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Registrace 25. 03. 2009
Module # 200 Crystal Filter - MAX-SSB Transceiver Project
Construction is complete on the MAX-SSB's Module # 200 Crystal Filter.
In this video I show the crystal filter or a.k.a. SSB filter. The job of the crystal filter is to remove one of the sidebands (either the upper or lower sideband) from an SSB signal (the carrier is usually removed by the balanced modulator). To test I used an A/B switch to compare the performance between my new filter and the existing filter in by earlier ZX-SSB-II rig. This was a quick go/no-go test but for the serious experimenter the use of a VNA or Spectrum Analyzer with tracking generator will show the true performance.
Keep homebrewing.
73 - Rick - N3FJZ
Schematic:
www.remmepark.com/circuit6040/MAX-SSB/max-ssb.html#200
Inrad crystal filter kit:
www.inrad.net/product.php?productid=240&cat=149
Mostly DYI crystay filter kit:
mostlydiyrf.com/qer/
AliExpress crystal filter boards:
www.aliexpress.us/w/wholesale-crystal-filter-ssb-9mhz.html?spm=a2g0o.detail.auto_suggest.6.7032HJhrHJhrsU
Full MAX-SSB project page:
www.remmepark.com/circuit6040/MAX-SSB/max-ssb.html
In this video I show the crystal filter or a.k.a. SSB filter. The job of the crystal filter is to remove one of the sidebands (either the upper or lower sideband) from an SSB signal (the carrier is usually removed by the balanced modulator). To test I used an A/B switch to compare the performance between my new filter and the existing filter in by earlier ZX-SSB-II rig. This was a quick go/no-go test but for the serious experimenter the use of a VNA or Spectrum Analyzer with tracking generator will show the true performance.
Keep homebrewing.
73 - Rick - N3FJZ
Schematic:
www.remmepark.com/circuit6040/MAX-SSB/max-ssb.html#200
Inrad crystal filter kit:
www.inrad.net/product.php?productid=240&cat=149
Mostly DYI crystay filter kit:
mostlydiyrf.com/qer/
AliExpress crystal filter boards:
www.aliexpress.us/w/wholesale-crystal-filter-ssb-9mhz.html?spm=a2g0o.detail.auto_suggest.6.7032HJhrHJhrsU
Full MAX-SSB project page:
www.remmepark.com/circuit6040/MAX-SSB/max-ssb.html
zhlédnutí: 702
Video
Toroid transformer mounting details part2
zhlédnutí 103Před 2 měsíci
Here's how I affix my toroid transformers to my Manhattan style circuit modules. I cut a small section of perforated Vector board and attach legs made of copper wire on four corners. I then use a small zip tie to hold the toroid to the Vector board. I then strip the enameled wire of each winding and solder them to the legs. I then solder the legs to the Manhattan pads.
Toroid transformer mounting details part1
zhlédnutí 355Před 2 měsíci
Here's how I affix my toroid transformers to my Manhattan style circuit modules. I cut a small section of perforated Vector board and attach legs made of copper wire on four corners. I then use a small zip tie to hold the toroid to the Vector board. I then strip the enameled wire of each winding and solder them to the legs. I then solder the legs to the Manhattan pads.
Module # 180 Product Detector Balanced Modulator - MAX-SSB Transceiver Project
zhlédnutí 523Před 2 měsíci
Construction is complete on the MAX-SSB's Module # 180 Product-Detector / Balanced-Modulator. In this video I show the balanced modulator being adjusted to suppress the carrier to -50dB as reference to the carrier level in the "tune" or unbalanced mode. The adjustments controls consist of a 500 ohm Potentiometer and a 5-50 pF variable capacitor (see schematic). The goal is to get the carrier ou...
Wien bridge audio oscillator - homebrew
zhlédnutí 108Před 2 měsíci
Here's a Wien bridge audio oscillator I built back in 2008. It uses an incandescent lamp to stabilize the gain of the feedback circuit. Search the web for the details on how and why the Wien bridge is such a good sinusoidal oscillator. From what I read, the Wien bridge circuit was used in the HP company's first product. www.hpmemoryproject.org/wa_pages/wall_a_page_01.htm Here's one website that...
