hamelectronicsmagazine.com
This web site started February 2011 by Earl Andrews VE3AB
Elliot Lake, Ontario.     
CANADA.   Ham Radio specific.
contact me ve3ab <at> rac.ca ---
HAM RADIO EXPERIMENTATION AND
PRACTICAL ELECTRONICS (I am a technician- hands on)
HANDS ON PROJECTS AND ANTENNA WORK (ARTICLES)
References to past work (note: I can still help out the odd time with FT301 repairs and parts
and I still have quite a few radio/electronics parts I can sell here and there to
builders/tinkerers.
CLICK HERE FOR NEW REFERNCE PAGE
REFERENCES and Services I offer to other
hams at my LOW LOW home based price
of $10 per hour.
CLICK HERE FOR REFERENCES AND
MORE --->> I can trouble-shoot and repair
certain electonic assemblies -- $10 per
hour..basic trouble shooting of boards
mainly. BOARDS and smaller radios ect
from the 1970s and early 80s.
I dont have time/good test equipment to do
alignments except on maybe HEATHKIT
ITEMS (if you supply the manual).
I can certainly help advise on repairs...write
me an email and I'll try to lend a hand.

(Mostly circuit boards (FT301)(Atlas210)
items like that..and small ham accessories
at this price..mostly the ones with simpler
layouts that can be sent by mail.
<<<ve3ab@rac.ca  (email)>>>>

ve3ab@personai
nternet.com -
note: I can give
you an estimate
for FREE..by
email or over
phone.  
CLICK
HERE TO SEND
ME AN EMAIL.
Antenna Topics
click here
FT-301 TRANSCEIVER PAGES (Photos, the parts I
sell, the repair work I do/have done)
CLICK HERE
FT221 PAGES (and infor-mation about xtals dial
lamps
(LEDs) CLIK HER
(CLICK HERE) FIXING
RADIOS -Troubleshoot
rewritten Sept
24..NEW
This was until recently.. the operating postion. FT221R for 2m fm mainly (up here in Northeastern
Ontario..not much ssb/cw), TT transverter for 6 meters (I use the FT221R as the IF for this); FV301
external VFO and FT301D. I use an LDG autom tuner (not shown) to tune the HF2V 80 and 40 meter
vertical. Also tunes the TGM hybrid mini beam up on the tower. NOT shown in the picture are the
Argonaut 505, 509 and 515. I use the 515 the most. I also have the 405 amplifier.

Just the other day June 13th 2011..I received my AADE digital frequency readout for the FT301. At the
same time, I have started the MODIFICATION to install 30 meters in the AUX bandswitch position. I have
just received (July 11) some special trimmer capacitors that should work well in the cramped area
around the bandswitch wafers. I ordered extras to sell to anyone working on these mods.

Another thing Im going to do at the same time..is replace the electrolytic capacitors (recap the rig). I will
order some extra capacitors to sell to other hams as recapping kit at same time. I will be writing it up.
Atlas 210X Page(s) CLICK HERE
RADIO SPECIFIC TOPICS --Pages------ 1970s & 80s
radios are what I work on (older technology)- older parts
COMPONENTS/COMPONENT
TESTING I perform,Standard-
ization discussed, such as
VARACTOR TESTING,

TRANSISTOR testing and
HFE/characteristic match.
I can match pairs of
transistors for you.
My low
cost service! only $1/pair!
*  FERRITE TESTING and
much more..
CLICK HERE TO
SEE
Argonaut 509 DDS version?? I did try this as an
experiment! Mixed results but I am not finished with
it YET!!
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT IT!
TEN TEC ARGONAUT 509 thru 515 -- tips..mods..fixes
ect ----
click on link here to visit page(s)
FREE SERVICE..FREE FREE FREE!!!

especially
FREE to budding hams...!!!!


((giving back to the hobby!)) I can tutor
you for free as well if you are wanting to
become a ham radio person!

I well remember the days when I needed
help fixing my old Collins 32V2 transmitter
back when I first got my ticket (1973) and I
was only 19 yrs old. I did not have the tech
savy I have now.
Sometimes if you are stuck with some
problem..I can analyse the schematics and
perhaps come up with a possible solution
or two. I don't charge for this.

So I offer my services at low cost to give
back and to keep me occupied as well.

