Re: FrankenT41 on the air
On 2025-02-25 16:59, rebruhnke via groups.io wrote: Very nice Jerry. My amp is "hollow" state using a 3-500Z. Always
wanted to build a tube one and I finally did it. *** Wow. What a mix of technologies. FPGAs at one end, a tube at the other! My first amp project used tubes. Back in high school. 4 6LQ6's stuffed into an ARC5 transmitter cabinet. I think it did about 400W out. - Jerry, KF6VB
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Re: slow starting on T41 kit
Ron:
The cost from Dr. Schmidt for new 12.6 boards is minimal, but if you have boards with the SMDs already in place, I would finish the kit with what you have. If you're not happy with what results, converting to new boards wouldn't be too bad, as you might be able to cannibalize most of the expensive parts from the existing boards.? Another alternative is to buy the populated board(s) from Justin ().
One more thing: I have a 4SQRP system and it works well. That said, I did swap out the PA board for Bill's PA and it is much better than our original design as it doesn't try to fit a square peg (i.e., the IRF510) into a round hole, resulting in a much better power curve that it flat out to 6M. It's worth it.
Jack, W8TEE
On Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 11:28:52 PM EST, Ron VE8RT <ve8rt@...> wrote:
Great, very good news as I ordered it this morning.
Question regarding my kit I'd left boxed up since Dec 2023.? My boards
have a 2023 date on them, they also have ver 009b.? Looking at the
images of the boards at
I'm not finding ver 009b info.? ver 010 or 011 images of boards have
dates from 2022 or thereabouts, a year before my boards.
? Hopefully my Teensy 4.1 and audio board will work with my boards.
? Also the filter boards has the legacy five bands, I would like to
operate on 60M.? Will it work on 60M as is or should I look at
upgrading some boards?? This is the best time for me to make any
changes.
? Thanks!? Ron VE8RT
On Tue, 25 Feb 2025 10:10:19 -0600 "K9HZ" < bill@...> wrote: > Still an option¡ > >? > >? > > Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ VP2EHZ > >? > > Owner - Operator > > Big Signal Ranch ¨C K9ZC > > Staunton, Illinois > >? > > Owner ¨C Operator > > Villa Grand Piton ¨C J68HZ > > Soufriere, St. Lucia W.I. > > Rent it:? <> www.VillaGrandPiton.com > >? > > Moderator: North American QRO Group at Groups.IO. > > Moderator: Amateur Radio Builders Group at Groups.IO. > >? > > email:? <mailto:bill@...> bill@...> >? > >? > > From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of jjpurdum via groups.io > Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 8:17 AM > To: [email protected]> Subject: Re: [SoftwareControlledHamRadio] slow starting on T41 kit > >? > > Ron: > >? > > I haven't ordered a display recently, but there was a 3.3-5.0V jumper on the back (J8) that let's me select between the two voltages. Maybe that's no longer an option? > >? > > > > Jack, W8TEE > >? > > On Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 08:54:50 AM EST, Ron VE8RT < ve8rt@... <mailto:ve8rt@...> > wrote: > >? > >? > > Everything has been ordered.? After reading the messages regarding > > display noise and 3.3 vs 5.0 volt options I ordered the 5.0 volt > > display. > >? > >? Ron VE8RT > >? > > On Mon, 24 Feb 2025 06:40:59 -0700 > > "Ron VE8RT" < ve8rt@... <mailto:ve8rt@...> > wrote: > >? > > > Thank you, > > > > > >? ? I'll carry on, appreciate your saving me scanning over a year's of > > > posts to the lists to check for recommended changes since my kit > > > arrived. > > > > > >? ? So wishing that I was retired already, I'll be 70 this year.? Stuck > > > around because my boss www.buffaloairways.com <>? won't hire an apprentice > > > or replacement, I'm one of the old guys with experience on his own > > > fleet plus the DC's, C-54 (retired now), L-188, and our fire fighting > > > fleet which includes CL-215s (piston ones from the 60's).? The next few > > > weeks is my break before fire season gets going again (not only > > > lightning, also re-animated zombie fires). > > > > > >? ? The required parts will be ordered this week. > > > > > >? ? 73? Ron VE8RT > > > > > > On Mon, 24 Feb 2025 13:26:39 +0000 (UTC) > > > "jjpurdum via groups.io" <jjpurdum@... <mailto:jjpurdum@...