Very Nice Analyzer (VNA) assembly event

NCRC invites you to a learning experience on Vector Network Analyzers, the most common instrument for RF component measurements.  This is a kickoff for the ÄRTEN™ project funded by a recent ARRL grant to NCRC.
Place: FabNewport,
Address: 1 York St, Newport, RI 02840
Time: 6:30 pm to 9pm
The first 2 minutes of the youtube DIY Vector Network Analyzer Kit explains the instrument concept but we hope to bring this knowledge to a much younger and older audience.  The remainder of the video deals with the software aspects.  To me the VNA is a fancy AC Ohmmeter for RF components.
Agenda for Friday is to review the material in the UVNA-63 box and have the team mount the pieces and connect the coax cables with a proper torque wrench.    We will then attempt to measure some common components like a resistor, capacitor and inductor and measure filter parameters of the supplied test circuits like filters.  Another skill used will be the calibration of the instrument that is typical of any VNA like the NanoVNA.  A Very Nice Analyzer learning tool indeed.
Hoping to see you and we will attempt a recording to share if you can’t.
For more info contact : VicePresident@W1sye.org

Maker Faire Fall River October 1st

NCRC will be participating in a Maker Faire at the YMCA in Fall River on Sunday October 1st from 10 AM to 4 PM.  Our booth is entitled “Making Amateur Radio Real” and will include a Pixie to Pixie wireless demo as well as a full HF station.  In addition, it is anticipated that we will be helping with soldering demos at other locations.

While the literature might say “mini” these events are HUGE.  The last one drew about 4000 people and there is great interest in Amateur Radio as it speaks to many “Maker” themes (electronics, home brew, wireless, etc.).

If you can help, please contact Paul K1YBE who is organizing the event

More details can be found here:  http://southcoast.makerfaire.com/http://southcoast.makerfaire.com/

Pixie Nights Begin – Monday Feb 13 @ 7 PM

Just a reminder that our monthly meeting will be Monday February 13 at 7:00 PM at KVH Manufacturing: 75 Enterprise Drive, Middletown, RI

PLEASE check the website before you leave for the meeting — there is a small chance that we might get hammered with more snow Monday morning.   We always post the meeting status in the news section of the website.

So what are Pixie Nights?

For the next three club meetings, in addition to a very short business meeting, we will be working on a Club Build project — A “Pixie”, which is a small, inexpensive, low power transceiver kit that can be used by anyone holding an Amateur Radio License.

For February’s meeting we will be holding a hands-on tutorial in soldering skills (and desoldering skills too).  KVH has been nice enough to setup a large number of solder stations with tools for us to use.  This is a unique opportunity, especially for those who have never done any electronic kit building.  Mentors will be on hand to guide you through the process.

In addition, John, WA1ABI, will be giving an introduction to the Pixie hardware to give you a good understanding of how the circuitry works.

Subsequent meetings will cover assembly of the Pixie, as well as Debug and Test.

For $10, you can’t go wrong, and will be able to point to the tiny Pixie radio, knowing you built it with your own hands, and have a low power transceiver that members have been using to make contacts hundreds of miles away.

If you would like to purchase a Pixie kit and join the fun, we have them in stock. This is really a very fun assembly project, and we will be working with you hand-in-hand to teach you how to solder, how the kit goes together, and help get it on the air.  To purchase your Pixie, please use the Paypal button on our website at this URL:

https://w1sye.org/?page_id=3054

Pixie Project is Live

NCRC is embarking on a “Build Night” project that will span our Feb-Apr meetings.  We will be assembling a QRP 40 Meter CW Transceiver.  Interested parties who can attend the next few meetings are encouraged to visit our Pixie Page, by clicking on Pixie on our menu tabs.  You will find details of the project and can even order one or more Pixie boards (which will be delivered to you at one of our upcoming meetings.

PIXIE