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Be sure to view the images and commentary on the Mass as the "Holy Transfiguration" below the artistic renderings of the Transfiguration and my "mini-homily" on it!Four wonderful artistic renderings of the Transfiguration:On this Second Sunday of Lent, we hear the Gospel concerning the Transfiguration of Jesus. Jesus takes Peter, James and John up the holy mountain where He is transfigured and these three apostles come to a clearer understanding about the true Identity and true Nature of Jesus. Obviously, they are quite fascinated by the whole occurrence, wide awake and filled with wonder, fear and awe. They want to remain with Jesus on this mountain top. But Jesus insists that they “come down the mountain” and head toward Golgotha. These very same apostles, Peter, James and John, are a bit mistaken on what it means to take the road that will lead to Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection. After all, they have witnessed the glory of Christ on the mountain top and there is nothing else to fear since Jesus is God. This might explain why these very same apostles, Peter, James and John cannot remain awake with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Unlike their wide-awake intrigue, fear, wonder and awe on the Mountain of the Transfiguration, in the Garden where Jesus undergoes His agony, they are sound asleep, indifferent to Jesus’ impending passion and death. He’s God after all, be happy, don’t worry, just sleep in “heavenly peace.” Our lives as Catholics are intimately bound to not only the glory of the Risen Christ, but also His passion and death. We are not yet in heaven. We will continue to get sick, suffer, sin and die because the work of redemption while complete in heaven is not yet complete in this life on this side of our Lord’s Second Coming. All the suffering, sins and deaths of those who ever have lived, are living or will live, are placed on Jesus during His entire earthly existence in the Flesh, beginning with the Incarnation through His passion, death and resurrection. Yet, not until the last person to be conceived will the Lord return, for He suffered and died for everyone who was ever or will be conceived. So we will continue on this side of life to need to be awake not only for the Glory of Christ in the Sacraments and in our lives, but also for the Passion of Christ in the Sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist and in our lives and the lives of others.This has ramifications for the manner in which we celebrate the Ordinary Form of the Holy Mass. Is it a transfiguration experience for us, where we are filled with wonder, fear and awe, wanting to remain with Jesus or is it like the Garden of Gethsemane for us, where like Peter, James and John, we can't stay awake and drift into oblivious sleep? Maybe our eyes are open, but our hearts far from Jesus' passion, death and resurrection. What is your spiritual attitude toward these images of our Lord's Transfiguration? It should be like that of Peter, James and John at the Transfiguration, not at the Garden of Gethsemane:Extraordinary Form Requiem Transfiguration (all Masses celebrate the Passion, death and Resurrection of the Risen Lord!)Awe, wonder, fear, intrigue at this powerful "Transfiguring" Image?Every Knee Shall Bow! Does yours?That's a Grand Candle for the Light of Christ!The Blessing of the Easter Water for Holy BaptismJesus Christ washing away sins in the Easter waters of Holy Baptism:Washed clean and forgiven by the Blood of Christ, clothed in Glory!The Sweet Smell of the Holy Spirit penetrating skin, bone, marrow and soul, yes the sweet smell of Godly success! Confirmed in the Holy Spirit!The Great Easter Vigil Eucharistic Prayer: It is similar to the Transfiguration for at every Mass, all who are redeemed or are being redeemed are present at Mass, including the Church Triumphant, with Moses and Elijah in the presence of the Risen Lord!The newly baptized and confirmed, along with candidates who were received into the full communion of the Catholic Church and confirmed, with godparents, sponsors and the whole assembly of God's Holy People, witnessing yet another Transfiguration, bread and wine becoming the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of the Risen Lord, consecrated by Christ Himself as He did at the Last Supper when He instituted the Holy Mass. The Last Supper is where Jesus institutes not only the Mass as the means by which we remember Jesus' Sacrifice on the Cross which He already anticipates on Holy Thursday, but where Jesus ordains the 12 Apostles to be the first priests of the Church who will offer this Sacrifice in "perpetuity" until the Lord returns. Every priest ordained since the Last Supper continues to do this! This Eucharistic Assembly at Easter eagerly awaits receiving Him worthily so that Christ will continue to make them a part of Him whom they receive. The priest, a representative from this congregation, chosen by God, ordained by the Church, is the sacramental sign of Jesus offering Himself as the sacrificial Lamb on the altar of the cross, to His Heavenly Father, who accepts His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, His Sacrifice and all who participate in this Sacrifice at the "Foot of the Cross!" We are there, but in an wonderful, miraculous, unbloody way! The priest at the moment of consecration is the image of Jesus Christ the exclusive High Priest, Good Shepherd and Bridegroom of the Church, all the baptized being Christ's Holy Bride! The ordained priest also represents and offers this Sacrifice on the ordained priest's behalf and all those present who along with the priest offer the sacrifice. Do you have the awe and wonder of these newly baptized in their white robes, washed in the blood of Christ, this image of the heavenly Liturgy portrayed in the Book of Revelation? As newly baptized, they are offering this eternal sacrifice for the first time with their priest who is their visible, priestly mediator and united to them at the Altar of God. Or do you sleep through it?At Mass, does this sacramental image come to your mind?The Baltimore Catechism's Imagery, not bad really! How many today realize this?Do you think that children formed by this type of celebration of a children's Mass view the Mass like Peter James and John at the Transfiguration? NO! Do any of us who take the Mass seriously doubt that this form of celebrating the Mass has diminished or destroyed the faith of more than three generations of Catholics, who as children experience this silliness at Mass and in the classroom? NO!This is no "fast food meal" folks, this is the Eternal Wedding Banquet of the Lamb! It is the most formal meal imaginable, greater than a White House Dinner, a royal banquet offered by Queen Elizabeth or the first meal of a victim of starvation! This neophyte,with Jesus completing her initiation into the Church by her First Holy Communion at the Easter Vigil approaches in awe and wonder, fear and trepidation, grateful for the experience she is having that is greater than what Peter, James and John experienced on the Mountain of the Transfiguration. Do you realize this good Catholic men and women?The completion of the Sacraments of Initiation for this Neophyte at the Easter Vigil, sins washed away by Christ in the Waters of Baptism, the sweet smell of the Holy Spirit still present who has seeped into this man's flesh, bone, marrow and indelibly into his soul and now sharing in the Paschal Banquet, the "Meal" of the Mass,thus fully Catholic, fully united to Christ's Body the Church by Jesus Himself who is the Head of the Body. It doesn't get any better than this folks. The transfiguration is but a foretaste of what every Catholic who worthily receives the Lamb experiences! Receiving the Precious Body and Blood of Christ from the Chalice--this is a Communion in the Blood of Christ poured out for our salvation!Onward Christian Soldier, led by the cross of Christ to the glory of the resurrection and the eternalwedding banquet of the Lamb.O what it is like to be in that number!These children are on the way to transfigured glory!Processing to their First Holy Communion and receiving our Lord as Food. Bread that is Jesus, to nourish and sustain us on our procession to glory; Wine that is Jesus, Who brings joy and warmth to the heart that is redeemed by His Precious Blood!These children have made their First Holy Communion, you can see the joy on their little faces. May it always be that way for them!"May the Body of Christ keep you safe until life everlasting!""The Blood of Christ" Posted by
Today, the Extraordinary Form of the Mass is both elegant in style and in its ancient language of both Greek and Latin. The language tends to make the celebrating community including the priest aware of the delicate task of giving God proper worship that not only honors God but honors the One who offers the worship, Jesus Christ, who enables us to join Him in that worship! Worship is the work of God through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. We are simply made a part of that grand worship through the Church and her celebrations, but Christ is the Presider! Just as we are made a part of Christ's body by receiving His Body and Blood in Holy Communion (Jesus doesn't become a part of us) so too in our worship, Jesus makes us a part of His sacrificial offering to His Heavenly Father, which the Father graciously and lovingly accepts. Worship is the work of the Most Holy Trinity, we're just swept into it.The Ordinary From of the Mass too often sinks into the banal and horizontal dimension of its celebration which makes it neither elegant nor inspirational let alone fitting worship that is due to God from His holy people. The current Ordinary Mass is also poorly translated into English and makes possible silly celebrations like this one:In case you didn't know, aging clerics in our Catholic Church, prime among them the Rev. Richard McBrien of Notre Dame, are in a "fit of dementia" about the new edition of the English Roman Missal which has been re-translated from the original Latin into a more accurate and elegant English, but still faithful to the Latin. Bishop Seratelli's essay below is quite good. It is from America Magazine. Please read the entire essay and make comments.Welcoming the Roman MissalThe full text of Bishop Serratelli's essayArthur J. Serratelli | MARCH 1, 2010Copied from