> > wrote: > > > > > > >? Your kit does not include the Teensy 4.1 or the Audio Hat, either (available from PJRC.com). The display is ordered from BuyDisplay.com and is a Chinese company so it will take some time. The correct model number is in the Files section of this site. > > > > Jack, W8TEE > > > >? ? On Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 11:20:41 PM EST, Ron VE8RT < ve8rt@... <mailto:ve8rt@...> > wrote:? > > > >? > > > >? ? I was furtunate enough to received from Ron AG1P a T41 kit back in > > > > December of 2023.? The plan to get to it in early 2024 didn't work out, > > > > I've just this last week gone through the box and have a good start on > > > > the book.? > > > > > > > >? Before I dive into building it are there modifications or other that > > > > I should do right away?? The 5 inch display and other not included in > > > > the box I should get on order ASAP.? Retirement should have happened in > > > > 2020, hopefully this later this year. > > > > > > > >? Ron VE8RT > > > > > > > > -- > > > > Ron VE8RT < ve8rt@... <mailto:ve8rt@...> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > -- > > > Ron VE8RT < ve8rt@... <mailto:ve8rt@...> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >? > >? > > -- > > Ron VE8RT < ve8rt@... <mailto:ve8rt@...> > > >? > >? > >? > >? > >? > > > -- > Jack, W8TEE > > > > > > > > -- Ron VE8RT < ve8rt@...>
-- Jack, W8TEE
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Re: slow starting on T41 kit
Great, very good news as I ordered it this morning. Question regarding my kit I'd left boxed up since Dec 2023. My boards have a 2023 date on them, they also have ver 009b. Looking at the images of the boards at I'm not finding ver 009b info. ver 010 or 011 images of boards have dates from 2022 or thereabouts, a year before my boards. Hopefully my Teensy 4.1 and audio board will work with my boards. Also the filter boards has the legacy five bands, I would like to operate on 60M. Will it work on 60M as is or should I look at upgrading some boards? This is the best time for me to make any changes. Thanks! Ron VE8RT On Tue, 25 Feb 2025 10:10:19 -0600 "K9HZ" <bill@...> wrote: Still an option¡
Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ VP2EHZ
Owner - Operator
Big Signal Ranch ¨C K9ZC
Staunton, Illinois
Owner ¨C Operator
Villa Grand Piton ¨C J68HZ
Soufriere, St. Lucia W.I.
Rent it: <> www.VillaGrandPiton.com
Moderator: North American QRO Group at Groups.IO.
Moderator: Amateur Radio Builders Group at Groups.IO.
email: <mailto:bill@...> bill@...
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of jjpurdum via groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 8:17 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [SoftwareControlledHamRadio] slow starting on T41 kit
Ron:
I haven't ordered a display recently, but there was a 3.3-5.0V jumper on the back (J8) that let's me select between the two voltages. Maybe that's no longer an option?
Jack, W8TEE
On Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 08:54:50 AM EST, Ron VE8RT <ve8rt@... <mailto:ve8rt@...> > wrote:
Everything has been ordered. After reading the messages regarding
display noise and 3.3 vs 5.0 volt options I ordered the 5.0 volt
display.
Ron VE8RT
On Mon, 24 Feb 2025 06:40:59 -0700
"Ron VE8RT" <ve8rt@... <mailto:ve8rt@...> > wrote:
Thank you, I'll carry on, appreciate your saving me scanning over a year's of posts to the lists to check for recommended changes since my kit arrived. So wishing that I was retired already, I'll be 70 this year. Stuck around because my boss www.buffaloairways.com <> won't hire an apprentice or replacement, I'm one of the old guys with experience on his own fleet plus the DC's, C-54 (retired now), L-188, and our fire fighting fleet which includes CL-215s (piston ones from the 60's). The next few weeks is my break before fire season gets going again (not only lightning, also re-animated zombie fires). The required parts will be ordered this week. 73 Ron VE8RT On Mon, 24 Feb 2025 13:26:39 +0000 (UTC) "jjpurdum via groups.io" <jjpurdum@... <mailto:jjpurdum@...> > wrote: Your kit does not include the Teensy 4.1 or the Audio Hat, either (available from PJRC.com). The display is ordered from BuyDisplay.com and is a Chinese company so it will take some time. The correct model number is in the Files section of this site.
