Date: Wed, 27 Apr 94 22:35:00 PDT
From: dh@deneb.csustan.edu (Doug Hendricks)
To: qrp@Think.COM
Subject: NE 40-40 Kit Review

Guys, I just finished the NE QRP Club Project #2, the 30-40 rig.  It stands
for 30 meters for forty dollars.  My opinion?  The NE Club has a winner.  I
will let you in on a secret, the rig is going to sell out fast.  They did
a run of 50, and it sold out so fast it made their heads swim.  So, they
did another run of 50.  These are not sold out yet.  But they soon will be.
Remember the NorCal 40 and how you missed out on it?  This is the same song,
second verse.  I am so impressed that I just ordered another kit for 40 
meters.  I want to compare it to the NorCal 40 and my other 40 meter rigs,
besides, I like to build.
 
The kit sells for 40 dollars, but you need to add $1.95 shipping and 
handling.  Send your orders to:
 
        Paul Kranz, W1CFI
        26 Mettacomett Path
        Harvard, MA 01451
        (Note be sure to specify the band, 30 or 40 meters)
 
Here is what you get:
 
        *VFO tuned Superhet
                - 40 KHz coverage
                -low cost varicap
        *1.5 Watts output
        *Full break-in (QSK)
        *(RIT is a promised add on mod)
        *Drilled & tinned PC board
        *All on board parts and wire
        *Matched filter crystals
        *Detailed layout drawings
        *Assembly instructions
        *Available on 30 and 40 meters
 
You supply:
 
        *Connectors and controls
        *Enclosure
        *hook up wire
        *labor
 
My kit came yesterday.  Oh my god, just what I need a kit right as I am 
getting ready for Dayton.  Hmn, I do have this evening, I think I'll just
inventory the parts.  As soon as I opened the package, the first thing that
I saw was this GREAT instruction manual.  I thought Wayne Burdick had moved
to New England again.  This manual is as good as the NorCal 40 manual, and I
consider that one to be the best that I have ever seen with a kit.  Clear 
instructions, examples on how to wind a toroid, and parts identification.
 
I read it from cover to cover, and there are 19 pages.  It includes the 
following:
* General information on what you should know about building a kit.
* How to wind toroids.
* Materials list, instructions on how to "unpack" the kit.
* Parts list, including very detailed identification of parts.
* Theory of Operation (2 pages)
* Schematic
* Parts Layout
* Building Instructions
* Recommended Assembly Sequence
* Wiring the controls and connectors
* Suggested layout for enclosure
* Alignment
* Troubleshooting
* NE Club members offering technical support
* Troubleshooting schematic with voltages
 
The rig was designed by Dave Benson, NN1G, who has done an outstanding job
with this kit.  My impression of the kit is that it is excellent.  I give it
3 stars, with only a few minor problems.  Here they are:
        1. Parts were missing from the kit.  1 diode, 9 capacitors, and 3
           trim caps.  But, you have to remember that this is a club kit that
           uses volunteer labor.  It is a great deal for the price, and the
           club will happily send you the missing parts as soon as you let
           them know.  People make mistakes, and none of them are intentional.
           If you are missing parts, just let them know, but be kind, they
           are volunteers helping you out.
 
        2. The pc board is not silk screened.  I think it should be.  They 
        have a great parts layout picture.  Should have used it for a silk
        screen on the boards.
 
        3. There are a couple of mistakes on the parts pictorial.  Diode 2 is
        called diode 4, and they left off two .01uF bypass caps. One goes
        between C26 and a 100 ohm resistor, and 1 goes between pin 1 of U3
        and a 470 ohm resistor.  The holes are drilled, the parts are listed
        on the schematic, they just didn't get on the parts layout.
 
Other than the above, I think the kit is great.  The manual is the best part,
really well done.  It worked right off the bat for me, and that is the real
test.  Guys, if I can build it, you can.  I ought to charge NorCal and NE
QRP clubs a testing fee.  (Joke).  I am the original build it and it won't
work guy.  Yet, this one worked in spite of me.  Great job Dave Benson and
the NE QRP club.  Take my advice and order one today.  If you see them at
Dayton, place your order there.  I highly recommend it.  Great fun!!
 
Disclaimer:  I am a member (#182) of NE QRP club.  But, I live in California
and am not an active local member.  No one requested this review, it was 
done for informational purposes only. It is my opinion and my opinion alone.
I do not have any financial interest in NE QRP Club, or the kit described.
 
72, Doug, KI6DS