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Introduction

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.

Additional information on this subject and related topics can be found in back issues of QST and the following:

The ARRL Handbook for Radio Amateurs

Articles

Note: Some of the following articles are in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files. To view and print these files, you'll need a copy of Adobe's Acrobat Reader program. (Version 3.0 or later required). More information here.

PEP Wattmeter--a la Heath (748,133 bytes, PDF file) QST December 1976, pp. 30-31 A modification to the Heath HM-102 Wattmeter to allow for both average and peak power reading. Hints and Kinks: February 1977, p. 43, Added Switch for Convenient Operation of HM-102 Wattmeter Feedback: March 1977, p. 39 Feedback: July 1977, p. 49 Hints and Kinks: July 1977, p. 50-51, More PEP--Less Paint Feedback: August 1977, p. 32, More PEP--Less Paint (July 1977 Hints and Kinks) Feedback: September 1977, p. 51 More PEP--Less Paint (July 1977 Hints and Kinks) Feedback: February 1978, p. 27 PEP Wattmeter--a la Heath (July 1977 Hints and Kinks) Hints and Kinks: May 1978, p. 38 Extra Meters for the HM-102 (Hints and Kinks)




 

• A Three-Transistor Receiver (477,070 bytes, PDF file)
  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 (135,954 bytes, PDF file)
  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 (260,133 bytes, PDF file)
  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 (1,874,819 bytes, PDF file)
  The ARRL Handbook, 1999, pp. 22.29 -- 22.30
• A PIC16F84-Based CW Decoder (500,181 bytes, PDF file)
  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 (1,566,692 bytes, PDF file)
  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 (13,433 bytes, PDF file)
  The ARRL Handbook, 1999, pp. 22.62 -- 22.63
• A 13.8-V, 40-A Switching Power Supply -- Part 1 (196,747 bytes, PDF file)
  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 (286,691 bytes, PDF file)
  QST January 1999, pp. 41-44
• A PTT Repeater Box You Can Build (98,385 bytes, PDF file)
  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 (112,645 bytes, PDF file)
  QST March 1998, pp. 33-36
  A versatile high-quality, low-cost audio conditioning system!
• A Computer Keyboard CW Encoder (165,269 bytes, PDF file)
  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 (115,955 bytes, PDF file)
  QST November 1997, pp. 55-57
• CW With Your H-T (114,586 bytes, PDF file)
  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 (142,126 byte, PDF file)
  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 (1,267,261 bytes, PDF file)
  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 (1,524,910 bytes, PDF file)
  QST July 1990, pp.27-36
  Two three-antenna switchers that allow simultaneous use of two transceivers. Feedback: QST August 2001, p. 76 (36,344 bytes, PDF file)
• The Micro M+ Charge Controller (288,870 bytes, PDF file)
  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 (741,355 bytes, PDF file)
  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 (201,149 bytes, PDF file)
  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 (157,729 bytes, PDF file)
  QST May 2002, pp. 35-38
  Rework a discarded computer power supply into a bench or rig supply.
• A Homebrew Regenerative Superheterodyne Receiver ( 469,407 bytes, PDF file)
  QEX May/June 2002, pp. 26-35
  An “old-tech” receiver rot 4-15 MHz
• The HZX Headphone Adapter (36,629 bytes, PDF file)
  QST September 1998, pp. 67-69
  Adapt Lo-Impedance Walkman style headphones to crystal radio work.
• The Triple-Play Transmit-Receive Switch (501,832 bytes, PDF file)
  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.

• Adapting the Astatic D-104 Microphone for Use with Modern Transceivers (228,709 bytes, PDF file)
  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

• A New Life for Your FT-101 (Hints and Kinks) (151,851 bytes, PDF File)
  QST May 1999, pp. 68-69
• Modifications to Yaesu FT-101 (Hints and Kinks) (99,410 bytes, PDF file)
  QST September 1999, p. 79
  Replacing the expensive, hard to find 6JS6 finals in your FT-101 with the common 6146.
• FT‑101 Power Amplifier Valves
  from Ham Radio Today (RSGB) April 1998
  Beware of changing the 6JS6C power amplifier valves in the venerable old FT-101 (this applies to direct replacement without circuit modification)

Note:

Contact information for suppliers mentioned in the above articles should first be confirmed using TIS Address Database Search.

Web Links:

• Sam Ulbing, N4UAU, has lots of ham radio projects. Several of them would make good introductory projects for those who want to learn about surface mount technology.
• NTE Numeric Semiconductor Specification Sheet List
• K8CU Home Made Projects
• Stay Tuned
  Crystal radio and Tube Web site
• Real Good Software from Jim Tonne WB6BLD
  A technically-oriented site for the radio amateur, engineer or technician

Article Reprints:

You can get a photocopy of any ARRL published article for $3 ($5 for nonmembers) for each article requested. Contact the ARRL Technical Department (reprints@arrl.org ), 1-860-594-0390) if you wish to get photocopies.

This information was prepared as a membership service by the American Radio Relay League, Inc., Technical Information Service, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111 (860) 594-0214. Email: tis@arrl.org (Internet). ARRL HQ is glad to provide this information on the Web free of charge as a service to League members and affiliated clubs.

If you have any questions concerning the reproduction or distribution of this material, please contact:

TIS Coordinator
American Radio Relay League
225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111
Tel: 860-594-0214 Fax: 860-594-0259
(email: tis@arrl.org)