Module # 230 RX Amp - MAX-SSB Transceiver Project
zhlédnutí 2,7KPřed 2 měsíci
N3FJZ MAX-SSB transceiver another module complete. This is the variable gain RF amp between the band pass filter (module # 250) and the mixer (module # 220). It is in the signal path during receive and allows varying the receive gain. Schematic: www.remmepark.com/circuit6040/MAX-SSB/max-ssb.html#230 Block diagram: www.remmepark.com/circuit6040/MAX-SSB/MAX-SSB.html#000 MAX-SSB project page: www....
Module # 220 Mixer - MAX-SSB Transceiver Project
zhlédnutí 516Před 4 měsíci
Module # 220 of the MAX-SSB homebrew transceiver. In this video I test the new Mixer module using my existing ZX-SSB-II RF deck. The diodes I used here are 1N5711 Schottky diodes which have a lower voltage drop than the regular 1N4148 or 1N914; however, I have used the 1N4148 and the 1N914 in other mixer builds with reasonable success too. Schematic: www.remmepark.com/circuit6040/MAX-SSB/max-ss...
Module # 120 VFO / BFO - MAX-SSB Transceiver Project
zhlédnutí 776Před 4 měsíci
Here I test the completed VFO / BFO Module # 120 for the MAX-SSB homebrew HF transceiver. The VFO/ BFO module is controlled by the Front Panel module # 110 and provides the VFO (variable frequency oscillator) to the Mixer module # 220 and the BFO (beat frequency oscillator) to the Product-Detector / Balanced-Modulator. The front panel controller set the operating frequencies and drive levels fo...
Module # 110 Front Panel MEGA Quick Start - MAX-SSB Transceiver Project
zhlédnutí 611Před 4 měsíci
How to set-up the MAX-SSB-Front-Panel-MEGA for the first time. Software (Arduino sketch) download: www.remmepark.com/circuit6040/MAX-SSB-Front-Panel-MEGA/MAX-SSB-Front-Panel-MEGA.html Schematic: www.remmepark.com/circuit6040/MAX-SSB/MAX-SSB.html#110
Module # 150 Audio Amp - MAX-SSB Transceiver Project
zhlédnutí 766Před 4 měsíci
Construction complete for Module 150 Audio Amp for the MAX-SSB transceiver. Schematic: www.remmepark.com/circuit6040/MAX-SSB/MAX-SSB.html#150 In this video I show the crossover bias adjustment and a brief demonstration of the audio amp, module #150 of the MAX-SSB transceiver. MAX = [M]odular [A]mateur radio e[X]perimental
Module #150 Audio Amp - MAX-SSB Transceiver Project - Start of construction
zhlédnutí 243Před 4 měsíci
Here are the beginnings of the Audio Amp (Module #150) for my MAX-SSB transceiver. Schematic here: www.remmepark.com/circuit6040/MAX-SSB/max-ssb.html#150 73 - Rick - N3FJZ
Module # 110 Front Panel - MAX-SSB Transceiver Project - First Power Up
zhlédnutí 1,5KPřed 5 měsíci
Schematic: www.remmepark.com/circuit6040/MAX-SSB/MAX-SSB.html#110 Arduino sketch: www.remmepark.com/circuit6040/MAX-SSB-Front-Panel-MEGA/MAX-SSB-Front-Panel-MEGA.html I just finished designing and building this Arduino (Mega 2560) powered front panel controller breadboard for my "MAX-SSB (homebrew SSB) transceiver and wanted to share what I have completed so far. This controller drives an Si535...
SolderSmoke DCR Audio Amp
zhlédnutí 648Před rokem
I have completed my build of the SolderSmoke-DCR three transistor Audio Amp module. In this video I demonstrate it working with a comparison to my older push-pull 7 transistor amp. The SolderSmoke-DCR amp provides adequate volume for comfortable listening in reasonably quite room with the speaker within 2 - 3 feet of the listener; however I would not say that it's "room-filling", but it does co...
