Build-A-Thons at the "Expo"

Learn to Solder
Instructors:  Rex Harper, W1REX; Stephen Houser, N1SH
Picture
This workshop will introduce wannabe kit builders to the basic tools and techniques of building electronic kits. Participants will build a custom, self contained  20m transmitter kit, called the 20 Meter Sender, designed specifically for this workshop.  It includes a built-in key and 9v battery.  This 20m QRPpp transmitter kit is a fairly simple build.  It has enough components to perform a useful function but not too many so it becomes a difficult project. Traces and pads are large so the kit is largely “bullet proof” in order to endure the untrained skills of beginner solderers. 

Learn to Solder Workshop Video, Rex Harper, W1REX
Tools for building your kit
Build it!  The NS-40 QRP Transmitter
Instructors:  David Cripe, NM0S; Virginia Smith
Picture
The NS-40 is a 'No-Simpler' design, only 14 components, yet delivers 5 watts of RF at 7.030 MHz from 12vDC.  This is an ideal first kit for budding homebrewers and will also appeal to the seasoned QRPer due to it's innovative design. Just because this is a simple transmitter, doesn't mean that there is a compromise in performance. The transmitter incorporates a two transistor MOPA (Master Oscillator-Power Amplifier) circuit, with a 2N7000 crystal oscillator driving the IRF510 Class E final. Both are keyed for a clean, click-and-chirp-free signal. The innovative Low Pass Filter (LPF) provides harmonic rejection to greater than -50 dBc. The signal is a clean >5 watts into a 50 ohm load. Using the rugged and low-cost IRF510 MOSFET this transmitter utilizes a Class-E final amplifier for maximum efficiency and reliability. ​

​Build it! The NS-40 QRP Transmitter Video - David Cripe NM0S and Virginia Smith NV5F with Q&A
Build a Kit!  Building the Cric-Key
Instructor:  Joe Eisenberg, K0NEB
Picture
The Cric-Key is a simple CW keyer with paddle, well suited for not only use at home, but in the field as well.  This kit is designed to complement 4SQRP's popular CRICKET series of QRP transceivers with a useful and easy-to build keyer circuit.  High quality, double sided printed circuit board construction is used, with solder mask and silk screened component reference designators. All components are through-hole for easy assembly. The CRIC-KEY can be constructed by beginners as well as experienced builders. Construction time is approximately 30 to 90 minutes, depending on experience level.


Build a Kit! Building the Cric-Key Video, Joe Eisenberg K0NEB
Let’s BUILD Something!  (The Mini-Sudden Receiver)
Instructors: Rex Harper, W1REX; Stephen Houser, N1SH
Picture

​Participants will build the Mini-Sudden, a pocket & mint tin friendly direct conversion 20m receiver. It is a time tested direct conversion receiver that just simply WORKS!  The Mini- Sudden receiver is mint tin friendly and comes complete with a pair of 20m crystals. While it is more of an intermediate level kit due to the density and close soldering tolerances of the parts, it can still be built by beginning builders who exercise care while soldering.

​Let's BUILD something! Video -  Rex Harper W1REX