I have a question about what is displayed as dBm in Winrad,
SpectrumLab, etc. Using a Softrock lite at 10.7 MHz, If I put in a
calibrated signal of -40 dBm, the peak is shown at -70 dBm.  I would
expect to see both the -40dBm I put in, and a gain in power of 40 dB
from the op-am voltage gain of 100 in the Softrock,,ie 0dBm  total.

details: the soundcard is a delta44, noise level displayed is around
-125 dBm with no input. The overall system, preamp, mixer, softrock,
works well for real signals. The calibrated signal is from an AN9951
DDS with programmable power output from I0CG. A calculation of
received signal strength from TV stations gives roughly the same 70 dB
issue.

Dave
K0IMH

Kees,
And a happy new year to you.
I used to live on D-K Ranch RD.  1979-1983.
I was in Austin a few days ago.  My son lives about 5
minutes from you.
I sent an email to the rep so we will see. If they are
a few bucks, I think Tony would like to supply them
with the Softrocks based on some communications that
he and I had a while back.
If they are cheap enough, we could have a PSK version,
a ARRL code practice version, a beacon version and a
version for 10 meter with 2 meter calling
frequencies.... who knows?

Tom
KM5H


--- Kees & Sandy <windy10605@...> wrote:

> Tom,
> Happy New year and I appreciate it. Apparently there
> is no available "price list" and everything goes via
> quotes (and you have good rapport with this rep).
> I was just curious what the 4 "fixed frequency"
> units would sell for. The specific frequencies
> selected would be highly dependent on what the
> application is. Most people here are probably
> interested in various SoftRock functions, whether 4
> separate frequencies on 40m or specific PSK-31
> frequencies, etc. I was more interested in specific
> PSK-31 frequencies for a BITX20A or PSK-20/PSK-40
> transceiver. For what I'm interested in, there is
> not a PC available.
> An ATMEL Butterfly (or other small micro)
> interfacing to a Si570 or DDS may be the best
> overall cost/function alternative for me.
> 73 Kees K5BCQ
>
>
> -- T Hoflich <km5h@...> wrote:
>
> It also can be LVDS. What 4 frequencies would be
> good?
> To get a better price, we would have to agree on the
> same frequencies for 25 pieces (or 100).
>
> I will send a request for prices right now and in
> the
> meantime, we can discuss the frequencies.
>
> Tom
> KM5H
> --- Kees & Sandy <windy10605@...> wrote:
>
> > Tom,
> > It was the Si534 part (4 preselected frequencies)
> in
> > CMOS or LVPECL. The LVPEC part has complimentary
> > clock outputs which could eliminates one FF and
> > require lower frequencies, if that is of interest.
> > 73 Kees K5BCQ
> >
> > -- T Hoflich <km5h@...> wrote:
> >
> >
> > --- k5nwa <k5nwa@...> wrote:
> >
> > > At 09:37 AM 1/1/2008, you wrote:
> > >
> > > >Cecil,
> > > >
> > > >Happy New Year .....
> > > >
> > > >Do you have an idea what the prices are for the
> 4
> > > or 6 fixed
> > > >frequency devices Si offers ?
> > > >
> > > >73 Kees K5BCQ
> > > >
> > >
> > > Not with any certainty, Tom should be addressing
> > > this since he dealt
> > > with the salespeople. I recall something about
> the
> > > fact that they
> > > were a little less expensive but not by much.
> When
> > > you think about it
> > > the multiple fixed unit has to have pretty much
> > the
> > > same circuitry inside.
> > >
> > > On my next Mouser purchase I will be buying the
> > > parts to make this
> > > little critter work, it should be very
> inexpensive
> > > way to dial your
> > > own frequency;
> > >
> > > <
> > >
> >
> http://www.harbaum.org/till/i2c_tiny_usb/index.shtml
> > > >
> > >
> > > This week I will be looking at getting an
> > > inexpensive programmer for
> > > the ATtiny45 chip, my present programmer does
> not
> > > support it.
> > >
> > >
> > > Cecil
> > > K5NWA
> >
> > Tony had mentioned that he might be interested in
> > this
> > type of part also. Let me know what part you are
> > thinking about and I will check with the rep and
> let
> > everyone know.
> >
> > Tom
> > KM5H
> >
> >
> >
>
__________________________________________________________
> > Boost your productivity with new office software.
> > Click now!
> >
>
http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2121/fc/Ioyw6i3mEauXqv58d7ZOOiGP8nR1YCPFvmIQ\
zIOraCJ0WNbWMvALZv/
> >
>
>
>
>
_____________________________________________________________
> Click to find great rates on health insurance, save
> big, shop here.
>
http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2121/fc/Ioyw6i3m3B8xWB6gkWXbylxx97UICGwl201x\
6FjFbOiPuVFRfjs5JX/
>

