Radio Scouting: Earning the Radio Merit Badge at Summer Camp

The Radio Merit Badge was earned by 5,205 Scouts in the US in 2018 representing a 10.9% drop from the year prior.  We hams need to make sure we step up our support of scouting and act as counselors for the radio merit badge.  The Radio Merit Badge requirements are demanding and require both classroom learning as well as applied learning in front of a radio.  The radio merit badge looks great on a scout uniform sash with its wonderfully designed Morse code message and lighting bolts.

Scouts BSA Radio Merit Badge

I had the privilege to teach the radio merit badge with my daughter's Scouts BSA troop while at summer camp in the Sierras in Northern California in 2020.  We had a small group of scouts and parents which provided the scouts with more radio operating time and more time for discussion and questions about radio.  This made the merit badge class sessions more fun and engaging.

The scouts had a blast learning hands-on on how to setup the entire wilderness radio station including:

1. Generator
2. Power supply
3. Kenwood TS-480SAT (HF+6m transceiver)
4. Yeasu FT-8800 (2m / 70 cm FM transceiver)
5. Kenwood TH-F6A (triband FM HT)
6. External speaker
7. 40 Meters home brew wire dipole
8. 20 Meters rotatable dipole
9. VHF/UHF antenna

Emergency communication rotatable dipole and VHF/UHF antenna packed up in its storage bag

The scouts made numerous contacts on 40 Meters, 20 Meters, 2 Meters, and 70 Centimeters.  We also tuned up and down on the shortwave broadcast bands and listened in on various programs from around the world.  This was an eye opening experience for the scouts who had never heard shortwave broadcasting nor made amateur radio contacts before.

Kenwood TS-480SAT Transceiver

The rotatable dipole worked like a champ having been serviced in the work prior to camp.  While on the workshop bench before camp, it was discovered that one of the elements had developed a break due to corrosion.  The repair was straightforward requiring a quick cleaning of the corrosion, resoldering, and shrink-wrapping.  The rotatable dipole helped demonstrate the directional nature of dipole antennas to the scouts.

Emergency communications rotatable dipole with VHF/UHF Antenna on top setup at summer camp 

One of our scouts, Sadie, earned her FCC Amateur Radio Technician license (KN6JYE) just prior to arriving in camp.  She had a blast using her license for the first time on VHF/UHF simplex calls, calls over area repeaters, and checking into various area nets including a fun 2m simplex net.  By the way, Sadie and her troop are running a popcorn fundraiser to help keep their scout program going.  Please stop by Sadie's Trails End popcorn storefront to make a purchase and support scouting and her troop.

Sadie, KN6JYE making contacts at elevation 3187m on top of Mount Lassen, California

The scouts were amazed and excited to experience the thrill of DX communication for the first time.  We made contacts on 40 Meters to other states and countries including Hawaii and New Zealand.  DX is alive and well even at the bottom of the solar sunspot cycle.

Amateur Radio Operator scout uniform strip

A big THANK YOU to the patient hams who talked with the scouts and helped them log their very first amateur radio contacts.  These hams helped the scouts to successfully earn their radio merit badges and we couldn't have done it without them.  It is the hands-on learning and radio operations that is the most inspiring and engaging aspect of the radio merit badge.  Several of the scouts expressed their enthusiastic interest in earning their own amateur radio licenses.  Please support scouting, radio merit badge activities, the annual Scout Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) special event, and youth learning the ropes on the air.  The next generation needs our support and encouragement just as much as we all did when we were their age.  Remember, it is youth who are the future of the amateur radio.

Good DX and 73,

NJ2X

Project: Pico Paso Kit - Light Controlled Analog Noise Machine

We attended the 2015 Bay Area Maker Faire in San Mateo, California back in June 2015.  It was a day filled with amazement and wonderful creativity.  It was one big show and tell event.

As you would expect, there were plenty of great kits for sale and we picked up a few including the Pico Paso by Bleep Labs.  The Pico Paso kit is a light controlled analog noise machine and is based on the Atari Punk Synth concept.  It is powered by a 9V battery.

NJ2X's Pico Paso kit opened and ready to be built

Kit assembly was straightforward with only a small number of components in the circuitry.  The Pico Paso kit is suitable for beginner builders.  The only trouble we had during soldering was when we inadvertently installed the audio jack on the wrong side of the board.  A quick desoldering followed by a reinstallation of the jack on the proper side of the board resolved the issue.  It does indeed help to follow the kit instructions as this was plainly explained.

