Let's build the Modified "Squeakie" RF Field Strength Meter - Peter Parker VK3YE (Part 3)

I was not satisfied with the functioning and build of the veroboard "Squeakie" Field Strength Meter described in Part 2.  I decided to ask AI for Dead-Bug construction outlay listed below.  I however changed the following components:  1.  D1 = I used a unlabeled Germanium Diode instead of the 1N4148 or 1N914.  2. Potentiometer = I used a 50K instead of a 25K.   

The Germanium Diode is far more sensitive then the other two diodes while the 50k Pot is all that I had on hand.  The 50k  needs a sensitive hand when tuning but it works fine.

The Dead-Bug style construction is preferred instead of the Veroboard build.  One can keep the leads of the components short to prevent stray RF and Ground Loops from causing unwanted issues.  

I 3D printed a new larger project cabinet as to easily fit items in the cabinet.

Well here is the verdict:  This unit works far better than the one I constructed on the veroboard.  I will rip the first "squeakie" apart and build another type of RF Field Strength Indicator in the coming weeks.

Finally:  If you experiment with antennas the "Squeakie" and Passive Field Strength Meters are a must have in your test equipment arsenal if you do not have a good antenna analyzer and other state of the art test equipment.  The Modified "Squeakie" is far more sensitive then the Veroboard "Squeakie" version, although the audio output is much lower and softer.  I tested it using a VHF handheld and by moving 3 meters away from the unit.  It however works as described by Peter VK2YE.  Great and useful project!

AI Feedback:    

Here is your complete, comprehensive construction manual and Bill of Materials (BOM) for Peter Parker’s (VK3YE) RF Squeakie Field Strength Meter, optimized exclusively for error-free Dead-Bug construction on Linux Mint.

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📋 BILL OF MATERIALS (BOM)

Component Identifier	Component Value / Type	Quantity	Purpose / Notes
IC1	555 Timer IC (DIP-8 package)	1	The core audio oscillator chip.
D1	1N4148 or 1N914	1	Silicon switching diode (RF detector). Must have a clear polarity band.
R1	15 kΩ Resistor (1/4W or 1/8W)	1	Limits bias voltage to the potentiometer.
R2	47 kΩ Resistor (1/4W or 1/8W)	1	Feeds rectified DC into the 555 trigger circuit.
R3	100 kΩ Resistor (1/4W or 1/8W)	1	Connects between Pin 7 and the Pin 2/6 bridge network.
Sensitivity	25 kΩ Potentiometer (Linear)	1	Fine-tunes the diode right up to the conduction threshold.
C1	1 µF Electrolytic Capacitor (16V+)	1	Smooths the main 9V power rail inputs.
C2	4.7 nF Ceramic Capacitor	1	Filters out RF ripples, leaving clean rectified DC.
C3	10 nF Ceramic Capacitor	1	Decouples Pin 5 (Control Voltage) to ground for stability.
C4	10 µF Electrolytic Capacitor (16V+)	1	Blocks DC voltage from reaching the speaker/buzzer.
C5	100 pF Ceramic Capacitor	1	Small timing capacitor determining the high audio pitch.
LS1	High-Impedance Piezo or Small Speaker	1	Acoustic output transducer.
PCB Base	Single-sided Copper-Clad Board	1	Size: 50 mm x 50 mm. Acts as the system ground.
Power Source	9V Battery & Battery Snap	1	Power source.

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🗺️ VISUAL ASSEMBLY SCHEMATIC (BELLY-UP ASYMMETRIC MAP)

text

===================================================================
VK3YE "SQUEAKIE" FSM - COMPLETE DEAD-BUG LAYOUT WITH ALL COMPONENTS
===================================================================
View: Flipped 555 IC (Belly-Up, Notch facing LEFT)
Floor: The solid copper-clad circuit board base is all GROUND [FLOOR]
===================================================================

     +----------------------- 9V BATTERY (+) ----------------------+

     |                                                             |
     |          +------------------[ R1: 15k ]----------------+    |
     |          |                                             |    |
     V          |                                             V    V
  [PIN 8]       |       +-[ POT: 25k ]+                    [C1: 1uF (+)]
   (VCC)        |       |             |                        |