the March 1, 2010 issue of America, the Catholic magazineTo change indicates that one is alive. This applies to people, institutions and even language. It is a natural development even when it meets resistance, because we can become comfortable in old and familiar ways. The challenge of change is before Catholics now as the church in the United States and the rest of the English–speaking world prepares for the most significant change in the liturgy since the introduction of the new Order of Mass in 1970.On November 17, 2009, the Bishops of the United States completed our review and approval of the translation of the Missale Romanum, editio typica tertia. We brought to a conclusion the work we began in 2004, when the first draft translations were presented to us by the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL). As the church in the English-speaking world awaits the confirmation (recognitio) of the text by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments at the Holy See, we now take time to prepare for its reception and implementation. Many have asked questions, expressed concerns, or simply wondered about the reasons for the new translation and the goals of its implementation.Why a New Text?The Missale Romanum (Roman Missal), the ritual text for the celebration of the Mass, is first introduced in Latin as the editio typica (“typical edition”). Pope John Paul II announced the publication of the third edition (editio typica tertia) of the Missale Romanum during the Jubilee Year in 2000. Once that text was published, it became the official text to be used in the celebration of the Mass, and conferences of Bishops had to begin the work of preparing vernacular translations. The third edition contains a number of new elements: prayers for the observances of feasts/memorials of recently canonized saints, additional prefaces for the Eucharistic Prayers, additional Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Intentions, as well as some minor modifications of rubrics (instructions) for the celebration of the Mass.To aid the process of translation of the Missale Romanum, editio typica tertia, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments issued Liturgiam Authenticam in 2001, as the fifth instruction on the vernacular translation of the Roman liturgy, which outlines the principles and rules for translation. These principles have evolved and been nuanced in the years following the Second Vatican Council as the church grew into its use of modern vernacular languages in the celebration of the liturgy. These guiding principles govern the work which has resulted in a fresh English translation of the Missale Romanum.The TranslationIn his popular rhetorical guide, De duplici copia verborum ac rerum, the 16th century Dutch humanist and theologian Erasmus showed students 150 different styles they could use when phrasing the Latin sentence, Tuae literae me magnopere delectarunt (“Your letter has delighted me very much”). He amply demonstrated that no single translation will ever completely satisfy everyone.Liturgical language is important for the life of the church. The well-known axiom Lex orandi, lex credendi, reminds us that what we pray is not only the expression of our sentiment and our reverence directed toward God, but what we pray also speaks to us and articulates for us the faith of the church. Our words in the liturgy are not simply expressions of one individual in one particular place at one time in history. Rather, they pass on the faith of the church from one generation to the next. For this reason, we bishops take seriously our responsibility to provide translations of liturgical texts that are at the same time accurate and inspiring, hence, the sometimes rather passionate discussion of words, syntax and phrases. The new translation provides us with prayers that are theologically accurate, in a language with dignity and beauty that can be understood, as called for in Liturgiam Authenticam:25. So that the content of the original texts may be evident and comprehensible even to the faithful who lack any special intellectual formation, the translations should be characterized by a kind of language which is easily understandable, yet which at the same time preserves these texts’ dignity, beauty, and doctrinal precision. By means of words of praise and adoration that foster reverence and gratitude in the face of God’s majesty, his power, his mercy and his transcendent nature, the translations will respond to the hunger and thirst for the living God that is experienced by the people of our own time, while contributing also to the dignity and beauty of the liturgical celebration itself.Speaking to a group of translators gathered in Rome in 1965 about their work in regard to liturgical texts, Pope Paul VI quoted St. Jerome, who was also a translator, speaking about the magnitude of the work of translation: “If I translate word by word, it sounds absurd; if I am forced to change something in the word order or style, I seem to have stopped being a translator.” Pope Paul went on to say, “The vernacular now taking its place in the liturgy ought to be within the grasp of all, even children and the uneducated. But, as you well know, the language should always be worthy of the noble realities it signifies, set apart from the everyday speech of the street and the marketplace, so that it will affect the spirit and enkindle the heart with love of God.” The process of translation of the new edition of the Roman Missal has involved linguistic, biblical, and liturgical scholars from each of the eleven English-speaking countries which ICEL serves. This process has been thorough and it has been collaborative on an international level, because this text will be used by the church throughout the English-speaking world. It is important for us to remember that we Americans are but one part of a larger English–speaking community. The preparation of this translation has been an international effort to produce an international text. The result is a text that draws us together and situates us as Americans within a much larger ecclesial communion.Even the best of all possible translations of the new Missal will not suit every individual’s preference. No translation will be perfect. Proponents of the new text sometimes argue, perhaps unfairly, that the texts currently in use in our liturgy (in the present Sacramentary), the product of great efforts by translators from 1969 to 1973, are marked by a style of English that is flat and uninspiring. That text, however, has served the church in the English-speaking world well for more than thirty years, and has enabled us to take great strides in working toward the Council’s goal of “full, conscious, and active participation” in the liturgy. We should be careful not judge too hastily what has been the language of our worship. Our present texts are familiar and comfortable.Those who have already been critical of the new text, often without having seen more than a few examples out of context, express concern about unfamiliar vocabulary and unnecessarily complicated sentence structures. Having been involved in the work of translation with ICEL and with the bishops’ Committee on Divine Worship, I can attest that the new translation is good and worthy of our use. It is not perfect, but perfection will come only when the liturgy on earth gives way to that of heaven, where all the saints praise God with one voice. Change will not come easily, as both priest-celebrants (including us bishops) and the lay faithful will have to work to prepare to celebrate the liturgy fully, consciously, and actively.Where We Go From Here:We humans are creatures of habit. We Catholics are creatures of ritual. Ritual is based on the familiar—on patterns that have been learned. A liturgical assembly can fully, consciously, and actively participate in the liturgy because the members of the assembly (priest and people) know what they are doing. Any change in the rituals will affect how we participate. It is natural to resist such changes simply to remain grounded in the familiar because it is comfortable. It should be said at the outset that the new text of the Roman Missal represents a change in the language, but not in the ritual. There have been only a few minor adjustments to the rubrics of the Order of Mass, and most of them represent changes that were already in effect through other liturgical books, such as the Ceremonial of Bishops, that had not been incorporated into the printed text of the Missal. So how do we prepare ourselves to use the new text? We bishops have called for an extensive process of catechesis leading to the implementation of the text. In particular, I propose several important approaches both for individuals and for parish communities.First, get to know the text. Pope Benedict XVI reminded us of the richness and importance of liturgical texts in his apostolic exhortation Sacramentum Caritatis: “These texts contain riches which have preserved and expressed the faith and experience of the People of God over its two-thousand-year history.” (#40). Many have pointed out that the vocabulary, syntax and sentence structure will be markedly different from the current text. The guiding principles of translation call for the preservation of biblical imagery and poetic language (and structure). The new texts contain many beautiful examples of language drawn directly from the Scriptures, especially the Gospels and the Psalms: “from the rising of the sun to its setting” (Psalm 113, Eucharistic Prayer III ), “sending down your Spirit… like the dewfall” (Psalm 133, Eucharistic Prayer II), “blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb” (See Rev. 19, Communion Rite), and “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof…” (Mt. 8, Communion Rite). These are but a few examples.Of particular note in the new texts are expressions of reverence for God, articulated not only by the vocabulary but by the style of expression in addressing God. Some may find the use of such self-deprecatory language uncomfortable at first, but it effectively acknowledges the primacy of God’s grace and our dependence on it for salvation.The texts may be unfamiliar now, but the more one understands their meaning, the more meaningful their use will be in the liturgy. We are invited to undergo a process of theological reflection or even the practice lectio divina with the texts of the new Roman