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  • Founded: Sep 11, 2005
  • Language: English
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#37677 From: "g3oth" <g3oth@...>
Date: Sun Nov 1, 2009 11:17 am
Subject: FYI Genesis Radio
g3oth
Send Email Send Email
 
Hi, for those not already familiar with this SDR mentioned above, you can find
out all about Genesis Radio at:
www.genesisradio.com.au/
From that site you can also join their Yahoo Group which currently has 510
members and is very active.
This is a development of the Avala SDR designed by Tasa YU1LM and the build is
already being supported by our very own R.R. Robson (Robby WB5RVZ), so what more
can I say.
Trust some good relations will develop between these two groups and lead to our
mutual benefit as a result.
73 de Charles G3OTH

#37678 From: "Preston" <pdouglas12@...>
Date: Sun Nov 1, 2009 6:13 pm
Subject: Freebee
pdouglas12
Send Email Send Email
 
I have a completed, properly built Softrock Lite II for 40M that I would like to
give to a ham who needs one.  I am halfway through my build of an RXTX 6.3, and
have the receiver working right now (WSPRing on 40M, receive, as a matter of
fact.)  So, the 40 Lite receiver is surplus to my needs.  I have stripped off
the connectors, so you'll need to put on audio, power, and antenna, but it's
working very well.  I prefer a ham who for physical reasons can not build one
for him/herself.  I got this board from Tony as a sample, and so want to send it
on to the next guy.

Please give me a short note, and I'll pick somebody.  Don't worry about postage,
as this thing will fit in an envelope easily.

Anybody?

Preston WJ2V

#37679 From: Robert Brown <robbrown@...>
Date: Sun Nov 1, 2009 7:58 pm
Subject: Re:FYI Genesis Radio
applewiz67
Send Email Send Email
 
Please don't take this as a snipe at the competition...

The G3020 doesn't look as good as the Softrock. The mixer is 74HC4066,
which has a lower spec than the FST type, the pre-amps used are
NE5534, which again are lower spec than the LTC ones.

IMHO the Genesis is a way behind the Softrock. Far too many bulky
through hole components for my liking, and no 3rd party add-on kits
(yet).

73s,
Rob
(M0RZF)

#37680 From: Tom Peterson <tom@...>
Date: Sun Nov 1, 2009 8:28 pm
Subject: Re: Re:FYI Genesis Radio
kc9eci
Send Email Send Email
 
Having never in my life soldered a surface mount component, I'm about to
take the plunge.  I have sitting here in front of me a Softrock 80M Lite
II to assemble.  I'd be much happier if it was all nice bulky through
hole components, but it isn't, and it look as if more and more kit are
going to be surface mount stuff.  I've ordered a headband magnifying
visor already, but I suspect my old bulky RS 40W iron isn't going to be
up to the task.  What do you lot recommend for soldering surface mount
stuff?

I've also got one of the little Genesis 1W 30M transmitter kits on the
way.  It just looked like it would be fun to build and play with.  If
this 80M softrock goes well, I might have to get a 30M version to
compliment the Q5.

Robert Brown wrote:
> IMHO the Genesis is a way behind the Softrock. Far too many bulky
> through hole components for my liking, and no 3rd party add-on kits
> (yet).
>
> 73s,
> Rob
> (M0RZF)
>
>
>

#37681 From: "g8voip" <g8voi.reeves59@...>
Date: Sun Nov 1, 2009 8:54 pm
Subject: Re:FYI Genesis Radio
g8voip
Send Email Send Email
 
Hi Tom,

Well there is nothing to be scared of with SMD components, only takes a short
time to perfect the soldering technique, then actually it is a lot easier than
using leaded components, in my opinion.

For soldering irons, the power is not that important, it's the bit size and
preferably use a temperature controller iron, makes life easier.

I use a standard Weller 40W iron with a fine bit for the vast majority of my SMD
work. The higher power iron is particularly useful when soldering connections to
the earth plane.

The simple technique for soldering the SMD capacitors is just to melt some
solder on one PCB track, then reheat it and place the capacitor, then solder the
other end and go back and reflow the first joint. For IC pins, the 'secret' is
to have some solder braid (wick) to hand, and if you bridge pins, don't worry
about it, just wick off the excess solder afterwards to clean it up and remove
any shorts.

Certainly optical aids help, as does a decent pair of fine pointed tweezers.

As far as the SoftRock versus Genesis debate goes, difficult to compare them
really as the SoftRock has evolved considerably and the current generation as
superior in many respects.

The only real comparison I can make is that I bought a 40/80m SoftRock v6.1
TX/RX kit when that first came out and it cost $33 for a dual band 1W SDR
transceiver, the nearest Genesis kit is around $150!

The SoftRock v6.3 TX/RX and a set of 4 PA/Filter kits costs $118, giving all HF
bands and continuous tuning.

It will be interesting to see how the proposed multiband G59 compares to the
current SoftRock's.