Cecil,

Thanks for the comments on the Spectrum Lab mailing list, and for
this classic example of spammer mentality::>

I might suggest that you misspell some of the words in your form as
well. When I write to a prospective member of the Spectrum Lab list,
I spell it 'speektum labs' for instance and ask for their Hamm
Raadio' callsign. A human reading this knows what I meant to say, a
spammers computer replies with garbage or doesn't respond at all.

Enjoy.

Art

  >
  > Personal information
  >
  > Name
  > nxzmbbnj
  > City
  > pkzhfpwb
  > State/Province
  > pkzhfpwb
  > Country
  > cvlfwyor
  > Ham radio license information.

Right, it uses 2 pins to select one of 4 preprogrammed (at the factory) frequencies so nothing else is required. It really replaces 4 individual crystals and a switching scheme. If you need the space or some "not readily available" frequencies, might be a good deal.

There are other vendors (Cardinal) that provide parts with up to 6 selectable preprogrammed frequencies but I don't think their jitter specs are as good as Silicon Labs.

73 Kees K5BCQ 

-- brainerd@... wrote:

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "gw0nkg" <mike.e.york@...> wrote:
>
> I have checked the sound card settings, but am not sure if there may
> be a problem with the Q signal missing as if I select left channel 'I'
> on the mode setting of the software the waterfall display changes but
> signals can still be seen and resolved, but if i select right channel
> Q the signals disappear altogether !!

  Mike,

    if the signal displayed disappears when you select "Right channel
only" under the Mode choice of Winrad, that means that the right
channel does not receive any signal. That most probably is caused
either by a wrong cable, a defective connector, or a cold soldering on
the SDR PCB board, where the cable leaves the board.

A missing left or right channel has as effect exactly what you see,
i.e. the left half of the spectrum is a mirror of the right half.

73  Alberto  I2PHD

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "xeloradio" <sealions@...> wrote:
>
> I have a question about what is displayed as dBm in Winrad,
> SpectrumLab, etc. Using a Softrock lite at 10.7 MHz, If I put in a
> calibrated signal of -40 dBm, the peak is shown at -70 dBm.  I would
> expect to see both the -40dBm I put in, and a gain in power of 40 dB
> from the op-am voltage gain of 100 in the Softrock,,ie 0dBm  total.
>

   Dave,

    I cannot speak for the other programs, but the dB (not dBm)
indication in Winrad is relative to the saturation value of the ADC on
the sound card.

It is impossible to have an absolute indication, as it depends on
factors outside the control of the program, as e.g. the setting of the
level sliders in the Windows mixer panel. Or, if you use a Delta 44,
you will have noticed that in the Delta control panel you can set the
input level either to -10dBV, or Consumer, or +4dBu.

So, in order to have the dB indication of Winrad corresponding to the
dBm level of the input signal, a calibration step would be necessary,
that should be performed on every installation, and repeated each time
the hardware configuration would change.

73  Alberto  I2PHD

I'd like to see those pics.

Thanks,
Tracy
AJ4AC

-----Original Message-----
From: softrock40@yahoogroups.com [mailto:softrock40@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of donnyr7
Sent: Tuesday, January 01, 2008 3:53 PM
To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [softrock40] SoftRock Lite Upgraded 20M Success


I Just finished building the SoftRock Lite upgraded 20m.
I was suprised that it worked without a hitch, because I haven't built
anything since my Heathkit building days! The first test was with the
On-motherboard Sigma audio in a Dell dimension, and a 10ft piece of wire for
an antenna. I used Rocky 3.32 and picked up a good cw signal at 14.45mhz.
Now I need to hook it up to a good antenna and get a better soundcard!

Looking forward using this and to the next project!

(just a note: the resister values on the upgraded board have changed in the
20M kit but that is not noted in the BM document, only in the Schematic)

I have pictures of the completed board if anyone is interested.

