Next to antennas, the most popular projects for hams are accessories for the ham shack.  Whether you are a beginner building their first project or an old timer picking up the soldering iron for the first time in many years, one of these projects may be the perfect weekend project.

• Paul Follini VE1CZX describes how to use common wall-toggle switches for RF in the August 1986 QST, pages 25-27.
• A Three-Transistor Receiver QST March, 1968, pp 24-28 by Walter F. Lange, W1YDS.
  The FET as a Regenerative Receiver
• A 12 V dc Boost Regulator for Battery Operation
  QST November, 2004, p.37 by Daniel R. Kemppainen, N8XJK
  A dc-dc boost switching converter is the answer to low voltage battery problems for mobile, portable or emergency-power operation.
• An Automatic Sealed-Lead-Acid Battery Charger 
  QST May 2001, pp. 43-47
  Neat little charger that not only charges your Sealed Lead Acid
  Feedback: QST November 2001, p.62, PC Boards available from FAR Circuits batteries, but can keep them on trickle charge safely.
• The QRSer: A CW Operating Aid 
  QST March 2000, pp. 33-36
  Here’s a neat operating aid for the DXer or contester - a solid state device that will record CW and play it back at a slower speed.
  Feedback:QST April 2000, p. 107
• An Inexpensive Amplified Boom/Headset Mike 
  The ARRL Handbook, 1999, pp. 22.29 -- 22.30
• A PIC16F84-Based CW Decoder 
  QST August 1999, pp. 37-40
  An updated program and related files - (ik3oil2.zip)
  Although designed primarily for learning CW, new and experienced CW ops are sure to like this simple and inexpensive CW decoder.
• Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Hardware for Computer-Controlling Modern Radios 
  QST February 1993, pp.37-41
  Want to interface your ICOM, Kenwood, Ten-Tec or Yaesu transceiver to your computer? Here are the basics -- and easy-to-build interface circuits for each.
• A 12-V Junction Box for Your Shack 
  The ARRL Handbook, 1999, pp. 22.62 -- 22.63
• A 13.8-V, 40-A Switching Power Supply -- Part 1 
  QST December 1998, pp. 37-41
  A really big power supply that can handle all your 12-V needs around the shack.
• A 13.8-V, 40-A Switching Power Supply -- Part 2 
  QST January 1999, pp. 41-44
• A PTT Repeater Box You Can Build
  QST August 1998, pp. 60-62
  A handy switch box to connect your microphone to key several circuits.
• MikeMaster--A Microphone Preamplifier with Noise Gating and Compression 
  QST March 1998, pp. 33-36
  A versatile high-quality, low-cost audio conditioning system!
• A Computer Keyboard CW Encoder 
  QST December 1997, pp. 32-35
  No PC Needed! Simply hook a PC keyboard to this little project and send perfect CW!
  Feedback: QST April 1999, p. 82
• A Simple Microphone/TNC/SSTV Switch
  QST November 1997, pp. 55-57
• CW With Your H-T 
  QST July 1997, pp. 53-54
  Need some on-air code practice? Build this handy device and start your own FM CW "net."
  Note: R8 is a 4.7kOhm potentiometer.
• Quick and Easy CW With Your PC 
  QST January 1995, pp. 60-62
  See, hear and send CW using a simple interface and your PC
  Feedback -- QST June 1995, p. 74 (included in PDF file above)
• Antenna Switchers - Part 1 
  QST June 1990, pp.31-36
  More than one antenna? More than one rig? Reduce the clutter and confusion of antenna switching with hardware you can build.
• Antenna Switchers - Part 2 
  QST July 1990, pp.27-36
  Two three-antenna switchers that allow simultaneous use of two transceivers. Feedback: QST August 2001, p. 76
• The Micro M+ Charge Controller
  QST October 2001, pp. 28-31
  Current capacity of up to 4A and standby current of less than 1mA, make this the ideal solar panel controller for charging gel cells or just about any lead acid battery.
  Feedback: QST December 2001, p. 70 (included in above article)
• Build Your Next Computer--A DIY Guide to Today's PC Technology
  QST January 2002, pp. 53-61
  Assembling your own computer from readily available components is economical and fun. In addition, you will acquire skills to allow you to upgrade in the future rather than buy a whole new computer -- a tremendous cost saving.
• Simple RF-Power Measurement
  QST June 2001, pp. 38-43
  Make power measurements from nanowatts to 100 watts.
  Feedback: QST August 2001, p. 76 
• An Advanced VHF Wattmeter
  QEX May/June 2002, pp. 3-8
  A few modifications greatly increase the utility of the Simple RF-Power Measurement QST August 2001. (QEX projects are not necessarily for the beginner)
• The St Louis Switcher
  QST May 2002, pp. 35-38
  Rework a discarded computer power supply into a bench or rig supply.
• A Homebrew Regenerative Superheterodyne Receiver
  QEX May/June 2002, pp. 26-35
  An “old-tech” receiver for 4-15 MHz
• The HZX Headphone Adapter
  QST September 1998, pp. 67-69
  Adapt Lo-Impedance Walkman style headphones to crystal radio work.
• The Triple-Play Transmit-Receive Switch 
  QST October 2002, pp. 60-62
  A T/R switch that also mutes the receiver and allows for monitoring the CW sidetone—perfect for your vintage station.
• A Homebrew Condenser Microphone by Sam Kennedy KT4QW
  QST December 2003 p. 28-32.  Additional information on the author's web site.

Astatic D-104 modifications:

• Adapting the Astatic D-104 Microphone for Use with Modern Transceivers
  QST August 1999, pp. 34-36
  Build a simple adapter between this classic microphone and newer transceivers.
• More on D-104 Mods from W1AW, Hints & Kinks
  QST March 2001, p. 59
• More On The Astatic D-104, Hints & Kinks
  QST June 2002, pp. 61-62

• NTE Numeric Semiconductor Specification Sheet List
• K8CU Home Made Projects
• "Software for hams, engineers and technicians from Jim Tonne W4ENE"