Hi Rahul
I will do a blog post soon on my Irwell HF transceiver 2nd mixer stage and document the process I use to arrive at the component values etc.
Regards
Andy (G6LBQ)
|
Hi Rahul Look at Item 17 in the Solid State Circuits section of my technical web site for the formulae for a diplexer. You just need to decide on the Q that is required.
73
Bob
Bob F Burns G3OOU, G-QRP 6907, @BobFBurns
Crystal Palace Radio & Electronics Club:
Admin/sales site: Technical site:
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Re: Irwell STM32 Digital VFO
Hi Andy,
You can use the PCA9540B i2c multiplexer to drive multiple si5351 VFOs with ease on the same bus without using any extra IOs. I have extensive software experience and can assist with questions that you may have.
Kind regards?
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Hi Everyone
I have uploaded files for the STM32 BluePill based digital VFO including the software.
The VFO is based on the work of radio hams JA2GQP and JA2NKD to whom I acknowledge for there work.
I am not a software engineer or programmer so the software side of the Irwell project has and continues to be a difficult challenge for me, that said I have manged to make changes to the original software so that it is functional for the Irwell project as it
is to-date.
In its current state the software is fully functional for a single conversion superhet receiver or transceiver using two of the three Si5351 chips available on the VFO Oscillator PCB.
Moving forward the software does require code adding to drive the third Si5351 IC on the oscillator PCB, this would then serve as a conversion oscillator to drive an additional mixer stage thus facilitating the upgrade of the transceiver to a dual conversion.
My idea to do this is replicate the code from the BFO section, the current code for the BFO is such that adjustments and calibration can be made through the use of the "MODE" button used to activate the function then adjustments being made using the VFO's
Rotary Encoder. So far I have not attempted to address this software challenge as I feel somewhat out of my depth!
If anyone in the group with software skills would be willing to assist or take on the challenge of adding the neccessary code I would be grateful for your help and input.
I have commented all of the software changes and additions that I have implemented so far and in the interests of learning I welcome any constructive comments relating to these. Please enlighten me if you feel there are better ways to implement my software
changes or additions.
In the next few days I will update the blog and document the VFO digital I/O expander which has been built and is working nicely.
Regards
Andy (G6LBQ)
|
Hi Everyone
I have uploaded files for the STM32 BluePill based digital VFO including the software.
The VFO is based on the work of radio hams JA2GQP and JA2NKD to whom I acknowledge for there work.
I am not a software engineer or programmer so the software side of the Irwell project has and continues to be a difficult challenge for me, that said I have manged to make changes to the original software so that it is functional for the Irwell project as it is to-date.
In its current state the software is fully functional for a single conversion superhet receiver or transceiver using two of the three Si5351 chips available on the VFO Oscillator PCB.
Moving forward the software does require code adding to drive the third Si5351 IC on the oscillator PCB, this would then serve as a conversion oscillator to drive an additional mixer stage thus facilitating the upgrade of the transceiver to a dual conversion. My idea to do this is replicate the code from the BFO section, the current code for the BFO is such that adjustments and calibration can be made through the use of the "MODE" button used to activate the function then adjustments being made using the VFO's Rotary Encoder. So far I have not attempted to address this software challenge as I feel somewhat out of my depth!
If anyone in the group with software skills would be willing to assist or take on the challenge of adding the neccessary code I would be grateful for your help and input.
I have commented all of the software changes and additions that I have implemented so far and in the interests of learning I welcome any constructive comments relating to these. Please enlighten me if you feel there are better ways to implement my software changes or additions.
In the next few days I will update the blog and document the VFO digital I/O expander which has been built and is working nicely.
Regards
Andy (G6LBQ)
|
Hi Andy,
Can you indicate how to calculate the diplexer values for a 70 MHz IF. I have a 70 MHz IF and would like to add a diplexer. If you could explain the choice of values that will be great and some mathematics behind it. This will allow us to calculate the values
independently.
Kind regards
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ok , I have T37-6 & T50-6? , Can you guide which wire number to use for winding these cores? for better Q factor ?
?
?
You could used SMD inductors but beware the Q value and tolerance could be an issue.
If you stick to using the T37 cores the Q value will be fine and providing you have the means to measure the inductance values you can adjust the windings and get the required inductance spot on, this is exactly what I do and I finish off by secure the windings
in place with quick drying laquer or hot glue.