SolderSmoke DCR Attenuator / Band Pass Filter
zhlédnutí 375Před rokem
I have completed the SolderSmoke-DCR Attenuator / Band Pass Filter module. In this video I demonstrate it working with the help of the non-SolderSmoke-DCR audio amplifier I had available from an earlier project. During the testing, I compare the SolderSmole-DCR's audio with my MAX-SSB superhet transceiver using an A/B audio switch. Based on just listening by ear, I feel the SolderSmoke-DCR is r...
link coupled transmatch
zhlédnutí 515Před rokem
In this video I revisit my Link Coupled Transmatch and provide a link to my website with a schematic and details of the coil. I use this transmatch with my 600 ohm ladder line feed 80 meter full wave horizontal loop antenna. I can achieve a 1:1 SWR match on 20, 40 and 80 meters at 50 watts. The coil form is something I designed and cut out of 1/4 inch Baltic Birch plywood. I used #14 AWG solid ...
SolderSmoke DCR Mixer / Diplexer Module Completed
zhlédnutí 582Před rokem
SolderSmoke DCR Mixer / Diplexer Module Completed
Tin Ear Direct Conversion Receiver Hears Lou EA3JE from Barcelona Spain
zhlédnutí 1,2KPřed rokem
Tin Ear Direct Conversion Receiver Hears Lou EA3JE from Barcelona Spain
On Air Transmitter Testing of the N3FJZ MAX SSB . 2023-01-10
zhlédnutí 448Před rokem
On Air Transmitter Testing of the N3FJZ MAX SSB . 2023-01-10
The N3FJZ's MAX SSB PA Mounted on Breadboard. 2023-01-09
zhlédnutí 254Před rokem
The N3FJZ's MAX SSB PA Mounted on Breadboard. 2023-01-09
The N3FJZ MAX-SSB (formally called the ZX-SSB-II) homebrew rig's RF deck reassembled. 2023-01-08
zhlédnutí 986Před rokem
The N3FJZ MAX-SSB (formally called the ZX-SSB-II) homebrew rig's RF deck reassembled. 2023-01-08
I destroyed my Front Panel controller for my homebrew MAX-SSB transceiver
zhlédnutí 480Před rokem
I destroyed my Front Panel controller for my homebrew MAX-SSB transceiver
Z80 Hand wired single board controller from 1997
zhlédnutí 1,1KPřed 3 lety
Z80 Hand wired single board controller from 1997
ZX-Front-Panel - New GUI page selection menu support
zhlédnutí 188Před 3 lety
ZX-Front-Panel - New GUI page selection menu support
ZX Front Panel parameter setting screen
zhlédnutí 80Před 3 lety
ZX Front Panel parameter setting screen
(Pt-16) ZX-SSB-II Front Panel Development (Part 16) - New Tune screen with SWR, PA temp sensors
zhlédnutí 620Před 3 lety
(Pt-16) ZX-SSB-II Front Panel Development (Part 16) - New Tune screen with SWR, PA temp sensors
(Pt-15) ZX-SSB-II Front Panel Development (Part 15) - RF Power Detector module
zhlédnutí 221Před 4 lety
(Pt-15) ZX-SSB-II Front Panel Development (Part 15) - RF Power Detector module
(Pt-14) ZX-SSB-II Front Panel Development (Part 14) - RF Power Detector module
zhlédnutí 444Před 4 lety
(Pt-14) ZX-SSB-II Front Panel Development (Part 14) - RF Power Detector module
I would try changing the impedence and use a parallel coax system to feed it out of the basement. Now. I don't know the impedance you are using, but. You can approximate with parallel coax and eliminate/ reduse interaction with metal objects along the run
Hi Rick, Very interesting ! Just started the build and completed just the Mega connected to the display. Loaded the code, and I was greeted with some light from the display. I can see the splash screen, and next I see a popup saying that I have an alarm (SWR too high....SWR tripped at 9.900). Mind you, I have not yet connected anything else but the display to Mega2560. Is this to be expected ? 73, HAns PA3CRZ
Hi is this something we could build? are the parts available etc?
