yup.. the band is pretty much gone. Man is
the xtal filter razor sharp!

12:00 Having trouble brushing my teeth because of the HUGE smile that
stretches across my face. =8)

12:15... Unclip the gelcell from the Sierra and drift off to dreaming
about keyers, readouts, ABX mod, swr indicators etc....

6:00am... With a hot cup of coffee in hand, I fired up the wood stove
(45* here the barn) and the Sierra...the band was booming ...heard the F
and C beacons about S4! Big signals all over the place 7040 was
clobbered...Listened for awhile untill I just couldn't stand it
anymore....I hammered a few fieble CQ's under all the QR0. BANG!... K5JD
slams back his QRO sig (50w) and I had my very first Sierra QSO!!! Gang
let me confirm once again... it doesn't get any better than this...Like
some on the list has as their signature...I know the guy who built my
radio!! I'm him!

Sri for the lengthy display of emotion but can't contain
myself...YAAHOOOOEE!!!!

I'm not finished yet...I've got the chassis to assemble and label. Also
need to do a proper alignment on it...only 6 more modules...hmmm, that's
50 some toroids! YIKES! I'll be a "pro" at toroids by the time I finish
this project! Last night I just tweaked till I heard my 49er 100Mw sig
coming thru the RX. WHAT THRILL! ...I'll put up some pics as soon as
it's photogenic. THANKS to the KG5N and K0SU (local Sierra-ites) and the
list for the moral support and just being a great bunch of Elmers!!
...more to follow...later

Thank You Norcal!!!!  Steve/n0tu
--

Solar powered QRP/CW
"Camping" in Monument, CO....email:N0TU@webaccess.net

Subject: WTD: Unbuilt Norcal Sierra Kit
Date: Wed, 18 Feb 1998 09:40:36 -0700
From: John Evans - N0HJ <jaevans@codenet.net>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Greetings,

  Just in the off chance there is an unbuilt sierra out there that
may be eligible for a new home, I ask the question, "wanna sell your
unbuilt Norcal Sierra??"

tnx es 72 - john - n0hj
--------------------------------------------------------------------
John A. Evans                      Chief Systems Administrator
Office: (719) 528-1800 x164        Titan Software Systems
Fax:    (719) 528-1888             1115 Elkton Drive, Suite 200
email:  jaevans@cos.cst.titan.com  Colorado Springs, CO 80907-3535
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Norcal  #262  QRP-L  #219  QRP-ARCI  #8303  NE-QRP  #213 CQC  #045
CQrp    #15   NJ-QRP #50   AK-QRP    #52    NW-QRP  #454 FISTS #3184
Personal Web Page:  http://www.geocities.com/capecanaveral/9773/
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Split operation on the Sierra and EleCraft K2
Date: Wed, 18 Feb 1998 23:42:32 -0800
From: "Eric Swartz, WA6HHQ - EleCraft" <erics@elecraft.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

You wrote:

>I guess I should study the (new) info on the Elecraft K-2 once more
>with this new split frequency requirement in mind. Or make a smart mod
>to my Sierra. Anybody done that kind of mod?

Hi Arjen,

I modified my Sierra for RIT/XIT and wrote it up in the Dec. '1996 QRPp
(page 60).  I set it up for -1 / +6 khz XIT/RIT for split operation in
DX pile-ups.

Also, the K2 has two VFO's which can run wide split RX/TX. (
http://www.elecraft.com )

73,  Eric

Subject: Re: Sierra+KC-2 has slight warble?
Date: Sat, 21 Feb 1998 01:36:17 EST
From: victnr@juno.com (Victor E Turner)
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Arjen:  I had this problem and corrected it by reducing the size of the
coupling cap to the minimum that will allow the frequency readout to
function. the vfo is loaded very slightly when it is being counted and
that load impedance varies slightly. I used a 2.5 to 7.5 pf trimmer  (
stright wire) adjust it for the minimum value that  will trigger the
counter.
Good Luck
Vic Turner/WA6EIW
On Thu, 12 Feb 1998 20:09:00 +0200 Arjen Raateland
<Arjen.Raateland@vyh.fi> writes:
>Hi gang,
>
>Since I have put a KC-2 into my Sierra it has developed a slight
>warble
>in the RX signal tone at some settings of the controls and certain
>signal strengths. I haven't made any statistics about the phenomenon,
>but sometimes I notice it and sometimes not. Also there is a very
>slight
>shift of frequency when switching from frequency display to S meter
>mode. It's not a BIG deal, but perhaps there is something that I can
>do
>about it the next time I open the rig for modifications.
>
>The VFO signal is fed to the buffered input of the KC-2 using a hookup
>wire (sturdy multistrand teflon coated wire from you know who on this
>list ;-) ). The 10 pF coupling cap is at the main PCB side of the
>wire.
>The KC-2 is at the spot where Wilderness put the holes for it and the
>wire is more or less straight.
>
>In the opinion of the list, would it help to replace the wire with
>miniature coax? Should I make the coupling cap smaller?
>
>I also used hookup wire (and the same 10 pF coupling cap) when I had a
>KC-1 in the Sierra and that didn't cause any problems. I still have
>some
>very nice RG174-like teflon coax from 20 yrs ago, but thinking that
>the
>capacitance of the coax might cause a problem or two, I again used
>hookup wire.
>
>I'd be grateful for any opinions on this (small) subject.
>oh2zaz
>--
>Arjen Raateland
>Finnish Environment Institute
>SAS Support
>phone +358 9 4030 0457
>
>

_____________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
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Subject: FS: Wilderness Sierra
Date: Thu, 26 Feb 1998 18:25:54 EST
From: N3BJ <N3BJ@aol.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

For Sale: Wilderness Sierra w/KC2, works great, w/80, 40, 30, 20, 15, 10
meter
modules (10 and 15 unbuilt). All documentation included.  Just don't use it
much.

$450 shipped

Alan, N3BJ

Subject: FS Norcal Sierra
Date: Fri, 27 Feb 1998 11:05:47 EST
From: PDouglas12 <PDouglas12@aol.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Gang,

I have a Norcal Sierra for sale.  It has the  Wilderness KC1 memory
keyer/audio  frequency readout system (precise freq is given in morse at the
push of a button) installed on the front panel, together with a miniature
analog s-meter/relative power meter.  The front panel has a custom computer-
generated laminated label/cover.  The variable bandwidth option is installed
with front panel control.  I have the original manual and modules for 80 and
40 meters are included.  Modules for other bands are, of course, still
available from Wilderness Radio.  The 80 and 40 meter modules have silver
mica
caps in the output filter for max output (~3-4 watts).  I have a digital
camara and can photograph the rig and email a photo in .jpg format to
interested buyers.  This rig works perfectly and is a pleasure to operate,
has
no glitches and is well-built by me (that means good soldering and no
intermittents.)  I am selling because I have two Sierras, and this one is
extra.
Price:  $280 shipped continental US.

Preston Douglas WJ2V

Subject: Preston Douglas' Sierra Sold
Date: Fri, 27 Feb 1998 14:14:36 EST
From: PDouglas12 <PDouglas12@aol.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Gang,

I have an offer to buy the Sierra, so thanks for the bandwidth.

72,

Preston Douglas WJ2V

Subject: Have you built an LDG Autotuner into a Sierra?
Date: Mon, 2 Mar 1998 09:36:24 -0500 (EST)
From: "Scott Rosenfeld [NF3I]" <ham@w3eax.umd.edu>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

If so, I'd like to hear/see how you did the mounting and wiring, and
avoided RFI, etc.

Thanks - I know a bunch of people have done it...

* Scott Rosenfeld NF3I Burtonsville, MD FM19mc QRV 80-10/6/2/440 *
* 6m 82 grids on 8w * DXCC WAS WAC * QRP-L #147 * QRP ARCI #9054 *
* http://w3eax.umd.edu/~ham * ARRL Life Member /Laurel ARC/UMARA *
*** 301-549-1022 h 301-982-1015 w *** 35 wpm HF mobile CW Neon ***

Subject: Sierra on 160KHz
Date: 3 Mar 1998 17:47:12 -0700
From: W0rw@kktv.com
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Hi Steve, i have already built a Sierra module for 160KHz.
The receiver works Ok, but the Tx doesn't work, coupling caps are too
small, an external connection would be required for transmit...
Another project doomed...
Paul  w0rw

Subject: ZM-2 inside a Sierra
Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 08:15:20 -0700
From: "Steve Galchutt" <n0tu@webaccess.net>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Hi Gang......Just wondering if I asking for trouble by building an antenna
tuner (like the ZM-2) into my Sierra. Is there possibilities of standing
waves or something getting back into the rig and messing up the mixer or PA
or something else?  My thinking is if I've get everything into one
box....like my Sierra... Then I only have to remember to bring my
key/paddle, wire and battery. And  I'm likely to spend more time on the air
instead of fussing with cables and other little boxes. This might cut down
on the number of times I leave something behind that prevents me from geting
on the air. Although, I must say it's caused me to become very creative at
solving the problem of 'making do with what you have on hand'. Which kinda
goes along with my QRP nature. Like the time I had to tape several different
types of batteys together form my headlamp, razor, and HT to power up the
rig because knuckle head forgot his gelcell. That's why, when I heard about
the nail in the tree antenna, I said to myself  'hmmm better save this trick
for when I forget to bring the wire!  Sorry for drifting off subject ....
back to my question .......will it hurt to mount a tuner instead my pride
and joy (my Sierra) ?? huh?

72...Steve
______________________________________________
n0tu - solar powered QRP & wire antennas @ 7,200' ASL
Monument,Colorado -  Grid Sq DM79nb
email: n0tu@webaccess.net

Subject: Wilderness Sierra For Sale
Date: Wed, 18 Mar 1998 09:05:29 -0800
From: George Zafiropoulos <georgez@quickturn.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

I have a Wilderness Sierra for sale.  I built the kit and it is in
excellent condition and works great.  The radio includes...

Wilderness Sierra - built
KC2 Keyer/Freq. Counter/S-Meter/Wattmeter board - Built and installed
Noise blanker - unbuilt
40m module built and tuned up.
80m/30m/20m modules partly built

I love this little radio but I need the money to buy another toy.
Not sure what the going rate is but the whole thing cost me about $400 +

'73 de George KJ6VU
georgez@quickturn.com

Subject: Caps in Sierra Band Modules
Date: Wed, 18 Mar 1998 16:40:28 -0500
From: Rick McNelly <72507.235@compuserve.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Hello All,

        I'm ordering another band module for my Sierra and want to change
C47, 48, and
49 to decrease loss as per the mods I have seen posted.

        Silver micas are hard to find, RF Parts and Circuit Specialists list
them but
they have min orders. Is there another affordable source for these things?
Mouser lists practically any value needed in axial polystyrene with no min
order.

        Does it make a difference if the caps are silver micas or
polystyrene?

72/73's,

--Rick, KE4IZH

Chesapeake, Va.

MP2.1K

Subject: Re: Caps in Sierra Band Modules
Date: Wed, 18 Mar 1998 17:24:14 -0700
From: "Steve Galchutt" <n0tu@webaccess.net>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Hey Rick...there's several of us in the noise level still building Sierra
band modules that need SM caps maybe we could do a group buy?
72...Steve
______________________________________________
n0tu - solar powered QRP & wire antennas @ 7,200' ASL
Monument,Colorado -  Grid Sq DM79nb
email: n0tu@webaccess.net
-----Original Message-----
From: Rick McNelly <72507.235@compuserve.com>
To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>
Date: Wednesday, March 18, 1998 2:51 PM
Subject: Caps in Sierra Band Modules

>Hello All,
>
> I'm ordering another band module for my Sierra and want to change C47, 48,
and
>49 to decrease loss as per the mods I have seen posted.
>
> Silver micas are hard to find, RF Parts and Circuit Specialists list them
but
>they have min orders. Is there another affordable source for these things?
>Mouser lists practically any value needed in axial polystyrene with no min
>order.
>
> Does it make a difference if the caps are silver micas or polystyrene?
>
>72/73's,
>
>--Rick, KE4IZH
>
>Chesapeake, Va.
>
>MP2.1K
>

Subject: Re: Caps in Sierra Band Modules
Date: Wed, 18 Mar 1998 20:37:44 -0700
From: "John A. Evans - N0HJ" <jaevans@codenet.net>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

At 05:24 PM 3/18/98 -0700, n0tu wrote:
>Hey Rick...there's several of us in the noise level still building Sierra
>band modules that need SM caps maybe we could do a group buy?
>72...Steve

Count me in !!!  I need 'em all !!!

john - n0hj

--------------------------------------------------------------------
John A. Evans                      Chief Systems Administrator
Office: (719) 528-1800 x164        Titan Software Systems
Fax:    (719) 528-1888             1115 Elkton Drive, Suite 200
email:  jaevans@cos.cst.titan.com  Colorado Springs, CO 80907-3535
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Norcal  #262  QRP-L  #219  QRP-ARCI  #8303  NE-QRP  #213 CQC  #045
CQrp    #15   NJ-QRP #50   AK-QRP    #52    NW-QRP  #454 FISTS #3184
Personal Web Page:  http://www.geocities.com/capecanaveral/9773/
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Re: Caps in Sierra Band Modules
Date: Wed, 18 Mar 1998 19:48:17 -0800
From: LYN WILLIAMS <designserv@ipass.net>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

What values of silvered mica are needed and how many per rig?
Lyn, W4WDN

Steve Galchutt wrote:

> Hey Rick...there's several of us in the noise level still building Sierra
> band modules that need SM caps maybe we could do a group buy?
> 72...Steve
> ______________________________________________
> n0tu - solar powered QRP & wire antennas @ 7,200' ASL
> Monument,Colorado -  Grid Sq DM79nb
> email: n0tu@webaccess.net
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Rick McNelly <72507.235@compuserve.com>
> To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>
> Date: Wednesday, March 18, 1998 2:51 PM
> Subject: Caps in Sierra Band Modules
>
> >Hello All,
> >
> > I'm ordering another band module for my Sierra and want to change C47,
48,
> and
> >49 to decrease loss as per the mods I have seen posted.
> >
> > Silver micas are hard to find, RF Parts and Circuit Specialists list
them
> but
> >they have min orders. Is there another affordable source for these
things?
> >Mouser lists practically any value needed in axial polystyrene with no
min
> >order.
> >
> > Does it make a difference if the caps are silver micas or polystyrene?
> >
> >72/73's,
> >
> >--Rick, KE4IZH
> >
> >Chesapeake, Va.
> >
> >MP2.1K
> >

Subject: Re: Caps in Sierra Band Modules
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 06:43:56 -0500 (EST)
From: Bruce Muscolino <w6toy@pop.erols.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

>
>Hey Rick...there's several of us in the noise level still building Sierra
>band modules that need SM caps maybe we could do a group buy?
>
WHY?  You can get all the Silver Micas you want in onesies-twosies
quantities from Mouser or Dan's Small Parts.  Why wait for someone to order
them and then reship them.  Look on the last page of capacitors in the
current (Green) Mouser catalog.  Also, Mouser ships the same day, or the day
after you place your order!  No connection, but wuthout Mouser I couldn't
make coffee!

73

Subject: RE: Caps in Sierra Band Modules
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 08:58:37 -0500 (EST)
From: "James C. Owen, III" <owen@piper.eeel.nist.gov>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

In message Wed, 18 Mar 1998 16:40:28 -0500,
  Rick McNelly <72507.235@compuserve.com>  writes:

>       Silver micas are hard to find, RF Parts and Circuit Specialists list
> them but  they have min orders. Is there another affordable source for
> these things?  Mouser lists practically any value needed in axial
> polystyrene with no min  order.
>
Rick & others,
   Silver mica's are EASY to find. Use one of my favorite dealers. Ocean
State Electronics 1-800-866-6626 in Westerly, RI. They have dipped silver
mica's for $.55 each  $.50 in quantities of 10 and their minimum order is
only $10.00. They have values from 1 to 1000 pf.
72/73 Jim K4CGY qrp-l #72

Subject: FS: Sierra Norcal 40A with K-1
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 10:26:21 EST
From: B1ljohn <B1ljohn@aol.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

I have a clean unit for sale.  It has The K-1 keyer frequency counter built
in
and a keyboard/SKN jack plus a keyer jack added.  The frequency is also
selectable to three different band sections and the operator can align to
preferences.   If you like QRP and aren't comfortable with building at this
time, this rig is a perfect choice.