Regards
Andy (G6LBQ)
|
ok , I have T37-6 & T50-6? , Can you guide which wire number to use for winding these cores? for better Q factor ? ?
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From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of g6lbq via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, 27 October 2021 10:25 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [G6LBQ] Irwell Mixer Stage? You could used SMD inductors but beware the Q value and tolerance could be an issue.
If you stick to using the T37 cores the Q value will be fine and providing you have the means to measure the inductance values you can adjust the windings and get the required inductance spot on, this is exactly what I do and I finish off by secure the windings in place with quick drying laquer or hot glue.
Regards
Andy (G6LBQ)
|
You could used SMD inductors but beware the Q value and tolerance could be an issue.
If you stick to using the T37 cores the Q value will be fine and providing you have the means to measure the inductance values you can adjust the windings and get the required inductance spot on, this is exactly what I do and I finish off by secure the windings in place with quick drying laquer or hot glue.
Regards
Andy (G6LBQ)
|
Hi Andy , ?kindly share your e -mail. ? Regarding L1 & L2 , can we use here fixed inductor? SMD 1206 or 1210 size ?or need a toridal Core like T50-2/6 ? ? Cheers , 73s , AP2RF ? ?
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From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of g6lbq via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, 27 October 2021 8:25 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [G6LBQ] Irwell Mixer Stage? Hi Riffad
Have a look at the BFU590G device as an alternative to the NE46134 it is a current device and available from Farnell >>> I just found NE46134 on AliExpress :
I can confirm I purchased a quantity of NE46134 from the above Ali-Express seller and what I received are working fine so I assume they are original devices, they perform exactly the same as the original devices I purchased from RS Components some time ago.
I do have the PCB's for the mixer so please email me direct if you are interested.
Regards
Andy G6LBQ ?
|
Hi Riffad
Have a look at the BFU590G device as an alternative to the NE46134 it is a current device and available from Farnell
>>> I just found NE46134 on AliExpress :
I can confirm I purchased a quantity of NE46134 from the above Ali-Express seller and what I received are working fine so I assume they are original devices, they perform exactly the same as the original devices I purchased from RS Components some time ago.
I do have the PCB's for the mixer so please email me direct if you are interested.
Regards
Andy G6LBQ
|
Hi there
Some good information and tips there!??
I used this Bridged Tee Diplexor Calculator to get values for a 9mhz IF, it worked well, here:
I also made a video about my diplexor experiment,? here:
Happy building! Paul VK3HN.?
On Wed, 27 Oct. 2021, 17:32 R-TEK, < riffad@...> wrote: Hi Rahul , Greetings ! ? Wonderful Ideas , Thank you very much indeed ! ? I further explained my project in last post. Kindly ?do look into ! ? 73s AP2RF ? ? ? Hi AP2RF and Andy, ? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #1 ? Here is an explanation of how to calculate the values ?
? Andy is the expert here, (Andy please let us know how to decide on the factor if it should be 5, 10 or something else) but ? The way to calculate this is as follows you choose a factor (Andy appears to have chosen 5) ? For the series LC branch, XL should be equal to XC such that it needs to be [50 ohm (design impedance) x the factor] ? So 50 x 5 = 250 ohm reactive ? So XL = 2 x pi x f x L ? XC = 1/ (2 x pi x f x C) ? Both should equal 250 ohm reactive, see sample calculation of XL below for the series branch. ? So L = 3584.6 nH? XL = 250 ohm ?? C = 57.4 pf??? XC = 250 ohm ? ? ?
? For the parallel LC branch, the impedance should be XL = XC = 50/factor = 50/5 = 10 ohm ? We get ? C = 1433.8 pf ??XC = 10 ohm L = 143.4 nH ???XL = 10 ohm ? Andy has already added a caveat here that availability of components dictated his design choices. (in the pdf) ?
? ? We get identical results from this online calculator see below () ?
? ? ? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #2 ? With reference to your question for an IF of 9 MHz, see results below for the diplexer values, ? ?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #3 ? With reference to your amplifier question, I believe all the transistors you list are obsolete. However I have a stock of 2n5109s and use the amplifier from here, works really well. ?
