The revision B NorCal 40A is a third-generation 40-meter QRP transceiver
kit, designed by Wayne Burdick, N6KR. The rig covers any 40KHz portion of
the CW band, with a very stable VFO operating in the 2MHz range. The
receiver is a superhet with crystal filter, AGC, and RIT. The frequency
coverage can be increased up to 150kHz with one capacitor change. Since
varactor tuning is used, a 10-turn potentiometer can be substituted for the
supplied 1-turn unit if better tuning resolution is desired. (If you make
this modification, we suggest using the KC1 Keyer/Frequency Counter for
keeping track of your operating frequency.)
The first batch of NorCal 40A's had significantly better performance than
the original NorCal 40, having more AGC range, a more stable VFO pot, and a
more sensitive receiver that would drive a speaker directly. The Wilderness
kit (revision B), besides having a painted and screened enclosure, has a
number of additional refinements. These include improved receiver image
rejection, better-sounding AGC and QSK, and a bit more power output (around
3 watts with a 14V supply).
Receive-mode current drain is VERY low--about 15mA--leading to long battery
life for portable operation. The transmitter puts out 1.8 to 3 watts,
depending on supply voltage, and has full QSK.
Physically, the rig is very small (2.25"H x 4.5"W x 4.5"D), about one-half
the volume of an OHR Explorer. One double-sided, screened and plated
through PC board is used. There is NO chassis wiring: all controls and
connectors and even the case parts themselves mount directly to the board,
resulting in an uncluttered interior. The custom .060 case is quite rugged,
and is designed to allow the top and bottom to be removed easily for
alignment or test. Long-life plastic latches are provided on the top so no
screwdriver is needed to access internal controls.
The '40A has plenty of empty front- and rear-panel and interior space for
your modifications. Wilderness Radio encourages you to customize the '40A,
and will continue to provide support, even if you put it on 80 meters or
some other band! The rig comes with a professionally-written, 30+ page
assembly and operating manual.
(shown with optional kc1 keyer)
What others say about the Norcal 40A
"Most of all, however, it was the quality of the kit--board,
silk-screening, and case--and the excellent manual, that really made this a
great FIRST kit for me. Wayne and the NORCAL gang really deserve an
enormous hand for their efforts...kit building has been something I always
wanted to get my feet wet in, and this was a fine, encouraging
introduction." -- Matt, KN6CR
"I continue to be amazed at the receiver...I often put a separate 40m
antenna on the NorCal and on my Yaesu 990, then stick one earphone from
each rig on my head. The NorCal is much, much quieter than the 990. Weak
signals are far easier to copy on the NorCal. I've told friends of this
phenomenon, and they just don't believe me. I think you have to hear it to
believe it." -- Bruce, AA6KX
NorCal 40A compared to similar kits:
-By far the cleanest construction of any low-cost kit.
-Much lower receive-mode current drain than the OHR Explorer and most other
kits.
-Rock-stable down to a battery voltage of 9.5V.
-Compared to the SWL NE40-40, you'll get much higher performance,
plus all the controls and connectors, no chassis wiring,
and a custom, painted/screened enclosure
-Proven highly stable in the field due to its ultra-low frequency VFO
-KC1 Keyer/Frequency counter is tailored to the '40A, providing
much more functionality than Curtis 8044-based keyers
NorCal 40A Pricing
The new Wilderness NorCal 40A is $139
plus shipping ($6 U.S., $11 Canada/Mexico, $19 DX).
Missouri residents must add your local state
sales tax.
Please make out checks to Wilderness Radio.
We'll also
need your name, call, address,
phone number, e-mail address.
Send U.S. funds only (checks drawn on US banks,
or an international money order) to:
Wilderness Radio
P.O. Box 3422
Joplin, MO 64803-3422
Wilderness Radio
What Others say about the NorCal 40A
The Electronics of Radio by David Rutledge