tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14879727037651356752024-03-14T19:02:49.481+02:00Mixed thoughts of OH2LAK in the ham radio worldMy thoughts, findings and projects in the ham radio worldErik Finskas OH2LAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079873310376968741noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1487972703765135675.post-58526077886768353312019-02-21T19:48:00.000+02:002019-02-21T19:48:09.252+02:00Further experiments with SA818 transceiver modules - SVXLink simplex node<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJFEbFIosESwSdhId1sB_X1jL3GTugyGCzwMbmcTzmSzEsmOFys7n0Jk1BZnN_X-CDeTYoHgqlvqZJcLMZqhoeIIiDvn-DhpOwybiNwwm9F71Vl5uAxpW9ezPaUav98B4V9JzpbwitB4/s1600/20190218_142001536_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJFEbFIosESwSdhId1sB_X1jL3GTugyGCzwMbmcTzmSzEsmOFys7n0Jk1BZnN_X-CDeTYoHgqlvqZJcLMZqhoeIIiDvn-DhpOwybiNwwm9F71Vl5uAxpW9ezPaUav98B4V9JzpbwitB4/s320/20190218_142001536_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Completed USB-powered simplex node</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In my <a href="https://oh2lak.blogspot.com/2017/06/experimenting-with-sa818-miniature-rf.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earlier post</a> related to these small wonderful transceiver modules I built a standalone repeater to explore the modules capabilities. This time I thought of something different, to use a SA818 module as Echolink simplex node. It could as well function as Allstar-node or, of which I've seen people have constructed from the same modules.<br />
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Having such interface which requires a computer to operate and DC voltage, I thought of the SA818 module specifications that it actually works quite well with USB-provided 5V. It would simplify the structure nicely to require only one USB connection from the computer, and not a separate DC power feed, regulation etc. Based on the <a href="https://www.nicerf.com/Upload/ueditor/files/2016-08-25/SA818%201W%20Embedded%20walkie%20talkie%20moduleV3-74f56469-2bb9-4803-8149-f232e40d80f6.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SA818 module specifications</a>, the operating voltage and current draw specifications are spot-on within USB specifications so I'll give it a try!<br />
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For the confused one's found here based on google keywords SA818 and DRA818, they are the same animal exactly so carry on :)<br />
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The SA818 module itself is a simple narrowband-FM transceiver module based on a single-chip transceiver module and a MCU to program frequencies, subtones, etc. For programming the frequencies etc, please refer to the <a href="https://oh2lak.blogspot.com/2017/06/experimenting-with-sa818-miniature-rf.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earlier post</a> again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3TknINpvaL4bZDTzaN4Ms85IyXCryyUjhgo4Nurp5bvOGoxXF6nzNVF4arII7j3Q9wDBAnsVUUrSoxlluKPdpA6tjmyp939XCw6FamKZmM_yYAz2eFPkJhtuL5bwtRWYl0xeplwArCE/s1600/20190220_120800826_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1323" data-original-width="1600" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3TknINpvaL4bZDTzaN4Ms85IyXCryyUjhgo4Nurp5bvOGoxXF6nzNVF4arII7j3Q9wDBAnsVUUrSoxlluKPdpA6tjmyp939XCw6FamKZmM_yYAz2eFPkJhtuL5bwtRWYl0xeplwArCE/s320/20190220_120800826_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I originally purchased the transceiver modules without a circuit board planning to make my own but that has never happened. Many vendors have made their own boards for the modules and I purchased mine from <a href="https://www.hamshop.cz/rf-moduly-c36/pcb-pro-dorji-dra818v-nebo-dra818u-moduly-i271/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hamshop.cz</a>. Their circuit board features just antenna connection port and the necessary I/O pins brought to a row of pins to connect via. Some of the boards I've seen include a lowpass-filter which I'm sure this also would need but that can be implemented even on this board as 3-D construction or on a separate board.<br />
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<h3>
Interfacing to the computer</h3>
As an interfacing circuitry towards a computer running SVXLink, I chose <a href="http://www.repeater-builder.com/products/usb-rim-lite.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Repeater Builder's RIM-Lite</a> board which is a fantastic little device featuring a CM119 sound chip and GPIO capabilities to detect squelch and ctcss (TTL levels), key PTT etc. to make all work over a single USB connection. Many Linux-based RoIP software solutions including SVXLink and TheLinkBox support these out-of-the box or with slight modifications.<br />
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The RIM-Lite board comes in multiple versions depending to which radio it is to be hooked to, I had few generic version boards which has a D9-connector through which the radio is to be interfaced via. For my proof-of-concept build I removed the D9-connector from the RIM-Lite board and soldered the required wires directly to the pads for the connector<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkCuCx8dVjf1pj3uajG-608fj3eCgok4iiCD0cPAFGonVPVs0aq26i6be_k83zBZCXDOhwN2hbjWNVtXYBRniMUOWenRkmck-5b3UyWNRr2Xr5G1LWP60HruDlYb0SvfJAguHsQEEgiY/s1600/20190218_141444721_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkCuCx8dVjf1pj3uajG-608fj3eCgok4iiCD0cPAFGonVPVs0aq26i6be_k83zBZCXDOhwN2hbjWNVtXYBRniMUOWenRkmck-5b3UyWNRr2Xr5G1LWP60HruDlYb0SvfJAguHsQEEgiY/s320/20190218_141444721_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsXqlwwFkbCaPeawejnf7toYxQ_rxRuTHrtQ-4SYxyspRJ0EWvgXoe2di1XfsBhTddknFyO1OKoBQ0frfvKE8ePRB2bEoHsvbIeJSRzuG87ZHNVg5jR_0mIs6tMdSP1sC86LpkQYQf6k/s1600/20190218_141631466_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsXqlwwFkbCaPeawejnf7toYxQ_rxRuTHrtQ-4SYxyspRJ0EWvgXoe2di1XfsBhTddknFyO1OKoBQ0frfvKE8ePRB2bEoHsvbIeJSRzuG87ZHNVg5jR_0mIs6tMdSP1sC86LpkQYQf6k/s320/20190218_141631466_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RIM-Lite D9 connector removed and wires soldered to the pads directly</td></tr>
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The RIM-Lite board is attached to the box with two-sided tape and a hole for the USB connector carved to the box. The two holes around the hole were to show the status LED's on the RIM-Lite board but alignment got a bit off so they are worthless :(<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBOXCO2-SZjanHfEMGncHtsZD7Zqw46DrUZUQOFYMyMY_7R7MAD8grb9Z8E6x8rX1qlEnP7lLbi2RbXEyaq-bIhK5n0uWM-l1FcO0ZKi7d25jjuTF4xCJdwfWWrY5Y5AjdLyACGNmOVM/s1600/20190218_141503891_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBOXCO2-SZjanHfEMGncHtsZD7Zqw46DrUZUQOFYMyMY_7R7MAD8grb9Z8E6x8rX1qlEnP7lLbi2RbXEyaq-bIhK5n0uWM-l1FcO0ZKi7d25jjuTF4xCJdwfWWrY5Y5AjdLyACGNmOVM/s320/20190218_141503891_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h4>
Powering the SA818 module</h4>
Additionally, as I was to power the transceiver module also from the USB port, I needed to solder one additional wire to the board close to the USB connector. I chose to take the power output for the module before the choke and PTC fuse as their characteristics were not known and I was not sure could I pull the extra current needed by the module through them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwlznv3RRZCVnW-bRswgzTGIhikLvAKYqrUy8Day0TrzXek3b82AK3kNWLjOzpXJeNRt5wPOJj_6mY-KXAHs5Z8RP7JVhILr_NYroLEkAuwYIjK546ouaA3ScHraaYNnUpJP-ILbfkLE/s1600/20190218_141557892_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwlznv3RRZCVnW-bRswgzTGIhikLvAKYqrUy8Day0TrzXek3b82AK3kNWLjOzpXJeNRt5wPOJj_6mY-KXAHs5Z8RP7JVhILr_NYroLEkAuwYIjK546ouaA3ScHraaYNnUpJP-ILbfkLE/s320/20190218_141557892_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RIM-Lite board with DC power 'stolen' for the SA818 module</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zpufu-Txv7tVuE5UbkNsP6k1l0PA5c6t3hLOvpGVgaD1qffxKsI3i7CWxFmEBLr12yF9mBV0CvgRCXyeGxB13ODLiJA3cdJW4EBfqb-NpohIBc046kPg-1MPQu7LLcfStu-n4c4AwUI/s1600/RIM-Lite+schema.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="750" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zpufu-Txv7tVuE5UbkNsP6k1l0PA5c6t3hLOvpGVgaD1qffxKsI3i7CWxFmEBLr12yF9mBV0CvgRCXyeGxB13ODLiJA3cdJW4EBfqb-NpohIBc046kPg-1MPQu7LLcfStu-n4c4AwUI/s320/RIM-Lite+schema.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RIM-Lite board schematics describing the SA818 DC pickup-point</td></tr>
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<h3>
Transceiver module installation</h3>
<div>
The transceiver module board 'floats' above the RIM-Lite board, I was to put some stand-offs to the box for the board but as the board is rather lightweight, it stays in place well just with being soldered to the antenna connector which goes through the box.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mwq3miUPJIGMXbbUdNmPSfWRQB5torOlT6NQMNh8NnwWbZNa_dgR5t_tCits4vkAdSw_vYDZJTVgwNhz__-gPLxzQ5i9c3CqfuAl8ulXcupMKHBLOiCnoOzQ49-AQHzaE2Izh0dDGY0/s1600/20190218_141523293_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mwq3miUPJIGMXbbUdNmPSfWRQB5torOlT6NQMNh8NnwWbZNa_dgR5t_tCits4vkAdSw_vYDZJTVgwNhz__-gPLxzQ5i9c3CqfuAl8ulXcupMKHBLOiCnoOzQ49-AQHzaE2Izh0dDGY0/s320/20190218_141523293_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CWBOVu7cCTuREifDQJO5MJb4j3SJS-RAlouGFiFgUXUjbFW3uUUwTdaDCgKI-4rnnllM-r4IaQqhL-TfVl1WtzFZyW5-txAyUQiuaW92JRoatPTKb4as2400aKN3cbMEekAhlXR2a2M/s1600/20190218_141749230_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CWBOVu7cCTuREifDQJO5MJb4j3SJS-RAlouGFiFgUXUjbFW3uUUwTdaDCgKI-4rnnllM-r4IaQqhL-TfVl1WtzFZyW5-txAyUQiuaW92JRoatPTKb4as2400aKN3cbMEekAhlXR2a2M/s320/20190218_141749230_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The board has been wired with the RIM-Lite as follows:<br />
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<center>
<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="width: 600px;" tbody="">
<tbody>
<tr><td><b>SA818/DRA818 board</b></td><td><b>RIM-Lite board</b></td><td><b>Description of connection</b></td></tr>
<tr><td>VBATT</td><td>DC pickup-point between X1 and L1 (see picture)</td><td>DC power to SA818 module</td></tr>
<tr><td>GND</td><td>D9 pads 8 and 9</td><td>Common ground for SA818</td></tr>
<tr><td>PTT</td><td>D9 pad 5</td><td>PTT output to SA818 (Active low)</td></tr>
<tr><td>AF</td><td>D9 pad 2</td><td>RX audio to RIM-Lite</td></tr>
<tr><td>SQ</td><td>D9 pad 3</td><td>Squelch state to RIM-Lite (Squelch open = high)</td></tr>
<tr><td>MIC</td><td>D9 pad 6</td><td>TX audio to SA818</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />In addition, the SA818 board point 'H/L' is tied to ground to force low output power and 'PD' is tied to VBATT to power on the module.<br />
