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<title>KB9JJA RSS Feed</title><link>http://www.wentztech.com/radio/index.html</link><description>Projects</description><dc:language>en</dc:language><dc:creator>mycall @ arrl.net</dc:creator><dc:rights>Copyright 2007 Dale Wentz</dc:rights><dc:date>2009-02-15T09:58:00-06:00</dc:date><admin:generatorAgent rdf:resource="http://www.realmacsoftware.com/" />
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<lastBuildDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:11:24 -0600</lastBuildDate><item><title>Circuiters</title><dc:creator>mycall @ arrl.net</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2009-02-15T09:58:00-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/Circuiters.html#unique-entry-id-25</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/Circuiters.html#unique-entry-id-25</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[More to come!
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>RF Probe</title><dc:creator>mycall @ arrl.net</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2009-02-15T08:46:43-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/RF_Probe.html#unique-entry-id-24</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/RF_Probe.html#unique-entry-id-24</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Links to other sites that have info on RF probes


Rf Probe | brainwagon


Diodes for RF Probes


N5ESE's Classic RF Probe


NorCal QRP Club - How KI6DS Built the N5ESE RF Probe


Designing an RF Probe to Your Multimeter | QRPedia


KA8MAV RF Probe


NORTEX ACCUPROBE KIT
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Jetstream JTPS14M Switching Power Supply Mods</title><dc:creator>mycall @ arrl.net</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2009-02-12T08:18:41-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/JTPS14M.html#unique-entry-id-23</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/JTPS14M.html#unique-entry-id-23</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[After making changes on my 35 Amp supply I thought I would do the same to my little 14 amp supply.


The modifications are similar to those I did on the 35 amp supply.


Add a resistor to the fan circuitry to keep the fan on at all times at a low speed.


This little power supply&rsquo;s fan is noisy, and comes on all the time. 

...Add Anderson Power Poles to the back and front of the power supply.


...The fan still can come up to full speed if the power supply gets to warm.


The switch on the back that allows the fan to be on full all the time also works as before.


...There just is not enough room to get one of the chassis mount holders in here.


There was also no room on the front to put any in without removing the voltage adjustment potentiometer.


I removed the 110/220 voltage selection switch on the back, and hardwired the power supply for use with 110 volts.


...I cut a small bracket out of brass to hold the single connector, and used the existing holes that held in the power selection switch to mount it. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Jetstream JTPS35BCM Switching Power Supply Mods</title><dc:creator>mycall @ arrl.net</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2009-02-06T08:07:39-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/JTPS35BCM.html#unique-entry-id-22</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/JTPS35BCM.html#unique-entry-id-22</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[ When I saw that Jetstream had a new power supply with a battery charger, and auto switch over circuitry I thought this would be a good upgrade to my Astron 35M in a lighter package. ...  It has served me well in the shack, Running 24 hours at Field Day, and powered my TS-2000 at Ellis Elementary School for an International Space Station contact that our Radio Club set up.


...The other thing that I did not like about the power supply was that all the power connections are on the front of the supply with the exception of the connection for the battery which is on the back. 

...Most of our Radio Club has standardized on them as well, which makes it nice when we do something like Field Day. ...  I wanted to add Power Poles directly to the back of the power supply, and while I was at it I replaced the little speaker terminals on the front of the unit with some also. 

...Once you have the front panel removed this is the circuit board that the Binding Posts and Speaker Wire Type Connection is soldered to.


You need to remove the board to make room for our Power Poles, and we will have to cut part of the board off.


...The hole is a little smaller than the Chassis mount we are using and you will have to make it larger to get it to fit.


...The 3 pair mount is a very good fit for this project, but I think you could get the 4 pair Chassis mount to fit with a little more cutting.


...As I will most likely never use the power supply on 220 volts, I decided to remove the switch, and add my Power Poles there.


...The nice thing about this tool is that it pulls the metal cutting out so you do not get pieces of metal inside the case while you are cutting.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Crystal Tester</title><dc:creator>mycall @ arrl.net</dc:creator><dc:subject>Projects</dc:subject><dc:date>2006-01-22T10:48:01-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/XtalTest.html#unique-entry-id-21</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/XtalTest.html#unique-entry-id-21</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I needed to test some crystals for a project I was working on.   I found lots of testers on the internet, but they all where lacking in one thing or another.   I decided to take one of them and add the features that I wanted to it.   This is the result.   I also designed a small circuit board for it.


