Thursday, April 23, 2009

Just ordered a Warbler

I just ordered a Warbler from Small Wonders Labs. I am very excited about getting into PSK31, and this unit looks like an easy way to enter the digital radio domain. As a computer consultant, it is pretty easy to find an old dead laptop to refurbish into a portable digital station. My only big concern is the surface mount soldering in this kit. I will be sure to review the Amateur Logic TV episodes on surface mounting before I do anything. It will be my first time working with surface mount components and I am hoping I won't end up with a $55 doorstop on my hands. I plan to bring this unit to Field Day 2009 to get a few QSOs. If all goes well, it may even be a USB Warbler conversion. Thankfully there is plenty of documentation out there to help me get this project off the ground. Wish me luck.