|
07 November 2007
The KnightQuest of 2007Sir Gary (N3GO) A whimsical toy for us to design to get what we get as the final test
with everyone working to do their best; what started as whim is being refined. Options and features are all on the floor its various circuits we will revise with freedom aplenty to improvise; until we decide we can do no more. As we vow to be Knights of Q R P a concocted creation not yet done has brought us together just for fun; while family remains our priority. If from our normal lives we must depart; we would not be able to call this art. |
An Inspired and Spontaneous History At our October 2007 QRPigOut, there was a drone of disappointment fueled by the long period since our having embarked upon a joint construction project. The many reasons for this were shared, and agreed to, but this only heightened the drone. Many projects were suggested, but rejected out of hand because they were either too simplistic, kits are available at reasonable cost, they would require too much committed time and effort, and so on. What was needed was a project we could all work on, that is flexible enough for us to do “our part” independently; with little risk to each others success; requiring enough individualized effort to exercise our creativity; satisfy our need to “melt solder”; was low in cost; would result in a significant new “something” of our own creation; and would be a source of pride and value to all. We pondered… and the drone went on. Sir Chris was in need of a carpool to the QRPigOut that night, which I was serendipitously able to provide. He had brought along the most recent copy of the publication QST to show me a construction article for a home-brew single-sideband transceiver. Recalling this, I had an intense outbreak of inspiration, and the "Quest" began. The project (inspired by the QST article) is defined as a SSB radio transceiver. Each of us in attendance took ownership of a functional portion of the project, with an objective to breadboard our respective function (as is, or of our own design), and together… when all functions are completed and working, we will sequester ourselves (time, date, and place not yet defined) to integrate all modules into a working transceiver… which itself will lead to yet a new adventure, with its own challenges, to debug and optimize the "whatever it becomes" for performance. It would be akin to pouring in a bucket of bolts and nuts into a box, while holding out hope that they all come out connected and properly matched. . This bold new project concept was conceived to have only two principle objectives: 1) To bring us together for fun and
fellowship, while providing something to quench our thirst for
something to build, and doing so without introducing stress or
obligation; allowing us to keep united and active in our shared hobby,
without interference to our “family first” values.
2) Above all, there is no pressure to succeed, with the focus on fun. If one or a few fail to complete "our" respective functional piece, only a slight increase in workload would result for those who remain and remain able to make it to the goal line. Others may join us as we journey forward, while others may come and go. We are confident that we have the talent to pick up any loose ends, to provide needed functions or desired features. The KnightQuest moniker was coined by Sir Chris (KD4PBJ), as a play on words much like KnightLites. An inspired name for what is indeed an inspirational quest of the Knights of QRP. So inspired was I from the revelation that we were once again embarking upon a journey we can share and enjoy together; I cast caution to the wind and declared that I would announce this to all with a sonnet. Alas!
A new adventure began... My integrity was instantly jeopardized by this careless committment; and to stay true to my word, I immediately set out to learn just what writing a sonnet entails… A door of discovery opened before me, and with never ending serendipity that seems to surround me; I not only learned more than I would have imagined about the writing of a sonnet; but I also unwittingly stumbled upon a most awesome tutor and coach for these. An honest to goodness literature professor, world renowned poet, and poet laureate no less. For this wonderful and delightful new skill for which I have now been endowed, I dedicated my very first purposely crafted and inspired sonnet (announcing this Quest of the Knights) , to the honorable (and Sir if I may) Dr. David B. Axelrod. (www.poetrydoctor.org/sonnet.htm) My integrity was salvaged. |
| 15 November 2007 November QRPigOut - The Knights in their Quest
Only a month into the project... No time to plan... But plenty to do... and lots of room to grow...
No need for words... The pictures tell the story. |
 The Inspiration and Sir Bob's (AE4IC) revised audio section prototype |
 Sir Bob's (AE4IC) revised audio section prototype --- A Closer Look  And an outboard voltage regulator for Sir Bob's Audio P.A.
|
 The Prototype of the PIC based Counter/Display/Stabilizer (The "Quest" of Sirs Chris (KD4PBJ) and Gary (N3GO) According to Sir Chris, the solder is still warm on this! |
 Together again! After all... Tis what this project is all about!
|
 Young Sir Alex, the 1st. Harmonic of Sir Chris (KD4PBJ)
Our First "Natural Born" Knight! |
 Oh Happy Knight!
Sir Steve (KA8HXX) sporting his new KnightLites polo shirts. |
 From the Art of Sir John (WB4OFT)  To a true Work of Art Crafted by Sir John (WB4OFT) |
 Sir Gary's (N3GO) prototype two-stage discreet audio op-amp
 Sir Gary's (N3GO) prototype clone of Sir Jim Kortge's (K8IQY) discreet 2N2222 Audio PA |
And Voila' the production version...
 Well ! ! ! Perhaps not... but this is something we can aspire to... This PCB Masterpiece was crafted by our very own Sir Lyn (WA4GEH) |
Stay Tuned ! |