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I removed all other connecting pins from the module and soldered wires directly, but the programming pins (GND, TXD, RXD) so that the module can be easily reprogrammed with a USB TTL-level serial port cable<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXHdyLnQF8yPGzm8eOg1pWcDlye5mAVf3jpXdw3d2hc5J1sgxUIEpP2sHy9gGoLNyn6a4_r2ZYuLPNNWO5w1jjMtze1KQQQukwTP7WAmAYIAlc05V1rATw4xXOgSmU4d2NVXWr7n1paM/s1600/20190218_164151346_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXHdyLnQF8yPGzm8eOg1pWcDlye5mAVf3jpXdw3d2hc5J1sgxUIEpP2sHy9gGoLNyn6a4_r2ZYuLPNNWO5w1jjMtze1KQQQukwTP7WAmAYIAlc05V1rATw4xXOgSmU4d2NVXWr7n1paM/s320/20190218_164151346_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
SA818 programming changes</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The SA818 module is capable of performing pre-/de-emphasis functions needed for FM voice communications, but as I am now to integrate to SVXLink which also can perform same functions and my plan is to let SVXLink to do CTCSS and DTMF decoding & encoding, I configured the SA818 module to bypass its pre-/de-emphasis module and all other audio filtering;</div>
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According to the the <a href="https://www.nicerf.com/Upload/ueditor/files/2017-05-12/SA818%20programming%20manual-87b79dc0-2955-49b4-bf35-84c59b1d6321.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SA818 programming manual</a> topic 3.5 "Audio Filet Command" I switched off the filtering by issuing command AT+SETFILTER=1,1,1 which disables pre- and de-emphasis and high- and lowpass filters. </div>
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<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Getting everything ready on the computer side</h3>
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I used a trustworthy Raspberry Pi as the computer platform with <a href="https://www.raspberrypi.org/downloads/raspbian/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Raspbian Stretch Lite OS</a> and installed SVXLink on it using the <a href="https://github.com/sm0svx/svxlink/wiki/InstallBinRaspbian" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">guide found at SVXLink webpage</a></div>
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The RIM-Lite device should be detected automatically with Raspbian OS, the C-Media chips are included in the standard build kernel. When the device is hooked up, the details of it can be inspected with <i>dmesg</i> command after the device has been plugged in;</div>
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<div class="code" style="text-align: left;">
[ 154.032533] usb 1-1.1.3: new full-speed USB device number 6 using dwc_otg<br />
[ 154.170795] usb 1-1.1.3: New USB device found, idVendor=0d8c, idProduct=013a<br />
[ 154.170808] usb 1-1.1.3: New USB device strings: Mfr=1, Product=2, SerialNumber=0<br />
[ 154.170817] usb 1-1.1.3: Product: USB PnP Sound Device<br />
[ 154.204725] input: C-Media Electronics Inc. USB PnP Sound Device as /devices/platform/soc/3f980000.usb/usb1/1-1/1-1.1/1-1.1.3/1-1.1.3:1.3/0003:0D8C:013A.0002/input/input1[ 154.170825] usb 1-1.1.3: Manufacturer: C-Media Electronics Inc.<br />
[ 154.273001] hid-generic 0003:0D8C:013A.0002: input,hidraw0: USB HID v1.00 Device [C-Media Electronics Inc. USB PnP Sound Device] on usb-3f980000.usb-1.1.3/input3</div>
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This tells us that the device has been identified and can be used for the purpose planned. Important detail to record here is the HID device ID, in this case the device is found at hidraw0 which is detail needed when configuring SVXLink.<br />
<h4>
Configuring SVXLink</h4>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When SVXLink has been installed, it's configuration needs to be changed to match the interface used etc.<br />
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By default, SVXLink related configuration files can be found from /etc/svxlink -directory, the main configuration file svxlink.conf contains all the parameters by which SVXLink configures itself and interfaces etc.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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The standard svxlink.conf -file has lots of extras which can be discarded for now, and before editing the file, the original file can be be copied and put aside as reference for further needs;<br />
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<div class="code" style="text-align: left;">
cp svxlink.conf cp svxlink.conf.orig
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This will copy the svxlink-conf file to svxlink.conf.orig which can the be referred later on, SVXLink will not use that file unless separately commanded to.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
In all configuration guidance, refer to <a href="http://www.svxlink.org/doc/man/man5/svxlink.conf.5.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SVXLink.conf manual page</a><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the SVXLink.conf -file only the following sections are needed if to be played just with the simplex transceiver;</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">[GLOBAL]</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">[SIMPLEXLOGIC]</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">[MACROS]</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">[Rx1]</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">[Tx1]</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">[LocationInfo]</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Other sections found in the file can be removed or left just as they are.</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
By default, the Simplexlogic is configured to be activated in the [GLOBAL] section so no changes are needed for that.</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
I have below commented the settings needed to get the RIM-Lite to work and other useful settings. It is NOT the full list of parameters within each section though so there might be parameters not explained here. Regarding them, refer to the configuration manual page linked above;</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">[SimplexLogic]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">CALLSIGN=OH2LAK </span>Change to your own callsign, this is what SVXLink identifies itself as<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">REPORT_CTCSS=118.8 </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">If using CTCSS, defining the tone gets it reported with the ID</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">TX_CTCSS=ALWAYS </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">MUTE_RX_ON_TX=1 </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is to safeguard that even the module is simplex, SVXLink does not receive during transmission</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">MUTE_TX_ON_RX=1 </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is to safeguard that even the module being a simplex module, SVXLink does not try to transmit while receiving.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">[Rx1]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">AUDIO_DEV=alsa:plughw:1 </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">By default this is configured as device "0" but change it to "1" (alsa:plughw:1) as the Raspberry Pi internal sound card is card "0" and the Rim-Lite is "1"</span></div>
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If using carrier squelch or transceiver-module internal CTCSS detection;</div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">SQL_DET=HIDRAW </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">If NOT using CTCSS (or CTCSS is configured in the SA818 module itself), the SQL detection can be done by the COS information provided by the SA818. In this case the SQL_DET is to be configured as HIDRAW</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">HID_DEVICE=/dev/hidraw0 </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">For the HID device to work, SVXLink needs to know the device ID. This was recorded earlier when the device was plugged in to be hidraw0.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">HID_SQL_PIN=VOL_DN </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The SQL detection in the RIM-Lite </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If using SVXLink software-based CTCSS detection;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">SQL_DET=CTCSS </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">To use SVXLink internal DSP capability to detect CTCSS tones, SQL_DET is to be configured as 'CTCSS' and furthermore CTCSS-parameters below are needed;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">CTCSS_MODE=2 </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Newest and best detection mode, use this</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">CTCSS_FQ=118.8 </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">CTCSS frequency to detect</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">DEEMPHASIS=1 </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Configure to use SVXLink DSP-based de-emphasis for received audio</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">SQL_TAIL_ELIM=300 </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cut 300ms off before moment of defining squelch closed</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">[Tx1]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">AUDIO_DEV=alsa:plughw:1 </span>By default this is configured as device "0" but change it to "1" (alsa:plughw:1) as the Raspberry Pi internal sound card is card "0" and the Rim-Lite is "1"</div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">PTT_TYPE=Hidraw </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Key PTT via RIM-Lite CM119 chip GPIO</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">HID_DEVICE=/dev/hidraw0 </span>For the HID device to work, SVXLink needs to know the device ID. This was recorded earlier when the device was plugged in to be hidraw0.