73, Bob G8VOI


--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, Tom Peterson <tom@...> wrote:
>
> Having never in my life soldered a surface mount component, I'm about to
> take the plunge.  I have sitting here in front of me a Softrock 80M Lite
> II to assemble.  I'd be much happier if it was all nice bulky through
> hole components, but it isn't, and it look as if more and more kit are
> going to be surface mount stuff.  I've ordered a headband magnifying
> visor already, but I suspect my old bulky RS 40W iron isn't going to be
> up to the task.  What do you lot recommend for soldering surface mount
> stuff?
>
> I've also got one of the little Genesis 1W 30M transmitter kits on the
> way.  It just looked like it would be fun to build and play with.  If
> this 80M softrock goes well, I might have to get a 30M version to
> compliment the Q5.
>
> Robert Brown wrote:
> > IMHO the Genesis is a way behind the Softrock. Far too many bulky
> > through hole components for my liking, and no 3rd party add-on kits
> > (yet).
> >
> > 73s,
> > Rob
> > (M0RZF)
> >
> >
> >
>

#37682 From: "n7vhf" <jeg@...>
Date: Sun Nov 1, 2009 9:45 pm
Subject: Re: Freebee
n7vhf
Send Email Send Email
 
I would like to have your 40 m softrock... I am a disable ham N7VHF...I have
parkinsons disease and have extream diffitules with my hands and legs...and cant
see very well either....thank you for considering disable hames......james

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "Preston" <pdouglas12@...> wrote:
>
> I have a completed, properly built Softrock Lite II for 40M that I would like
to give to a ham who needs one.  I am halfway through my build of an RXTX 6.3,
and have the receiver working right now (WSPRing on 40M, receive, as a matter of
fact.)  So, the 40 Lite receiver is surplus to my needs.  I have stripped off
the connectors, so you'll need to put on audio, power, and antenna, but it's
working very well.  I prefer a ham who for physical reasons can not build one
for him/herself.  I got this board from Tony as a sample, and so want to send it
on to the next guy.
>
> Please give me a short note, and I'll pick somebody.  Don't worry about
postage, as this thing will fit in an envelope easily.
>
> Anybody?
>
> Preston WJ2V
>

#37683 From: "R R Robson" <rrrobson@...>
Date: Sun Nov 1, 2009 10:52 pm
Subject: Re: Re:FYI Genesis Radio
wb5rvz
Send Email Send Email
 
Tom:
 
Re soldering iron:  you definitely want something that is temperature-controlled and preferably with a grounded tip.  I use the Bellman 19.95 special from Frees (see http://www.wb5rvz.com/sdr/sr_lite_ii/ - there is some fairly helpful info on that page).

tx es 73 de robby wb5rvz
What happens in the shack
Stays in the shack!
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, November 01, 2009 2:28 PM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re:FYI Genesis Radio

 

Having never in my life soldered a surface mount component, I'm about to
take the plunge. I have sitting here in front of me a Softrock 80M Lite
II to assemble. I'd be much happier if it was all nice bulky through
hole components, but it isn't, and it look as if more and more kit are
going to be surface mount stuff. I've ordered a headband magnifying
visor already, but I suspect my old bulky RS 40W iron isn't going to be
up to the task. What do you lot recommend for soldering surface mount
stuff?

I've also got one of the little Genesis 1W 30M transmitter kits on the
way. It just looked like it would be fun to build and play with. If
this 80M softrock goes well, I might have to get a 30M version to
compliment the Q5.

Robert Brown wrote:
> IMHO the Genesis is a way behind the Softrock. Far too many bulky
> through hole components for my liking, and no 3rd party add-on kits
> (yet).
>
> 73s,
> Rob
> (M0RZF)
>
>
>


#37684 From: "vk1aa" <nick@...>
Date: Sun Nov 1, 2009 11:48 pm
Subject: Re:FYI Genesis Radio
vk1aa
Send Email Send Email
 
I agree with Bob.

It will take few more months before we can talk Genesis vs. Softrock.

To put things in perspective, the current (new) Genesis project is just 6 months
young (Softrock is in its 5th year).
Some of softrockers may be surprised to learn that
Genesis concept was around well before Softrock - back then it was called Avala
by YU1LM.  Actually, Tasa designed his first SDR radio in 2001 immediately after
DL6IAK released his SDR RX software!
He was also first to practically demonstrate and document switchers/filters
application in SDR.
While Tasa gave away all his designs freely to SDR interested hams
for their enjoyment, many of his SDR solutions were later implemented in
commercial  rigs and by hams in US, India and Russia - who built and sold their
radios without even acknowledging source.

Naturally, such a disrespectful rip-off caused Tasa to almost give up
SDR altogether.

In March this year I finally managed to convince him to return to designing.
This was the re-birth of Genesis. Obviously, we lost years, but we'll catch up 
- because we are working on both hardware and software SDR solutions with the
intention to place Genesis kits in mid to high SDR range, both price and
performance-wise.

Our project is well funded, and we already have some ideas
of how the 'next generation' SDR will look like. But we are not in a hurry, and
we'll take one step at time.

At the moment, our goal is to get the G59 up and running and where we go from
there only time will tell.

To conclude, we have nothing but utmost respect for Softrock and softrockers as
well as other ham radio kit producers. And as someone noted here, our ultimate
goal is the advancement of ham radio
enjoyment - in whatever shape or form it may present itself - not to create
animosity or unnecessary polarization.