Thank you! No, I don't have plans to try a larger display at this time. I'm currently using a 3.2" ILI9341 based display and the text on the screen is large enough for comfortable tabletop operations. The key here is the ILI9341 chip-set in the display, if a larger display that uses the ILI9341 could be found then it could be a drop-in replacement. A larger display with a different chip-set would probably require some of the code be rewritten and different display libraries may also be needed. Here are some sources for the 3.2 inch display I used: www.amazon.com/3-2inch-Module-Display-ILI9341-320X240/dp/B0BZGSPP1V/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2NGS6I029BQCL&keywords=3.2%2BInch%2B320X240%2BSpi%2BIli9341&qid=1689515924&s=electronics&sprefix=3.2%2Binch%2B320x240%2Bspi%2Bili9341%2Celectronics%2C79&sr=1-4&th=1 www.ebay.com/itm/3-2-Inch-320X240-SPI-Serial-TFT-LCD-Module-Display-Screen-With-Contact-Pane-/203014329796 73 - Rick - N3FJZ
Fantastic, do you have plans for a larger display?
Sounds so clear, lovely audio!
Love my loops. For some reason no one generally lets you know how quiet qrm is on them - compared to a vertical. Thanks for showing off!! DE N2RAG 73S
Hi, you did a great job. But does this device only support SSB? Doesn't it support CW\AM\FM?
Hello user-1166, thank you for the complement. No, it's was designed for SSB based on my understanding of how SSB works. Because of the stability of the Si5351 VFO/BFO it can receive AM if tuned precisely, but there are no provisions for transmitting on AM or other non-SSB modes. 73 - Rick - N3FJZ
@@Circuit6040 Thanks for your reply. I wish you all the best. 73
Wow weve come a long way where we can obtain cheap filter kits. Is there a discussion of the various i.f. frquencies used i.e. is it a function of crystal availability or transceiver design? I know 9 MHz has long been a favorite for single conversion rigs iirc. While the kit availability is nice I decided that Im going to slog through the math and measure them with a vna (I need to find one yet) partly to choose my own lower i.f. freq of 2 MHz or 2.5 MHz.
Yes indeed, it's very rewarding to build your own crystal filter. The MAX-SSB front panel software makes it easy to experiment with various I.F. frequencies (i.e. crystal filter center frequency) be being able to change the I.F. frequency on-the-fly directly from the Settings menu without the need to change it in the source code. Not only that, you can change the I.F. frequency real-time while listening to the results which allows you to fine-tune the I.F. to match the crystal filter's frequency exactly. 73 Rick N3FJZ.
Perfect for an AGC circuit to control...
Yes indeed! As a matter of fact, in Wes' whitepaper on this amplifier, the title is "...Adding AGC to a Termination Insensitive Amplifier..." (w7zoi.net/tia+agc.pdf). I want to explore adding true AGC to my MAX-SSB in the future but haven't yet had quality time to do this properly, but having the variable gain amp in the RX path as part of the base design was a good start for when I'm ready (for now I'll use it as a manual RF gain control). I use the variable gain amp in the TX path as a way to make the output power variable. I like to "tune-up" my 80 meter loop/transmatch using about 500 mW then slowly bring up the power to 20 watts once the tuning to an SWR of 1:1 is complete. 73 - Rick - N3FJZ
@@Circuit6040 I think if you are going to add AGC its worth taking your time and doing it rite..... and RF control is the way forward and creating the balance of stages... beautiful work mate I love your stages and your design makes trying them out sooo easy and real time... I will give the link to Wes's paper a good looking at, thank you!
@@paulsradiohacks You're welcome. Here's another one of Wes' papers on AGC (www.ka7exm.net/hycas/hycas_200712_qst.pdf). If I do go forward with adding AGC to my rig, this would probably be the one I would consider. 73 - Rick - N3FJZ
Lovely sounding radio
Thank you!
if you have a full size loop (100 to 150 ohm resistance) then rather than ladder line you can also consider sat tv "Shorgun twin" 75 ohm co-ax & just feed balanced between the centres,,, as it is screened its routing is "idiot proof" like normal co-ax & it doesn't have to be kept clear of metal... at 2x75ohm = 150 ohm it is pretty well matched to the loop too
StreakyP, great idea! I have an old run of abandon C/Ku band dual 75 ohm coax going from the house to where the old 10 foot TVRO dish was one located. This would be a great experiment to try in the future. Thanks for the suggestion 73 Rick N3FJZ
TeknoTrek, Thank you for the kind comments. Yes, I intend on posting videos for all the modules as I complete them, and I'm looking forward to the day I can show a completed rig in operation. Stay tuned... 73 - Rick - N3FJZ
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I'm following your work with great interest! Your insights are truly valuable and informative. Keep up the excellent content!