Jack, W8TEE
On Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 11:20:41 PM EST, Ron VE8RT <ve8rt@... <mailto:ve8rt@...> > wrote:
I was furtunate enough to received from Ron AG1P a T41 kit back in
December of 2023. The plan to get to it in early 2024 didn't work out,
I've just this last week gone through the box and have a good start on
the book.
Before I dive into building it are there modifications or other that
I should do right away? The 5 inch display and other not included in
the box I should get on order ASAP. Retirement should have happened in
2020, hopefully this later this year.
Ron VE8RT
--
Ron VE8RT <ve8rt@... <mailto:ve8rt@...> >
-- Ron VE8RT <ve8rt@... <mailto:ve8rt@...> >
--
Ron VE8RT <ve8rt@... <mailto:ve8rt@...> >
--
Jack, W8TEE
-- Ron VE8RT <ve8rt@...>
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Good work Tim!
Dr.?William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ ? Owner - Operator Big Signal Ranch ¨C K9ZC Staunton, Illinois ? Owner ¨C Operator Villa Grand Piton - J68HZ Soufriere, St. Lucia W.I. Rent it: www.VillaGrandPiton.com
email:??bill@... ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Feb 25, 2025, at 8:06?PM, Tim via groups.io <w4yn@...> wrote:
? All boards complete (Except PA) and building ked out
Biggest headache was caused by using Chinese Long pin header in Teensy.
All kinds of issues croped up. Changed to Long Pin headers made correctly with almost square pins not pins stamped from thin brass sheet.
ProtoSupplies.com has correct headers and lots of other quality STUFF.?
I can now install audio hat without issue.
Installing ferrite sleeves on Display and Front panel ribbon cleared hang ups.
Still have some FW issues, 66 looses audio and or decode after rx calibration. Also lots of wide band noise on sections of 20m (maybe others) parts of band work ok.
The experimental Hex file that I believe Jack sent me seems to be the most stable.
I did mess up a few of the BPF's that was my issue and I know what to did wrong.
Happy for now, I needed to get to a feel good spot before starting big project for scout camp that got ravaged from Helene.?
Thanks all who contributed looking forward to finishing in near future.
Tim
?
?
<DSCN2713.JPG> <DSCN2712.JPG>
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Re: FrankenT41 on the air
Not readt to sell yet. ?I keep thinking up stuff to put on it for new purposes?
Dr.?William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ ? Owner - Operator Big Signal Ranch ¨C K9ZC Staunton, Illinois ? Owner ¨C Operator Villa Grand Piton - J68HZ Soufriere, St. Lucia W.I. Rent it: www.VillaGrandPiton.com
email:??bill@... ?
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Show quoted text
On Feb 25, 2025, at 8:55?PM, rebruhnke via groups.io <rebruhnke@...> wrote:
? Nice!? I used one of the other SMA connectors for my Beverage so I could make sure it gets disconnected during transmit.? The PIN Diode changeover would be nice. I made one once, many moons ago, but it had too much loss in the RX path and I discarded it. Relays have been ok, but I'd like to get rid of it in the transmitter.?
?
Are you ready to sell those boards?
?
?
Russ
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Re: FrankenT41 on the air
Ok great. ?A block diagram would be good to start. ?
Dr.?William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ ? Owner - Operator Big Signal Ranch ¨C K9ZC Staunton, Illinois ? Owner ¨C Operator Villa Grand Piton - J68HZ Soufriere, St. Lucia W.I. Rent it: www.VillaGrandPiton.com
email:??bill@... ?
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Show quoted text
On Feb 25, 2025, at 8:55?PM, rebruhnke via groups.io <rebruhnke@...> wrote:
? Anytime, Bill. Be glad to help.
?
Russ
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Re: FrankenT41 on the air
The only skill im missing is programming the FPGA¡ the rest of the hardware is easy. ?
Dr.?William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ ? Owner - Operator Big Signal Ranch ¨C K9ZC Staunton, Illinois ? Owner ¨C Operator Villa Grand Piton - J68HZ Soufriere, St. Lucia W.I. Rent it: www.VillaGrandPiton.com
email:??bill@... ?
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Show quoted text
On Feb 25, 2025, at 9:03?PM, rebruhnke via groups.io <rebruhnke@...> wrote:
? I do plan on sharing, William, but any sharing will not be anywhere near how nice Al and Jack have described their system. I have stood on the shoulders of much better people than I to get this accomplished, so I will want to contribute back to the community. It isn't ready for viewing, yet. Some more tweaks needed.
?
