Charlie Morris ZL2CTM is a New Zealand homebrewer and retired Air Force avionics technician who builds radios and electronics projects one module at a time on stripboard over a copper ground plane, housed in plastic food containers from the supermarket. His message is clear: you don’t need expensive PCBs, exotic components, or fancy enclosures to build something that works and gets you on the air.
In this episode we talk through his modular construction approach, why understanding the circuit before you build it makes troubleshooting almost trivial, crystal filter design using cheap AliExpress crystals, what test equipment you actually need to get started, and his thoughts on using AI as a learning tool rather than a shortcut.
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.
Charlie’s Blog: https://zl2ctm.blogspot.com/
Charlie’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/CharlieMorrisZL2CTM
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