OMARC is sponsoring a open class to assist local Amateurs interesting in building a Doppler RDF unit from a Ramsey kit. You do not need to be an OMARC member to take part in these classes. All you need to do is purchase a Ramsey DDF-1 kit and show up at the Diana site on a Thursday night after 5:30pm until the end of October 2003.
Each student will need to purchase the Ramsey Doppler RDF kit (as of 9 July 2003 delivery is less than one week).
There is no cost for these classes, OMARC is offering them as a public service. All that we ask is that everyone interested please contact us as soon as possible to determine how many people want to participate.
Students that desire to do all their assembly and testing at the site must bring their RDF kit along with their own needed tools, soldering iron and solder to each class.
Students are free to work at their own pace away from class and bring their units in for troubleshooting, testing and setup as needed.
The classes will be managed by Bill, KC2CNB (that's Bill with the beard in the photo above at the first kit lab along with Joe, N2FW) who will answer questions and assist in testing and troubleshooting, in case it doesn't work first try and then assist in calibration. Bill works in electronics test and calibration on the day job and has experience with building (including the more difficult Mouser Electronics partial kit) and troubleshooting more than one unit and has proven skills at using the units in real world scenarios.
Classes will be held at the InfoAge Learning Center OMARC Diana site, building 9116 on Marconi Road, Wall Township, see the directions below.
The Diana site will be open at 5:30 pm or earlier depending on who is opening it to allow time for setup prior to each class. Class will commence at 5:30 pm during the consecutive 6 week course, each class will be held for 90 minutes.
For additional details on the classes and to sign up in advance please contact Bill, KC2CNB at kc2cnb@juno.com
Photos and info on kits as we progess:
Joe, N2FW looking at his progress to date.
The main board with some sockets (not supplied with the kit) and other components.
The completed main board on the back side where the LEDs, pots and switches are installed.
The component side of the board nestled into the cover.
Note, its best to place the LED's into the board loose and then position the board into the cover and seat the LEDs before soldering or tack soldering the LEDs intot he board.
FYI - Doppler Switching Board and RG-174 Coax Dressing:
In the photos below you will see that he did NOT dress back the outer jacket anywhere near as much depicted in the instructions.
It should only be dressed back as much as needed.
You must be careful with the RG-174 as it is delicate and a very sharp exacto knife or razor blade is recommended. In addition be very careful when soldering as it will melt the center insulator material fast. Note, on Bill's piece the braid was very solidly spaced thus stripping and tinning is much easier than if it were Radio Shack braid quality.... hi hi
For a a zoomable Yahoo Map Click Here
DIRECTIONS:
From the North ...
Take the Garden State Parkway SOUTH to EXIT 100 (Route 33 east), Exit
ramp will merge with Route 33 east, continue to Route 18 South,
follow Route 18 to EXIT 7A, Exit jug handle will put you on Brighton Ave
heading North, follow to bottom of hill, turn RIGHT onto Marconi Road.
Continue past the "T" insection to Monmouth Road on your right as the road bends you will pass a softball field on your right, then as the road bends again you will see the Diana site on your left with large Satellite antenna, just proceed through the open gates to the building at the far east of the complex.
From the South ...
Take the Garden State Parkway NORTH to EXIT 98, Bear to the right and
take the exit for Route 138 East, follow to Route 18 North exit,
follow Route 18 North to Exit 7, Exit ramp will put you on Marconi Road
heading east.
Continue past the "T" insection to Monmouth Road on your right as the road bends you will pass a softball field on your right, then as the road bends again you will see the Diana site on your left with large Satellite antenna, just proceed through the open gates to the building at the far east of the complex.
From the West ...
Take 195 EAST, to Route 18 NORTH, follow Route 18 North to EXIT 7, Exit
ramp will put you on Marconi Road heading east.
Continue past the "T" insection to Monmouth Road on your right as the road bends you will pass a softball field on your right, then as the road bends again you will see the Diana site on your left with large Satellite antenna, just proceed through the open gates to the building at the far east of the complex.
OMARC, Inc.
P.O. Box 267
Oakhurst, New Jersey 07755
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