? See the mixer section, ?
? See the broadband amplifier, ?
? ? See another broadband amplifier using the 2SC5551A (this is also obsolete) ?
? ?
? ? Vendor for the NE46134 (last 3 remaining) ?
? ? Another link for the 2N5109 ?
? ? Kind regards
|
Hi Rahul , Greetings ! ? Wonderful Ideas , Thank you very much indeed ! ? I further explained my project in last post. Kindly ?do look into ! ? 73s AP2RF ? ?
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From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of RAHUL SAPRE
Sent: Wednesday, 27 October 2021 1:19 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [G6LBQ] Irwell Mixer Stage? Hi AP2RF and Andy, ? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #1 ? Here is an explanation of how to calculate the values ? 
? Andy is the expert here, (Andy please let us know how to decide on the factor if it should be 5, 10 or something else) but ? The way to calculate this is as follows you choose a factor (Andy appears to have chosen 5) ? For the series LC branch, XL should be equal to XC such that it needs to be [50 ohm (design impedance) x the factor] ? So 50 x 5 = 250 ohm reactive ? So XL = 2 x pi x f x L ? XC = 1/ (2 x pi x f x C) ? Both should equal 250 ohm reactive, see sample calculation of XL below for the series branch. ? So L = 3584.6 nH? XL = 250 ohm ?? C = 57.4 pf??? XC = 250 ohm ? ? ? 
? For the parallel LC branch, the impedance should be XL = XC = 50/factor = 50/5 = 10 ohm ? We get ? C = 1433.8 pf ??XC = 10 ohm L = 143.4 nH ???XL = 10 ohm ? Andy has already added a caveat here that availability of components dictated his design choices. (in the pdf) ? 
? ? We get identical results from this online calculator see below () ? 
? ? ? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #2 ? With reference to your question for an IF of 9 MHz, see results below for the diplexer values, ? ? 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #3 ? With reference to your amplifier question, I believe all the transistors you list are obsolete. However I have a stock of 2n5109s and use the amplifier from here, works really well. ?
? See the mixer section, ?
? See the broadband amplifier, ? 
? ? See another broadband amplifier using the 2SC5551A (this is also obsolete) ?
? ? 
? ? Vendor for the NE46134 (last 3 remaining) ?
? ? Another link for the 2N5109 ?
? ? Kind regards
|
Hi Andy , many thanks for the kind reply. Really a nice project ! ? I just found NE46134 on AliExpress : ? Not sure if these are original or not . Any one tried that ? ? I have 2N5109 , 2SC3357 , 2SC5551? with me . ?Which one would be the best substitute ? or may I buy NE46134 from Ali Express ? ? I wish to use mixer circuit ?as first stage mixer ?, Here is my receiver scheme / Idea ?: ? BPF - RF PRE AMP ( RCA 40673) ?- G6LBQ Ver 2 mixer = 9 MHZ IF to AD603 x 2 ( IF AMP ) - ADE-1 + AD797 ( DEMOD) = NJM 2114 + NJM 4580 ( AF Filters ) = LA4425. ? Kindly also guide if I can have your Mixer PCB ? ? Cheers , 73s AP2RF / Riffad ? ?
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From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of g6lbq via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, 27 October 2021 3:14 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [G6LBQ] Irwell Mixer Stage? Hi Riffad
I have just updated the files for the Irwell 2nd Mixer stage & Post mixer amplifier and the NEW schematic contains diplexer component values for 9MHz as well as 11.059MHz
Please take a look in the files section under 2020 Receive Mixer Stage (DBM)
It is late now in the UK and I need to get off to bed but I will look at alternative SMD transistors for the NE46134 and get back to you hopefully tomorrow.
For now best regards...
Andy (G6LBQ)
|
Hi Riffad I have just updated the files for the Irwell 2nd Mixer stage & Post mixer amplifier and the NEW schematic contains diplexer component values for 9MHz as well as 11.059MHz Please take a look in the files section under 2020 Receive Mixer Stage (DBM)It is late now in the UK and I need to get off to bed but I will look at alternative SMD transistors for the NE46134 and get back to you hopefully tomorrow. For now best regards... Andy (G6LBQ)
|
Hi AP2RF and Andy,
?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#1
?
Here is an explanation of how to calculate the values
?
?
