Atlanticon QRP Forum

PROCEEDINGS

are still available!

The "Atlanticon QRP Forum" was a full day of QRP presentations from leaders in our hobby, held near Philadelphia, PA back in March. The seven QRP speakers from that wonderful weekend also authored articles that have been captured in a document called the "Atlanticon Proceedings". 

This "compendium" or collection of the technical papers is repleat with full and very legible schematics, photos, block diagrams, SPICE model scripting, and thorough analyses of the topic.  This is a technical journal suitable for the reference shelf in your shack.

The publication size is that of QRPp, SPRAT and QRP Homebrewer, containing 100 pages of technical material with fold-out schematics and block diagrams, all contained by a spiral wire binding to allow the issue to lie flat or to be folded back on itself.

If you couldn't make it to Atlanticon, what better way to get the inside scoop on these current and hot technical topics overviewed below?! If you'd like to purchase this collector's item (there were  extra copies printed), see the ordering information at the end of this message.  Once they're gone, they're gone forever!

OVERVIEW OF THE PROCEEDINGS 
=============================
SNAP - A Manhattan-style QRPp Transmitter
     by T.J. "Skip" Arey, N2EI
We had some real good fun leading up to this year's Atlanticon QRP Forum by giving all attendees a small kit called the SNAP --  a very low power (20mW) transmitter designed to give everyone some experience building a working project a la Manhattan-style. Some found it a first experience with this method of construction; others found it a first time building a working transmitter from scratch; and everyone found it a great learning experience! Includes schematic, layout, photos, SPICE modeling script, spectral and time waveform plots.

A 40m-to-6m, 2N2222-based CW Transverter
     by Jim Kortge, K8IQY
This paper covers the design of a 2-watt, 40-meter to 6-meter transverter, based on 2N2222 transistors.  Overviews of the construction method, transverter construction, and tune-up are also presented. Includes detailed photos and convenient fold-out schematics.

Operating QRP ... It's a Contact Sport
     by Michael Gipe, K1MG
Operating QRP is one of the most challenging and rewarding activities in ham radio.  But it takes more skill, preparation, and knowledge to mix it up with the high-power boys and succeed with QRP. Nowhere is this more evident than in the DXpedition pileup, where the combined power of all the kilowatts seems to burn a hole in the ionosphere. Using a number of clever techniques, the smart QRP operator can beat out the kilowatt any day, however. With the proper equipment, knowledge, skills and attitude, the QRPer can have more fun -- and learn how to dance the Happy Dance, too!

The Time Has Come for Surface Mount Kits
     by Doug Hendricks, KI6DS
NorCal QRP Club has done over 10,000 kits since they started the club back in 1993.  They have sourced the parts on every one of those kits, and have been noticing a disturbing trend: it is getting harder and harder to find through-hole, or leaded parts.  Here's an overview of the first of what is sure to be many surface mount kits (SMKs) that can be  assembled and tested just as easily (and often at a lesser price) as through-hole kits. Designed as a learning platform for homebrewing with this technology, come see what all the excitement is about the NorCal SMK-1.

The Band-Aide ... a 10m Monitor Receiver
     by Joe Everhart, N2CX
The sun's 11-year cycle creates great opportunities for QRPers.  And when Old Sol has case of the zits, our ionosphere "heats up" and the upper HF bands come alive. Here's a way to modify a receiver in order to provide a way to detect band activity and wake you up when your favorite CW signals (beacon, sked, traffic net) are present on this hot band.

Microcomputer-Controlled Squelch
     by Gary Diana, N2JGU
This paper discusses the concept of building a microcomputer-controlled squelch control circuit for the NJQRP Club's "SOP" (Seat Of the Pants) Receiver. The SOP is the brainchild of Joe Everhart, N2CX and the club is introducing the base kit this Spring. As a follow-on to the initial project,  we had an idea to apply a microprocessor to provide squelch control while scanning a narrow band segment around the favorite QRP frequencies.  As a basis for further experimentation, I will address the concepts of squelch control, frequency scanning and DSP-like signal processing to detect specific signal energy.

PSK31 - What's all this Brouhaha?
     by Dave Benson, NN1G
One of the fastest-growing facets of amateur radio is the new PSK31 mode. It makes use of your home computer to provide a 'keyboard-to-keyboard' live QSO format. This mode is usable with low signal-to-noise ratios and is hence well-suited for QRP operation. Software is readily available on the Web. This paper provides an overview of how PSK31 works. It further discusses some of the requirements for the hardware between the computer and the antenna. An on-the-air demonstration is included in the Atlanticon presentation to afford the participants an opportunity to try out this mode.

Manhattan-Style Construction
     by Chuck Adams, K7QO
Interest in homebrewing has been growing like wildfire in the QRP ranks. There never has been a better time to try your hand at building one of the excellent quality pc board-based transceiver kits; or perhaps instead you should try out Manhattan-style construction! This article is structured as a detailed primer in which I overview various homebrewing construction techniques, and then giving significant detail on a technique called Manhattan-style construction. I hope to provide a basic understanding of just what is involved in building with this technique. To make this article of interest for all ages and building experiences, I ask for your patience while I start from the basics and work up to the more complex issues.

The Amazing Saga of the Tuna Tin 2
     by Ed Hare, W1RFI
Have you ever wondered about how the Tuna Tin 2 came to life?  And especially how it was "reborn" over two decades later?  Here's a narrative given by one of the leading proponents of QRP at ARRL headquarters, detailing the cross-country exploits and travels of the Amazing TT2.

The League, QRP and You
     by Ed Hare, W1RFI
W1RFI continues with a careful breakdown and analysis of the "goods and services" provided to the QRP community by ARRL Headquarters. Sometimes surprising, sometimes understandable, always logical and cogent, Ed Hare outlines the current state of QRP affairs for us from the ARRL's perspective.

Atlanticon 2000 Speaker Biographies
Learn more about the famous authors whose work is published in the Proceedings.

TO ORDER
Write a $10 check or M.O. payable to "George Heron, N2APB" and send to
    George Heron, N2APB
    2419 Feather Mae Court
    Forest Hill, MD

Mailing costs are included in this price, anywhere in the world.  We have these issues sitting in envelopes ready to be mailed upon receipt of order.

73, George N2APB
  n2apb@amsat.org