NJ2X's finished build of the Pico Paso kit

This is a fun little kit to build and play with after construction.  We fed the 1/4" mono audio out from the Pico Paso to our vintage Fender Champ amp using a standard guitar cable and it sounded amazing.  The kit is not designed to work with headphones.

By manipulating the knobs, buttons, and photocells, all manner of interesting sounds could be created from tweeting bleeps to house rumbling oscillations.  We highly recommend this kit for anyone interested in kit building and having fun with knob-twisted synthesized sonic mayhem.

Happy Holidays!

Good DX and 73, NJ2X


© Michael W. Maher and NJ2X.COM, 2015.

Hiram Percy Maxim Award Recipient Anna Veal, W0ANT

Sunday's are a perfect day for reflection and inspiration.  We were inspired today by Anna Veal, W0ANT, who is the 2015 Hiram Percy Maxim Award Recipient.  This article also appears in the October 2015 edition of QST on page 82.  If you haven't read the article then do yourself a favor and read it now.

Hiram Percy Maxim, c. 1914

Good DX and 73, NJ2X

Goodbye Radio Shack

If you haven't heard already, the US retailer Radio Shack has entered into bankruptcy.  It is sad to see a  94-year-old electronics company fail and for hams, it is especially sad to see a company falter that played a significant role in amateur radio.  It has been a steady decline so the bankruptcy is no surprise.  It appeared inevitable long ago.

Radio Shack started in Boston in the 1920's and grew into a nationwide icon with 4,300 stores.  For radio amateurs, Radio Shack was a familiar source of electronic components, housings, kits, electronics tools, antennas, coaxial cable, connectors, scanners, and HF receivers and transceivers.  For many, Radio Shack was their only local source for electronic components.

The Internet changed everything and being a local source of electronic components seems to have lost its relevancy along the way.  Creative destruction is the phrase often used to describe the effects of the invisible hand at work in the free market.  Business failure isn't pretty to watch and it can be very difficult to experience if you are personally affected; however, poorly run businesses deserve to be replaced by well run businesses offering products and services that people want to pay for.

Goodbye Radio Shack

Radio Shack stores around the nation are being liquidated.  If you haven't done so already, take a trip to your local Radio Shack and scoop up some excellent deals on all things useful around the shack.  We visited our local store recently and walked out with a grocery bag of components, connectors, and even a solderless breadboard all for 90% off list price and totaling only $15.

1980 Radio Shack Catalog showing the DX-300 HF Receiver

As we were packing up, the clerk proudly showed off a printed receipt from customer's purchase earlier that day that was about 8 feet in length.  The clerk said the customer had raided the Radio Shack discrete component bins (resistors, capacitors, 555 timers, transistors, etc.).  We made a point of thumbing through those bins whenever stopping by a Radio Shack store and more often than not walked out with a few interesting goodies.  We hams will miss that experience; though, for some it has already been replaced by a trip to a local electronics parts retailer such as Fry's.  Goodbye Radio Shack thanks for the memories and thank you for supporting amateur radio.

Good DX and 73, NJ2X

ARRL Kids Day - January 4, 2015

It is time for the semi-annual ARRL Kids Day event (January 4, 2015).  Kids Day is designed to promote Amateur Radio to our youth and presents a wonderful opportunity for hams to share the magic of radio with their kids or grandchildren, a Scout troop, or a church youth group.

Amateur radio is fun for kids

Kids Day gives youth an on-the-air experience and may even foster on-going interest and becoming licensed. It also gives adult hams a chance to share their station and love for Amateur Radio with their children.

We radio amateurs to listen for those Kids Day participants and answer their calls and be extra patient and encouraging.

Good DX and 73, NJ2X

Solder Smoke Night March 2013

This past week NJ2X and KC2VSR attended the "Solder Smoke Night" held by our local club Skyview Amateur Radio Society.  What can be more fun than building a kit?  Building a kit with room full of friends - that is what.

NJ2X's build of a dual voltage linear power supply



KC2VSR built this neat Velleman Water Alarm

KC2VSR's build of the Velleman Water Alarm kit

KC2VSR discovered the kit was a little more involved than expected since a hacksaw was required to cut the circuit board into two parts.  One part for the detector circuit and the other for use as the remote sensor.  Fortunately, the club's workshop was well equipped with both a hacksaw and vice to hold the board secure.  With a little help from a fellow ham a perfect cut was quickly made.