I am asking $165 plus shipping.  I am selling because I am not using it. ( I
have been hanging out on 30 meters, with my 38s and QRP++.)  This rig is a
pleasure to operate with the K-1 keyer and the frequency readout is a real
neat gizmo!  A wonderful portable rig with outstanding operation.

Bill
K9YEQ

Subject: SIERRA BAND MODULE MODS
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 09:47:40 -0700 (MST)
From: marion@montana.com
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>


            Alot of postings about caps for Sierra band modules lately. If
you want an easier way and use the original band modules, do the mod thats
suggested by the rigs designer. Replace the rf choke feeding the collector
of the final to a 4 to 1 impedance ratio transformer. Replace the final with
a MRF237, or as I did with an inexpensive  RCA SK9618, a 12.5 watt rf
transistor which can be heat sinked to the back of the cabinet. You can key
down for as long as you want and doesnt even get warm. Install the drive
control to the back panel as described in the Sierra manual, so you can run
at any power you want. Runs at 5 or more watts on 160,80 and 40, about 4
watts on 30 and 20, and 3watts on 15 and 10. Easily and smoothly adjustable
to zero out with drive control. All band modules original. I love this
little rig and use it most of the time. TS440 and TS130 havent been used in
over a month! 72 Roy, AB7CE

Subject: Re: Caps in Sierra Band Modules
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 14:33:13 -0500
From: Rick McNelly <72507.235@compuserve.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

------
If you look at the last page of the capacitor section in your current Mouser
Catalog (the green one) you'll find they also sell Silvcer-Mica caps at
reasonablish prices.
>
------

Hi Bruce,

        the catalog calls these "Dipped" micas. Is there a difference
between "Dipped"
and "Silver" mica capacitors?

72/73's,

--Rick, KE4IZH

Chesapeake, Va.

MP2.1K

Subject: Re: Caps in Sierra Band Modules
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 14:33:18 -0500
From: Rick McNelly <72507.235@compuserve.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

------
hello.  please let me know if you hear of a group purchase for these caps.
i
am also looking for them for my sierra band modules.  only place i have
found
any is on dan's parts web page and i don't know if they are the correct size
or
not.  cheap enough, though.  plus he doesn't have a minimum order.  do you
know
where i can buy the mrf 237 final transistor?  i can't find that one
anywhere
either.

myron

------
Hi Myron,

        RF Parts (800-737-2787) has the MRF237 for $8.93. Be sure to bend
the single
leg to the opposite side of the other two before you install it, the pin
outs
are different! (trust me,I forgot and smoked the first one :-) These guys
have
a $25 min, I used them before but they didn't have all the sizes of the caps
I
needed. DO NOT get any of the Silver Mica caps in the DM19 size, they are
too
big!

        I used Dan's the first time and unfortunately he sent me a mixed
bag,
including some of the very large old square silver micas with colored dots
on
them for ID. He also did some parts substitution with the rest of the order
with the end result of me having a whole bunch of parts I couldn't use.

        This has turned me off, and made me skeptical of what he offers on
his web
page. The descriptions don't adequately describe the parts (large old square
micas) and he made no effort to communicate with me about part
substitutions.

        Watch the list, lots of folks may respond to this.

72/73's,

--Rick, KE4IZH

Chesapeake, Va.

MP2.1K

Subject: Re: Caps in Sierra Band Modules
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 14:33:25 -0500
From: Rick McNelly <72507.235@compuserve.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Hi Gang,

        I'm not about to take on a group buy!

I admire those who are up to this but I'm not one of 'em :-).

        On the other hand, its been posted that Mouser also carries "Dipped"
Mica
Caps, and if these are the same as "Silver" Mica's then it looks like the
way
to go.

72/73's,

--Rick, KE4IZH

Chesapeake, Va.

MP2.1K

Subject: FS: Wilderness Sierra QRP CW Transceiver
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 20:20:38 -0500
From: Dave Redfearn <n4elm@ipass.net>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

For Sale:

Wilderness Radio Sierra
ABX, RIT, Rf gain
with options - KC2, BuzzNot, Custom front panel

Band modules - 80, 40, 30, 20, 17, 15 (unbuilt), 24 (unbuilt).

Rig is well built, everything works, case and covers in excellent shape.
Original kits cost over $500.00.

Asking $400.00 OBO + shipping.
Can build the last two band modules if needed.

73 - Dave.
=====================================================
Email: n4elm@NOJUNKipass.net    (Remove NOJUNK to reply)

Subject: Wilderness Sierra - SOLD!
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 21:52:03 -0500
From: Dave Redfearn <n4elm@ipass.net>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

The Sierra is spoken for.
Thanks for the response.

73 - Dave.
=====================================================
Email: n4elm@NOJUNKipass.net    (Remove NOJUNK to reply)

Subject: Re: Caps in Sierra Band Modules
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 20:56:43 -0800
From: Dave Fifield <fifield@pacbell.net>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

People of Earth,

I replaced the NPO caps (BTW, NPO stands for Negative Positive Zero
- it refers to the capacitor's temperature coefficient, i.e. it
doesn't change value with temp....these are good in VFOs and the like
...... someone did ask, right?)...

Where was I? Oh yes, I replaced the NPO caps in the transmit output
filters of the Sierra band modules that were giving low power output
(less than 1W) with silver mica ones. It made no difference whatsoever
to the power output. My conclusion is that the caps that QRP Bob ships
(these days - it may not have always been the case...) with the band
modules are fine and not too lossy at all. The problem lies elsewhere.
I say, don't waste your money on SM caps just yet, give some of the
other things a go first...

I tried changing the value of the input resistor on the J310 FET from
5.11K to 10K. Result: unstable with oscillation in the output stages
at upper HF/VHF frequencies - highly undesirable.

Tried lower values, but found 5.11K was the lowest value where the
transmitter remained quiet - I guess Wayne did this test too, so
that's where the "exact" value of 5.11K came from(?)

Lastly, I tried squishing up the turns and opening them out on the
output filter inductors. This had a BIG effect. I found that they
needed to have a less inductance for much more output, so I rewound
them with new wire and new cores with a couple of turns less. This
proved to be a vast improvement. Can't remember the exact numbers,
but now I have 1.5 Watts min. on all bands. I read of this mod
somewhere in QRPp magazine (Norcal). YMMV ;-)

Oh yes, and cleaning the gold edge connectors with a soft pencil
eraser made a bit of difference too - give it a try if your gold
looks a bit dim or dirty. Mine seemed to have some flux or some
other film on them.

I'm going to give the output transformer mod a go. Let you know
how I get on. Also, I'm going to see about using an IRF510 in the
output stage instead....

72, Dave Fifield, AD6AY

Subject: SIERRA CAPS
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 23:17:02 -0700
From: alan dawkins <alk0frp@earthlink.net>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

GANG

Dans has caps for .40 each costs $4.00 per order
no credit cards and if in Canada or outside US forget it.
$4.00 is 10 caps ????

Circuit Specialists is .34 x1 .29 x10 .22 x100 low values up to 150pf
                        .52 x 1 .44 x10  .33 x100 for values to 390pf
                        upt o .80 x1  for values up to 910 pf

Most values are higher cost than Dans but take credit cards but don't
say how much shipping/handling is, but can't be much for a pack of caps.

So that old word "DEPENDS" on what your ordering, besides the caps and
if you can wait for snail mail to get to MT with your Money order or use
a credit card and call circuit Specialists.
Mouser is much higher than either Dan's or CS.
I don't think much could be saved on a group buy unless Circuit
Specialists would make up a package deal for all band 160-10 caps (on
their web site says this may be possible).

Just make out your wish list and flip a coin send the Check/Mo/MC/Visa
Via phone /email/snail mail and put that stuff on the air.

My next project is a surface mount VFO for my soon to be surface mount
ONER and 40m conversion of my  KnightSmite. Also going to the other
extreme and building (2) tube xmtr's (those glow-in-the-dark) rigs.
WOW 300 volt plate voltage verses surface mount, you gotta  love it.

Al K0FRP Still Sleeping in Seattle Monday thru Thusdays nights

Subject: Sierra Band Module Mods
Date: Fri, 20 Mar 1998 11:22:34 -0500
From: Rick McNelly <72507.235@compuserve.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Hi Roy,

        can you be more specific on how to replace the RF choke feeding the
collector
of the final with a 4 to 1 transformer?

72/73's,

--Rick, KE4IZH

Chesapeake, Va.

MP2.1K

Subject: Sierra Caps -- Back to the Beginning
Date: Fri, 20 Mar 1998 09:40:35 -0700
From: "Bob Follett" <bfollett@ditell.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Gang:

It has been over a year since my article on increasing Sierra power output
was published in QRPp -- You do subscribe, don't you?

This Module cap thing is getting out of hand!  I conducted over 40 tests on
Sierra power with some guidance from Wayne, and reported that the S.M.
modifications made a minimal difference -- mostly on the lower bands where
large capacitance values are required.

If you are intent on replacing the original caps, be forewarned that on 80 &
40M, the values are high enough where a "normal voltage value" of 300V won't
fit on the module.  So -- the dilemma is this:  where a less lossy cap is
needed the most, the values and resultant size are the largest.

I personally think you would do just as well to replace the small caps with
larger voltage ones, even in ceramic.  I believe Dave Benson has also made
some remarks about all of this in the past, and Paul Harden has also
commented on usage of various capacitor types.  Don't get hung up on silver
mics!  (Which aren't manufactured anymore -- but thats another story)

NOW THE GOOD STUFF:

As Dave Fifield noted in his post today, reworking the Xmit. Pi filters on
the modules made a BIG difference in power output.

Why is this?  Wayne designed the Sierra to produce 2W, average, output.
That was his design parameter.  When we muck around to increase power, we
changed his design.

Dave Meacham, in QRPp Sept. 95. stated the problem well.  " Output filters
are designed for a specific termination, usually 50ohms....the proper
resistive component of the load should approximate the collector-voltage
squared, divided by two times the power."

So...when we crank up the voltage, or increase the power output, the
resistance changes....and it goes lower.  One way to deal with this
mis-match is to reduce turns on L5 & L6 to find the best impedance for a
proper load to the final.  The results, as both Fifield and I have stated,
can be dramatic. The original work on this mismatch was noted by others in
early 1995 and served as the starting point for my own tweaking experiments.

Is this the best solution?  No, probably not.  But its the solution I
originally reported.  Wayne has always stated the proper solution is a
matching transformer which replaces the rf choke feeding the final
collector.  I had already modified all my modules for maximum power output
for "my components and voltage choice", and didn't want to start over from
scratch -- so I didn't go back and pursue it, but others have.

If you have not played with module output filter tweaking, then a much less
time consuming option is the 4:1 matching transformer.  Roy, AB7CE,
published the results of his modification yesterday, and reported 5W on the
lower bands, 4W on 30 and 20M, and 3W on 15 and 10M. (With a final change to
an SK9618).

Vic Turner, on Jan 19th, posted a full explanation of building the step up
transformer.  "I simply removed the collector choke and substituted 10
bifilar turns wound on a T50-43 ferrite core.  This will step the 14.4
collector z up to near 50 ohms!  Also note that he had made other mods. to
ensure adequate drive.  His solution was driver replacement with a 2N5109.
Other variations have been previously posted.  If someone needs more
details, I am sure he would be happy to reply.  His address is:
victnr@juno.com.

On last word.  If you made modifications, and still feel you are not getting
"proper" power output, re-adjust BOTH the XMIT BPF and PMO BPF trimmer caps
on each module for max. power out.  Are you getting two peaks on the
trimmers?  If not, the combination of component is too far out of spec, and
you have more work to do....

73, Bob
----------------------------------------------------------------
Bob Follett  AB7ST, QRP-L # 129, NorCal, ARCI, 10-10, ARS
2861 Estates Dr.        VOICE: 801.649.6457
Park City, UT 84060     E-mail: bfollett@ditell.com

Subject: Sierra Pwr mod
Date: Fri, 20 Mar 1998 13:15:27 -0700 (MST)
From: marion@montana.com
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

                Got so many requests on this, Putting it on the list.
Change the rf choke feeding the collector of the final(L10) to a 4 to 1
impeadance ratio transformer. I used the same core material,-43, as the
original choke, but used a 0.5 instead of a .37 inch diameter core.Wind
with 12 bifiliar turns of #24 wire. Form a center tap by connecting the
start of one winding to the end of the other winding. Connect the tap to the
finals collector. Connect one of the other ends to the 12volt line and the
last lead to the input of the low pass filter. I installed in same location
as old choke. One lead to C46 on top side left lead as viewed from front of
rig. Center tap to hole for collector trace. Other lead to hole near C45.
IMPORTANT: installing in original position as I did requires cutting the
trace at C46 to collector, isolating C46 only.
You can use a MRF237 and sink it in original position. I used a RCA SK9618,
which has the emitter as the center leg and mouting tab. Since the final has
emiter to ground, no insulator is needed to heat sink directly to back of
cabinet with a little heat sink paste. There is a convenient ground at PCB
to solder emitter to, so only two leads are needed to go to base and
collector. The MRF237 will run hot, but you can beacon with the SK9618 and
maybe gets warm. I used a 500ohm pot to the rear panel, to replace the drive
control as described in the Sierra manual. I notched a hole big enough for
the two wires to it to run under the board. I ran the two transistor leads
on top. You will need this control to back off of 6 to 7 watts on 160,80 and
40 meters, or to run at low current levels. With control peaking drive at
about 90% I get 3 watts out on 10 and 15 meters and 4 watts on 20 and 30
meters. All band modules original. The SK9618 is the RCA replacement for
MRF260. Also ECG342. Same specs all around, but got SK for $4.25.
72 Roy, AB7CE

Subject: SM caps -- not! And a bit on the Sierra design...
Date: Sat, 21 Mar 1998 23:40:53 -0800
From: "L.Svec,W.Burdick" <svecbrdk@well.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Folks,

The NPO ceramic and C0G caps I specified for the Wilderness Sierra have a
very decent dissipation factor, measured at .005 to .001, which translates
to a Q of 200 to 1000.  Yes, S.M. caps are more consistent: in my
experience, usually around Q=700+.  C0G-rating caps are typically better
than NPO ceramic disc.

However, even a capacitor whose Q is at the "low" end of this range (200)
is *not* going to make a noticeable dent in the output power, as Dave
Fitfield reminded us recently.  Just to convince myself of this, I have on
many occasions replaced 5% NPO or C0G caps with S.M. and -- true enough --
no difference in power output. (Exception:  you may just happen to find a
cap that is closer to the optimal value for a particular filter.)

Now I *did* use some low-Q caps on the original NorCal (club project)
Sierra; they were 10%, high-K units, definitely to be avoided as they have
Q's as low as 40 and wider capacitance tolerance.  This was my mistake,
corrected on the very first Wilderness run.  Always stick with 5%, NPO or
C0G, and watch the voltage rating.

If you have a Sierra and want more power output, you have a few choices.
You might follow my suggestions in the manual, especially the two easiest:
(1) increase supply voltage; (2) replace the output choke with a 2:1
transformer wound on the same core.  You can also experimentally stretch or
squeeze toroid windings in the low-pass filters--just check your work with
a spectrum analyzer, because you may compromise the return loss or spectral
purity of the signal by doing this.  (On the other hand, you may make it
better.  Toroids seem to have as much as a 10% swing in permeability, and
that's *before* everyone winds them their own way :)

As I've pointed out before, the Sierra is designed to meet cost, size, and
ease-of-construction goals, and therefore does not have a complicated
transmit strip.  I designed for the 2-3 watt level at 20 meters.  Power
output is usually higher than this on the lower bands, lower on the higher
bands.  Of course the S/N ratio is typically higher on the high bands
(because they're usually quieter), so you might consider the lower power
and reduced current drain as a feature for portable operation   :)

But if you really want a 5-watts-on-all-bands Sierra with no tweaking,
you'll have to re-design the transmit strip.  I have built such a strip on
a protoboard; it takes about 30 to 40% more parts than the existing
transmitter design.  (It won't fit in the same space without doing
something I have sworn NEVER to do to the kit builders of the world, some
of whom have marginal vision, and that's use surface-mount parts.)

Basically, what it requires is more gain stages, each with feedback,
resulting in a more "level" frequency response from 2-30Mhz.  It's also
helpful to include ALC or some way of automatically controlling power
output in response to load or drive changes.  You also have to be very
careful not to cause problems with excess in-the-box radiation near
sensitive circuits.  Again, this would be dificult at the Sierra'a size and
price point; you'd probably have to add either a small additional PCB or
some shielding.

