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!

Sunol Peak W6/NC-244

 Some time recently Pleasanton Ridge regional park was expanded to include the southern part of Sunol Ridge. This is great news for peak baggers and SOTA enthusiasts - there is now a public trail to the summit. The trailhead is the Tyler Ranch Staging Area at the end of Foothill Road in Sunol. There is a large dirt lot with pit toilets.

Looking down at the new parking lot.

There are two trails that head up from here. The shorter paved road, or the dirt trail that rejoins the road at the end of the pavement via a long switchback. I took the switchback up and the road down for some variety. The main trail that runs up and along the ridge is called the Sunol Ridge Trail. Stay on this, and you'll be taken directly to the summit. 

Partway up the steep section.

The forecast was not great for the Friday I went, but I decided to risk it. It was pretty nice below the clouds, but as I climbed it got colder and windier. Around the base of the clouds it even rained a little. There were no views, sadly. Just before the summit I scared some cows out of the way, then reached the paved road that comes up from the west. I took this the last quarter mile or so to the top.

View as I approached the summit.

It was cold and windy, so I walked around the fence surrounding the many towers to try and find somewhere out of the wind. I partially succeeded, but it was a cold activation. There was some sort of HF blackout that morning, and I barely made three contacts on 20-30-40. Luckily I had thrown in my HT just before leaving, so I was able to get enough contacts for the point.

Looking over at Pleasanton Ridge on the way down.

The clouds had lifted some while I was on the summit, so I had some ok views on the way down. The high peaks were still obscured, but I enjoyed what I could see. I also was moving pretty quick, since I was cold after sitting for so long. The hike down was quick, and a real leg workout. Overall, it was a good hike, and I'm glad this new area has been opened.

Trailhead: Tyler Ridge Staging Area

Website: SOTA Site.

Maps: AA6XA SOTA Hikes map.

Route: Take the Sunol Ridge Trail to the summit.

Red Tape: None.

Video: Coming Soon!