The circuit provides visual indication of oscillation.   A meter output as well as an output for a frequency counter, or an oscilloscope.


C+,C- Counter/Scope Connection


M+,M- Meter Connection


SA,SB On-Off Switch


Eagle Project File - Schematic and Board
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Sound Card Interface for the TS-2000</title><dc:creator>mycall @ arrl.net</dc:creator><dc:subject>Projects</dc:subject><dc:date>2006-04-22T10:43:09-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/SCI.html#unique-entry-id-20</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/SCI.html#unique-entry-id-20</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Housed in an old printer A/B switch Box


This little interface box has a cable that plugs directly into my TS-2000 11 pin DIN plug.   It is completely electrically isolated from the computer.   Besides the sound card interface it also has a CW zero beat indicator, and a switch that lets me switch between the audio out from the rig to the 12 Khz IF that I added to pin 6 of the ACC2 connector on the back of the TS-2000


The pots allow me to adjust the audio level to and from the rig.


This box allows me to use most of the digital modes on my TS-2000
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Rock Mite CW Tranceiver</title><dc:creator>mycall @ arrl.net</dc:creator><dc:subject>Projects</dc:subject><dc:date>2006-01-22T10:40:10-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/RockMite.html#unique-entry-id-19</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/RockMite.html#unique-entry-id-19</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[This is a very nice 40 Meter kit.   It does have 1 surface mount chip, but other than that it is a good rig to learn kit building with. 


This is built stock I used an SMA connecter for the antenna, and 2.1mm power connector.   Fits very well into the Altoids tin.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Keyers and keys</title><dc:creator>mycall @ arrl.net</dc:creator><dc:subject>Projects</dc:subject><dc:date>2006-01-22T10:34:09-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/Keyers.html#unique-entry-id-18</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/Keyers.html#unique-entry-id-18</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Pic based Keyer


This is one of my fist PIC experiments.   It is a little keyer based on the code of the K1EL K8 keyer.


The code can be found here at the K1EL site.


Housed in a small mint tin found at the $1.00 Store
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Radio Interface Box</title><dc:creator>mycall @ arrl.net</dc:creator><dc:subject>Projects</dc:subject><dc:date>2006-07-22T10:11:37-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/RIB.html#unique-entry-id-17</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/RIB.html#unique-entry-id-17</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I needed a RIB to program some Motorola Maxtracs for a club project. ...  Instead of building a box for each radio I decided what I needed was a universal box. ...  I found a web site with a wonderful programer that did most of what I wanted here.   (Local Copy) I also found some info on the Motorola RIB box on the Bat Labs Web site. 

...I need to consolidate all my notes and schematics, and will document them here at a later date.


...Some of the things I wanted to include in my RIB


Use a DB-25 connector just like that Motorola Rib.   This will allow the use of the Motorola cables with my box.


The DB-25's large hood also allows room in the cable for components that are specific to a particular radio.


Use an small external power supply to provide +12 and +5 and -5 volts


Currently I have it set up to program the following radios in the shack.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Anderson Power Poles</title><dc:creator>mycall @ arrl.net</dc:creator><dc:subject>Projects</dc:subject><dc:date>2007-02-23T09:34:33-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/Power%20Poles.html#unique-entry-id-16</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/Power%20Poles.html#unique-entry-id-16</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I have switched all 12 volt items over to Anderson Power poles if they draw more than 2 amps.   Here are some of my power distribution projects using Anderson Power Poles.


The connectors are soldered to a circuit board that in in the bottom of the box. 

...This lives on my work bench and is fed with a 60 amp power supply. ...  I used a dremel to remove the material on the one with the power poles.   The Fuse holders have dovetails on them and fit together rather nicely. 


Radio shack cleared these out a while back for like $20.00 I added the binding posts and the power pole.


The power pole is wired to use the breaker in the back of the unit.


This thing gets so much use I do not know how I got along with out it.   I purchased a 2nd one to leave in our camper.