Missal. To pray with and reflect on these words will help us all to open our hearts to the mysteries the texts express.Second, in Sacramentum Caritatis, Pope Benedict XVI has encouraged all to renew our commitment to celebrating the liturgy effectively and faithfully. The Holy Father calls attention to the ars celebrandi, the art of proper celebration. The implementation of the new Roman Missal ought to be an opportunity to recommit ourselves to prayerful, faithful and vibrant celebration of the liturgy.Third, we turn our attention to the process of catechesis which needs to be undertaken to prepare for the reception of the new text. The bishops’ Committee on Divine Worship has suggested a two-part process to lead us to the implementation of the Missal. At the present moment we are in the remote stage of preparation, and this remote stage will last until the recognitio is given for the text. This period should include efforts at general liturgical catechesis: the nature and aim of the liturgy, the meaning of “full, conscious, and active participation,” and the background of the Roman Missal. The proximate preparation will begin when the recognitio is given, and then will last for a period of 12 to 18 months, and will look more specifically at the particular texts of the Missal to prepare pastors and the faithful to celebrate the liturgy using those texts.The fathers of the Second Vatican Council were well aware of the need for catechesis about the liturgy as an essential aspect of liturgical reform: “With zeal and patience pastors must promote the liturgical instruction of the faithful and also their active participation in the liturgy both internally and externally, taking into account their age and condition, their way of life, and their stage of religious development. By doing so, pastors will be fulfilling one of their chief duties as faithful stewards of the mysteries of God; and in this matter they must lead their flock not only by word but also by example.” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, #19)A wide range of resources is being developed by the USCCB, the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions, and many catechetical and liturgical publishers. In addition, representatives of English–speaking countries have been working together to produce an international multi-media catechetical resource. The bishops’ Committee on Divine Worship launched a Web site last year to serve as a central hub of information regarding the new Missal, and we hope that it will encourage the development of even more resources for use in parishes, schools and homes.Pope John Paul II encouraged the church on the 25th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council’s Sacrosanctum Concilium, to continue the work of the liturgical reform “to renew that spirit which inspired the church at the moment when the Constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium was… promulgated” (Vicesimus Quintus Annus, 23). As we prepare to receive the text of the third edition of the Roman Missal, we bishops recognize the significance of this moment as an opportunity for genuine renewal of the Council’s vision. We hope that pastors and the faithful will join us in seizing this opportunity with enthusiasm and, in the words of Pope John Paul II, to accept the new Missal as “a moment to sink our roots deeper into the soil of tradition handed on in the Roman Rite” (ibid.).Most Rev. Arthur J. Serratelli is bishop of Paterson, N.J., and Chair of the U.S.C.C.B. Committee on Divine Worship.
The video below is how Hollywood makes its magic. We know that Hollywood isn't real, but who knew it was this unreal? Computer effects today are so realistic that it is hard to tell what is actual and what isn't. Even simple scenes now are computer generated. Coke use to have its slogan, "It's the real thing!" Thank God we can't computer generate the Holy Mass. It stands on its own as the "REAL THING!" Except the Holy Mass is not a "Thing" it is an action, the action of Christ making us and the world a part of Him. Enjoy the video, nothing religious about it, just fun to watch:
I loved the four years, actually 3 and a half, that I spent here from 1976 through 1979. They were the greatest and happiest years of my life and prepared me for the "Reform of the Reform" we are now experiencing, thanks be to God!Fortunately, this seminary is in a new springtime of renewal. In the late 1960's and throughout the 70's the seminary staff and seminarians thought they/we were on the cutting edge of renewal. In fact it turned out to be just the opposite. But the Holy Spirit allowed the silly season to prepare us for the Reform of the Reform and a new springtime for the Church!In August of 1976,when I was 22 years old, this is what I saw for the first time as I drove up to the seminary! Do you think I was impressed and intimidated?Our magnificent seminary chapel, pews monastic choir style, as it was, never renovated:
Besides the beautiful churches and Cathedral, all the people who comprised the "Churches" are equally as beautiful!St. Joseph Catholic Church, Macon Where I am now since 2004!Church of the Most Holy Trinity, Augusta, 1991-2004. It is the oldest of the three, cornerstone laid in April of 1857 and the Church completed and consecrated in April of 1863 in the middle of the Civil War AKA The War Between the States, or as some prefer, "The War of Northern Aggression." It is the oldest Catholic Church building in Georgia. However the parish has been on the same property since 1810, making this year their bicentennial anniversary. Congratulations MHT! I still love you!Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Savannah, 1985-1991
St. Joseph Church, celebrates Wonderful Wednesday every Wednesday beginning with Evening Prayer and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament followed by dinner in our social hall. Last March 25, we celebrated Solemn Sung Vespers II and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament for the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. This including a Eucharistic Procession around the Church with an honor guard, the singing of Solemn Vespers with the help of our combined choirs, with the choir singing a special "Magnificat." Benediction followed Solemn Sung Vepsers. This was preceded by a festive dinner in the social hall below the Church. This year, but on March 24, we will do the same thing, but with Solemn Evening Prayer I. I hope your churches celebrate all the official Liturgies the Lord has given us!We have a great Church for such a great Liturgy!The Lord letting His Face to Shine upon us and bless us!Ad OrientemHonoring our Eucharistic Lord with incenseNothing like having the Lord look over your shoulder as you preach!Procession, Knights of Columbus, Children honor guardAdoration of the Most Blessed SacramentPriest, deacons and altar serversRecessional


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Federal Government Starts Another Shutdown - The New York Times
Archives|Federal Government Starts Another Shutdown
https://nyti.ms/29iQsvn
Federal Government Starts Another Shutdown
By ROBERT D. HERSHEY JR. DEC. 16, 1995
December 16, 1995, Page 001012 The New York Times Archives
For the second time in a month, the Federal Government began shutting down some operations today. This shutdown is expected to be less disruptive than the first one, at least as far as most Federal employees are concerned, but for the public, it's another matter.
Congress has approved and the President has signed several spending bills since the first shutdown, in mid-November, so this shutdown is expected to mean furloughs for only 280,000 workers, instead of the 800,000 let off last month. While the shutdown began today, its full effects will not be felt until Monday.
Still, with the Interior and State Departments included in the dozen pending appropriations bills, many Americans will be inconvenienced as soon as this morning.
Although Arizona officials agreed tonight to donate the money to keep the most popular areas of the Grand Canyon open to tourists, most national parks will close, turning away some 383,000 people who would be expected to visit them on a typical December day. So will the National Gallery of Art, the Kennedy Center and other Federal cultural institutions, some heavily patronized in the holiday season. The National Zoo and the Lincoln and other memorials will also be shut.
Asked if the lights on the big White House Christmas tree will have to be turned off, Mike McCurry, the White House spokesman, said that President Clinton had ordered the Office of Management and Budget to keep the tree lit. The President will pay the light bill himself if he has to, Mr. McCurry said.
Some citizens who were spared in November could be affected this time. The Veterans Administration's processing of claims is in jeopardy, Mr. McCurry said; if the money is not appropriated by Thursday, 3.3 million veterans or their survivors will not receive benefit checks due Jan. 1.
Passport offices will be closed on Monday; passports and visas will be issued only for emergencies.
So-called deadbeat dads, sought by the Federal Parent Locator Service for not paying child support, will not be pursued. The Small Business Administration will not process loans, nor will the Occupational Safety and Health Administration conduct workplace inspections.
But about 50,000 Social Security employees who were about to be recalled when November's partial shutdown ended will not be furloughed this time. Social Security field offices will stay open, and people will be able to apply for benefits.
The workers being furloughed were called "nonessential" in November but are called "nonemergency" workers now. All employees who work weekends were ordered to report, with supervisors poised to send nonemergency workers home. All other employees are to report for work Monday.
A version of this article appears in print on December 16, 1995, on Page 1001012 of the National edition with the headline: Federal Government Starts Another Shutdown. Order Reprints| Today's Paper|Subscribe

type: global

value: The New York Times (N.Y.T. or N.Y. Times) is an American daily newspaper based in New York City with a worldwide readership. Founded in 1851, the Times has since won 132 Pulitzer Prizes (the most of any newspaper), and has long been regarded within the industry as a national "newspaper of record".


