Blog Posts

HRWB 148 - Workbench Roundtable with Doug K6JEY, Dennis W6DQ and Marcel AI6MS

2/8/2022

SHOW NOTES

Quote of the show… Wayne Yoshida: write that down -- “rectangular waveguide is not square”.

FCC Notice to cease operations between 3.45 and 3.5GHz by April 14 2022
http://www.arrl.org/news/view/amateur-operation-in-3-45-3-5-ghz-segment-must-cease-by-april-14-2022

LCR Tweezers
http://www.miniware.com.cn/product/dt71-mini-digital-tweezers/

LCR Meter
https://www.deree.com.tw/de-5000-lcr-meter.html

20,000 Hz podcast about the Sure SM7 microphone
https://www.20k.org/episodes/sm7

Hi-Z Panadapter taps from David Calo KD2C
https://kd2c.com/

BayCon 2022 for WW6BAY
https://www.bay-net.org/baycon.html

8 Comments

HRWB 147 - Coax Cable and Connectors

1/25/2022

14 Comments

SHOW NOTES

SDR IQ
http://rfspace.com/RFSPACE/Home.html

Hakko desoldering iron
https://hakkousa.com/fr-301-portable-desoldering-tool.html

3-D Printing libraries
https://www.thingiverse.com/search?q=hakko&type=things&sort=relevant
https://www.prusaprinters.org/search/all?q=hakko

Micro-Coax 102 to 104

ChannelLock 911 Cable Cutter in Vince’s kit
https://channellock.com/product/911/

Times Microwave Cable Prep Tool CST-400 for N Connectors
https://www.digikey.ca/en/products/detail/amphenol-times-microwave-systems/CST-400/9644019

DX Engineering Cable Prep Tools
https://www.dxengineering.com/search/part-type/coaxial-cable-prep-tools

RF Industries Unidapt Kit
https://rfindustries.com/product/rfa-4024/

West Mountain Radio powerpole crimp tool
http://www.westmountainradio.com/product_info.php?products_id=PWRcrimp
Fits most coax cable crimp jaws

14 Comments

HRWB 146 - Plans for 2022 and Meet the HRWB Team

1/11/2022

5 Comments

In this episode we talk about plans for the HRWB podcast in 2022 and we introduce each of the show regulars personal ham radio journey.

Our Website - http://www.hamradioworkbench.com/
Episodes, project information
Leave us messages on the comments page
Twitter - @hamworkbench
Facebook - group: ham radio workbench
BrandMeister Talkgroup 31075 and AllStar server node 55915 (to Be connected very shortly)
On today’s show:
George, KJ6VU Twitter @KJ6VU DMR TG 31075 AllStar 55915
Rod, VA3ON Twitter @VA3ON
Mark, N6MTS Twitter @smittyhalibut
Mike, VA3MW va3mw@portcredit.net
Vince, VE6LK Twitter @VE6LK

Announcements

DIGIKEY is now a HRWB Podcast sponsor!
We are delighted to have Digikey on board as a sponsor and distributor of our kits.
Founded by a Ham, Digikey is a nearly ideal partnership for us. You will hear more as the year progresses and we help them do more outreach to the ham radio community.

HRWB WILL SPONSOR HOMEBREW HEROS
Home Brew Heroes (HBH), an award program to recognize innovators in Amateur radio,
developed by our friend Frank K4FMH, is now sponsored / Administered by Ham Radio Workbench - It’s a great fit for our mission!
Hans Summers & George Thomas have been past winners - We are in the selection process for 2021 and will announce the winner by the end of January.