Nick VK1AA










--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "g8voip" <g8voi.reeves59@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Tom,
>
> Well there is nothing to be scared of with SMD components, only takes a short
time to perfect the soldering technique, then actually it is a lot easier than
using leaded components, in my opinion.
>
> For soldering irons, the power is not that important, it's the bit size and
preferably use a temperature controller iron, makes life easier.
>
> I use a standard Weller 40W iron with a fine bit for the vast majority of my
SMD work. The higher power iron is particularly useful when soldering
connections to the earth plane.
>
> The simple technique for soldering the SMD capacitors is just to melt some
solder on one PCB track, then reheat it and place the capacitor, then solder the
other end and go back and reflow the first joint. For IC pins, the 'secret' is
to have some solder braid (wick) to hand, and if you bridge pins, don't worry
about it, just wick off the excess solder afterwards to clean it up and remove
any shorts.
>
> Certainly optical aids help, as does a decent pair of fine pointed tweezers.
>
> As far as the SoftRock versus Genesis debate goes, difficult to compare them
really as the SoftRock has evolved considerably and the current generation as
superior in many respects.
>
> The only real comparison I can make is that I bought a 40/80m SoftRock v6.1
TX/RX kit when that first came out and it cost $33 for a dual band 1W SDR
transceiver, the nearest Genesis kit is around $150!
>
> The SoftRock v6.3 TX/RX and a set of 4 PA/Filter kits costs $118, giving all
HF bands and continuous tuning.
>
> It will be interesting to see how the proposed multiband G59 compares to the
current SoftRock's.
>
> 73, Bob G8VOI
>
>
> --- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, Tom Peterson <tom@> wrote:
> >
> > Having never in my life soldered a surface mount component, I'm about to
> > take the plunge.  I have sitting here in front of me a Softrock 80M Lite
> > II to assemble.  I'd be much happier if it was all nice bulky through
> > hole components, but it isn't, and it look as if more and more kit are
> > going to be surface mount stuff.  I've ordered a headband magnifying
> > visor already, but I suspect my old bulky RS 40W iron isn't going to be
> > up to the task.  What do you lot recommend for soldering surface mount
> > stuff?
> >
> > I've also got one of the little Genesis 1W 30M transmitter kits on the
> > way.  It just looked like it would be fun to build and play with.  If
> > this 80M softrock goes well, I might have to get a 30M version to
> > compliment the Q5.
> >
> > Robert Brown wrote:
> > > IMHO the Genesis is a way behind the Softrock. Far too many bulky
> > > through hole components for my liking, and no 3rd party add-on kits
> > > (yet).
> > >
> > > 73s,
> > > Rob
> > > (M0RZF)
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>

#37685 From: Kirk Maskalenko <n4kwo@...>
Date: Mon Nov 2, 2009 12:28 am
Subject: Re: Re: Softrock Lite 9.0 Divider or Mixer problem
n4kwo
Send Email Send Email
 
Replaced the divider this weekend and the 9.0RX is back in business! Thanks for the ideas.

As far as scopes go, I would love to have a Tektronix 465 scope but I am not ready to plunk down the cash being asked for one in decent shape.  I will keep an eye out for a bargain.

Kirk


From: g8voip <g8voi.reeves59@...>
To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tue, October 27, 2009 3:15:51 AM
Subject: [softrock40] Re: Softrock Lite 9.0 Divider or Mixer problem

 


Hi Kirk,

I guess the only real advise I could make about oscilloscopes, is go for the best you can afford. You could probably pick up a decent 'professional' one for the same price or less than a new one aimed at the 'hobby' end of the market.

Scopes like the Tektronix 465 / 475 are extremely good, used them a lot in my professional work, however they certainly cannot be described as 'hobbyist' and are not the easiest to master using at first. Many of the features like delayed timebase etc would probably only rarely be used hobby wise.

I would have thought it would have been better to go for a more 'basic' scope. My thoughts would be, dual trace (a must), bandwidth, minimum 20MHz.

73, Bob G8VOI

--- In softrock40@yahoogro ups.com, "Paul Playford" <paul@...> wrote:
>
> A Tektronix 465 with Tektronix probes. You'll never have to think about 'upgrading'.
>
> de Paul, W8AEF
>
> ZF2JI/ZF2TA FO8DX/FO8PLA 8Q7AA XZ0A VU7RG TX5C
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Kirk Maskalenko
> To: softrock40@yahoogro ups.com
> Sent: Monday, October 26, 2009 7:17 PM
> Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re: Softrock Lite 9.0 Divider or Mixer problem
>
>
>
>
>
> No scope readily available but will try out the ideas when I am back in town.
>
> I am definitely getting output on the SI570 at the right frequency but may be getting noise or oscillations.
>
> Any recommendations for a hobbyist grade scope up to the task?
>



#37686 From: "KU7Y" <ku7y.cw@...>
Date: Mon Nov 2, 2009 12:20 am
Subject: Re: Re:FYI Genesis Radio
ku7y
Send Email Send Email
 
Hi Nick,
 
I'd like to thank you and all the others who have given so freely of their time and expertise to this SDR project.  It's a true joy to be in a position to see this all going on!
 
Job well done!

OK, back in my hole,
 

#37687 From: tmac <tmac@...>
Date: Mon Nov 2, 2009 1:06 am
Subject: Ring the Bell! Another Softrock is completed!
tmac1147
Send Email Send Email
 
Hi all,
I called all my relatives last night to get them to "share the moment".
My wife was relieved to hear it was over, until I advised her I have three more waiting to be built. (ha)

I had two minor show stoppers with the 80m softrock.  I had a flux joint on the opamp.  That was detected pretty quick (no output).  Fixed with a swipe of the iron.

The other was with the computer I tried first.  The sound card doesnt seem to play well.  It is an old dell.

The Sony VAIO laptop worked like a charm.

I am building an RXTX slowly with my son on weekends. That will not be completed until Thanksgiving holidays.  And, I have a completed, but not-working-yet XTAL receiver that I should be able to debug and get working now that I have good comparison info from the 80m.

I hardily recommend to any prospective softrock builders that they, first, build a single bander as a skill and confidence builder.

