Weber MTR

Started by KK0G, April 21, 2014, 09:59:33 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

KC3AOL

Making progress today. I'm done with all of the surface mount stuff (yay!). Time for a lunch break and then onto the through hole soldering.

Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk


gil

Looks good! Those ICs are hard to solder. I remember having to go over the processor again with my soldering iron before it finally fired up...

Gil.

KC3AOL

It's ALIVE! I did the initial power up checks without the big toroid hooked up (as per the directions) and it came up on the first try! All the voltages were as they were supposed to be. Everything looks good so far. But I'm done for now. I need to read up on the calibration and might have to get some local help for that.

Oh and I had to "borrow" a 9V battery from a multimeter and had to use computer speakers because I didn't bring headphones. But at least I was able to scrounge what I needed to get it done.

Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk


gil

I calibrated mine by ear... Frequency was spot-on.

Gil.

KK0G

Quote from: gil on August 22, 2014, 04:13:05 PM
I calibrated mine by ear... Frequency was spot-on.

Gil.

Same here. In fact, all the QRP rigs I've built (other than my K2 with its complex and very tight filters) I calibrated by ear in reference to known good source, usually W1AW bulletins and/or another radio that I know to be accurate.
"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety" - Benjamin Franklin

KK0G

cockpitbob

I finally finished mine!  I need to flash the latest firmware into the uP.  My T.I. Launchpad is due in a few days. 

I dithered on what to power it with.  Considering it's a shirt pocket radio, an 8-pack of AA NiMH batteries looked too big.  I'm going to power it with three LiFePO4 3.2V, 600mAH batteries.  They are AA size and should last a casual weekend, and make a tiny battery pack.

I also went with KK0G's idea to put a touch-keyer in it.  I haven't built that kit yet but will right after flashing the new firmware. 

gil

Congratulations Bob!

So, how many MTR owners do we have here now, four?


  • Bob
  • Chris
  • Micah
  • Gil

Any other? Given the number of kits in circulation (300 now), that is a rather high number!
Ray is waiting for the next release.. Hopefully there will be one..

Gil.

cockpitbob

4 MTRs in this little community? :D   Gil, your site must attract the cream of the crop 8)

Today I got the T.I. Launchpad.  However, all of today and much of tomorrow I'm at my bench building & modifying test fixtures for the new product we are about to put in production.  I'm kinda burned out on the sweet smell of solder flux :o .  I doubt I'll mess with the MTR for a few days.  Probably this weekend though.

KK0G

Photos Bob........ we need photos.  ;)
"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety" - Benjamin Franklin

KK0G

gil


cockpitbob

I went with 40/30/20, but I'm thinking that might change to 40/20/17.  I like the Dx the shorter bands can do during the daytime.





Little Touches:
* Labels from my Brother label maker.
* BNC:  note that I shortened it a bit by cutting the insulator down flush with the threads and then shortening the center terminal.
* Not visible is a little dab of RTV at the base of each inductor so they are less vibration sensitive.
* Tiny dab of RTV where wires cross for mutual support.

I haven't even opened the touch-keyer kit, so I don't know how much wiring I'm going to have to re-route to make it fit.

I'm thinking of changing the DC power jack to a 5.5mmx2.1mm size since that's what everything else in the world (including my KX1 and MFJ-9420) seems to use.



KK0G

Good job Bob, looks nice.
"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety" - Benjamin Franklin

KK0G

gil

Very nice indeed! Now we need to have some MTR-MTR skeds...

Gil.

cockpitbob

The radio is perfect in every way....but one.  No volume control.  For some reason this really bugs me.  I just received this in-line control.  It will do the job nicely, but for some reason I hate added cables.  Just my little pet peeve.

gil

QuoteNo volume control.

Never bothered me... I use a Veho 360 USB powered mini speaker which has two volume settings or earphones.. With the earphones, I slide them slightly off my ears to reduce volume.

The MTR is indeed the almost-perfect portable radio. That inline volume pot will serve you well. I might get one myself..

Gil.