     |          |       | Leg 3       | Leg 1                  |
     |          |       | (Right)     | (Left)                 |
     |          |       |             V                        |
     |          +-------+          [FLOOR]                     |
     |                                                         |
     |                  +--- Leg 2 (Center Wiper)              |
     |                  |                                      |
     |                  V                                      |
     |           [ NODE A (AIR) ] <==== ANTENNA                |
     |                  |                                      |
     |                  V                                      |
     |           [1N4148 DIODE (D1)]  (Anode to Cathode ->)    |
     |                  |                                      |
     |                  V                                      |
     |           [ NODE B (AIR) ]----+                         |
     |                  |            |                         |
     |                  |            V                         |
     |                  |       [C2: 4.7nF]                    |
     |                  |            |                         |
     |                  |            V                         |
     |                  |         [FLOOR]                      |
     |                  |                                      |
     |                  +-------------[ R2: 47k ]----------+   |
     |                                                     |   |
     |     ======================================          |   |
     |    |     555 TIMER IC (BOTTOM VIEW)       |         |   |
     |    |     Notch/Dot is on the LEFT side    |         |   |
     |    |                                      |         |   |
     +--->|   [PIN 8]   [PIN 7]   [PIN 6]   [PIN 5] |        |   |

     |    |    (VCC)     (DISC)    (THRES)   (CTRL) |        |   |
     |    |      |         |         |         |    |        |   |
     |    |======|=========|=========|=========|====|        |   |
     |    |      |         |         |         |    |        |   |
     |    |   [PIN 1]   [PIN 2]   [PIN 3]   [PIN 4] |        |   |
     |    |    (GND)    (TRIG)    (OUT)     (RESET) |        |   |
     |     ======================================          |   |
     |           |         |         |         |           |   |
     +-----------|---------|---------|---------+           |   |

                 |         |         | (Bridge Wire)       |   |
                 V         |         +---------------------+   |
              [FLOOR]      |                               |   |
                           +========[ WIRE BRIDGE ]====+   |   |

                           |                           |   |   |
                           V                           V   V   V
                     [PIN 2/6 BRIDGE NODE] <---------------+---+

                           |             |
                           V             V
                     [C5: 100pF]     [R3: 100k]

                           |             |
                           V             V
                        [FLOOR]       [PIN 7]

                                         [PIN 5] ----> [C3: 10nF] ----> [FLOOR]

                                         [PIN 3] ----> [C4: 10uF (+)] -> [SPEAKER]

 -> [FLOOR]

Use code with caution.

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🛠️ STEP-BY-STEP ASSEMBLY MANUAL

Phase 1: Mechanical Foundation

1. Prep the Floor: Use steel wool to polish your 50 mm x 50 mm copper board until it is bright clean.

2. Mount the IC: Add a drop of superglue to the top face of your 555 IC. Glue it upside down in the middle of the board so its pins point up. Make sure the notch or index dot faces to the left.

3. Anchor the Circuit: Locate Pin 1. Bend it all the way down until it lays flat against the copper board floor. Solder it securely to the copper. This is your main ground reference and structural anchor.

Phase 2: Wiring the Power and Core Audio Loop

1. Reset Jumper: Run a bare wire jumper connecting Pin 4 to Pin 8 across the top of the chip. Solder them together.

2. Trigger Bridge: Run a bare wire jumper connecting Pin 2 to Pin 6. Solder them together.

3. Audio Timing Stack: Solder the 100 pF capacitor (C5) directly from the Pin 2/6 wire bridge down to the copper ground floor. Keep its legs short.

4. Discharge Link: Solder your 100 kΩ resistor (R3) directly between Pin 7 and the Pin 2/6 wire bridge node.

5. Pin 5 Stabilizer: Solder your 10 nF capacitor (C3) directly from Pin 5 straight down to the copper floor.

6. Output Audio: Connect the positive (+) leg of your 10 µF capacitor (C4) to Pin 3. Solder the negative leg of C4 to your speaker or piezo element. Connect the other side of your speaker directly to the copper ground floor.

7. Power Filter: Solder the positive (+) side of the 1 µF capacitor (C1) to Pin 8, and the negative (-) leg straight down to the copper floor.

Phase 3: Creating the Isolated RF "Air Nodes"

To prevent RF leakage, these nodes must hang in mid-air and never touch the copper ground board below them.

1. Assemble Node A (In-Air): Solder these three items together in a free-floating joint suspended above the board:

   • The center wiper leg (Leg 2) of the 25 kΩ Potentiometer.

   • A short stiff piece of wire (approx 10-15cm) acting as your Antenna.

   • The Anode (unbanded end) of the 1N4148 diode (D1).

2. Assemble Node B (In-Air): Solder these three items together in a separate free-floating joint:

   • The Cathode (banded end) of the 1N4148 diode (D1).

   • One end of the 47 kΩ resistor (R2).

   • One leg of the 4.7 nF capacitor (C2). Take the other leg of this capacitor and solder it directly down to the copper floor.

