QRP Romps!

QRP Romps!

Yes you can work the world with QRP!!

New to QRP or just been busy with life's little diversions and need up-to-date details on what's hot and happening in QRP gear, goodies, on-the-air activities, clubs and conventions? Check out my new book "QRP Romps!" and you will be "in the know like an old pro" quick as a flash. Various chapters highlight commercially made gear, kits of all types, antennas large and small, and pocket-size transmitters and receivers you can home-assemble in two or three hours time. In particular, the chapter on operating strategies and secrets for successful DXing is beneficial to high and low power operators alike--and easily worth three times the book's cost.

QRP Romps! is $18 (U.S.) plus $5.00 shipping. Payment is via check, bank money order or PayPal. Please mail payment to my address on QRZ.com.

Please contact me at k4twj73@gmail.com for questions.

World of Keys (Keys III)

KEYS III: THE WORLD OF KEYS
The World's Most Unique, Exotic, and Glamorous Keys- New And Old

by Dave Ingram, K4TWJ

The World of Keys is a visual celebration and lighthearted study of amateur radio's all-time favorite accessory. Keys have been an integral part of radio since and even before its beginning: they are true pieces of telegraphic history you can hold in your hand, genuine collectables, and many keys are also sheer works of art in brass. This new KEYS book includes:

• Spark keys
• Double Lever Keys
• Camelback Keys
• Proud Pumpers from the Past
• Far-Out Fun Keys
• Vibroplex Semi-Automatic Keys or "Bugs"
• Classic Semi-Automatic Keys or "Bugs"
• Bugs Beyond Belief!
• Marvelous Miniatures
• Modern Keys, Bugs and Paddles

Also available is a CD-ROM version of World of Keys which features high-resolution and full color images of over a hundred of the world's most prized keys. The CD book is laid out in chapters using html format, so you can easily read it and navigate through it, using your customary web browser.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
World of Keys, 79pp, Softcover $18.00 + $5.00 shipping (U.S.)
World of Keys, CD-ROM, $16.00 + $5.00 shipping (U.S.)

Mail Payment To: Address shown on QRZ.com

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

E-mail me at k4twj73@gmail.com for questions or to pay via PayPal.

KEYS II: THE EMPORIUM

KEYS II: THE EMPORIUM
The World's Most Admired Keys - New And Old
by Dave Ingram, K4TWJ

This book was inspired by numerous requests for a sequel to my popular "Keys, Keys, Keys" book published a several years ago. Rather than continuing with "more of the same" (although that expansion would have made a terrific book in itself), however, I pulled out all the stops to bring you views of the world's most admirable keys. Indeed, this blowout collection features many keys never before seen in publication! It includes hand keys, bugs fully automatic bugs, paddles, verticals and miniatures in both old and new categories. Most of the older keys are collectors' prides; most of the new (and available right now) keys are well on their way to becoming modern classics. Combined, they make an absolutely incredible collection I can only describe as a "keys emporium". This book includes:

• Classic Hand Keys
• Ever-Popular Bugs
• Unusual Bugs
• Exotic Bugs and Keys
• QRP Keys and Paddles
• New Keys and Paddles

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Book is $16.00 plus $5.00 S&H (U.S.) Please send order/payment to my address at QRZ.com.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Please e-mail me at k4twj73@gmail.com with any questions. You may also pay via PayPal.

WORLD-TOURING TELEGRAPHIC DISPLAY MAY SOON HEAD YOUR WAY

View the Keys

• A replica of Samuel Morse First Key: The Correspondent
• A replica of the Titanic’s Spark Key
• 1880 Chubbock Key
• Gold pinstriped 100 Anniversary Vibroplex Bug
• WB9LPU’s incredible oscillating Rotor Bug
• WB9LPU’s Coffee Cup Coaster CW Paddle—Just sit cup on it and use handle as fingerpiece. It’s a treat!
• N3ZN’s Magnetically Tensioned Paddle key
• Exotic fingerpieces by WB8LZG

Read the Papers

• Samuel Morse developed the canvas stretcher-type telegraph
• Transcripts and log extracts from the Titanic event
• Evolution of Western Union
• Story of H.G. Martin and The Vibroplex Company

Listen to the Sounds

• Hear recordings of Spark Gap-transmitted SOS messages from MGY-- call sign of the Titanic

Join the Clubs

• Applications and invites from FISTS, SKCC, more

Meet the People Behind the Keys

• Via Web Cam and Internet link (presently under development)

Dave Ingram, K4TWJ, and friends have put together a special collection of telegraphic treats, artifacts and CW keys for display at amateur radio conventions and rallies of all lands. THIS HISTORY-MAKING DISPLAY IS HOUSED IN AND TRANSPORTED IN A SELF-PROTECTING 26 BY 15 BY 8 INCH CASE THAT OPENS UP AND EXPANDS OUT IN 2 MINUTES TIME. It contains views and details of Samuel F. B. Morse’s first pen and canvas-type telegraph, H. G. Martin’s first semi-automatic key, a recording of how the Titanic’s S.O.S. sounded in 1912, plus information on and invites to join several CW clubs. It also features a replica of Samuel Morse famed “Correspondent” key, the Titanic’s spark key, an 1880-style Chubbock key, a 1905-styled Vibroplex bug, WB9LPU’s new RotoBug, N3ZN’s glamorous round-based paddle, a bevy of exotic fingerpieces and much more.