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Lost in Astral Space: Travel Log 9-09-2: Button Button Who's Got The Button
Travel Log 9-09-2: Button Button Who's Got The Button
Ok. This is an attempt to make a button for this page. I hope this works and isn't a ridiculous waste of time..lol.. RE_EDIT- It works!!!!..it really works ...if you want to make one of you own go to jennieshell's design..the tutorials rock!
Posted by The Traveler at 3:03 PM
mrsb September 16, 2009 at 9:33 AM
I put your button on my widget, but all I'm seeing is a box with an "x" in it when it rolls around. Not sure what's going on there - maybe some issue with my Mac, lol! I'm never sure about these things, lol! Can you see the picture?
The Traveler September 16, 2009 at 11:19 AM
hhmmm...I'm not great at working this stuff. It was pretty much a random act of kindness from the gods that I figured out how to get it to work at all- but I shall try to figure out what is wrong. Once I get this fixed I shall try my hand at one of the scrolling ones that you have. Because as the little engine said- "I think I can, I think I can-".
The Traveler September 16, 2009 at 11:32 AM
ok- I think I have it fixed. I tried it a couple times on my blog and it worked. Let me know if it doesn't work again. =)

value: Blogger is an American online content management system (CMS) which enables multi-user blogs with time-stamped entries. Pyra Labs developed it before being acquired by Google in 2003.


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Angelica Grace Designs: FAB NEW BAG
Remember that FAB new handbag I told you that my inlaws got me for my birthday a couple of weeks ago? Well, I promised I'd share it here so I am. Can I tell you how much I just love this ALDO design? I love all of the colors which can be used for summer as well as for the Fall season. I love all of the animal print within it. I love the buckles off the straps. I just love it all. Best of all though, I love the price. Thought you guys might too. If so, getcha' one! They also come in a different color that has some turquoise in it. Very cool!
Thanks Debbie and Ron! This was a fantastic gift for me and soooooo up my alley. It screams "Angie" and I love that part. You guys are too good to me. I love you both so very much!
The colors and the textures in this bag are straight ART! Love that! The theme of the bag is called "Flavors." Flavors it is...many of them actually.
You can find this at the ALDO store or at their online boutique. I promise you that it is even more "ROCKIN" in person. These pictures just do not do it justice. Wait until you see the inside...Oh so fun!
Just another "FAV" of mine for the day. It's been a while since I've shared my fav's so I thought I would partake in that over the past couple of days. For now, I'm off to prep for our next guest. Brent has a dear friend arriving this evening. He'll be staying with us for the next several days. Lots of "guy" time ahead for the two of them. I've heard rumors of a boat rental. Can anyone say "scary?" That is all I need is to be stuck out in the ocean with Big Daddy "Seaman" on a sandbar because we thought the ocean was like the lakes back home in Indy. Yeah, I think I'd rather stay back home here with the snake(s). Yes, I said snake(s). That is plural. That also equals out to 3 snakes in the past 7 days - in case you are counting. We found another one in the driveway this morning. I'm convinced we are living in the flippin' amazon now. No joke! I think they are after me because I backed over their buddy 4 times last week. God help me. I'm destined to end up in jail for animal cruelty because I WILL do it again. Trust me - God is OK with me killing these horrid creatures. Snakes were serpents in the bible, right? "Diablo" as my Dad says. That means "of the devil." That is my story and I'm sticking to it...
Pray for my sanity...wink wink ;) Ang
Labels: Aldo handbag, animal print, birthday gift
posted by Angie Seaman at 12:28 PM
Love it! I have the matching "gladiator shoes" in the turquoise color- I love Aldo shoes, they are so comfortable. They would look better on someone leggy like you, but they make me smile whenever I have them on. Perhaps I'll have to see if the other color of the bag will match. What great taste your family has for gifts! Have fun with the boys and their toys,
Just think of the handbag you could make with all of the snake skins!!! I am loving your online class.
Love your new bag and all of the color. Please, please, please do not post any pictures of your driveway kill! I also hate those things & shudder to even look at photos.
Not sure how I stumbled upon your blog but I love checking out your pictures. Beautiful. We have been to Naples a few years ago. However...I landlocked in your beloved Indiana.
Just a few miles away in Bartholomew County!
ok, so i have to tell you that i totally had a dream about you last night. so random, yes, considering i've never even met you! guess that's what being fellow blogger/stalker does to ya...ha-ha! when i woke up, i swore i was gonna remember the dream to share with you, but now i can't...darn it! it had something to do with glancing over and being like, "i think that's angie from the blog world"...we introduced ourselves, yada, yada. anyway, i now feel like we've met and maybe someday we'll run into each other in hoosier land :) i swear i'm not a real stalker though! crazy dreamer, yes, but not a stalker :)
Lovin that Bag! I love what sportzmom said about the snake skins! Too Funny! I think those snakes are after you too, please don't let the kids play out there. I'll bet there is a nest in those bushes-------be careful!
Tracy, your dream story cracks me up. Isn't that so funny? I have strange dreams all the time. It just makes you wonder "what on earth" your brain was doing or thinking at the time that caused them, eh? Maybe you had read my blog right before bed or something and therefore my name was on your brain. Ha ha!
Never fear though...I don't think for one second that you are any kind of stalker. I know you are safe girl! :)
Ha ha! Thanks for sharing that. It brought a smile to my face.


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Transceiver Architecture 2.05
3/31/2017 ~ All Back Together
Only a hint of burnt wiring but working FB. Made several contacts and all back to normal. My ham friends this too is a DifX!
3-30-2017 --- A Case of Smoked Parts!
Just thought I'd share a moment of grief when I was working on one of my rigs (LBS-II). Today I decided to convert the LBS-II back to 20 Meters. The rig originally was on 20M and then I moved it to 40M and now decided back to 20M.
The boards and wiring are really compact and while I was making an adjustment some wiring came into contact with ground. Wow a vapor cloud similar to a nuclear explosion was emitted from the rig and you could smell the burnt wiring. My heart sank!
Well as it turned out just the wiring harness got melted --yes melted, more like welded wiring. When I replaced the harness -- I actually found a better way to do the wiring. About 1/2 half hour and the rig was back working. I just plain got lucky.
Below is a photo of the welded wiring.
It could have been a lot worse! I too occasionally smoke some parts.
This is our mark -- DifX. Stay tuned for some exciting new transceivers -- a new day is dawning.
Some feedback from the contest operation. I am not a contester and never have been. But this past weekend convinced me that I could have really used this rig in a contest and scored a lot more points.
First observation is that it hears really well! I was hearing DX stations and with 750 watts into a beam they were hearing me!
The signal handling capabilities were quite good. That is a measure of a homebrew radio -- does it hear well or does it crumble in a contest environment where I swear some of the 6 Land stations appeared to be running 6 KW. It did well. The GQRP Filter for such a little cost did a yeoman's work. Somewhere buried in a box is an 8 pole KVG crystal filter dating back to the 1980's Now there was a gold standard of a filter. If I can find that jewel it will soon have a new home.
There were several comments from contester's to me like beyond 5X9 --your signal is really nice sounding. Now those are words you like to hear
So get off your duff and start building a DifX.
So Ok guys now I will write Ad Nauseum (nice Latin word meaning sick to your stomach) about the Big Kahuna a two band (but five band capable in the code) SSB transceiver hot off the bench from N6QW.
A friend in Australia, Greg, asked if it was called the Big Kahuna because it was initially laid out Al Fresco on a surf board versus a chopping board. As I explained to Greg it is called that because it has a very large LCD display thus a Big Kahuna! No, it was initially laid out on the work bench!
First and foremost it is a DifX (Different than a Bitx) and the photo taken below on 3/25/2017 shows the Big Kahuna as it participated in the WPX contest. I made 12 contacts running 750 watts with the external homebrew amp--so cool that it usually only took one call boom they were back to me. What was also cool was a totally homebrew KW input station --no MFJ Ameritron amps in my shack.
Full details about this rig and how it differs from the Bitx can be found on my website at this link http://www.n6qw.com/Big_Kahuna.html Schematics are provided as well as the Arduino sketch code. There is but one page that needs detailing and that is the miscellaneous wiring. The 60M rig previously showcased on the blog has many similar boards. The rig almost looks commercial but is all homebrew.
