Ideas

Idea Ismo recently shared the https://github.com/CoolNamesAllTaken/adsbee project, which is very interesting. Challenges The ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) system uses a data rate of 1 Mbit/s (1 megabit per second) for aircraft position and identification transmissions on 1090 MHz. Unfortunately, this is too fast for HOPERF CMT2300A and related transceiver chips. This led us to consider the following VFM ADS-B RX chain. Architecture Here is a simple ADS-B receiver chain. Antenna (a simple dipole / ground-plane antenna / PCB antenna) ➔ Zeenko LNA ➔ ADS-B Bandpass SAW Filter ➔ 100 pF (DC block) ➔ (Optional digitally controlled RF attenuator for AGC loop) ➔ Fast Schottky detector diode (BAT68 SOT-23) ➔ RC filter (10 kΩ, 10-33 pF) ➔ MCP6567 SOIC-8 comparator with output pull-up ➔ MCU GPIO (RP2350 PIO controlled). ...

Instead of punching islands or using commercial pads (islands) or making traditional pads myself, I simply make use of small pieces of single-sided PCBs to create the pads / islands easily for my boards. The Technique This technique has a huge advantage over the punched islands or scored and divided boards techniques as it keeps the bottom ground plane perfectly 100% intact! Also, it is almost a tool-free process to create the pads by breaking or cutting the single-sided PCBs. Single-sided prototyping boards also happen to be very reasonably priced. ...

Our WSPR beacon design works fine even on the 4m band (~70 MHz) . The key is to use a 25 MHz high-quality TCXO, like the 25 MHz HCI 0.5ppm TCXO! Results Challenges 2m WSPR is still out of reach for now - see the following sporadic decodes. Of course, the next challenge is to get 2m WSPR beacons working 100% reliably at a low cost. ...

The usage of ready-made coupled inductors in RF designs was pioneered by Jim Veatch in his award-winning RF amplifier designs. Applications For Baby-QRO applications, we can use Wurth 744851330 coupled inductor. For 5W / 10W RF amplifier applications, we can use Bourns SRF1260A-4R7Y coupled inductor. Recently we were able to utilize very cost-effective YJYCOIN YPRH1207C-4R7M Chinese coupled inductor with excellent results. With our current Digital Amplifier designs, this Chinese coupled inductor works even at ~75 MHz. ...

Our 6m WSPR beacon design works fine now. The key is to use a 25 MHz high-quality TCXO, like the 25 MHz HCI 0.5ppm TCXO! 2m WSPR is still out of reach for this VFO design - see the following drifty screenshots: While WSPR is no good, 2m FT8 works pretty fine! ...

This is an early design sketch of a 2m WSPR beacon. Key Points 25 MHz HCI 0.5ppm TCXO powering the Si5351 module instead of the 26 MHz TCXO. If this fails, we can use a 10 MHz OCXO instead (a bit out of spec but works fine). Tokmas CID10N65F GaN FET might work @ 144 MHz as the 'final'. If not, use Mitsubishi RD15HVF1-501 MOSFET as backup. 2SK3475 as the driver with variable DC bias at the gate The whole VCC to this amplifier will be PTT switched Ideally, we would want to keep the driver stage linear but the final stage as switched (Class C/D) Alternate: Perhaps by DC coupling the Si5351 input to 2SK3475, we can avoid the need for DC gate bias The "RFC" (bifilar coil still needed?) part will need to be figured out for VHF! Status Results: To be built and tested soon! ...

This is an early design sketch of a 6m WSPR beacon. Key Points 25 MHz HCI 0.5ppm TCXO powering the Si5351 module instead of the 26 MHz TCXO. If this fails, we can use a 10 MHz OCXO instead (a bit out of spec but works fine). Tokmas CID10N65F GaN FET should work @ 50 MHz TI UCC27614 or Onsemi NCP81074 gate driver Status Results: To be built and tested soon! ...