Have fun,

waYne,
N6KR

n6kr@elecraft.com
  -- or --
svecbrdk@well.com

Subject: SIERRA VFO MOD
Date: Sun, 22 Mar 1998 11:35:57 -0700 (MST)
From: marion@montana.com
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

        I modified my Sierra output circuit because after hours of tweaking
I could not get 2 watts on any band, and .5 watts was the peak above 20mtrs.
I know I was not alone by the responses I received when I put my easy mod on
the list which increased power to  3watts at 10mtrs to over 5watts on 40 and
lower with no loss of spectral suppression.
I use my  Sierra extensively and noticed that after many hours the VFO drift
would amount to as much as 800hz, Indoors with cover on. This was not a
serious problem, as no one had to chase me around the band as with some
other rigs I have.
However, this makes the display(KC2) incorrect. Also want to use outdoors
where temp varies alot, especially here in Montana. So I got out Doug
DeMaw's Design Notebook and read on VFO design. This led me to replace C53,
the only silver mica cap in VFO circuit to a polystyrene cap of same value.
Tested four days in the garage with temps from 6deg. to 65deg when heat
turned on . Less than 100HZ of drift so far.
Your results may vary, worked for me. 72, Roy AB7CE

Subject: Sierra Pwr mod
Date: Sun, 22 Mar 1998 11:59:14 -0700 (MST)
From: marion@montana.com
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

>Date: Sat, 21 Mar 1998 12:25:36
>To: qrp-l
>From: marion@montana.com
>Subject: Sierra Pwr mod
>
>                Got so many requests on this, Putting it on the list.
Change the rf choke feeding the collector of the final(L10) to a 4 to 1
impeadance ratio transformer. I used the same core material,-43, as the
original choke, but used a 0.5 instead of a .37 inch diameter core.Wind
with 12 bifiliar turns of #24 wire. Form a center tap by connecting the
start of one winding to the end of the other winding. Connect the tap to the
finals collector. Connect one of the other ends to the 12volt line and the
last lead to the input of the low pass filter. I installed in same location
as old choke. One lead to C46 on top side left lead as viewed from front of
rig. Center tap to hole for collector trace. Other lead to hole near C45.
IMPORTANT: installing in original position as I did requires cutting the
trace at C46 to collector, isolating C46 only.
You can use a MRF237 and sink it in original position. I used a RCA SK9618,
which has the emitter as the center leg and mouting tab. Since the final has
emiter to ground, no insulator is needed to heat sink directly to back of
cabinet with a little heat sink paste. There is a convenient ground at PCB
to solder emitter to, so only two leads are needed to go to base and
collector. The MRF237 will run hot, but you can beacon with the SK9618 and
maybe gets warm. I used a 500ohm pot to the rear panel, to replace the drive
control as described in the Sierra manual. I notched a hole big enough for
the two wires to it to run under the board. I ran the two transistor leads
on top. You will need this control to back off of 6 to 7 watts on 160,80 and
40 meters, or to run at low current levels. With control peaking drive at
about 90% I get 3 watts out on 10 and 15 meters and 4 watts on 20 and 30
meters. All band modules original. The SK9618 is the RCA replacement for
MRF260. Also ECG342. Same specs all around, but got SK for $4.25.
72 Roy, AB7CE
>
Reposting this as four requested.

Subject: Re: Sierra Pwr mod
Date: Sun, 22 Mar 1998 13:25:08 -0700
From: "John A. Evans - N0HJ" <jaevans@codenet.net>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Well, we see repost after repost.  Seems we need a better search engine and
more complete archives on the qrp-l page.  It would nice to be able to enter
keyword(s) for searching and either pull up or at least point to the
respective
archive file with the reference inside.  If I had the time, and experience,
I
might volunteer to do the task and add it to the qrp-l archive page.

  What do others think??

john - n0hj

--------------------------------------------------------------------
John A. Evans                      Chief Systems Administrator
Office: (719) 528-1800 x164        Titan Software Systems
Fax:    (719) 528-1888             1115 Elkton Drive, Suite 200
email:  jaevans@cos.cst.titan.com  Colorado Springs, CO 80907-3535
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Norcal  #262  QRP-L  #219  QRP-ARCI  #8303  NE-QRP  #213 CQC  #045
CQrp    #15   NJ-QRP #50   AK-QRP    #52    NW-QRP  #454 FISTS #3184
Personal Web Page:  http://www.geocities.com/capecanaveral/9773/
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Re: Pblm with Sierra 15m module...
Date: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 14:58:10 -0800
From: Frank <frank001@postoffice.worldnet.att.net>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Scott Rosenfeld [NF3I] wrote:
>
> Am building.  Have wound all toroids as required.
>
> Re-checked six times.
>
> RX is great (can be peaked nicely).
>
> Can't push power out on either of 2 Sierras (except when I DROP the drive
> considerably).  Either two Sierrae are screwed up (built by different
> people at different times & locales) or this module is.
>
> TX/RX Lowpass filter is working, I think.
>
> On a scope I do get 50 mV p-p of around 21 MHz.
>
> Doesn't want to get amplified.
>
> Any ideas?  I'm looking for yet another Sierra or a BUILT 15m module to
> compare this one with.
>
> Frustrating.  Anyone come up with similar problems?  Solutions?
>
> * Scott Rosenfeld NF3I Burtonsville, MD FM19mc QRV 80-10/6/2/440 *
> * 6m 82 grids on 8w * DXCC WAS WAC * QRP-L #147 * QRP ARCI #9054 *
> * http://w3eax.umd.edu/~ham * ARRL Life Member /Laurel ARC/UMARA *
> *** 301-549-1022 h 301-982-1015 w *** 35 wpm HF mobile CW Neon ***

I found the tuning VERY peaky on this module and the 10 m module.
No power out unless the two tuning caps were very close to the proper
setting. I just adjusted them in small increments until I started to see
some output power. Again the setting is very critical.

Subject: Pblm with Sierra 15m module...
Date: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 18:21:52 -0500 (EST)
From: "Scott Rosenfeld [NF3I]" <ham@w3eax.umd.edu>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Am building.  Have wound all toroids as required.

Re-checked six times.

RX is great (can be peaked nicely).

Can't push power out on either of 2 Sierras (except when I DROP the drive
considerably).  Either two Sierrae are screwed up (built by different
people at different times & locales) or this module is.

TX/RX Lowpass filter is working, I think.

On a scope I do get 50 mV p-p of around 21 MHz.

Doesn't want to get amplified.

Any ideas?  I'm looking for yet another Sierra or a BUILT 15m module to
compare this one with.

Frustrating.  Anyone come up with similar problems?  Solutions?

* Scott Rosenfeld NF3I Burtonsville, MD FM19mc QRV 80-10/6/2/440 *
* 6m 82 grids on 8w * DXCC WAS WAC * QRP-L #147 * QRP ARCI #9054 *
* http://w3eax.umd.edu/~ham * ARRL Life Member /Laurel ARC/UMARA *
*** 301-549-1022 h 301-982-1015 w *** 35 wpm HF mobile CW Neon ***

Subject: Re: Pblm with Sierra 15m module...
Date: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 19:50:27 -0500
From: "Hugo W. Catta" <catta@ibm.net>
To: gaston1@ibm.net
CC: frank001@postoffice.worldnet.att.net,
     Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

> Frank wrote:
>
> > Scott Rosenfeld [NF3I] wrote:
> > >
> > > Am building.  Have wound all toroids as required.
> > >
> > > Re-checked six times.
> > >
> > > RX is great (can be peaked nicely).
> > >
> > > Can't push power out on either of 2 Sierras (except when I DROP the
drive
> > > considerably).  Either two Sierrae are screwed up (built by different
> > > people at different times & locales) or this module is.
> > >
> > > TX/RX Lowpass filter is working, I think.
> > >
> > > On a scope I do get 50 mV p-p of around 21 MHz.
> > >
> > > Doesn't want to get amplified.
> > >
> > > Any ideas?  I'm looking for yet another Sierra or a BUILT 15m module
to
> > > compare this one with.
> > >
> > > Frustrating.  Anyone come up with similar problems?  Solutions?
> > >
> > > * Scott Rosenfeld NF3I Burtonsville, MD FM19mc QRV 80-10/6/2/440 *
> > > * 6m 82 grids on 8w * DXCC WAS WAC * QRP-L #147 * QRP ARCI #9054 *
> > > * http://w3eax.umd.edu/~ham * ARRL Life Member /Laurel ARC/UMARA *
> > > *** 301-549-1022 h 301-982-1015 w *** 35 wpm HF mobile CW Neon ***
> >
> > I found the tuning VERY peaky on this module and the 10 m module.
> > No power out unless the two tuning caps were very close to the proper
> > setting. I just adjusted them in small increments until I started to see
> > some output power. Again the setting is very critical.
>
> It sure is. In mine, I had to use an extension for the tunning tool (the
yellow
> one plus the red tube, if you use the set sold by R.S.) and only then,
with my
> hand at about 8 inches over the rig, could peak to 1.3W and stayed there
after
> pulling away the hand.
> This experience makes me think twice before ordering the 12 and 10 mts.
> modules.
>
> Frank;
> You mentioned only 10 meters as the other "peaky" band. Have you had any
> experience with the 12 meters module? If so, I'd like very much to know
the
> general behavior of the rig in 12.
> Thank You.
>
> 73,
>
> Hugo
> CX9AAK/W2

Subject: Re: Pblm with Sierra 15m module...
Date: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 19:50:27 -0500
From: "Hugo W. Catta" <catta@ibm.net>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

> Frank wrote:
>
> > Scott Rosenfeld [NF3I] wrote:
> > >
> > > Am building.  Have wound all toroids as required.
> > >
> > > Re-checked six times.
> > >
> > > RX is great (can be peaked nicely).
> > >
> > > Can't push power out on either of 2 Sierras (except when I DROP the
drive
> > > considerably).  Either two Sierrae are screwed up (built by different
> > > people at different times & locales) or this module is.
> > >
> > > TX/RX Lowpass filter is working, I think.
> > >
> > > On a scope I do get 50 mV p-p of around 21 MHz.
> > >
> > > Doesn't want to get amplified.
> > >
> > > Any ideas?  I'm looking for yet another Sierra or a BUILT 15m module
to
> > > compare this one with.
> > >
> > > Frustrating.  Anyone come up with similar problems?  Solutions?
> > >
> > > * Scott Rosenfeld NF3I Burtonsville, MD FM19mc QRV 80-10/6/2/440 *
> > > * 6m 82 grids on 8w * DXCC WAS WAC * QRP-L #147 * QRP ARCI #9054 *
> > > * http://w3eax.umd.edu/~ham * ARRL Life Member /Laurel ARC/UMARA *
> > > *** 301-549-1022 h 301-982-1015 w *** 35 wpm HF mobile CW Neon ***
> >
> > I found the tuning VERY peaky on this module and the 10 m module.
> > No power out unless the two tuning caps were very close to the proper
> > setting. I just adjusted them in small increments until I started to see
> > some output power. Again the setting is very critical.
>
> It sure is. In mine, I had to use an extension for the tunning tool (the
yellow
> one plus the red tube, if you use the set sold by R.S.) and only then,
with my
> hand at about 8 inches over the rig, could peak to 1.3W and stayed there
after
> pulling away the hand.
> This experience makes me think twice before ordering the 12 and 10 mts.
> modules.
>
> Frank;
> You mentioned only 10 meters as the other "peaky" band. Have you had any
> experience with the 12 meters module? If so, I'd like very much to know
the
> general behavior of the rig in 12.
> Thank You.
>
> 73,
>
> Hugo
> CX9AAK/W2

Subject: Re: Pblm with Sierra 15m module...
Date: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 18:00:32 -0800
From: "Roger A. McCarty" <rmccarty@earthlink.net>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Your post is timely.

I have just finished helping a friend, AC6UV, test and align each of the
available band modules for his Sierra. Low and behold we experienced the
identical problem with his 15 meter module.

Perhaps we have an engineering or PC board layout problem?

FYI

Roger KD6CC

-----Original Message-----
From: Scott Rosenfeld [NF3I] <ham@w3eax.umd.edu>
To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>
Date: Sunday, March 29, 1998 2:28 PM
Subject: Pblm with Sierra 15m module...

>Am building.  Have wound all toroids as required.
>
>Re-checked six times.
>
>RX is great (can be peaked nicely).
>
>Can't push power out on either of 2 Sierras (except when I DROP the drive
>considerably).  Either two Sierrae are screwed up (built by different
>people at different times & locales) or this module is.
>
>TX/RX Lowpass filter is working, I think.
>
>On a scope I do get 50 mV p-p of around 21 MHz.
>
>Doesn't want to get amplified.
>
>Any ideas?  I'm looking for yet another Sierra or a BUILT 15m module to
>compare this one with.
>
>Frustrating.  Anyone come up with similar problems?  Solutions?
>

Subject: Re: Pblm with Sierra 15m module...
Date: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 19:10:22 -0700 (MST)
From: marion@montana.com
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

At 06:21 PM 3/29/98 -0500, you wrote:
>Am building.  Have wound all toroids as required.
>
>Re-checked six times.
>
>RX is great (can be peaked nicely).
>
>Can't push power out on either of 2 Sierras (except when I DROP the drive
>considerably).  Either two Sierrae are screwed up (built by different
>people at different times & locales) or this module is.
>
>TX/RX Lowpass filter is working, I think.
>
>On a scope I do get 50 mV p-p of around 21 MHz.
>
>Doesn't want to get amplified.
>
>Any ideas?  I'm looking for yet another Sierra or a BUILT 15m module to
>compare this one with.
>
>Frustrating.  Anyone come up with similar problems?  Solutions?
>
>* Scott Rosenfeld NF3I Burtonsville, MD FM19mc QRV 80-10/6/2/440 *
>* 6m 82 grids on 8w * DXCC WAS WAC * QRP-L #147 * QRP ARCI #9054 *
>* http://w3eax.umd.edu/~ham * ARRL Life Member /Laurel ARC/UMARA *
>*** 301-549-1022 h 301-982-1015 w *** 35 wpm HF mobile CW Neon ***
>
>
>
>       I had problems with fifteen and the ten mtr module. The variable
caps were so touchy that even after I got it alinged,  just removing and
reinserting would result no power, and realignment neccesary.
I solved by carefully tuning, then carefully unsoldering C33 and replacing
with small value variable of same style(mouser) 6pf npo , in parallel with
npo ceramic at C32 that equaled value of original C33. Example: original C33
tuned at 26pf so 26pf-3pf(have of value new C33 value, so you have tweaking
range) eguals 23pf. So tacked on a 22pfnpo ceramic to try. That worked, so I
repeated with C35 C36 pair. C33 and C36 seemed to be the most troublesome
pair on both modules. They all had different pf values, so I had to deal
with each pair with a little experimentation. Also replaced a couple of
other touchy caps on various modules by same method. Just got the 12mtr
module, and modifying it from the start. Solid operation now.  72 Roy, AB7CE

Subject: Kit fun??? TWO 15m Sierra modules in a day!
Date: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 22:23:05 -0500 (EST)
From: "Scott Rosenfeld [NF3I]" <ham@w3eax.umd.edu>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Luckily, I happened to have TWO spare modules for 15m, unbuilt, before all
of this started.  I can't wait to try 10 and 12 meters.

THANKS TO ALL FOR THE ADVICE TO DATE.

Being obsessive about things, I spent THREE MORE HOURS in my 88-degree
(yes, it was in the upper 80's here today in MD) shack.

Of course, being short one trim cap (it was quite obviously bad), I
couldn't really do it completely...HOWEVER, what I DID do was put the bad
cap into the xtal trimmer slot, where it wouldn't affect anything save for
frequency - at least I could build and test the module.

So I did.

BOY, am I shvitzing up here!!!  WOW, when did it become summer???
----------
Result:

Followed IDENTICAL, careful, double- and triple-checking build procedure.

Freq. is virtually impossible to keep steady (expected, given bad cap).
RX alignment was really, really easy with the signal generator, although
with the freq. all over the place, it was hard to "find" it given deaf RX.

Eventually I did and it came up beautifully.