3. Hook RF to the Engine: Take the free hanging leg of the 47 kΩ resistor (R2) extending out from Node B, bend it over carefully, and solder it straight onto Pin 7 of the 555 IC.

Phase 4: Final Potentiometer and Battery Links

1. Pot Ground: Solder Leg 1 (left pin when looking at the knob) of the 25 kΩ pot to the copper floor.

2. Pot Supply: Solder one side of the 15 kΩ resistor (R1) to Leg 3 (right pin) of the pot. Connect the other side of this resistor to Pin 8.

3. Hook Battery Rails: Solder your 9V battery strap's black wire (-) directly to any bare spot on the copper floor. Solder the red wire (+) directly to Pin 8.

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🚀 INITIAL CALIBRATION & FUNCTION TESTING

1. Turn on the circuit.

2. Slowly rotate the 25 kΩ Sensitivity Potentiometer. At one side of its rotation, you should hear a high-pitched squeal from the speaker.

3. Rotate the knob backwards slowly until the squealing slows down into discrete clicks, and then drops into absolute silence. This transition edge is your sweet spot. Leave the knob right at this threshold.

4. Key up your handheld transceiver (HT) on low power a short distance away. The rectified RF entering through Pin 7 will instantly spark the 555 into life, producing a loud, high-pitched audio tone that shifts in frequency as you move closer or further away.

Images:  Click on images for larger view. (First two image = Prototype)

Video:

#8 - Amateur Radio News and Announcements (18 August 2026)

1.  Reminder:  Do tune into the DMR-ZA Net this evening at 19h30 SAST

Herewith a list of different equipment / apps and images that cross transmit / receive the DMR-ZA Net on a Tuesday evening. (Click on images for larger view.)

1.  ZS1I 49355 AllStar Hub Network which incorporates Echolink. (ZS1I-R)

2.  DMR / DVSwitch /AllStar Bridge (TG 65522)

3.  ZS1I MMDVM Digital Repeater (TG 65522)
1.  Reminder:  Do tune into the DMR-ZA Net this evening at 19h30 SAST
4.  145.550 Mhz Analogue Simplex RF Link Mossel Bay area.

5.  DroidStar / VoxDMR Applications for DMR  TG655

6.  ASL3 to Mumble Bridge PC (Mumble Client) as well as Mobile Phone (Plumble Client) 

7.  BrandMeister - Hoseline Application (PC or Mobile Phone - Receive only.)

8.  DVSwitch Mobile Application (PC or Mobile Phone)

9.   Many Analog-Repeaters and Links are connected to the ZS1I Hub Network on a daily basis.  Some of these analogue repeaters will be connected to the ZS1I Hub Network on a Tuesday evening and they might also be linked to other repeaters country- and world wide.  So why not link up with your local analogue repeater.  You might just be able to connect to the DMR-ZA Net on a Tuesday evening at 19h30 SAST. 

Finally:  There are an abundance of means illustrated above to connect to the DMR-ZA Net on a Tuesday evening at 19h30 SAST.  The DMR-ZA Net is an open net and all radio amateurs are welcome to join / connect to the net.  Brian ZS5BR is the net controller and I would like to thank him for professionally conducting the net each Tuesday evening.  Highly appreciated!! 

2.  Earthquake - On 10 August 2026, at 07:34 a.m. local time, a magnitude 7.4 (Mw) earthquake struck western Colombia.

The death toll continued to rise past 200 in western Colombia after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake shook towns and cities on Monday the 10th of August, causing nearly 2,000 buildings to collapse and injuring nearly 3,000. It was the strongest earthquake to strike Colombia in 100 years and came only weeks after two earthquakes shattered Venezuela.

Members of the [Liga Colombiana de Radioaficionados -- LCRA] have deployed
alongside the Colombian Red Cross to provide communications support in the wake of the Earthquake Disaster.

In Colombia, the [LCRA] uses the International Amateur Radio Union Region 2 (IARU R2) frequencies for emergency communications, as follows:

80 m: 3985 kHz
40 m: 7060, 7240, and 7275 kHz
20 m: 14300 kHz
17 m: 18160 kHz
15 m: 21360 kHz
2 m: 146.520 MHz (simplex)

PLEASE steer clear of these frequencies.
 

3.  Ethics and Operating Procedures for the Radio Amateur, Fourth Edition

We are pleased to offer the fourth edition of the Ethics and Operating Procedures for the Radio Amateur (EOP). This edition incorporates the latest developments and best practices in the field of amateur radio. We believe these updates are essential to upholding the high standards of amateur radio and ensuring our community remains at the forefront of technological innovation and ethical operating practices. 