Email me: ve3ab at rac.ca  -- I do freebies
and help potential hams with
questions..FOR FREE (of course!) -- if you
need a manual I can email a pdf copy
FREE. Its all part of networking. 73 Earl
MONEY $ MONEY $ MONEY
I do work for money!!!--
however..I'm in no way making
any significant sums of cash.
$10 per hour is below minimum
wage up here in Canada and I
consider it still as being an
AMATEUR ..if I charge only this
amount for repairs and mods ect.

My $10.00 per hour bench rate is pretty
well at the bottom of the ladder. I
mostly work on basic repairs that I
have parts for and know how to fix.
Relatively straight forward
repairs/service.

I don't (usually) tackle alignments
unless the item is fairly simple ..like a
converter or transverter. Ten Tec
Transverter Kits..or any kits with good
instructions..I can do.

Actually..for repairs of say sentimental
items..you can send me pictures and
information and I can give you a free
evaluation and tell you if I can fix it or
not.
Some items are easy to fix..others a
devil when it comes to getting parts.
Often..I have given advice to people
for FREE! -- ALL PART OF NETWORKING
PROCESS.
NOTE: WITH CBs..I don't boost up the
power output. I can fix many older CBs
that I have parts for ie..typically 1960
through to about mid 80s.

For a FREE no Hassle consultation feel
free to email me at this LINK
ve3ab@personainternet.com
HOMEBREW LINEAR POWER
SUPPLIES..and info ASTRON
PS and Yeasu FP-757hd
click
here
Pictured to the right  the EF Johnson KW
match box. A classic!!
Galaxy R530 general coverage receiver.
Another classic!

The EF Johnson Matchbox is just "eye
Candy" with sentimental value. The R530 is
used by me to listen to Talk 640 Toronto
..Leaf Talk and other Talk shows in USA on
the BCB. Occasionally too..I listen to Short
Wave stations. The FT301 in the picture has
been fitted with the AADE display and it is
working great. I am using the FT301 on 80m
cw now and my FT757GX on the other bands.

Also pictured ..the FT221 2 meter all mode. I
also have a 2 meter to 6 mtr TEN TEC
transverter.  
OLD TUBE
RADIOS - restoration
CLICK HERE
www.hamelectronicsmagazine.com --- will continue with more articles as I progress with things. --- Thanks for
stopping by.

73 Earl Andrews VE3AB

PS..I do have another web site: www.sparetime.biz that is with ISP ipage.com. Unfortunately..it costs a fair
amount of money (more than I thought was necessary) to run two full out web sites..so I have cut back on
www.sparetime.biz It is only a small web site of 6 pages. This web site here will be my main web site. I have kept
domain: www.earlandrews.com as an email domain without web pages.
I am interested in putting some (limited and ham radio related advertising in my
pages) -- very low cost to you -- email me ve3ab@rac.ca for details
ham radio (mostly) -- its all FREE!!!!!
site paid by selling parts here & there!!
NO ADS -- NO FADS!!  NO POP_UP ADS... unwanted pop up distractions..no
lids..no kids or space cadets either!! (W2OY remembered!!!) (1960s!)-- This
site is INDEPENDENT (VE3AB solely)..I dont have ads here OR MUCH
COMMERCIALISM AT ALL REALLY.
--- just me tooting my own horn!!
THIS IS A RETIREMENT ACTIVITY
FOR ME
. I used to work in
NATO system concerning Life
Cycle Management of ICs,
transistors and other small
components. -- I cannot
possibly compete on any large
scale but I build/repair my own
stuff and I have bought
many
components at sales (new old
surplus components) and I
have bought new components
in bulk..and I can sell in small
wee lots and ship across
CANADA for $1.41 large
envelope and $5-$6 Europe.
New Antenna-- new article for
Oct 9 -11
-- MY NEW home brew
SCREWDRIVER "STYLE"
motorized backyard vert
 CAN
COVER 2 bandS with one
setting as well
CLICK HERE TO
GO
My "scrapped" radio parts (radio
(cb,ham,swl)
graveyard!!) My ever
expanding scrapped radio collection
----->> I can pull parts for you...
clik here to see pages
End Fed Half Wave Antenna
Projects
..(my latest FAD!)
---click here for the swr curves
and other details
www.earlandrews.com  -- my old URL is still active as a mailbox. I own three
web domains: www.hamelectronics.com (this is my main one)
**** these two domains are with YAHOO SMALL BUSINESS web service.
I actually much prefer Yahoo Provider over my other provider which turned
out to have alot of hidden prices and I want to phase it out/sell domain.

www.sparetime.biz  -- I have this domain name with i page but there were
many options and hidden costs. SO ..I WOULD LIKE TO SELL THIS
DOMAIN NAME.....it is a good interesting name and I might be tempted to
sell it off fairly reasonable price!!! write me: ve3ab@personainternet.com or
ve3ab@rac.ca
www.sparetime.biz

is FOR SALE. I own this domain
name and would like to sell it.