73's

Tom - WA4FYN  (looking for a discarded Altoids tin now for my 80m.  ha)


#37688 From: "Preston" <pdouglas12@...>
Date: Mon Nov 2, 2009 1:44 am
Subject: Re: Freebee
pdouglas12
Send Email Send Email
 
I have my recipient folks, and he knows who he is.  There were several deserving
people, and I'm sorry I only had one Softrock to give.

Preston WJ2V

#37689 From: Tom Peterson <tom@...>
Date: Mon Nov 2, 2009 2:38 am
Subject: Re: Re:FYI Genesis Radio
kc9eci
Send Email Send Email
 
Thanks for the advice all.  I tried building some stuff a few years ago,
but since the double cataract surgery had pretty much given up on any in
close detail work.  I can't take it any more and just have to try.

#37690 From: "g8voip" <g8voi.reeves59@...>
Date: Mon Nov 2, 2009 7:25 am
Subject: Re:FYI Genesis Radio
g8voip
Send Email Send Email
 
Hi Nick,

Thanks very much for the update and background to the project.

I have been watching Tasa's website for a long time now, and good to hear he has
renewed interest. It struck me that designs were a few years old now, so look
forward to see what the 'next generation' brings.

I have had a better opportunity now to play with the 'Genesis' version of PSDR
using my SoftRock v9.0 RX, and do like many of the new features, particularly
the enlarged panafall display.

The only area that lets it down at present is the LO frequency control when
compared to all other available versions of PSDR, but having said that, as I
mainly use Winrad, its not that much of a drawback for me. I guess it is really
still biased towards crystal controlled gear, but good to have the USB
implementation.

Keep up the good work, and please pass thanks and appreciation on to Tasa,

73, Bob G8VOI


--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "vk1aa" <nick@...> wrote:
>
> I agree with Bob.
>
> It will take few more months before we can talk Genesis vs. Softrock.
>
> To put things in perspective, the current (new) Genesis project is just 6
months young (Softrock is in its 5th year).
> Some of softrockers may be surprised to learn that
> Genesis concept was around well before Softrock - back then it was called
Avala by YU1LM.  Actually, Tasa designed his first SDR radio in 2001 immediately
after DL6IAK released his SDR RX software!
> He was also first to practically demonstrate and document switchers/filters
application in SDR.
> While Tasa gave away all his designs freely to SDR interested hams
> for their enjoyment, many of his SDR solutions were later implemented in
commercial  rigs and by hams in US, India and Russia - who built and sold their
radios without even acknowledging source.
>
> Naturally, such a disrespectful rip-off caused Tasa to almost give up
> SDR altogether.
>
> In March this year I finally managed to convince him to return to designing.
> This was the re-birth of Genesis. Obviously, we lost years, but we'll catch up
- because we are working on both hardware and software SDR solutions with the
intention to place Genesis kits in mid to high SDR range, both price and
performance-wise.
>
> Our project is well funded, and we already have some ideas
> of how the 'next generation' SDR will look like. But we are not in a hurry,
and we'll take one step at time.
>
> At the moment, our goal is to get the G59 up and running and where we go from
there only time will tell.
>
> To conclude, we have nothing but utmost respect for Softrock and softrockers
as well as other ham radio kit producers. And as someone noted here, our
ultimate goal is the advancement of ham radio
> enjoyment - in whatever shape or form it may present itself - not to create
animosity or unnecessary polarization.
>
>
> Nick VK1AA
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "g8voip" <g8voi.reeves59@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Tom,
> >
> > Well there is nothing to be scared of with SMD components, only takes a
short time to perfect the soldering technique, then actually it is a lot easier
than using leaded components, in my opinion.
> >
> > For soldering irons, the power is not that important, it's the bit size and
preferably use a temperature controller iron, makes life easier.
> >
> > I use a standard Weller 40W iron with a fine bit for the vast majority of my
SMD work. The higher power iron is particularly useful when soldering
connections to the earth plane.
> >
> > The simple technique for soldering the SMD capacitors is just to melt some
solder on one PCB track, then reheat it and place the capacitor, then solder the
other end and go back and reflow the first joint. For IC pins, the 'secret' is
to have some solder braid (wick) to hand, and if you bridge pins, don't worry
about it, just wick off the excess solder afterwards to clean it up and remove
any shorts.
> >
> > Certainly optical aids help, as does a decent pair of fine pointed tweezers.
> >
> > As far as the SoftRock versus Genesis debate goes, difficult to compare them
really as the SoftRock has evolved considerably and the current generation as
superior in many respects.
> >
> > The only real comparison I can make is that I bought a 40/80m SoftRock v6.1
TX/RX kit when that first came out and it cost $33 for a dual band 1W SDR
transceiver, the nearest Genesis kit is around $150!
> >
> > The SoftRock v6.3 TX/RX and a set of 4 PA/Filter kits costs $118, giving all
HF bands and continuous tuning.
> >
> > It will be interesting to see how the proposed multiband G59 compares to the
current SoftRock's.
> >
> > 73, Bob G8VOI
> >
> >
> > --- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, Tom Peterson <tom@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Having never in my life soldered a surface mount component, I'm about to
> > > take the plunge.  I have sitting here in front of me a Softrock 80M Lite
> > > II to assemble.  I'd be much happier if it was all nice bulky through
> > > hole components, but it isn't, and it look as if more and more kit are
> > > going to be surface mount stuff.  I've ordered a headband magnifying
> > > visor already, but I suspect my old bulky RS 40W iron isn't going to be
> > > up to the task.  What do you lot recommend for soldering surface mount
> > > stuff?
> > >
> > > I've also got one of the little Genesis 1W 30M transmitter kits on the
> > > way.  It just looked like it would be fun to build and play with.  If
> > > this 80M softrock goes well, I might have to get a 30M version to
> > > compliment the Q5.
> > >
> > > Robert Brown wrote:
> > > > IMHO the Genesis is a way behind the Softrock. Far too many bulky
> > > > through hole components for my liking, and no 3rd party add-on kits
> > > > (yet).
> > > >
> > > > 73s,
> > > > Rob
> > > > (M0RZF)
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

