The NC20 was a Norcal Kit project designed by Dave Fifield, AD6A. This project was unique in that for every kit sold, a free kit was sent to an Amateur in a third-world country to encourage QRP CW. Dave started his own company, RedHot Radio , and supplies NC20 kits, now known as RHR20 and also a 40 metre version, the RHR40.

The last kit I built was a Heathkit SB101, back in 1967, which used valves. Also my eyesight was a lot keener then. The NC20 kit arrived in February 1999 and I really enjoyed building it. The only problem encountered was a defective keyer IC, so I substituted a K1EL keyer IC instead. Apart from this minor issue, everything worked first time. Alignment was easy and the overall performance is very satisfying. However, I attribute this success more to the supplied documentation than my constructional expertise! Shortly after completion, various mods were published for the rig, most of which I have also incorporated on my NC20.

The picture on the left, taken during a business trip in Westboro, Mass, shows the NC20 with a Whiterook paddle. The antenna used was a Hustler mobile whip fixed to the window-frame with a home-made clamp & 2 radials run around the room. To see an inside view of the rig, click on the picture.

Links to NC20 resources