Please contact me via email for
details. (Reasonable price!!)

click here link to sparetime.biz
I have about 12 old cbs for parts and
about the same number of older 2
meter rigs that I have bought at flea
markets and garage sales.

I may just have the part you need to fix
yours..earl (ve3ab@rac.ca)
I bought a PAR end fed half wave
antenna for 20 meters.

I have also built a 10 meter version
and the SWR curve is very very
good. Quite broadbanded.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE WORK I'VE
DONE SO FAR note: I can sell you
the (measured) components to roll
your own (coil and coax capacitor)
for $13 plus postage. You would
have to supply your own enclosure
and wire and coax and antenna
wire.

These antennas are very well
respected in the amateur
community. They work well as
portable antennas that can be
strung from a high tree limb
and seem to work as well as center
fed dipoles.
For my back yard with TV tower..I
have started running them like
slopers off the tower. JUST
GOOGLE either PAR end fed
antennas or LNR PRECISION (they
bought the line from Dale and look
through the eham reviews on them!
SWR
My PAR end fed half
wave
EF 20 H (the 300 watt
version)-- I have
homebrewed a couple
of these matchboxes
types (very similar).
FISHING, ELLIOT LAKE, Northeastern
Ontario, Dachshunds and more
non-electronics, non- ham radio..
CLICK
HERE FOR THESE PGS
The older Heathkit radios I can work on because the manuals are
assembly manuals and a person can follow the procedures and the
schematics with general ease. Some are light enough to be sent in the
mail. The Atlas 210x is another radio I work on for much the same reasons.
(I have 3 Atlas 210xs. 1 Good one and 2 for parts). Converters,
transverters and smaller items LIKE-WISE. email ve3ab@rac.ca

QRP RADIOS are light enough to be sent by mail and I can work on them as
well..AND I
 BUY BROKEN RIGS/assemblies to work on in my spare time
MY (other) DOMAIN NAME:
******
www.sparetime.biz *********
I thought it was a spiffy domain name
when I bought it about a year ago!
is up for sale (privately) email me for
details.
click here to visit this other
site.
FT301+ (new) Digital Display..from AADE Electronics (USA)..
I have built the kit and now its working fine. Lots of pictures
and hints to help builders with this one. (15 Dec 2011)
The ICE STORM of 1998 was an example of Amateur Radio Communications serving a large community in need.

I was without power (west of Ottawa) in the country for about 14 days. The army visited us twice and we had no generator
or wood stove. ((NOW I DO)).
My 2 meter rig was always on during this period and it was a life line for me. I could communicate with other hams who
knew what parts of the grid were being brought back ON LINE and when.

IAM THE PRESIDENT OF OUR SMALL LOCAL RADIO CLUB: The Elliot Lake Amateur Radio Club.
If there is ever a large emergency in our community/country..we as amateurs have been practicing our EMERGENCY
COMMUNICATIONS SET UPs.
I have 2 emergency generators and emergency antennas and power cords and heaters ect..set to go if there ever was an
emergency.
I send small padded envelopes of
ham radio parts world wide. Small low
cost orders (air mail) - ask for quote!
My Antenna Topics: link near top of this page.. covers experiments
that I have tried with various configurations of antennas. Iam right
now..involved in end fed half wave antennas. I have cloned a copy
of the Par End Fed Match box and it is working well on 10 meters.
spiffy..Domain Name for
Sale!!!!
I had some computer/email problems -- Dec 29
for few days. (some mail lost)
email me:
earlinclayton@yahoo.com (to
re-establish contact that might have been lost!!!
I PAY CASH for older
radios..junker radios,
electronics parts..either I
fix them up or if they are
too far gone..I can part
them out.
I work by mail..and you can
mail me parts/radios
what-ever. I do travel to
places like Ottawa,
Sudbury, "the Soo", Smiths
Falls and other places.

ve3ab@rac.ca
I have an active mind. I really dig Ham Radio and
the associated electronics and science. I also
watch Science Programs and History programs on
TV. Now that I'm retired..I enjoy exercising the
mind.
my largest fish
yet..20 pound pike
caught in ELake.
The Thumbnail Pictures..click on them to
expand
Korting 1030/1031 tube receiver-- basic tuneup and
cleaning and listening on the AM BC band
link here
My latest acquisiton, a Hammarlund HQ180AC
..article just started on this one.
click here
As far as I know.... I am the only small parts distributor that specifically sells discrete
components for QRP homebrewing.. IN CANADA. In USA..there are a number of
fellows doing it..ie W8DIZ (kits and parts dot com), Hendricks QRP, Oakhill
research, Dans Small Parts and kits, QRP me.