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">HID_PTT_PIN=GPIO3 </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">GPIO3 is the output pin used for PTT in RIM-Lite</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">PTT_HANGTIME=200 </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">PTT will stay on for 200ms after transmission has ceased. This is to help tail-tone elimination</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">TIMEOUT=300 </span>SVXLink internal kill-switch to kill the transmitter after 300 seconds of continuous activity. This is to prevent transmitters to left on indefinitely</div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">TX_DELAY=800 </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">SA818 has a slow start so this configures SVXLink to wait for 800ms after keying the TX before sending audio out</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">CTCSS_FQ=118.8 </span>CTCSS frequency to be sent out when TX. Comment out if you do not want CTCSS to be sent out</div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">#CTCSS_LEVEL=9 </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">CTCSS transmission level in %</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">PREEMPHASIS=1 </span>Configure to use SVXLink DSP-based pre-emphasis for transmitted audio</div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">[LocationInfo]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">LON_POSITION=21.51.42W </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Station longitude in format degrees.arcminutes.arcseconds</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">LAT_POSITION=64.07.74N </span>Station latitude in format degrees.arcminutes.arcseconds<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">CALLSIGN=EL-OH2LAK </span>Station callsign. Echolink Link station uses EL-prefix<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">FREQUENCY=434.300</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Station frequency to report</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">TX_POWER=1 </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">TX power to report</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">#ANTENNA_GAIN=6</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Antenna gain to report, commented out as not significant</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">#ANTENNA_HEIGHT=20m </span>Antenna height to report, commented out as not significant<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">#ANTENNA_DIR=-1 </span>Antenna direction to report, commented out as not significant<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">PATH=WIDE2-1 </span>APRS path to be used in reporting this station<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">BEACON_INTERVAL=10 </span>Antenna gain to report, commented out as not significant<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">TONE=118</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> CTCSS tone to report</span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">COMMENT=SvxLink simplex node</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Comment for reported station</span><br />
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Erik Finskas OH2LAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079873310376968741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1487972703765135675.post-80448994377408357282017-06-07T00:34:00.003+03:002017-06-07T01:09:00.756+03:00Experimenting with SA818 miniature RF modules<h3>
The SA818 module (Also DRA818)</h3>
Chinese vendor <a href="http://www.nicerf.com/product_151_104.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NiceRF</a> (and some others) have came up with a all-in-one RF transceiver module for both VHF and UHF. Size of a large stamp, you get all the basic FM transceiver functions including 12.5kHz/25kHz channel width, scanning, CTCSS/DCS support and 1 watt RF output power. The soul of the module is <a href="http://www.rdamicro.com/upload/2011120204430256.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RDA1846</a> single-chip-transceiver which also powers most of the chinese radios like Baofeng, Banzai! and others. VHF model covers 136-174MHz and UHF model 400-470MHz respectively.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphxKH0waP4vpKlh9R5IpbXv1Nq-2Ur7FxV98GQToJNAjXIPb4Iusq1wvQEITseR7S2DYxWc34f0oXS-8KkL4auHe-fyXz1xtShHtqC6GAGSyER1NFHUKMTFFqi7Jm6qCPV00Ec4t5LfM/s1600/sa818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="581" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphxKH0waP4vpKlh9R5IpbXv1Nq-2Ur7FxV98GQToJNAjXIPb4Iusq1wvQEITseR7S2DYxWc34f0oXS-8KkL4auHe-fyXz1xtShHtqC6GAGSyER1NFHUKMTFFqi7Jm6qCPV00Ec4t5LfM/s400/sa818.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3>
Programming the module</h3>
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The SA818 features a microcontroller which has a 3.3V TTL-level serial port. Very basic instructions how to program the module using a terminal program can be found from NiceRF webpage.</div>
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SA818 module can store configuration for a single channel at once, whilst the big brother module SA828 can store 16 channels. It also features a programming software to configure all the channels. The SA818 can also be controlled real-time using an external MCU like Arduino, to support more than a single channel. There are implementations where a MCU and small controller with display and controls have been built around the module to build a complete radio.</div>
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A cheap USB-to-TTL adapter was used to interface to the serial port of the module. I have bought a simple unit which supports both 5V and 3.3V ports and has also handshake signals if needed. </div>
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The module appeared to be quite picky about the communication, and for a long time I ended up to a single message <i>DMOERROR</i> to all attempts to communicate. The secret handshake to enable the configuration interface is to send <i>AT+DMOCONNECT</i> over the line with 9600 8N1 configuration and including both CR and LF. I tried Teraterm, Putty and few other terminal programs and always ended up with the error but then eventually tried the serial port tool of Arduino IDE software development program, and with it I got through and got the correct reply with <i>+DMOCONNECT:0</i> -message and I was successfull in programming the modules.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_trGs6aZnkUVTMZ0_cFCWgtDf1tPG0S_xluvD5r531E5zKFdDxJD0gFPOV6fdLp6PkReyTYmsuPo_xhXk1WnwhsykiEbHedzMeL1BRJ4wFm2dN_r9K3Fu7jCX1qWv5cCC0wwwWRZIg4/s1600/Arduino_IDE_serial_monitor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="547" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_trGs6aZnkUVTMZ0_cFCWgtDf1tPG0S_xluvD5r531E5zKFdDxJD0gFPOV6fdLp6PkReyTYmsuPo_xhXk1WnwhsykiEbHedzMeL1BRJ4wFm2dN_r9K3Fu7jCX1qWv5cCC0wwwWRZIg4/s320/Arduino_IDE_serial_monitor.JPG" width="320" /></a>It is important to set 'Both NL & CR' on as the module expects all the configuration parameter lines to end with them. When the communication is established, I entered the required parameters to set up frequency, channel width, squelch level and CTCSS parameters for both TX and RX. I was to build a repeater out of the modules so I eventually programmed two of them. Who would have guessed that I make a repeater? :)</div>
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The configuration parameters described in the <a href="http://www.nicerf.com/Upload/ueditor/files/2017-05-12/SA818%20programming%20manual-87b79dc0-2955-49b4-bf35-84c59b1d6321.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SA818 programming manual</a> are bit cryptographic at some point as the English version of the manual has been written or translated from Chinese and there are some parts of the documentation which are quite hard to come by. I wrote all the configuration lines first to a notepad program and copied and pasted them them to the terminal program to get them correct right away. Each command returns with a reply, in general a reply with 0 means good entry, 1 means failure. In addition to programming frequency settings, I disabled all filtering and pre/de-emphasis of the signal as I wantet flat throughput.<br />
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CTCSS tones in the programming sentence are referred to tone numbers from 1 to 38. According to Wikipedia, the numbers refer to 'Non-standard numerical codes. Many radios use a matching set of numerical codes to represent corresponding tones; however, there is no published standard and only partial industry adoption.' The documentation from NiceRF does not say anything about this so this was a good catch :) Tone 118.8 Hz is code 17 for reference.<br />
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The list of CTCSS NS codes can be seen <a href="http://non-standard%20numerical%20codes.%20many%20radios%20use%20a%20matching%20set%20of%20numerical%20codes%20to%20represent%20corresponding%20tones%3B%20however%2C%20there%20is%20no%20published%20standard%20and%20only%20partial%20industry%20adoption./" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">from Wikipedia</a><br />
<h3>
Building a repeater</h3>
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Earlier I had purchased a miniature repeater controller board <a href="http://www.nhrc.net/nhrc-micro/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NHRC-micro</a> for some project which has been forgotten long time ago already. Now this small controller got a job with two SA818 modules, interfacing them together to make a small repeater. The controller takes care of COS to PTT activation, timers, CW ID, courtesy tones etc. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFrK3JwCRpgJz-PgHvdkATYVEf16qAAHX6HYFQw0JgJlHs9NkCX1w9sVgoyqrvSt_6nHtNpXwdFDDLFa_PTqpzR0tgKkH5JpoEHIbVZfNAUBi4HxzxR2_zKqwkYoIXddQTcFCM6rLNSY/s1600/20170606_160739819_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFrK3JwCRpgJz-PgHvdkATYVEf16qAAHX6HYFQw0JgJlHs9NkCX1w9sVgoyqrvSt_6nHtNpXwdFDDLFa_PTqpzR0tgKkH5JpoEHIbVZfNAUBi4HxzxR2_zKqwkYoIXddQTcFCM6rLNSY/s320/20170606_160739819_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NHRC-micro repeater controller board</td></tr>
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I sat the controller in middle of a veroboard and the SA818 modules on both sides of it to isolate them even a bit from each other. Given that at this point I have quite little understanding or measurement results of their actual RF performance, this was maybe a good choice to do.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxyQVI9ViZ0eP-gt5JlPu3P5NPt5yLcZfQBWkOlBN-dJxZ0JG5WUFKhe2wUB3vz-3fyhU-QlrgR3XdFtoTr-3UzNuL9oJp0J1B1CrMZdYIL895NPpAaaIROR2Ebl7DmwE_qv2f3PotHs/s1600/20170606_160730014_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxyQVI9ViZ0eP-gt5JlPu3P5NPt5yLcZfQBWkOlBN-dJxZ0JG5WUFKhe2wUB3vz-3fyhU-QlrgR3XdFtoTr-3UzNuL9oJp0J1B1CrMZdYIL895NPpAaaIROR2Ebl7DmwE_qv2f3PotHs/s200/20170606_160730014_iOS.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SA818 TX module</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLDlOwopDYFTtCY5VCowYc6Ys0inSbmU4PzWvl2txUak4Bu-hGQI-uiPT9LE9ATHkvtJc-io1qfyrYcHVc4Ki8QuU4ms2W2LUqhjuC9RGlBHBP3plxTXpO4VJBNwsCcEGWyl0JsaZBX0/s1600/20170606_160813004_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLDlOwopDYFTtCY5VCowYc6Ys0inSbmU4PzWvl2txUak4Bu-hGQI-uiPT9LE9ATHkvtJc-io1qfyrYcHVc4Ki8QuU4ms2W2LUqhjuC9RGlBHBP3plxTXpO4VJBNwsCcEGWyl0JsaZBX0/s200/20170606_160813004_iOS.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SA818 RX module</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNj2cjOYtxWl-pL75H3hCVQY5NRupTSu5SyXR4PMaytBJ1wTorxVOr83KfzvXcWe7RM4SIwBID0UerteHth0v8ZPTTTxwGWDryYUJU0sb-j9rdBApfK2vOsZAurrVDS0hw8JZQ0PQ9MQ/s1600/20170606_160716590_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNj2cjOYtxWl-pL75H3hCVQY5NRupTSu5SyXR4PMaytBJ1wTorxVOr83KfzvXcWe7RM4SIwBID0UerteHth0v8ZPTTTxwGWDryYUJU0sb-j9rdBApfK2vOsZAurrVDS0hw8JZQ0PQ9MQ/s320/20170606_160716590_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Completed pocket repeater board</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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The SA818 module features a 'hardware' high/low power switch, by grounding one of the module pins the module switches to low output power of about 500mW. There is no way to control the power from the software configuration, only this simple signal. I 'hardcoded' the power to low as the TX module creates quite much heat already with the low power. I ended up stuffing the chassis for the repeater with heat transfer pads to make at least some heat dissipate to the aluminium chassis.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebKDtaUbY6HUmVPbp8pv4uzUQvMh2dZubJFoafIpVpFH_3cjbmDQa4vDUdx18jF75gGtZySOZLQ3Ng8c0pbSMqRgyp_0PEucjiRGJonNEMnxcMIZls6CDutwmI8bbw4Sep0UA5VotIkw/s1600/20170606_163850163_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebKDtaUbY6HUmVPbp8pv4uzUQvMh2dZubJFoafIpVpFH_3cjbmDQa4vDUdx18jF75gGtZySOZLQ3Ng8c0pbSMqRgyp_0PEucjiRGJonNEMnxcMIZls6CDutwmI8bbw4Sep0UA5VotIkw/s320/20170606_163850163_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heat transfer padding on top of the TX module</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Completed pocket repeater</h3>
