July 5, 2024. What next?

 I kept hearing fireworks up until about 11PM last night. Some sounded darn right loud and also thought about Cheech and Chong -- a lot of chemicals ending Up in Smoke. 

If you happen to be in the less than 1% of hams who actually build stuff, then this is a good time to think about a project for next fall. Will it be an antenna, maybe a 0.1KW linear amp or perhaps some new accessory for the shack or gulp something SSB/CW for POTA/SOTA activities? 

This could even extend to learning how something you built actually works. How does a diode ring mixer work or the arcane Gilbert Cell?

Some may argue I only need to know how to make it work well not how it works internally. It is a matter of practicality versus curiosity. But the other side of the argument is that the two are joined at the hip -- making it work well and how does it work!

Or maybe you have been thinking about building a replica DAVCO DR-30 (photo above). So, what is/was a DAVCO DR-30 Receiver?

One of those mysteries of ham radio -- A very advanced Solid-State radio only 600 of the DAVCO DR-30 were built during 1965-66 and then the company went bust. Was it the timing being too ahead of its time? Or maybe the price point was a bridge too far. I actually have no information on the why, but it sure looks and has the right stuff to make it a really good receiver?

You can see with today's technology a replica like project could be designed, built and perhaps improved -- but that skill set is not a part of most of the US ham population. After all contests and operating are not a strong CV attribute for taking on a state-of-the-art SSB/CW receiver. 

Is there a Davco DR-30 hiding out in your storage locker?

73's

Pete N6QW

The Davco DR-30 is a remarkable piece of radio history! 📻 Manufactured from 1965-66, this miniature receiver is prized by collectors for its rarity, breakthrough engineering, and mil-spec construction. Here are some key features:

• Transistorized Design: The DR-30 was the first transistorized ham receiver, bridging the gap between vacuum tube rigs and modern solid-state equipment.
• Smooth Tuning: Its spring-loaded dial ensures deliciously smooth tuning with zero backlash and no VFO drift.
• Impressive Specs: With a Collins mechanical filter, noise blanker, high-Q preselector, and sensitive front end, the DR-30 was ahead of its time.
• Low Voltage Operation: It draws less than 100 milliamps at 12 volts, making it ideal for field day use.
• Mil-Spec Build: The DR-30’s robust construction ensures durability.

Sadly, fewer than 600 of these gems were made by the now-defunct Florida company. If you’re lucky enough to have one, it’s a real keeper! 🌟12