Ham Radio All Portable Discussion Zone

Hosted by Charlie NJ7V

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131

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the All Portable Discussion Zone. Our show is the audio version of the popular YouTube podcast found on the Red Summit RF channel, where we welcome special guests and engage in roundtable discussions on a wide range of topics including designing, building, modifying, and improving ham radio equipment. Don't forget to check out our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/redsummitrf

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60 recent

June 14, 2026Episode 221 hr 10 min

Homebrew Radio from 1950s Crystals to Satellite - Stuart M0SGV

Stuart M0SGV started soldering at age 8 in the 1950s, building crystal sets with a copper tip heated over a gas cooker. Nearly 70 years later he is still at the bench, building tube transmitters from 1949 magazine circuits, Hans Summers QMX and QDX rigs, a Michigan Mighty Mite, and a high voltage power supply built from scratch to power all of it.In this episode Stuart walks us through a dozen homebrew projects, shares his philosophy on project selection, and offers hard won advice on soldering and why leaded solder is non-negotiable. We also talk about his connections to the Michigan QRP Club and G QRP Club, and his next big project: a QO-100 geostationary satellite transceiver.Join us as we explore how you can get involved in portable radio, QRP, and more in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone (AP/DZ). Every aspect of portable operations is covered in this biweekly podcast, from news and gear to achievements, the workbench, contests, awards, and beyond.**SolderSmoke DISCORD INVITE**: https://discord.gg/GYVRZSBVFCConnect with us:* Discord: https://discord.gg/WVE3vVveWU* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/redsummitrf* TikTok: @redsummitrf* X (formerly Twitter): @NJ7V_Support the channel:* Buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF* Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf#apdz #HamRadio #QRP #Workbench #Electronics #homebrewradio #DIYradio #amateurradio #hamradiopodcast #scratchbuild #tuberadio #vacuumtube #vintageradio #QCX #QMX #HansSummers #QO100 #satellite #GQRP #MichiganQRP #FourDaysinMay #soldering #FDIM

June 7, 2026Episode 211 hr 7 min

He Designs Free QRP Rigs Anyone Can Build — Barb WB2CBA Interview

Barb WB2CBA is a civil engineer by trade and an open source QRP designer by passion. Every circuit he's created has gone straight to GitHub with no paywalls and no kits he controls exclusively, and builders around the world have taken notice. In this episode Barb walks us through his major designs from the uSDX collaboration to the Pebble HF, talks about his experience at Four Days in May, and shares what it feels like to see strangers around the world building circuits he designed and released for free.If you're into QRP, digital modes, or homebrew radio, this one is worth your time.GitHub: github.com/WB2CBAPebble HF: pebblehf.comJoin us as we explore how you can get involved in portable radio, QRP, and more in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone (AP/DZ). Every aspect of portable operations is covered in this biweekly podcast, from news and gear to achievements, the workbench, contests, awards, and beyond.**DISCORD INVITE**: https://discord.gg/WVE3vVveWU#apdz #HamRadio #QRP #Workbench #Electronics #homebrewradio #DIYradio #testequipment #RFprojects #amateurradio #hamradiopodcast #scratchbuild #HFtransceiver #opensource #FT8 #digitalmodes #ADX #PebbleHF #Si5351 #QRPp #WSPR #FourDaysinMay #FDIM

May 31, 2026Episode 201 hr 1 min

Chasing His 6th Mountain Goat — Derek W7DLZ on SOTA & QRP

Derek W7DLZ has earned the SOTA Mountain Goat award five times over and he's closing in on a sixth. Since his first activation in September 2021, Derek has operated from hundreds of summits across six associations and twenty-two regions at a pace that's hard to believe, and he shows no signs of slowing down.In this episode we cover his preferred radio, antenna choices, and operating philosophy.If you're into SOTA, QRP field ops, or just want to hear what genuine passion for a hobby sounds like, this one's for you.https://www.qrz.com/db/W7DLZJoin us as we explore how you can get involved in portable radio, QRP, and more in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone (AP/DZ). Every aspect of portable operations is covered in this biweekly podcast, from news and gear to achievements, the workbench, contests, awards, and beyond.**DISCORD INVITE**: https://discord.gg/WVE3vVveWU#apdz #SOTA #POTA #PortableOps #HamRadio #QRP # CW #Workbench #Electronics #homebrewradio #DIYradio #testequipment #RFprojects #amateurradio #hamradiopodcast #scratchbuild #ManhattanStyle #BITX #SolderSmoke #HFtransceiver #QRPSSB #directconversion #analogradio #morsecode