You too can build a DifX!
Posted by Pete Juliano at 10:24 AM
Transceiver Architecture 2.04
N6QW on 60 Meters!
Today we have a post about an exciting new 60 Meter transceiver from N6QW and of course it is a DifX. The 60 Meter band must be the world's best kept secret as operating on this band is like a breath of fresh air. With but five channels it would seem to be almost a non-starter. But that soon will change with the addition of more channels.
The 2015 WARC approved the new channels and effective January 1, 2017 they are indeed a reality BUT and double BUT so far they have not been actually authorized by the FCC for use in the USA --
Essentially the new channels center around what is now Channel 3 [5.357 MHz] and includes specific allocations for data and CW as well as specialized applications. But the bulk is for USB operation. Essentially Channel 3 is expanded by about +/- 7 kHz with the reasoning that you end up with 4 additional USB channels. But that also comes with a price of a power limitation of 15 Watts ERP. While not a problem for the QRP enthusiasts, already you hear grumbling from the California Kilowatt stations who always run 100 watts (Only 100 watts?). One recently heard QSO on 60M revealed the op might be running 350 watts --so he could be heard. Hmm what happened to 100 watts into a dipole?
I am very aware that avid homebrewer's like Bill, N2CQR and Don, ND6T have successfully moved a VU2ESE Bitx40 to 60 Meters and we say a huge Congratulations and Bravo to Bill and Don. Thus the legacy of the Bitx lives on and embodies VU2ESE's concept of making the Bitx40 a springboard for hacks and changes. The changeover to 60M involves minimum surgery to the Bitx40 board thus that will make it a real incentive to get on 60M.
Keep in mind $59 buys you a nearly complete transceiver and at that price, two radios for around $120 would give you optimized radios for two of our ham bands. Making the high power modifications (to 20 Watts) would certainly make the radio easily heard out to the 1000 mile range. But that power level would have to be scaled back when the new regulations go into effect. (Well theoretically as probably some hams might just ignore the law --like running 350 watts.)
But I wanted more from my 60M endeavor and thus the N6QW rig is scratch built and not a modified kit. Again I want to stress that there are other designs and features available to the homebrewer which are not found in the Bitx40 board and thus my approach was to not cobble up the Bitx40 I previously built. Let us explore these additional features that are found in my DifX. A good place to start is the display as shown below:
Starting with a 160 X 128 Color TFT display enables the homebrewer to show a lot of information. At the very top is the channel frequency, the actual channel number, the mode of operation (LSB/USB is panel selectable) an S Meter and some additional functionality such as TUNE function and a reminder that channel 3 is tunable the +/- 7 KHz It is the only one and built into the code. To be safe I set my band swing limit to +/- 5 KHz. When the rig is placed in TUNE the word TUNE appears in red on the display right between the USB and Channel Number. It is a pulsed 988 Hz tone and lasts for about 10 seconds.
This is a photo of the front panel as of March 22, 2017.
[So OK the dial plate, black with white fill, is a bit of overkill; but since I have a CNC mill just wanted to show off what about 15 minutes of work can do to dress up your rig. Next I will work a bit on engraving programs, as it would have been nice to just engrave the whole front panel. How cool would that be -- a DifX with an engraved front panel?
Starting at the left the small phone jack is the audio when using headphones and below that is the standard microphone jack. The two smaller black knobs are for volume and to the right of that is the encoder that only works on Channel 3 to tune +/- 5 KHz which is the SSB portion of the proposed allocation. The toggle switch below the two knobs is to select USB/LSB and the red button is the Tune button. The large knob in the center selects the 5 channels. An additional feature is the installation of a small miniature toggle switch to the right of the display and its purpose is MOX operation. For the non old timer MOX was a way of turning on the transceiver manually like in Manual VOX = MOX. While this DifX does not have VOX (neither does the Bitx40), but that is something that could be added in a future iteration. That is a project for later this year.
This rig was originally on 40M and I modified it to work on 60M. I am sure glad I did.
By way of recap this DifX features include:
Five Channels selected by the main band switch
Channel 3 is tunable based the proposed 60M band changes
USB/LSB Selectable
Tune Function (988 Hz pulsed tone)
Power Output is 10 Watts (meets the new proposed band changes)
S Meter on the display (Still working the sensing electronics)
160 X 128 Color TFT Display
Arduino Nano with Si5351
Selectable step tuning rate on Channel 3 with a 1 KHz default step
9.0 MHz IF using the GQRP Club Crystal Filter
IRF510 in the Output Stage.
Single 2N3904 transistor Microphone Amp stage
A 2N3904 driving a LM386-3 Audio Chip for the Audio Amp stage
Plessey Bilateral amp stages (From EMRFD, so they have a pedigree)
N6QW 2N3904 Bi-Directional Stage ( Rx RF Amp and Tx pre-driver stage)
A 2N2222 / 2N3866 driver stage. (From EMRFD, so it has a pedigree)
MOX Operation (Manual VOX)
Hybrid, SMD and Leaded component build.
For those who would ask, the architecture is not unlike what was found in the Let's Build Something (LBS) transceiver that was showcased in a two part article by Ben, KK6FUT and myself in QRP Quarterly. It is also a very close cousin to the Big Kahuna. BUT it is a DifX!
In several days of casual operation, starting last weekend, where I was actually just on the air testing of the rig, I made fifteen* contacts with stations in California, Nevada and Arizona. The best DX was 400 miles and the signal reports were excellent. I should mention that some advice given me was to get an amp so I could register 40/9 on their S Meters and that using my droopy dipole was not optimal.
But hey I was fully copied albeit only S5 and the audio quality was quite good --but not 40/9. Most of the contacts were on Channels 3,4 and 5 and a couple on Channel 1. Channel 5 is the DX channel and where I heard the stations in the mid-west. Channels 3 & 4 seemed to have the PSK operations. But that may be just the left coast.
Imagine my surprise that in the early evening hours I was hearing station out past 1000 miles in the heart of the mid-west. If they were truly running 100 watts, then there is a real possibility of nabbing one of these stations for a QSO with my puny S5 signal. Most had pretty good antennas and so that is the other half of the equation --got the rig now need a better antenna.
There is yet a bit more work on this 60M rig, mostly on the S Meter sensing circuits. Are homebrew rigs really ever finished? The Arduino code really adds much to making this work on 60M. One of the 60M stations worked almost harkened back to the 40M Police using SDR radios to somewhat "pick apart" your homebrew rig creation. However in this case the report was from the station using one of the smaller versions of the Apache Labs SDR who stated "your spectrum looks clean". Now those are words I like to hear!
This is a DifX!
*W6ANR (3), K7RFI, N7GZZ, N6FUZ/M, WB6PGJ, WB6JNN, K6DNS, WA6JBZ, WA6KDW, W6DAX, W6PJD, W7IRS, KM6CQ. Locations include Placerville, Reno, Carson City, Visalia and Yuma.
Posted by Pete Juliano at 7:19 AM
Transceiver Architecture 2.03
The Dual Conversion Scheme an evaluation of Frequencies.
In the KWM-4 I was presented with a real engineering problem that being how to take advantage of the Collins Mechanical Filter capabilities yet deal with its low frequency of 455 kHz. The path quickly leads to a dual conversion scheme, where you can manage the gain at the higher IF and manage the selectivity at the lower IF.
This is a clue in that at the higher IF the filter does not have to be 2.1 KHz wide but something on the order of 7.5 KHz will certainly keep down the crud ending up in your receiver band pass. The lower IF (Collins Filter) can do all the heavy lifting as now signals in the pass band coming into the filter are very narrow and the mechanical filter is essentially slicing that down to about 25% of the bandwidth -- 2.1 KHz. Below is the frequency scheme for the KWM-4.
Five years ago this is how the frequency mixing was handled. This exemplifies the concept of gain at the higher IF and selectivity at the lower IF. A filter at 10.7 MHz was chosen as the higher IF because given what I had at hand five years ago this worked with the COTS (Commercial Off The Shelf) components that could be easily and readily purchased. This design has a shortfall in that because of the high IF chosen, operation on 30 Meters was questionable. For some this is a deal breaker.