Russ
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Re: FrankenT41 on the air
As promised here are a few pics of the inside....
?
Many boards are mounted horizontally, on aluminum and 3D printed standoffs. The PA and driver and UI systems are all vertically mounted.
The LPF-BPF boards are mounted on a piece of tinned PCB material and the whole thing is mounted above the RF board.
?
Hope the pics help a little
?
Russ
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Re: FrankenT41 on the air
I do plan on sharing, William, but any sharing will not be anywhere near how nice Al and Jack have described their system. I have stood on the shoulders of much better people than I to get this accomplished, so I will want to contribute back to the community. It isn't ready for viewing, yet. Some more tweaks needed.
?
Russ
|
Re: FrankenT41 on the air
Very nice Jerry. My amp is "hollow" state using a 3-500Z. Always wanted to build a tube one and I finally did it. I didn't cover 160M, but may add it some day.... or a dedicated amp. I do have some 4-250s I could make into a dedicated 160 amp...
?
?
?
Russ
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Re: FrankenT41 on the air
Anytime, Bill. Be glad to help.
?
Russ
|
Re: FrankenT41 on the air
Nice!? I used one of the other SMA connectors for my Beverage so I could make sure it gets disconnected during transmit.? The PIN Diode changeover would be nice. I made one once, many moons ago, but it had too much loss in the RX path and I discarded it. Relays have been ok, but I'd like to get rid of it in the transmitter.?
?
Are you ready to sell those boards?
?
?
Russ
|
All boards complete (Except PA) and building ked out
Biggest headache was caused by using Chinese Long pin header in Teensy.
All kinds of issues croped up. Changed to Long Pin headers made correctly with almost square pins not pins stamped from thin brass sheet.
ProtoSupplies.com has correct headers and lots of other quality STUFF.?
I can now install audio hat without issue.
Installing ferrite sleeves on Display and Front panel ribbon cleared hang ups.
Still have some FW issues, 66 looses audio and or decode after rx calibration. Also lots of wide band noise on sections of 20m (maybe others) parts of band work ok.
The experimental Hex file that I believe Jack sent me seems to be the most stable.
I did mess up a few of the BPF's that was my issue and I know what to did wrong.
Happy for now, I needed to get to a feel good spot before starting big project for scout camp that got ravaged from Helene.?
Thanks all who contributed looking forward to finishing in near future.
Tim
?
?
|
Re: FrankenT41 on the air
On 2025-02-25 10:30, rebruhnke via groups.io wrote: Last evening, I finally got my version of the T41 on the air for an
extended period of time on 75M. Talked all over the US and even down
to British Honduras with my home brew amp running about 800W. *** Very cool, Russ. What sort of homebrew amp are you using? I use my T41 with an amp with an MRF1K50 - RF card & LPF kits from W6PQL, a Chinese cell-phone-surplus rack mount power supply, a 4-inch touch screen driven by a Teensy 4.1 with software I wrote. We do 800-1100W, and reports have been universally good. I didn't use the amp with my V11 system; I didn't think it was clean enough. But with Bill's BPF, the V12 is good to go. - Jerry, KF6VB I call it the "Franken" T41 because the RF portion is not a T41. This
is my FPGA implementation with a DSPic CK doing the actual
demodulation/modulation. Sensitivity is such that I can hear a -127dB
signal; low, but it is there. On all bands the antennas generate way
more noise than the rig. The FPGA splits the RF signal two ways: One
set to a DAC for the panadapter and one set to the DSPic via I2S.
Other than the panadapter signals, all analog "audio" is at
high-level. No calibration is needed; the beauty of getting to digital
as soon as possible.
The UI is run by the Teensy using much of Al and Jack's code for noise
reduction and equalization displaying on a 7" capacitance touch screen
using an 8bit bus. The panadapter only displays +/- 48K as I like that
display format the best. The display is not the ones used in the T41
as the capacitance touch "areas" of those displays are much larger
than the one I am using and I need that resolution. No buttons on the
front panel. Touch panel handles all "buttons" including band and mode
changes.
CW keying is crisp and the rise/fall times are handled totally via
software in the DSPic. Built-in Iambic keyer.
I'll get some internal pics up later today.
I should receive a PCB today that has the Teensy in place of the
DSPic... Next project and we'll see how that goes.
