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Re: Looking to buy a 630m SoftRock RXTX transceiver

 

Thank you Zack, I'll look into that.

Ben AD8AW
Re: New website

 

John:
The UHFSDR uses an "A" speed range(up to 1.4GHz) and LVPECL interface Si570. On fundamental the UHFSDR works up to 700 MHz. It has been used at 3 GHz utilizing the 5th harmonic. If you used the newer Si564(available at Digikey) you could go to 1.5 GHz on the fundamental.

Dave - WB6DHW

On 7/28/2022 6:23 AM, John KC9OJV via groups.io wrote:
Ben,
Doesn't the UHFSDR use an even more exotic Si570? Additionally it need bandpass filters, LPFs and an upgraded computer interface. I think the bones are solid but these issues are hurtles to jump.
JohnKC9OJV
On Thursday, July 28, 2022 at 08:12:06 AM CDT, Dave Sublette <k4to.dave@...> wrote:
Ben,
I'm not sure I understand the 2M SDR issue.? I have the Ensemble II/VHF
built for 2M.? It is a direct receive unit.? I used it as an IF for my
2,3,5,and 10 GHz transverters.? It performed well, but needed an LNA ahead
of it.? It was fully as sensitive as the DEMI 2M transverter.? I don't know
how it would perform in a crowded band, such as they experience on the East
Coast during the VHF contests, but sensitivity should not be a problem.
Most serious VHF operators have a mast mounted LNA at the antenna anyway.
73,
Dave, K4TO
On Thu, Jul 28, 2022 at 8:42 AM Ben Cherry <satman39@...> wrote:

I agree, The Si570 can be finicy, and is quite pricey. It can also be hard
to source reliably.
BUT--- is there an alternate part that is as accurate?
I have some ideas for an FPGA using a softcare processor to replace the
TINY, and some fancy clock manipulations, possibly tieing a gpsdo into it.
? But that will be a project for the distant future.

As for the 2M sdr, I am hoping to avoid the transverter or mixer route.
One possibility is in the? UHFSDR by WB6DHW.
Thoughts?

Ben AD8AW






.
Re: New website

 

On 28/07/2022 12:42, Ben Cherry wrote:
I agree, The Si570 can be finicy, and is quite pricey. It can also be hard to source reliably.
BUT--- is there an alternate part that is as accurate?
I have some ideas for an FPGA using a softcare processor to replace the TINY, and some fancy clock manipulations,
Ben

There is the Si5351, often used in projects.

But the problem is incorporating anything other than the Si570/ATTiny in SDR programs. This has the PE0FKO DLL to bring it all together including the PTT signal. I've seen nothing else to do this.
Personally I find this easy to use in any Windows environment. It may need experimenting with a hub and the way other USB devices are connected but once you find what works it is no problem. (Often it is the other devices like wireless mouse/keyboard that get put on the hub.)

73 Alan G4ZFQ
Re: New website

 

Ben,
Doesn't the UHFSDR use an even more exotic Si570? Additionally it need bandpass filters, LPFs and an upgraded computer interface. I think the bones are solid but these issues are hurtles to jump.
JohnKC9OJV

On Thursday, July 28, 2022 at 08:12:06 AM CDT, Dave Sublette <k4to.dave@...> wrote:

Ben,

I'm not sure I understand the 2M SDR issue.? I have the Ensemble II/VHF
built for 2M.? It is a direct receive unit.? I used it as an IF for my
2,3,5,and 10 GHz transverters.? It performed well, but needed an LNA ahead
of it.? It was fully as sensitive as the DEMI 2M transverter.? I don't know
how it would perform in a crowded band, such as they experience on the East
Coast during the VHF contests, but sensitivity should not be a problem.
Most serious VHF operators have a mast mounted LNA at the antenna anyway.

73,

Dave, K4TO



On Thu, Jul 28, 2022 at 8:42 AM Ben Cherry <satman39@...> wrote:

I agree, The Si570 can be finicy, and is quite pricey. It can also be hard
to source reliably.
BUT--- is there an alternate part that is as accurate?
I have some ideas for an FPGA using a softcare processor to replace the
TINY, and some fancy clock manipulations, possibly tieing a gpsdo into it.
? But that will be a project for the distant future.

As for the 2M sdr, I am hoping to avoid the transverter or mixer route.
One possibility is in the? UHFSDR by WB6DHW.
Thoughts?

Ben AD8AW
Re: New website

 

Ben,

I'm not sure I understand the 2M SDR issue. I have the Ensemble II/VHF
built for 2M. It is a direct receive unit. I used it as an IF for my
2,3,5,and 10 GHz transverters. It performed well, but needed an LNA ahead
of it. It was fully as sensitive as the DEMI 2M transverter. I don't know
how it would perform in a crowded band, such as they experience on the East
Coast during the VHF contests, but sensitivity should not be a problem.
Most serious VHF operators have a mast mounted LNA at the antenna anyway.