While experimenting with the completed circuit, KC2VSR found that his water alarm kit could be triggered by simply placing a finger across the sensor plates (without water).  With just a touch, he then demonstrated that it doubled nicely as a Morse code practice oscillator.  Fun!


Good DX and 73, NJ2X



© Michael W. Maher and NJ2X.COM, 2013. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Michael W. Maher and NJ2X.COM with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Project: Wheel Of Fortune Kit (Velleman)

We are big fans of the Velleman mini kits.  They are low-cost, fun to build, and fun to play with.  At the same time they help kids learn valuable lessons for themselves:

• Soldering technique
• Discrete electronic component identification
• Learning how to properly orient parts on a circuit board
• Problem solving (when things go wrong)

This month, KC2VSR built the Velleman, "Wheel Of Fortune" kit.  Once built, this circuit simulates a spinning wheel.  A button is pushed to "start the wheel" causing an LED to light up randomly momentarily.  The lit LED then appears to move around and around as each LED lights momentarily in succession.  The spinning effect starts off fast and then slows with time much like a real wheel until stopping on one of the LED's.

Velleman Wheel Of Fortune Kit Package

As with our other favorite kits, there is something special about LED's - adds a real "fun factor".  The kit components are all through-the-hole type (i.e. no surface mount components).  This is really an important factor when selecting a kit for beginners.  Through-the-hole components are largers and easier to handle and more forgiving when soldering than the surface-mount type.  Stick to kits with through-the-hole for beginners.

Velleman Wheel Of Fortune Kit Parts

KC2VSR won this really great "third hand" at the Skyview Radio Society annual banquet this past January.  This build gave us the chance to try it out.  It was a perfect helper for this kit.  The built-in magnifying lens helped with seeing the small parts during placement and soldering.



Kit being soldered as viewed through magnifying glass

The "third hand" with magnifying glass really help with build process

Velleman Wheel Of Fortune Kit Built

The build turned out perfectly and was great fun giving it a spin. 

We highly recommend the Velleman, "Wheel of Fortune" kit for a young person (or anyone else) interested in electronics and building simple fun circuits.


Good DX and 73, NJ2X

Be sure to checkout related articles on NJ2X.COM:

• Project: Wheel Of Fortune Kit (Velleman)
• Brain Game Kit - Velleman
• 3D Xmas Tree Kit - Velleman
• Project: PicoKeyer Plus Kit
• Soldering 101
• Desoldering 101
• Project: PAiA P60 Regulated Power Supply Kit
• Project: Anderson PowerPole Polarity Checker
• Project: Morton Salt Box Crystal Radio Repair (Part 1)
• Considerations For A New Antenna - Part 2
• Project: Home Brew 9 Volt Battery Clip
• Project: Anderson Powerpole to 2.1mm Connector Pigtail
• Project: Car Power Adapter to Anderson Powerpole

© Michael W. Maher and NJ2X.COM, 2013. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Michael W. Maher and NJ2X.COM with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Amateur Radio Supplies Announces Giveaway to Promote Youth in Amateur Radio

Haverhill, Mass., February 2, 2013 – Amateur Radio Supplies of Haverhill, Mass., announced today a new biannual giveaway to promote youth in amateur radio DXing and contesting. “Getting on HF (high frequency) in today’s economy is very challenging for many, but especially for our youth operators,” said Jeff Demers, owner, Amateur Radio Supplies. “Many youth operators are unable to purchase the needed equipment to get on the air. Here at Amateur Radio Supplies, we want them to experience the joy that has propelled us in this hobby for many decades. Thus, on June 1, 2013, we’ll be doing the second of many station sponsorships to support youth in DXing and contesting.” 

Amateur Radio Supplies will give a complete HF (high frequency) station to the selected applicant, including: 

• Alinco DX-SR8T/E 160-10m All Mode Transceiver & 30 Amp PS
• LDG AT-100 Pro II Desktop Antenna Tuner
• Choice of Rugged All Band G5RV or HyGain DX-77A Vertical 100’ of
• Premium RG-213 Coax
• Vibroplex Brass Racer Iambic Paddles
• SignaLink USB Sound Card for Digital Modes
• Heil Pro Set Plus Headset

Applicants from any country under the age of 21 are invited to provide brief answers to the following three questions, as well as their name, call sign, and license class online.

1. How often are you able to operate on the HF bands?
2. Where (what QTH) do you typically operate from?
3. How do you intend to use the equipment provided?

Visit the Application Form

Nominations will also be accepted. If you know of a deserving youth, please email Randy Rowe at randy@amateurradiosupplies.com.


