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Most QRPers like to build simple little crystal controlled qrp rigs, especially transmitters, and one of the hardest parts to find is a socket for the crystal. So, most guys tend to solder in the crystal. That works fine, but now you are limited to one frequency. The main benefit of having a socket is that you can easily change frequencies, just by swapping out the crystal. Denis Englander, KO6GF, showed us this trick one day at a NorCal meeting. You should have seen the forehead slapping going on. Here is what Denis did. He took a 3 pin SIP strip, cut off the middle pin, and then used it as a socket for the crystal. The photos below show how it is done. If you don't have an SIP socket, you can use an 8 pin IC socket. The machine pin style work the best, and an example is shown below. Enjoy.


Fig. 1 - The 3 Pin SIP


Fig. 2 - The SIP with the center pin cut off.


Fig. 3 - The "socket" on the board


Fig. 4 - The socket in use


Fig. 5 - 8 Pin Machine Pin Socket


Fig. 6 - One side of the socket cut off.


Fig. 7 - Crystal Socket made from ½ of an 8 Pin Machine Pin Socket

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