TX was another issue altogether.  WOW, was it ever touchy.  Tweak C36
C33 C36 C33 C36 C33, readjust the drive level (max power occurs BELOW
max drive), then tweak some more, and CONSTANTLY fly right past the peak,
which is often achieved when one REMOVES the alignment tool from the cap.

Eventually, I did get about 1.70 watts (registered on RS digital
wattmeter, echoed on the KC-2) and realized:

THESE MODULES ARE NOT INTERCHANGEABLE (inter-radio) WITHOUT RETUNING!

(at least, not above 14 MHz)

On Sierra #2, I was able to produce about a watt, which is not bad
considering everything I'd seen.

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

I have pored over the first attempt at the 15m module, which is sitting
forlornly in a plastic bag.  It STILL won't give me more than about 0.20
watts output, although the RX works great.

So basically I proved to myself that I can, indeed, build a 15m Sierra
module.  Of course, only 1 out of 2 is working, which IMHO is a pretty
poor batting average given the $31 cost of these things and the hours of
time invested.

I don't feel that I'm actually any closer to making the module work,
although I'm certainly smarter and more confident now.  Still, is it me?
Am I THAT bad?  Where do I go next?  Change the caps?  Rebuild the toroids
in that section?  After six-over checking, I'm sure they're right...

I guess I should add that, now having TWO Sierrae, I'm going to have to
sell one.  I decided to keep the service monitor, though...wish it had a
spectrum analyzer, but boy is it nice to have a precision instrument.  I
can do S9 calibrations!  :^)

* Scott Rosenfeld NF3I Burtonsville, MD FM19mc QRV 80-10/6/2/440 *
* 6m 82 grids on 8w * DXCC WAS WAC * QRP-L #147 * QRP ARCI #9054 *
* http://w3eax.umd.edu/~ham * ARRL Life Member /Laurel ARC/UMARA *
*** 301-549-1022 h 301-982-1015 w *** 35 wpm HF mobile CW Neon ***

On Sun, 29 Mar 1998, Roger A. McCarty wrote:

> Your post is timely.
>
> I have just finished helping a friend, AC6UV, test and align each of the
> available band modules for his Sierra. Low and behold we experienced the
> identical problem with his 15 meter module.
>
> Perhaps we have an engineering or PC board layout problem?
>
> FYI
>
> Roger KD6CC
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Scott Rosenfeld [NF3I] <ham@w3eax.umd.edu>
> To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>
> Date: Sunday, March 29, 1998 2:28 PM
> Subject: Pblm with Sierra 15m module...
>
>
> >Am building.  Have wound all toroids as required.
> >
> >Re-checked six times.
> >
> >RX is great (can be peaked nicely).
> >
> >Can't push power out on either of 2 Sierras (except when I DROP the drive
> >considerably).  Either two Sierrae are screwed up (built by different
> >people at different times & locales) or this module is.
> >
> >TX/RX Lowpass filter is working, I think.
> >
> >On a scope I do get 50 mV p-p of around 21 MHz.
> >
> >Doesn't want to get amplified.
> >
> >Any ideas?  I'm looking for yet another Sierra or a BUILT 15m module to
> >compare this one with.
> >
> >Frustrating.  Anyone come up with similar problems?  Solutions?
> >
>
>

Subject: Re: Pblm with Sierra 15m module...
Date: Mon, 30 Mar 1998 00:07:59 -0800 (PST)
From: talljazz@teleport.com (Dan Presley)
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Scott-have you modified your Sierras as sugessted by Wilderness for band
modules above 20M? Depending on the vintage, you may need to change Q5 from
a J309 to a 310, and remove D11 & 12, and replace with a 220 ohm resistor
and a .01 cap.These come off of L11 at the same point and connect to
ground-you can use the old holes from  D11 & 12.After doing this, band
modules for 17, 15 & 12 M worked very smoothly, and tuned up no problem.
Dan N7CQR

Subject: Re: Pblm with Sierra 15m module...
Date: Mon, 30 Mar 1998 05:02:00 -0700 (MST)
From: marion@montana.com
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

At 12:07 AM 3/30/98 -0800, you wrote:
>Scott-have you modified your Sierras as sugessted by Wilderness for band
>modules above 20M? Depending on the vintage, you may need to change Q5 from
>a J309 to a 310, and remove D11 & 12, and replace with a 220 ohm resistor
>and a .01 cap.These come off of L11 at the same point and connect to
>ground-you can use the old holes from  D11 & 12.After doing this, band
>modules for 17, 15 & 12 M worked very smoothly, and tuned up no problem.
>Dan N7CQR
>
>
>
>My Wilderness Sierra is revision D, with all these mods standard issue.
Still had great difficulties with 15,12 and 10mtr module tuning until I
modified them. Roy AB7CE
>

Subject: Re: Pblm with Sierra 15m module...
Date: Mon, 30 Mar 1998 15:49:17 -0800 (PST)
From: talljazz@teleport.com (Dan Presley)
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Check to see if you have a J309 or 310 for Q5; also, if you have D11 & 12
on the board, then make the mod. The other part I forgot was to install a
ferrite bead on the base lead of Q6, the 2n2222a driver. This will
eliminate the parasitics which may cause you trouble on 17,15 and above
with tuning up the band modules. My Sierra was '96 vintage, and needed
these mods.Everything worked great after doing them.Good luck
Dan N7CQR

Subject: FS: Exc. cond Wilderness Sierra w/80 and 40m + KC-2
Date: Wed, 1 Apr 1998 13:24:53 -0500 (EST)
From: "Scott Rosenfeld [NF3I]" <ham@w3eax.umd.edu>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

REALLY low RX current drain.  Full manuals and documentation, great
receive, solid 2+ watts into 50 ohms.  KC-2 does keyer/counter/
wattmeter/S-meter functionality.  Well-constructed, ready to go, working
well.

Has custom KC-2 face plate.  One small scuff at back of top left case.

Wilderness radio blue color scheme.  Were it not that I have TWO Sierrae,
I'd not be selling this one.

Price as kit = $269 (2 modules) + $75 (KC-2) + $15 (face plate) = $359.

Asking $365 completely built and tested, plus shipping.

* Scott Rosenfeld NF3I Burtonsville, MD FM19mc QRV 80-10/6/2/440 *
* 6m 82 grids on 8w * DXCC WAS WAC * QRP-L #147 * QRP ARCI #9054 *
* http://w3eax.umd.edu/~ham * ARRL Life Member /Laurel ARC/UMARA *
*** 301-549-1022 h 301-982-1015 w *** 35 wpm HF mobile CW Neon ***

Subject: Re: 30meter activity
Date: Sat, 4 Apr 1998 15:15:16 -0600
From: "Tom Whiteside" <n5tw@igg-tx.net>
To: "Hugo W. Catta" <hugo@banet.net>

It is possible - The RG-174 seems to eliminate whatever was getting in
there...  I noticed this doing bench testing where I think it was
reasonably away from stuff but who knows -- just glad its gone!!!   Really
great little rig - now to get the noise blanker working!!!  73 and thanks
for the note!

----------
> From: Hugo W. Catta <hugo@banet.net>
> To: n5tw@igg-tx.net
> Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>
> Subject: Re: 30meter activity
> Date: Saturday, April 04, 1998 2:02 PM
>
>
>
> Tom Whiteside wrote:
>
> (...SNIP...)
>
> > Speaking of the Sierra, I've been having a bit of a raspy signal and
proved
> > that it was only present with the KC2 hooked up...   Moving the wire
around
> > affected the raspiness but was never perfect.  Looking at the circuit,
it
> > looked well buffered on the KC2 so I tried replacing the wire with
RG-174
> > on the theory that the wire was acting like an antenna modulating the
VFO -
> > now sounds great...  Don't know if anyone else has seen this but you
might
> > give it a try...
> >
>
> I was having a raspiness too, but It was the proximity to the Astron PS
(for
> the QRO).I just moved it away like 15" and the problem was gone. I never
used
> RG174 for the VFO, just a piece of  wire.
> Perhaps there was some strong field around yours,
> :-)
>
>
> 72
> Hugo
> CX9AAK/W2
>
> > Tom Whiteside
> > Admiral in the Texas Navy, Retired
> > Amateur Radio Operator N5TW
> > Georgetown, TX
>
>

Subject: Sierra 10, 15 & 20 Meter Modules
Date: Mon, 6 Apr 1998 17:23:25 -0400
From: Derek Brown <DBrown@RFMD.com>
To: "'catta@ibm.net'" <catta@ibm.net>, "'gaston1@ibm.net'"
     <gaston1@ibm.net>, "'frank001@postoffice.worldnet.att.net'"
     <frank001@postoffice.worldnet.att.net>

Have read the various posts regarding the difficulty peaking the
higher band modules.  A friend gave me the following idea which makes
tweaking the modules a whole lot easier.

Replace the XMIT trimmers [C33 & C36](originally 9-50 pF, Mouser Part
# 24AA084 or 5-30 pF on 10 & 12 M) with 3.5-20 pF trimmers (Mouser
Part # 24AA082).   You will then need to add capacitors at C32 & C35
which are NOT USED normally on the 10, 15 & 20 M modules.  These
values should be selected experimentally so that with the trimmer
almost centered (slot turned perpendicular to the PCB), a peak may be
obtained.  On 20 M I used 18 pF; on 15 M, 22 pf ; & on 10 M I'm not
sure these were even required.   Radio Shack has an assortment with
many small value ceramic disk capacitors which should work nicely.
 Adjusting these smaller trimmers is much easier than the original
values.  Obviously, this technique will also work on the 12 & 17 M
modules.  A similar technique could be used for the other trimmers
(i.e. the Pre-mix pair), but I didn't try that.  Also note that even
smaller ranges of trimmers are available in this configuration from
Mouser Electronics,  (800) 346-6873.

Good Luck!

Derek Brown, WF4I
Greensboro, NC
dbrown@rfmd.com

Subject: Sierra 10, 15 & 20 Meter Modules
Date: Mon, 6 Apr 1998 17:23:25 -0400
From: Derek Brown <DBrown@RFMD.com>
To: "'catta@ibm.net'" <catta@ibm.net>, "'gaston1@ibm.net'"
     <gaston1@ibm.net>, "'frank001@postoffice.worldnet.att.net'"
     <frank001@postoffice.worldnet.att.net>

Have read the various posts regarding the difficulty peaking the
higher band modules.  A friend gave me the following idea which makes
tweaking the modules a whole lot easier.

Replace the XMIT trimmers [C33 & C36](originally 9-50 pF, Mouser Part
# 24AA084 or 5-30 pF on 10 & 12 M) with 3.5-20 pF trimmers (Mouser
Part # 24AA082).   You will then need to add capacitors at C32 & C35
which are NOT USED normally on the 10, 15 & 20 M modules.  These
values should be selected experimentally so that with the trimmer
almost centered (slot turned perpendicular to the PCB), a peak may be
obtained.  On 20 M I used 18 pF; on 15 M, 22 pf ; & on 10 M I'm not
sure these were even required.   Radio Shack has an assortment with
many small value ceramic disk capacitors which should work nicely.
 Adjusting these smaller trimmers is much easier than the original
values.  Obviously, this technique will also work on the 12 & 17 M
modules.  A similar technique could be used for the other trimmers
(i.e. the Pre-mix pair), but I didn't try that.  Also note that even
smaller ranges of trimmers are available in this configuration from
Mouser Electronics,  (800) 346-6873.

Good Luck!

Derek Brown, WF4I
Greensboro, NC
dbrown@rfmd.com

Subject: Sierra power mods
Date: Tue, 7 Apr 1998 13:32:35 -0600 (MDT)
From: marion@montana.com
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

        A while back I posted a output power mod for Wilderness Sierras.
Left out a couple of details than many have asked about. I used a FT-50-43
core, but the original FT-37-43 core works just fine. I have lots of both,
the larger one was just a little easier to work with.
The bifiliar transformer is wound with parallel turns, no twist.
Should have put this in original posting. Sorry about that. Roy AB7CE

Subject: Sierra / KC2 owners, program your keyer WB9KZY software ?
Date: Fri, 10 Apr 1998 12:06:48 +0100
From: pmk@juno.com (Patrick M Kvitkauskas)
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

I someone has a simple way to program there KC-2 keyer it would
be nice to know ?

Just got done with programming my KC-2 with the WB9KZY program.
Had to put in addresses foe EOM and RW. Wasn't to bad figuring
it out.

I haven't changed anything on the interface but did pick off the
collector of Q4. Just soldered a 820k resistor on the top side
of the board for the signal return or sidtone output of the KZY
keyer.

I used a colon ( : ) for the EOM and a less than ( < ) for RW
Just put these lines in with a editor if you have the program.

a(58, 1) = &H7C ' : (eom)
a(60, 1) = &H4F ' < (rw)

a(58, 2) = 6 ' :  (eom)     6
a(60, 2) = 6 ' < (rw)        6

Put them in there respective places. I put them in numeric
order and don't know if it would matter or not so I did it anyway.

Just got off the phone with Chuck Olson WB9KZY who graciously helped
me the first time and said it would be no problem sharing the program.
He will be setting up a web site soon to download the software. He said
he didn't mind if I shared it with others on the list so if you are
interested
send me a note which way you would like it (basic or compiled( .EXE ) ) .

Have fun es 72/73
de Patrick KD4OBQ

AR

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Subject: Anybody taken ND for QRPTTF yet? - Sierra 10M Bugs
Date: Fri, 10 Apr 1998 16:57:55 -0500
From: Brent Alexenko <alexenko@prodigy.net>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Hi all!

Just started really reading the digest again, and realized that QRPTTF was
just around the corner.  Granted, I don't think I've touched my key since
school started last fall, but there's no time like the present to get back
on the horse.  I saw the list of states playing and thought I'd offer ND,
since I saw it in the wanted list.

I'd offer to "run for the border", but that would mean sitting in a boat or
on a bridge somewhere on the Red River between ND and MN.   So, I'll be
content to see what I can do with my Sierra at home.  I just put up a new
"Colonel Klink Special" stealth antenna (a random wire run out the window
into a tree from the 3rd floor of the apartment building), so I'm not sure
how it will react.    Guess I'll find out!  Anyway, if you need 80, 40 or
20, I'll be in the mix somewhere.

On another note, I just finished putting together the 10M module for the
Wilderness Sierra.  I've put together four other modules with absolutely no
problem, everything fired up right away.  For some reason, this module is as
dead as a post.  Did I read about other people having problems with the
higher band modules?  All the typical problems have been checked many times.
I don't have a scope, so I'm flying a little blind.   If anyone can give me
some directions, or commentary, I'd appreciate it a lot.  I've heard a lot
about 10M activity and I'd really like to see what I can do up there.

Anyway, looking forward to working QRPTTF.  It'll be my first contest (never
seem to be in the right place in the right time), and my code has dropped
off a lot, so this should be interesting.

Brent Alexenko
AB0FR
West Fargo, ND

Subject: Re: Anybody taken ND for QRPTTF yet? - Sierra 10M Bugs
Date: Fri, 10 Apr 1998 19:14:20 -0600 (CST)
From: Bruce Rattray <rattray@gpfn.sk.ca>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

I've been wishing I could "do" ND as I'm only about 3 hours drive from the
border but I still can't drive due to my broken ankle....but I'm in the
last stretch now as my 3rd cast was taken off yesterday....still can't
bend much but it will come eventually...also don't know anyone on the
border side of ND....so chances are slim BUT if the healing comes along
in time, I'll make a last minute announcement and go for it for
QRPTTF...meanwhile let's hope someone in ND can make an appearance...72 -
Bruce(VE5RC)

Subject: Re: ND and Sierra 10 meter module bugs
Date: Sat, 11 Apr 1998 09:19:18 -0700
From: "Michael Fletcher" <kl7ixi@mailcity.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Brent,
   I built 15m and 10m band modules this week for the Sierra. Only had the
barest
flicker on the wattmeter on 15m, even with one less turn from L5 as
rcommended
in
the mods. After reading threads from some QRPers on the 10 meter module
needing
two
additional turns on the L3 meter, I tack-soldered a length of #28 to one
side of
the L3 wire and wound two more turns.
   Eureka! The meter is now reading the same as on the lower bands, about
3.5w out.

   Then wired up the 10 meter module with two additional turns from the
start
on
L3 (again with a turn removed from the L5 specs.). It fired right up and
the adjustable
caps on the xmit are in mid-range. It works for me!
   I don't have much test equipment either so have aligned most of my module
frequencies
by listening to W1AW or asked for freq checks during my first QSOs and then
aligned
the module to the correct freq.
   I had expected to only see less than 2w on 10 meters but am doing nearly
as well
as on the other bands, if the tuner watt meter can be believed.
   Enjoyed working a bundle of JAs and some KL7s on both 15 and 10 meters
yesterday.