But today were I building this I would have chosen another IF frequency as frequency translation with an Arduino + Si5351 is a far easier task. The uBitx uses a homebrew multi-pole filter at 45 MHz MHz and that is a good choice of frequency as it avoids the ham bands and does provide for 30M operation. However I would stick with a packaged 45 MHz crystal filter from ECS that does cost about $17 (Digi-Key) but has some really desirable and predictable parameters. It is good for 30 dB of attenuation for +/ 3.75 KHz and the stop band is 80 dB. The Z in/out is 350 Ohms and that is easily matched to 50 Ohms with a 3 Turn to 8 Turn broadband transformer (350:50 = 7:1, 3^2 = 9 and 8^2 = 64, 64/9 = 7.111 --close.). The injection frequency into the 2nd mixer is a matter of what you have and also close examination of the mixing by products.
In the KWM-4 the 10.7 MHz filter with a 7.5 KHz bandwidth resolved the subtractive mixing issue where 10.245 - .455 was out of the filter pass band. So lets say you wanted to use a commercial crystal filter such as the INRAD Model #351 which has a center frequency of 9.0 MHz. Thus the injection frequency would be 45 + 9 = 54 MHz which still puts it outside the ham bands --a bonus. Then the third clock would provide the normal 8.9985 and 9.0015 MHz BFO frequencies --OR a third BFO at 9.000 MHz for CW. The KWM-4 CW scheme would work perfectly here.
The Arduino and Si5351 would provide a far easier approach in a today build of a KWM-4 --but with some noodling I worked with what I had five years ago.
In a recap of a DifX version of a Dual Conversion Transceiver I would use the following:
1st IF at 45 MHz using the ECS packaged crystal filter ~ 7.5 KHz wide
CLK0 on the Si5351 would provide injection frequencies above the 1st IF ranging from 46.8 to 75 MHz --all with in the capabilities of the device to give 160-10 Meter all band coverage. A quick math analysis shows that the injection frequencies required for all of the ham band avoids the second mixing frequency. The LO injection frequency for 7 MHz would be 52 to 52.3 MHz and the LO frequencies for 10 MHz would be in the 55 MHz range
CLK1 on the Si5351 would provide a 54 MHz fixed inject frequency to convert the signals to 9.0 MHz (54 - 45 = 9 MHz)
CLK2 would provide the USB/LSB and CW Carrier Oscillator frequencies
The INRAD Model #351 is a 4 pole 2.3 KHz wide filter with a Z in/out of 200 Ohms an easy 4:1 match to 50 Ohms. A word here about homebrew crystal filters. It is not a simple matter to build a good quality crystal filter especially for someone who has never done one. You do need test equipment and you do need to understand what you are doing. There are some excellent tutorials on how to do it --but excellent results for the neophyte with no test equipment would be like winning the Mega Millions having only played once and having only bought one ticket. The two filters suggested will cost you about $50 and one of them is a surface mount. But their specifications are well known as is their performance. Let me not discourage you from homebrewing a filter --but I am for a sophisticated project like this. A six pole 45 MHz filter may require the purchase of 20 to 30 individual crystals before you find six that are close in frequency. You can't simply buy 6 crystals and think you are there. If by happenstance you are after buying only six, then I suggest you go out and buy one lottery ticket --for you are indeed a lucky person.
For the Bi-Lateral Amps you have a choice of the TIA or the Plessey Amps.
For DBM's I would use the ADE-1L (low drive requirements at 3 dBM).
Thus the Dual Conversion scheme offers some real advantages but also brings about the need to be careful in frequency selections.
Posted by Pete Juliano at 9:46 AM
Transceiver Architecture 2.02
In our last post we hit the highlights of the KWM-4 and in the closing paragraphs I mentioned the band switch decoder and how using the three digit code provided by the K5BCQ digital VFO that automatic band switching was possible. Today we have with the Arduino far more efficient means of doing this; but this was how it was done before the uBitx.
Another innovation was how the "Push To Talk" was handled including how to key the transmitter for CW. This was a total "in house design" and I think one of the special features that are found in the KWM-4 again pre-dating the uBitx.
Shown below is the schematic for the control board. Noteworthy some of this same circuitry is found in the Big Kahuna. On SSB the PTT trips the 4N35 opto-isolator and that toggles the SN74LS000 so that the trigger signals shift from the receive side to the transmit side. It is all DC switching, so no big clunky relays with back emf. There is a separate solid state switch to key an external linear amplifier. [The 4N35, SN7400, 2N3904's and the TIP32C's form the basic control functionality in the Big Kahuna. If the CW capability were added to the Big Kahuna, then virtually the entire same circuitry shown below would be required.]
CW on the other hand is a more complex process and this involves the use of an NE555 timer --not for timing per se but to supply a voltage for a fixed duration. The 4.7 Ufd cap is part of the timing circuit so that the CW oscillator is held on for a period of time determined principally by the value of this cap. Most high speed CW ops prefer a shorter cycle and so values down to 2.2 or 1 Ufd would be used.
Here is the CW sequence. You tap the key and two actions take place the first of which is to start a timing cycle by placing a "high voltage" on the NE555 pin #3. This closes two relays the first of which is a relay whose contacts are in parallel with the PTT switch and the second is the relay that takes the 1st Bi-lateral amp which is normally connected to the Collins filter for receive and SSB transmit but now is connected in the transmit mode to the output of the buffer amplifier. You will recall that the CW signal on transmit does not go through the Collins filter. Tapping the key also keys the buffer amp and keeps the NE555 in the On state. Let up on the key and let the timing cycle complete and the rig is back in the receive mode. Voltage off of Pin #3 also is the source voltage for the CW oscillator. This is quite a complex switching and control system and distinctly feature rich and perhaps far different than other rigs.
It is a N6QW design! Also keep in mind this was designed many years ago and while the Arduino capabilities today would render some of these design elements as being antiquated --it was and is a successful control system. Certainly not QSK; but that was not the design intent. The main design problem was CW with offset and how to simply tap the key and transmit CW all automatically. As with the Collins KWM-2, the panel mounted Mode Switch had to be set to CW -- this also accomplished setting the CW receive mode to USB. The elegance of the KWM-4 was not just casual happenstance but careful and reasoned thought -- five years ago!
73's Pete, N6QW.
Posted by Pete Juliano at 7:09 PM
Transceiver Architecture 2.01
Please note the DifX is not a singular transceiver (like the Big Kahuna) but instead is a concept to demonstrate that successful transceiver projects can be achieved with something other than the Bitx20 footprint. The Bitx is a long standing successful design; but is not the only approach to homebrewing a rig. We are now at a point where with the aid of low cost technology we can build in many new features from the outset. The DifX series of radios will provide some insight into the "how to do it."
As promised in the previous post, I will explore homebrew transceiver architectures that are different than a Bitx. I can think of no better place to start than with my KWM-4 design which began in late 2012 and resulted in a completed transceiver in early 2013. This project was published in an 2013 article in QRP Quarterly.
What is significant about this project was that it is a dual conversion transceiver and covered six amateur bands and for my good friend N2CQR had a digital VFO. Just announced and mentioned in the SolderSmoke Podcast 194 and just appeared in Hackaday is the Micro-Bitx or uBitx from VU2ESE. The uBitx is a dual conversion transceiver and has created quite a stir in the homebrew community. While I can't comment on the design details of the uBitx as I simply don't know, I can share with you my concerns about a dual conversion architecture and what I had to "noodle my way through" on the KWM-4 rig.
Let us start with a high level block diagram of the KWM-4 and identify some of the key areas of noodling. This is shown below and highlighted in green shading.
Let us first start with the two blocks identified as BLA --yes Bilateral Amplifiers. But these amps are based on a design by Ron Taylor, G4GXO and appeared in the GQRP SPRAT #128. Essentially the amplifying devices can be either a Dual Gate MOSFET such as a BF991 or two J310's connected in a cascode circuit (source of one connected to drain of the second). The stage gain is 17 dB and the signals are diode steered. Z in/out is matched to 50 Ohms. This BLA is not the Bitx BLA! So Ok you want to see it. Noteworthy I first used this BLA in a 2007, 17M/40M Transceiver and later in the 2009 Tri-Band transceiver that used the HW-101 frequency scheme.