Wow impressive! Looks like it took forever to build. 73!
W1RMD, Thank you for the kind comment. I spend about a week building each module a few 10's of minutes here and there, but if I were to count the total time non-stop (like a 9-5 job) I would estimate between 3-6 hours per board actually soldering et cetera, but collecting the parts, and the preliminary work (finding RF circuits by other homebrewers on the internet to copy, designing the layout, drawing schematics, testing prototypes) does of course take much longer. This is definitely not a project if you wanted to build something quickly. This is a project to enjoy the learning and building process, sort of like those CZcams videos you see where someone builds a sailboat from scratch starting with a stack of lumber, or mountain climbing, just to see if one can do it. 73 Rick N3FJZ
@@Circuit6040 I've been a ham for 30+ years, and have just recently started to understand electronics. I've never attempted anything that used ic's or toroids before, other than those kits that only teach you how to solder. Good analogy with the boat. I've heard some say that restoring radios is like restoring old cars. I have noticed on these dyi projects they end up a LOT more complicated than originally planned. You're right, if you are building to learn and enjoy the circuits you'll be okay. If you are building just to get an end result, you will have a life of frustration. Just go a buy what you want and save the trouble. Thanks to channels like yours, it is possible to understand what you're building and learn in the process. Excellent sounding radio! Thanks again and 73!-W1RMD.
As a telegraphist I would like to point out that having CW playing in the background is a terrible-terrible idea. I can't focus when two people are talking simultaneously.
R2AUK, Wow yes, you are so right, CW is indeed a language. Thank you for pointing this out.
Very nice job building the audio Amp. Have you considered using KiCad to design a printed circuit board for non-critical boards like the audio Amp?
kmnl926, yes indeed, using KiCad and other design tools (and having PCB's produced, or etching my own) is definitely on my future to-do list; however, right now I have set a goal for myself to build as much of my rig by hand using Manhattan construction as possible. I guess it's like a cook challenging themselves to bake a cake from scratch vs. using a cake mix. I made some obvious exceptions of course with the display, Arduino and GPS to keep the development effort reasonable.
Hi Rick, I would like to know if you have configured the GPS UBLOX module in order to generate the PPS even when there is no fix . Many thanks, Antonio (IW0FCI)
antaf56, No, the (hardware) 1 PPS pulse (that gates the frequency counter and generates the interrupt to the Arduino) is only generated when there is a solid fix on the satellite(s); however, te NMEA sentence serial data is output even without a fix. When the Arduino is first powered on, it sends commands to the GPS module. I got the idea from videos created by iforce2d czcams.com/video/q4ZA6KtYGRg/video.html and czcams.com/video/ylxwOg2pXrc/video.html
🤯 what i just saw !
This is quite an odd circuit. I've never seen an RF amp with a 2N3904 input stage as most commercial rigs use a dual gate MOSFET.
stevec5000, yes, the dual gate MOSFET is indeed a solid performer for RF amps; however, I wanted something that was a little more available (in a through-hole package) and a little less expensive. Also, I trust the designs of Wes w7zoi: w7zoi.net/tia+agc.pdf
How are you making the insulating blobs to mount the parts on that are on the metal panel? I've never seen any construction like that before.
stevec5000, It's the traditional Manhattan construction technique (see: dixiepixieproject.blogspot.com/2009/11/manhattan-pads-and-the-origin-of-term.html ) Pads are punched out of double sided copper PCB board with a 0.125 sheet metal punch. Since each pad is double sided, I solder each Manhattan pad to the tin plated steel sheet; HOWEVER, this can sometimes be a real chore and is very tedious to get right. If you use too little heat the pad will sometimes solder fast to the sheet where you don't want it the moment it touches the sheet, if you use too much heat (to give you some time to precisely place the pad) you risk causing the copper to de-laminate from the Manhattan pad. I only continue to use this method because I have developed a decent muscle memory and dexterity to get it right most of the time. If I had to do it over again, I would simply use single sided PCB for the Manhattan pads and supper glue them down on the substrate. As a matter of fact, I'm thinking about trying the PCB method in the future just to see if I like it better.