72 and look for me -- I need North Dakota!
KL7IXI/7
Vancouver, WA

Get your FREE, private e-mail
account at http://www.mailcity.com

Subject: 2SC1947 PA in Sierra
Date: Sat, 11 Apr 1998 21:44:11 +0200 (EET)
From: "Arjen Raateland, FEI/Impacts Research" <Arjen.Raateland@vyh.fi>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

A knowledgeable RF parts shop in Holland sold me a few 2SC1947's as a
replacement for the MRF237. The MRF237 is often used as a hotter PA in
e.g. a Sierra instead of the 2N3553. However the MRF237 has a pin-out
that is different from the 2N3553, so leads need to be bent and close to
the case, too.

The 2SC1947 has the same pin-out as the 3N3553 so can be dropped in as
is. I found it performs quite well in practice. I cannot compare
directly, as I don't have a MRF237, but after replacing the 2SC799
(2N3553 equivalent) in my Sierra the output went up half considerably
(in milliWatts, not dB, mind u). So, prospective beefer-uppers might
consider the 2SC1947 instead of the MRF237. It is no money-saving
alternative, though, as it cost me about as much as an MRF237 would
have. BTW: a nice additional advantage is that the emitter is
connected to the case (heatsink!) instead of the collector (parasitic
capacitance!).

I also ventured in replacing the output choke in my Sierra with a 1:4
transformer. This didn't do too much with the original PA (2SC799), so
I replaced the PA with the aforementioned 2SC1947. I don't like to
put the PCB at risk any more than necessary, so I didn't check and
recheck this observation.

I didn't have FT50-43 cores so I wound the transformer on a balun core
from a special offer core kit from Dan's  (which I got just before he
stopped selling to DX). It's a #43 material core with two holes and
the size is ca. 13x11x7 mm. The transformer I settled on has only 4
turns of bifilar #28 wire through both holes. It stands on one end
with the holes perpendicularly to the PCB. One has to be careful with
winding this type of core as it's relatively easy to chafe the wire on
the edges of the holes and have some isolation come off. On this balun
type core 4 turns is about as many as it takes to get the proper
impedance level of 10 ... 20 times 50 Ohm. More is not better. I
checked the approximate impedance level with my AUTEK RF-1.

I now get over 4W on 40 m, 3,5 on 80 m and 2,5 on 15 m (was ca. 1W)
with optimal drive setting (minimum 2nd harmonic as per SA/SA). Power
readings are from KC-2 and not 'absolute' numbers.

2nd harmonic suppression depended a lot on the drive setting and at
the optimal setting it was mostly between 30 and 40 dB. This is not
quite enough here. Output filters of the elliptic type might do the
trick with only two capacitors more, but that's for later.

So in summary: 2SC1947 is a good alternative PA and a two-hole balun
core can be used instead of the FT50-43 toroid.

cheerio es 73, oh2zaz
Arjen Raateland
--... ...-- -.. . --- .... ..--- --.. .- --..
Finnish Environment Institute, Helsinki, Finland
SAS Support
EMAIL: Arjen.Raateland@vyh.fi
tel. +358 9 4030 0457
fax  +358 9 4030 0490
.-.-. -.-

Subject: Sierra Mods Completed!
Date: Mon, 13 Apr 1998 09:06:38 -0400
From: Derek Brown <DBrown@RFMD.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Roy,

The past Friday I completed the output mods on my Sierra which you
recommended...I replaced the L10 collector choke with a 4:1
transformer (I used 10 bifilar turns on a FT- 50-43), replaced Q7 (PA)
with an NTE 342 (couldn't locate an SK9618 at a reasonable price), and
mounted a 500 ohm drive control pot on the rear panel.

I did modify two modules:  I reduced the number of turns on L5 & L6
from 26t to 23t, & installed silver mica caps on my 10 meter module
(120 pF for C47, C49 & 220 pF for C48) - I'll eventually swap out the
rest of the caps.

The results (at 13.8 V measured with an HP8565E Spectrum Analyzer with
a 5W, 20 dB attenuator on the input):  7 W on 80M, over 5 W on 40M,
30M, 20M & 15M and 3 W on 10M.  [It helps to work in a Design
Engineering Lab]  The external drive control makes power adjustment
very easy.

Note:  the NTE 342 (cost around $5.25) is the same configuration as
the SK9618 - the center pin is tied directly to the tab and, thus can
be mounted directly to the inside of the rear panel to provide both
grounding and a heat sink.  I used one of the existing ground "holes"
on the Sierra PCB for the center pin.

Roy, thanks to you, Bob Follett, Vic Turner (for sharing your ideas)
and to Brad Bradfield (for the caps).  I look forward to a Sierra to
Sierra QSO with you.

Derek Brown, WF4I
Greensboro, NC
dbrown@rfmd.com

Subject: Sierra Power Mods
Date: Sat, 18 Apr 1998 16:11:21 -0700 (MST)
From: ki7mn@dancris.com
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Just finished the 15 Meter module, and get a whopping one watt out! Not bad,
considering I got none at first, then added two turns to L3 and pulled one
off of L5.

Any ideas on how to boost the power without tearing it up? Is there a good
replacement for the 2N3553 that will drop in, boost power a tad, and not
require extensive remodeling?

I can live with one watt, as I worked the ARCI 'test with 1/5, but would
rather have a little more, if possible.
72,73
Bob KI7MN Norcal 1228, QRP-L 271, ARCI 8918, CQC 274, AKQRP 30
http://www.dancris.com/~ki7mn

Subject: Sierra Power Mod
Date: Sat, 18 Apr 1998 17:32:07 -0700 (MST)
From: ki7mn@dancris.com
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Oooops! I worked the ARCI test with 1.5 watts, not 1/5 :^) Slight slip of
the finger, there.
72,73
Bob KI7MN Norcal 1228, QRP-L 271, ARCI 8918, CQC 274, AKQRP 30
http://www.dancris.com/~ki7mn

Subject: Re: Sierra Power Mods
Date: Mon, 20 Apr 1998 11:07:29 -0400
From: Rick McNelly <72507.235@compuserve.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Bob KI7MN wrote:
<Just finished the 15 Meter module, and get a whopping one watt out! Not
bad,
considering I got none at first, then added two turns to L3 and pulled one
off of L5.

Any ideas on how to boost the power without tearing it up? Is there a good
replacement for the 2N3553 that will drop in, boost power a tad, and not
require extensive remodeling?>

Hi Bob,

        I'm getting about 2.2w out of my 15M module with a 13.8v power
supply measured
with an oscope and the 85RF probe . Have installed the fol mods:

- J310 in place of J309
- ferrite bead on the 2N2222
- one turn removed from L5
- turns squished together some on L6 (try it)
- final replaced w/ a MRF 237
- I replaced D11 & D12 with a 220 ohm resistor and a .01 cap wired in
parallel
(as in the currently shipping version), may undo this as power was closer to
2.5w before this mod.

I have not tried adding turns to L3.

Only other difference is that T2 has a 11:3 turns ratio vice 8:3 (original
manual) or 11:5 listed in current manual as reported by QRP Bob at
Wilderness.
I don't remember where I got this from, I penned it in on the manual before
building the rig maybe 2 years ago?

I have been eyeballing the transformer mod that has been on the list
recently,
but since all of my modules have one turn removed from L5 I am afraid to try
it.

By the way, my WM-1 reads considerably lower than the other test equipment
on
this band module. See my repost of the 85RF probe test.

Hope this helps!

72/73's,

--Rick, KE4IZH

QRP-L # 493
72507.235@compuserve.com
Chesapeake, Va.
MP2.1K

Subject: 85 RF Probe Test on Sierra
Date: Mon, 20 Apr 1998 11:07:37 -0400
From: Rick McNelly <72507.235@compuserve.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

If anyone is interested,
        I have been comparing power measurements on my Sierra taken with the
85 RF
probe (and Fluke 77) vs. an HP-1707B 75 MHz scope (and 60 MHz probe) vs.
WM-1
vs. KC-2.
        Initially I was perplexed by a difference of up to 0.4w difference
btwn the RF
probe and scope. I believe it was due to a difference of the load presented
to
the Sierra when switching between measurement devices.
        I solved this by connecting both the RF probe and the scope probe at
the same
time. The scope probe is clipped to the center conductor of the bnc jack
inside
the Sierra, a tee connector splits the output between the WM-1/50 ohm dummy
load and the RF probe. The KC-2 was aligned to display the same reading as
the
WM-1 on 40M and it will not adjust any higher unless I change a resistor as
per
the KC-2 manual.
        I used the fol formulas to convert the measurements to watts:
- scope measured Vp-p/2 * 0.707 = Vrms
- RF probe displays results as Vrms
- Vrms * Vrms/50 = power in watts
If I have this wrong somebody tell me.

Results in watts :

Band    Scope   85-RF   WM-1    KC-2
15M     2.22    2.34    1.7     1.9
20M     3.24    3.44    3.0     3.0
30M     3.24    3.37    3.0     3.1
40M     3.57    3.61    3.3     3.3
80M     2.84    2.93    2.7     2.7

        So what to make of my unscientific measurements? I am pleased to see
that the
RF probe and scope are pretty close, especially since it is difficult to
tell
the difference between 36v and 37v p-p on the scope. Just to experiment I
removed the scope probe and quickly measured again, the RF probe would
measure
an additional 0.1 watt or so.
        I realigned the WM-1 prior to the test but I do not know why it
reads so much
lower on 15M.
        An el cheapo Elenco M-1700 multimeter displayed identical
measurements as the
Fluke 77, so anyone who is worried abt accuracy should feel ok if the meter
has
a 10 Mohm input impedance.
        It is so nice to have test equipment. I had posted to the list
before abt
possibly getting a GDO or SWR analyzer and have talked the ham club into
purchasing the MFJ-259 which I have borrowed (it came in very handy when
testing the new coil for my SLV) :-).
        I also found an incredible deal on a Heathkit / Zenith 175 Mhz
counter which
has helped me identify a bad crystal in the 20M module and a bad trimmer cap
in
the 30M module. I have also trimmed the crystal in the modules so they all
line
up on freq and the KC-2 is consistent band to band.
        Cool!

72/73's,

--Rick, KE4IZH

QRP-L # 493
72507.235@compuserve.com
Chesapeake, Va.
MP2.1K

Subject: Re: 85 RF Probe Test on Sierra
Date: Mon, 20 Apr 1998 19:52:27 -0400
From: McNelly <72507.235@compuserve.com>
To: "Hugo W. Catta" <hugo@banet.net>

>I have the same scope (USM338 military version), but no manual. By any
>chance, do You know
>a source for this manual? Or would you be willing to make a copy for
>me?... Of course I'd
>gladly pay for the copy, shipping and trouble.

Hugo,

    I have been unable to locate a hard copy manual, I've tried most of
the big sellers at hamfests with no luck.

    You can order a microfiche of the manual directly from HP for less
than $12 I think.  Check out http://www.hp.com or
http://www.hp.com/go/tmc98 and browse around.  If you can't find the link
to order the fiche, I'm sure there is a support email address there.  HP
is pretty good at support.

    Good job getting 1.7w, sounds like many on the list have had problems
with the 15M module.

Good Luck and 72,73,

--Rick, KE4IZH

Chesapeake, VA.

Subject: Increasing the output of a Norcal NC40A (Long)
Date: Tue, 21 Apr 1998 23:33:26 -0700
From: gsurrency@juno.com (Gary L Surrency)
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Gang, (and NC40A owners)

Having recently completed a NC40A, I was tinkering around and trying
things to increase the power up to ~ 5 watts. All I could get out of the
supplied 2SC799 was about 3 watts. The following mods did not require any
changes to the collector choke, or the driver transformer - T1. Of
course, these mods may also apply to your Sierra, since it uses a near
identical TX output stage.

Of course, there is the MRF237 that many have used for the PA. I have a
few of these too, but you must remember to bend the leads so that the
MRF237 transistor is mounted 180 degrees from the way the 2SC799 mounts.
In other words, the collector and emitter are reversed on the MRF237 from
the way the collector and emitter are placed on the 2SC799. <grumble> :-(

If there was room under the PCB, you could simply mount the MRF237 on the
bottom without shaping the leads. That way, the MRF237's pinout would
work just fine. But there isn't enough clearance in the NC40A for that,
so that's not an option - unless the Sierra has more room. Heck.

So, you can push the base lead between the collector and emitter a
little, and also bend the emitter and collector in the direction of the
base lead so you have about an equal amount of lead bending. Plug it in
and you should be able to get up to 5 or maybe even 6 watts if you tweak
the transmitter bandpass filters carefully, and of course it doesn't hurt
to check out the low-pass filter network to see if it is spot-on too. I
measured the 330pf and 820 pf caps in mine and they were OK. But I still
put in some silver micas replacements just to be sure I wasn't losing
anything in the ceramics dialectrics. ;-)

I also found if L8 windings are squeezed together a little, it helped to
peak the output power level without introducing any spurious products. L7
is just fine with the leads spread around the core as is. No gain to be
had there.

However, there is still another option available. If you can find some
2N3924 transistors, they are a direct fit with no lead re-arranging
required. The ones I have are almost as good as the MRF237's, and produce
darn near 5 watts at full drive. I had to replace the 36v zener in the
kit with a 43v unit from NTE, since the 36v zener was warming up and
shunting some power at about 5 watts even when using a 50 ohm dummy load.
I also tried several 2N2222A types at the driver, including my favorite
R/S MPS2222A device, but none of them seemed to increase the output much.

I have yet to find the spec's for the 2N3924, but I read about them in
the ARRL's QRP Power in the article about the NW-40. Turns out they are
good subs for the rather meek 2SC799 in the NC40A kit. Just be sure to
clip apart an old IC socket that has the machine-turned pins, and use 3
of the pin sockets for Q7, the PA transistor, while you are searching for
that perfect device. That way, you'll be sure to not ruin the PCB as you
change transistors and it's a lot faster too. ;-)

I have mine turned down to ~4 watts now with the drive control, and the
2N3924 I am using runs pretty cool to the touch with the supplied heat
sink.

For those who are more adventurous, the May 1997 issue of QST had some
additional ways to increase the NC40A's output. It's the issue with the
300W Class-E project on the front cover. The info is on page 42 in the
fine print in center column. I haven't tried it. (yet)

BTW, I checked the crystals supplied with the kit. They are said to be
matched by Wilderness Radio, and they sure are! I found 4 to use in the
IF filter that were very close in frequency. Three were on 4.914073, and
another one was at 4.914070 ! The other two were at 4.914086 and
4.914068. They went into the BFO and TX osc. Amazing!

I haven't made a QSO with it yet, but all indications are that it is a
first-rate performer, and an extremely well packaged and designed kit. My
NC40A is set up to tune from 7.000 to 7.051 Mhz. I hope to work some of
you on it very soon.

 It was such a pleasure to build! Thanks Norcal, Wayne Burdick, and
Wilderness Radio for bringing such a fine rig to the QRP world.

72 and good luck!

Gary Surrency AB7MY
S&S TAC-1(40&80m) ARK30 38S OHR100 w/KC-2 HW-9 TS-570D
QRP-L #571 Chandler, AZ (near Phoenix)Grid Square DM43BH

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Subject: Sierra QRP Rig for sale.
Date: Fri, 24 Apr 1998 10:42:41 -0700
From: George Zafiropoulos <georgez@quickturn.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

I have a Wilderness Sierra for sale.  I built the kit and it is in
excellent condition and works great.  The radio includes...

Wilderness Sierra - built
KC2 Keyer/Freq. Counter/S-Meter/Wattmeter board - Built and installed
Noise blanker - unbuilt
40m module built and tuned up.
80m/30m/20m modules partly built

I love this little radio but I need the money to buy another toy.
The whole thing cost me over $400 as a kit.
Price $300

'73 de George KJ6VU
georgez@quickturn.com

Subject: NC40A - More thoughts on upping the output (long)
Date: Sun, 26 Apr 1998 20:50:31 -0700
From: gsurrency@juno.com (Gary L Surrency)
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

I have received several emails about my earlier posting on how to
increase the output of the Norcal / Wilderness Radio 40A, and / or
Sierra.  Some have asked where to obtain the MRF237 or 2N3924. Well,
guys, that's a very good question. One source I had until recently, just
informed me they will no longer be selling semiconductors. And RF Parts,
MCM, etc.,  want a premium price for any of the now-obsolete metal can
TO-5 and TO-39 RF transistors. So if you are lucky enough to find any of
these, you'd better scarf them up quick, 'cause they aren't making them
anymore.