Unlike those fine gentlemen..I have a unique inventory that includes semi conductors
that date back to the sixties. TO SEE MY SUPER LIST click this link to the text file
HERE (link).. note: you can copy and save as a text file to your computer or merely
browse it.
I am still trying to type in all the part numbers from the hand written lists I
have made.
I sell overseas and to USA and in CANADA. SMALL ORDERS and I can
test and match components ie transistors..FOR FREE!!!

I do not have the stock levels that these fellows have but I have quite a bit of
diversity and I cater to hams (mainly) and hobbyists and tinkerers. (like myself). I am
working on a proper business name and registration..but right now..it seems I only
make a few sales a week and it might not be worth it (at least right now). Any money
I make is pretty well gobbled up by the cost of this web page and I have to buy parts
for selling. ITS REALLY A "HOBBY BUSINESS" THAT KEEPS ME OCCUPIED.
HOBBY BUSINESS..or
perhaps..
Passion would be a
better word for it. I just enjoy
working with small parts and
computer data bases and this
web page.
-- Fortunately..I had a good day
job in my past and I now have a
civil service pension to pay the
bills with!
I own 3 Domain Names and one of them (sparetime.biz) I have up for sale. -- earlandrews.com is still active..
ham
electronicsmagazine.com is being developed.
CB parts. CB might be making a bit of a
come-back.
The radio conditions are improving with
this current sunspot cycle. I do sell some
parts for CBs.
This is now my main rig..the FT757gx. I bought it used from
a fellow here in Elliot Lake who was downsizing. The
FT757GX is a nice rig on CW with full breakin. I have
already worked on it once for the previous owner. I dont
have many of the parts for these more modern and
complex rigs ..but I enjoy using it. Good filtering and
senstive receiver for weak signal QRP work.
When operating CW qrp contests..I use my BIRD
WATTMETER to set the power at 5 watts out.
NEW FEB 10TH 2012  ---
**** A TEXT FILE OF ALL MY
PARTS YOU CAN SAVE TO YOUR
COMPUTER AND USE TO
SEARCH FOR PARTS
CLICK HERE TO" view" THIS
FILE note: it is a 128 kb text file
that is searchable and you can
import it to spread sheet or
whatever format you like. -- I
will be updating it from time to
time with additions.
I have a MASTER LIST
-- plain text file-- you
can look at the parts I
have for sale by part
number LINK BELOW
Canadian Part Dealer (Small
orders for Hobbyists).
Elliot Lake Club member Terry VE3EXV set up a station in his mini van.
Here he uses a radio that has a detachable front panel and he uses a
home-made antenna tuner to tune a wire antenna. This is typically how an
emergency station would be set up and operated. FIELD DAY is a fun club
activity that happens once a year in late June. It is fun, a type of "contest"
and it helps us "amateur radio operators" gear up for any possible real
life emergency that would require communications to the outside world.
When natural disaster takes down the power grid and topples the cellular
phone towers..WE AS AMATEURS CAN CERTAINLY STEP IN.
Emergency POWER is KEY to emergency commmunications. Deep Cycle Batteries and a
means to recharge them. We can also operate directly off the AC generator.
Community Service..Radio Clubs..Social Events and
Emergency Drills using standalone power sources. Its all part
of Amateur Radio.
Some of the Elliot Lake Amateur Radio club
members that participated in Field Day 2010 dig in to
the barrel of chicken and lunch that the club
provides.  
We get permission to hold this Field Day up at the
Fire Tower just east of town..high up on the hill!
The Elliot Lake Amateur Radio club has regular meetings 4 times a year and we meet
informally each week at McDonalds for a coffee and B.S. session 8 PM.. You are welcome to
stop in and talk radio or whatever!
We have 9 am saturday breakfast session usually at Wills Cove here in town. Every third
Saturday of each month we meet for breakfast at the Masonic Lodge here in town.
Members of the public interested in radio can certainly join us.
MY PARTS PAGES ..BROKEN DOWN by category
..ie QRP PARTS...VINTAGE PARTS....USER
FRIENDLY LISTS..
CLICK HERE