I am using Bill's BPF, LPF and control board. The control board is
modified slightly to provide for a receive antenna so I can attach my
Beverage. The BPF is only on the RX path as my transmitter is squeaky
clean before the 100W PA. The PA board is one I got from Glenn, VK2PE
many moons ago for another project.
I want to thank Al and Jack for putting this out in the public domain
and for Bill and Oliver doing the boards. I get great compliments on
the audio and the cleanliness of my signal.
Russ NQ0U
Links:
------
[1] /g/SoftwareControlledHamRadio/message/32930
[2] /mt/111382384/243852
[3] /g/SoftwareControlledHamRadio/post
[4] /g/SoftwareControlledHamRadio/editsub/243852
[5]
/g/SoftwareControlledHamRadio/leave/10484476/243852/1943518115/xyzzy
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Re: FrankenT41 on the air
I have 65Mhz ad/da and intend something similar care to share your work?
Last evening, I finally got my version of the T41 on the air for an extended period of time on 75M. Talked all over the US and even down to British Honduras with my home brew amp running about 800W.?
?
I call it the "Franken" T41 because the RF portion is not a T41. This is my FPGA implementation with a DSPic CK doing the actual demodulation/modulation.? Sensitivity is such that I can hear a -127dB signal; low, but it is there. On all bands the antennas generate way more noise than the rig. The FPGA splits the RF signal two ways: One set to a DAC for the panadapter and one set to the DSPic via I2S. Other than the panadapter signals, all analog "audio" is at high-level. No calibration is needed; the beauty of getting to digital as soon as possible.
?
The UI is run by the Teensy using much of Al and Jack's code for noise reduction and equalization displaying on a 7" capacitance touch screen using an 8bit bus. The panadapter only displays +/- 48K as I like that display format the best. The display is not the ones used in the T41 as the capacitance touch "areas" of those displays are much larger than the one I am using and I need that resolution. No buttons on the front panel. Touch panel handles all "buttons" including band and mode changes.
?
CW keying is crisp and the rise/fall times are handled totally via software in the DSPic. Built-in Iambic keyer.
I'll get some internal pics up later today.
?
I should receive a PCB today that has the Teensy in place of the DSPic...? Next project and we'll see how that goes.
?
I am using Bill's BPF, LPF and control board. The control board is modified slightly to provide for a receive antenna so I can attach my Beverage. The BPF is only on the RX path as my transmitter is squeaky clean before the 100W PA. The PA board is one I got from Glenn, VK2PE many moons ago for another project.
?
I want to thank Al and Jack for putting this out in the public domain and for Bill and Oliver doing the boards.? I get great compliments on the audio and the cleanliness of my signal.
?
Russ NQ0U
|
Re: FrankenT41 on the air
Oh yeah, BTW the PIN diode version of that TR board has additional inputs for RX antennas (up to 4) and the connections for the Auto Tuner.? That will really change things for use in in the field. ? ? Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ VP2EHZ ? Owner - Operator Big Signal Ranch ¨C K9ZC Staunton, Illinois ? Owner ¨C Operator Villa Grand Piton ¨C J68HZ Soufriere, St. Lucia W.I. Rent it: ? Moderator: North American QRO Group at Groups.IO. Moderator: Amateur Radio Builders Group at Groups.IO. ? email:? bill@... ? ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of rebruhnke via groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 12:31 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [SoftwareControlledHamRadio] FrankenT41 on the air? Last evening, I finally got my version of the T41 on the air for an extended period of time on 75M. Talked all over the US and even down to British Honduras with my home brew amp running about 800W.? I call it the "Franken" T41 because the RF portion is not a T41. This is my FPGA implementation with a DSPic CK doing the actual demodulation/modulation.? Sensitivity is such that I can hear a -127dB signal; low, but it is there. On all bands the antennas generate way more noise than the rig. The FPGA splits the RF signal two ways: One set to a DAC for the panadapter and one set to the DSPic via I2S. Other than the panadapter signals, all analog "audio" is at high-level. No calibration is needed; the beauty of getting to digital as soon as possible. The UI is run by the Teensy using much of Al and Jack's code for noise reduction and equalization displaying on a 7" capacitance touch screen using an 8bit bus. The panadapter only displays +/- 48K as I like that display format the best. The display is not the ones used in the T41 as the capacitance touch "areas" of those displays are much larger than the one I am using and I need that resolution. No buttons on the front panel. Touch panel handles all "buttons" including band and mode changes. CW keying is crisp and the rise/fall times are handled totally via software in the DSPic. Built-in Iambic keyer. I'll get some internal pics up later today. I should receive a PCB today that has the Teensy in place of the DSPic...? Next project and we'll see how that goes. I am using Bill's BPF, LPF and control board. The control board is modified slightly to provide for a receive antenna so I can attach my Beverage. The BPF is only on the RX path as my transmitter is squeaky clean before the 100W PA. The PA board is one I got from Glenn, VK2PE many moons ago for another project. I want to thank Al and Jack for putting this out in the public domain and for Bill and Oliver doing the boards.? I get great compliments on the audio and the cleanliness of my signal.