This circuit was selected as the key element over the Bitx or Plessey BLA for one specific reason, that being Gain Control. This circuit has the capability for either manual or Automatic Gain Control at the IF stage. Yes the W7ZOI Hycas AGC circuit provided the gain control in the KWM-4. The Bitx does not have that as a direct capability. There was a second reason for this approach which is shown later in a detailed block diagram and that is CW. In the KWM-4 the output/input of the 1st BLA ahead of the Collins Mechanical filter is relay switched so that in SSB it is always connected to the Collins Filter. But on CW transmit that connection is switched over to a keyed buffer amp that is supplied a signal from a third BFO frequency centered on 455 KHz.
Thus CW does not go through the Collins Filter on Transmit. For CW receive USB is used. But had I used an additional panel mounted switch the operator could have chosen either LSB or USB for receive --CW reverse. This is not found in the Bitx. Optionally if you had a Collins CW filter --then the ne plus ultra for the CW enthusiast -- selectable receiver filter bandwidths. W7ZOI in the SSDRA shows how to diode steer two filters and even provided an extra gain stage for the CW filter.
Now to the dual conversion part of the KWM-4. This project started innocently with my acquiring a 455 KHz Mechanical Filter as used in the KWM-2. I also had managed to scrounge up the USB and LSB crystals as well as a crystal smack on 455 KHz. There was a siren's call to "use me in a transceiver". But if used only with a single conversion (and dual conversion too as you will see) becomes problematic because of image and frequency mixing issues as you go higher in frequency.
Here is an example. I generate a SSB signal (we'll use 455 kHz as it will make the math simple) at 455 KHz and I mix that with 20.845 MHz LO. Normally the sum frequency would be 21.300 -- a really great place to be on 15 Meters! But the difference frequency is 20.845 - .455 = 20.390 -- That is really close to the 15 Meter band and unless you had some really brick wall Band Pass Filter --difficult to knock down. As you go even higher in frequency the spread becomes even less. So LOW IF frequencies tend to need some way of distancing themselves. Thus dual conversion.
In the three shaded blocks that show the LO, and 1st and 2nd mixers, I will now detail how I resolved that matter. Touring through the Mouser catalog, I found that they carried crystal filters at 10.7 MHz and these came in two bandwidths --15 KHz and 7.5 KHz. I also discovered that one of the stock computer crystals was 10.245 MHz and the light bulb went on. Initially I bought the 15 KHz filter but then changed that out for the 7.5 KHz filter and one crystal at 10.245 MHz. So here is why the light went on. If you add .455 MHz to 10.245 MHz, the sum is 10.7 MHz (hold that number) Now if you subtract the 0.455 MHz from 10.245 MHz the sum is 9.79 MHz. The 7.5 kHz bandwidth of the 10.7 MHz crystal filter will reject the difference frequency. Thus anything coming through the 10.7 MHz filter would only be he SUM frequency. That eliminated the undesired frequency product.
The K5BCQ frequency generator thus converted the 10.7 MHz SSB/CW signals to the appropriate ham bands. The only negative to this scheme is the 30 Meter band is too close to this 10.7 MHz conversion frequency and thus was not included -- not a problem for me but a problem for some I am sure.
The K5BCQ frequency generator has some 900 channels (900 VFO's) and I used that for assuring that what the dial says is the real transmit frequency. Thus the LO frequency is offset (switched to a different channel and different offset frequency) depending on the mode. There is about a 3 kHz spread in BFO frequencies between USB/LSB, thus by changing the LO injection frequency by that amount accounts for the mode. In the old days of analog VFO's this was done with a varactor diode somewhere in the VFO box that would shift the VFO frequency for the same analog dial setting.
Today using an Arduino with a Si5351 would eliminate the three BFO frequencies and the need to switch channels -- all done in software --so 4+ years does make a difference in the technology.
Now for the detailed block diagram of the KWM-4.
One other noodle problem is how to change the band pass and low pass filters at the same time you change bands? Luckily the K5BCQ frequency generator also had built in a 3 digit binary code that could be linked to the band change. I simply decoded that information and that provided the appropriate set of Band Pass and Low Pass filters for the band in use. I had to learn how to decode the information and steer the signals --more on that in a subsequent posting. This is a DifX!
Posted by Pete Juliano at 8:03 AM
Several posts back I covered a few of the current crop of approaches to transceiver architecture. Judging by the number of visits to this post, it seems to have struck a chord with those who frequent this blog.
Over the next few months I intend to cover in detail a line of N6QW designed and developed transceivers that I call DifX. The acronym DifX is a simple contraction of the words Different than a Bitx. While due respect must be given to VU2ESE and the solid Bitx design --there are other creditable designs and I think the DifX series satisfies that criteria.
Hopefully you all will enjoy the journey. Stay tuned. The Big Kahuna (photo on the masthead) is a DifX.
Posted by Pete Juliano at 10:49 AM
A 1955 Solid State QRP Transmitter using the Philco SB-100.
3/14/2017 ~ Late breaking -- I put a 4:1 transformer in the collector lead and as measured across 50 Ohms on the secondary side I am seeing 3.2 Volts Peak to Peak. If you perform the rigorous calculation that transforms into 25.6 Milli-watts or 14 dBm. Now we are cooking! That is better than the rig on Bill's blog.
But given my Italian heritage I could not let that pass without building my own solid state transmitter using a transistor from 1955. My rig operates on 14.060 and produces 0.4 milliwatts with a 3 volt collector supply using a Germanium transistor from Philco. The SB-100 was one of the first RF transistors that could work all the way past the 10 Meter band. The max Pout was 10 milliwatts --so mine is just loafing along.
It must be easy to misunderstand when someone says wire wrapped it is decoded as wire tapped. Hmm wonder who recently did that?
Posted by Pete Juliano at 3:47 PM
Buying a New Car and that New car smell!
Almost makes you forget that you just paid $55,000 for a 9 passenger Toyota SUV. It looks cool but scary to park. The ride is no better than a bucking bronco! I am a small framed guy and my visibility is like looking at a picture framed between the steering wheel and the top of the dashboard. No I didn't buy one --just looked at one while my Avalon was being serviced. But the new smell is much like the buzz of building a new transceiver!
Posted by Pete Juliano at 3:28 PM
A special shout out to active duty US Navy Seabees and former Seabees world wide. Today is the 75th Birthday of the founding of the Seabees. Happy Birthday fellow Seabees! Our motto "Can Do" resonates even today! The first Seabees were civilian construction workers who were formally organized as Naval construction forces shortly after the start of World War II. Seabee's were instrumental in building the advanced bases that made the Pacific island hopping strategy a reality. Today that legend lives on in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. We Build, We Fight is the Mission Statement!
If you followed the prior post on Transceiver Architecture look at item #3. The circuit below IS the hardware described in number 3.
Posted by Pete Juliano at 7:02 PM


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Secretbees Studio: Short and Sweet
On the inside, I made more clouds and added some festive banners. I changed one word in the sentiment. Instead of sweet, it should read great but I thought sweet worked better with the "sweets" in the tin.
Here is the tin in all of it's sweetness!
Next up is a cute gift card holder featuring two darling tank tops from the 'Short and Sweet' set. I love how you can customize the tank however you want! I also used Polka Dots and Riverwalk Floral for the background and added a tiny tag and a leafy border.
The inside shows another sweet sentiment and the gorgeous By the Bay ribbon.
I propped up the back of the gift card holder so it would sit up in the tin for easier access to the goods! Of course, I had to add a little bling and sparkle. These gift tins were so fun to create, I know I will be making more in the future. Hope you enjoyed the show!
Rachel Parys November 20, 2012 at 8:18 AM
How cool are these! What fun gift ideas! You really did an awesome job on these, thanks for sharing the idea!


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This aroma diffuser calms and freshens every open space you leave it in. It also prevents your lovely ones from dry and chapped skin in the cold winter months. It has an auto shut off when water runs ...
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1 x Aroma Diffuser. Most advanced ultrasonic technology:2.4MHz. 8 color light options with cycle or still settings, adjust each color to be dim or bright, so you can pick the hue that fits your mood.