<div>
The completed pocket repeater looks nice. It does not serve any actual purpose or need other than playing with the modules and making me as a repeater builder happy. Plans are to maybe house the repeater in a bit better case and add external I/O lines so that the repeater could be hooked to <a href="http://rats.fi/r-net/r-net-overview/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">R.Net</a>, Echolink or other VoIP platform.<br />
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Miniature magnet antennas or such are to be used with the repeater. As there are no duplexers inside, some isolation needs to be created between TX and RX to avoid blocking and distance between antennas is the easiest way to achieve it.</div>
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Erik Finskas OH2LAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079873310376968741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1487972703765135675.post-9371188448438828712017-04-12T11:22:00.002+03:002017-04-12T11:25:06.495+03:00Fixing Yaesu FT-847 oscillating UHF PA<br />
<h2>
Fixing Yaesu FT-847 oscillating UHF PA</h2>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDCItV4mX1dJAoalU64RDdLxi-qMI2t8J5jqf1d5qpLm9pGIU_VhtrFYk2Les9xIHBjsabtV_3U1Rg-tnQ24-Wk0Gd2cufrBjQC2H1PlAIUFqDb8xLaRpeVJbVPIzXQOqm1YeeDJMPxk/s1600/20170411_180755689_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDCItV4mX1dJAoalU64RDdLxi-qMI2t8J5jqf1d5qpLm9pGIU_VhtrFYk2Les9xIHBjsabtV_3U1Rg-tnQ24-Wk0Gd2cufrBjQC2H1PlAIUFqDb8xLaRpeVJbVPIzXQOqm1YeeDJMPxk/s320/20170411_180755689_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A trustworthy old workhorse, Yaesu FT-847, has revealed a new feature. It's an unwanted feature though, an oscillating power amplifier. Good thing is that it is not oscillating in the wild, only when transmitting so it is not controllable in a way. The visible symptoms of the oscillating without measurement equipment are that the current intake is huge, about 17 to 18 amps, and the power control does not work. Investigating more thoroughly reveals that the transmitted signal is 'wobbly' and has a lot of birdies close by to the main carrier.<br />
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<h3>
Identifying the issue</h3>
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Initially identifying the issue was difficult as there was no starting point. First the oscillating was not the first item to investigate as the carrier was unstable, so initial investigation was put into the PLL and frequency synthesis etc. Only now I know where the VCO's and PLL are, on a third PCB between the big audio/processor board and RF boards :)</div>
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The oscillating issue was revealed when testing the radio and removing the top cover of the PA, when instantly the oscillating started and was controllable based on how hard you push the cover against the chassis. This finding helped to craft more specific search with Google to find out that there are others with the same symptom.</div>
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An article at Mods.DK and also other articles identify the issue to be easily reproducible when using an external PA which has bad input matching, a tube amplifier for example when not tuned correctly.</div>
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<div>
When using a well-matched dummy load, the symptom is hard to reproduce but when pulling the radio apart during testing, it is possible :)<br />
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When the oscillating takes place, there are lots of birdies around the main carrier and the carrier itself is unstable also. Here the span of the spectrum analyzer view is 1 MHz, so the wobbliness is not easy to see.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAORox5AQMn6-wL31NP4GuMFqPFtSycPmhcSSmlMOcZ94Pl5NHNs-ONvANtpuVPF4OnLPyxdqo1MbyxTRkgvQCCG4D7_YigaY6ALM4nCcecD8KH63JvCmNAxcQ7VPudykwiSY92SK51o/s1600/20170411_194842903_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAORox5AQMn6-wL31NP4GuMFqPFtSycPmhcSSmlMOcZ94Pl5NHNs-ONvANtpuVPF4OnLPyxdqo1MbyxTRkgvQCCG4D7_YigaY6ALM4nCcecD8KH63JvCmNAxcQ7VPudykwiSY92SK51o/s320/20170411_194842903_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h3>
Fixes and patches to the radio</h3>
<div>
The true reason for the oscillating might be bad design or other but key repair task to mitigate the oscillating is to improve grounding of the PA board. The board is well grounded but due to aging, the contacts gets oxidized and poor, which create sporadic disconnects and capacitive pairs which are dependent on temperature and other factors.</div>
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The articles guide to improve grounding by scraping the screw posts clean and resoldering the board ground contacts.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQhITVrDtHKm0gfpK3vd_Ib2GMVDzTCC3htOU3BT0ej2LLfbctByFBIZ4Eo7j4aJKG3sRb4MD8uiBZXxm1Dqh0ea6p4VXUV-3_iCSG6mRnQYEPzjy_doq6hxQoupQOU9USUK-WbE9M1I/s1600/20170411_183205405_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQhITVrDtHKm0gfpK3vd_Ib2GMVDzTCC3htOU3BT0ej2LLfbctByFBIZ4Eo7j4aJKG3sRb4MD8uiBZXxm1Dqh0ea6p4VXUV-3_iCSG6mRnQYEPzjy_doq6hxQoupQOU9USUK-WbE9M1I/s320/20170411_183205405_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scraped shiny screw posts on the chassis</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5ck-Z2_b08P5Sgnu9I1dnmbMHxQbDLqaBWEcsPDq3d4RsdUFTRchRjDlbbu_5bnemQm6XVmjwElQnO4R0TTPmBV4sdysA30cWkU-9y2NSsGS0yt73njiCOXYAqTpg5jO_yOXb5naCyI/s1600/20170411_183222267_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5ck-Z2_b08P5Sgnu9I1dnmbMHxQbDLqaBWEcsPDq3d4RsdUFTRchRjDlbbu_5bnemQm6XVmjwElQnO4R0TTPmBV4sdysA30cWkU-9y2NSsGS0yt73njiCOXYAqTpg5jO_yOXb5naCyI/s320/20170411_183222267_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soldered grounding contact around the mounting screw hole</td></tr>
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In addition the mounting screws can be put back with tooth lock washers which improve contact between the board top and the screws.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJABK5PmosKUtXUfiI2WCcnfPp2FnlSCVUraKG_LvwECCz-QFenvjYckpe0BCkxtZPiJGVCTz96sHJTyGML_sfF4NG9aA9U_avnU6TH3Ap-Hun95M3xFowseXdL5Dss8rMyDKZu_dbd28/s1600/20170411_190928113_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJABK5PmosKUtXUfiI2WCcnfPp2FnlSCVUraKG_LvwECCz-QFenvjYckpe0BCkxtZPiJGVCTz96sHJTyGML_sfF4NG9aA9U_avnU6TH3Ap-Hun95M3xFowseXdL5Dss8rMyDKZu_dbd28/s320/20170411_190928113_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tooth lock washers to improve contact</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDeH1J6gPNhTy7CFJJrcl2U6Y-v4zbGRNs-opzqZbQ5SQ45eHDIrhvXoiPVRr7U-yKkJRkKdyiFsBPiXAoeAYMNS7QlILUPTfquMYDWsCrEhaKi6n6DAa3fF0kU8r20bVp47F35WmSQsQ/s1600/20170411_191027976_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDeH1J6gPNhTy7CFJJrcl2U6Y-v4zbGRNs-opzqZbQ5SQ45eHDIrhvXoiPVRr7U-yKkJRkKdyiFsBPiXAoeAYMNS7QlILUPTfquMYDWsCrEhaKi6n6DAa3fF0kU8r20bVp47F35WmSQsQ/s320/20170411_191027976_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screw back in place with the washer</td></tr>
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<h2>
Results</h2>
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<div>
With the improved grounding, the oscillation is completely gone. Additionally, I added copper tape to ensure the grounding of the top cover for the chassis.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoAM-qBLlFGPGh-ZznB4GDfTwb77KIU6b0h2dXp3uRMUL7g0_Z5XZ1xkoMFqSCiDmTVMIQyNOp-tpR8v2sHJpLy4i9bntX2q6A9TAVlifzMp80uJblGuXFlYxNFRgm7wZK0YhI43wEXM/s1600/20170411_195428369_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoAM-qBLlFGPGh-ZznB4GDfTwb77KIU6b0h2dXp3uRMUL7g0_Z5XZ1xkoMFqSCiDmTVMIQyNOp-tpR8v2sHJpLy4i9bntX2q6A9TAVlifzMp80uJblGuXFlYxNFRgm7wZK0YhI43wEXM/s320/20170411_195428369_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Measuring results after refitting all back in</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All birdies are gone and the carrier is stable</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoAM-qBLlFGPGh-ZznB4GDfTwb77KIU6b0h2dXp3uRMUL7g0_Z5XZ1xkoMFqSCiDmTVMIQyNOp-tpR8v2sHJpLy4i9bntX2q6A9TAVlifzMp80uJblGuXFlYxNFRgm7wZK0YhI43wEXM/s1600/20170411_195428369_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Additional grounding with copper tape</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Additional grounding with copper tape</td></tr>
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Erik Finskas OH2LAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079873310376968741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1487972703765135675.post-27092971697009248232014-09-05T13:04:00.001+03:002014-09-05T13:09:01.576+03:00Pimping Elecraft KX3 for VHF and up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Long wait is over, the 144 MHz transverter module for my Elecraft KX3 has arrived!</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGNRLcZCz30BrUMcX8-sBV4zm2od21vqSoNddfhyphenhyphen6qsHLKy2v-HeI04VR1slRljvOeocDa5FTgSSBFdhIIbGqQw1ZULdViLqECV4Qdhqn2t5n7b29NFmBJxA69nDDji-HAEpzjlOUxFo/s1600/KX3-2M_shipment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGNRLcZCz30BrUMcX8-sBV4zm2od21vqSoNddfhyphenhyphen6qsHLKy2v-HeI04VR1slRljvOeocDa5FTgSSBFdhIIbGqQw1ZULdViLqECV4Qdhqn2t5n7b29NFmBJxA69nDDji-HAEpzjlOUxFo/s1600/KX3-2M_shipment.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KX3-2M transverter module shipment kit</td></tr>
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The transverter module came in the way all Elecraft users have got used to; well packed, all small bits and pieces in ziplock bags and with very detailed installation manual.</div>