Shipping cost is always a prime consideration, so space and weight are a premium in this traveling display. As such, only the most noteworthy and admirable keys, bugs, paddles, papers, books, CDs, etc. have been included in the display. If interest and funds permit, an optional box of souvenirs, miniature keys, etc. is available to compliment the display. A webcam link with amateurs supplying item/info in display is also being planned.

HOW TO GET ON LIST/SCHEDULE FOR SHOWING DISPLAY AT YOUR LOCATION
You pay cost of shipping display case (approx. 28 by 16 by 8 inches and 30 pounds) from previous location of showing/display to your location. Since a representative will not be traveling with the display (unless you invite one of us as a guest/forum speaker!), we emphasize you—the club/organization/society sponsoring the convention/rally/show must be responsible for the safety and security of the display from the time it arrives at your QTH until it leaves your QTH. Do not be discouraged here, however. While several items cannot be easily replaced, the display’s overall value is under $2,000 dollars.

I urge you to assign one person—ideally, one with a high interest in and enthusiasm for keys, CW and telegraphy—immediately accountable for all parts of display. I also encourage you to set up the display in an area adjacent to your convention’s own area/booth/stand so you (or the previously mentioned keys enthusiast) can keep a watchful eye on it. The double benefit here is the telegraphic display will compliment your organization.

Handled diligently and responsibly in the traditional amateur radio manner, this traveling telegraphic display can make your convention an extra-special and always remembered event. Give it a go!

Dave Ingram, K4TWJ, envisioned and instigated this traveling display with the purpose of handing down amateur radio's proud history, legacies and traditions from generation-to-generation so they live on throughout the annals of time. He is seeking sponsors to help support the display's travel from country-to-country. Tell your convention chairman about the display so you too can be included in its schedule of travel. You can contact Dave direct at k4twj73@gmail.com.

RECAPPING
1) The traveling telegraphic display will be shipped between locations in generally same areas “leap frogging” around the U.S., then make a jump into Europe. Then it will again ship between generally same areas, making another continental jump, etc. until traveling around the world and returning to the U.S.

2) I urge you to reserve a spot on the world-touring display’s schedule RIGHT NOW—before it travels past your area. Also, the more near-to-each other areas of showing, the shorter then point-to-point travel and the lower the shipping costs. You reserve a spot by contacting Dave Ingram, K4TWJ, at e-mail: k4twj73@gmail.com.

3) State date(s), location and type event. If you do not receive a reply within 7-10 days, assume your message was lost in cyberspace and send again. THIS IS DESTINED TO BE A BIG EVENT!! SIGN UP NOW!

One Transistor Marvel (UK) shown in case with key and battery

One Transistor Marvel Kit

One Transistor Marvel shown completed in picture above
shown with optional keyfob/case. Key is not included.

In picture to right is the One Transistor Marvel, also known
as Hamfest Buddy in the U.S., shown with all parts included in kit-- minus tools and solder.
Optional keyfob/case for $3.50 (U.S) (Temporarily unavailable). There is also an earfob/earphone (not shown in picture) which is optional
for $3.50 (U.S.).
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kit is available for $16 plus $5.00 S & H (U.S.)(which includes crystal/band of your choice). Payment is via check, bank money order or PayPal.

Please mail payment to address shown on QRZ.com.

Please contact me at k4twj73@gmail.com for questions.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Comments from the Field

May 1, 2008--Hi Dave,I got the One Transistor Marvel built. I put it on the air by calling cq on 40. No luck. I then used qro and got a contact in WV, Lloyd, AB8KS. I asked if he would listen for the little rig. He copied me 339. I used a 40 meter inverted vee up about 40 feet. What a treat!I also built the Micronaut and called CQ. No answer. I called using qro and got W8AQ/qrp, Jack, near Houston, TX. I worked him also with the vee antenna, and got another 339.The Marvel runs 62 mWs and the Micronaut 21 mWs.Thanks so much for the 470 caps and the other parts for the board--and the very prompt service with the order. I just thought you would like to know.

Larry's, WB4KLI, One Transistor Marvel in a Tic Tac Box.

