Pixie 2 Transceiver

 I had a lot of fun making the video series on the Forty-9er, so decided to do something similar with another cheap eBay kit I had in my junk box. I found a Pixie, so the next transceiver was decided. This radio is simple to the point of being almost useless, but it is an interesting design.

The Pixie2

This series I broke into three videos:

• Audio Amplifier
• Oscillator
• Mixer/PA

As before, there's also an activation video where I put it on the air.

Unlike the Forty-9er, however, I wrote a document that explains things a bit better. And it has the space to go into the math. Everyone could use some more math.

 

Hope you enjoy!

Forty-9er Transceiver

 Back in 1996, QRPp (vol. 4 no. 1) published the Forty-9er. This is a forty meter radio designed to run from a 9V battery, hence the name. The circuit was designed by N6KR (of Elecraft fame!), and originally kitted and sold by the NorCal QRP Club. Since then the design has been stolen by Chinese manufacturers who sell kits for cheap.

Forty-9er, as built by AA6XA

This radio is about as simple as you can get and still have a usable transceiver. I broke the Chinese eBay version I had down into six modules. Each has a testing and explanation video on the ham_bitious YouTube channel. The modules are:

• Audio Amplifier
• Muting
• LO/Mixer
• Driver
• Power Amplifier
• Sidetone Oscillator

There is also a bonus activation video too!

The radio on a SOTA/POTA activation.

I think each of these modules can be built and tested with minimal test gear. I showed some tests that I can do since I acquired a 'scope, but they're certainly not needed to get a working radio.

Hopefully you find the video series informative, and are inspired to go build your own radios!