Category Archives: Gadgets

What do you get from a $25 multimeter?

Posted on October 4, 2014 by jwk

Fred Clift wrote over on his blog about why it’s worthwhile to pick a more expensive multimeter. He’s comparing a $200 Fluke to a $6 Harbor Freight multimeter, which really is a no-brainer. I’m not sure the Harbor Freight model … Continue reading →

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Steampunk USB Vacuum Tube Flash Drives

Posted on September 26, 2014 by jwk

I ran across these very cool steampunk-inspired USB flash drives drives built around a vacuum tube while looking for some tube shields. They look like they’re really well built and are a clever use of an old vacuum tube. I … Continue reading →

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Getting Started With Vintage Radio and Electronics: Basic Tools for the Hobbyist

Posted on September 18, 2014 by jwk

A few people have asked me variations of  “What tools do I need to fix my first radio?”, “What do I need to put together this soldering kit?”, and such. It’s not as simple as you might think. There’s a … Continue reading →

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HP 1405A Plug-In Mystery: Which Is It?

Posted on September 1, 2014 by jwk

I’m fixing up an HP 143A Wide-Screen Mainframe Oscilloscope, which has a very big selection of plug-ins to provide a variety of functions. The oscilloscope has symmetrical vertical and horizontal circuits, so it can be used as an X-Y amplifier … Continue reading →

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Wanted: Vintage HP 1400-Series Vertical Amplifier Plug-Ins for Oscilloscope

Posted on August 21, 2014 by jwk

I’m looking for plugins for my HP 143A Wide-Screen Mainframe Oscilloscope which I’m in the process of restoring. I’d love to run it as a 15″ high speed X-Y display, and to do so needs matched vertical amplifier plugins in … Continue reading →

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KN0CK Amplified RTLSDR for HF Rev. 5 is Back!

Posted on June 5, 2014 by jwk

After some technical difficulties, the KN0CK Amplified RTLSDR for HF Rev. 5 is back! Now for sale directly through blog.KF7LZE, and including free shipping in the United States, and a free PAL to BNC adapter with purchase! Everything you need to … Continue reading →

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1934 Weston Capacity Meter Model 664 Repair

Posted on April 27, 2014 by jwk

Here’s another project I just finished at Rain City Audio:

This 1934 Weston Capacity Meter/AC Voltmeter was used to measure capacitors and the output of transformers for experimentation and troubleshooting. It only needed a good cleaning and one component replaced to fire right up and make some measurements. Continue reading →

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KN0CK and KF7LZE RTLSDR for HF Back In Stock at Easy-Kits.com!

Posted on March 11, 2014 by jwk

Edit: Easy-Kits.com is offline, but still for sale! Click through.  We’ve completed the next production run of Rev 5 direct-sampling RTLSDR with HF converters by KN0CK ! Rev 5 Direct Sampling HF RTLSDR with Amplifier

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For Sale: The KN0CK and KF7LZE RTLSDR for HF Rev. 5!

Posted on January 28, 2014 by jwk

I’m happy to announce that Rev 5 of the KN0CK and KF7LZE RTLSDR for HF is now available for sale in its 5th iteration – now featuring Direct Sampling, while still keeping the familiar wide-band pre-amplifier! On account of the … Continue reading →

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Coming Soon: KN0CK and KF7LZE RTLSDR Receiver Rev. 5!

Posted on January 6, 2014 by jwk

Edited 6/10/2014: Now for sale directly at KF7LZE.net! I’m proud to announce that in just a few days, Easy-Kits.com in cooperation with KN0CK will be releasing Rev. 5 of the popular RTLSDR Integrated Upconverter with a brand new design and … Continue reading →

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