@@Circuit6040 Olá, já pensou em usar uma pcb dupla face onde a face de baixo é usada para gnd e a face de cima como trilha de sinal e alimentação? Tenho uma placa de um transceptor de avião que é feito dessa forma, mas a trilha de gnd fica pelo lado dos componentes, eu estou tentando imaginar qual seria a diferença, você sabe? 73
@@Circuit6040 Eu já fiz montagem com esses pads dupla face, são bem complicados de soldar na gnd, muito calor quebra, deve ser bem melhor colar.
@@canaldopicco Yes, I agree, using glue would be much better. Years ago I used the glue method and ran out of glue one day and I tried the soldering method and it worked and I been doing it like this ever since. It works good for me but I would not recommend it to someone who is already using the glue method. (Translated by Google) Sim, concordo, usar cola seria muito melhor. Anos atrás eu usei o método de cola e fiquei sem cola um dia e eu tentei o método de solda e funcionou e eu tenho feito assim desde então. Ele funciona bem para mim, mas eu não recomendaria para alguém que já está usando o método de cola.
@@canaldopicco I'm not sure what the difference would be, I would think it would have very little affect unless the circuit was VHF, UHF or microwave, it that case using a circuit board at all would require a very critical layout and transmission line rules for the circuit traces would be much more strict. I am avoiding using PCB's for my hobby work because I used PCB's many years ago (for non-RF work) and wanted to do something that had a good track record of RF circuits, and I did not want to get off track by having to learn a new software package to master the PCB design. Maybe some time in the future I will try PCB's for RF work, but for now I sticking with Manhattan construction because I know it works well. 73 Rick N3fjz (Translated by Google) Eu não tenho certeza de qual seria a diferença, eu pensaria que teria muito pouco efeito a menos que o circuito fosse VHF, UHF ou micro-ondas, nesse caso usar uma placa de circuito em tudo exigiria um layout muito crítico e as regras de linha de transmissão para os traçados do circuito seriam muito mais rigorosas. Estou evitando usar PCB's para o meu trabalho de hobby porque eu usei PCB's muitos anos atrás (para trabalho não-RF) e queria fazer algo que tivesse um bom histórico de circuitos de RF, e eu não queria sair da pista por ter que aprender um novo pacote de software para dominar o design de PCB. Talvez algum tempo no futuro eu vou tentar PCB's para o trabalho de RF, mas por enquanto eu continuo com a construção de Manhattan porque eu sei que funciona bem. 73 Rick N3fjz
What are the 2 flashing red lights on the display right under UTC?
stevec5000, each flash of these red indicators indicates that the NMEA sentence from the GPS module was successfully decoded. The NMEA sentence is where the MAX-SSB front panel gets the time. There are two indicators in this video, but each do the same thing, I was just testing two ways of flashing the indicators, in the final release there is just one indicator. Having a red indicator on the LCD screen saved me from having to have yet another LED in hardware. 73 Rick N3FJZ
OMG, None of that printed circuit rubbish for this guy!
Great job, Rick!! I'm starting to build it too!! Thanks, Antonio, IW0FCI
Antonio, That's fantastic! Please keep me updated on your progress if you want to. Keep homebrewing! 73 Rick N3FJZ.
@@Circuit6040 Dear Rick, I just finished the PCB design of the Max Front Panel and I'm double checking it now, I will send it to manufacuturing in a couple of days. I think in 10-15 days I will be able to test it. Once I am sure it works properly, I can send you the gerber files, if you want! You made a great design and I believe this can give a further value to your effort. The board dimensions are 120x80 mm and the PCB is on only 2 layers and has everything on it with a 3.2'' display, I used smd and thru hole components. I respected wire by wire your design. The Schematic and PCB development has been made with Easyeda. I'll keep you informed on the progress. Thanks again, 73 Antonio (IW0FCI)
@@antaf56 Wow, 120mm x 80mm in 2 layers, I'm impressed, that's about the size of a typical smart phone. I can't wait to see it in action. Keep up the good work. 73 - Rick - N3FJZ.
