brainwagon

Previously, I wrote about a project I called the Big Box O’ RF. I’ve shifted goals a bit, and done some experimentation, and have changed some of my goals and approach.

First of all, I’ve changed the goal a bit. Instead of being a piece of test equipment, I’m actually more interested in using it to implement a beacon transmitter. It’s been quite some time since I have done any QRSS (slow speed Morse) or WSPR (Weak Signal Propagation Reporter) but I still find it to be a pretty interesting thing to do. What I’ve wanted to have for a while was a dedicated beacon transmitter that didn’t require the cooperation of my laptop and FT-817 to send out a modest signal. It seems to me that this totally doable mostly with parts I have on hand.

Goals:

• Output power between 250mw and 500mw
• Controlled by an inexpensive microcontroller. While the Arduino would be an obvious choice, the Teensy LC or Teensy 3.1 are as easy to program, and offer some interesting improvements for similar cost.
• Able to integrate multiple methods to keep accurate type of time. Initial prototype will probably use the Ultimate GPS I’ve been playing with. Alternatives include clock boards based upon the DS1307 or DS3231, or synchronization via Wifi/SNTP (almost certainly using the ESP8266).
• Able to support multiple modes: at least WSPR, DFCW, and Slow Feld.
• LCD panel to display information. Text based interface supplied via USB, allowing you to change message, frequency, timing, etc…
• RF generated by my AD9850 module.

I’ve been tinkering with most of the modules independently, making sure I can interface with each of them. They all seem to work fairly well. As soon as I find an appropriate box, I’ll start getting them put together. I’ve built a harmonic filter for 30m (where I plan to do most of my operation). I need to work on the amplifier chain, as well as a little transmatch (I don’t want to dedicate one of my antenna tuners to this operation either).

More to come soon.