Guppy Still Swims

The Guppy from the NOGA QRP Group provides
Transmit / Receive Switching for QRP separate rigs.

My version of the Guppy

This little item is extremely useful if you are trying different
QRP Receivers and Transmitters.  It is a kit based on the original
board by W1FB in QRP Notebook and a QST article.

It has made a ‘Rig’ out of my NS-40 from 4SQRP Group and
the MRX-40 Receiver from QST :

NS-40 / MRX-40 prior to packaging

After modifying the MRX-40 to include a Mute circuit,  QSO’s
have been great.  Still working on a Spot switch for the NS-40.

( more later )

72, 73,

Dick , N4UN

Simple Simon VXO

This is a very basic VXO for the NS-40 from the

Four State QRP Group.

Simple Simon VXO

or 2 Crystals for More Range

The range is approximately 2 to 3.5  khz around the crystal frequency.

By adjusting the trimmers on the back of the Polyvaricon, the range may
be increased to about  5.5 to 6 khz with 2 crystals.  But,  the tuning is very
sensitive at the high frequency end.  The greatest range is usually when
the trimmers appear to be in the ‘ full moon ‘ position or plates fully open.

A brief video of the Simple Simon VXO

Click here for  schematic pdf  :   Simple_Simon

A few Build Photos :

2 stacked SIP pins installed at each corner

Polyvaricon super glued to perf board

Polyvaricons are available from  QRPme

also from QRPkits – Pacific Antenna

This particular one is from QRPkits .

SIP sockets are available  from : Dan’s Small Parts
( use ctrl-F search for SIP )

The mini perfboard is from All Electronics  .

SIP pins used as a socket

Bottom View

Polyvaricon – 2 Sections together for 220 pf

The center pin of the Polyvaricon is forward on the perf board and connects to the
crystal sockets.  The two outward pins are rearward and are connected together.

Simple Simon with Sudden Stacker

This is a temporary solution that adds crystals to provide more range.

The excellent SAVXO from 4SQRP provides a more permanent solution.

Inexpensive crystals are available :

QRPme.com : http://www.qrpme.com/?p=parts

N4ESS : http://www.expandedspectrumsystems.com/prod4.html

More information later.

Thanks for viewing.

72, 73,

Dick, N4UN

None Simpler 40

The NS-40 Ready to Go !

The None Simpler 40  ( NS-40 ) , by 4 State QRP Group,  is a great
little transmitter with full power.  This should be about the easiest
build for a new ham.  It also provides 8 to 10 watts out with a
12 to 13.8 volt power supply.

A brief   NS-40 Video

Thanks for viewing.

Sudden Stacker

Try the ‘Sudden Stacker’ to increase the range of your VXO rig.

This little device allows you to ‘Stack’ crystals and use a
crystal socket to take advantage of the ‘Super VXO’ concept.

See this web page : http://www.qsl.net/7n3wvm/supervxo.html

Sudden Stacker with Sudden Storm

I originally used this during Straight Key Night 2012 to increase the range of my
Sudden Storm receiver from QRPme.com.  Thus the name : Sudden Stacker.
( originally from G3RJV’s Sudden Receiver )

Simple Perfboard Construction

It was inspired by W5USJ ‘s use of SIP pins as sockets for crystals
and other components.

It is meant really as a temporary solution. See the excellent SAVXO from
the 4SQRP group : http://www.wa0itp.com/savxo.html for a more permanent solution.

It works best if using a separate transmitter/receiver, as the
offset used in transceivers will vary. See the excellent discussion
here : http://www.qsl.net/n0rc/rm/mods/Rock-Mite_VXO/Rock_Mite_VXO_ModsII.html

For example, on 20 meters, the VXO range of the Sudden Storm
is about 1.5 khz. Using the Sudden Stacker with 3 crystals increases the range to 12 khz.

Super Tuna II + and Sudden Storm

This range is a better match for the VXO range of the Super Tuna II + transmitter
which uses a polyvaricon for increased range. The ‘Stacker’ increases the range of the ST II + significantly.

On 40 Meters the range is only about 3 khz. But…..
the 3rd crystal usually increases the operating frequency to very close to
the one marked on the crystal, rather than below it.  A little
better for contacting other QRP stations operating on the exact frequency.

 

MRX-40 w / 3 crystals has a range of about 4.5 khz

Inexpensive crystals are available :

QRPme.com : http://www.qrpme.com/?p=parts

N4ESS : http://www.expandedspectrumsystems.com/prod4.html

Your experience will vary dependent upon your VXO type.

73s,

Dick, N4UN

Radio Rules

Without a doubt,  Amateur Radio is the greatest hobby ever !!