Ultimate 3 beacon - still unable to build it

I am still far too clumsy to build this kit. This morning I was going to start on the LPF but I am still far too wobbly and clumsy to do it. Before my brain bleed this would have been a piece of cake, but today it is too much for me. Damn. I shall wait another month to see if I feel better. Blogging and WSPR I can manage. Talking in contests is hard work, but I can just about manage it for short periods.

Maybe I have to conclude it is too much for me and call on the help to build and test the unit so kindly offered? I did check the full pack and the GPS module is definitely not there but a surplus relay board is. I shall have to contact Hans Summers and return the unwanted PCB and request the GPS module that I paid for but that has not been delivered. It is some months since the bits came. I resisted opening the package until I thought I could build it. I photographed the opening and was very careful.

On reflection, I wonder how much they would have charged to build and test the unit for me?

I hate being unable to do this sort of thing: it feels like I am past it. Please no.

Ultimate 3 kit build

I thought my hands and eyes were good enough to make a start on this kit, which I have only just unpacked, having had it for months. I was waiting until I was less clumsy. When built, this will make a really useful WSPR beacon.

The packing is wrong as I had asked for a GPS module, which is missing, but there is a surplus relay board in the box.  I was very careful unpacking the kit. and have left in packets those parts not yet needed. Some are anti-static.

Sadly, my eyes and hands are not really good enough: I started on the 10m LPF PCB and, frankly, this was a real struggle both for my eyes and hands. Tomorrow I shall test this with my generator and 50 ohm load.

Two people have very kindly offered their help building the kit. I fear I shall have to admit defeat and ask them to help me. This is a great pity as I was so hoping I'd be fit enough to build this. Sadly, this seems unlikely any time soon.  My stroke is taking its toll on my abilities. WSPR is OK, but I am struggling with building still.  Talking in tonight's contest will be hard.

Ultimate 3 Beacon

So far today I have not yet been on the radios at all. No 10m WSPR, no 2m/70cm beacon hunting.

Later, if I feel well enough, I may make a start on my Ultimate 3 Beacon Kit.  It would be good to get this running but I have been waiting until I felt a bit better (less giddy). Now is maybe the time? Perhaps I'll start on an easy board today.

Ultimate 3 WSPR beacon with GPS timing

Image is at http://www.hanssummers.com/images/stories/ultimate3/1/2.jpg

Hans Summers has a new beacon  kit that allows full "stand alone" (no PC needed) WSPR beaconing. It is available for just  £17.50 with a low pass filter for any particular band plus £14 for the high sensitivity GPS module and patch antenna. I believe power out is around 150mW but this can be increased. As I understand it, it means, for example, a 10m WSPR TX beacon that does NOT need a PC can be made for under £40 even building a separate PA and putting it into a nice box. The unit also does other modes like QRSS and HELL.

See G0UPL's website at http://www.hanssummers.com/ultimate3.html .

I shall have to build one to free up the FT817.