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The transverter board is a very high-tech piece of electronics not only due to the physical size constraints, but the RF performance is quite outstanding, merely required as the sole RF performance of KX3 is so outstanding.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WcEb-hfuLe9mZUNtywwIXQxhL0puh9Rx4guz8MK-q5VIbQQDHOqLcWavdE8FgqUIsteCFPtUqek_WTUCno8Y7Lypfu_En7V39w5F4NbrigCRbJn_3c9T3L8laSlz-m8Ud0n9oXOYcdw/s1600/KX3-2M_top.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WcEb-hfuLe9mZUNtywwIXQxhL0puh9Rx4guz8MK-q5VIbQQDHOqLcWavdE8FgqUIsteCFPtUqek_WTUCno8Y7Lypfu_En7V39w5F4NbrigCRbJn_3c9T3L8laSlz-m8Ud0n9oXOYcdw/s1600/KX3-2M_top.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHimsrn9HlXOcFlCdVzELf2r2AALgANZ07kWGfsb3yyTOIPbVppogpnJSvd09KAmUsBabr0Rylrfy5tfGIjHB3So52WKwnqUfWx1-sS0EfoQYMWytVgxB_bq0FnvZ9Uc7k4NbeeHdmnyI/s1600/KX3-2M_board_bottom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHimsrn9HlXOcFlCdVzELf2r2AALgANZ07kWGfsb3yyTOIPbVppogpnJSvd09KAmUsBabr0Rylrfy5tfGIjHB3So52WKwnqUfWx1-sS0EfoQYMWytVgxB_bq0FnvZ9Uc7k4NbeeHdmnyI/s1600/KX3-2M_board_bottom.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Looks like the KX3 has been originally designed quite well having optional internal transverter modules in mind as, even it is a tight sandwich, the transverter module has its well-planned position in the radio. Also the antenna connector hole already exists in the radio body, so does the LO signal output connector on the main board.<br />
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I have the optional antenna tuner board and the roofing filter installed in the KX3, both needed to be removed during the installation to access the LO signal output connector and to install the SMA antenna connector.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuC07cULCUyMeO04ag7OMgiVpQc6mijpBJePRBqG2a_ababIk-bVtIIRdeasCt_PK_GGQqnpE_ybPX45jdD3DqIY01saKGlrLuFeF2UNTetJtyoLOdZNtHTXw7D4rw8MN8F_4RVTNcxL8/s1600/KX3-2M_antenna_connector_tight_spot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuC07cULCUyMeO04ag7OMgiVpQc6mijpBJePRBqG2a_ababIk-bVtIIRdeasCt_PK_GGQqnpE_ybPX45jdD3DqIY01saKGlrLuFeF2UNTetJtyoLOdZNtHTXw7D4rw8MN8F_4RVTNcxL8/s1600/KX3-2M_antenna_connector_tight_spot.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
The SMA connector for 144 MHz antenna fits just in between the toroidal coils of the filter part of the main board. I had to move the closest coils so the connector body would not make contact with them. This was mentioned in the installation manual too, so I'm not probably the only one needing to make some space for the connector.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KTxj9NNmX4IX41XJzVTi8EeyU8yBav_iCqkoHxwJ8696Tg0WwqHHXH3OMS825YNWY6lIXeZbyqGa2UYfJldkaxug83L2ZBEoszGiX5CWsaQaQmJ_BeprA6vVgLBMC5bODm00dFotirE/s1600/KX3-2M_LO-cable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KTxj9NNmX4IX41XJzVTi8EeyU8yBav_iCqkoHxwJ8696Tg0WwqHHXH3OMS825YNWY6lIXeZbyqGa2UYfJldkaxug83L2ZBEoszGiX5CWsaQaQmJ_BeprA6vVgLBMC5bODm00dFotirE/s1600/KX3-2M_LO-cable.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
The LO signal for the transverter is available next to the roofing filter connector on the other end of the main board.<br />
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Both the antenna cable and the LO signal cables use UMC (Ultra Miniature Coaxial) connectors which are small but tough.<br />
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Mating the contacts first time requires impressive amount of force comparing the connector size. The LO cable connector is below the roofing filter board, which was required to be removed during the cable installation.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoJ72ewdpVA6Jjcn5gcGKxqTxie2p4HUWRLKB3jXQIuRDSkeVUYauKZ78DR3zg7tcJFsL15ZASoO8-M-2p8MoMd6CyZRwyILZWv0VjzqgDPxhNDA7u6mQGrDsRWO7ID7xS8C5e0_TJn0/s1600/KX3-2M_ready_to_be_mounted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoJ72ewdpVA6Jjcn5gcGKxqTxie2p4HUWRLKB3jXQIuRDSkeVUYauKZ78DR3zg7tcJFsL15ZASoO8-M-2p8MoMd6CyZRwyILZWv0VjzqgDPxhNDA7u6mQGrDsRWO7ID7xS8C5e0_TJn0/s1600/KX3-2M_ready_to_be_mounted.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbIiQgpEF_pNlqZOBiBEuHGwR4Svpq0PKuwHdTAG3RA12Pdb18zpFH_C1Z3d_d2rFJNCWIePNS-zMwzIkq9KLzLDayqaGLxscp_YDOca8KMKOLqwfpP10zfP4cTHL0zteJY4NfDlqrPs/s1600/KX3-2M_antenna_cable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>The transverter board fits directly on top of the optional antenna tuner board, utilizing the same connections the tuner board uses.<br />
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The power transistor of the transverter is attached to the side wall of the radio body between the antenna connectors, and there's also a screwhole ready for that.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbIiQgpEF_pNlqZOBiBEuHGwR4Svpq0PKuwHdTAG3RA12Pdb18zpFH_C1Z3d_d2rFJNCWIePNS-zMwzIkq9KLzLDayqaGLxscp_YDOca8KMKOLqwfpP10zfP4cTHL0zteJY4NfDlqrPs/s1600/KX3-2M_antenna_cable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbIiQgpEF_pNlqZOBiBEuHGwR4Svpq0PKuwHdTAG3RA12Pdb18zpFH_C1Z3d_d2rFJNCWIePNS-zMwzIkq9KLzLDayqaGLxscp_YDOca8KMKOLqwfpP10zfP4cTHL0zteJY4NfDlqrPs/s1600/KX3-2M_antenna_cable.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbIiQgpEF_pNlqZOBiBEuHGwR4Svpq0PKuwHdTAG3RA12Pdb18zpFH_C1Z3d_d2rFJNCWIePNS-zMwzIkq9KLzLDayqaGLxscp_YDOca8KMKOLqwfpP10zfP4cTHL0zteJY4NfDlqrPs/s1600/KX3-2M_antenna_cable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
The sandwich consisting only the optional tuner board was already a tight fit, and even more tight it got with the transverter module installed! There is still some clearance between the modules and the cables run freely.<br />
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I noticed later when getting the radio back to one piece that the transverter antenna cable is bit on the way of the loudspeaker and extra care needs to be taken when closing the lid so the cable won't get squeezed between the metal sheets.<br />
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Finalizing the installation required me to upgrade the firmware of the radio, which was no pain using the KX3 utility. The installation manual clearly went through step by step the required parameters to be entered so that the transverter module would be recognized and available.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hfk9SiYuaB4nkPnn60iGXo-wflVfRsXr7bXL_ivbBq5ThyphenhyphenEosIYXYqnyiFTDSsDKGuu77cvOYQoe6sCrkgWCnmuEFFweO_tJxWsHHnU-Vr9RlSxza69Mv9qpe5zRwlBGGz4VQKb_uEU/s1600/KX3_2m_CW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hfk9SiYuaB4nkPnn60iGXo-wflVfRsXr7bXL_ivbBq5ThyphenhyphenEosIYXYqnyiFTDSsDKGuu77cvOYQoe6sCrkgWCnmuEFFweO_tJxWsHHnU-Vr9RlSxza69Mv9qpe5zRwlBGGz4VQKb_uEU/s1600/KX3_2m_CW.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWZ3ynTMaXFzuBvtAS3dT_OHHqaF-e38MtKhplT6zS1vXFFcfx-f9gwg-vcpKuCZ0yRoC1ik_WYfSD1WQL92uhNbEdfQH6JSdzLMFORxy54c6psIkiIYBp2mohWwEOe4L5sl-_Zimubw/s1600/KX3_2m_FM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWZ3ynTMaXFzuBvtAS3dT_OHHqaF-e38MtKhplT6zS1vXFFcfx-f9gwg-vcpKuCZ0yRoC1ik_WYfSD1WQL92uhNbEdfQH6JSdzLMFORxy54c6psIkiIYBp2mohWwEOe4L5sl-_Zimubw/s1600/KX3_2m_FM.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
I briefly tested both FM and narrowband operations and everything looks good. Getting FM to work was bit tricky but thanks to the manual again I was able to get both repeater offset and PL to work :) I'm getting old as I need to read manuals!<br />
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When I get a chance I will do some basic measurements on the performance of the transverter module to proof the sensitivity and output power. According to the manual it should put out 3 W on 12V, and about 1 W on 10V which is the case when running on batteries.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bchXH-svv8j0qZOgk0ppcXBPXTjV5tFbBRkS3zLNyFuDwSmekpfADwG7CsqH9ZyDuisbkWSWUpzsn4yVSQJn4Xy2D56pFsWNYYIbsH9aMTwgYoh1FcBua9j1jAfdXfBqXsqI3jJ37PI/s1600/KX3_antenna_conenctors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bchXH-svv8j0qZOgk0ppcXBPXTjV5tFbBRkS3zLNyFuDwSmekpfADwG7CsqH9ZyDuisbkWSWUpzsn4yVSQJn4Xy2D56pFsWNYYIbsH9aMTwgYoh1FcBua9j1jAfdXfBqXsqI3jJ37PI/s1600/KX3_antenna_conenctors.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
144 MHz is a nice addition to the KX3. The module supports also +5 V bias voltage on transmit for switching transverters to TX, which makes me want to try KX3 as the IF radio for microwave stuff too :)
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Anyway, the RTL-SDR technology and development which I've been following closely has made me want to make few direct-sampling RTL-SDR based receivers for the community use through the WebSDR's I run.</div>
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I bounced to a universal low pass filter kit at <a href="http://www.kitsandparts.com/univlpfilter.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">W8DIZ Kits and Parts online shop</a>. I purchased few kits, one for lower HF bands and another to cover up to 28MHz. The kits were $8 each, shipping was $14,40 which is hilarious in the relation to the price of the actual goods :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8IHMkpiiFQFdHt-hL8sFJKRoTwMJjyqlb1ZpYd7t3I8Tnp-up4skQlF1U9G978MZtD4u0uN_i3u1GDzacJxpG7pb_l29hfY-irvv8t5RLjtve4KvdmAarvcaE9-z4aQ6vuO0eDYnorM/s1600/14MHz_28MHz_LPF_boards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8IHMkpiiFQFdHt-hL8sFJKRoTwMJjyqlb1ZpYd7t3I8Tnp-up4skQlF1U9G978MZtD4u0uN_i3u1GDzacJxpG7pb_l29hfY-irvv8t5RLjtve4KvdmAarvcaE9-z4aQ6vuO0eDYnorM/s1600/14MHz_28MHz_LPF_boards.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The kits arrived in the mail pretty fast, including small bags for each filter ordered.</div>
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Constructing the kits was easy and I just was able to measure the filters with my DG8SAQ VNWA.</div>
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Insertion loss is the blue curve, return loss (matching) is the red curve. In general the filter responses are as expected. Insertion los at the passband section is only fractions of a decibel so they will work great for a RX project.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzhvZ2EFSlazjb7tnwPC_OHmBz9KsVLVx9iWSwLxh8rSLOzO_NtvS695j2DPat7oIHTbe8kFmoIOo-kHn6KyiEuc5Rz5FQ0fFmxzcbdyq6tX2Aiiix6tcuiO6iV7Y_28lflozix1W5mg/s1600/KitsAndParts_14MHz_LPF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzhvZ2EFSlazjb7tnwPC_OHmBz9KsVLVx9iWSwLxh8rSLOzO_NtvS695j2DPat7oIHTbe8kFmoIOo-kHn6KyiEuc5Rz5FQ0fFmxzcbdyq6tX2Aiiix6tcuiO6iV7Y_28lflozix1W5mg/s1600/KitsAndParts_14MHz_LPF.jpg" height="327" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">14 MHz low pass filter insertion and return loss measurements</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzhvZ2EFSlazjb7tnwPC_OHmBz9KsVLVx9iWSwLxh8rSLOzO_NtvS695j2DPat7oIHTbe8kFmoIOo-kHn6KyiEuc5Rz5FQ0fFmxzcbdyq6tX2Aiiix6tcuiO6iV7Y_28lflozix1W5mg/s1600/KitsAndParts_14MHz_LPF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a>The 14 MHz low pass filter needs bit tweaking as the insertion loss starts to increase bit too early, having already about 2.5 dB loss at the 14 MHz band. It still works for my purposes as I plan to make 80m and 40m RTL-SDR receivers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gxdpQgJNhLdefJ9lG7Ab7WOoB9rDJ6osPFNkp31dRWGJCG6vic68OtLvhH6c2Chlhn6kjHFWiiro14JcPKn3sddCWH5RrF-Ig7b6fcq4qua-uFoH9Vl_u1TUDJ3I-T28dzGW4K6Q7fM/s1600/KitsAndParts_28MHz_LPF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gxdpQgJNhLdefJ9lG7Ab7WOoB9rDJ6osPFNkp31dRWGJCG6vic68OtLvhH6c2Chlhn6kjHFWiiro14JcPKn3sddCWH5RrF-Ig7b6fcq4qua-uFoH9Vl_u1TUDJ3I-T28dzGW4K6Q7fM/s1600/KitsAndParts_28MHz_LPF.jpg" height="327" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">28 MHz low pass filter insertion and return loss measurements</td></tr>
