On February 20 and again on February 27, 2026, we held 2 offset attenuator builds. So many members wanted to build one, we had 2 sessions! It was hosted by Mike (AD5SU) and Betty (KF5LDA)Temple at their barndaminimum near Smithville TX.
The little parts were in the baggie and the predrilled chassis was there. Plus a schematic and PC board layout drawing with silkscreen making assembly easier. Pictured are some of the tools and supplies that were used to do the build.Even though the chassis was predrilled, the nibbling tool was needed to make slots in the holes. It’s a really cool tool that takes very small bites out of the chassis allowing the user to control the size and shape of the hole or slot.Here is Mike (AD5SU) helping Hank (W5SZ) with one of the steps of assembly.Trent (AC5TT) was there to help us with questions and answers! Here are Trent and Steve (KI5UAL) enjoying the build.Here is Ron (K5MUL) show us his completed project.Don (WA5SWM) and Betty (KF5LDA) visiting after completing the build. Don was instrumental in assisting some of us during the build. Oh, and he built one too! Betty served up some great food too. It was a fun time, great project with good eats!This funny flying pig helped us find the road to Mike’s place. Might have something to do with the phrase, “When pigs fly…”
Later in the day Don posted on groups.io, “Mike. I hooked mine up to my HT and set the VNA to continuously scan at 145.100 and could use the variable attenuation at 147.100 to exactly point to the VNA “fox” antenna with my tape measure antenna. Works better than perfect. Thank you for doing this. I am looking forward to a fox hunt soon. Thanks again- Don WA5SWM”
