Ham radio · Electronics · Workshop
Welcome to Orners Corner
This is my repository of projects I’m working on, or have worked on, that I wanted to share. Most are electronics-based, with some random things thrown in. I’m always finding ideas and methods that are better shared with others — some are used elsewhere and some may not be. Check in anytime to see what I’m up to; this page is constantly changing.
Projects & Articles
14 write-ups across circuits, workshop tricks and software for legacy test equipment.
Experiments & Ideas 7 ARTICLES
TPC-100 Texar Prism Clone
My modern take on the classic Texar Audio Prism multiband compressor — full build files included.
Precision PIC Timers
Generating very precise periods with PIC timers by syncing the output to the clock with a single flip-flop.
Gain / Reference / Attenuation Block
A simple switchable op-amp block for jumping between +10 dBu, 0 dBu and −10 dBu without touching the generator.
Single Op-Amp Absolute Value Circuit
A full-wave absolute value circuit that needs only one op-amp, rescued from a 1969 issue of Electronics.
Relay Latch / Un-latch Circuit
Push once to latch, push again to release — a relay flip-flop that uses no active components.
Thermistor Linearizer
Linearizes an NTC thermistor so the output voltage reads directly in degrees C — with a solver spreadsheet.
Amber Radio Dial Diffuser
Experiments in dyeing nylon to replace the brittle amber paper behind an old console radio dial.
Hints & Kinks 4 ARTICLES
Heathkit Foot Extensions
3D-printed replacement tilt feet for 60s and 70s Heathkit ham gear — STL and STEP files included.
Pluggable PCB Standoffs
Mini banana plugs and threaded spacers make durable standoffs that connect electrically and mechanically.
Versatile Clothes Pins
Flip the halves of a household clothespin for a slimmer tip and flat clamping faces.
Front Panel Labeling
My method for almost-professional, wear-resistant (and washable) front panel labels.
Software & Applications 3 ARTICLES
Serial Port Program
A serial terminal that remembers your recent commands — handy for microcontroller debugging.
HP 54600 Scope Screen Capture Utility
Capture screen images from legacy HP 54600-series oscilloscopes over HP-IB.
HP ESA-E Spectrum Analyzer Screen Capture
Screen capture over HP-IB for legacy HP/Agilent ESA-E series spectrum analyzers.
What’s Old Is New Again Articles in this series revisit unique design ideas from the past.