PFR-3 Complete!!!

I completed my PFR-3 last night. I will post some pictures and a report once I get the receiver aligned. I'm planning on doing it this evening. More to come...

Pictures below.

Steve

PFR-3 Build

Slow & steady is the best way to describe my build of the PFR-3 (http://www.qrpkits.com/pfr3.html). I am making good progress and am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I completed Group 3 (to include the Smoke Test) and half of Group 4 this evening. To finish up Group 4 I have 7 toroids to wind, tin and solder to the board.

Winding toroids does not scare me but, but it is tedious work. I use the Sierra build method of tinning the toroid leads. It is a different in that instead of scraping and tinning, you burn the enamel and then solder to the board. I have not ran into a problem with "improper leads" or cold solder joints so I will continue with the status quo. If you know of a better method, please do not hesitate to let me know!

I am really excited about finishing up with the project and getting it on the air. I hope to use it for Field Day in the Single Op, Single station, QRP w/alternative power category. I don't know what the official name of that is but I've still got time to research prior to the start.

I hope all is well with you and your's and look forward to working you soon! Best of luck and 72!

Steve

Busy...

Work has been really busy as of late. We are coming into the home stretch on our preparation for the annual EOD memorial. It is a very nice ceremony that celebrates the life of our fallen EOD warriors. More info can be found here http://www.eodmemorial.org/.

I have been working my way through the PFR-3 build. I have completed all steps through the Smoke Test 2. I have not conducted the Smoke Test 2 yet, so results will be forthcoming. I can't wait to get this rig on the air!

A good friend of mine recently tested for his Amateur Radio license. He passed it on the first try. His name is John KJ4KRU. Look for him on the air as he is most interested in CW. I am helping him to learn the code and hopefully will have him on 40m soon.

I've got 3 other guys that I work with that are going to take their test on May 9th at the Playground ARC in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. With any luck they'll make it without any problems. More info on the exam session can be found at http://www.w4zbb.org/. I'll post a report on how the exam session went.

I'm going to try and get out this weekend with the kids. We have had a lot of rain lately. If the rivers have dropped I will probably take them to the Blackwater. Of course I'll take along a radio and try to make a few contacts.

72
Steve