@@Circuit6040 Hi Rick, I sent you some 3D snap-shots of the PCB design by e-mail. 73 Antonio IW0FCI
@@antaf56 Yes, I received the images. Wow, beautiful work! You have certainly put in a lot of love and effort in its design and words cannot describe the joy I feel in seeing it. Thank you for taking the time to give my schematic and software an actual PCB to live in :-) I an very excited and looking forward to seeing it in action.
This is real ham radio. Building a transceiver. I am impressed.
Thank you @plusorminusandtime, Beginning a long time ago (1962) I remember that I always wanted to build my own radio. Along the way there were many false starts, errors, mistakes and smoke, but I think I have finally achieved my goal with the help of examples from books, podcasts, the internet and CZcams. I'm indeed "standing on the shoulders of giants"
Looks like alien architecture
dead bugs
Great 👍 Be careful with these TIAs though, they are relatively easy to overload (comparing to a regular feedback amplifiers). You may hear AM broadcast stations on 40 meters during the night if the gain before the IF will be too high. Make sure most of the gain happens on the IF or AF.
Thank you R2AUK, I will definitely keep this in mind. Yes, I remember seeing Alan Wolke (W2AEW) testing the TIA amp and how too high of an input signal causes it to overload czcams.com/video/7TtKE39TWpI/video.html 73 - Rick N3FJZ
Nice work ! I can't wait next module. 73 de 9A3PE
Is that a home made antenna tuner?
Yes. I just updated my website with additional information on its construction. www.remmepark.com/circuit6040/Link_coupled_transmatch/Link_coupled_transmatch.html
Incredible is the only word I can think of. I hope one day I can comprehend the true magnitude of skill it takes to homebrew a tuner like that. 73’s
Thank you! I just updated my website with additional details on how I built my transmatch. www.remmepark.com/circuit6040/Link_coupled_transmatch/Link_coupled_transmatch.html
Outstanding work sir, beautiful home brew RF engineering.
Very nice mate, I really appreciate the work you have put into your projects.
Thank you!
People lilke You, Nick M0NTV, Paul VK3HN, Charlie Morris ZL2CTM, SolderSmoke, NA5Y, and some others great h-brewers ;-) Made my days! Thank You! SQ3DLA. Waiting for the next parts! (TIA-s with gain controll!)
Thank you! I'm simply standing on the shoulders of giants :-)
Looks and sounds awesome 👏
Thank you!
So what are going to do with such a precise VFO/BFO on your transceiver?
Perhaps communicate with a UFO ;)
I find myself asking that same question sometimes :-) I guess the simple answer is "because it could be done". For voice SSB, a few 10's of Hz ether way is hardly detectable, and I don't plan to do any digital work with the rig that would require that kind of precession, so I guess it goes back to my days working in an instrumentation standards lab in the '80's where precision was everything and took a lot of effort and equipment to achieve what a few dollars can do today. It's just fun and so satisfying to be able to do it now at home :-) . 73 - Rick - N3FJZ
No, that was earlier, They were the ones that sent me the plans to build this thing :-)
Great video, Rick. It covers all of the features very well. Marty, K1FQL
Very interesting, I'm waiting for the other AGC modules too ...
Hi YE3CIF, just to let you and other know that the AGC feature will probably come somewhat later since I have not actually incorporated AGC in any of my earlier rigs. Because AGC will be be a new experience for me, I will want to do a lot of research and experimenting before I would feel comfortable publishing details of a working circuit. 73 Rick N3FJZ.
@@Circuit6040 OK, I'll wait for it. your video is very interesting for me
Wow, truly awesome work thanks for sharing.
You're welcome, and thank you for the comment. I am truly blessed to live in a time where the internet has made it possible for me to see the work of others in real-time. This is how I learned to do this and I'm just trying to give back in some small way to perhaps help inspire others.
