UVARC Maker Net

 

21 July 2026  Maker Net  Summary

Title: UVARC Maker Net Recap: CW Keyer Updates, QMX Group Build & SMD Desoldering Tips

Net Host: K0WLY

Check-ins / Participants: Carl (K0WLY), Wade (KK7RRW), Stan (KC7XC), Andrew (NV9N), Doug (KM7GNN)

Net Close Time: 19:41 Local Time

Website / Resources: uvarcmakernet.blogspot.com | UVARC Slack (#MakerNet)

🛠️ Bench Reports & Project Updates

• K0WLY (Code Keyer Sidetone Fix): K0WLI resolved a minor bug in his CW Keyer practice unit. The receiving side now plays audio tones properly during head-copy practice. Extra PCB boards from the recent fair are available; ordering with the promo code UvarkMakerNet on his website www.cowlacious.com provides parts at cost.  EDITORS NOTE: This probably won't be up on the site for about a week.

• NV9N (Andrew): Constructed an "ugly antenna" during a meeting and successfully recalibrated his 3D printers to eliminate rough top-layer print issues. Andrew noted that his son loved using the CW paddles at the fair and wants to build a set next.

📻 QMX Rig Group Build Announcement

• 10% Group Discount: Stan (KC7XC) noted that ordering 10 or more QMX kits from QRP Labs qualifies for a 10% group discount.

• Signup Sheet: K0WLY is setting up an online signup spreadsheet on Slack and the blog. A group build night is planned for August or September.

• Location Scouting: K0WLY reaches out to explore potential maker space access at the Orem Public Library.

🔬 Technical Discussion: SMD Desoldering & MARS Mod

• The Challenge: Andrew (NV9N) shared his difficulty removing a tiny resistor for a MARS mod on his Yaesu FT3D HT using standard irons/tweezers.

• Best Practices & Tips:

  • Hot Tweezers vs. Hot Air: Hot tweezers heat both pads simultaneously for instant removal. Small-nozzle hot air rework stations work well when moved in small circles over the component to prevent trace/pad lifting.

  • Resource Recommendation: Check out Mr. SolderFix on YouTube for excellent surface-mount (SMD) soldering and rework tutorials.

🧰 Workbench Test Equipment Roundtable

• Variable Power Supply: KC7XC (Stan) highlighted a clean, current/voltage-regulated bench power supply as his most essential non-multimeter piece of gear.

• Antenna Analyzers / Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs):

• The net discussed the popular NanoVNA-H4 (~$60) for sweeping SWR, measuring coax lengths, and tuning portable/HF antennas (such as the JPC-12 vertical).

• Dedicated units like RigExpert were noted as more streamlined and purpose-built for field tuning.

Audio Recording of this week's UVARC Maker Net

Transcript of this week's UVARC Maker Net Transcript is auto generated by Audacity and formatted via Google Gemini.