Hello Hams,

We have been keeping the shack warm this winter making a few different electronic kits.  Kits are an excellent way for kids to engage the hobby and create genuine enthusiasm.  Nothing like seeing a kid say, "look at what I built!" and then showing off their electronic creation to friends and family.  I believe these early kit building experiences can eventually become a lifelong interest in Amateur Radio.

Posted my son's (KC2VSR) build of a Velleman Wheel of Fortune kit on my website.  This is an excellent kit for a youth with an interest in using their hands to build something electronic and learning how to solder.

http://www.nj2x.com/2013/03/project-wheel-of-fortune-kit-velleman.html

73,

NJ2X

Hi Chris,

Monitoring Times is an excellent resource.  They publish an English language SW guide every month too.

http://www.monitoringtimes.com/

HNY and 73,

Michael
NJ2X

Hello Hams,

Inspired by N0AX's Jan 2013 QST article, I built a simple Anderson PowerPole polarity checker and posted an article on my website.  Handy little device.  Happy New Year!

http://www.nj2x.com/2012/12/project-anderson-powerpole-polarity.html

Michael
NJ2X

Hi Martin,

I reallly like breadboard projects made with Fahnestock clips.  My son and I made breadboard crystal radio set using the Fahnestock clips - the work really well and gave the project the right look.  Check out an article I wrote for my website for a picture and info on the clip and our project.

Morton Salt Box Crystal Radio Repair 
http://www.nj2x.com/2012/11/project-morton-salt-box-crystal-radio.html

73,

Michael
NJ2X

Clayton,

Thank you for your comment.  Perhaps the kit manufacturer would benefit from your feedback and possibly rename their products and packaging.  Here is the link to the Velleman website in case you want to contact them directly:

http://www.vellemanusa.com/

73,

Michael
NJ2X

Alan,

Thanks for the great educational program.  Thoroughly enjoyed it myself and I know others will benefit as well.  Looking forward to checking out your other videos.  Will you be running another oscilloscope school in 2012?  I live in NJ and would definately be interested in attending.

73,

Michael
NJ2X

Hello Hams,

I recently found a really excellent video all about the oscilloscope, called "Oscilloscope School" by the NJARC.

http://www.nj2x.com/2012/01/oscilloscope-school.html

Michael
NJ2X

Hello All,

I have teamed up again with KC2VSR to write another article for NJ2X.COM on building a kit suitable for youths (and adults who like to have fun too) - The Brain Game Kit.  This is really a great kit for kids to promote learning and get them excited about building electronics.  Here is the link to our article:

http://www.nj2x.com/2012/01/brain-game-kit-velleman.html

Michael
NJ2X

NJ2X.COM

Robert,

I am writing a series of articles for my website nj2x.com on the KN-Q7A Single Band SSB 40m Transceiver Kit that I am building.  The instructions are step-by-step and designed to also help learn about the function of each stage of the design making it somewhat like the Heathkit.  The price is right too.  Here is the link to the first article.

http://www.nj2x.com/2012/01/kn-q7a-single-band-ssb-transceiver-kit.html

Michael
NJ2X.COM

VE3ULC,

Thank you very much for the information regarding building the kit.  I will definately take care with the toroids and tuning as you suggest.

Michael
NJ2X

Hams,

I recently ordered a neat little QRP KN-Q7N 40m SSB kit. I will be posting a series of articles to my website (NJ2X.COM) documenting the build. KN-Q7A Single Band SSB Transceiver Kit - New Arrival http://www.nj2x.com/2012/01/kn-q7a-single-band-ssb-transceiver-kit.html

Looking forward to getting started.

Anyone else have experience with this kit? If yes, any advice or tips (i.e. things you need to know but are not in the manual)?

Michael
NJ2X

NJ2X.COM

Happy New Year Hams,

I am featuring a daily article, "FCC Technician Exam Question Of The Day" on my website NJ2X.COM.

All the best to you and yours in 2012.  If you are unlicensed on this New Year's Eve, then may 2012 also be the year you earn your ticket with 35 out of 35!

Michael
NJ2X

Happy New Year Hams,

I posted an article to my website (NJ2X.COM) called, "Radio Standards Organizations".  It is a listing of links to various standards bodies.  Tons of information to explore and potentially use when designing a station.  If you have any additional links to suggest please do post them here.

http://www.nj2x.com/2011/12/radio-standards-organizations.html

All the best to you and yours in 2012!

Michael
NJ2X

Happy New Year Hams,

I posted a related article on my website (NJ2X.COM) called, "How It's Made - Modern Audio Vacuum Tubes".  Here is the link:

http://www.nj2x.com/2011/12/how-its-made-modern-audio-vacuum-tubes.html

Michael
NJ2X

NJ2X.COM

W8QZ,

There are several other interesting articles on my website that include films and videos.  Perhaps you will find some additional fodder for future club meetings.

Michael
NJ2X

NJ2X.COM