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The 28 MHz low pass filter performs as should, the insertion loss starts to increase about at 30 MHz. The attenuation curve could be bit deeper but this is a good start to put in the front of the RTL-SDR's<br />
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Erik Finskas OH2LAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079873310376968741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1487972703765135675.post-46770161815839929112014-01-14T01:26:00.001+02:002014-01-14T09:41:47.918+02:00GREAT news for OH2DMR MotoTRBO repeater!Our DMR-activity group <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/OHTRBO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">OHTRBO</a> has successfully been running multiple DMR repeaters, but lacking some total coverage for the Helsinki 'Metropolitan' area. We gained a huge improvement in this area recently when the first Finnish DMR repeater OH2DMR repeater was moved from Juhanila TeliaSonera cellular tower in Espoo to a tall tower in Pasila, bit north from downtown Helsinki. The tower is a huge landmark next to the HQ for Elisa, a mobile/data/telco operator, peaking at 100m AGL with the base standing at 31m ASL.<br />
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The tower has few antennas left from the analog MPT1327 trunking 'AutoNet' mobile telephone network ran by Elisa (dismantled by us a decade ago) The highest antenna on the tower was a monitoring antenna for the AutoNet-system, a humble 8dBd Kathrein vertical, kindly left there for the greedy amateurs to come and take full advantage of it some day :)</div>
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With co-operation with Elisa Radio Club OH2AQ, the site could be used for amateur radio services too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNRegEUvOEGcTvQLkp18esjxaWYy_KwmY6KljIFMSPAjyHDx1s_M_Aa4ak1wNyQH2Z699uW0RqaIga1dZdP6Nuf-rowB2-XWezC-f5J_3MydAVHFiQg3za5j2pdqB_GeYEtsBGDtT7m8/s1600/IMG_20140113_151026.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNRegEUvOEGcTvQLkp18esjxaWYy_KwmY6KljIFMSPAjyHDx1s_M_Aa4ak1wNyQH2Z699uW0RqaIga1dZdP6Nuf-rowB2-XWezC-f5J_3MydAVHFiQg3za5j2pdqB_GeYEtsBGDtT7m8/s400/IMG_20140113_151026.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAYwx5Gl8BiPypcxXcXTAP7yv6DTgFWqY2w9ZXVCvhUWL7wHITsCmRDhPedb5kHasG2YHgL9IG7BWz3oRN4dMOO1lHwfu5Ae5y2Y_jSB-i8ZlY6gN1iJSwwos9kLdBDDl-_JfyIjscGg/s1600/IMG_20140113_151035-arrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAYwx5Gl8BiPypcxXcXTAP7yv6DTgFWqY2w9ZXVCvhUWL7wHITsCmRDhPedb5kHasG2YHgL9IG7BWz3oRN4dMOO1lHwfu5Ae5y2Y_jSB-i8ZlY6gN1iJSwwos9kLdBDDl-_JfyIjscGg/s400/IMG_20140113_151035-arrow.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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In the near future a new 70cm FM <a href="http://r.net.rats.fi/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">R.Net</a> repeater is to be installed to the cabined with the DMR repeater. Estimated coverage for the FM repeater is quite similar to the DMR coverage. The site earlier had OH2RUA 70cm repeater installed also.<br />
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The roughly estimate of the repeater coverage from Pasila using <a href="http://www.ve2dbe.com/rmonline.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radio Mobile Online</a> shows a huge coverage area, which is now proven correct by few distant DMR users.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHcFrM5CSrrhyphenhyphendOE38P6gfFzwddQeD8auU-ZjqjOqqK8hUTm_nuDOgozaV_FTna0ed_72IG5ljedEzstAz9xPCt1QkcUiEAs-oN70QhNP_BSwt8BpNUwC6StORD5q-bicJswgiwHEvo1o/s1600/OH2DMR_kuuluvuus.GIF" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHcFrM5CSrrhyphenhyphendOE38P6gfFzwddQeD8auU-ZjqjOqqK8hUTm_nuDOgozaV_FTna0ed_72IG5ljedEzstAz9xPCt1QkcUiEAs-oN70QhNP_BSwt8BpNUwC6StORD5q-bicJswgiwHEvo1o/s640/OH2DMR_kuuluvuus.GIF" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lr04gXQwja5auVn8uB85GIbPe9cfG7AG5zchxCxR454bAzbJGhU4uiDF1uju3mOq9hIGSspJaK8ZaSHaLVdVvH43zF9OgO7ZgDw6WOwzd1HyrxeGllBABpUM94sKScjUtLh9J4fHo_U/s1600/IMG_20140113_145825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lr04gXQwja5auVn8uB85GIbPe9cfG7AG5zchxCxR454bAzbJGhU4uiDF1uju3mOq9hIGSspJaK8ZaSHaLVdVvH43zF9OgO7ZgDw6WOwzd1HyrxeGllBABpUM94sKScjUtLh9J4fHo_U/s320/IMG_20140113_145825.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Cabinet installations are still mid-way, the Motorola XPR8300 DMR repeater and <a href="http://www.sinclairtechnologies.com/catalog/product.aspx?id=76" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sinclair Q3220E</a> duplexer are the only ready parts in the cabinet. The duplexer seems to perform nicely with only 2.0 MHz split, with just over 80dB notches. Internet connectivity is next on the To-Do list, and also wiring the RX-multicoupler and TX measurement panel, both visible in the middle of the cabinet.</div>
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OH2DMR continues to operate at same frequency 434.575 MHz (-2.0 MHz input), CC1. When internet connection becomes available, slot 1 will be DMR-MARC linked (TG1 WW, TG2 EU, TG24 Nordic etc.) and slot 2 will remain domestic in the OHTRBO network (TG244 Finland, TG8 regional, TG9 Local)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5i-wgTgCQ9konnUo-UAvNbrKC5W1v8-FIYmsQHRjBe7xl81CXiodK49zwXy9IHdCz8c2cq_YFuD5CW_z2DOEpkhzCUXOBQ2AbHPkH5hL-GNV_7wE441Ub_hjpqUWIV3Qy45h4T9otFTE/s1600/Autonet-Pasila_2004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5i-wgTgCQ9konnUo-UAvNbrKC5W1v8-FIYmsQHRjBe7xl81CXiodK49zwXy9IHdCz8c2cq_YFuD5CW_z2DOEpkhzCUXOBQ2AbHPkH5hL-GNV_7wE441Ub_hjpqUWIV3Qy45h4T9otFTE/s320/Autonet-Pasila_2004.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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As mentioned above, we took care of dismantiling the Elisa trunking network at 2004. It was the same room where we carried out ten cabinets full of radios and equipment, of which the RX multicoupler and the TX monitor used for the current project are from. So they returned home in some means :)</div>
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Erik Finskas OH2LAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079873310376968741noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1487972703765135675.post-67256352861707214682013-11-25T11:27:00.000+02:002013-11-25T12:17:05.156+02:00Monitoring the horizon with RoofCamA long-boiled idea of having a camera next to my antenna at the remote radio site is now reality and I can literally monitor the horizon :)<br />
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I have long experience about webcams in general, I've had few at our summer place almost for a decade now, recording the conditions in a fixed interval. It's very nice to observe the differences of a same day yearly, how much snow and how much no snow at all for example on christmas eve :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRa5xuFzJiFCawlZaJIx5by67LuhV-7meZLia6XoE0I9KT3gveFHV8tzJ8_5mXyw0fDvFIs5d32Qe7wTmqMUZQz2b7C5pDoxcf8QHA6FHPlBNelLRT8_p3kxFXqOzJJlJShLCmuuZe5E/s1600/OH2LAK_Roofcam_Ubiquiti_Aircam-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRa5xuFzJiFCawlZaJIx5by67LuhV-7meZLia6XoE0I9KT3gveFHV8tzJ8_5mXyw0fDvFIs5d32Qe7wTmqMUZQz2b7C5pDoxcf8QHA6FHPlBNelLRT8_p3kxFXqOzJJlJShLCmuuZe5E/s400/OH2LAK_Roofcam_Ubiquiti_Aircam-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I installed a <a href="http://www.ubnt.com/airvision#aircam" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ubiquiti AirCam</a> to my antenna setup, the camera turns with the antennas and looks at the horizon. Many times when doing some antenna work at the roof, I've admired the beautiful skies and clouds and hoped to be able to observe them more often. At the seafront, cloud formations and generally weather fronts are spectacular to view. Hopefully I can grab some good snapshots in the future!<br />
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The camera provides JPG snapshots as seen below, but also a MP4 stream for live viewing. Resolution is not the best possible but it works for now!<br />
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I can now also monitor how the antennas (well, only the static omni antennas on the other pole) are doing in high wind situations. I also thought of putting a small wind sock to the tip of the 1296MHz yagi antenna (the one which is on the right side of the picture), so I could more easily adjust the antennas towards wind.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQUB_NzfI1DXUKZ7g_cPdf21hq4sYarznlVKS0pl0eXGW18G4rSVtZOZp_ZiOuC8G2J5aZpnEkXAuvmmqM-3lPpuUu2uAgpqhyphenhyphena86H9__Pt2nkTfJiJU31Y_C-aELlF4aZ1ENwNe2w3s/s1600/OH2LAK_Roofcam.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQUB_NzfI1DXUKZ7g_cPdf21hq4sYarznlVKS0pl0eXGW18G4rSVtZOZp_ZiOuC8G2J5aZpnEkXAuvmmqM-3lPpuUu2uAgpqhyphenhyphena86H9__Pt2nkTfJiJU31Y_C-aELlF4aZ1ENwNe2w3s/s320/OH2LAK_Roofcam.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I hope to catch something special through the camera too. It's not too long to the new year,when this should be quite good observation view of all the fireworks. No matter which direction the camera points, I'm quite sure :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnoPoll1zvrEXv1xr3ANqc6qyTufNQa2JqYQMyP1bDkJiY7OIPDvdwLuZlIAG7AeXssQMpFiaYkSl8jjhIf4jrBHtQvbvXwrQRYxmDvWIGQ4mIzfOk1Oh98pLlnvQMNtfLRE459IRRX0k/s1600/1476659_10152001573067710_124078810_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnoPoll1zvrEXv1xr3ANqc6qyTufNQa2JqYQMyP1bDkJiY7OIPDvdwLuZlIAG7AeXssQMpFiaYkSl8jjhIf4jrBHtQvbvXwrQRYxmDvWIGQ4mIzfOk1Oh98pLlnvQMNtfLRE459IRRX0k/s320/1476659_10152001573067710_124078810_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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There are not yet publicly accessible address available for the snapshots. I'll try to make one so you could see how's the weather here, and see to which direction the antennas and the camera are pointing. I can extract the position from the antenna rotator system, but superimposing that to the picture needs some work still.Erik Finskas OH2LAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079873310376968741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1487972703765135675.post-80728886913030547922013-09-12T00:55:00.000+03:002013-09-12T00:55:53.184+03:00Monitoring VHF and UHF conditions with a WebSDRSDR is here to stay and one of the most useful service around the topic the <a href="http://websdr.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WebSDR system by PA3FWM.</a><br />
