The 1st week of 2026 has been a huge disaster as I have received bills for insurances that reflect astronomical cost increases. Not only health insurance but homeowner and auto insurance have been affected. I spent about a half hour on the phone with my homeowner insurance carrier yesterday morning trying to understand the 35% increase in my homeowner's insurance over 2025. Part of the increase was the result of the Palisades fire that occurred a year ago... about 40 miles from me. But an equal part of that increase was man made by you know who. It seems the tariffs he loves have dramatically impacted the cost of construction materials. It is basic economics. My home did not increase in value (still a small sized CA home) but the materials to replace that structure did... in direct response to his tariffs and puerile antics. Being retired and on a fixed income, any significant increase in health insurance costs and homeowners, insurance costs make for a strenuous monthly budget jug...
I received an email for the sketch for this project yesterday and since this was built 10 years ago, maybe some interest today. For our 8 Day to Extra Class License hams this should all make sense to you. You Too Can Build A Junk Box SSB XCVR! 8/31/2016 Results Update 8/31/2016 -- Photos of the Boards Added This is one great radio and following my success at 500 Milli-watts I added the output stage using a 2SC2075 where I am getting about 3 Watts PEP with the device biased for 100 Ma. This in turn can drive my SB-200 to about 45 watts output. With my backyard droopy dipole on 8/30 I worked stations in Arkansas and Texas running 45 watts. So, I am pleased. At this point I am torn between putting it in a box or just leaving it "junk style" on the bench. I fear taking it apart may ruin the magic of what has been done so far. Of course, if it goes into a box, it will get the Juliano Blue treatment. I am really impressed at how well the receiver is working and p...