73's

Don
W0RXX




Yahoo! Groups Links



No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1205 - Release Date: 12/31/2007
3:32 PM

No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1205 - Release Date: 12/31/2007
3:32 PM

At 03:40 PM 1/1/2008, you wrote:

>Cecil,
>I might suggest that you misspell some of the words in your form as
>well. When I write to a prospective member of the Spectrum Lab list,
>I spell it 'speektum labs' for instance and ask for their Hamm
>Raadio' callsign. A human reading this knows what I meant to say, a
>spammers computer replies with garbage or doesn't respond at all.
>
>Enjoy.
>
>Art

I'll add the trick to my bag of tools, I also move around the
questions and what they ask occasionally, some spammers have noted
their failure and corrected their next attempt only to loose out
again, after a while I hope that individual quit trying. One more
trick I will be adding is questions with invisible text attributes, a
human does not see it or answer it, a bot will be too stupid and
answer the question. It's all a little game children play except I
have put a lot of work into the site and by George they are not going to win.


Cecil
K5NWA
www.softrockradio.org  www.qrpradio.com

"Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light."

I have spent enough time on my 6.2 RXTX kit...It draws 30ma and all
voltage spec OK.  Both crystals and divider function appropriately
verified on my scope.  Re-soldered joints etc.

Receive is dead.  Haven't checked transmit at all.

First email in my inbox gets it.  Leave a US address to ship to.  I've
got about 3 weeks of troubleshooting with schematics printed on my
walls.  It's starting to really put me in a bad mood.  Hopefully it's
something simple that YOU can fix and have some fun in the process.  If
not, you're not out anything but your time.

-Matt

(chevyman440 at yahoo dot com)

I'll take it!

Tracy Fort
206 Pheasant Ridge Dr
Warner Robins, Ga 31088


Thanks,
Tracy Fort
AJ4AC

-----Original Message-----
From: softrock40@yahoogroups.com [mailto:softrock40@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Matt
Sent: Tuesday, January 01, 2008 6:35 PM
To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [softrock40] Anybody want a free kit to troubleshoot?


I have spent enough time on my 6.2 RXTX kit...It draws 30ma and all
voltage spec OK.  Both crystals and divider function appropriately
verified on my scope.  Re-soldered joints etc.

Receive is dead.  Haven't checked transmit at all.

First email in my inbox gets it.  Leave a US address to ship to.  I've
got about 3 weeks of troubleshooting with schematics printed on my
walls.  It's starting to really put me in a bad mood.  Hopefully it's
something simple that YOU can fix and have some fun in the process.  If
not, you're not out anything but your time.

-Matt

(chevyman440 at yahoo dot com)




Yahoo! Groups Links




No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1205 - Release Date: 12/31/2007
3:32 PM

No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1205 - Release Date: 12/31/2007
3:32 PM

SOLD...I'll toss in a few goodies.  US postal service okay?

-Matt N8QBD

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "Tracy Fort" <beerbarrel@...>
wrote:
>
> I'll take it!
>
> Tracy Fort
> 206 Pheasant Ridge Dr
> Warner Robins, Ga 31088
>
>
> Thanks,
> Tracy Fort
> AJ4AC
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:softrock40@yahoogroups.com] On
> Behalf Of Matt
> Sent: Tuesday, January 01, 2008 6:35 PM
> To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [softrock40] Anybody want a free kit to troubleshoot?
>
>
> I have spent enough time on my 6.2 RXTX kit...It draws 30ma and all
> voltage spec OK.  Both crystals and divider function appropriately
> verified on my scope.  Re-soldered joints etc.
>
> Receive is dead.  Haven't checked transmit at all.
>
> First email in my inbox gets it.  Leave a US address to ship to.
I've
> got about 3 weeks of troubleshooting with schematics printed on my
> walls.  It's starting to really put me in a bad mood.  Hopefully
it's
> something simple that YOU can fix and have some fun in the
process.  If
> not, you're not out anything but your time.
>
> -Matt
>
> (chevyman440 at yahoo dot com)
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1205 - Release Date:
12/31/2007
> 3:32 PM
>
> No virus found in this outgoing message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1205 - Release Date:
12/31/2007
> 3:32 PM
>

