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Cricket 30

Cricket 30

Kitted and Offered For Sale By
The Four State QRP Group

Designed by David Cripe, NMØS

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The Cricket is a low cost entry level minimalist CW transceiver for the 30 meter band.   Chosen as the build session kit for OzarkCon 2018, it bears a family resemblance to the well known but much lower performing Pixie.   However it is very different and vastly improved over the Pixie.
 This is NOT a Pixie, it is far superior !   It features low parts count, better components including MOSFETs for better sensitivity and switching, and a modern NJM2113D audio amp.
 A TX/RX offset is also incuded so that you can work other stations that have zero beat you, or are using a crystal on the same frequncy.   Full QSK and a sidetone complete the essential operating features.   Dave's famous etched spiral coils are included on the pc board, so there are NO TOROIDS to wind.   Additionally a straight key is included on the pc board, just snap it off, mount it on the board, and the whole rig is then self contained.   Also included is an electronic keyer adapter - you can use your favorite keyer with the Cricket!
 These are many features for such a low parts count and inexpensive transceiver.
ALL THROUGH HOLE parts make this kit very easy to assemble.   It will make a fine, fully functional, and educational first rig for a new builder, the new ham, or seasoned veterans wishing to just have fun with a new rig at minimal expense and effort.
 This simple rig is fun and functional, and made many contacts at OzarkCon after the build session.   A proven design and a great choice for your next rig, it is perfect for a group build with nets and contacts after the build.   This is an excellent club project.

Clubs and Groups Please Note !   Group discounts are available, 5 kit minimum order required.
Contact the kitter at the email address below.

Join the Cricket Society !   Earn Awards !   Experience the comaraderie of the Cricket !   More info here.

 

Specifications and Design Features
General
Transceiver: Fully functional transceiver
QSK: Yes! Full QSK with fast, high speed switching
TR/RX Offest: Yes! Can hear a zero beat station, with no offset they wouldn't be heard
Sidetone: Yes! Great keying aide, unusual in such a low parts count rig
Low Part Count: Only 43 total electrical components (the Pixie has 34)
Toroids: NO toroids to wind, all inductors are etched on board spiral coils
Reverse Voltage Protection: Battery clips prevent reverse connection
Self Contained: Both the battery and a straight key are board mounted
Keyer Adapter: An electronic keyer adapter is included - use your favorite keyer
Single Bander: 30M only
Crystal Controlled: 10.106 and 10.110 crystals are included in the kit
Fast Assembly: Approx. 1 hour for an experienced builder
Alignment: None needed, put it on the air immediatly after assembly
Size: The board is 6" x 3.5" including a 1/2" snap off piece that becomes the board mounted key
Power Supply: 9 volt on board battery
Current requirements: Receive: less than 10ma, Transmit: less than 80ma
 
    Receiver
Direct Conv.: No 60 cycle hum or AM BCB interference at most locations
Sensitivity: Minimum Discernible Signal (MDS) -110 dBm (~S3)
well below the normal 80M noise level
MOSFET Mixer: Far superior to the Pixie's
NPN mixer better immunity to
AM broadcast interference and 60 Hz hum
Current Req.: Less than 10ma (!)
QSK: Full QSK.
Audio: Modern audio IC amplifier. Sounds good,
and plenty of volume for headphones/earbuds
  Transmitter
Chirps: Most Crickets chirp :o) this one does not
Power Output: ~.700 Watt
Final Amp: 2N7000 in Class E for cool efficiency. No heat sink needed
Spectral Purity: All harmonics and spurs are 50dB or more below the carrier
Current Req.: Less than 80ma
Robust: Will transmit into an open antenna jack with no damage
Documentation
Assembly Manual
Schematic
Board Layout  Part location
Part List  BOM
Photo Page  Rig pix, part ID, and building tips
Introduction to the Cricket by NMØS
Become a Cricketeer!  Click here to join the Four State Cricket Society

Posted with permission

Electronics 2000's Capacitor Identification Page
Electronics 2000's Resistor Code Graphic Calculator
 
Ordering Information:

The
Cricket 30
is Retired.

The cost of this kit is $ 30.00
 with a shipping cost of $ 7.50
DX Buyers, check HamRadioLand for availability.
Note to Canadian Purchasers:
 Due to high bank processing fees,
 we can no longer accept Canadian Money Orders.
 

 

The Cricket 30 is carefully kitted and shipped by Ron Potter, AG1P
Please direct shipping, kit, and part related questions to Ron Potter

All proceeds are applied toward funding OzarkCon.
Thank you for supporting The Four State QRP Group.

 

 
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