73,

Dave, K4TO

On Thu, Jul 28, 2022 at 8:42 AM Ben Cherry <satman39@...> wrote:

I agree, The Si570 can be finicy, and is quite pricey. It can also be hard
to source reliably.
BUT--- is there an alternate part that is as accurate?
I have some ideas for an FPGA using a softcare processor to replace the
TINY, and some fancy clock manipulations, possibly tieing a gpsdo into it.
But that will be a project for the distant future.

As for the 2M sdr, I am hoping to avoid the transverter or mixer route.
One possibility is in the UHFSDR by WB6DHW.
Thoughts?

Ben AD8AW
Re: Looking to buy a 630m SoftRock RXTX transceiver

 

Hi Ben,

Here's a tip: I believe the Ensemble II LF receiver I have originally came
with -2 mix toroids for the filters. Try using and supplying the toroids
with a -3 mix. It will result in a lot less turns!

73, Zack W9SZ


On Thu, Jul 28, 2022 at 7:31 AM Ben Cherry <satman39@...> wrote:

Hi Randy,
I am hoping to have new rxtx boards and kits available by the end of
August.
Pleas keep an eye on the new www.softrock40.com website. I hope to have
the website up and running next week.

Ben Cherry
AD8AW





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www.avast.com
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<#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
Re: New website

 

I agree, The Si570 can be finicy, and is quite pricey. It can also be hard to source reliably.
BUT--- is there an alternate part that is as accurate?
I have some ideas for an FPGA using a softcare processor to replace the TINY, and some fancy clock manipulations, possibly tieing a gpsdo into it. But that will be a project for the distant future.

As for the 2M sdr, I am hoping to avoid the transverter or mixer route. One possibility is in the UHFSDR by WB6DHW.
Thoughts?

Ben AD8AW
Re: Looking to buy a 630m SoftRock RXTX transceiver

 

Hi Randy,
I am hoping to have new rxtx boards and kits available by the end of August.
Pleas keep an eye on the new www.softrock40.com website. I hope to have the website up and running next week.

Ben Cherry
AD8AW
Re: New website

 

On Wed, Jul 27, 2022 at 7:25 AM Ben Cherry <satman39@...> wrote:

I would also like to come up with something for the 2 meter band.
Take a look at the transverter boards made by Paul Wade, W1GHZ -
. The Miniverter will require some
additional output filtering before putting it on the air (it is intended to
drive other transverters). Paul also has some good articles on building
preamplifiers.

Also take a look at G4DDK's Anglian transverter:
which the W1GHZ Miniverter boards
borrow their filter section from.

Another area that could be improved on is the Si570 controller. I've always
found it to be overly finicky. On some computers, I'm able to use it if I
plug it into its own hub, others, like the raspberry pi, I find I have to
dedicate a USB port to it.

Incorporating a sound card, like the peaberry did, may be an approach that
will allow eliminating the noise in the center of the spectrum, which is
also where the I/Q balance algorithms work well.

Glen
Re: New website

 

YES! most definitely there will be new products.
The first priority will be to get blank boards ordered and parts fully stocked to offer existing kits from inventory.
Lets hear everyone's ideas for what they would like.
the first new offering I am working on is a heavily modified RXTX board and external parts to make a 2200m,630M, and 160M radio. Details after I get the prototype operational
I would also like to come up with something for the 2 meter band.
The next generation boards will likely have more surface mount, and possibly a CPLD or FPGA on board, if demand justifies, I may offer both generations as long as parts supplies and customer demand permits.
I am working on building a coil winder for screwdriver antennas, maybe something on that in the future.
I have plans to build a 40M 2 el yagi in the future, if there is interest, I could look into making this a ups able kit?
I am hoping to put a blog up on the new web page, so all interested parties can follow my progress and experiments.
many more, as I get time to prototype and test each idea.

Ben
Re: New website

 

the new customer email is softrock40@...
I would love to hear ideas , and suggestions. Please feel free to either start a thread, or send me an email here.
I will be checking this several times a day for next few weeks, them likely daily after that.

Ben
Re: New website

 

Great news! I was worried I had missed out since I have some SDR projects in mind.
Re: Older SoftRock Kits Available

 

At the risk of extending the thread further, the original post was from July of last year (2021.)
Re: Older SoftRock Kits Available

 

Hi if uk is ok (extra post) i would like rx tx for 20/30mtrs v6.2 thanks? Mick

On Tuesday, 26 July 2022 at 15:50:37 BST, Randy K7RAN <k7ran@...> wrote:

I’ll take the “RxTX for 40/80m v6.2 $40” if available!
Re: kb9yig retirement

 

Hi Tony,

You have been a great inspiration to many! Thank you very much!

Wishing you all the best, especially good health.

73,

Tom, PA2FZL




Op 15-07-2022 om 14:46 schreef Tony Parks:

The message below has been posted on the fivedash.com home page.


