GTroy schrieb:

I'd like to build my own...don't know where to find a good schematics
for one.

For a simple start, one would usually resort to a kit, maybe for a
regenerative receiver. The fun factor is likely to be high (you might
even try building something with minimum active component count - and
possibly even decent performance at the same time -, like shown here for
FM: http://www.somerset.net/arm/fm_only_lowtech.html, and here are
some examples for AM: http://freespace.virgin.net/spontaflex.reflex/),
but don't expect a state-of-the-art DX rig. You can find plenty of
schematics for existing receivers on the web (I have amassed quite a
few), but even a fairly basic dual conversion set would be quite
complex.

if I don't make one is there a great beginner's receiver?

What's your budget? Sub-$100 (US), the Degen DE1103 (or its Kaito twin
KA1103, more attractive in terms of warranty) is a good choice for a
portable. (On a more limited budget, the DE/KA1102 and DE/KA1101 would
also be quite good, but I wouldn't go down any further; the Sony
ICF-SW35 is about DE1101 territory.) The Etón E5 is basically the same
with a much better user interface but also higher cost. Other popular
options include the venerable Sony ICF-SW7600GR (one of the best for SSB
reception) and Grundig YB400PE (bad SSB). And then there's the Redsun
RP2100, its counterpart KA2100 has just come out and can already be
ordered (no SSB, but other virtues). All of these are well below $200.

Stephan
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Home: http://stephan.win31.de/