This is probably the reason why a lot of today's QRP radios are using
alternative dvices for the PA transistor. Dave Benson mentioned this in
the SW40+ or Elmer101 manual, and Dick Witzke of OHR has told me the same
thing on the telephone. There are still 2SC799s around, but they aren't
quite as "hot" as the MRF237, MRF476, 2N3924, etc.

HOWEVER...........

Bob Follet wrote a piece a while back about increasing the output of the
Sierra that was very good. In it, he mentions using a J310 device for the
TX mixer buffer stage. Gang, l concur wholeheartedly with Bob. If you
haven't tried the J310, by all means do so. With the J309 in mine, and
the drive level turned down to 50mw, the J310 gave 700mw with the same
conditions. Also, where the J309 produced only about 2 watts with the
2SC799 - the J310 produced nearly 4 watts under the same conditions! This
is pushing the 2SC799 pretty hard, and it is not rated for this much
output for very long and it will no doubt expire prematurely if you
aren't careful.

But if your NC40A is a bit anemic, and seems to have trouble achieving
what it is supposed to - try changing buffer Q5 to a J310. These are
still available from several places. It appears the drive to Q6 (a
2N2222A) is a little on the low side, and the J310 just works better to
correct this.

Note that late model Sierra's may already have this change incorporated.

In the NC40A, the ideal lineup would be a J310 for Q5, a premium MPS2222A
for Q6, and a 2N3924 or MRF237 for Q7. You should be able to get at least
5 watts output with this combination, and maybe as much as 6 watts as
mine will achieve. Play it cool, and reduce the drive level to 4-5 watts
to be safe with questionable antennas like you might run into on QTTF or
FD. Spurious emmisions will likely be less, too. I replaced the 500 ohm
drive trimmer in mine with a 200 ohm unit for a broader adjustment.  Less
than 50mw is still possible with the control fully counter-clockwise.

The collector choke seems to handle the additional current of near 5 watt
opeartion, but it is just starting to get warm at 5-6 watts. So there is
certainly some loss in it. But unless you cannot achieve ~ 5 watts with
everything you try - I wouldn't recommend changing it. Other collector
choke options such as bifilar transformers, etc., aren't easily adapted
to the PCB layout.

Note that you must have a *very* light touch on the bandpass filter
trimmer, C39, to extract all the output that is possible. It is very
touchy to peak, but the payoff is worth the trouble. Set the output level
to less than 1 watt so you don't overheat the PA during long adjustments.

One of the primary reasons it is hard to get 3-5 watts output with
several of the alternate devices - such as the 2N3553 -  is that these
transistors were designed for use at 28 volts, not 12 - 13 volts. As a
result, their collector efficiency is less at these voltages. This was
mentioned in "Revisiting the 40-40" in the ARRL's "QRP Power" book.

So do not try to use the devices that *were* designed to operate at 12
volts from a higher voltage, such as 15-17 volts as mentioned in the
NC40A's manual. You will probably blow the device under that much suply
voltage.

It *is* necessary to change the protective zener to at least 43 or even
51 volts when the output reaches 5 watts. Otherwise, the zener will draw
power and possibly short.

The 2N3924 I was lucky enough to obtain easily achieves 5 watts with this
setup, and ran cool during the entire QTTF operation with the heat sink
supplied by Wilderness Radio. It is a very efficient device at 12 volts,
as is the MRF237 - if you can lay your hands on some. Just don't blow the
MRF237 when you get one by not reversing it's C and E leads. It is
probably best to put it on the bottom of the PCB, and heat sink to the
bottom cabinet with a little thermal grease. Its case is connected to
ground, so no insulation is necessary. And its pinout works correctly
when installed upside-down without any lead re-configuration.

I hope this answers some of your questions on the 40A, and gives you some
things to try - even if you can't find a replacement PA transistor, or
just want a little more output with the one you have.

Of course, some QRPers are perfectly happy with 0.95 watts, or even 2
watts with this rig. If so, that's fine. But for some of us, a little bit
of extra power sure helps when using less than ideal antennas, as I have.
To each his own, I say. :-)

Thanks for the bandwidth.

72,

Gary Surrency AB7MY
S&S TAC-1(40&80m) ARK30 38S OHR100 w/KC-2 HW-9 TS-570D NC40A @5w
QRP-L #571 Chandler, AZ (near Phoenix)Grid Square DM43BH

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Subject: Re: Sierra QRP Rig for sale.
Date: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 20:18:01 GMT
From: mwattcpa@earthlink.net (Marty Watt)
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

On Fri, 24 Apr 1998 10:42:41 -0700, George Zafiropoulos
<georgez@quickturn.com> wrote:

>I have a Wilderness Sierra for sale.  I built the kit and it is in
>excellent condition and works great.  The radio includes...
>
>Wilderness Sierra - built
>KC2 Keyer/Freq. Counter/S-Meter/Wattmeter board - Built and installed
>Noise blanker - unbuilt
>40m module built and tuned up.
>80m/30m/20m modules partly built
>
>I love this little radio but I need the money to buy another toy.
>The whole thing cost me over $400 as a kit.

I responded to this ad last Friday, appx. 2 hours after it was written.  Has
anybody gotten a response?  I have heard NADA since then, even with three
follow up messages.  I can only assume someone else got it, and I need to
keep
looking for a similar buy on a Wilderness Sierra ... on the other hand, if
nobody got it, I hope nothing has happened to George ...

--
72 es 73 de Marty, KM7W
_____________________________________________________________________
Franklin, Tennessee               http://home.earthlink.net/~mwattcpa
NorCal #2031 -- ARCI #7514 -- QRP-L #0953 -- AK/QRP #098 -- Grid EM65

Subject: What a great little rig (Wilderness Sierra)
Date: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 03:25:58 +0100
From: pmk@juno.com (Patrick M Kvitkauskas)
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Man what a great radio. I have had my Sierra for a few months now.
I just got home about a hour ago and heard someone calling CQ
on 20 mtrs. It was a VE3 booming in at 599++. He was using a
Yaesu FT 1000MP running 100 watts (as most hams I work) and
he couldn't believe I was only running one watt. He gave me a 579
rpt. even though the K8FF paddle was sticking occasionally. I never
let on that I am QRP until show and tell time when we exchange
rig , ant , and power output reports (or show off report hi). Just after
I worked him I worked W0UFO and had a nice chat with him.

Oh yes it is a killer on 40 meters as well. I have used it on 80 , 40 ,
30 , 20 , 15 , and 10 meters and always have good success and
MAN what a RX on this thing. Even at 150hz it does not hardly ring
at all as others will drive you nutz.

If I didn't enjoy building so much it would be the last rig I would
build for a long time to come but I still have a few band modules to
go.

Thanks to NORCAL for initially putting it all together and QRP Bob
for kiting a very nice kit. I couldn't believe the quality control from
the
resistors to the enclosure that everything fit like a glove and only took
4 hours to build the board and about 4 hours to finish. It is a very
good looking rig with a blue coat and baby blue face with excellent
silk screening. I did get the KC-2 face as I have had the KC-2 for
a few years.

If you are considering purchasing one I think you will be impressed
as I was. Don't be deceived when you get a box of sandwich bags that
everything is packed in.

72 de Patrick KD4OBQ

AR

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Subject: Re: What a great little rig (Wilderness Sierra)
Date: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 20:23:18 -0500
From: "Steve Zumbrun" <zumbruns@mail.stlukes.org>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Yes, I second your posting, Pat.  I purchased my Sierra about one month ago.
It was a pleasure to build and boy does it work great.  The receiver is
outstanding.  Boy is it quiet!  I too am extremly pleased with the rig.
73s, Steve W0SZ
-----Original Message-----
From: Patrick M Kvitkauskas <pmk@juno.com>
To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>
Date: Wednesday, April 29, 1998 10:56 PM
Subject: What a great little rig (Wilderness Sierra)

>Man what a great radio. I have had my Sierra for a few months now.
>I just got home about a hour ago and heard someone calling CQ
>on 20 mtrs. It was a VE3 booming in at 599++. He was using a
>Yaesu FT 1000MP running 100 watts (as most hams I work) and
>he couldn't believe I was only running one watt. He gave me a 579
>rpt. even though the K8FF paddle was sticking occasionally. I never
>let on that I am QRP until show and tell time when we exchange
>rig , ant , and power output reports (or show off report hi). Just after
>I worked him I worked W0UFO and had a nice chat with him.
>
>Oh yes it is a killer on 40 meters as well. I have used it on 80 , 40 ,
>30 , 20 , 15 , and 10 meters and always have good success and
>MAN what a RX on this thing. Even at 150hz it does not hardly ring
>at all as others will drive you nutz.
>
>If I didn't enjoy building so much it would be the last rig I would
>build for a long time to come but I still have a few band modules to
>go.
>
>Thanks to NORCAL for initially putting it all together and QRP Bob
>for kiting a very nice kit. I couldn't believe the quality control from
>the
>resistors to the enclosure that everything fit like a glove and only took
>4 hours to build the board and about 4 hours to finish. It is a very
>good looking rig with a blue coat and baby blue face with excellent
>silk screening. I did get the KC-2 face as I have had the KC-2 for
>a few years.
>
>If you are considering purchasing one I think you will be impressed
>as I was. Don't be deceived when you get a box of sandwich bags that
>everything is packed in.
>
>72 de Patrick KD4OBQ
>
>AR
>
>_____________________________________________________________________
>You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
>Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
>Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]
>
>

Subject: Sierra final & 10m Foxii
Date: Thu, 7 May 1998 15:55:22 -0500
From: "Richard E. Robinson" <rerobins@email.uncc.edu>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Now that Chuck has announced a 10 meter Foxhunt, I'm motivated to increase
my Sierra's output on 10 meters.

I've seen posts on replacing caps in the band modules, posts saying no need
to replace them.  Posts on 4:1 matching transformers replacing the choke,
posts saying little or no improvement noted with the 4:1 transformer.

The only point of aggreement seems to be to replace the 2N3553.  What seems
to be the transistor of choice for those of us who wish to drop in a
replacement?  I personally don't like to twist leads or use a TO-220 in
place of the 2N3553, but will if necessary.

What has worked for you?

72/73 and thanks in advance.

Rick kf4ar

Subject: Sierra Mods
Date: Wed, 20 May 1998 12:00:07 -0500
From: "Steve Zumbrun" <zumbruns@mail.stlukes.org>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Can someone point me to where I can find list of mods for Sierra
transceiver.  Thanks, Steve W0SZ

Subject: Want Sierra Band Modules
Date: Wed, 20 May 1998 18:33:21 +0000
From: "Brian K. Short" <bshort@speedchoice.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Looking for (especially) 17m and/or 12m band modules for Sierra.
Also, 10m, 15m, 160m if available.

New, used, assembled, unassembled.

73, Brian

--
"I was firing it up into a dummy load and a guy from
Lithuania who was using a crystal set and a grid-dip
oscillator gave me a 20-over 599 report."
--
Brian Short k7on@qsl.net http://www.qsl.net/k7on
(602)839-3484 1994 E Laguna Dr Tempe, Az 85282
--

Subject: Sierra 10M modules
Date: Wed, 20 May 1998 15:48:09 -0400 (EDT)
From: n4js@pobox.com
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

If I had Wilderness radio's email address handy I'd ask them, but....
Does anyone know if the "new" Sierra 10M band modules use the 'Optimized"
values as published in Sept 1995 QRPp? i.e. T30-2 cores, 120 and 220 sm for
C47, 48, 49, etc.

Thanks

               Sent at 15:48:09 on 20-May-98
    _  _  _ _      _  ___   John L. Sielke n4js@pobox.com
   | \| || | |  _ | |/ __|  n4js@qsl.net   NJ Grid:FM29LN
   | .` ||_  _|| || |\__ \  http://www.qsl.net/n4js  NJ-QRP #57 QRP-L #884
   |_|\_|  |_|  \__/ |___/   QRP-ARCI CQC #443 CQrp #50 AKQrp  ARQrp
   NE-QRP #507 G-QRP #9544  NorCal #1989 QCWA  FISTS #2781 ARS #243


Subject: Re: Sierra final & 10m Foxii
Date: Fri, 22 May 1998 10:34:51 -0500
From: "Richard E. Robinson" <rerobins@email.uncc.edu>
To: "Hugo W. Catta" <hugo@banet.net>

Hugo,

I apologize for taking so long to reply to you.

As you can tell, there seems to be a lot of conflicting info regarding
Sierra mods.  The easiest mod to do is buy some 2SC799 transistors from
Dan's Small parts for 3/$6.  They are a pin for pin replacement for the
2N3553 and will nearly double the output.  I have not done it but heard
from a reliable individual who has. I have a new Sierra on order from
Wilderness and some 2SC799s coming from Dan.  My new Sierra will use the
2SC799 instead of the 2N3553.  The time I've put in modifying the used
Sierra I now have would've more than built a new one.

If you have an older Sierra with the J309 as the buffer as I have, you need
to replace it with the J310, available from "QRP" Bob Dyer at Wilderness
Radio.  Bob told me on the phone the other day, this change was done due to
many of the J309s dropping off in gain above 14MHz.  I can see this on my
scope, the J309 becomes an attenuator above 10MHz.  I have 2 extra J310s
coming from Bob with my new Sierra and I'll let you know how that helps
this older Sierra.

Again according to Bob, Wayne OKed the 4:1 transformer mod as the "proper"
alternative to twiddling with L5 on the modules to increase output.
Messing with the pi-network results in a power gain alright, it allows the
2nd and 3rd harmonics to be less attenuated resulting in more apparent
power output.  This is not exactly what we want in more power.  I replaced
my choke with a 4:1 transformer, but with the J309 still in there, I
noticed no difference.

Wayne himself posted a reply to the silver mica question recently.  He says
he couldn't see any improvement when he tried it.  To me, if the designer
says it won't be worth the effort, who am I to argue?

72 and hope this helps,

Rick kf4ar

Subject: Sierra Mod for power on high bands
Date: Sun, 24 May 1998 11:17:00 -0400
From: wb8ygg@juno.com
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Hi folks,
I understand there was a mod for L10 on the Sierra that really helped
with power out.
I have the J310 in for Q5 and the ferrite on the 2n2222, but still only
.5 watts out on 15m.  Tweaking with the scope, thats' the
best I can get and it is just too sensitive!!!  Squishing turns on the
coils etc. does not help.    I want to finish this project
once and for all so that it may be usable for field day.

 Does anybody know of this mod?

Embedded Research
Brad WB8YGG/Gary N2JGU
http://www.frontiernet.net/~embres
embres@frontiernet.net

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Subject: SIERRA - Never tweak for power
Date: Wed, 3 Jun 1998 22:29:21 +0200
From: "Peter Zenker DL2FI" <Peter_DL2FI@csi.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Hello QRP fellows,

Allthough I am not such a power fan, I tried some of the suggested mods to
get more power out of my SIERRA. After lots of "fiddling" hours, I believe,
I have some realistic results: the same mod with different settings of all
those bandpassfilters could give all between 1 Watt and 4 Watt. That was
when I used the Wattmeter and the Scope only. After that I tried all this
things using an Spectruum Analyzer for each step. E.G. for the 28MHz modul
I started to tune the 23MHz  BPF for the Premixer, then tuned the 28MHz BPF
of the TX Mixer. Noow I could see what happenned: No problem to tune to as
much as 3.5 Watt, but NOT AT 28 MHZ. It was an extrem mixup of 26MHz (Xtal
Oszilator, 28 MHz and lots of spurious. When I optimized for a clean signal,
I got one of the best results I ever have seen for QRP Tx. All spurious and
harmonics better then - 50 dBc  (dB below carrier) GREAT!
The power for that cllean signals:
28 MHz = 2,0 Watt
21 MHz=  2,0 Watt
18 MHz= 2,2 Watt
14 MHz= 2,5 Watt
10 MHz= 2,5 Watt
7 MHz= 3,0 Watt
3.5 MHz= 2,3 Watt

1,8 MHz Modul not yet built

Some of you have seen the little DL-QRP-AG PA I showed at the  Dayton QRP
meeting.
It took me half an hour to install it into my Sierra: deinstall final
Transistor, deinstall L10, Install PA at the backplane, keyline, +12V,
ground, and two peaces of RG174 from the driver to the PA and back to the
LPF. In the coax between driver and PA I installed a 1K Pot also at the
backplane.
Results:
Signal at the Analyzer again all harmonics  better then -50dBc
28MHz = max 7 Watt
21 MHz= max 7 Watt
18 MHz=max 7 Watt
14 MHz= max 7Watt
10 MHz = max 7Watt
 7 MHz=max 7Watt
3,5 MHz = max 7Watt

Using the Pot I can chose every power between 50 Milliwatt and 7Watt. All
Levels show exact the same picture at the Analyzer which is not so if you
use the standard driver pot.

