75m direct conversion receiver for the car

[ka1tdq]

I made a direct conversion receiver for 75 meters that I can use in the car. It's a SA612/LM386 combo that uses a digital VFO. I'm surprised at how hot the receiver is for just being one stage. I built it in a clear plastic box that I got from the Container Store. The antenna is an MFJ resonator shown in the photo.

I connect the audio to my car's stereo system via the 1/8" stereo jack built into the car.

https://youtu.be/pFP_JBDOj7A

Jon

[WA2SQQ]

Interesting idea - nice box!

[ka1tdq]

Makes for a busy passenger seat.

Jon

[W2JBL]

You might want to consider securing all that stuff somehow. If you crash all that s@#t is going to become airborne and you WILL get hurt. I know because it happened to me many years ago. I was injured by a Lafayette Comstat 25 CB (big heavy tube radio) I had on the seat of my 68 Ford that became airborne and hit me when I crashed it back in 1976. The radio hit my side and cracked a few ribs. Also try mounting the control head for the Alinco on the dash so you can use it without taking your eyes off the road. Another time I wrecked a 1986 Chevy Caprice 9C1 and a Motorola HT600 I had on the back seat took flight on impact (T boned a drunk who turned left 6 feet in front of me and I hit him going 35 MPH ) and after it hit my head and took a chunk out of my ear exited through the windsheild. That was a very high G force collision. Safety first, radio second.

[ka1tdq]

You're 100% right about safety. To be honest, I never thought about the consequences of a crash. it could be ugly.

I have had lots of fun with this setup though. I find myself operating from the car more than home, especially with a drivable mountain near my house. I also enjoy the tech voyeurism when passersby look inside and see all the stuff. 

Jon

[KD6VXI]

I had a friend who was knocked unconscious when an external CD rom burner became airborn in a crash.

He was out for like 10 minutes.  Long enough for the paramedics to become fairly concerned.

CD ROM burner.  That dates the story lol.  Circa 1998/9....


--Shane
KD6VXI

[w8khk]

Always play it safe.....