May 17, 2026Episode 191 hr 16 min

Rick N3FJZ: Scratchbuilt HF Transceivers & Homebrew Radio Philosophy

In this episode, I sit down with Rick N3FJZ — a prolific homebrew builder known in the SolderSmoke community for his meticulous construction, clean schematics, and commitment to all-discrete analog design. We trace his journey from his first scratch build projects to his current tranciever with a custom front panel digital display.Join us as we explore how you can get involved in portable radio, QRP, and more in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone (AP/DZ). Every aspect of portable operations is covered in this biweekly podcast, from news and gear to achievements, the workbench, contests, awards, and beyond.Rick's website: http://www.remmepark.com/circuit6040/Show notes Listed on Rick's Website: http://www.remmepark.com/circuit6040/Show_Notes/Show_Notes.html#apdz #SOTA #POTA #PortableOps #HamRadio #QRP #Workbench #Electronics #homebrewradio #DIYradio #testequipment #RFprojects #amateurradio #hamradiopodcast #scratchbuild #ManhattanStyle #BITX #SolderSmoke #HFtransceiver #QRPSSB #directconversion #analogradio

May 10, 2026Episode 181 hr 1 min

Homebrew Radio Roundtable: Stockton Wattmeter + DIY RF Amplifier

In this episode, Tobias KK7BCO and I continue our discussion on the Stockton Bidirectional Wattmeter and SWR Indicator project, covering our progress, build experiences, and what we’ve learned along the way. With Adam K6ARK unavailable this month, Mitch NK3H joins the roundtable and shares details from his RF power amplifier build, including design considerations, challenges, and lessons learned from the project.If you enjoy QRP, portable operations, electronics, and building your own gear, this episode is for you. We also announce our next scratch-build project, so be sure to follow along as we continue building, experimenting, and learning together over the coming episodes.This episode wraps up the Stockton Bidirectional Wattmeter / SWR Indicator build and kicks off the next project in our ongoing scratch-build series.FREQUENCY COUNTER PROJECTQRPme Kit: https://www.qrpme.com/?p=product&id=Q17Parts Order Page: https://www.qrpme.com/?p=product&id=NJ71BOM: https://www.qrpme.com/?p=product&id=NJ71Schematic 1: https://qrpme.com/docs/X-CHECKer%20Counter%20Pg1.pdfSchematic 2: https://qrpme.com/docs/X-CHECKer%20Counter%20Pg2.pdfJoin us as we explore how you can get involved in portable radio, QRP, and more in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone (AP/DZ). Every aspect of portable operations is covered in this biweekly podcast, from news and gear to achievements, the workbench, contests, awards, and beyond.Connect with us:* Discord: https://discord.gg/WVE3vVveWU* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/redsummitrf* TikTok: @redsummitrf* X (formerly Twitter): @NJ7V_Support the channel:* Buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF* Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf#apdz #SOTA #HamRadio #PortableOps #QRP #Workbench #Electronics #POTA #homebrewradio #DIYradio #RFamplifier #SWRmeter #wattmeter #testequipment #RFprojects #amateurradio #hamradiopodcast #scratchbuild

May 3, 2026Episode 1751 min

ISS School Contact, Rookie Roundup & VHF/UHF Book

In this episode, we take a roundtable approach as each host brings a topic to the discussion. Brian shares insights from the Rookie Roundup and what makes it a great entry point into contesting. Dan talks about coordinating an ARISS contact, working with educators and local hams to connect students with an astronaut aboard the International Space Station. I wrap things up with a look at a VHF/UHF book I’ve been reading and what I’m taking away from it. If you’re interested in ham radio events, educational outreach, or building your knowledge of VHF and UHF operation, there’s something here for you.International Space Station Contact: https://www.youtube.com/live/z367mTfc2pY?t=3620sChannel 12 News ISS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oBzgRxb-R8K0NR Blog and Website: https://www.k0nr.com/wordpress/K0NR old Blog: https://www.k0nr.com/blog/Cheaper Beeper: https://www.arrl.org/files/file/Instructor%20resources/Teaching%20Morse%20Code/Cheaper%20Beeper/W8WG%20Cheaper%20Beeper_1%20(2).pdfJoin us as we explore how you can get involved in portable radio, QRP, and more in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone (AP/DZ). Every aspect of portable operations is covered in this biweekly podcast, from news and gear to achievements, the workbench, contests, awards, and beyond.Connect with us:* Discord: https://discord.gg/WVE3vVveWU* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/redsummitrf* TikTok: @redsummitrf* X (formerly Twitter): @NJ7V_Support the channel:* Buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF* Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf#apdz #SOTA #HamRadio #PortableOps #QRP #Workbench #Electronics #POTA #HomebrewRadio #AmateurRadio #HamRadioProjects #ElectronicsWorkbench

April 26, 2026Episode 1654 min

He Builds DIY Radios… And Leads a 300+ Member Ham Club (KM4UDX)