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WebSDR is a linux application which hooks to a soundcard for I/Q input (softrocks etc.), or to a <a href="http://www.funcubedongle.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FuncubeDongle </a>or a <a href="http://sdr.osmocom.org/trac/wiki/rtl-sdr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RTL-SDR</a> (a DVB-T TV reception USB dongle) and provides the RF spectrum received by any of the receives, to a web window as a waterfall display, spectrum analyzer display etc.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXuAJ5sEorrtbmJOLuMmy2loNBqNlGpaLKRM1FWQAtNbWRRxpO7hS8j7yOE6ki7A7bVcLqtpDxNOAkUkYm-KUB09tuzrGkdcSJ0mONUsVGJ_Y00S_2VLLAwJQxhSxIiSwcka9R6-zo6E/s1600/WebSDR.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXuAJ5sEorrtbmJOLuMmy2loNBqNlGpaLKRM1FWQAtNbWRRxpO7hS8j7yOE6ki7A7bVcLqtpDxNOAkUkYm-KUB09tuzrGkdcSJ0mONUsVGJ_Y00S_2VLLAwJQxhSxIiSwcka9R6-zo6E/s640/WebSDR.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monitoring 70cm beacon sub-band 432.402-432.498 with my WebSDR system. OH2UHF beacon (and it's I/Q mirror) well visible!</td></tr>
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My experimental (but more stable already) WebSDR is located with the VHF/IHF remote station, and I must admit I like to check the conditions using this first rather than firing up the remote system! Currently I have two FuncubeDongles as receivers, they provide a coverage of 96 kHz which suits for the beacon sub-bands perfectly, being both 100 kHz wide.<br />
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The setup uses Big Wheel antennas which I have on the roof for 144 and 432 MHz. 1296 MHz will be added shortly, I'll plan to use three stacked big wheels and probably a preamplifier for that band.<br />
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You can all access the OH2LAK WebSDR from this link <a href="http://websdr.oh2lak.net:8901/">http://websdr.oh2lak.net:8901/</a>Erik Finskas OH2LAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079873310376968741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1487972703765135675.post-36488141696816791582013-09-12T00:32:00.000+03:002013-09-12T00:34:01.043+03:00Update to the Pusula HF/VHF remote station<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My first remote station was built to our summer house in Pusula already long time ago, and also the experiments with RemoteRig began there when building the system for Martti OH2BH. Then the "rack" with all the required equipment and radios was just a quick-and-dirty setup on top of pile of cardboard boxes in the garage but this summer I finally did a big renovation to the system. I put everything into a real rack cabinet with a door, floor, and walls so that everything really is in there, out of sight and not for mice or other to build a home :)<br />
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The rack has now all the installations needed and lots of spare space for the upcoming PA's and antenna relays etc.<br />
The top of the rack is dedicated for telecomm stuff, the telephone line terminates to this rack now for the ADSL modem, as there's no landline phone anymore for other purposes. Before the ADSL line was terminated in the house and only a cable for the remote setup ran to the garage, now the setup is inverted so that the cable running *from* the garage to the house, provides network for the PC and other appliances there.<br />
Next are the antenna relay and rotator controller, a Microbit WebSwitch which allows antenna to be turned from a web client. I'm planning to replace that with a Arduino setup<br />
Bottom of the picture shows the Kenwood TS-480 and Icom IC-706mk2G remote radio setups. Very nice 2U-high rack enclosure for the radio and RemoteRig box!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-2ot_eHZ25kfjHqHxL_HTOLAtg8f6woOKwZDGpo0_Be8vsYzWqTzMegQSuzvuwJqIBN_VkR4ekSWrwoHOnUQeaNboXC-jvH3osmBnBuHn9ZNMqdJfJGDxzN-baGG0OA5c9g_n37G27Y/s1600/IMG_2543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-2ot_eHZ25kfjHqHxL_HTOLAtg8f6woOKwZDGpo0_Be8vsYzWqTzMegQSuzvuwJqIBN_VkR4ekSWrwoHOnUQeaNboXC-jvH3osmBnBuHn9ZNMqdJfJGDxzN-baGG0OA5c9g_n37G27Y/s320/IMG_2543.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Of course during the 'renovation' we had a single strike thunderstorm in Pusula, and the lightning hit something few kilometers away when I was in the garage building the setup. I saw an arc somewhere in the cabinet, and later found out that it came through the telephone line and broke another ADSL modem. Luckily enought I've been collecting spare modems, and another came in handy then :) I added a Krone lightning protector bar to the Krone panel where the telephone line terminates and connects to the modem below. I routed the line through two pairs of the protectors just for extra protection :)</div>
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I also added lightning protectors to all antenna lines terminating to the roof of the cabinet. It was a really tight fit, the connectors make it barely so that they do not touch to roof all the time!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All N, even for HF. That's because I did not have<br />
any UHF lightning protector, but N works OK for HF too :)</td></tr>
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The bottom of the rack is dedicated for power supplies and the server computer. All 'critical' AC is fed through the small UPS which takes care that the server won't face short power interrupts. Also the other non-radio power supplies are fed from behind the UPS to protect the power supplies and systems from electricity net based spikes. The server is a Linux server and it's main purpose is to provide web outlook for the weather station on the roof.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Server and power supply department of the rack</td></tr>
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During the rack upgrade I decided also to upgrade the firmware of the TS-480 radio. After spending some time figuring out what's wrong, I can with honours tell you all now that the Kenwood upgrade software does not like and even recognize USB serial ports!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenwood TS-480 upgrade process on the livingroom table</td></tr>
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Both of the radios, Kenwood TS-480 and Icom IC-706mk2G sit nicely in a 2U high open rack box which I found from OH1AD Flea Market 'Lutikoiden Tuuletus' few years back (Yes, they most propably still have those!) The box has a top cover with lots of holes in it, so it works also for the heat transfer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDP5xtLbLXGhkbIXkfFPOBMS_cQgpDMtESh0gSonoJOeNw79Hm8pSUmVOdm5EttQyoL47b3By4m-WeggazgzuMTjBFEo0ypSok6XY3ReTBEJa_YZPCR9f0i_x_f_8omw25BS7rdLVJTK4/s1600/IMG_2514+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDP5xtLbLXGhkbIXkfFPOBMS_cQgpDMtESh0gSonoJOeNw79Hm8pSUmVOdm5EttQyoL47b3By4m-WeggazgzuMTjBFEo0ypSok6XY3ReTBEJa_YZPCR9f0i_x_f_8omw25BS7rdLVJTK4/s320/IMG_2514+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Only thing I miss in these great cases is a full front face for the box to hide the equipment in to the box, but I've given up finding such as a leftover somewhere. It needs just a one-piece aluminium sheet which I can find from a hardware show for sure</div>
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The antenna setup in the Pusula remote setup is pretty simple. For HF currently there's only a 80m loop spread into the woods. Putting a 6:1 Balun on the loop was a good choice as the antenna was 'naturally' tuned to all bands needed :) For 6m and 4m there's a dual band yagi built by Egil LA8AV, and a 15-el antenna for 2m. The vertical on the top of the tower runs to a Icom FM dual bander for repeater talk etc.</div>
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Erik Finskas OH2LAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079873310376968741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1487972703765135675.post-49046632404914771682013-08-07T23:14:00.001+03:002013-09-12T00:34:25.091+03:00New APRS digipeater on the airThere's been an apparent gap in the APRS network coverage around Karkkila, and we already several years ago acquired a ex-police VHF network basestation location from Alhovuori. Every time I have driven pass the tower I've looked up and confirmed the antennas are still there, so there still has been hope to put the digipeater up :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6Tja4CEU31Oa9q7lV3yx3miTqyHwb9QzzXSIeVSthPUleSLCLuJfCCn6x-TnjplqKtuHI1TR-AfQ9pVr_TENJ8XSCal_ZO94dKXcFI-lHJG9f82XOlAPKtY-bFmlFei0Nt3z2MPBFpU/s1600/IMG_2455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6Tja4CEU31Oa9q7lV3yx3miTqyHwb9QzzXSIeVSthPUleSLCLuJfCCn6x-TnjplqKtuHI1TR-AfQ9pVr_TENJ8XSCal_ZO94dKXcFI-lHJG9f82XOlAPKtY-bFmlFei0Nt3z2MPBFpU/s320/IMG_2455.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Finally last week I came up with a solution of a 'temporary' digipeater OH2LAK-2 to put up to the tower. Well, it ended up being quite good looking setup, so it might not be temporary, only the callsign might. It might be easier to apply a real digipeater callsign for the long run.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2S0lP4twW5caapcuAaFepa1ylY1mPW4dIUAZq3_EP9kgX8dAk-1yn9c1ckX_vjHmC9OpuN1exu4YIg_uKnLIqSyj7Hkk9NIxi9F1NzOFOE3hK3oGx1YXacD8A8iZLsWg_fg4jPpyNZc/s1600/IMG_2430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2S0lP4twW5caapcuAaFepa1ylY1mPW4dIUAZq3_EP9kgX8dAk-1yn9c1ckX_vjHmC9OpuN1exu4YIg_uKnLIqSyj7Hkk9NIxi9F1NzOFOE3hK3oGx1YXacD8A8iZLsWg_fg4jPpyNZc/s320/IMG_2430.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The digipeater setup consists of a MDR VHF radio modem which is very famous in Finland for APRS which it's rewritten firmware<a href="http://wiki.ham.fi/Hamdr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> HaMDR</a>, the rack chassis is a controller chassis of another VHF base-station from Elektro-Arola. It featured a nice AC to 12V power supply, power switch and fuse panel, so it was a great choice for the digi.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNQTWSjNZqFgUYLg9I9fk_SxG1QzfcwcnYNJnqO_LCbx0-edsrwbCJuyr8apatBjleg8o-6vftFrhPwNdsgwdCDrG6BDCAsh-DJR7TijU7loQ5t21CZYE8gwcdwSluQ7GWiUgTMnC0zY/s1600/IMG_2433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNQTWSjNZqFgUYLg9I9fk_SxG1QzfcwcnYNJnqO_LCbx0-edsrwbCJuyr8apatBjleg8o-6vftFrhPwNdsgwdCDrG6BDCAsh-DJR7TijU7loQ5t21CZYE8gwcdwSluQ7GWiUgTMnC0zY/s320/IMG_2433.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
