FARA HACKERS PROJECT A SDR TRANSCEIVER

Software Defined Radio Project (SDR) with optional MOSFET 10 watt amplifier.

There have been a number of requests for a hands on building project.  I’d like to suggest the SoftRock RXTX Ensemble Transceiver Kit developed by Tony Parks, KB9YIG.  This is the latest in Tony’s line of SoftRock kits, the kits sell for $74.00 each. I’ve copied the following description from Tony’s web site at, http://kb9yig.com/.

The SoftRock RXTX Ensemble Transceiver Kit provides a 1 watt SDR transceiver that can be built for one of the following four band groups: 160m, 80m/40m, 30m/20m/17m or 15m/12m/10m. Components are included for all four options and can be assembled at the builders choice. The kit combines the functionality of the prior SoftRock v6.3 RXTX+Xtall Transceiver Kit, the USB I2C Interface Kit and the PA Filter Kit on a single circuit board with connectors along one edge for easy access.

I’d be most interested in the 30m/20m/17m version of the kit. I’d like to consider building a single device MOSFET amplifier to boost to power to about 10 watts. This is only an S unit or so down from a 100 watt transmitter. The kit utilizes the same software, PowerSDR, as the Flex Radio Systems so it makes for a nice, low investment system to get acquainted with the SDR technology.

There are a minimal number of surface mount devices (SMDs) so the construction looks to be pretty straightforward.  See the web site at, http://www.wb5rvz.com/sdr/, for additional details on the kits and tips on construction.

I’d like to divvy up the responsibilities: someone to oversee the SMD soldering for those without the tools, someone to handle the PowerSDR interface, etc., any takers?

I’ll coordinate the order and work on the MOSFET amplifier. I’d like to place an order before the end of the year for a scheduled build in January. Please contact Jim, WA1GPO, at 508-498-0715 (c) or via email at WA1GPO@arrl.net to confirm your participation in the project.

Jim, WA1GPO

http://kb9yig.com/

SoftRock RXTX Ensemble Transceiver Kit, $74.00 each

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Updated: 12/13/2010