...	Most ARES and RACES groups have standardized on the use of the Anderson Power Poles. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>AF - RF SIGNAL INJECTOR</title><dc:creator>mycall @ arrl.net</dc:creator><dc:subject>Projects</dc:subject><dc:date>2007-01-20T12:00:00-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/Signal%20Injector.html#unique-entry-id-15</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/Signal%20Injector.html#unique-entry-id-15</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[This is from the 2005 ARRL handbook, It also has been in most of the earlier handbooks.   It is used to inject a signal in this case a 10Khz square wave that is dirty and rich in harmonics into a circuit.   The theory being that it signal will pass through passive components that DC will not, like capacitors and coils.   It is also very handy to trouble shoot audio sections in radios.   The injected signal can be heard in the speaker, just keep backing up from the speaker until you do not hear the signal any more. 


My old signal injector was an old beast, and started to act up.   Instead of repair it I decided to build a new one that would fit in a Altoids size box.   It is built using Manhattan style construction.   A standard RCA plug allows use of one of my standard bench probes, or a cable.   I did not add a switch to the circuit, as I just instal the 9 volt battery when I use it and close the lid. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>AF Bech Amp</title><dc:creator>mycall @ arrl.net</dc:creator><dc:subject>Projects</dc:subject><dc:date>2007-01-21T12:00:00-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/AF%20Amp.html#unique-entry-id-14</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/AF%20Amp.html#unique-entry-id-14</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I have been wanting to build one of these for a while.   I already had two audio amps on the work bench, but I wanted something that was self contained, and did not have to have wires running all over.   This little amp is based on the LM386, has a small speaker built into the box, and an RCA plug on the end.   A probe type attachment can be added and it makes a great tool for troubleshooting audio sections in radios.   The little speaker built in the box is not the best sounding, but it lets you hear the signal, which was the goal with this little amp.   I also included a 3.5mm jack on the side just in case I wanted to use a better quality speaker.


Schematic of my bench amp.   Nothing secret here!
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Dummy Loads and Attenuators</title><dc:creator>mycall @ arrl.net</dc:creator><dc:subject>Projects</dc:subject><dc:date>2006-06-06T12:01:43-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/Attenuator.html#unique-entry-id-13</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/Attenuator.html#unique-entry-id-13</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[This is a collection of home built Dummy Loads and Attenuators.


40 db Pick off attenuator primarily made for use with the M3 Power meter


I did not have too much luck using a BNC T connector as described on the M3 web site.   It worked good below about 150 Mhz, but I never received good results with higher frequencies. 

...This is a neat little kit offered by NorCal for only $7.50.   I did not need another dummy load, but it was too cute to pass up.   I have been using SMA connectors on some of my small QRp rigs so built this one with a SMA connector which allowed it to fit in a small Altoids mint tin.


...The picture showed a very beat up attenuator, as can be seen in the photo. ...  It was kind of ironic in that the item was packed better than most things I receive. ...  I was going to put them in a new case, but decided that maybe I could restore the case that they where in.   After a bunch of hammering, filing, and a little bit of spot putty you can see the results below. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Quick and dirty way to ID unmarked network cables</title><dc:creator>mycall @ arrl.net</dc:creator><dc:subject>Projects</dc:subject><dc:date>2007-01-19T09:23:34-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/RJ45.html#unique-entry-id-12</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/RJ45.html#unique-entry-id-12</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Have you ever had a few network cable runs that where not marked and had to figure out which cable was which?


... All you need is 5 RJ-45 connectors and a short piece of cable, and an ohm meter! 


Here is the wiring diagram for a standard Ethernet cable, It is a good reference to have around.


We are going to make 4 test plugs each with a colored jumper to short out the appropriate pairs.


...For the pig tail you are just need to instal a single RJ-45 on one end and strip the insulation off the wires. 

...On the other end plug your pigtail into the jack, and use an ohm meter to find the short on the correct pair.   If the meter shows a short on the Green - Green/White pair you know that is the cable where the green test jack is installed.


... This one takes 2 people, but works well if the cables in question are plugged into a hub, router or switch.


...Plugging it into a hub or switch will cause the link indicator to come on.   If you are trying to ID 1 cable you can have some one plug and unplug the jack about about 3 second intervals, and you will see the link indicator flash on your hub or switch.   I have seen commercial units that have a small battery in them that will flash the light for you. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>2006 ARRL Frequency Measurement Test</title><dc:creator>mycall @ arrl.net</dc:creator><dc:subject>Projects</dc:subject><dc:date>2006-11-16T13:14:20-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/8f4292fd4ac11b0f019e21538946fd32-11.html#unique-entry-id-11</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/8f4292fd4ac11b0f019e21538946fd32-11.html#unique-entry-id-11</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I took a stab at the 2006 ARRL Frequency Measurement Test for the fist time this year.


