Murania

Kitted and Offered For Sale By
The Four State QRP Group

Designed by David Cripe, NMØS

In the late 1950s, the technology of radio was overturned by a revolution in electronics.  The newly invented transistor enabled AM receivers to be constructed that were a fraction of the size of the now-obsolete tube circuits.  Transistor radios soon became the new popular obsession, as a portable entertainment device that was the iPod of its day.

Radios having two or fewer transistors were untaxed, as they were considered toys, and given the classification,’Boy’s Radios‘.  The designers of Boy’s Radios employed some creative design techniques to maximize the performance of these minimalist circuits, with sometimes amazing results.  Many thousands of young (and not so young) people had their first exposure to the radio hobby from these simple sets.  Today, Boy’s Radios are a highly sought after nostalgic collectable, commanding impressive prices on eBay and among collectors groups.

The Murania receiver was conceived as an opportunity for a new generation to experience the thrill of building and using a simple and effective AM radio receiver.  Inspired by the classic design of these transistor radios, the Murania receiver is an ideal kit for a beginning builder, and can provide years of listening pleasure.

High quality, double sided, printed circuit board construction is used, with solder mask and silk screened component reference designators.  A unique, construction technique is used in the Murania, called 'Pittsburg' construction, after the hometown of its inventor Joe, W0MQY.  This method uses easy-to-handle through-hole components in a modified surface mount construction technique, where the back copper layer of the board forms a complete ground plane shielding the circuitry against hand effects.  A pre-drilled silkscreened PCB enclosure is included, protecting the Murania circuit and making it into a handy portable set.

The Murania is simple enough to be constructed by beginners, and is rewarding enough to be enjoyed by experienced builders.  Construction time is approximately 2 hours, depending on experience level.

Designed for everyone: The perfect project for young people, families, scouts, church groups, etc. Group builds are encouraged, no license required.

Quantity discount and combined shipping are available, 5 piece minimum order pse.  Contact Johnny Matlock, ACØBQ