About Amateur Radio Supplies

Founded in 2012, Amateur Radio Supplies provides a full line of gear, including antennas, transceivers, coax, antenna wires and countless station accessories. Amateur Radio Supplies was founded in order to provide amateur radio operators with the supplies they need to pursue their passion – ham radio. Amateur Radio Supplies, www.amateurradiosupplies.com, offers low prices and a full selection of tools and station supplies, baluns, antenna wires and more.

More Information:

Visit the Application Form

 

Media Inquiries: Michelle Garrett. 614-315-4037. michelle@saintsomewheremarketing.com

Nominations and Questions: Randy Rowe, N0TG. randy@amateurradiosupplies.com

55th annual Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) is October 20-21

The 55th annual Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) is October 20-21. This 48-hour event runs from 0000 (local time) on Saturday, October 20 (right at midnight Friday) through midnight (local time) on Sunday, October 21. JOTA is an opportunity for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from all over the world to experience the magic and excitement of Amateur Radio.

Radio amateurs do not have to be registered to get on the air during JOTA. In addition to the World Scout Frequencies, the BSA has listed a US frequency guide that includes frequencies for 80-6 meters (SSB, CW and PSK31), 2 meters, 70 cm and D-STAR, as well as dedicated IRLP and EchoLink nodes.

In our local Pittsburgh area, the Skyview Radio Society has organized JOTA events including a radio merit badge class.  This is sure to be a wonderful event and everyone involved is looking forward to it.

Be sure to get on the air this weekend and make some contacts with scouts (the future of amateur radio).

NJ2X.COM 1st Anniversary

Today is the 1st anniversary of our website NJ2X.COM.  It has been a year of learning for us and we enjoyed the experience a great deal.  Thank you to our regular readers for your support.  We hope you will help spread the word and share our link with others interested in amateur radio, ham radio, and shortwave radio related topics. 

Our free daily feature, "FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day" has been very enjoyable to write and we hope it has helped at least a few people to prepare for and earn their ticket.

We particularly enjoyed preparing cartoons for our "Ab Absurdo" amateur humor feature.  It was rather fun coming up with radio related absurdities and translating them into cartoons.  This surprisingly turned out to be a very relaxing and creative activity to engage in.  Hope we gave a few chuckles too.

In case you didn't notice the link on our home page, we offer the NJ2X Kindle Edition for those using the popular Kindle devices.

Looking forward to another year of writing articles for NJ2X.COM and helping others interested in amateur radio, ham radio, and shortwave radio.

73,

NJ2X

Brain Game Kit - Velleman

In this article, KC2VSR builds another of the inexpensive and fun Velleman kits: The Brain Game.  Nothing better in the winter than father and son time in the workshop building something.  NJ2X had to put down the soldering iron and take a break from working on the KN-Q7A Single Band SSB Transceiver Kit to give KC2VSR a shot at this Christmas kit.

The Brain Game Kit has a lot of great attributes as a kit for young people or anyone just learning to solder.

• Discrete through-the-hole parts (much easier to solder than surface mount components)
• LEDs  (blinking lights = fun factor)
• Sound (bleeps = fun factor)
• Its a functional game (once built everyone wants to try it)
• Attractive hand-held device to show off the builder's skill

First step in approaching any new kit is to read the instructions.  The Velleman graphic design instructions are so much better for kids than step-by-step text instructions.  Very little coaching of the builder was required.

Velleman instructions are light on text though very visual and helpful

The ritual of inspecting, identifying, and laying out the components is an important part of the kit building experience.  Our builder chose to group LEDs, semiconductors, resistors, switches, and "other".  Simple and fun process that yields learning at the same time.

Always fun to inspect and layout all the interesting parts when starting a new kit

The building went very smoothly without any errors.  Things to watch out for include reversing the orientation of the semiconductors (diodes, transistor, or integrated circuit).

The Brain Game Kit about 50% built

After soldering the last component in place, we inspected all the joints looking for defects such as solder bridges or cold solder joints.  None were found - nice job!  We then used rubbing alcohol and Q-tips to remove the excess flux from the board.

KC2VSR demonstrating soldering technique

KC2VSR was so excited to power up the kit and collected three AA batteries.  Two of the batteries were from the "new battery storage" and the last two remaining.  Rats!  KC2VSR scrounged up one more from somewhere.  All three batteries were put into the kit's battery pack and the LED's came on.  Good sign.  After a few moments of button pushing and blinking lights it was apparent that the kit was not functioning.  Rats again!