|
Re: FrankenT41 on the air
Yeah we need to talk.? You have more skill that I do in the FPGA department¡ where I want to go next. ? ? Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ VP2EHZ ? Owner - Operator Big Signal Ranch ¨C K9ZC Staunton, Illinois ? Owner ¨C Operator Villa Grand Piton ¨C J68HZ Soufriere, St. Lucia W.I. Rent it: ? Moderator: North American QRO Group at Groups.IO. Moderator: Amateur Radio Builders Group at Groups.IO. ? email:? bill@... ? ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of rebruhnke via groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 12:31 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [SoftwareControlledHamRadio] FrankenT41 on the air? Last evening, I finally got my version of the T41 on the air for an extended period of time on 75M. Talked all over the US and even down to British Honduras with my home brew amp running about 800W.? I call it the "Franken" T41 because the RF portion is not a T41. This is my FPGA implementation with a DSPic CK doing the actual demodulation/modulation.? Sensitivity is such that I can hear a -127dB signal; low, but it is there. On all bands the antennas generate way more noise than the rig. The FPGA splits the RF signal two ways: One set to a DAC for the panadapter and one set to the DSPic via I2S. Other than the panadapter signals, all analog "audio" is at high-level. No calibration is needed; the beauty of getting to digital as soon as possible. The UI is run by the Teensy using much of Al and Jack's code for noise reduction and equalization displaying on a 7" capacitance touch screen using an 8bit bus. The panadapter only displays +/- 48K as I like that display format the best. The display is not the ones used in the T41 as the capacitance touch "areas" of those displays are much larger than the one I am using and I need that resolution. No buttons on the front panel. Touch panel handles all "buttons" including band and mode changes. CW keying is crisp and the rise/fall times are handled totally via software in the DSPic. Built-in Iambic keyer. I'll get some internal pics up later today. I should receive a PCB today that has the Teensy in place of the DSPic...? Next project and we'll see how that goes. I am using Bill's BPF, LPF and control board. The control board is modified slightly to provide for a receive antenna so I can attach my Beverage. The BPF is only on the RX path as my transmitter is squeaky clean before the 100W PA. The PA board is one I got from Glenn, VK2PE many moons ago for another project. I want to thank Al and Jack for putting this out in the public domain and for Bill and Oliver doing the boards.? I get great compliments on the audio and the cleanliness of my signal.
|
Last evening, I finally got my version of the T41 on the air for an extended period of time on 75M. Talked all over the US and even down to British Honduras with my home brew amp running about 800W.?
?
I call it the "Franken" T41 because the RF portion is not a T41. This is my FPGA implementation with a DSPic CK doing the actual demodulation/modulation.? Sensitivity is such that I can hear a -127dB signal; low, but it is there. On all bands the antennas generate way more noise than the rig. The FPGA splits the RF signal two ways: One set to a DAC for the panadapter and one set to the DSPic via I2S. Other than the panadapter signals, all analog "audio" is at high-level. No calibration is needed; the beauty of getting to digital as soon as possible.
?
The UI is run by the Teensy using much of Al and Jack's code for noise reduction and equalization displaying on a 7" capacitance touch screen using an 8bit bus. The panadapter only displays +/- 48K as I like that display format the best. The display is not the ones used in the T41 as the capacitance touch "areas" of those displays are much larger than the one I am using and I need that resolution. No buttons on the front panel. Touch panel handles all "buttons" including band and mode changes.
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CW keying is crisp and the rise/fall times are handled totally via software in the DSPic. Built-in Iambic keyer.
I'll get some internal pics up later today.
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I should receive a PCB today that has the Teensy in place of the DSPic...? Next project and we'll see how that goes.