5 Comments

HRWB 145 Field Networking with Kyle AA0Z

12/28/2021

4 Comments

SHOW NOTES

AA0Z's YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/KyleAA0Z

AA0Z's Twitter
https://twitter.com/kyleaa0z

Enclosure Pictures In Action & Presentation Slides
https://photos.app.goo.gl/sZ82hj6vuexquGAk7

Node Red for Ham Radio Groups.io
https://groups.io/g/nodered-hamradio

Enclosure L-COM 14x12x7 120V weatherproof enclosure
https://www.l-com.com/nema-enclosures-14x12x7-120-vac-nema-rated-weatherproof-enclosures

SO Cable 10/3 by the foot
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Southwire-By-the-Foot-10-3-600-Volt-CU-Black-Flexible-Portable-Power-SOOW-Cord-55809799/204632922

3 Prong Plug
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-15-Amp-125-Volt-3-Wire-Plug-Orange-R51-515PV-0OR/205165505

12V to 5V USB Converter
https://amzn.to/3EWkBO9

Din Rail AC to 12V DC 60W PS
https://amzn.to/3EVmKJK

TrendNet Din Rail DC 5 Port Ethernet Switch
https://amzn.to/3oWOZSE

Din Rail 6" (3 pcs)
https://amzn.to/3dQ4buu

Mikrotik Groove 52 Bullet, 6/8dBi gain antenna with PoE injector
https://www.balticnetworks.com/mikrotik-groove-52-802-11ac-gigabit-dual-band-outdoor-ap-cpe-with-6-8-dbi-omnidirectional-antenna-us

WiFi Experts Ebay for TS9 jumpers
https://www.ebay.com/usr/wifi_expert

AmericanCoax1 for coax jumpers
https://www.ebay.com/usr/americancoax1

Panduit Small Diameter Cat 6 Patch Cables
https://www.panduit.com/en/products/copper-systems/patch-cords-accessories/patch-cords.html

Wilson 4G Wideband Yagis
https://amzn.to/3GZZ9IL

Military Masts Go Vertical
https://go-vertical-usa.myshopify.com/

3M Dual Lock
https://amzn.to/3IT8Jyw

Mix 31 Toroid Fair-Rite T240-31 Donut MFG Part 2631803802
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Fair-Rite/2631803802?qs=P8bU7i9nNAWMk1EJQzshLg%3D%3D

Mix 31 Toroid Fair-Rite Snap On for LMR-400/RG-214/RG-8X MFG Part 0431167281
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Fair-Rite/0431167281?qs=KmHvPbTOE4S79xB57hcPyQ%3D%3D

4 Comments

Portable Operating with Thomas Witherspoon K4SWL

12/14/2021

5 Comments

SHOW NOTES
HRWB 144 - Portable Operating
With Thomas Witherspoon K4SWL

Our Website - hamradioworkbench.com
Follow us on Twitter with the handle of hamworkbench
Meet over 2,000 other listeners on Facebook group hamradioworkbench
Meet up live on BrandMeister DMR Talkgroup 31075 and AllStar node 55915
Leave us feedback on the web site on the contact page.

QSO Today Expo https://www.qsotodayhamexpo.com/

Thomas’ YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHntBZOSZ-QPJfMyn_M8QEw

SWLing Post
http://swling.com/blog

QRPer
http://qrper.com/

Short Wave Audio Archive
http://shortwavearchive.com/

Radio Spectrum Archive
http://spectrumarchive.org/

RADCOM Magazine (RSGB)
https://rsgb.org/main/publications-archives/radcom/

The Spectrum Monitor eZine
http://spectrummonitor.com/

Mike’s fan controller link
https://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-12V-PWM-Speed-Controller-Fan-Speed-governor-4-Wire-Computer-Temperature-/184572378429

Vince’s aluminum tripod for portable antennas is something like this
https://www.amazon.ca/GEEKOTO-Tripod-Camera-Compact-Aluminum/dp/B07N67D14D/ref=sr_1_1_sspa

Vince’s favourite tool bag - Craftsman Power Tools 14”x10x6’ish with handles and shoulder strap
Only available used, discontinued product
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/294597025993?hash=item449759e0c9:g:~AMAAOSwWqthp7CO
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/304216724061?hash=item46d4bad25d:g:uBEAAOSwNUNhLpDJ

Red Oxx
Micro Manager: ($145.00) is all-around brilliant, boxy EDC pack.
https://www.redoxx.com/micro-manager-91097/p
C-Ruck: ($295) cavernous all-around POTA and SOTA pack.
https://www.redoxx.com/c-ruck-carry-on-rucksack-91054/p
Booty Boss: ($135) waist pack.
https://www.redoxx.com/booty-boss-70002/p
The Hound EDC bag: ($95)
https://www.redoxx.com/the-hound-91087/p
Lil’ Roy: ($40) for SDR field kit and portable shortwave radios.
https://www.redoxx.com/lil-roy-91037/p