A Teachable Moment
One of the skills that hams and kit builders need is the ability to diagnose and correct problems (not a bad skill to have in life too).  The non-functioning kit presented an nice opportunity to grow this skill.  We went through the following checks together:

• Are the parts installed in the correct orientation?
• Yes, no issue with part installation.
• Are there any soldering defects (bridges or cold joints)?
• No, a double check again showed confirmed all was soldered correctly.

Well what else could it be?  The LED's were bright so battery didn't seem likely.  If the batteries were dimly lit then perhaps.  Well that is an interesting potential failure though.

• Are the batteries good?
• We powered up our digital volt meter and selected the 2v range and checked each of the 3 batteries independently.
• 1st = 1.4v
• 2nd = 1.4v
• 3rd = 0.75v
• The 3rd was a bad battery and the one scrounged.  Physical inspection also found light traces of alkaline leaking through.  This battery had definitely seen better days.

KC2VSR immediately went scrounging again for a 3rd "good" AA battery.  Digging around in the battery storage area yielded one last AA hidden in the back.  With great anticipation it was slipped into the battery case..... and VOILA the kit worked!

Finished Brain Game Kit

After a short celebration and a few whoops and high-fives, KC2VSR and NJ2X commenced with playing several rounds of the brain game in the work shop.  The game is a lot of fun and is similar to the old Simon game from the 80's.  The object is to repeat a sequenced pattern presented by the game by pushing one of four buttons in the correct order.  The sequence is built up incrementally.  The brain game has 20 levels of difficulty which keeps the player interested and challenged.

This kit reinforced learning in several ways:

• Component identification
• Soldering skill
• Troubleshooting
• Following instructions
• Lesson learned: always use fresh batteries when testing a kit for the first time.

If you are interested in building this The Brain Game Kit yourself or giving it to a new builder, you can buy these on-line or in stores that are Velleman dealers.

73, NJ2X

By Michael W. Maher


Be sure to checkout our related articles:
Project: Wheel Of Fortune Kit (Velleman)
3D Xmas Tree Kit - Velleman
Soldering 101

3D Xmas Tree Kit - Velleman

The return of cold weather means less time in the field and more time warming the workshop with a soldering iron.  Winter 'tis the season of father and son kit building!

Shea (KC2VSR) had a great time building this Velleman 3D Xmas Tree Kit.  The holiday theme really put us into the holiday spirit too.

The kit comes with a set of detailed instructions.  No issues understanding what to do.

The first thing we did was to layout the parts to make sure everything was included. We found the kit had all the parts and enough extra LEDs to make the trees solid red or a combination of red, yellow, and green. KC2VSR chose to go with the multicolor design.

The parts are all through-the-hole which made soldering a breeze.

KC2VSR used this handy project vise to hold the circuit parts steady during installation and soldering.

KC2VSR demonstrating proper soldering technique - heat the part first (not the solder) and let the solder flow.  Nice work!

Voila!  The finished 3D Xmas Tree.  It worked the very first time powered up.  We like the clever design of using the 9V battery as the base of the tree. 

There is something about blinking LEDs that brings a project to life.  There is an LED fun factor. 

The 3D XMas Tree looks great in the dark too.

Pros

• Great kit for anyone interested in developing soldering skills
• LED adds a "fun factor" to the finished product
• Clear instructions
• Low cost
• Creative design
• Exposed components show off the builder's skill - conversation piece
• Possibilities for experimentation - e.g. changing values of capacitors, trying different transistors, ...

Cons

• None!

This is an all-around wonderful little kit.  It would make a nice gift for any kit builder you know.  It would also be a fun project for anyone interested in learning how to solder.

Happy Holidays from KC2VSR and NJ2X

Related articles:

• Project: Wheel Of Fortune Kit (Velleman)
• Brain Game Kit - Velleman
• 3D Xmas Tree Kit - Velleman
• Project: Tiny Mint Tin Switched 9v Battery to Anderson PowerPole
  
• Soldering 101
• Desoldering 101
• KN-Q7A Single Band SSB Transceiver Kit - New Arrival

© Michael W. Maher and NJ2X.COM, 2011. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Michael W. Maher and NJ2X.COM with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Desoldering 101

Soldering is a very good skill to have as a ham.  But what do you do when you need to remove a solder part?  You "de-solder" it of course.  Learning the correct way to desolder can save a lot of frustration and time.  You will need this skill if you ever engage in activities such as:

• Kit building - e.g. soldered a part in the wrong orientation or wrong position.
• Electronic repair - e.g. replacing leaky old capacitors in a radio.
• Part salvage - e.g. removing parts from a device for reuse in some other project.