#37691 From: "baileyjamessams" <baileyjamessams@...>
Date: Mon Nov 2, 2009 10:16 am
Subject: Novembers New Giveaways! (Nov 02)
baileyjamessams
Send Email Send Email
 
Hello Everyone!

Here is a FRESH selection of stuff members can have free!

Lots of FREE food plus there is another selection of audio books in this mix
plus... LOTS MORE!

http://groups.google.com/group/freebieshare/web/giveaways-mix-november-02

Enjoy!

#37692 From: "jr_dakota" <SG2112@...>
Date: Mon Nov 2, 2009 11:38 am
Subject: Re:FYI Genesis Radio
jr_dakota
Send Email Send Email
 
--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, Robert Brown <robbrown@...> wrote:
>
> Please don't take this as a snipe at the competition...
>
> The G3020 doesn't look as good as the Softrock. The mixer is 74HC4066,
> which has a lower spec than the FST type, the pre-amps used are
> NE5534, which again are lower spec than the LTC ones.
>
> IMHO the Genesis is a way behind the Softrock. Far too many bulky
> through hole components for my liking, and no 3rd party add-on kits
> (yet).
>
> 73s,
> Rob
> (M0RZF)
>

When you look at the **measured** specs of Tasa's designs they rate right up
there with the FST designs I've seen measured right up to 30 Mhz .... The use of
through hole parts and the 74HC4066 and NE5534 was intentional so everyone
around the world had a shot at making one .... Tasa also has some SM designs
that use a 74LVC components and designs with AD797 opamps .... I believe the
lack of SMT parts was intentional, the target audience is different than the
Softrocks and they aren't trying to compete, just expand the involvement in SDR
to people who have been left out due to lack of experience in building or poor
eyesight

Tasa takes nothing for granted, he doesn't just hypothesize that his design is
going to perform better because he used 'X' component, they are built,
documented, and measured ... If you read everything on his website I guarantee
you will learn something you didn't know .... Anyone who has been working with
QSD's the last 7-8 years has been influenced by Tasa's work whether they realize
it or not

http://yu1lm.qrpradio.com/

And don't forget to thank  K5NWA next time you see him for hosting this site 
... Come to think of it didn't he host some stuff for the Softrocks too a few
years back?

JR

#37693 From: k5nwa <k5nwa@...>
Date: Mon Nov 2, 2009 1:19 pm
Subject: Re: Re:FYI Genesis Radio
k5nwa
Send Email Send Email
 
At 05:38 AM 11/2/2009, you wrote:
 
When you look at the **measured** specs of Tasa's designs they rate right up there with the FST designs I've seen measured right up to 30 Mhz .... The use of through hole parts and the 74HC4066 and NE5534 was intentional so everyone around the world had a shot at making one .... Tasa also has some SM designs that use a 74LVC components and designs with AD797 opamps .... I believe the lack of SMT parts was intentional, the target audience is different than the Softrocks and they aren't trying to compete, just expand the involvement in SDR to people who have been left out due to lack of experience in building or poor eyesight

Tasa takes nothing for granted, he doesn't just hypothesize that his design is going to perform better because he used 'X' component, they are built, documented, and measured ... If you read everything on his website I guarantee you will learn something you didn't know .... Anyone who has been working with QSD's the last 7-8 years has been influenced by Tasa's work whether they realize it or not

http://yu1lm.qrpradio.com/

And don't forget to thank  K5NWA next time you see him for hosting this site  ... Come to think of it didn't he host some stuff for the Softrocks too a few years back?

JR


His site has more downloads that all my other sites put together, I'm glad he is going to make new designs, we need variety.

Cecil
k5nwa
www.softrockradio.org www.qrpradio.com
http://parts.softrockradio.org/  >

Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.


#37694 From: "alexle188" <lee188@...>
Date: Mon Nov 2, 2009 2:16 pm
Subject: Quisk with vk6jbl patch - microphone input question
alexle188
Send Email Send Email
 
Hi Andrew,

Many thanks for your excellent work on modifying Quisk for use in the SR v6.3
RxTx.

I am able to run your patched Quisk (and usbsoftrock v1.0) with my SR v6.3 +
Mobo v4.3 ALPHA combo, under Ubuntu 9.10 AMD64.

The Rx functions are working:  smooth tune with the 5khz offset, auto I/Q
balancing, etc.

The MOX ptt button also works, keying the SR/Mobo into Tx state.

However, I haven't figured out how to setup the in-built microphone onboard the
laptop as the microphone input to Quisk.  The microphone.c source file seems to
expect microphone wave data to come from a UDP port ?!!!

On another matter:

In case you are not aware, Loftur has written a Control_Mobo.py Python script
which is a simple yet efficient way to interact with the Mobo firmware (which
uses an extension of Fred's v15.12 command set).

The script has been tested to work under Windows XP as well as Linux.  You can
find it in the Google group:  MOBOKITS.