Almost forgot...it's the 40/80 kit

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "Matt" <chevyman440@...> wrote:
>
> SOLD...I'll toss in a few goodies.  US postal service okay?
>
> -Matt N8QBD
>
> --- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "Tracy Fort" <beerbarrel@>
> wrote:
> >
> > I'll take it!
> >
> > Tracy Fort
> > 206 Pheasant Ridge Dr
> > Warner Robins, Ga 31088
> >
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Tracy Fort
> > AJ4AC
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:softrock40@yahoogroups.com] On
> > Behalf Of Matt
> > Sent: Tuesday, January 01, 2008 6:35 PM
> > To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: [softrock40] Anybody want a free kit to troubleshoot?
> >
> >
> > I have spent enough time on my 6.2 RXTX kit...It draws 30ma and
all
> > voltage spec OK.  Both crystals and divider function
appropriately
> > verified on my scope.  Re-soldered joints etc.
> >
> > Receive is dead.  Haven't checked transmit at all.
> >
> > First email in my inbox gets it.  Leave a US address to ship to.
> I've
> > got about 3 weeks of troubleshooting with schematics printed on
my
> > walls.  It's starting to really put me in a bad mood.  Hopefully
> it's
> > something simple that YOU can fix and have some fun in the
> process.  If
> > not, you're not out anything but your time.
> >
> > -Matt
> >
> > (chevyman440 at yahoo dot com)
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > No virus found in this incoming message.
> > Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> > Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1205 - Release Date:
> 12/31/2007
> > 3:32 PM
> >
> > No virus found in this outgoing message.
> > Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> > Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1205 - Release Date:
> 12/31/2007
> > 3:32 PM
> >
>

Hi  Matt....... Just in case I am the first in your
mailbox,  I am sure I can fix your 6.RX TX. My name
and address is

JOHN  SAKELLAKIS   W8GXU
5104 WOODROW  AVE.
PARMA OHIO   44134


If someone was ahead of me, that's OK.

THANKS  and HAPPY NEW YEAR............John

******************************************
--- Matt <chevyman440@...> wrote:

> I have spent enough time on my 6.2 RXTX kit...It
> draws 30ma and all
> voltage spec OK.  Both crystals and divider function
> appropriately
> verified on my scope.  Re-soldered joints etc.
>
> Receive is dead.  Haven't checked transmit at all.
>
> First email in my inbox gets it.  Leave a US address
> to ship to.  I've
> got about 3 weeks of troubleshooting with schematics
> printed on my
> walls.  It's starting to really put me in a bad
> mood.  Hopefully it's
> something simple that YOU can fix and have some fun
> in the process.  If
> not, you're not out anything but your time.
>
> -Matt
>
> (chevyman440 at yahoo dot com)
>
>



      
________________________________________________________________________________\
____
Be a better friend, newshound, and
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now. 
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

Works for me....if I get it going I'll send it back to ya!

-----Original Message-----
From: softrock40@yahoogroups.com [mailto:softrock40@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Matt
Sent: Tuesday, January 01, 2008 7:01 PM
To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [softrock40] Re: Anybody want a free kit to troubleshoot?


SOLD...I'll toss in a few goodies.  US postal service okay?

-Matt N8QBD

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "Tracy Fort" <beerbarrel@...>
wrote:
>
> I'll take it!
>
> Tracy Fort
> 206 Pheasant Ridge Dr
> Warner Robins, Ga 31088
>
>
> Thanks,
> Tracy Fort
> AJ4AC
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:softrock40@yahoogroups.com] On
> Behalf Of Matt
> Sent: Tuesday, January 01, 2008 6:35 PM
> To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [softrock40] Anybody want a free kit to troubleshoot?
>
>
> I have spent enough time on my 6.2 RXTX kit...It draws 30ma and all
> voltage spec OK.  Both crystals and divider function appropriately
> verified on my scope.  Re-soldered joints etc.
>
> Receive is dead.  Haven't checked transmit at all.
>
> First email in my inbox gets it.  Leave a US address to ship to.
I've
> got about 3 weeks of troubleshooting with schematics printed on my
> walls.  It's starting to really put me in a bad mood.  Hopefully
it's
> something simple that YOU can fix and have some fun in the
process.  If
> not, you're not out anything but your time.
>
> -Matt
>
> (chevyman440 at yahoo dot com)
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1205 - Release Date:
12/31/2007
> 3:32 PM
>
> No virus found in this outgoing message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1205 - Release Date:
12/31/2007
> 3:32 PM
>





Yahoo! Groups Links



No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1205 - Release Date: 12/31/2007
3:32 PM

No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1205 - Release Date: 12/31/2007
3:32 PM

Hi John!  I've already gotten rid of it...that was quick!  I will
likely build another one in the near future.  There is some bad blood
between myself and this particular kit.  Most notably my HP scope died
when I went to fire it up and test this board (bad CRT).

Parma?  My whole family lives in parma and my girlfriend's family lives
there too.  Small world =)

I appreciate your offer especially from a local amatuer..thanks!  Happy
New Year to you as well!