Next time I will use my time better then for tweaking an object and will
believe what Wayne, N6KR wrote in a posting: the Sierra PA has been
calculated for 2-3 Watt. If you would like to have more power, change 4the
4Final Amplifier. (Not exact his words, but very near)

72 de Peter, DL2FI

Subject: Sierra's J310 arrived!
Date: Thu, 4 Jun 1998 00:01:49 -0400
From: McNelly <72507.235@compuserve.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Hello All,

QRP Bob graciously sent me a J310 and after installing it in my friends
Sierra the power went from 0.5w to 2.2w on the 15M module.  I still think
that something else is holding back the power at higher freqs, perhaps
the 2n2222A is off a bit.  She has the ferrite bead on its base already.
But she will be very happy as she started out with 0.2w on 15M.

The J310 perked up the the other mods (NTE342/transformer mod) as well.
Power levels are:

160M - 4.4w
 80M - 5.5w
 40M - 6.0w
 30M - 5.0w
 15M - 2.2w

I have suggested that she mount a variable pot to the back panel adjust
the power level easily.  Varying the power level looks ok on the scope
but 30M seems to develop some modulation when the power is lowered.  I
can't tune this out by tweaking L5/L6 or the band module trimmers.

The NTE342 using the back panel as a heat sink runs incredibly cool.  My
15w dummy load was very warm after repeaking all the band modules and the
final/back panel was still cool to the touch.

Thank you all for your help, and I especially thank Wilderness Radio for
sending me out the J310!


72/73's,

--Rick, KE4IZH

QRP-L # 493
72507.235@compuserve.com
Chesapeake, Va.
MP2.1K

Subject: band modules for Sierra
Date: Thu, 04 Jun 1998 09:24:35 -0400
From: Scott Howell <whowell@hq.nasa.gov>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

I am looking for fully assembled band modules for 10, 15, and maybe 17
meters. I can't build the kits without melting all the parts <grin>. Well
lets say they are worth to much to destroy at my hands.
So, if you have any of these, please let me know via E-mail what your
asking price is.tnx

72

NASA Headquarters
Human Resources Management Division
Employee Benefits Officer
CP/Scott Howell
300 E Street SW
Washington DC,  20546

phone/fax: (202) 358-1558
E-mail: Whowell@hq.nasa.gov

Subject: Re: band modules for Sierra
Date: Thu, 04 Jun 1998 12:14:08 -0400
From: Scott Howell <whowell@hq.nasa.gov>
To: "Hugo W. Catta" <hugo@banet.net>

tnx very much, I'll ask round and see how those bands perform. You may be
correct. I think at least 15 would be a good one to add. I'll call once I
have gotten a little more info and so on. Thanks again.

72

At 11:49 AM 06/04/1998 -0400, you wrote:
>Hi, Scott:
>
>
>I put together 6 modules : 80 thru 15 , and I'm very satisfied so far. I
>really don't know how good the performance on 10 and 12 meters could be,
>(that is why I haven't ordered it yet). 10 and 12m without a rx stage could
>be a little handicapped
>I've put together several fairly complex kits and others projects from
>scratch and consider myself to be a rather experienced kit builder.
>I'm not selling anything but I would put the 10m.  (and /or 12m) module
>together for free. All I want to do is see first hand how good the Sierra
>performs in those bands .
>
>Give me a call (914)381-7175 - (Westchested Co. , NY) - and if you agree,
>call QRP Bob and have the module(s) sent to me.
>
>72, 73
>Hugo W. Catta
>CX9AAK/W2
>
>> I am looking for fully assembled band modules for 10, 15, and maybe 17
>> meters. I can't build the kits without melting all the parts <grin>. Well
>> lets say they are worth to much to destroy at my hands.
>> So, if you have any of these, please let me know via E-mail what your
>> asking price is.tnx
>>
>> 72
>>
>> NASA Headquarters
>> Human Resources Management Division
>> Employee Benefits Officer
>> CP/Scott Howell
>> 300 E Street SW
>> Washington DC,  20546
>>
>> phone/fax: (202) 358-1558
>> E-mail: Whowell@hq.nasa.gov
>
>
>
>
>
NASA Headquarters
Human Resources Management Division
Employee Benefits Officer
CP/Scott Howell
300 E Street SW
Washington DC,  20546

phone/fax: (202) 358-1558
E-mail: Whowell@hq.nasa.gov

Subject: Re: band modules for Sierra
Date: Thu, 04 Jun 1998 18:22:08 +0000
From: "Brian K. Short" <bshort@speedchoice.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

I am looking for a 17m module and/or the 26Mhz crystal.

Where would one purchase the crystal(s) only?

>I am looking for fully assembled band modules for 10, 15, and maybe 17
>meters. I can't build the kits without melting all the parts <grin>. Well
>lets say they are worth to much to destroy at my hands.
>So, if you have any of these, please let me know via E-mail what your
>asking price is.tnx
>
>72
>
>NASA Headquarters
>Human Resources Management Division
>Employee Benefits Officer
>CP/Scott Howell
>300 E Street SW
>Washington DC,  20546
>
>phone/fax: (202) 358-1558
>E-mail: Whowell@hq.nasa.gov
>
--
"Nostalgia is a thing of the past."
--
Brian Short k7on@qsl.net http://www.qsl.net/k7on
(602)839-3484 1994 E Laguna Dr Tempe, Az 85282
--

Subject: Hi Pwr Sierra Current Draw
Date: Thu, 4 Jun 1998 22:49:06 -0400
From: Rick McNelly <72507.235@compuserve.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Hello All,

just checked the xmit current consumption of my friends Sierra with the
NTE342/
transformer mod on 40M.

With a supply voltage of 12.4v her rig produces 5w pulling 750ma of current.

My own Sierra with a MRF237 and a turn removed from L5 produces 2.5w pulling
410ma at the same voltage.

Although I have never reached my battery's limits operating portable, the
current draw of the high power mod has me hesitating to install it in my own
rig.

On the other hand, being able to produce a full 5w on battery power has its
own
appeal :-)

72/73's,

--Rick, KE4IZH

QRP-L # 493
72507.235@compuserve.com
Chesapeake, Va.
MP2.1K

Subject: Re: Hi Pwr Sierra Current Draw
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 09:39:18 -0600 (MDT)
From: marion@montana.com
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

>To: 72507.235@compuserve.com
>From: marion@montana.com
>Subject: Re: Hi Pwr Sierra Current Draw
>
>At 10:49 PM 6/4/98 -0400, you wrote:
>>Hello All,
>>
>>just checked the xmit current consumption of my friends Sierra with the
NTE342/
>>transformer mod on 40M.
>>
>>With a supply voltage of 12.4v her rig produces 5w pulling 750ma of
current.
>>
>>My own Sierra with a MRF237 and a turn removed from L5 produces 2.5w
pulling
>>410ma at the same voltage.
>>
>>Although I have never reached my battery's limits operating portable, the
>>current draw of the high power mod has me hesitating to install it in my
own
>>rig.
>>
>>On the other hand, being able to produce a full 5w on battery power has
its own
>>appeal :-)
>>
>>
>>
>>72/73's,
>>
>>--Rick, KE4IZH
>>
>>QRP-L # 493
>>72507.235@compuserve.com
>>Chesapeake, Va.
>>MP2.1K
>>
>>
>Put the drive control to the back panel as described in the manual and you
can set power/ current levels wherever you want. Roy AB7CE

Subject: WTB: 30 mtr band module for the Sierra
Date: Sat, 6 Jun 1998 06:49:17 -0700
From: msparkes@juno.com (Michael S Parkes)
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

I am looking for a 30 mtr band module for the Sierra, built or unbuilt.
Thanks, Mike AB7RU

********************************************************************************
Michael S. Parkes AB7RU
msparkes@juno.com
26725 E Moffat Rd
Newman Lake, WA 99025

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Subject: Sierra 15m power out - again!
Date: Sun, 7 Jun 1998 13:01:59 +0100
From: peter barville <peter@barville.demon.co.uk>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

I've been reading the various comments about the Sierra power output on
the higher bands with interest.  I've built the modules for all the hf
bands, except 12m, and have a puzzling situation.

The rig will deliver 2 watts on 20m, 17m and 10m, but only 1 watt on
15m.  I am running it with a 14 volt supply, and have done the L10 mod.
I have also tried (out of interest) removing one turn from L5 and L6,
but this made no absolutely difference to the power output.  The
trimmers all seem to tune correctly, by the way.

Any thoughts why there should be less power available on 15m than 10m?
--
For up to date information on QRP Dx operations, and QRP contests:
            http://www.barville.demon.co.uk/qrpinfo.htm

72, peter g3xjs   "peter@barville.demon.co.uk"

Subject: Re: Sierra 15m power out - again!
Date: Sun, 7 Jun 1998 14:37:01 -0400
From: wb8ygg@juno.com
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Peter and all..
My first gut feel using a scope to trace signals was that the pmo filter
just was killing the
signal on my 15 meter modlue. So I tried squishing the turns on the
coils, tried removing
a turn from L5 etc. After none of this helped, I decided that I would
methodically go through
the mods.

I found right out of the box that I had the J310 in , and the ferrite
bead already.
It had been long enough since I put it together that I didn't remembre
these details.
Apparantly my kit was a later version, and this was now a permanent mod.

So there were all the other mods by Roy, AB7CE (Transformer matching),
Mike, KL7XI/7, Bob Kellog, Derek Brown, WF4I, and many others!

(THANKS GUYS!!)

I went through these mods, transformer, new final, changing r22, just
doing the ones that seemed to help,
but alas, I was still around only a watt on 15!!  something in the module
was wrong as my first
suspicions were correct.

As I was playing around with my 3pf calibrated fingertips, I noted that
the power went from
1w to 3w when I touched around C34 and C65.  I tacked a few pf across
each, and
wallah 3W + finally!!   Now as a disclaimer, QRP Bob told me that Wayne
told him that
this should not be required, but I found nothing else made sense or
worked..
BTW, I did return the module to the correct turns on ever coil before
this mod.
Oh, one final note..
This is an axcerp from Derek Brown's message to me.. I will be doing this
on the
15 meter module at some point as well.

"Some folks have mentioned that they had problems tweaking the higher
frequency band modules.   Bob, AE4IC, found that by changing the value
of the XMIT BPF trimmer caps (C33 & C36) to a smaller range and
paralleling these with fixed caps, it was much easier to tweak the
power output.  On my 20, 15, and 10 M modules I replaced these two
trimmers (~ 9 - 50 pF) with 3.5 - 20 pF trimmers (Mouser Part No.
24AA082) and placed fixed caps (~ 18 - 22 pF) in the previously unused
locations for C32 & C35.  The values of the fixed caps were selected
such that a peak was obtained with the trimmers set at mid-range."

73 , and I hope this helps somebody!
Brad WB8YGG

On Sun, 7 Jun 1998 13:01:59 +0100 peter barville
<peter@barville.demon.co.uk> writes:
>
>I've been reading the various comments about the Sierra power output
>on
>the higher bands with interest.  I've built the modules for all the hf
>bands, except 12m, and have a puzzling situation.
>
>The rig will deliver 2 watts on 20m, 17m and 10m, but only 1 watt on
>15m.  I am running it with a 14 volt supply, and have done the L10
>mod.
>I have also tried (out of interest) removing one turn from L5 and L6,
>but this made no absolutely difference to the power output.  The
>trimmers all seem to tune correctly, by the way.
>
>Any thoughts why there should be less power available on 15m than 10m?
>--
>For up to date information on QRP Dx operations, and QRP contests:
>            http://www.barville.demon.co.uk/qrpinfo.htm
>
>72, peter g3xjs   "peter@barville.demon.co.uk"
>
>
>
Embedded Research
Brad WB8YGG/Gary N2JGU
http://www.frontiernet.net/~embres
embres@frontiernet.net

_____________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]

Subject: Sierra 15m band problem.
Date: Sun, 07 Jun 1998 18:39:43 -0400
From: Andrew Comas <acomas@panix.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

I have a Sierra Wilderness Radio rev. C.  The 40m band module works
fine, but I can't get the 15m module to transmit anything.  I can
measure the inductance and it seems right at  2.0 uH across both
inductors.  I can't get a reading for the capacitance.  The meter reads
over-load like a dead-short.  If the capacitance is under 1000pf, the
meter probably can't read it.  The RX side works fine on the module.

Any thoughts?

73s de Andrew N2ZT

Subject: Tweaking the SIERRA for more power, some experiments
Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 11:53:04 +0200
From: "Peter Zenker DL2FI" <Peter_DL2FI@csi.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Oh boys, i couldn t imagine, that I produce such an echo by my posting about
my expierience with my SIERRA tweaking. In German they say: I stick my
fingers into a wasp nest. I hope I sent answers by private mail to all the
OPs who had questions, but I think some facts are of common interest, so I
post them here on the list. Discussion is very welcome.

Disclaimer:
I honest believe that all postings in the past about tweaking the power of
the SIERRA have shown the best and honourable results of honest OMs. I never
would blame this people, but I believe, some of them have been fooled by
their instruments. On the other hand my english may lead to some
misunderstandings. If so, please translate what I write to make it a
friendly reading.

As Wayne, N6KR wrote in an older posting, all the calculations for the
SIERRA have been beased on 3 Watt. Impedances at 12Volt are much mure worse
to handle then at 350Volt or more using tubes e.g. the influence of
line-lenght and internal capacitance is extreme. If one changes only a
transistor without recalculating all networks, this may lead to
uncontrallable conditions.

At first some experiments with the SIERRA as it is:
Until now I built 8 plugins. As I usual do it when I test kits for the
FUNKAMATEUR Radio Magazin, I built each of them exactly as described in the
manual, even I my own experience says the manual is wrong. In the SIERRA
manual I didn t find such faults. The rig was aligned as requested in the
manual at first by the very simplest method, using an RF Voltage Meter and a
power meter. I found the expected power for 5 of the plugins, the 7MHz,
the21 MHz had only 1 Watt out and 28MHz showed zero power.
When I investigated the plugins, I found that at the 7MHz and the 21 MHz
plug ins one of the toroids where more then 20% out of range although  they
had the correct windings on it. As a result I could see, that the variable
capacitors where not near the midrange but both at myximum capacity. I tried
both: changing the windings and adding a capacitor both with the same good
result: slightly more then 2 Watts output on the first try.
investigating the 28 MHz module I found, that all toroids have been in
range, but the Wattmeter showed still zero power. Because the manual says
that it is difficult to align the 28MHz Modul, I did some extra careful
fiddling and whow, 3.5 Watt!!! on a +- some micrometer setting of the cap.
This extrem seemed very suspicious to me, so I decided to check all Modules
with an Spectrum Analyzer. All the Modules showed excellent values of
spurious and harmonic supression except the 28MHz Module which showed much
more spurious then 28 MHz signal.
After this I tried to mistune all the modules (using the analyzer) and
belive it or not, most of the modules could be tuned to power levels as high
as 4 to 5 Watt. To be fair I would like to point out, that you must ignore
all what Wayne says in his manual to have this result. I strictly tuned
stage by stage to have as much spurious as possible.

One of the suggestions to get more power was to change the J309 against J310
FET because the J310 does more gain. Because my SIERRA still was equipped
with a J310, I changed id against the bad one, the J309. The result in fact
was a visible decreasing of power depending on frequency. The higher the
frequency, the more the power decreased.
After that I did in steps most of the other mods e.g. changing the ceramic
capacitors against mica, changing the end transformer and so on. The result
was everytime the same: By carefully adjusting to best surpression of
spurious and harmonics I got nearly the same power then I had with the
original SIERRA design. The only way to have significant more power was to
reduce the spectral purity of the signal. This was true for all mods except
that J310 Mod, which seem to be a standard in newer SIERRA kits.

