Let’s think about what features a small footprint, non-preemptive RTOS for something resource-limited like an AVR might require..
Continue reading “RTOS for small embedded systems – part 2”RTOS for small embedded systems
I cut my teeth on embedded systems under various RTOS: OSE, Precise MQX and various home-brewed RTOS implementations, running on medium sized systems – 16 bit MCUs and DSPs used in mobile telecomms applications, for example. These systems have enough grunt to accommodate an off the shelf RTOS full of features without any consequent bloat ever really becoming apparent.
Continue reading “RTOS for small embedded systems”KW 2000B Restoration
I had so much fun sorting out my FT-101e, and a Drake TR7, that I soon felt the need for another vintage rig to play with. I got to hear of this KW 2000B through a friend of a friend and made some enquiries…
Continue reading “KW 2000B Restoration”Drake TR-7a Repair
I recall one of my “elmers” Ian, G3RRA (sadly now SK) having a Drake TR-7 during my early days in amateur radio. He swore by it and I recall being impressed on the few occasions when he’d kindly supervised this (then) lowly class B operator using it. When a friend announced that he’d purchased one that needed some attention, I was keen to help out, and to re-acquaint myself with this (in my opinion) rather unique rig…
Continue reading “Drake TR-7a Repair”Vectronics Vector 500 Linear Amplifier
I don’t recall ever seeing one of these in the UK before and there is precious little information about them online. Vectronics appear to have been a Canadian company who were active in the ’90’s but, like many, got absorbed by MFJ and disappeared…
Hi-Fi Preamp
One of my hobbies is building audio gear and generally messing around with Hi-Fi systems. The resulting mass of wires in the living room is, understandably, sometimes in conflict with my Wife’s desire to “just listen to some music”…
Nixie Clock
It all started when my wife took a shine to my cousin’s Nixie clock when visiting. “Could you make me one?”, she asked. Well, yes, I could… but most of the designs I could find relied on obsolete TTL logic chips and had very basic functionality. I felt that I could do better than that. So commenced another project…