SpecOps bags
https://specops.us/backpacks.html

GoRuck
https://www.goruck.com/collections/travel
https://www.goruck.com/collections/travel/products/gr1

Tom Bihn
Synapse 25: ($220) Insane internal organization and innovative design.
https://www.tombihn.com/products/synapse-25
Travel Tray, Large: ($25) these are ingenious round travel trays that convert into stuff sacks. Get the large size, not small.
https://www.tombihn.com/products/travel-tray
Tom Bihn HLT bag
https://www.tombihn.com/products/size-1-hlt-pouch?variant=37621697249469

CP Gear Aircrew/Pubs bag For Headphones & Cables
https://cpgear.com/collections/bags/products/aircrew-pubs-bag-with-padded-tablet-pocket?variant=37900622659774

ASA “Pilot Bag” for Headphones and cables
https://www.asa2fly.com/Flight-Bags-C53.aspx
https://www.amazon.com/ASAs-Pilot-Bag-by-ASA/dp/B003ZA62DQ/

Medic’s bag from 5.11 “UCR Sling Pack” 14 litre Rod's Padded choice for the KX2, antennas, coax
https://www.511tactical.com/tac-ready-sling-pack.html

Excessorize Me YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=excessorize+me

5 Comments

HRWB 143 Holiday Shopping Show

11/30/2021

1 Comment

SHOW NOTES
HRWB 143 - Holiday Shopping Show

Our Website - hamradioworkbench.com
Follow us on Twitter with the handle of hamworkbench
Meet over 2,000 other listeners on Facebook group hamradioworkbench
Meet up live on BrandMeister DMR Talkgroup 31075 and AllStar node 55915
Leave us feedback on the web site on the contact page.

Radios
HF radios - both 100 watt class and QRP class

Lab 599 Discovery TX-500
Lab599 Discovery TX-500 – Ultra-compact transceiverhttps://lab599.com

QDX - QRP Labs
QDX - Digital Transceiver - QRP Labshttp://qrp-labs.com › qdx

QCX+ QRP Labs
QCX 5W CW transceiver kit - QRP Labshttps://www.qrp-labs.com › qcx

Emtech ZM-2 Z match QRP (15 Watt) tuner
EMTECHhttps://steadynet.com › emtech

FT-450D and FT-857D - Used Market

BitX-40 (not available new anymore! :-(
Bitx40 - HF Signalshttps://www.hfsignals.com › index.php › bitx40

uBitX
µBITX - HF Signalshttps://www.hfsignals.com › index.php › ubitx

SDRPlay
https://www.sdrplay.com/

McHF
http://www.m0nka.co.uk/

VHF/UHF

TM-D710
TM-D710A | Amateur Radio | Communications - KENWOODhttps://www.kenwood.com › com › amateur › tm-d710a

FT-8900
https://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=106&encProdID=0C4855ADE6394D514EAABAE148B93F5C&DivisionID=65&isArchived=0

FTM 7250DR -- FM and Fusion - Mike
https://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=106&encProdID=A2FF443FFA7DE7C16072D3EBEC69D19A&DivisionID=65&isArchived=0

HT's

Yaesu FT5DR
FT5DR - Welcome to Yaesu.comhttps://www.yaesu.com › indexVS

FT-70D
Ft-70Dr - Welcome to Yaesu.comhttps://www.yaesu.com › indexVS

Programming cables: BlueMax49ers Mark Dunkle KJ6ZWL (Ebay)
- BlueMax49ershttps://bluemax49ers.com

VX-7R
VX-7R - Welcome to Yaesu.comhttps://www.yaesu.com › indexVS

FT5D
Yaesu FT5D - full-featured C4FM handheld transceiverhttps://radioaficion.com › news › yaesu-ft5d