--------------------

May 5, 2008--Hi Dave,You may use any info I send your way. Last night on 40 meters, with the Micronaught, I made my first qso by answering a cq with the little rig. I worked K4IBZ , Bill in Florida. Bill gave me a 449.At this point I do not have any pictures.73,Larry WB4KLI

Keys, Keys, Keys

Keys, Keys, Keys
A Visual Celebration of Amateur Radio's Favorite Accessory
by Dave Ingram, K4TWJ

This book is well illustrated and is now in its fourth printing. It has withstood the test of time and become a classic and a collectible. Chapters include:

• Famous Name Bugs
• Limited Production Bugs
• Collecting, Restoring, Adjusting and Using Keys
• Hand Key Haven
• Telegraph and Code Apparatus of Yesteryear
• Modern Keys and Paddles
• And Much More

Book is only $9.95. I do not sell/handle this book.

Keys, Keys, Keys is between printings as this is written. Copies may be available from our friends at Morse Express.

Your Guide to HF Fun

Your Guide to HF Fun (Temporarily unavailable)
by Dave Ingram, K4TWJ

Whether you recently acquired a new or upgraded license, are returning to amateur radio after an extended absence, or simply wish to expand your horizons, this easy-to-understand book is your hands-on guide to enjoying the fascinating world of HF communications. HF is a world filled with exciting DX, terrific contests, super-featured gear and special folks just like you. Yes, and the ability to communicate with amateurs in distant lands on a person-to-person basis of international friendship and goodwill forms the backbone of HF and amateur radio. It is also this unique communications ability for which radio amateurs are widely known and respected. Book details are listed below:

• The Glitz and Glamour of HF
• A Quick Study of HF Transceivers
• Setting Up a Safe and Effective HF Station
• Selecting, Installing and Tuning HF Antennas
• Overviewing the HF Bands
• How to Sound Great and Operate Like a Pro
• The Fine Art of DXing and Contesting
• HF Mobiling in High Style

Book is $16.00 plus $5.00 S&H (U.S.)

Please mail payment to address on QRZ.com.

E-mail me at k4twj73@gmail.com with any questions.You may also order via PayPal.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

UTRA LIGHT HF'n

ULTRA LIGHT HF'n (Temporarily unavailable)
Portable Fun and Survival Ready!
by Dave Ingram, K4TWJ

As you might surmise, the inspiration to write this book began with a keen interest in personal portable fun plus a sense of necessity in emergency preparedness. Our main focus herein is on HF rather than VHF or UHF activities, and the reason for targeting HF is quite simple. Radio amateurs of all license classes generally understand how 2 meter groups and repeaters address local area needs during emergencies, but finding similar "how to" guidance for portable HF'n is much more challenging. That is the thrust of this book, and I sincerely hope it motivates you to join the ever-increasing number of amateurs having fun "Ultra Light HF'n". Check out what is included:

• HF to Go: The New Trend For The New Times
• Operating Portable: A Plan for Success
• Monitoring World Affairs Via Shortwave
• Mini Rig Mania
• Amazing Antennas
• Accessories Abound! Ideas Galore!
• Alternate Energy Systems

Book is only $16.00 plus $5.00 S & H (U.S.).

Please send order to me at address on QRZ.com.

Please e-mail me at k4twj73@gmail.com with any questions. You may also order via PayPal. Thanks!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

33 Simple Weekend Projects

33 Simple Weekend Projects,
for the Ham, the Student, and the Experimenter!
by Dave Ingram, K4TWJ

$9.95

The picture on the cover says it all. Have you ever wished you had a guidebook for getting a child interested in electronics and amateur radio? These educational and practical projects demand the minimum in skill or experience, and will provide hours of fun. The chapter headings are:

The Joys of Homebrewing Elmer's Sugarcoated Electronic Theory Projects for the Home Station HF Antennas Special Treats for VHF Enthusiasts Big-time Accessories for Your HF Mobile Rig A Potpourri of Fun Projects

33 Simple Weekend Projects is available from our friends at Morse Express and not from me.

HOME-BREW KEY

Dave says---

I may not be able to reach thru the Internet and hand you a free gift or official Wild Woody WARC Key when visiting my blogspot, but I can show you how to quick-assemble your own miniature key from readily available parts. Remember this is only a fun item. The keys featured in my books are much more elaborate!

To quick-assemble your own miniature key right now? Just grab one of the popular 50/300 ohm TV baluns, a pushbutton from a local Radio Shack and put them together.

• Pop open the balun's case, remove its innards
• Insert a single pole pushbutton of your choice in the balun's hollowed out space for a push-on plug. Select a pushbutton that has a good feel. Purchase a spare perchance you wear out the first one.
• Add short wires between the pushbutton and the balun's screw terminals.

Enjoy a neat palm-size key for portable operation. It is a real fun item and a genuine attention grabber!