I built a beta version of the DSB transceiver, which will be
available via the QRPGuys.com web page sometime in the near
future upon arrival of parts.
I built the kit according to the PDF from their web page. My
days of writing new manuals has passed. Too much effort. Little
return on investment of time and energy.
The kit went together without any problems. The diagrams and
step by step instructions are just fine. I found some typos
and some missing wire lengths needed by newbies. Ken has revised
the manual and will probably have another done before the kits
start shipping.
Installed WSJT-X V2.1.0 on a RPi4.4 (4GB model) with 240GB SSD
(not needed to run the program) and a $4 USD 3D USB audio
module off of ebay. Paid the $4 to get a US supplier instead
of $2 to get one coming on a slow boat. I can safely say I was
the first to use a RPi4 to do FT8 with a QRPGuys DSB transceiver.
I made a mistake of setting the upper freq to 1400Hz and have
yet to find the config file or see an obvious way to extend
the band. This should help find more contacts.
I used an OHR WM-2 wattmeter to set the output at just 1W.
I did not want to risk over driving the audio. Remember I
used to do CW when I was active. This is on 20m using my
dual MFJ mobile whips in a dipole configuration at 7m above
the patio.
Worked over 20 Qs today and had 3 busted Qs as the band faded
on me during some exchanges. Heard some DX, both today and
last night, but too many competing stations with much higher
power and antennas.
Rig works just fine. I now have to find a way to get the log
and I am assuming that exporting cabrillo format is the way to
do it. Manuals don't help too much. Manual does not show way
to expand band either, that I can find.
I'm asked about other modes in emails. I guess you can if you
change out the crystal or go to a DDS to replace the crystal.
There is a pad on the board to do DDS.
I am not a real fan of sitting at a computer and using a mouse
to make a contact. Sorry girls and guys. I'm going back to
the paddle and 20m CW to try for DXCC before the end of the
year. Got CQ WW DX coming up soon.
For $40 for the kit and 3 band modules I think you will get your
monies worth for doing FT8. I don't have clue what the other
station is seeing on the waterfall with a DSB signal. Probably
double the bandwidth or their superhet rejects the other sideband.
Someone asked me to do a video. Not going to happen. Sorry. I've
got too many left to do. :-)
The RPi thread has been terminated for qrp-tech. Also the ping series.
I put the group back on moderating status.
FYI
chuck, k7qo