73
Matt


--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, john sakellakis <yiannis_w8gxu@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi  Matt....... Just in case I am the first in your
> mailbox,  I am sure I can fix your 6.RX TX. My name
> and address is
>
> JOHN  SAKELLAKIS   W8GXU
> 5104 WOODROW  AVE.
> PARMA OHIO   44134
>
>
> If someone was ahead of me, that's OK.
>
> THANKS  and HAPPY NEW YEAR............John

No problem on sending it back...please keep and use :)  Or give it to
someone less fortunate!  I've got some bad ju-ju with this kit.
Hopefully the post office scans for bad ju-ju and cleans it out.  HA!

-Matt

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "Tracy Fort" <beerbarrel@...>
wrote:
>
> Works for me....if I get it going I'll send it back to ya!
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:softrock40@yahoogroups.com] On
> Behalf Of Matt
> Sent: Tuesday, January 01, 2008 7:01 PM
> To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [softrock40] Re: Anybody want a free kit to troubleshoot?
>
>
> SOLD...I'll toss in a few goodies.  US postal service okay?
>
> -Matt N8QBD
>
> --- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "Tracy Fort" <beerbarrel@>
> wrote:
> >
> > I'll take it!
> >
> > Tracy Fort
> > 206 Pheasant Ridge Dr
> > Warner Robins, Ga 31088
> >
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Tracy Fort
> > AJ4AC
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:softrock40@yahoogroups.com] On
> > Behalf Of Matt
> > Sent: Tuesday, January 01, 2008 6:35 PM
> > To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: [softrock40] Anybody want a free kit to troubleshoot?
> >
> >
> > I have spent enough time on my 6.2 RXTX kit...It draws 30ma and
all
> > voltage spec OK.  Both crystals and divider function
appropriately
> > verified on my scope.  Re-soldered joints etc.
> >
> > Receive is dead.  Haven't checked transmit at all.
> >
> > First email in my inbox gets it.  Leave a US address to ship to.
> I've
> > got about 3 weeks of troubleshooting with schematics printed on my
> > walls.  It's starting to really put me in a bad mood.  Hopefully
> it's
> > something simple that YOU can fix and have some fun in the
> process.  If
> > not, you're not out anything but your time.
> >
> > -Matt
> >
> > (chevyman440 at yahoo dot com)
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > No virus found in this incoming message.
> > Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> > Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1205 - Release Date:
> 12/31/2007
> > 3:32 PM
> >
> > No virus found in this outgoing message.
> > Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> > Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1205 - Release Date:
> 12/31/2007
> > 3:32 PM
> >
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1205 - Release Date:
12/31/2007
> 3:32 PM
>
> No virus found in this outgoing message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1205 - Release Date:
12/31/2007
> 3:32 PM
>

----- Original Message -----

From: Kees & Sandy

To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Tuesday, January 01, 2008 2:35 PM

Subject: Re: [softrock40] Si570 Group Buy Status

Tom,

Happy New year and I appreciate it. Apparently there is no available "price list" and everything goes via quotes (and you have good rapport with this rep).

I was just curious what the 4 "fixed frequency" units would sell for. The specific frequencies selected would be highly dependent on what the application is. Most people here are probably interested in various SoftRock functions, whether 4 separate frequencies on 40m or specific PSK-31 frequencies, etc. I was more interested in specific PSK-31 frequencies for a BITX20A or PSK-20/PSK-40 transceiver. For what I'm interested in, there is not a PC available.

An ATMEL Butterfly (or other small micro) interfacing to a Si570 or DDS may be the best overall cost/function alternative for me.

73 Kees K5BCQ

-- T Hoflich <km5h@...> wrote:

It also can be LVDS. What 4 frequencies would be good?
To get a better price, we would have to agree on the
same frequencies for 25 pieces (or 100).

I will send a request for prices right now and in the
meantime, we can discuss the frequencies.

Tom
KM5H
--- Kees & Sandy <windy10605@juno.com> wrote:

> Tom,
> It was the Si534 part (4 preselected frequencies) in
> CMOS or LVPECL. The LVPEC part has complimentary
> clock outputs which could eliminates one FF and
> require lower frequencies, if that is of interest.
> 73 Kees K5BCQ
>
> -- T Hoflich <km5h@...> wrote:
>
>
> --- k5nwa <k5nwa@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>
> > At 09:37 AM 1/1/2008, you wrote:
> >
> > >Cecil,
> > >
> > >Happy New Year .....
> > >
> > >Do you have an idea what the prices are for the 4
> > or 6 fixed
> > >frequency devices Si offers ?
> > >
> > >73 Kees K5BCQ
> > >
> >
> > Not with any certainty, Tom should be addressing
> > this since he dealt
> > with the salespeople. I recall something about the
> > fact that they
> > were a little less expensive but not by much. When
> > you think about it
> > the multiple fixed unit has to have pretty much
> the
> > same circuitry inside.
> >
> > On my next Mouser purchase I will be buying the
> > parts to make this
> > little critter work, it should be very inexpensive
> > way to dial your
> > own frequency;
> >
> > <
> >
> http://www.harbaum.org/till/i2c_tiny_usb/index.shtml
> > >
> >
> > This week I will be looking at getting an
> > inexpensive programmer for
> > the ATtiny45 chip, my present programmer does not
> > support it.
> >
> >
> > Cecil
> > K5NWA
>
> Tony had mentioned that he might be interested in
> this
> type of part also. Let me know what part you are
> thinking about and I will check with the rep and let
> everyone know.
>
> Tom
> KM5H
>
>
>
__________________________________________________________
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Hi Cecil and all ...

I'm sitting here thinking about what Cecil just wrote ... and I've
heard this many times ... but here's the rub:

Each sound card is going to have SOME offset, in fact, any ADC is
going to have SOME offset. It's going to be different for each ADC in
fact.

What about performing an ADC offset calibration without anything
plugged into the sound card as part of the setup software for the
different DSP programs? In other words, MEASURE the offset and null it
out as part of the initial software installation (as well as a tool on
the toolbar). It IS, after all, just numbers at this point. The
software reads the offset and applies it to the input ... if nothing
else, it should greatly reduce the offset hump on the display.

I'm real good at coming up with "it's a one-line code change" type of
statement ... yet I have done that very thing as part of my ADC
calibration routines (up to 16 12-bit ADCs taking voltage, current,
and temperature readings for an industrial process on an imbedded
controller) ... which greatly improved my system's performance.

73,

Rick




> Unplug the SoftRock and power it off, you will still see the hump,
> it's due to the A/D in your sound card not reading 0 when it's
> getting 0V for an input, a FFT of a small DC voltage will give you a
> large signal at 0Hz. some of it is due to ground loops. The QSD
> detector is deaf to it's LO frequency which produces a steady DC
> output due to the signal being capacitively coupled in it's output
> and amplifiers.

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "RAY" <WA2HVI@...> wrote:
>
> Kees,
>
> I am also thinking about using the ATMEL BUTTERFLY since I already
have -  do you know if anyone has written code for it. Also if anyone
has a circuit for for programming with a PC.  When it comes to PIC
controllers I have a void in my brain - I must have slept thru the
classes that week LOL.
>
> 73, Ray, N0FY
> SKCC # 3704
> Anoka County Radio Club
> Anoka County ARES
>
>
<snip>

From terry, WB4JFI:

I also might be interested in the Butterfly.  I have two units, and a
book on how to use them.  Haven't written a line of code yet, but
that's a small issue.

I have used some PICs fairly heavily.  In the past 16F84A and 16F877
(with FTDI USB).  Now, I am deeply involved with the 18F2550 (USB
variant), controlling the David Brainerd PIC/DDS/QSD board.  I've got
it doing LOTs of stuff inside the PIC, much of which the Windows code
doesn't exist for yet.

But, the Butterfly is a cute stand-alone user interface that is
cheaper than buying the PIC, LCD display, and shaft encoder.  Too bad
the display is only six characters long....

Count me in on playing with it.  I'm waiting right now for my LVDS
570's to come in.  The Brainerd 570 boards are just waiting...

Terry
WB4JFI

I finished my initial testing of a 4 Band (80, 40, 30, 20M) using two
RXTXv6.2's.  I put some pictures in the photos section.  The design
uses a Relay switching board, a PICAXE 18X, and a single WB6DHW Si570
board.  I tried to simplify the switching required by paralleling as
many of the radio interfaces as possible.  I will post details of the
switching in the files section.  The overall box looks like a single
radio (i.e. single PTT, audio RX/TX, ANT).

Freq is controlled by USB interface.  Can set to many "preset"
frequencies in each amateur band.  Same interface is used to reprogram
the radio (the internal PICAXE) when needed.  When a frequency is
selected the PICAXE determines which RXTX to power.

Radio is working great.  Nice to be on 75M SSB then jump right away to
20M with a single command via USB.

When combined with my 160-10m FET 60W amplifier, the radio is better
than my commercial Ham radio.