I want to thank everyone who has built or used SoftRock radios, all of those who have helped others in the group troubleshoot their builds or software setups, and those who contributed to the design in the early years. I especially want to thank those who made firmware and software contributions so that the SoftRock hardware would do a useful function.

It has made my day each time I read one of your messages of success with or enjoyment from your SoftRock Radio.

I currently have 48 SoftRock RX Ensemble II HF kits and two built RX Ensemble II HF boards listed for sale on the fivedash.com web site. These are the last SoftRock boards I have available, and once they are sold, Five Dash will close. Unfortunately, due to changes in customs rules over the past few years, I am only able to ship to addresses in the United States.

Thank you again for your support of the SoftRock radio kits over the years.

Tony Parks, KB9YIG



--
Tom Fossen
Amersfoort
tel.06-52468584
www.tomfossen.nl
www.deluistering.nl
Re: Retirement wishes

 

Congratulations Tony and thanks for producing these fantastic kits. I
still use the ensemble II built nearly 10 years ago. all the best to you!
Peter KH6DK

On Sat, Jul 23, 2022, 5:50 AM Jack Hemby <JHemby@...> wrote:

Tony,

I would like to thank you and wish you a happy retirement. I built several
of the SoftRock 40 packages, first to see if I could handle the SMS
products. I found that to be easy. Since then, I have built a couple of
30/40 transceivers, added Softrock receivers to The Twofer (QRP, 1-watt,
transmitters) along with SKS keyer chip and sidetone monitor, and also
built the Peaberry transceiver for 20/30/40 meter bands. Greatest DX was
Rodriguez Island (3B9FR) for greater than 10K miles/watt!

The Flex Radio's PowerSDR software that was modified for the SoftRocks
impressed me with the many features available in the little receivers.
Again, thanks for producing the SDR receivers and transceivers with
amazing performance at very low prices. I commend for your effort in making
SDRs available to the Ham radio population.

My main rig is a FlexRradio 6400M. You can take part of the "blame" for me
buying the Flex.

Thanks again,

Jack W5WQQ, ( Licensed since 1952)
Re: New website

 

Wow, this is great! Wishing you the best of luck!

I may have some hints and tips for the Ensemble II, as well as some
questions.

73, Zack W9SZ

On Tue, Jul 26, 2022 at 8:46 AM Ben Cherry <satman39@...> wrote:

Hello all,
I am Ben Cherry AD8AW. I have picked up the torch and will be assuming
the inventory and IP of Five dash. The new website is www.softrock40.com.
I will be working on it and hope to have it operational in a couple of
weeks. Inventory will be transferred this week and it will take me a couple
of weeks to inventory and store/reorder parts. First order of business will
be to have rxtx boards made and put kits together. Please make a post and
let me know if you have requests/suggestions.

Ben ?D8AW
Re: New website

 

Hello Ben,

Nice to see that you and Tony have agreed on a way to continue the Softrock tradition.

Best wishes in the new enterprise Ben.

Roger, VE7VV

On Jul 26, 2022, at 6:46 AM, Ben Cherry <satman39@...> wrote:

Hello all,
I am Ben Cherry AD8AW. I have picked up the torch and will be assuming the inventory and IP of Five dash. The new website is www.softrock40.com. I will be working on it and hope to have it operational in a couple of weeks. Inventory will be transferred this week and it will take me a couple of weeks to inventory and store/reorder parts. First order of business will be to have rxtx boards made and put kits together. Please make a post and let me know if you have requests/suggestions.

Ben ?D8AW




Re: New website

 

Excellent news, can we look forward to any new products in the future ?

On Jul 26, 2022, at 12:10 PM, WA1EDJ <bobc784@...> wrote:

?Great Ben!
I'm glad the Softrocks will live on. I have several and look forward to
more.

Bob
WA1EDJ

On Tue, Jul 26, 2022 at 9:46 AM Ben Cherry <satman39@...> wrote:

Hello all,
I am Ben Cherry AD8AW. I have picked up the torch and will be assuming
the inventory and IP of Five dash. The new website is www.softrock40.com.
I will be working on it and hope to have it operational in a couple of
weeks. Inventory will be transferred this week and it will take me a couple
of weeks to inventory and store/reorder parts. First order of business will
be to have rxtx boards made and put kits together. Please make a post and
let me know if you have requests/suggestions.

Ben ?D8AW
Re: New website

 

Great Ben!
I'm glad the Softrocks will live on. I have several and look forward to
more.

Bob
WA1EDJ

On Tue, Jul 26, 2022 at 9:46 AM Ben Cherry <satman39@...> wrote:

Hello all,
I am Ben Cherry AD8AW. I have picked up the torch and will be assuming
the inventory and IP of Five dash. The new website is www.softrock40.com.
I will be working on it and hope to have it operational in a couple of
weeks. Inventory will be transferred this week and it will take me a couple
of weeks to inventory and store/reorder parts. First order of business will
be to have rxtx boards made and put kits together. Please make a post and
let me know if you have requests/suggestions.

Ben ?D8AW
301 - 320 of 89293