Pure Essential Oil Sets - Natural Aromatherapy for Oil Diffuser Humidifier
artnaturals - Best Sellers - 10 mL - Variety
ArtNaturals Top 16 Essential Oil Set is a hand-selected signature collection of our top therapeutic-grade oils. All oils are steam distilled for maximum effectiveness. Mixed with a carrier oil, or use...
Essential Oil Diffuser 300ml Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser Cool Mist Humidifier
XPLUS 300ml Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser Aromatherapy Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier with Color Lights Changing. Water capacity: 300ml. Connect the humidifier to power source and press “MIST” to choo...
Ultrasonic Essential Oil Aroma Diffuser LED Humidifier Air Aromatherapy 350ML
UP To 12 Hours for Home, Yoga, Office, Spa, Bedroom
Ultrasonic vibrations diffuse the water and oil into the room for relaxing aromatherapy. SAFETY&EASY TO USE: AGPtek essential Oil Diffuser will power off if there should be no water in it for safety.
Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser LED Ultrasonic Humidifier Aromatherapy Air Purifier
Air Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser LED Ultrasonic Aroma Aromatherapy Humidifier. 1 x Humidifier. A Perfect 7 Colors Night Light of this aroma diffuser can create relaxing and romantic ambience. USB Mini...
LED Essential Oil Aroma Diffuser Ultrasonic Humidifier Air Aromatherapy Atomizer
The perfect night of sleep is the quietest night’s sleep. Built-in ultrasonic diffuser vaporizes essential oils with only a whisper. Relieve stress, alleviate headaches, or reduce insomnia. 1 x Oil Di...
Essential Oil Diffuser 70ml Humidifier LED Ultrasonic With Aromatherapy Oils Set
1 DIFFUSER + 6 ESSENTIAL OILS
Eucalyptus, Lemongrass. Ultrasonic Essential Oil Aroma Diffuser. 1 - 70 ml. Oil Diffuser. LINK>>>White 200 ml. Diffuser LED Lights Touch Screen With Top 14 - 10 ml. Essential Oil Set. LINK>>> Black 20...
The Avalon Ultrasonic Humidifier with Filter, Aroma Diffuser, and 7 Color LED Nightlight is a stylish humidifier with 7 LED color light options to light up the tank. The humidifier is equipped with a ...
artnaturals - Best Seller - 400 mL - Variety
Get aromatherapy, music, and calm and soothing illumination all at once. The Diffuser uses silent ultrasound vibrations to mist your choice of pure, therapeutic-grade Top 8 Essential Oil essences thro...
[OFFICIAL STORE][SOFT NIGHT LIGHT COLORS][WARRANTY]
[USE FOR HOURS WITH 500ML TANK] The Fosmon ultrasonic essential oil diffuser provides hours of relief with its 500ml tank. High and low mist setting can run one, two, or three hours. The unit can also...
400ml Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser Ultrasonic Air Humidifier 7LED Remote Control
USA Stock & 7 Colors LED Warm Light & Fast Shipping
Be sure to use a mild detergent if you want to clean the humidifier. press first： turn on the LED light, color changes automatically. Don't switch on power when the tank is empty. Clean regularly as p...
3D Aromatherapy Essential Oil Aroma Diffuser Ultrasonic Humidifier Mist
Free Delivery✔New Product✔USA SELLER✔
The aroma diffuser c reates a romantic and relaxing atmosphere that surrounded by nature fragrance for you. It can be easily fitted to any living room, bedroom or office. 1 x Aroma Diffuser. Range of ...
Air Aroma- Essential Oil Diffuser LED Ultrasonic-Aroma- Aromatherapy- Humidifier
1 x Humidifier. USB Mini ultrasonic humidifie. Relief: Aroma therapy, relieve stress. Add water shall not exceed the water line, so as not to overflow, must ensure that there is enough water in the wa...
PYRRLA 10ml Essential Oil Oils 100% Pure & Natural Aromatherapy Diffuser Aroma
Fosmon's woodgrain ultrasonic humidifier / diffuser is a stylish way to achieve the benefits from using essential oils and humidifying your room. The stylish design goes with any decor. • Capacity: 30...
Air Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser LED Aroma Aromatherapy Humidifier
1 X Humidifier. Water Capacity: 300ml. Rated Power: <3 watt. 1xusb line. Changing light color automatically, or you can choose one color as you want. 100% New with High Quality.
Essential Oil Diffuser Aromatherapy Remote Control Ultrasonic Humidifier 500ml
Features: * Ultrasonic diffuser uses smaller amounts of essential oil to achieve a powerful fragrance result. The diffuser breaks down essential oils into small particles, producing a micro-mist that ...
LED Air Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser Ultrasonic Office Aromatherapy Humidifier
1 x Humidifier. A Perfect 7 Colors Night Light of this aroma diffuser can create relaxing and romantic ambience. USB Mini ultrasonic humidifie. Relief: Aroma therapy, relieve stress. 1 X Humidifier. Y...
LED Ultrasonic Essential Oil Humidifier Diffuser Mist Aromatherapy Air Purifier
7 Lights,2pcs of 120ml,300ml,500ml,Cool Mist Atomizer,
Warranty: It can be used as diffuser and humidifier, it can also be used as a night lamp and decoration. Waterless Automatically Shut-off: Automatically turn off the diffuser when the diffuser runs ou...
2017 ASAKUKI 300ML Premium, Essential Oil Diffuser, Quiet 5-In-1 Air Purifier
2017 ASAKUKI 500ml Premium Essential Oil Diffuser 5 In 1 Ultrasonic Aromather. USD 26.55. 5-IN-1 AROMATHERAPY DEVICE: This ultrasonic essential oil diffuser is an amazing multifunction aromatherapy de...
100ml 3D Firework Glass Essential Oil Aroma Diffuser LED Ultrasonic Humidifier
$Product Size: * 100% Brand New & High Quality. * Product Dimension: 165 * 208 mm * Package Information: 172 * 172 * 214 mm * Product Weight: 0.5kg Specifications: * Capacity: 300 ml * LED: 3 pieces c...
Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser Humidifier Collection
artnaturals - Best Sellers - Auto Shut Off - 150 mL
Oil Diffuser Top 8 Essential Oils -A favorite artnaturals product is now even better. artnaturals’ New Essential Oil Diffuser has been upgraded, with a unique, sleeker design, and a 150-ml. Add to t...
How about putting this 50mL Small-sized Car Aroma Air Purification Humidifier in your car?. It allows you to carry it conveniently. 1 x Humidifier. Spray Amount: 25ML/Hour. With 50mL water tank for ho...
EaseHold Humidifier Ultrasonic Air Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser 400ml【US】
US Fast Free Ship & One Year Warranty & 1390+ Sold
Capacity: 400ML. Ultrasonic frequency: 2.4 MHz. 1 x Water cup. Power: 14 W. 1 x Power adapter. Hope you could understand. Mist output: about 30-50ML / H. Yellow / Black Peach Type.
LED Ultrasonic Aroma Humidifier Air Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser 7Colors
1 7 Colors LED Ultrasonic Aroma Humidifier Purifier Mist Maker Air Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser. - Relief: aroma therapy, relieve strain and ease stress. - Vibration Frequency: About 2.4MHz.
About Essential Oil Diffusers
At the end of a stress-filled day, you pour a few drops of calming lavender oil into your essential oil diffuser, then sink into the couch with a warm cup of chamomile tea. As the air around you fills with a soothing floral scent, you breathe a sigh of relief, and feel the stress begin to melt away. Whereas traditional essential oil warmers rely on tea light candles that burn out after a couple of hours, your electric diffuser lasts considerably longer, and breaks the oil into tiny pieces that disperse slowly into the air so that you get the most use out of every drop. An ultrasonic diffuser combines essential oils with water to create an ultra-fine mist in the air. This type of oil diffuser is great for adding moisture into the air during the dry winter months. Nebulizing diffusers, on the other hand, disperse only oil, but break it into even smaller particles so that each drop lasts a long time. Trusty sellers on eBay offer a multitude of essential oil diffuser options, allowing you to find the right one to provide the aromatherapy benefits you need. Enjoy a more serene home environment with rejuvenating and relaxing essential oil particles floating through the air.
Shop the large inventory of decor oils and essential oils and diffusers!

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