I understand someone from the MOBOKITS group will try to write a GUI using
wxPython for the Control_Mobo.py script.  This has the potential to become a
Python version of the excellent CfgSR.exe tool from Fred.

As Quisk uses Python and wxPython extensively, I thought there might be some
synergy lurking somewhere here :-)))

73's

Alex

#37695 From: "drmail377" <drmail377@...>
Date: Mon Nov 2, 2009 5:01 pm
Subject: Check Back Soon - Updates?
drmail377
Send Email Send Email
 
Hi Tony,

Would it be possible for you to put a simple button on your purchase site that
provides some information about expected availability?

#37696 From: "kb9yig" <kb9yig@...>
Date: Mon Nov 2, 2009 5:46 pm
Subject: Kit shipments in November
kb9yig
Send Email Send Email
 
Good Morning All,

I now have additional circuit boards for the following kits:

v9.0 Lite+USB Xtall kit, Electronically Switched BPF kit,
v6.3 RXTX+Xtall kit, PA/Filter kits, and
Lite II kits.

I am planning on ordering 100 more circuit boards for the 6m_2m Converter kit
later this week.

Availability of CMOS Si570 devices continues to be a major problem.  Kit
shipments for the v9.0 receiver kit and the RXTX kit are on hold until
additional Si570 devices are available.  I am currently waiting on an order of
65 CMOS Si570 devices that have been on order since September 25 and recently
Tom Hoflich paced another 200 CMOS Si570 devices on order for me.

Hopefully, a limited number of the v9.0 receiver kits and RXTX kits will soon be
available but after that it may be early to mid December before additional kits
can be offered.

Thanks for your interest in the kits and very sorry that kit availability has
been so severly impacted in recent weeks.

73,
Tony KB9YIG

#37697 From: "kj4otu" <kj4otu@...>
Date: Mon Nov 2, 2009 6:11 pm
Subject: Re: Kit shipments in November
kj4otu
Send Email Send Email
 
No need to apologize Tony. I for one am appreciative of what you do here. I
spent several hours last night reading psk QSO's with my 40m SRII. From N.
Alabama I was able to pickup Cuba, Guatemala and Venezuela on PSK31. I can't
wait to try building one of the RXTX kits once they available!

Jamie

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "kb9yig" <kb9yig@...> wrote:
>
> Good Morning All,
>
> I now have additional circuit boards for the following kits:
>
> v9.0 Lite+USB Xtall kit, Electronically Switched BPF kit,
> v6.3 RXTX+Xtall kit, PA/Filter kits, and
> Lite II kits.
>
> I am planning on ordering 100 more circuit boards for the 6m_2m Converter kit
later this week.
>
> Availability of CMOS Si570 devices continues to be a major problem.  Kit
shipments for the v9.0 receiver kit and the RXTX kit are on hold until
additional Si570 devices are available.  I am currently waiting on an order of
65 CMOS Si570 devices that have been on order since September 25 and recently
Tom Hoflich paced another 200 CMOS Si570 devices on order for me.
>
> Hopefully, a limited number of the v9.0 receiver kits and RXTX kits will soon
be available but after that it may be early to mid December before additional
kits can be offered.
>
> Thanks for your interest in the kits and very sorry that kit availability has
been so severly impacted in recent weeks.
>
> 73,
> Tony KB9YIG
>

#37698 From: "Graeme" <gvj@...>
Date: Mon Nov 2, 2009 6:58 pm
Subject: Re:FYI Genesis Radio
graemevj
Send Email Send Email
 
Hi Rob,

Some good thoughts here and of course it is not possible to move forward in
technology if you don't look at all the aspects of a design so I would like to
make a few comments...


--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, Robert Brown <robbrown@...> wrote:
>
> Please don't take this as a snipe at the competition...
>
Having an honest appraisal is not seen by any fair minded person as a snipe and
I certainly don't see you as sniping. However I guess you do not use the word
competition in its true context but rather as indication of another approach.

> The G3020 doesn't look as good as the Softrock. The mixer is 74HC4066,
> which has a lower spec than the FST type,

Yes it looks this way but having a softrock and YU1LM design with the 4066 mixer
side by side on my bench I can assure you there is no audio difference and the
measured difference is trivial and slightly favours the 4066. Have you noticed
that the low channel resistance mixers often have series resistance deliberately
inserted for load purposes. Having a higher channel resistance in the 4066 tends
to swallow this up.


  the pre-amps used are
> NE5534, which again are lower spec than the LTC ones.

Yes no doubt but again in practice there is no discernable difference and their
being DIP's give an access to SDR for peopler who can't or just don't want to
move to surface mount. I am sure that in future models the audio chip choices
will advance and so will the Softrocks too. We are looking at a snapshot in time
with the YU1LM being designed first and the Softrock following. They will
leapfrog.

>
> IMHO the Genesis is a way behind the Softrock. Far too many bulky
> through hole components for my liking, and no 3rd party add-on kits
> (yet).
>
Yes I see you are also looking at the possibilities for the future.

I would also mention the PSDR software which is a debate on its own. If you are
working say an 80 Metre CW competition being "Rock Bound" and able to see the
whole CW spectrum and nothing except your carrier frequency shifts as you tune
around is a huge advantage over having an offset IF of 9 KHz or so and every
time you QSY the band shifts on your screen and the stations you had mentally
marked go with them. I guess the perfect receiver would allow you to select
modes as an option so you don't wind up with the station you desperately want to
work being right in the hum and noise of the centre frequency. Maybe I should
convey this to Simon and Terry.