I am pretty sure, that some of the mods published here on QRP-L have been
fooled by measuring power only. It is not so easy modifying a very well
designed rig using simple test equipment only. As Wayne wrote, the SIERRA
Power Amplifier was designed as a 3Watt above and 2Watt below 14 MHz
Amplifier to be simple, inexpensive and low current, it is hard to tweak it
to a high power PA without running into problems. Those who want to have 5
Watt for all band or more have to design / add a complete other power
amplifier.

One way to go is to implement the very new constructed Mini Amplifier of the
DL-QRP-AG, the German QRP Club. It is a very small 3*5cm PA constructed to
be screwed on the back plane of a rig. I did this change and feel very happy
with the solution having 0.1 up to 7 Watt with extreme good spectral purity
now for my SIERRA.
A detailed description of the PA will be availeable in english language soon
and because the publishers of QRPp and QRP Quarterly asked both for an
article, I think every interested QRPer will find it in his most beloved
magazin. For hard boiled homebrewers the layout will be included, only
problem seem to me the two double whole transformers which use a special
material and I don t know if this availeable in US. But there will be a
complete kit as well.

To not become overloaded, the PA will be not kitted and sold by the
DL-QRP-AG but by the German Amateur Radio Magazin FUNKAMATEUR. The
FUNKAMATEUR gang is just designing the english language web page and an USD
based Ham Shop as well. The price of the kit will be abt 35$ and the price
of a ready built PA for those OMs who dont like SMD parts will be abt 45$.
They will start selling the kit somewhere in July as I know.

Web adress is www.funkamateur.de

Subject: Wrong Caps in Sierra!!!!
Date: Wed, 10 Jun 1998 17:34:15 -0400
From: McNelly <72507.235@compuserve.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Hi Bob and QRP-L gang,

I've finally got my friends Sierra putting out 3.2w on 15M, it took some
padding to get the injection levels up, and I discovered something you
need to know right away.

Every 270pF cap in her rig, this includes C6, C10, C14, C17, C39, and the
caps on the 30M and 15M modules are actually 27pF caps!!!!!

They are marked "270", they should be marked "271" according to Paul
Harden's Data Book, which is the proper value.  I had discovered this
quite by accident, while working on the transmit chain.  It suprised me
to find the wrong caps and installing the proper values helped get the
power up.  Checking her receiver on W1AW code practice indicated
something had to be wrong there too, prompting me to check everything. I
hope replacing all of the ones in the receive chain will tune up her
reception.  It really sounds horrible compared to mine, and her bandwith
is shot too, the ABX control is useless.

I can't believe she has been satisfied with the receive performance of
her rig.  She has never really listened to mine.  Boy will she be in for
a treat if I can get this thing up to snuff, it ought to blow her socks
off.

Anyway, any Sierra owners of this vintage (originally had a J309, D11,
D12, did not have the 39uH choke on X6, etc) may want to check their rigs
over.


72/73's,

--Rick, KE4IZH

QRP-L # 493
72507.235@compuserve.com
Chesapeake, Va.
MP2.1K

Subject: Looking for Norcal version Sierra ABX mod info !!
Date: Wed, 10 Jun 1998 16:37:39 -0600
From: John Evans - N0HJ <jaevans@codenet.net>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Greetings again,

  For those who 1) built one of the original Norcal Sierra's and 2)
installed the ABX mod in that Sierra, could you email me with info
or pointers to info on that mod.  I have Wilderness info on the ABX
filter but would like to get info from a Norcal owner.

tnx much es 72 - john - n0hj
--------------------------------------------------------------------
John A. Evans                      Chief Systems Administrator
Office: (719) 528-1800 x164        Titan Software Systems
Fax:    (719) 528-1888             1115 Elkton Drive, Suite 200
email:  jaevans@cos.cst.titan.com  Colorado Springs, CO 80907-3535
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Norcal  #262  QRP-L  #219  QRP-ARCI  #8303  NE-QRP  #213 CQC  #045
CQrp    #15   NJ-QRP #50   AK-QRP    #52    NW-QRP  #454 FISTS #3184
Personal Web Page:  http://www.geocities.com/capecanaveral/9773/
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Re: Wrong Caps in Sierra!!!! I'm WRONG!!
Date: Wed, 10 Jun 1998 21:56:24 -0400
From: McNelly <72507.235@compuserve.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

>Did you measure the 270 caps as 27 pf?
>
>270 can also be 270pf as explained
>
>in the manual.
>
>If you really have 27pf caps that is
>
>incorrect.
>
>current 270 pf caps are marked 271j
>
>72
>
>de
>
>QrpBob

Bob and All,

I got ahold of a DVM that reads caps and the caps marked 270J seem to
read 270pF.  So I replaced a few for no reason :-)

Now I feel like a heel for posting to the QRP-L before checking them or
contacting you.  My greatest apologies!!!!!!!!!

Now I have to figure out why her receiver sounds so bad compared to mine.

Sorry for the scare.


72/73's,

--Rick, KE4IZH

QRP-L # 493
72507.235@compuserve.com
Chesapeake, Va.
MP2.1K

Subject: Sierra Info Needed
Date: Thu, 11 Jun 1998 10:33:00 -0400
From: Sam Billingsley <SBillingsley@usaninc.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Hey group. I'm at work and just finished a SPURCHECK program and wanted
to check it with some real data.I just can't wait till I get home. Could
one of you send me the following:
Basic VFO range in MHz
IF center freq in MHZ
BFO freq in MHz
Premix Xtals freq in MHz

Sam AE4GX

Subject: More Sierra Module Stuff
Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 14:47:06 -0400 (EDT)
From: n4js@pobox.com
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Just tuned up my 12 and 10 meter Sierra Band modules. I got 2 watts on 12,
but
only about 1.1 watts on 10. Maybe when I put in the J310 it will help a
little.
Otherwise, I am quite happy with the output. (I stayed with the "stock"
values,
but did go to SM caps.).

BTW, a few sigs on 12 meters right now, but nothing heard in 10 on either
the
Sierra or the HTX-100.

               Sent at 14:47:06 on 12-Jun-98
    _  _  _ _      _  ___   John L. Sielke n4js@pobox.com
   | \| || | |  _ | |/ __|  n4js@qsl.net   NJ Grid:FM29LN
   | .` ||_  _|| || |\__ \  http://www.qsl.net/n4js  NJ-QRP #57 QRP-L #884
   |_|\_|  |_|  \__/ |___/   QRP-ARCI CQC #443 CQrp #50 AKQrp  ARQrp
   NE-QRP #507 G-QRP #9544  NorCal #1989 QCWA  FISTS #2781 ARS #243


Subject: Sierra final results
Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 17:31:10 -0400
From: McNelly <72507.235@compuserve.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Her are the final results of all the tweaking on my friends Sierra:

NTE342 final, 4:1 transformer replacing L10, J310 at Q5, mixer injection
tweaks as per Bob Follett's article in Dec '96 QRPp, stock band modules -
except 15M (see below).

Actual Power Measured = PM
        KC2 indicates = KC

Drive control set just below maximum:

         PM / KC
160M - 4.0w / 3.9w (good pwr across a larger segment of the band)
 80M - 5.3w / 3.5w (peaked for General thru novice segment)
 40M - 6.5w / 5.9w
 30M - 5.3w / 4.8w
 15M - 3.2w / 2.7w

When the drive is adj for 5w on 40M (4.5w indicated on KC2) the fol
actual power levels occur:

160M - 2.9w
 80M - 4.4w
 40M - 5.0w
 30M - 4.4w
 15M - 1.7w

All sigs appear very clean and remain clean when the drive control is adj
from no power to high power.

The 15M module was so touchy it was next to impossible to peak and keep
reliable results.  Others have mentioned using smaller trimmers at C33
and C36 and installing small caps in the unused C32/C35 locations.  I
didn't have any smaller trimmers but for an experiment I tried placing
small caps in the unused locations.  After some trial and error I found
that using 22pF caps here smoothed out the tuning and allowed me to peak
for an additional .2w.  The trimmers are now near one end of their
adjustment range and no longer peak in two locations, but I'm ok with
that.

I had to parallel a 4.7K resistor across R22, a 5pF cap across C29 and a
22K resistor from U8 pin 7 to ground.  This brought the injection levels
right up and had a huge effect on 15M.  Those of you having trouble with
15M or above might look at this, I gained a full watt here.

As indicated in another post (fol the one in which I made a heel of
myself) the receive problem was simply a severe BFO misalignment combined
with the AGC control set too high.

I want to thank everyone for helping me with this, I know my friend will
be very happy with the rigs performance.


72/73's,

--Rick, KE4IZH

QRP-L # 493
72507.235@compuserve.com
Chesapeake, Va.
MP2.1K

Subject: Re: Sierra final results
Date: Sat, 13 Jun 1998 00:20:14 -0400
From: "Hugo W. Catta" <hugo@banet.net>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Rick:

My mods included only the NTE342, another 1N5817 paralleled at D6, (the
rating is 1A and in 80m the Current reaches 0.9A), and the 4:1 xfrmr
Before the mods, my 80mts module was giving about 20% less than the 40 one.
Now I removed one turn from L5 and with the mods and at 12.6v.,  the output
power to a Rat Shack 15W 50R dummy load, measured with my USM338 scope are
as
follow:

80 - 6.2W
40 - 5.7W
30 - 4.8W
20 - 4.0W
17 - 4.0W (the only band where squeezing L6 made a difference).
15 - 2.8W (removed 1 turn fron L5, but no change was noticed)

My KC2 shows more power at 80 and 40, stays within 5 to 10% on 30 and 20,
and falls short on 17 and 15 by a good 25 to 30%.

Pretty much  consistent with your observations.

......Still looking for the USM-338 / HP1707B manual...  :-)

72, 73

Hugo
CX9AAK/W2

McNelly wrote:

> Her are the final results of all the tweaking on my friends Sierra:
>
> NTE342 final, 4:1 transformer replacing L10, J310 at Q5, mixer injection
> tweaks as per Bob Follett's article in Dec '96 QRPp, stock band modules -
> except 15M (see below).
>
> Actual Power Measured = PM
>         KC2 indicates = KC
>
> Drive control set just below maximum:
>
>          PM / KC
> 160M - 4.0w / 3.9w (good pwr across a larger segment of the band)
>  80M - 5.3w / 3.5w (peaked for General thru novice segment)
>  40M - 6.5w / 5.9w
>  30M - 5.3w / 4.8w
>  15M - 3.2w / 2.7w
>
> When the drive is adj for 5w on 40M (4.5w indicated on KC2) the fol
> actual power levels occur:
>
> 160M - 2.9w
>  80M - 4.4w
>  40M - 5.0w
>  30M - 4.4w
>  15M - 1.7w
>
> All sigs appear very clean and remain clean when the drive control is adj
> from no power to high power.
>
> The 15M module was so touchy it was next to impossible to peak and keep
> reliable results.  Others have mentioned using smaller trimmers at C33
> and C36 and installing small caps in the unused C32/C35 locations.  I
> didn't have any smaller trimmers but for an experiment I tried placing
> small caps in the unused locations.  After some trial and error I found
> that using 22pF caps here smoothed out the tuning and allowed me to peak
> for an additional .2w.  The trimmers are now near one end of their
> adjustment range and no longer peak in two locations, but I'm ok with
> that.
>
> I had to parallel a 4.7K resistor across R22, a 5pF cap across C29 and a
> 22K resistor from U8 pin 7 to ground.  This brought the injection levels
> right up and had a huge effect on 15M.  Those of you having trouble with
> 15M or above might look at this, I gained a full watt here.
>
> As indicated in another post (fol the one in which I made a heel of
> myself) the receive problem was simply a severe BFO misalignment combined
> with the AGC control set too high.
>
> I want to thank everyone for helping me with this, I know my friend will
> be very happy with the rigs performance.
>
>
> 72/73's,
>
> --Rick, KE4IZH
>
> QRP-L # 493
> 72507.235@compuserve.com
> Chesapeake, Va.
> MP2.1K

Subject: Re: Sierra final results
Date: Sun, 14 Jun 1998 21:59:09 -0400
From: McNelly <72507.235@compuserve.com>
To: "Hugo W. Catta" <hugo@banet.net>

>My mods included only the NTE342, another 1N5817 paralleled at D6, (the
>rating is 1A and in 80m the Current reaches 0.9A), and the 4:1 xfrmr
>Before the mods, my 80mts module was giving about 20% less than the 40 one.
>Now I removed one turn from L5 and with the mods and at 12.6v.,  the output
>power to a Rat Shack 15W 50R dummy load, measured with my USM338 scope are
as
>follow:
>
>80 - 6.2W
>40 - 5.7W
>30 - 4.8W
>20 - 4.0W
>17 - 4.0W (the only band where squeezing L6 made a difference).
>15 - 2.8W (removed 1 turn fron L5, but no change was noticed)
>
>My KC2 shows more power at 80 and 40, stays within 5 to 10% on 30 and 20,
>and falls short on 17 and 15 by a good 25 to 30%.
>
>Pretty much  consistent with your observations.
>
>......Still looking for the USM-338 / HP1707B manual...  :-)

Hello again Hugo,

Wow, you are really rockin' at 12.6v.  The power levels I posted were at
13.8v.

Perhaps a straight post to the list with the subj indicating your manual
search would help.  Did you try contacting HP?  Where are you located?


72/73's,

--Rick, KE4IZH

QRP-L # 493
72507.235@compuserve.com
Chesapeake, Va.
MP2.1K

Subject: Re: Sierra - J310
Date: Wed, 17 Jun 1998 15:05:02 -0400
From: "Hugo W. Catta" <hugo@banet.net>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Hey Dummy!  <8-}

It's Q5,  3/4" East of the driver adj. trim-pot.
Good Luck!

72
Hugo
CX9AAK/W2

John L. Sielke wrote:

> Okay, I can accept abuse. I feel really stupid. I brought my Sierra in to
> work with me, to put the J310 in tonight (for which I am VERY grateful).
> BUT, I forgot the Sierra Manual, and which FET to replace. Can someone
drop
> me a quick "hey, dummy" email and tell me?
>
> Thanks
>
>     _  _  _ _      _  ___   John L. Sielke n4js@pobox.com
>    | \| || | |  _ | |/ __|  n4js@qsl.net     NJ Grid:FM29LN
>    | .` ||_  _|| || |\__ \       http://www.qsl.net/n4js
>    |_|\_|  |_|  \__/ |___/  NJ-QRP #57  QRP-L #884  QRP-ARCI
>    G-QRP #9544 CQC CQrp Norcal #1989 AKQRP ARQrp QCWA FISTS #2781

Subject: Sierra - J310
Date: Thr, 18 Jun 1998 14:36:21 -0600
From: "John L. Sielke" <n4js@pobox.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

Okay, I can accept abuse. I feel really stupid. I brought my Sierra in to
work with me, to put the J310 in tonight (for which I am VERY grateful).
BUT, I forgot the Sierra Manual, and which FET to replace. Can someone drop
me a quick "hey, dummy" email and tell me?

Thanks

    _  _  _ _      _  ___   John L. Sielke n4js@pobox.com
   | \| || | |  _ | |/ __|  n4js@qsl.net     NJ Grid:FM29LN
   | .` ||_  _|| || |\__ \       http://www.qsl.net/n4js
   |_|\_|  |_|  \__/ |___/  NJ-QRP #57  QRP-L #884  QRP-ARCI
   G-QRP #9544 CQC CQrp Norcal #1989 AKQRP ARQrp QCWA FISTS #2781

Subject: Sierra update info request...
Date: Thu, 18 Jun 1998 13:49:50 -0700 (PDT)
From: Mike Parkes <ab7ru@yahoo.com>
To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" <qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU>

I am just now (after a year of procrastinating!) getting started
building my Sierra, and was curious if there have been any updates or
revisions to the kit/manual over the last year? My manual has 4
changes to it, listed on a seperate sheet of paper, and a VFO
alignment note. Anyone with more changes than this?

Also, has anyone taken the time to compile whatever "mods" can be made
to the Sierra? It would be great to be able to find that in one place
(although maybe there aren't that many mods?...)

Thanks for any help...looking forward to getting this on the air soon...

-Mike AB7RU
Newman Lake, WA

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