50W QRP Amplifier – PCB Layout Video
Published July 19, 2018
This past weekend, I started on the process of laying out the 50W QRP Amplifier project as a PCB. Small PCBs can be remarkably inexpensive these days - $10-$15 for 5 pieces of say 4"x4", shipped in 2-3 weeks. I'm treating this amplifier project as a chance to experiment with different, similar FETs to learn about critical power MOSFET properties, and also as an opportunity to brush up my layout skills that I haven't used in awhile.
As the first step of PCB design, I captured the schematic of the amplifier as built in AutoDesk Eagle. I did this on a livestream on YouTube, the first time I've tried such a thing. It was great fun! Kenneth W6KWF stopped by to lend advice - he deals with prototype PCBs as part of his day job, though he has team members to do most of the actual layouts when needed. We've had a great deal of fun over the years, including building a cloud chamber for seeing charged ions in high school.
Here's the full (2h45m!) livestream in all its glory! There's a recap and full-circuit overview at 2h41m for those who want to see the final circuit.
Hear you on the air!
This post is cross-posted to my ham-radio specific blog, kk9jef.wordpress.com.