If someone asked me if they should get a Genesis kit I would advise them to go
for it and my response would be the same for a Softrock. For myself I like to
roll my own and yes I get ideas and inspiration from both sources and others as
well. All these communities have brought me light years ahead of where I would
have been on my own.

73 Graeme ZL2APV


> 73s,
> Rob
> (M0RZF)
>

#37699 From: "mparkinson1" <mparkinson1@...>
Date: Mon Nov 2, 2009 7:27 pm
Subject: Re: Kit shipments in November
parkinson_matt
Send Email Send Email
 
Just waiting and watching never have been able to get the 6m/2/m kits.
Tony you say you have the board now for the v9.0 and v6.3 when will the complete kits become available.
Thank
Matt Parkinson Military Equipment & R 390A Depot Center

#37700 From: Tom Peterson <tom@...>
Date: Mon Nov 2, 2009 8:59 pm
Subject: Re: Re:FYI Genesis Radio
kc9eci
Send Email Send Email
 
Does Frees have a website?  Doing a google search has left me wondering.


R R Robson wrote:
>
>
> Tom:
>
> Re soldering iron:  you definitely want something that is
> temperature-controlled and preferably with a grounded tip.  I use the
> Bellman 19.95 special from Frees (see
> http://www.wb5rvz.com/sdr/sr_lite_ii/ - there is some fairly helpful
> info on that page).
>
> tx es 73 de robby wb5rvz
> What happens in the shack
> Stays in the shack!
>
>     ----- Original Message -----
>     *From:* Tom Peterson <mailto:tom@...>
>     *To:* softrock40@yahoogroups.com <mailto:softrock40@yahoogroups.com>
>     *Sent:* Sunday, November 01, 2009 2:28 PM
>     *Subject:* Re: [softrock40] Re:FYI Genesis Radio
>
>
>
>     Having never in my life soldered a surface mount component, I'm
>     about to
>     take the plunge. I have sitting here in front of me a Softrock 80M
>     Lite
>     II to assemble. I'd be much happier if it was all nice bulky through
>     hole components, but it isn't, and it look as if more and more kit
>     are
>     going to be surface mount stuff. I've ordered a headband magnifying
>     visor already, but I suspect my old bulky RS 40W iron isn't going
>     to be
>     up to the task. What do you lot recommend for soldering surface mount
>     stuff?
>
>     I've also got one of the little Genesis 1W 30M transmitter kits on
>     the
>     way. It just looked like it would be fun to build and play with. If
>     this 80M softrock goes well, I might have to get a 30M version to
>     compliment the Q5.
>
>     Robert Brown wrote:
>     > IMHO the Genesis is a way behind the Softrock. Far too many bulky
>     > through hole components for my liking, and no 3rd party add-on kits
>     > (yet).
>     >
>     > 73s,
>     > Rob
>     > (M0RZF)
>     >
>     >
>     >
>
>
>
>
>
>     ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>     No virus found in this incoming message.
>     Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>     Version: 8.5.423 / Virus Database: 270.14.43/2474 - Release Date: 11/01/09
07:38:00
>
>
>

#37701 From: "Alun" <GW0FJQ@...>
Date: Mon Nov 2, 2009 8:59 pm
Subject: sdr
gw02639
Send Email Send Email
 
hi  all  i  have  just  set  up  me  softrock  and  when  i  go  to power it  up
all  that  it  tells  could  not  initalize  dg8saq  usb interface  can  any 
one  help  me  tnx  alun  gw0fjq

#37702 From: "jeffthom99" <jeff@...>
Date: Mon Nov 2, 2009 9:16 pm
Subject: I need a Lite-9 + USB
jeffthom99
Send Email Send Email
 
Hi all,

Has anyone got an SR Lite-9 +USB which they might sell to me?  My dad down in FL
is not doing well and I would like to give him a nice little SDR.  He has a good
laptop (with stereo line-in).  However, I gave away the Lite-9 that I built this
spring to an elder recreation center here in MD.  I've been putting off ordering
a replacement, of course.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thank you & 73,

Jeff Thompson, W3HVU

#37703 From: "R R Robson" <rrrobson@...>
Date: Mon Nov 2, 2009 10:10 pm
Subject: Re: Re:FYI Genesis Radio
wb5rvz
Send Email Send Email
 
Wishful thinking on my part, Tom --- Fry's
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, November 02, 2009 2:59 PM
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re:FYI Genesis Radio

 

Does Frees have a website? Doing a google search has left me wondering.

R R Robson wrote:
>
>
> Tom:
>
> Re soldering iron: you definitely want something that is
> temperature-controlled and preferably with a grounded tip. I use the
> Bellman 19.95 special from Frees (see
> http://www.wb5rvz.com/sdr/sr_lite_ii/ - there is some fairly helpful
> info on that page).
>
> tx es 73 de robby wb5rvz
> What happens in the shack
> Stays in the shack!
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> *From:* Tom Peterson <mailto:tom@galesvillefiredepartment.org>
> *To:* softrock40@yahoogroups.com <mailto:softrock40@yahoogroups.com>
> *Sent:* Sunday, November 01, 2009 2:28 PM
> *Subject:* Re: [softrock40] Re:FYI Genesis Radio
>
>
>
> Having never in my life soldered a surface mount component, I'm
> about to
> take the plunge. I have sitting here in front of me a Softrock 80M
> Lite
> II to assemble. I'd be much happier if it was all nice bulky through
> hole components, but it isn't, and it look as if more and more kit
> are
> going to be surface mount stuff. I've ordered a headband magnifying
> visor already, but I suspect my old bulky RS 40W iron isn't going
> to be
> up to the task. What do you lot recommend for soldering surface mount
> stuff?
>
> I've also got one of the little Genesis 1W 30M transmitter kits on
> the
> way. It just looked like it would be fun to build and play with. If
> this 80M softrock goes well, I might have to get a 30M version to
> compliment the Q5.
>
> Robert Brown wrote:
> > IMHO the Genesis is a way behind the Softrock. Far too many bulky
> > through hole components for my liking, and no 3rd party add-on kits
> > (yet).
> >
> > 73s,
> > Rob
> > (M0RZF)
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 8.5.423 / Virus Database: 270.14.43/2474 - Release Date: 11/01/09 07:38:00
>
>
>