In this episode, we sit down with Don Taylor, KM4UDX, to talk through his approach to homebrew radio and hands-on experimentation. From uBITX modifications to scratch-built projects and antenna work, Don shares what he’s building, what’s working, and what he’s learned along the way. We also discuss his role as president of the Vienna Wireless Society and how the club supports operators through activities, mentorship, and getting people on the air. If you’re interested in building, experimenting, or getting more involved in a local ham radio community, there’s a lot to take away from this conversation.Join us as we explore how you can get involved in portable radio, QRP, and more in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone (AP/DZ). Every aspect of portable operations is covered in this biweekly podcast, from news and gear to achievements, the workbench, contests, awards, and beyond.Vienna Wireless Society: https://viennawireless.net/wp/Ozarkcon Archives: https://www.youtube.com/@OzarkconArchivesConnect with us:* Discord: https://discord.gg/WVE3vVveWU* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/redsummitrf* TikTok: @redsummitrf* X (formerly Twitter): @NJ7V_Support the channel:* Buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF* Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf#apdz #SOTA #HamRadio #PortableOps #QRP #Workbench #Electronics #pota #amateurradio #DIYradio #homebrewradio #uBITX #HFradio #digitalmodes #hamradiopodcast

April 19, 2026Episode 1557 min

He Built a Full CW + SSB Radio From Scratch… Here’s How

In this episode, we gather around the workbench with special guest Mitch NK3H to talk through his latest homebrew radio build—a scratch-built receiver capable of both CW and SSB. We dig into the design approach, construction techniques, challenges along the way, and what it takes to successfully build a more complex radio from the ground up.Join us as we explore how you can get involved in portable radio, QRP, and more in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone (AP/DZ). Every aspect of portable operations is covered in this biweekly podcast, from news and gear to achievements, the workbench, contests, awards, and beyond.Pete Juliano N6QW: https://n6qw.blogspot.com/SolderSmoke Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@soldersmokeAlan Wolke: https://www.youtube.com/@w2aewNick Wood M0NTV: https://www.youtube.com/@M0NTVHomebrewingCharlie Morris ZL2CTM: https://zl2ctm.blogspot.com/David Jones: https://www.youtube.com/@EEVblogAshhar Farhan VU2ESE: https://www.youtube.com/@ashfarhanHans Summers G0UPL: HansSummers.comIMSAI Guy; https://www.youtube.com/@IMSAIGuyConnect with us:* Discord: https://discord.gg/WVE3vVveWU* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/redsummitrf* TikTok: @redsummitrf* X (formerly Twitter): @NJ7V_Support the channel:* Buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF* Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf#apdz #SOTA #HamRadio #PortableOps #QRP #Workbench #Electronics #PO

April 12, 2026Episode 141 hr 1 min

Can We Build George Dobbs’ Signal Generator From Scratch? | Homebrew Ham Radio Podcast

In this episode, we gather around the workbench to look back on our latest homebrew scratch-build project: George Dobbs’ signal generator. Join us as we discuss the design process, parts selection, challenges, lessons learned, and what it took to bring this ham radio project to life from the ground up.If you enjoy QRP, portable operations, electronics, and building your own gear, this episode is for you. We also announce our next scratch-build project, so be sure to follow along as we continue building, experimenting, and learning together over the coming episodes.This episode wraps up the signal generator build and kicks off the next project in our ongoing scratch-build series.Join us as we explore how you can get involved in portable radio, QRP, and more in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone (AP/DZ). Every aspect of portable operations is covered in this biweekly podcast, from news and gear to achievements, the workbench, contests, awards, and beyond.Connect with us:* Discord: https://discord.gg/wNdQFnzNyK* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/redsummitrf* TikTok: @redsummitrf* X (formerly Twitter): @NJ7V_Support the channel:* Buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF* Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf#apdz #SOTA #HamRadio #PortableOps #QRP #Workbench #Electronics #POTA #HomebrewRadio #AmateurRadio #HamRadioProjects #ElectronicsWorkbench

April 5, 2026Episode 131 hr 4 min

Yes—You Can Build a Radio | Peter Parker VK3YE

In this interview, I sit down with Peter Parker to talk about making radio simple, practical, and accessible for anyone.Peter is well known in the amateur radio community for his clear, no-nonsense approach to building and operating simple radios. We discuss how beginners can get started, why you don’t need expensive equipment, and the value of hands-on experimentation.Join us as we explore how you can get involved in portable radio, QRP, and more in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone (AP/DZ). Every aspect of portable operations is covered in this biweekly podcast, from news and gear to achievements, the workbench, contests, awards, and beyond.Peter's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/vk3yePeter's Website: https://vk3ye.com/Connect with us:* Discord: https://discord.gg/YDeM3JeH* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/redsummitrf* TikTok: @redsummitrf* X (formerly Twitter): @NJ7V_Support the channel:* Buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF* Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf#apdz #SOTA #HamRadio #PortableOps #QRP #Workbench #Electronics #POTA