...I measured my offset using the Canadian CHU Standards on 3.330&nbsp;Mhz and 7.335&nbsp;Mhz


...I used 2 separate software packages 1 running on a Windows XP laptop, DigiPan,  one under Linux Baudline.


...The measurements where made by setting the rig in USB mode and tuning down 1000Hz from the expected signal. ...  Simply adding the displayed frequency in DigiPan with the VFO frequency would give me the exact frequency of the carrier signal. 

...When I did my practice runs the evening before the actual test my TS-2000 was off more then 400 Hz in frequency. ...  I managed to get the rig aligned with in 10 Hz of the standards before the test. ...  I took the measurements with the covers off the radio, and after the fact I realized that temperature stability of the local oscillator was probably compromised.


Once I found the signal on the TS-2000 I tuned down in frequency and then I used DigiPan to measure the frequency of the carrier in HZ. ...  It was a simple matter of applying my offset numbers from the measurement of CHU to the numbers of the actual measurement. 


...Not to bad for a first try I was .8 Hz low on 80 meters and 1.2 Hz high on 40 meters.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Milli Ohm/Micro Ohm Short Finder</title><dc:creator>mycall @ arrl.net</dc:creator><dc:subject>Projects</dc:subject><dc:date>2007-01-19T09:23:47-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/Johnny%205.html#unique-entry-id-10</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/Johnny%205.html#unique-entry-id-10</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[A few years ago I ran across this application note AN106  on the Maxim Semiconductor site. http://pdfserv.maxim-ic.com/en/an/AN106.pdf Local Copy. 


...To test it I took 2 pieces of solder about 3 feet long and used thumb tacks to hold them about 1/16 of and inch apart on the work bench.   I could short them out by just placing a small piece of metal across the two pieces of solder. ...  By putting the current source on the end, and taking my measurement from the far end I easily determined which end the short was on.   Took the bad end off and sure enough there was a small piece of braid that was touching the center conductor. 


I did not have a 1% .1 Ohm resistor for R4, so my 1 Amp range is only at about 900mA, Next part order I will order a 1%.   This does not effect its use as a short finder, but I might as well set it up accurately.


...I did not have a 2.4M resistor (R1) and substituted a 2 resistors in parallel to get my 2.4M


R2 was replaced with a 10 turn 50K trip pot that I had on hand in series with a 68K resistor. 

...I also found this article Resistive Dummy Load Draws Constant Current From 1.2 To 50 V  Also from maxim that uses much of the same circuit.   This looks very interesting also, and a DC load is on my list of equipment to build.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>NJQRP Clubs Antenna Analyzer Project Micro908</title><dc:creator>mycall @ arrl.net</dc:creator><dc:subject>Projects</dc:subject><dc:date>2006-12-10T16:50:39-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/Micro908.html#unique-entry-id-9</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/Micro908.html#unique-entry-id-9</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The American QRP Club offered a third kit build of their Micro908 antenna analyzer kit.   I ordered one with the DSP audio option.   This is an advanced kit, as it has lots of surface mount parts.   I built most of the kit as per the plans.   I had some problems with my initial testing, but it turned out that my unit had came pre loaded with an old software version.   Once I loaded the new software things worked great.   I also had a problem with the DSP option in that I could not load any software to the DSP.   There where actually some of the surface mount components that where pre-instaled on the board.   There was a bad solder connection on the IC that was pre installed.   Once I found the problem it worked fine. 


Local Copies Of Documentation
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>AADE L/C Meter IIB</title><dc:creator>mycall @ arrl.net</dc:creator><dc:subject>Projects</dc:subject><dc:date>2006-01-01T12:00:00-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/AADE%20LC%20Meter.html#unique-entry-id-8</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/AADE%20LC%20Meter.html#unique-entry-id-8</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The AADE L/C Meter IIB is one handy device to have around the shack.   I find that I use it very often.


How I ever got along with out it is beyond me. 


I added an adapter to allow me to measure capacitors and coils with out having to touch the binding posts.   I can plug them into the little DIP header socket I added, or most of the time I just touch the leads to the bare circuit board.