@@Circuit6040 cool
Hi Rick, I got GPS running and displaying as well as SI5351. I can hear the VFO, BFO and 10 MHz signals in a receiver. The tune encoder is working, but I am not able to make the scroll encoder work. I cannot move the cursor. Also, unable to step through the menus. Any interlocks that I may be missing that might enable the menus?
Found the issue. Was using an old schematic of the front panel with different push button mapping. Also found an wiring error on the scrolling encoder.
@@arcanestudio Sorry to be late in getting back to you on this. Sad to hear you had trouble. Yes I did make changes to the push button mapping early on in the project. My apologies for the confusion this caused. 73 - Rick - N3FJZ
Beautiful work Rick!! Now that's homebrew!! keep up the good work!...73 de Dean AC9JQ
Thank you Dean.
congratulations for the project, I made it and now it goes to reception from 2020. I'm looking forward to the new changes
Awesome! Thank you!
Brilliant work!!!
Thank you!
Fantastic work on the VFO and controller, looking forward to seeing the software code for this. Looks like you are using an ILI9431 display? Have you thought about using the ILI9488 this is a higher res so sharper display and available in 4 inch. Thanks for sharing your development work & all the best. Andy G6LBQ
Thanks for the tip on the ILI9488 display Andy. It will definitely be on my to-do list for the next upgrade. I'm still working on putting the final touches on the newest revision of the code, but it is essentially 99% the same code as was used on the ZX-SSB front panel here: www.remmepark.com/circuit6040/ZX-SSB-II-Front-Panel/ZX-SSB-II-Front-Panel.html using the schematic here: www.remmepark.com/circuit6040/ZX-SSB-II/zx_ssb_ii.html The ZX-SSB project is deprecated and not recommended for new builds but it should work fine (see the special instructions for loading some custom libraries and font files) The changes to the new project include reassignment of GPIO pins, the use of thermistors to measure the PA final transistor temperatures (instead of diodes) and a bunch of other very minor changes that I can't remember :-) Please forgive my unruly code (15 thousand lines), When I think of a new feature I just start typing and just can't stop, but I try to put in a lot of comments to help remind myself what I was thinking when I coded a particular feature. 73 for now Rick N3FJZ BTW - I also have a bad habit of not removing code for features I take out or change, I just comment out the old and leave it in place 🙂
@circuit6040, you have a fantastic channel here. For some reason this channel rarely shows up in searches, you deserve a lot of views. I was looking for a project exactly like this to control a DIY multiband HF radio, and your firmware does the job very well. Only one limitation that I see is the ability to jump between ham bands (probably using push buttons) instead of having to use the encoder. Do you think this feature can be added?
Hello kalkurap, Thank you for the complement on my Front Panel design. Did you actually build a copy? If so, I'm so thrilled, thank you. Yes, the band change feature is one I have on my wish list for this project, but not sure when I'll have it ready. I am currently creating a new HF transceiver project and will be updating the front panel schematic and code shortly, your comment will definitely cause me to move the band change feature to the top of my to-do list. I also want to add some memory features and an A-B VFO feature perhaps. Keep your eye on my channel, I should be posting something about this new project within the next few weeks. This new project is not too different from the original ZX-SSB-II, just some refinements to the schematics and a project name change to emphasize the modular aspect of a collection of standardized modules, and the addition of an additional new less complicated front panel that uses the Arduino NANO. 73 - Rick - N3FJZ
@@Circuit6040, I had built a 80m dual conversion SSB receiver last year and was looking at adding more band pass filters on the front end to convert it into a multi band receiver. I had an Arduino nano driving the Si5153 with 16X2 LCD display controlling the receiver. Coding is not something I am good at, hence I started looking for a project that has support for a larger display as well as relay outputs to control band pass filters. That is how I ended up on your page and almost instantly liked this project. It took only a weekend for me to build this and put it in a case, thanks to all the handwork you have put into the software. I really like the use of direct buttons to control the most frequently used features, menu system and the overall UI design. Looking forward to the band change feature and yes, A-B VFO would be great as well.
VERY EXCELLENT 73
its incredible how good this sounds!
I've never seen anything so profound .
I like you pto
I think the link coupled balanced matcher is a best way Certainly better than with a balun As the actor Michael Caine would say Not a lot of people know that