#37704 From: Tom Hoflich <km5h@...>
Date: Mon Nov 2, 2009 10:11 pm
Subject: Re: Re:FYI Genesis Radio
km5h
Send Email Send Email
 
I think you want Frys.

Tom

www.km5h.com


--- On Mon, 11/2/09, Tom Peterson <tom@...> wrote:

From: Tom Peterson <tom@...>
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re:FYI Genesis Radio
To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
Date: Monday, November 2, 2009, 2:59 PM

 

Does Frees have a website? Doing a google search has left me wondering.

R R Robson wrote:
>
>
> Tom:
>
> Re soldering iron: you definitely want something that is
> temperature- controlled and preferably with a grounded tip. I use the
> Bellman 19.95 special from Frees (see
> http://www.wb5rvz. com/sdr/sr_ lite_ii/ - there is some fairly helpful
> info on that page).
>
> tx es 73 de robby wb5rvz
> What happens in the shack
> Stays in the shack!
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> *From:* Tom Peterson <mailto:tom@galesvillefired epartment. org>
> *To:* softrock40@yahoogro ups.com <mailto:softrock40@yahoogro ups.com>
> *Sent:* Sunday, November 01, 2009 2:28 PM
> *Subject:* Re: [softrock40] Re:FYI Genesis Radio
>
>
>
> Having never in my life soldered a surface mount component, I'm
> about to
> take the plunge. I have sitting here in front of me a Softrock 80M
> Lite
> II to assemble. I'd be much happier if it was all nice bulky through
> hole components, but it isn't, and it look as if more and more kit
> are
> going to be surface mount stuff. I've ordered a headband magnifying
> visor already, but I suspect my old bulky RS 40W iron isn't going
> to be
> up to the task. What do you lot recommend for soldering surface mount
> stuff?
>
> I've also got one of the little Genesis 1W 30M transmitter kits on
> the
> way. It just looked like it would be fun to build and play with. If
> this 80M softrock goes well, I might have to get a 30M version to
> compliment the Q5.
>
> Robert Brown wrote:
> > IMHO the Genesis is a way behind the Softrock. Far too many bulky
> > through hole components for my liking, and no 3rd party add-on kits
> > (yet).
> >
> > 73s,
> > Rob
> > (M0RZF)
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 8.5.423 / Virus Database: 270.14.43/2474 - Release Date: 11/01/09 07:38:00
>
>
>


#37705 From: Bruce Tanner <bet110@...>
Date: Mon Nov 2, 2009 10:20 pm
Subject: Re: sdr
k2bet1
Send Email Send Email
 
Alun, for beginners, be sure to have the Softrock powered up first (12
Volts) and then plug in the USB connector after words.

Bruce, K2BET
-

Alun wrote:
>
>
> hi all i have just set up me softrock and when i go to power it up all
> that it tells could not initalize dg8saq usb interface can any one
> help me tnx alun gw0fjq
>
>
>
>
> __________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus
> signature database 4566 (20091102) __________
>
> The message was checked by ESET Smart Security.
>
> http://www.eset.com

#37706 From: "g8voip" <g8voi.reeves59@...>
Date: Mon Nov 2, 2009 10:31 pm
Subject: Re: sdr
g8voip
Send Email Send Email
 
Hi Alun,

Which SoftRock are you using? I assume it's probably the v9.0 RX, if so which
version of the firmware are you using and what SDR program you are trying to run
when you get the error?

Sounds like perhaps you do not have the USB driver installed, or are not using
the correct version.

You can download the USB driver from Fred PE0FKO's firmware page in the section
'Installing the PC driver software'

http://home.ict.nl/~fredkrom/pe0fko/SR-V9-Si570/

Once you have the USB driver installed and got the interface correctly
recognised by the PC, the firmware default state is to support the v9.0 RX and
switched BPF filter module, so no changes are necessary.

If you need to make any changes or just want some more information about using
the firmware, take a read of the 'Firmware Users Guide' and hopefully that
should provide some guidance.

You can download the user guide from Fred PE0FKO's website:

http://home.ict.nl/~fredkrom/pe0fko/g8voi/

One thing that has now changed and I am in the process of making an updated
supplement for the user guide, instead of having to use Winrad to configure the
firmware, there is now a new stand alone configuration program called 'CFGSR'
which you can download from:

http://home.ict.nl/~fredkrom/pe0fko/CFGSR/

Hope that helps,

73, Bob G8VOI




--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "Alun" <GW0FJQ@...> wrote:
>
> hi  all  i  have  just  set  up  me  softrock  and  when  i  go  to power it 
up  all  that  it  tells  could  not  initalize  dg8saq  usb interface  can  any
one  help  me  tnx  alun  gw0fjq
>

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