AADE L/C Meter IIB


Local Copy of the Manual / Info / New Manual 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>M3 Semiconductor Analyzer Kit</title><dc:creator>mycall @ arrl.net</dc:creator><dc:subject>Projects</dc:subject><dc:date>2006-01-02T12:00:00-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/M3Semi.html#unique-entry-id-7</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/M3Semi.html#unique-entry-id-7</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I built this in early 2006.   I ordered mine with out a case.   I added some transistor sockets to a case I had on hand.   This is a very handy instrument, and I use it often.   Well worth the price, and an easy kit to build.   M3 has released a few software upgrades to it.   Just pop out the old PIC processor, and drop in the new one. 


I added 2 transistor sockets to mine.   It makes testing the smaller transistors much easier.


M3 Semiconductor Analyzer Kit
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Small Wonder Labs SW 40</title><dc:creator>mycall @ arrl.net</dc:creator><dc:subject>Projects</dc:subject><dc:date>2006-01-03T00:00:00-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/SW40.html#unique-entry-id-6</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/SW40.html#unique-entry-id-6</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Small Wonder Labs SW 40


I built the SW 40+ to have something to play with and mod a bit.   There is also the nice Elmer 101 series of lessons  available.   I have been away from radio for a while, and this looked like a nice kit to get me feet wet again. 


I housed it in a slightly over sized case, Actually the case is an old AB printer switch box.   This leaves more room for me to add a keyer, and other mods to it, as I have time and ideas.


The radio is a joy to use. 

...I like to have variable audio on my qrp rigs.   I added it to the stock SW 40 by adding a 1K pot to the audio output.   This makes the rig much more enjoyable when working strong signals.


...SW 40+ Elmer 101 Information
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>NJQRP Sniffer</title><dc:creator>mycall @ arrl.net</dc:creator><dc:subject>Projects</dc:subject><dc:date>2006-01-04T12:00:00-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/Sniffer.html#unique-entry-id-5</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/Sniffer.html#unique-entry-id-5</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[KB9JJA's version of the NJQRP Sniffer


...Here is a link to NJQRP's version of the sniffer.


...I also wanted the ability to disable the tuned front end on the unit.   I added a switch to disconect the tuned circuit to the left of the antenna.   This allows the sniffer to be very broad banded.   I have found that in use, I will start off with the tuned circuit switched out, adjust the meter, then switch the tuned circuit back in, and make final adjustments.   The meter also works fine for VHF and UHF with the tuned front end switched out.


...This turned out to be a nice little project.   It is sensitive enough to deflect the meter with less than a watt of power going to my outside antenna.   I leave it on at the station when I am operating, as it makes a good indicator of RF getting out to the antenna.


The meter face and case where designed with Corel Draw, and Printed on Inkjet receptive vinyl.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Lithium Polymer Cell Balancer</title><dc:creator>mycall @ arrl.net</dc:creator><category>Personal</category><dc:date>2005-01-01T17:00:00-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/LitoBalancer.html#unique-entry-id-4</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/LitoBalancer.html#unique-entry-id-4</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The goal with this simple inexpensive little device is to make it easy to check the balance of the cells in 2S and 3S packs. 

...This also makes ordering packs simple, as I can order them with the Deans Ultra's and only have to add the JST connectors. 

...I used a 4P3T (4 pole 3 throw) switch I had on hand. allelectronics.com has a switch listed that should work well for this project, and does not need a circuit board. 

...In most cases the high cell will be more than the 4.2 volts if you charged the pack to its full capacity and have a pack that is out of balance. ...  If one cell is exceptionally low, it will allow one of the other cells to be charged to a higher than recommended voltage to make up for the voltage in the lower cell.


...This should charge the packs to 4.1 volt per cell (.1 volt under the max) This will undercharge a 3S pack by .3 volts . ...  If I find a cell that is higher than 4.2 volts by a bit, I slowly discharge the pack until that cell is under the 4.2 volts max. 

...The other nice thing here is that you do not have to plug and unplug you pack while testing each cell, all you have to do is move the switch!


...After building and using the adapter I wanted the ability to monitor the voltage of each cell while charging the batteries normally in series.   This way I could stop the charge when 1 cell reached 4.2 volts, as well as check for gross imbalances in the cells during charge. 