73,   Mike Collins    KF4BQ

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "Terry" <wb4jfi@...> wrote:
>
....
>
> Another thing to check is for groundloops through the laptop AC
> adaptor.  I had a bad hump until I put a ground-lifter (3-prong to 2-
> prong AC plug adaptor) on the AC plug for the laptop AC supply.  Now,
> everything is happier.  An old Dell C600 1GHz laptop.

Apparently the Dell Inspiron 2200 has only 'microphone' input
[NOT stereo]. And only goes to 24k sample rate.

That is 'my ham station' computer now, controlling my K2/100 #5884,
and aside from lacking the resources that I need for the SoftRock, has
been fine "for a junker that someone gave me".  :)

The 'office' computer that I am working on right now is an Inspiron
640m and does stereo at 96k quite nicely. So, I now know that the lack
of image rejection I was seeing is NOT due to a problem with my
soldering. :)

As for ground loops, I will look into that when I get around to
putting a case around the SoftRock. I may do what I did with my
38-special and build it into an old hard-drive case. Some of those
cast aluminum cases are VERY rugged! Also considering using an old
Heathkit SWR bridge. There is plenty of room in that box for a couple
of RXTX boards and some shielding!

73 de N5bz

I believe a few people are working on it now. ATMEL has a lot of free download software and tools. Butterfly has a serial port interface (and comes with a  bootloader) so you use that for loading code initially. Steve Weber (KD1JV) already has written code and made it available on his website for the AD9850/AD9851 (uses 3 lines, Data, Load, and Clock ......all writes to the DDS). The Si570 uses a I2C interface which is basically a serial (bidirectional) data line "SDA" and serial clock line "SCL". I don't know if it actually requires bidirectional communications or if you can just "write the data". The Butterfly also has a USI port which has a serial clock line "SCL" and a serial "data in" line and a serial "data out" line. Of course I2C has protocalls but maybe not all are required here.

73 Kees K5BCQ

-- "RAY" <WA2HVI@...> wrote:

What I like about the Butterfly is that it's great function and extremely low power. It drives the glass directly (no separate LCD controller) which makes it as efficient as a digital watch. For our applications (SDR or standalone PSK31) frequency is "coarse tuning" so you don't need better granularity on the LO readout than 1Khz, so 6 digits is more than enough. You can also leave the time, temperature, and name functions active.  

73 Kees K5BCQ

-- "Terry" <wb4jfi@...> wrote:

Tracy, I posted the photos under W0RXX in "Photos"

Cheers,

Don




--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "Tracy Fort" <beerbarrel@...> wrote:
>
> I'd like to see those pics.
>
> Thanks,
> Tracy
> AJ4AC
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: softrock40@yahoogroups.com [mailto:softrock40@yahoogroups.com] On
> Behalf Of donnyr7
> Sent: Tuesday, January 01, 2008 3:53 PM
> To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [softrock40] SoftRock Lite Upgraded 20M Success
>
>
> I Just finished building the SoftRock Lite upgraded 20m.
> I was suprised that it worked without a hitch, because I haven't built
> anything since my Heathkit building days! The first test was with the
> On-motherboard Sigma audio in a Dell dimension, and a 10ft piece of
wire for
> an antenna. I used Rocky 3.32 and picked up a good cw signal at
14.45mhz.
> Now I need to hook it up to a good antenna and get a better soundcard!
>
> Looking forward using this and to the next project!
>
> (just a note: the resister values on the upgraded board have changed
in the
> 20M kit but that is not noted in the BM document, only in the Schematic)
>
> I have pictures of the completed board if anyone is interested.
>
> 73's
>
> Don
> W0RXX
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1205 - Release Date:
12/31/2007
> 3:32 PM
>
> No virus found in this outgoing message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1205 - Release Date:
12/31/2007
> 3:32 PM
>

At 08:36 PM 1/1/2008, you wrote:

>I finished my initial testing of a 4 Band (80, 40, 30, 20M) using two
>RXTXv6.2's. I put some pictures in the photos section. The design
>uses a Relay switching board, a PICAXE 18X, and a single WB6DHW Si570
>board. I tried to simplify the switching required by paralleling as
>many of the radio interfaces as possible. I will post details of the
>switching in the files section. The overall box looks like a single
>radio (i.e. single PTT, audio RX/TX, ANT).
>
>Freq is controlled by USB interface. Can set to many "preset"
>frequencies in each amateur band. Same interface is used to reprogram
>the radio (the internal PICAXE) when needed. When a frequency is
>selected the PICAXE determines which RXTX to power.
>
>Radio is working great. Nice to be on 75M SSB then jump right away to
>20M with a single command via USB.
>
>When combined with my 160-10m FET 60W amplifier, the radio is better
>than my commercial Ham radio.
>
>73, Mike Collins KF4BQ
>

Congratulations on your project. I'm sitting here reading waiting for
some parts that were ordered in late November so I can start on a
different version of a SoftRock RxTx. Unfortunately many key
components are on that order.

