![\"Notes](\"https:\/\/k6bj.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/cakelogo.png\")
CAKE Mixture Jan 28 2017<\/h4>\nCAKE Mixture Jan 28 2017<\/h4>\nThis session was different in two respects, a smaller group than usual was
\npresent and the conversations revolved around just two subjects, Data and
\nHeat. Don K6GHA, Peter K6UNO,Tom KW6S, Eric KK6IZY, John N5HPB and Ron
\nW6WO, represent over 200 years of amateur and professional experience. The
\nfact that all are keen and active is rather special.<\/p>\n
Don introduced the first topic- Data Mining (for lack of a better label)
\nand this lead to discussion on potential uses and abuses. With the myriad
\nof variables in such a wide ranging hobby as ours we are clearly dealing
\nwith the Ham equivalent of the Internet Of Things or should we say the
\nInternet of Stuff like propagation.<\/p>\n
Proficiency in data base tools and techniques (well beyond spread sheet
\nsoftware), will be necessary to produce valuable results. The value of
\nlegacy vs real-time data is something for future consideration. Ron
\ndeclared himself a data skeptic due to the way data becomes statistics
\nthat can easily be manipulated. During WWII Winston Churchill distrusted
\nstatistics but made great use of what we now call \u201cFake News\u201d to mislead
\nthe enemy. A penetrating book on this topic is entitled, A Bodyguard of
\nLies. Our discussion pointed to many means to gain access to private data
\nincluding internet browsing and purchasing, telephone calls, WebX,
\ncameras,voice analysis and so on.<\/p>\n
The subject of heat came up in several ways. Eric showed a Sainsmart
\nsoldering iron, about the size of a fountain pen- remember them ! The iron
\nwas powered by USB which can be monitored and controlled from a PC. There
\nwas a discussion on the danger of measuring current using very cheap
\nmulti-meters which do not adhere to the required standards. Tom showed
\nsome examples of high power ICs that have heat removal consequences. Tom
\nalso mentioned the importance of setting and maintaining the correct bias
\non power amplifiers.<\/p>\n
John showed a board-level product of a 30 Watt SSB radio for 40 meters
\ncalled Bitx40. It was made in India and appears to be a high standard,
\nhowever the small size of the PA heat sink is curious. Ron also
\nquestioned the heat sink for the 5W amp just released by QRP Labs. It
\nlooked much larger than seemed necessary and lead to general questions
\nabout heat transfer and how the size of a heat sink should be determined.
\nOne of Ron’s sons has expertise in the subject and pointed to the site of
\na product called CoolPoly. The material used is a form of plastic designed
\nfor efficient heat transfer and can be injection molded. The site
\nillustrates finned heat sinks similar to those made of Al in common
\nuse.The material can also include conductive particles to provide RF
\nisolation when used to make enclosures. Literally cool stuff !<\/p>\n
Thank you to all those who show up and share their knowledge and to those
\nwho read and comment on these notes from afar. Let me know if you have a
\nquestion that we can include in our discussions you may receive answers,
\ninformed opinions certainly.<\/p>\n
All are welcome and I hope to see you at our next session on Feb 11 at the
\nChurch of Vintage Faith @ Highland and Mission, 10:00-noon<\/p>\n
Ron W6WO<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
CAKE Mixture Jan 28 2017 This session was different in two respects, a smaller group than usual was present and the conversations revolved around just two subjects, Data and Heat. Don K6GHA, Peter K6UNO,Tom KW6S, Eric KK6IZY, John N5HPB and …<\/p>\n