...If you are not familiar with the use and abuse of Lithium Polymer cells, and the in and outs to building and balancing packs, you should not attempt to build this! ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Lithium Ion / Polymer Battery Chargers</title><dc:creator>mycall @ arrl.net</dc:creator><dc:subject>Projects</dc:subject><dc:date>2005-01-01T12:00:00-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/LithoCharger.html#unique-entry-id-3</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/LithoCharger.html#unique-entry-id-3</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[	&bull;	SHDesigns Litium Ion chargers found here on the web http://www.shdesigns.org/lionchg.html


	&bull;	I had hand wired 2 of these and was very happy with the way they worked, so desided to design a few circuit boards for them!


	&bull;	Warning, LIPO's can be very dangerous to charge.   If you do not know what you are doing not play with Lipo's


This is the version 2 charger board


This is the version 3 charger board


These where the first 2 layer circuit boards that I have designed.   I am very happy with the results of the version 3 board.   These where done more as a experiment is using the CadSoft Eagle circuit board layout software than anything else!


...These are free to use for personal use only. 


Eagle project file for version 2
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Icom PCR-1000 10.7 Mhz IF Tap</title><dc:creator>mycall @ arrl.net</dc:creator><dc:subject>Projects</dc:subject><dc:date>2007-01-01T13:26:43-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/PCR1000%20IF%20Tap.html#unique-entry-id-2</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/PCR1000%20IF%20Tap.html#unique-entry-id-2</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Grid Dip Meter</title><dc:creator>mycall @ arrl.net</dc:creator><dc:subject>Projects</dc:subject><dc:date>2007-01-08T10:29:27-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/GDO.html#unique-entry-id-1</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/GDO.html#unique-entry-id-1</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I tried to use my Antenna Analyzer as a grid dip meter, but it did not work as I had expected.   I did a google search and came up with this wonderful page that has lots of info on the GDO. ...  One of the things I did not want to do is to have to calibrate all the dials for each coil. 

...I did not have a metal case so used circuit board material to create shielding around the capacitor and the circuit board. 

...I also built an adapter that takes the 5 pin DIN and has an RCA connector on the other end. 

...Looking at the capacitor specifications in the hand book article I put the two capacitors Cx and Cx in the grid dip meter, and by shorting pins x,x and x,x on the DIN connector the internal capacitors can be selected.   The 80 meter coil needed different capacitor values so those are installed in the coil form, and Pins X,X and X,X are not shorted.


...I measured some coil values from the junk box and determined the needed capacitor to get them to resonate at a know frequency. 

...I have used this meter for a few projects and it has worked as expected.    When the weather gets a little better I need to take down my Cushcraft R7 and trouble shoot some of the traps on it. 


If you do not own a GDO this makes a great weekend project, and is a valuable piece of equipment to have on hand.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>M3 Universal Freqency Counter / Power Meter</title><dc:creator>mycall @ arrl.net</dc:creator><category>Personal</category><dc:date>2006-06-06T00:02:00-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/FPM1.html#unique-entry-id-0</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.wentztech.com/radio/Projects/Projects_files/FPM1.html#unique-entry-id-0</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Within an hour I received an e-mail from Mike at M3 stating that my order was received and it would ship out later that afternoon. 

...[Brown-Black-Black-Red] is also listed as the Color code for a 100K 1% resistor in step 5. ...  I fired of an e-mail to M3 and they confirmed that R12 should be a 10K 1% resistor. 

...I bent the center pin to make it fit on the board, but the screw hole on the keypad board did not line up with the pot. ...  If you install it incorrectly like I did the leads will be too short to move the the pot later, and you will have to file out the hole in the switch board like I did.


... I would recommend that you skip the shielding in steps 12-13 for now, and jump to the Let&rsquo;s Make It Work Section. 

...You will have to do the calibration steps again after all the shielding is in place.


...After looking at the problem a bit more, I decided that the whole circuit board assembley needed to be move left about 1/32 of and inch.


...There is plenty of clearance in the holes for adjustment, but the taper part of the screw do not allow for any adjustment.   By replacing these with standard flat screw you will be able to move the complete circuit board assembly around to allow the buttons to be centered in their holes.


...There are a few errors in the silkscreen on the board, and some changes on the schematic, but they are all documented in the errata sheeet. ]]></content:encoded></item></channel>
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