24 Nov 2023
By Jeff, KE9V
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NorCal 40B

Ham Radio, , , ,

My garage and workbench are stacked with kit projects purchased so that I would have something to do during the winter months. Good intentions and all that, but I seldom seem to get these finished. Maybe because I keep adding new ones to the stack? I know I want this one, the NorCal 40B single-band QRP CW transceiver from NM0S Electronics. It’s been SOLD OUT every time I’ve checked, but I’ll keep checking for this modernized bit of nostalgia.

The original 40A had something of a cult following. An entire textbook was based on the project and some untold number of electronics enthusiasts cut their teeth on this design. That textbook is now worth a small fortune if you can find one. Of course there’s an email group for like-minded builders, as well as an entire build series on YouTube.

Introducing the NorCal 40B from NM0S Electronics

NM0S Electronics has received permission from the Wayne Burdick N6KR to produce an updated version of the legendary NorCal 40A CW Transceiver.  The new ‘B’ version kit overcomes the issues with obsolete components that caused the original kit to end production.  The NorCal 40B follows the design of the original faithfully, while adding a rugged pre-drilled, silkscreened enclosure! 

NM0S Electronics

08 Nov 2023
By Jeff, KE9V

Morning Coffee Notes

Ham Radio, , , , ,

Feels cooler this morning. It’s 52F, downright balmy for November, but 15-25 mph gusts made my walk chilly. I like to at least think I’m not wasting my time walking everyday. It comprises the bulk of my daily physical activity and I always feel better after it’s done. Since retiring I’ve become more concerned about senior health issues and have been looking for other ways to make good health choices. I’m especially motivated after I read articles like this:

America is a rapidly aging nation. By 2034, there will be an estimated 77 million Americans aged 65 years or older, up from 52 million in 2018. For the first time in the country’s history, older adults will outnumber children.

While today’s seniors enjoy longer, more independent lives, most are living with multiple chronic health conditions. Nearly 80% of older adults have two or more ongoing health problems and almost all take a prescription drug, with nearly 40% regularly using five different medications. Older individuals may also be dealing with emotional, cognitive and nutritional issues, as well as physical limitations. The combination adds up to a complicated health picture requiring specialized medical care.

A new model of senior-focused care for an aging population

Soon after posting a few QRP related things yesterday I saw that NM0S Electronics is bringing back the popular NorCal 40 series “B”. An all new kit that overcomes the component issues that eventually snuffed the original series “A” transceiver kit. Originally designed by Wayne Burdick, N6KR the NorCal 40 was a hugely popular kit.

Then there was this from the SOTA reflector:

Hi Sota Friends, in a few Days Markus DL6YYM (Bamatech) will offer his TP-III Special Edition 2023. We all know that the TP-III Paddle ist a absolut fantastic CW Paddle for Portable Akivity. I think the Paddle can order in a few days in the web shop.

73 Michael DC8YZ

https://reflector.sota.org.uk/t/bamatech-tp-iii-special-edition-2023/33749