Cecil
K5NWA
www.softrockradio.org  www.qrpradio.com

"Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light."

I finished building the 20m kit SoftRock and it produces a signal in
Rocky based on the oscillator freq of 18730Hz (I assume that goes in the
DSP section).  What I'm not seeing is any signals.  Am I doing something
wrong or does it need a LOT of antenna to make it work?  And what are
the freq limits on this thing?  I also don't know where to set the
bandwidth limits and input gain.  I don't want to overdrive the thing.
Thanks in advance - if anyone has a website dedicated to their little
SoftRock Lite 6.2 RX only I'd like to see how they use it.  I can't get
it to work on my laptop, which is a bummer because I wanted to use it on
a trip.  This was my first kit and I'll be sure to buy another one in a
few months- I'd love to have a 10m RX/TX only so it's light and compact.
   But I like the ideas I'm seeing where you guys are tying a lot of kits
together to make a 80-20 rig as well.  This is what ham radio is all
about and I've learned SO much from just this little kit!  Thanks for
the cool build.
Justin

Hi all, happy new year!

I just finished my first Softrock, the 6.2 RXTX 40/30 and I am utterly
amazed that it works right away! CW and RTTY on 30 as soon as I fired it up.

But there is this GIANT central spike right at the center frequency.
It is huge, 20 over.

Is this normal? I have been searching and I see a couple of posts around
about I/Q balance and sound card, would either of these produce that
ugly signal?
If not, how do I banish that to the land of bad memories?

Thanks and 73!

Todd KV1M

Todd,

It depends a lot on AC ground loops.  Use a 1:1 RF transformer to
eliminate the loop from the antenna ground to your rig, and eliminate
the ground on the RX/TX line from the serial port.  It is a redundant
ground, since the RXTX rig will be grounded to the PC through the sound
card inputs anyway.

The sound card also has a lot to do with it.  Some are worse than
others.  On my Delta 44 using the above I don't see any hump at all at
the center on 40 meters using a 40 meter ground mounted antenna.  In
fact all I see is a very small dip at the center frequency where the
audio passband falls off.

Bill wa9pwr

Todd Mondragon wrote:
> Hi all, happy new year!
>
> I just finished my first Softrock, the 6.2 RXTX 40/30 and I am utterly
> amazed that it works right away! CW and RTTY on 30 as soon as I fired it up.
>
> But there is this GIANT central spike right at the center frequency.
> It is huge, 20 over.
>
> Is this normal? I have been searching and I see a couple of posts around
> about I/Q balance and sound card, would either of these produce that
> ugly signal?
> If not, how do I banish that to the land of bad memories?
>
> Thanks and 73!
>
> Todd KV1M
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

I got the same problem too.
Although I use 600:600 ohm isolation audio trasformers, the spike is
there. When I induce the transformer the spike is not becoming smaller.
So it seems that has something to do with the audio card (integrated
24/96) or the I/Q SDR software.

73
SV1EIA

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, Bill Dumke <billd@...> wrote:
>
> Todd,
>
> It depends a lot on AC ground loops.  Use a 1:1 RF transformer to
> eliminate the loop from the antenna ground to your rig, and eliminate
> the ground on the RX/TX line from the serial port.  It is a redundant
> ground, since the RXTX rig will be grounded to the PC through the sound
> card inputs anyway.
>
> The sound card also has a lot to do with it.  Some are worse than
> others.  On my Delta 44 using the above I don't see any hump at all at
> the center on 40 meters using a 40 meter ground mounted antenna.  In
> fact all I see is a very small dip at the center frequency where the
> audio passband falls off.
>
> Bill wa9pwr
>
> Todd Mondragon wrote:
> > Hi all, happy new year!
> >
> > I just finished my first Softrock, the 6.2 RXTX 40/30 and I am
utterly
> > amazed that it works right away! CW and RTTY on 30 as soon as I
fired it up.
> >
> > But there is this GIANT central spike right at the center frequency.
> > It is huge, 20 over.
> >
> > Is this normal? I have been searching and I see a couple of posts
around
> > about I/Q balance and sound card, would either of these produce that
> > ugly signal?
> > If not, how do I banish that to the land of bad memories?
> >
> > Thanks and 73!
> >
> > Todd KV1M
> >
> >
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>