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Katsu JA7QIL has built an improved method of tuning up and down the band when operating the ATS-4 – and added paddles to boot.
In his own words (and with Katsu’s kind permission to post here):
For easier ATS-4 operation, I built an ATS-4 Controller with touch paddle as shown below. Though I call it “Controller”, it is nothing but a simple directional tactile switch box. I used an ALPS SKQUAAA010 tactile switch which has 4 contacts in one package – one for each direction.
It is much easier to move around the CW band than with separate up and down tactile swithes.
Here are photos Continue reading 'External controller for ATS-4 de JA7QIL'»
I built my ATS-4B several months ago and finally got on the air with it yesterday. Most of the delay was caused by an intermittent problem; the rest, by the tower project.
The problem was the result of a flaky solder joint on a tiny MOSFET that, at times, would function normally on one or two bands and at others, not at all. As a result, I might have a good output on 30m one day and on 17m the next. And the next day, no output at all. Continue reading 'ATS-4B lives, additional element ordered for C3'»
A big tip o’ the hat to Chris N2YYZ for passing along a new-to-me technique for soldering tiny SMD parts.
I’ve heard of the hot air flow method and the heat-it-in-a-skillet method with solder paste as well as a few other techniques but drag soldering? That’s a new one on me and I must say, it looks impressive.
I’ve never heard this method mentioned in all the reading of various groups over the years so maybe it’ll be new to others as well. Continue reading 'Drag soldering'»
Last night and this morning were spent putting the finishing touches on my ATS-4B kit.
As I’d hoped, the smoke test was uneventful, the display came on and followed my band changes and there was noise in the headphones.
Freq changes and other button functions are working as well.
Phew…! Continue reading 'Construction finished on ATS-4B'»
After an easy 2 hours this afternoon the only parts left to be installed on my ATS-4B are the inductors (already wound), jacks, switches and push-buttons.
So far everything is going well. There have been only two typos in the instructions (both minor and easily figured out) with answers confirmed via the ATS Yahoo Group.
I can’t help but be repeatedly impressed at Steve’s design and efficiency. Way back when they were first introduced, I built an ATS-3 so I do have some idea of what this rig will be capable of when finished – 5 bands, 5 watts and a weight measured in ounces. It just amazes me. Continue reading 'ATS-4B nearing completion'»
Progressing at a snail’s pace with the ATS4B…
The truth is, after a day/week in the classroom, I’m not too motivated to work on this project. I was today though and installed all but 4 of the SMD capacitors. Child’s play after those tiny multi-pinned chips.
Four caps are left over – they’re in a white package instead of the specified orange, but by default are almost surely the caps mentioned for the orange package. I’m currently awaiting confirmation on that via the ATS Yahoo group. Continue reading 'ATS4B – caps installed; FunCube Dongle on hold'»
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