Take a few minutes and learn the proper way to desolder.

We learned desoldering the hard way in our youth tearing apart old gear and salvaging parts.  It turns out that desoldering is a common pattern among hams as a way to successful learning of soldering technique.  In other words, desoldering an old piece of equipment and salvaging the good parts is a great way to learn how to handle a solder iron.  This is likely because the risk of doing damage is ZERO (the circuit is already broken) which gives the freedom to make mistakes and learn. 

Before you open the cabinet of an old piece of equipment, make sure the power is off and unplugged.  Additionally, do educate yourself on how to safely deal with capacitors and other components which can store dangerous voltages even after the power is disconnected.

As a youth, would have loved to have some soldering wick and the fancy solder sucker.  We have been using solder wick for many years.  We recently picked up a nice solder sucker tool at Fry's Electronics while working in San Jose (Silicon Valley), CA.  Now we just need an old radio to work on....

Be sure to check out related articles:
Soldering 101
Soldering PL-259 Connectors
KN-Q7A Single Band SSB Transceiver Kit - New Arrival

Soldering 101

Amateur radio is a wonderful hobby with so many different facets to explore.  One of the skills that most ham develop at some point is soldering.  This is because soldering is fun, useful, and arguably necessary.  Here are just a few things you can do with soldering:

• Solder a power cable (see our article Project: Car power adapter to Anderson Powerpole)
• Solder ends on coaxial cable
• Build a commercial kit (radio, power supply, gadget, ...)
• Make a home-brew device
• Splice wires together
• Repair or modify electrical equipment

If you would like to improve your soldering skill, spend the next 7 minutes with this excellent tutorial on the basics of soldering.  It will help you solder like a pro in no time.

A few safety precautions:

• Never touch the element or tip of the soldering iron. They are very hot (about 400°C) and will give you a nasty burn.
• Return the soldering iron to its stand when not in use. Never put it down on your workbench, even for a moment!
• Work in a well-ventilated area. The smoke formed as you melt solder is mostly from the flux and quite irritating. Avoid breathing it by keeping you head to the side of, not above, your work.
• Wash your hands after using solder.  Solder contains lead which is a toxic metal.

Now that you have learned how to solder it is time to practice.  A great way to start is to buy a simple electronic kit from Radio Shack, Fry's Electronics, Vectronics, or other electronic kit retailers. 

Elenco sells a nice Elenco Learn To Solder Kit that comes complete with a soldering iron, solder, circuit board, and components.

Alternatively, check out our simple, useful, and easy-to-build project, Project: Car power adapter to Anderson Powerpole.

Elecraft offers a useful Q&A on soldering called, "Ask Dr. Solder".  It is definitely worth reading.

We learned desoldering in our youth tearing apart old gear and salvaging parts. It turns out that desoldering is a common pattern among hams as a path to successful mastery of soldering technique.  In other words, desoldering an old piece of equipment and salvaging parts is a great way to learn how to handle a solder iron.   This is likely because the risk of damaging the circuit is ZERO (since it is already broken) which gives the freedom to make mistakes and learn.  Desoldering old equipment is also nearly free!  Be sure to check out our NJ2X.COM article, "Desoldering 101"

See our related articles:
Project: Wheel Of Fortune Kit (Velleman)
3D Xmas Tree Kit - Velleman
KN-Q7A Single Band SSB Transceiver Kit - New Arrival

Scouts to Take to the Airwaves for the 54th Jamboree On the Air

Each year, more than 500,000 Scouts in more than 100 countries take to the airwaves on the third full weekend in October -- and this year will be no different. The Jamboree On The Air (JOTA) is a Scouting and Amateur Radio event sponsored by the World Scout Bureau of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. JOTA is an annual event where Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from all over the world speak to each other via Amateur Radio.

Amateur Radio Operator Strip for scouting uniforms

Since 1958 -- when the first Jamboree on the Air was held -- millions of Scouts have met through this event.  Many contacts made during JOTA have resulted in pen pals and links between Scout troops that have lasted many years. The radio stations are operated by radio amateurs, and many Scouts and leaders hold licenses and have their own stations. The majority of JOTA Scouts participate through stations operated by local radio clubs and individual hams.

Be sure to support scouting and the JOTA special event.  Scouting is an excellent endeavour for kids and it is preparing our future leaders, citizens, and a new generation of hams.

Radio Merit Badge