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I am using Bill's BPF, LPF and control board. The control board is modified slightly to provide for a receive antenna so I can attach my Beverage. The BPF is only on the RX path as my transmitter is squeaky clean before the 100W PA. The PA board is one I got from Glenn, VK2PE many moons ago for another project.
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I want to thank Al and Jack for putting this out in the public domain and for Bill and Oliver doing the boards.? I get great compliments on the audio and the cleanliness of my signal.
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Russ NQ0U
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Re: slow starting on T41 kit
If you order the 5V one, it's always an option to go with 3.3V. If you
order the 3.3V option, it may or may not be possible to use 5V. Because for the 3v3 one,
they may or may not stuff the 3-terminal regulator.
- Jerry, KF6VB
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Show quoted text
On 2025-02-25 08:10, K9HZ wrote: Still an option¡
DR. WILLIAM J. SCHMIDT - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ
PJ2/K9HZ VP2EHZ
Owner - Operator
Big Signal Ranch ¨C K9ZC
Staunton, Illinois
Owner ¨C Operator
Villa Grand Piton ¨C J68HZ
Soufriere, St. Lucia W.I.
Rent it: www.VillaGrandPiton.com [1]
Moderator: North American QRO Group at Groups.IO.
Moderator: Amateur Radio Builders Group at Groups.IO.
email: bill@...
FROM: [email protected]
<[email protected]> ON BEHALF OF jjpurdum via
groups.io
SENT: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 8:17 AM
TO: [email protected]
SUBJECT: Re: [SoftwareControlledHamRadio] slow starting on T41 kit
Ron:
I haven't ordered a display recently, but there was a 3.3-5.0V jumper
on the back (J8) that let's me select between the two voltages. Maybe
that's no longer an option?
Jack, W8TEE
On Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 08:54:50 AM EST, Ron VE8RT
<ve8rt@...> wrote:
Everything has been ordered. After reading the messages regarding
display noise and 3.3 vs 5.0 volt options I ordered the 5.0 volt
display.
Ron VE8RT
On Mon, 24 Feb 2025 06:40:59 -0700
"Ron VE8RT" <ve8rt@...> wrote:
Thank you, I'll carry on, appreciate your saving me scanning over a year's of
posts to the lists to check for recommended changes since my kit arrived. So wishing that I was retired already, I'll be 70 this year. Stuck
around because my boss www.buffaloairways.com [2] won't hire an apprentice
or replacement, I'm one of the old guys with experience on his own fleet plus the DC's, C-54 (retired now), L-188, and our fire fighting
fleet which includes CL-215s (piston ones from the 60's). The next few
weeks is my break before fire season gets going again (not only lightning, also re-animated zombie fires). The required parts will be ordered this week. 73 Ron VE8RT On Mon, 24 Feb 2025 13:26:39 +0000 (UTC) "jjpurdum via groups.io" <jjpurdum@...> wrote: Your kit does not include the Teensy 4.1 or the Audio Hat, either
(available from PJRC.com). The display is ordered from BuyDisplay.com
and is a Chinese company so it will take some time. The correct model
number is in the Files section of this site.
Jack, W8TEE
On Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 11:20:41 PM EST, Ron VE8RT
<ve8rt@...> wrote:
I was furtunate enough to received from Ron AG1P a T41 kit back
in
December of 2023. The plan to get to it in early 2024 didn't work
out,
I've just this last week gone through the box and have a good
start on
the book.
Before I dive into building it are there modifications or other
that
I should do right away? The 5 inch display and other not included
in
the box I should get on order ASAP. Retirement should have
happened in
2020, hopefully this later this year.
Ron VE8RT
--
Ron VE8RT <ve8rt@...>
-- Ron VE8RT <ve8rt@...> --
Ron VE8RT <ve8rt@...>
--
Jack, W8TEE
Links:
------
[1]
[2]
[3] /g/SoftwareControlledHamRadio/message/32925
[4] /mt/111352952/243852
[5] /g/SoftwareControlledHamRadio/post
[6] /g/SoftwareControlledHamRadio/editsub/243852
[7]
/g/SoftwareControlledHamRadio/leave/10484476/243852/1943518115/xyzzy
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Re: T41 SDT Version 66 with Calibration
I did not have any trouble uploading al looked good at first.
There sections of 20M that had wide sections of high noise, sometimes triggered with tuning with main encoder.
After doing a rx calibration I lost all audio or decoding nothing out on audio channel.
That is as far as I got.
Tim?
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jjpurdum
K9HZ