Andy is the expert here, (Andy please let us know how to
decide on the factor if it should be 5, 10 or something else) but
?
The way to calculate this is as follows you choose a factor (Andy appears to have chosen 5)
?
For the series LC branch, XL should be equal to XC such that it needs to be [50 ohm (design impedance) x the factor]
?
So 50 x 5 = 250 ohm reactive
?
So XL = 2 x pi x f x L
?
XC = 1/ (2 x pi x f x C)
?
Both should equal 250 ohm reactive, see sample calculation of XL below for the series branch.
?
So L = 3584.6 nH? XL = 250 ohm
?? C = 57.4 pf??? XC = 250 ohm
?
?
?
?
For the parallel LC branch, the impedance should be XL = XC = 50/factor = 50/5 = 10 ohm
?
We get
?
C = 1433.8 pf ??XC = 10 ohm
L = 143.4 nH ???XL = 10 ohm
?
Andy has already added a caveat here that availability of components dictated his design choices. (in the pdf)
?
?
?
We get identical results from this online calculator see below ()
?
?
?
?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#2
?
With reference to your question for an IF of 9 MHz, see results below for the diplexer values,
?
?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#3
?
With reference to your amplifier question, I believe all the transistors you list are obsolete. However I have a stock of 2n5109s and use the amplifier from here, works really well.
?
?
See the mixer section,
?
?
See the broadband amplifier,
?
?
?
See another broadband amplifier using the 2SC5551A (this is also obsolete)
?
?
?
?
?
Vendor for the NE46134 (last 3 remaining)
?
?
?
Another link for the 2N5109
?
?
?
Kind regards
|
Hi Dear Andy, It's AP2RF here,
?
I need your help regarding choosing components values for my 9 MHZ ?IF Stage.
?
Circuit: IRWELL MIXER STAGE, DIPLEXER & POST AMPLIFIER
?
L1 - 3.58uh / 58pf ?
?
L2- 440nh / 470pf ?
?
Kindly also guide on possible replacements like? BFG135 and 2SC3357 OR 2SC5551? can be a replacement of NEC?
?
73s and kind regards, Riffad / AP2RF
|
Re: Updated Irwell IF Amplifier Files
Hi berg
Thanks for the information regarding the Czech republic crystal filter supplier and well worth bookmarking for future use.
I have seen projects based on the Si4732 which is an interesting device and a complete radio on a chip, interesting you are using the device purely as an IF processor and I will take a closer look this device.
Good luck with your own receiver build!
Andy (G6LBQ)
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Re: Updated Irwell IF Amplifier Files
The Cascode IF amplifier has been updated to version 2 and I will update the files section for this soon once I have posted information on my blog page.
Regards
Andy (G6LBQ)
|
Re: Updated Irwell IF Amplifier Files
Hi Andy,
I forgot to mention that i am also building a general coverage receiver (0 - 30 MHz) of my own and for the AM detector I am using a Si4732 radio receiver chip as an IF processor. It works really great. You may be interested in this approach as it allows you to select variable bandwidths for demodulation. It even supports SSB demodulation.
Also you may like this vendor of crystal filters from the Czech republic and they build custom 8 pole filters with 50 ohm in/out (so no need to match)
I have purchased from them before and they work really great. (a bit pricey though at 120 Euro per filler)
?
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Re: Updated Irwell IF Amplifier Files
Hi Andy,
The schematic for the cascode IF amplifier is missing the 47uh value designation for L4 in the schematic. Can you please add that.
Thanks !
|
Updated Irwell IF Amplifier Files
Hi Everyone
I hope you are all keeping well during the difficult times attributed to the Covid19 pandemic.
I am slowly updating the files section for my Irwell transceiver so you may notice that some files have disapeared whilst others have been updated.
Today I have updated the files for the Cascode IF amplifier and included printable PCB layouts.
Please also keep an eye on my blog at where I am documenting and providing further information on the Irwell transceiver modules and other projects.
If you are interested in building any of the Irwell transceiver modules I may be able to supply PCB's and some components subject to availability, please submit your request using the contact form that is available on my blog website.
As I update the blog with new Irwell modules I will also update the Groups.IO files section so everything is up to date.
Regards
Andy (G6LBQ)
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R-TEK
Paul VK3HN
