QRP CW ham transmitter - part 1

We wanted to make a simple, low-power amateur radio Morse code transmitter. Searching the web, we lighted upon a splendid book written by Frank W Harris K0YIE. In it, he explains EVERYTHING you ever wanted to know about how radio works, how to understand it, how to set up your own radio or electronic hobby workshop - in fact, a veritable treasure-house of information. The link is www.wa0itp.com/... . This is the place also to pay thanks to Terry R Fletcher WA0ITP , who provides the link, and also to the QRP ARCI (= Low Power Amateur Radio Club International), based in the U.S.A. but with world-wide membership, who host the actual files. One of the projects in Frank's book was a low power Morse code transmitter for use by radio hams. He also explains how you may obtain an amateur radio licence (which you need to have) in the U.S.A., as elsewhere. Already having had a British amateur radio licence for some years, I decided to try his project. This video covers part 1 of it. It worked OK, though there was a slight problem with our test gear at the end, but we figured it out eventually! It was all great fun, and If all goes well, we will upload part 2 soon.

[@StephenCooteNZ]

Good stuff Norman. Some of my things haven't worked either. Persistence generally wins though. Best wishes from New Zealand. ZL3ABX.

[@MIKROWAVE1]

Fantastic Norman! Loads of fun building these peanut whistles.

[@RobMacKendrick]

Fabulous video! Wisdom leaking out all over like rectified RF. Thanks!

[@roybo1930]

This is truly wonderful! WOW! I See a Stack of Your AWESOME Clear 78s You made!!

[@shroomskunk]

Superb stuff Norman. I've been looking forward to you doing some qrp vids. Can't wait for the next episode.

[@johnwmacdonald994]

Both interesting and entertaining; I think I'll watch part 2.

[@flashMXdesigner]

Cheers Norman! Fine video, fine business on getting your little rig working. - 73

[@bixanorak]

Thanks! It's got better & has actually had several contacts. This must be a miracle. More in part 2.

[@zs1cdg-electronicsandamate128]

a very enjoyable video.. and i do feel inspired to get the iron out. thanks 73 from ZS1CDG

[@waka7377]

gracias, ya descargué el libro, ojalá puediera darle las gracias en personas al autor, que gran aporte :)

[@bixanorak]

Hola. ¡Qué bueno que hayas encontrado el libro! El tipo que lo escribió es K0IYE; su dirección de correo electrónico está en QRZ.com, para que pueda enviarle un correo electrónico para decirle que le gusta su libro. [e-mail] ¡Todo el éxito para ti! 😀

[@6dBperOctave]

Oh my . . . the opening music to the Flash Gordon serials . . . . you, too, spent your pre-adolescence Saturdays at your local cinema? Now you're using technology we couldn't have imagined back then ! Engrossing stuff . . . makes me hope for more days of miserable weather to keep you indoors videoing more projects!

[@bixanorak]

Flash Gordon. Ah, what memories; what excitement! What anticipation of the next episode! We must be quite close contemporaries? When the 'normal' space travel films started in the late 1940s into the 1950s, I for one, thought the tall space rockets that took off vertically with vast expenditure of energy (remember, the faces of the crew were often flattened by the terrible acceleration) were a retrograde step. The Flash Gordon type of horizontal space ship, which took off slowly, accompanied by the sound of a Tesla coil in full cry and a series of small explosions, then circled, gradually gaining height, should have been the way forward. Alas, that technology has obviously been lost. Probably like you, I have all three Flash Gordon serials on DVD, and watch them every couple of years or so. Some of the dialogue is irreplaceable. E.g.: Ming's Officer (who has come over to the goodies): Flash, you and your companions can hide in the Abandoned Tunnel. But you must hurry! Ming will be here at any moment. (Flash & Co. exit to Abandoned Tunnel) (Enter Ming) Ming: Have you found Flash Gordon yet? Officer: No, sire. Ming: Have you searched the Abandoned Tunnel? Officer: Er... no. I did not think it necessary... It doesn't get much better than that... Best regards.

[@Lactuca]

excellent as usual

[@michaeld8975]

Good super glue tip Norm. I would have thought of this myself but I'm just not that smart.

[@bixanorak]

Thanks! It's got better & has actually had several contacts. This must be a miracle. More in part 2.

[@area46241]

Oh YA...excellent topic! more more MORE......

[@bixanorak]

Thanks! It's got better & has actually had several contacts. This must be a miracle. More in part 2.

[@allanegleston13]

downloaded the book yummy reading.

[@bixanorak]

Hi Allan. Glad you're enjoying the Frank Harris on-line book. It's great because it starts from almost nothing, and builds up in really easy stages, doesn't it? All the best to to you & yours, Norman.

[@mister35mmuk]

jolly good, G7VFY