HADARS Buildathon 2025: The Little Roo Project

At HADARS, we love a good hands-on challenge, and this year’s HADARS Buildathon 2025 is now underway!

Our club “Buildathon” project will have members assembling the Kanga Kits Little Roo – a simple yet effective 40m direct-conversion receiver that’s perfect for both newcomers and seasoned builders.  To kick off the build, Max, G4SDX, delivered a presentation covering the circuit’s design, functionality, and what makes this kit a great entry into homebrew radio construction. He explained the principles behind the receiver, including how it demodulates signals and how the local oscillator plays a key role in its operation.

The NanoVNA Revisited

The NanoVNA is a compact, cost-effective Vector Network Analyser (VNA) that has become an essential tool for amateur radio enthusiasts. In The NanoVNA Revisited, Hardy (G4HWB) provided a practical guide to using this versatile device for antenna tuning, filter design, and transmission line analysis.

Soldering School!

Our latest HADARS Club Night featured Soldering School, a hands-on session led by Max, G4SDX. Using the presentation as a guide, members explored the fundamentals of soldering, from selecting the right iron to mastering proper technique. Whether trying their hand at soldering for the first time or refining their skills, attendees had the chance to put theory into practice with expert guidance.

It was a fantastic evening of learning, sharing tips, and developing practical skills that are invaluable in amateur radio and electronics projects.