Odds & Ends

The old tube shown here is known as a spherical Audion. The Audion was invented by Lee De Forest in 1906. This particular tube is a "double wing" tungsten filament circa 1915. The Audion was the forerunner to what is now generally known as a triode. A small amount of power applied to the grid could control a larger current from the filament to the plate, allowing the Audion to both "detect" radio signals (that is, make them audible) and to provide a modest amount of amplification. This Audion is an original from that era and was personally presented to Ralph Gasparotti W7WDZ (SK) by the inventor himself, Lee De Forest. Ralph’s estate donated it to the LCARA ~ W7DG. We are proud to own such an important and influential piece of early American radio history.

Centered on Pacific Northwest

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Home Brew antenna projects begin here. Start building!

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Brian KJ7OX has modeled and built such and antenna. It performs extremely well and is a direct 50 ohm feed, no transformer needed! Below is the model using MMANA-GAL software. Great low angle takeoff for DX! This antenna is also 'scalable'. By making it larger or smaller you can go up or down in the bands. Just make sure to keep in mind the 2:1 ratio, twice as tall then wide. 3-4 turns of coax or a handful of mix #31 or #43 ferrite beads at the feed point is always recommended for choking.

Sunlit / Gray Line map

Current solar conditions

Below you'll find interesting items for sale. Reach out to that seller via the email provided. If shipping outside our area, appropriate charges will be added.

SDR Play RSPdx Receiver - $150.00 each. We have two of them. Contact the club via the email in the "Contact Us" section.