With the solar cycle starting to pick up, it's time to dust off the 12 and 10 meter
CW bands. Wilderness is now stocking complete band module kits for these
two bands, as well as for 160 meters. On 160m (1.80-1.95MHz), the Sierra puts
out around 3 watts. On 12m (24.89-24.95MHz) and 10m (28.0-28.15MHz),
output will be 1.5 to 2.0 watts. Explore the frontiers of HF QRP!
The Sierra
The Sierra is the only compact, low-current, multiband transceiver kit
available. Designed by N6KR and extensively field-tested by the NorCal QRP
Club, the Sierra has been completely upgraded for Wilderness
Radio--including a painted and silk-screened enclosure and improved
performance on both transmit and receive. We've also added ABX -- an
adjustable bandpass crystal filter.
The Sierra uses plug-in band modules for 80, 40, 30, 20, 17 and 15 meters.
(You can build modules for the other bands by purchasing additional band
module PC boards.) Since there is no band switch, and because all controls
and connectors are mounted on the main board, there's virtually no chassis
wiring.
For the portable operator, the Sierra offers very low receive-mode current
drain: only 35mA. The superhet receiver has excellent AGC range and
sensitivity, RIT, and a 400Hz crystal filter. Using ABX, you can vary the
crystal filter's 6dB passband from about 150 to 1500Hz to adapt to
operating conditions. Transmit power is about two watts. QSK is fast and
clean.
In addition, there's built-in flexibility: extra panel and interior space
that invites customization. You can even store up to four band modules
inside the cabinet. Quick-release latches on either side of the cabinet
provide easy access to internal controls and for changing band modules.
Sierra shown with KC2 (option) installed
For more details on the original NorCal version of the Sierra, refer to
the article by N6KR in the 1996 ARRL Handbook.
Sierra Specifications
Note: Power output will vary somewhat on different bands and with
different settings of the drive control. Unless otherwise noted,
measurements were made with a 13.8V supply and 50‡ load at the antenna
jack.
General
Size: Cabinet: 2.6"(H)x6.3"(W)x5.3"(D)
Overall: 2.8"(H)x6.6"(W)x7.0"(D)
Band Module: 1.25"(H)x4.0"(W)
Weight: Approx. 2 lbs
Power Requirements: 10 to 15VDC
Receive: 35mA; 35-70mA when using speaker
Transmit: 275-350mA at 2 watts (typical)
Frequency Ranges: 3.5-3.65,7.-7.15, 10.0-10.15,
14.0-14.15,18.0-18.15,21.0-21.15
VFO operating range: 2.935 to 3.085 MHz, w/8:1 vernier
Calibration: 5KHz increments, readable to 1kHz
Drift: < 100Hz/hour after 30 min. warm-up
(RIT off, 25°C, top cover on)
Transmitter
Power Output: 1.5 to 3 watts, depending on band
Spurious products: -40dB or better (typical)
Final Amp efficiency: 60-75% (typical)
Transmit offset: 400-1000 Hz, adjustable
Transmit-receive delay: 0.3 seconds nominal; adjustable
Receiver
Sensitivity: Better than 0.5uV for 10dB S+N/N
Selectivity: 150Hz wide to 1500Hz wide at -6dB using
built-in ABX control; w/ ABX control at 50%:
-6dB @400Hz, -32dB @ 1KHz
AGC range: 60 to 80 dB (typical)
I.F.: 4.915MHz; 4-pole Cohn Xtal filter
plus single-crystal filter after I.F. amp
R.I.T. Range: +/- 2KHz nominal (can be increased)
Audio output: 0.3 watts max into 8 to 32‡ load
Sierra Compared to the OHR400:
-Far smaller (less than 1/3 the volume) and lighter (less than
1/2 the weight). The Sierra is the clear choice for backpacking.
-Only 1/10th the current drain (on receive, the OHR400 draws 300mA).
This translates to much longer battery life in the field.
-NO WIRING:
all controls and connectors mount to a single board.
Compare this to over 50 discrete wires in the OHR400. The result is
a clean interior and no unreliable band switch.
Sierra Pricing
CREDIT CARDS NOT ACCEPTED
The basic Sierra kit is $215, plus shipping ($8 U.S., $13 Canada/Mexico,
$21 DX).
Package prices are as follows:
$245 with 1 band module
$269 with 2 band modules
$295 with 3 band modules
$369 with all 6 band modules
Call for the 9 band price
$8 shipping US, $13 CANADA AND MEXICO and $21 DX.
Band Module Kits are available at $31.00 + $4 shipping US/CAN/MEX and
$6 DX.
Band module PC boards also available separately at $9.50 + $4 shipping
US/CAN/MEX and $6 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
Wilderness Page