Hytera PD362
pd362-1

Accessories and other non-radio gear
AllStar hotspot Peter G7RPG
PreviewPreview10:29First look the the Amazing G7RPG Micro HubYouTube · Digital Analogue HamSept 3, 2019

Membership in ARRL
ARRL handbook. Paper or CD
www.arrl.org

2021 ARRL Handbook 6 CD set
https://www.arrl.org/shop/ARRL-Handbook-2022-Six-Vol-Book-Set/

2021 ARRL Handbook Printed soft cover
https://www.arrl.org/shop/ARRL-Handbook-2022-Softcover/
https://www.arrl.org/shop/ARRL-Handbook-2022-Six-Vol-Book-Set/

Subscription to the Spectrum Monitor emagazine
The Spectrum Monitorhttps://www.thespectrummonitor.com

WSPR transmitter (WSPR Lite)
WSPRlite Classic Antenna Performance Analysis Systemhttps://www.sotabeams.co.uk › wsprlite-classic

American Morse Products Porta-Key
The Ultra Porta Paddle is Back! - American Morse Equipmenthttps://www.americanmorse.com › ultraportapaddle

Begali Traveler
Traveler - Begali's Web site - I2RTFhttp://www.i2rtf.com › traveler

Heil Pro-7 headset
Ham Radio - Headsets - Pro 7https://heilhamradio.com › products › pro-7

Comet HFJ-350M antenna
Portable HF Antennashttps://cometantenna.com › amateur radio

USB to Serial converter - Keyspan 19HS -
https://www.tripplite.com/keyspan-high-speed-usb-to-serial-adapter~USA19HS

RF Unidapt Kit
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=rf+universal+adapter+kit&ref=nb_sb_noss

35mm film canister https://www.amazon.ca/Reloadable-Canisters-Cassettes-Assorted-Negative/dp/B09BMWJ2KL/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=35mm+film+canister&qid=1638023995&sr=8-9

LAN in the Hamshack and getting away from RS232 - look for Routers in Switches in medal cases such as the TP-Link series

MorseTutor or
Morserino-32

Ferrites! Buy a box of:
FT240-43 or
Clamp-on and make your life a little quieter.

USB to Serial converter - Keyspan 19HS
https://www.tripplite.com/keyspan-high-speed-usb-to-serial-adapter~USA19HS

RF Unidapt Kit
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=rf+universal+adapter+kit&ref=nb_sb_noss

Tools
Veto Pro Pac (MB-MC) tool bag
MB-MC Tool Bag Rubber Base for Tool Storage - VetoProPachttps://vetopropac.com › Shop

German hand tools of high regard: (Knipex, Wiha, Wera)
KNIPEX | The pliers brand | Home pagehttps://www.knipex.com
Wera Toolshttps://www-de.wera.de › ...
About Wiha Tools USAhttps://www.wihatools.com › about-wiha-tools

steel wire cutters (Knipex 78 03 125 )
https://www.amazon.com/Knipex-78-125-SBA-Super-Knips/dp/B005EXOF6S/ref=asc_df_B005EXOF6S/?

Knipex “automatic” Wire Strippers “Pistol shaped” strippers 10-24 awg ( for Speed)
Knipex 12 62 180

Knipex12-80 100 18-28 awg (Portable, fine)
Knipex PWS-PLUS strippers

Tiny Toolbox
Wiha Tool Chek plus

Wera 6004 series (4 wrenches replace 8 or more)
Wera “Joker” Self setting Spanner Wrenches

Wiha Screwdriver “Systems”
Wiha Drive-Loc VI (Uses 6 inch stainless drivers) (I Like shape of the handle, but...)

Wiha more traditional 1/4 inch with Locking bit holder
Wiha 387 Handle (¼ Inch)

Extravagant Soldering Iron: Metcal or Thermatronics
Thermaltronics TMT-9000S, only $400.