IARU Region 1 President's Statement:

IT IS WITH GREAT PRIDE and a strong sense of responsibility that we present this new edition of the Ethics and Operating Procedures for the Radio Amateur – the first edition of our second century. For one hundred years, the IARU has supported the spirit of amateur radio: international friendship, technical progress, and service to the public. Today, more than ever, the way we behave on the air shows the values at the heart of our world-wide community.

This new edition is based on the well-respected work created more than fifteen years ago by two experienced radio amateurs. However, it is more than just a revision. It has been fully rewritten, clearer, more useful, and closer to the realities of amateur radio today. It is for everyone: experienced operators and newcomers alike. It gives us a shared basis for communication that is respectful, helpful, and enjoyable. In a time of fast technical change and global challenges, high standards are important. They help us protect our access to the spectrum and keep a positive image of amateur radio around the world.

Amateur radio is one of the few hobbies that crosses borders, languages, and cultures. This is a privilege, and it brings a duty to act with respect, patience, and courtesy. Our Code of Conduct reminds us that every contact is not only a technical exchange. It is also a reflection of who we are and what we share.
This unity did not happen by chance. During a century that saw wars, political conflict, and division, the I A RU has survived because it has kept world politics off the air. Many times, there were reasons – sometimes strong – to bring the conflicts of the moment into our work together. Each time, we chose not to. I believe this is one of the main reasons we have lasted one hundred years.

I encourage every radio amateur to read these pages, to share them, and to follow them. Let us set a good example, not only for other operators today, but for the radio amateurs of the future.

We have just completed one hundred remarkable years. Here is to the next century of respectful and responsible communication!

Sylvain Azarian F4GKR
President of the International Amateur Radio Union Region 1 

Please feel free to download any version and to give a copy to your friends, newcomers and old-timers alike. Don’t forget, this is NOT a document for newcomers only, and this is not a document for DXers only. It is a document as well for old-timers and DXpeditioners.

Download file HERE (PDF)

4.  Vyf ná byna drie dae uit sneeubedekte Drakensberg gered

Vyf mense is vroeg Donderdag uit die noordelike Drakensberg gered nadat swaar sneeu, stormsterk wind en ysige toestande hulle dae lank in uiters moeilike omstandighede gestrand gelaat het.

Lees meer HIER 

5.  Ham Radio is in the Toilet - Pete N6QW 

 

Some 60 years ago Ham Radio had young people joining the hobby. Now the median age is greater 65. At that same time, it was a technical hobby. Now its dumbed down to contests and operating. 

QST and the Handbook are nothing compared to what they used to be.

ED.  Pete N6QW is well known for his participation in the "Soldersmoke Podcast". Personally I think he has made some very valid comments which some like and others do not like.  Be as it may there is some real food for thought in this video!! 

6.  Ham Radio's Worst Invention - The SWR Meter.

Mark the Ham Florida Man explores common misconceptions regarding SWR meters and standing wave ratio in ham radio setups. This demonstration explains how these devices measure directional traveling wave power at specific points in a transmission system and clarifies how impedance mismatches affect meter readings throughout an antenna installation.

 Further reading:  What Your FWD/REV SWR Power Meter Is Actually Showing

7.  Introduction to DMR: The Four Wheels on the Car

DMR asks new users to understand codeplugs, timeslots, talkgroups, and networks before they’ve even keyed the mic — and most guides bury that in jargon before you get near your first contact. This piece cuts through it with one idea: DMR is like a car, and those four concepts are its four wheels. Get all four turning and you’re on the air; skip one, and you’re not going anywhere. Part 1 of Tommy’s Guide to DMR builds that mental model — no gear list yet, no codeplug, just the four ideas you need before any of the rest makes sense.

Read more HERE 

8.  Winlink Tells You What Happened. APRS Tells You What’s Happening.

Two Tools, Two Jobs, and Why Most EmComm Plans Only Cover One

Winlink is the digital mode of record for emergency communications, and it has earned that standing: its forms library is why served agencies can file, route, and audit what we hand them. But forms are retrospective by design. They tell you what happened, in a shape somebody can defend later. They cannot tell you what is happening while you can still do something about it, and most EmComm plans carry no second tool that does. This is a long look at APRS as the missing half of that capability: what it does beyond dots on a map, why it keeps working when the internet doesn’t, where its bridge to Winlink quietly breaks, what the research says about why ICS was never built to produce situational awareness in the first place, and why the ARRL’s own ARES Plan names situational awareness in its mission statement without naming a single tool that provides it. It’s long. The short version is that reporting and awareness are two faces of one coin, and most plans are carrying only one of them.

Read more HERE