How it Metcal Technology works:
https://www.metcal.com/metcal-smartheat-technology/
https://web.archive.org/web/20210507040846/https://docs-europe.electrocomponents.com/webdocs/0030/0900766b80030f3d.pdf

Pozidrive vs Philips:
https://shop4fasteners.co.uk/blog/pozidriv-vs-phillips/

WERA Advent Calendar
Advent calendar - Werahttps://www-de.wera.de › downloads › advent-calendar

Drill / Drivers /Powertools

Bosch 12 volt compact line of tools - Good Quality, common battery, compact and surprisingly powerful for 12 volt
Bosch 12 volt line

Bit Driver
¼ Inch driver with clutch

Benchtop Vacuum
Benchtop Vacuum

Compact Jigsaw (NO top Handle!)
https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-JS120N-Barrel-Grip-Bare-Tool/dp/B08WHNPC85/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=bosch+12v+Jigsaw&qid=1638220533&sr=8-1

One Hand / Baby Reciprocating saw
BOSCH 12-Volt Max Pocket Reciprocating Saw Kit PS60-102, Blue

Cut really odd stuff
Bosch 12V Max EC Brushless Starlock Oscillating Multi-Tool Bare Tool GOP12V-28N

Bosch Jacket that runs on these 12volt batteries
https://www.amazon.com/GHJ12V-20MN12-Heated-Jacket-Portable-Adapter/dp/B08NN2NHG8/ref=sr_1_3?

Happy Holidays from:
Rod   VA3ON/KE6ON. Twitter @VA3ON YouTube https://www.youtube.com/Cycle25
Vince   VE6LK/AI7LK Twitter @VE6LK www.ve6lk.com
George   DMR TG 31075
Mike    DMR TG 31075 and The FlexRadio TG 30234 and QRZ email address

1 Comment

HRWB 142 Kit Building with John Clements KC9ON

11/16/2021

9 Comments

SHOW NOTES
Tripp-Lite Keyspan USA 19-HS USB to 9-pin serial port https://www.tripplite.com/keyspan-high-speed-usb-to-serial-adapter~USA19HS

Hakko FC-301 (solder sucker) desoldering tool
https://www.amazon.com/American-HAKKO-Products-FR301-03-Desoldering/dp/B07BFVFMS9/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=hakko+fc-301&qid=1636774177&sr=8-3

Radio Shack P-Box kits
https://hackaday.com/2018/12/14/retrotechtacular-remembering-radio-shack-p-box-kits/

YACC:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yacc

John’s Ham Radio tips and tricks
https://kc9on.com/ham-radio/tips-and-tricks/

Dave Jones EEVBlog 3 videos on how to solder - Youtube via John’s website
https://kc9on.com/ham-radio/smd/

3D Printing pen
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=3d+printing+pen&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

HRWB Allstar node 55915

G7RPG Turnkey Allstar node
https://www.hubnetwork.uk/index.php/g7rpg-microhub

Kits for Hams - Allstar node kits https://hamprojects.info/allstar/

Kit comparison tool (pdf)
https://hamprojects.info/wp-content/uploads/DINAH-BRIANSM-SHARI-Comparison-Matrix-11-9-20.pdf

12 volt to 16 volt DC power adapter for Panasonic Toughbook laptop
https://www.ebay.com/itm/254925891589?hash=item3b5ac46805:g:t~AAAOSwZutfK5VF

Achronis True Image disk cloning and imaging software
https://www.acronis.com/en-us/

9 Comments

HRWB 141 Stealth Antennas

11/1/2021

1 Comment

Show Notes

Kirk Kleinschmidt NT0Z Stealth Amateur Radio book
https://www.stealthamateur.com/

The Spectrum Monitor electronic magazine
https://www.thespectrummonitor.comwww.thespectrummonitor.com/

Pine64 USB-C soldering iron - $25 !!!

Adrian's Digital Basement
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-wo_al9QJU
https://pine64.com/product/pinecil-smart-mini-portable-soldering-iron/

Radar Challenge
http://radarops.co.za/

G7FEK Antenna
http://www.g7fek.co.uk/software/G7FEK%20antenna.pdf

Pearls of Wisdom...

Gooch's paradox: RF gotta go somewhere and It won't go where you want it to go
Higher is better than lower
Bigger is better than smaller
Outside is better than inside
Ferrite is your friend (Type 31 and Type 43) One at the antenna and one at the radio.
Vertical for the low bands, horizontal for the higher bands.