From old habit I equip all the things I build with a Cisco-style console port, so a RJ-45 jack. I have an endless supply of the blue RJ45-D9 cables, and it can be considered as some sort of a world standard. Below the console port jack there's a configuration switch, which enables the configuration mode during power-on for the HaMDR radio modem.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gMerk4Vp4YmgdCnWa_kMmQJ2yILzLIKhX-zJrryouK9o60LiDqxZ0Ntsj1DaITuvfbkOAPkcy4eWzvL7P_ZrC5VNzlZUKDE_5KpjGTI7amz6BAFaNlUltO06TTydzqn-_jJnddMRBq0/s1600/IMG_2449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gMerk4Vp4YmgdCnWa_kMmQJ2yILzLIKhX-zJrryouK9o60LiDqxZ0Ntsj1DaITuvfbkOAPkcy4eWzvL7P_ZrC5VNzlZUKDE_5KpjGTI7amz6BAFaNlUltO06TTydzqn-_jJnddMRBq0/s320/IMG_2449.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
We drove up to the Alhovuori site with Marko OH2BUF with clear plans to leave few hours after with a working digipeater running at the site. Alhovuori is a ski center, but during the summer season there are variety of activites around, which this time means horses. The very rough road up to the site which is next to the ski slopes, passed a grassland for horses which was fenced around. Luckily the fence could be opened to get through :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuH2J6pFfgx2JqUsU5SBBvl8BoRPe7YULd1iL4h_LOYlyja8z01yLUQ9YSOmnqzWqqgUyUVVexJlrrZRGX5y2xhKdqxM5BIl0-U1JhmKjs8aaMgdkW6s3ARqVgWAZnK3on35fIEEzD_E/s1600/POVI_Pusula_k21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuH2J6pFfgx2JqUsU5SBBvl8BoRPe7YULd1iL4h_LOYlyja8z01yLUQ9YSOmnqzWqqgUyUVVexJlrrZRGX5y2xhKdqxM5BIl0-U1JhmKjs8aaMgdkW6s3ARqVgWAZnK3on35fIEEzD_E/s320/POVI_Pusula_k21.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I knew that the very last POVI basestation would be waiting for us at the site. I felt quite nostalgic dismantling it from the chassis as it was truly the last of its kind, still installed and capable of operating and hooked to antennas. (I've listened quite much of the fellow policemen talking through this thing in the past!)<br />
Unfortunately the DC power feed to the base station was removed, so we could not check it's functionality any more :(<br />
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The digipeater sits nice on the same TELENOKIA rack cabinet, we also found by accident some spare front plates and filled the front of the rack with them, so the installation was even cleaner.</div>
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The antennas of the digipeater are the very topmost antennas, three dipoles on each side of the tower to create an omnidirectional radioation pattern. The antennas are sturdy Aerial Oy dipoles with a reflector grill, model <a href="http://www.aerial.fi/ep/tiedostot/aerial_vhf.pdf#page=26" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">AV1523-3</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwimIrmFlYu8Wj-hnQgDf9Gc97S4oGo60iGxCYIYQXrJ5p8k_H6qSi__g8BvF2WFGfg2vHQBsWDczdHthzEoh3WVHFue-zTM6-jv7GotMrfaDpVmRH_thkmXk8-4U-U4uYj9aa74aVFZU/s1600/IMG_2451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwimIrmFlYu8Wj-hnQgDf9Gc97S4oGo60iGxCYIYQXrJ5p8k_H6qSi__g8BvF2WFGfg2vHQBsWDczdHthzEoh3WVHFue-zTM6-jv7GotMrfaDpVmRH_thkmXk8-4U-U4uYj9aa74aVFZU/s200/IMG_2451.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6AGEhKc7GkP7gALZK0iZ8Iya7tfk7n8t-gaFz1M7kM9WCiSjYx-q0be-j35rmTwgB86Ybph69W3g84cEQ6IX-JITSTN7ELmeq8Y08jlhwWbRcSEbqP_19_6PY3qxs8kjYofThsbRkaBU/s1600/IMG_2454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6AGEhKc7GkP7gALZK0iZ8Iya7tfk7n8t-gaFz1M7kM9WCiSjYx-q0be-j35rmTwgB86Ybph69W3g84cEQ6IX-JITSTN7ELmeq8Y08jlhwWbRcSEbqP_19_6PY3qxs8kjYofThsbRkaBU/s200/IMG_2454.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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The <a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.ve2dbe.com/rmonline/user/oh2lak/covs/RMCCDE23B6C4E8_4.zip" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">computer model</a> of the expected coverage of the station using <a href="http://www.ve2dbe.com/rmonline.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radio Mobile Online</a> matches quite well the results <a href="http://aprs.fi/#!v=heard&call=a%2FOH2LAK-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">derived out by the APRS.fi system with the data of the actual traffic relayed through the particular station</a>. The digipeater itself is configured to relay packets only from a distance of 50km or less to avoid overlapping with other digipeaters. The tropo conditions experienced lately have made the OH2LAK-2 digipeater to be heard in Sweden though, so it is most probably a working setup by all means.</div>
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Erik Finskas OH2LAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079873310376968741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1487972703765135675.post-21765986378950692242013-07-18T02:34:00.000+03:002013-07-18T02:34:29.468+03:00Desperately seeking contact - Operating QRP HF from Aland IslandsDuring a holiday trip to Aland Island and <a href="http://goo.gl/maps/IZCAj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eckerö</a> to be precise, I tested what I've been thinking about for many years;<br />
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Operating HF using the barbed wire of the fence for the local animal park as antenna. The wire is long, isolated from the ground with wooden pillars, and post probably there's no pulsing electricity fed to the wire either.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvg2AhcZpqKKaC_LOZZPm1cz2HHYMJK13rgpeXxS6-zUczDvE21XHGKKk5UvTlg3zuoHOOJqVSeNfs9rnEpQzktUnYXqegayqQ3LZRL8AGqCDMrH4YXNUjEhkgMhlnSDnnMKClTmx78I/s1600/20130709_130202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvg2AhcZpqKKaC_LOZZPm1cz2HHYMJK13rgpeXxS6-zUczDvE21XHGKKk5UvTlg3zuoHOOJqVSeNfs9rnEpQzktUnYXqegayqQ3LZRL8AGqCDMrH4YXNUjEhkgMhlnSDnnMKClTmx78I/s320/20130709_130202.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_ZacX3ESlAdjK7rMnKcFCZq8v1H1ebF1CTJFf3lEVr7rUefDOxSerTM4fSi-_zImRFAniIzjew4uJNvWJA25WA5lm2v_9-QZ4s7EdBA_rESxtEoAgjVg8xeDosQiY_S59mqD-ufaJjk/s1600/20130709_130212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_ZacX3ESlAdjK7rMnKcFCZq8v1H1ebF1CTJFf3lEVr7rUefDOxSerTM4fSi-_zImRFAniIzjew4uJNvWJA25WA5lm2v_9-QZ4s7EdBA_rESxtEoAgjVg8xeDosQiY_S59mqD-ufaJjk/s320/20130709_130212.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I used the 'old' workhorse Yaesu FT-817 as the TRX. With internal battery pack it delivers about 2-3W RF output power. The balun is a 9:1 longwire balun built to a film canister.</div>
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The antenna was happily almost resonant on all HF bands, according to the FT-817 built-in SWR meter. I tried both lower and upper barbwires, the top one was not as good as the lower antenna, using which I worked few OH-hams on 3699 kHz.</div>
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So yes I admit, I do operate HF too. I enjoy mostly listening but sometimes it's advisable to say something.</div>
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<span id="goog_262120008"></span><span id="goog_262120009"></span><br />Erik Finskas OH2LAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079873310376968741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1487972703765135675.post-53723546475559436892012-11-06T01:15:00.000+02:002012-11-06T01:19:35.655+02:00Visiting Großer Feldberg repeater site near Frankfurt in Germany<a href="http://www.trg-radio.de/" target="_blank">Taunus Relaisgruppe</a> is an amateur radio association operating several VHF/UHF/SHF repeaters and beacons in the Frankfurt area in Germany. The repeater locations are very optimal and provide very respective radius for the repeaters. Feldberg is 890m above sealevel and very much above surrounding terrain in general and their repeaters can be hit 100km away with an handheld radio.<br />
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TRG operates all possible modes and technologies; FM, P25, D-STAR, DMR, POCSAG, packet radio , ATV etc. Internationally they are known for the 10m repeater DF0MOT which utilizes split site technology on two separate towers on Feldberg, RX on Kleiner Feldberg and TX on Großer Feldberg.<br />
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I have operated through TRG repeaters many times during my trips to Germany, and recently during a work trip to Germany I had extra time to visit Feldberg to see how the site actually looks like. I talked with Ralf DF2RK over their DMR repeater and he was able to give me a small tour also of the repeater site up in the hill. I was quite happy for that, it's always very nice to see installations like that to get ideas for our own systems!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Großer Feldberg communications towers, amateur radio antennas on the right side tower. 10m repeater TX antenna is located in the small tower in the lowest part of the building.</td></tr>
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As in everywhere, access to commercial sites has become more restricted and again here TRG is an great example where good relations and professional work combined provide possibility to have such of an site!<br />
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All repeaters are located up in the tower quite near the steel mast on top of the tower. Repeaters use sector antennas which provide good gain and possibility for direction-based voting if wanted (not done there)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOnwYCVyH72fNY1OTMQb9DwWsMLbFB4IZa5ERgOXpsSBL8WbKT56bS5KpTVW8VcfVP3LIVVEWHuGjB5w6ubdSj4GsuPFFs4BiIgmmUGbHOTUGxPUHOxZD3nlMVBEROy05Y1RylOvZ1jI/s1600/IMG_0967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOnwYCVyH72fNY1OTMQb9DwWsMLbFB4IZa5ERgOXpsSBL8WbKT56bS5KpTVW8VcfVP3LIVVEWHuGjB5w6ubdSj4GsuPFFs4BiIgmmUGbHOTUGxPUHOxZD3nlMVBEROy05Y1RylOvZ1jI/s200/IMG_0967.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAIQwCYxHIJta0uQg7I6gvYQd1obnxkyMKE91R91yuIOjay9Sb6tIqHdDsvcXQFSZR3G3uhIaoM5dLRY_13oLG3DCPje-pdWEAZj6OI1fGSyL5OOXHEjpymAFKXLJrUEvFfGwoITbnFg/s1600/IMG_0965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAIQwCYxHIJta0uQg7I6gvYQd1obnxkyMKE91R91yuIOjay9Sb6tIqHdDsvcXQFSZR3G3uhIaoM5dLRY_13oLG3DCPje-pdWEAZj6OI1fGSyL5OOXHEjpymAFKXLJrUEvFfGwoITbnFg/s200/IMG_0965.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIONyQc_l5XocGaAk_cMDM9NFsB6qcrLg8j43u3jaQphOrRitQdyjgOhAc1wwaQ9Zhj0PwUpemICCg2o5uC3hLA6QIOI7x2G2l_47CYnwWdAhioJ8LDMVCawa7-3apirtg6PZFrluAaA/s1600/IMG_0966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIONyQc_l5XocGaAk_cMDM9NFsB6qcrLg8j43u3jaQphOrRitQdyjgOhAc1wwaQ9Zhj0PwUpemICCg2o5uC3hLA6QIOI7x2G2l_47CYnwWdAhioJ8LDMVCawa7-3apirtg6PZFrluAaA/s200/IMG_0966.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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Repeater cabinet is filled with very familiar radios, Motorola UHF Quantar for both analog FM and P25 on 70cm. The APCO25 repeater has an second scanning receiver to create links to other P25 repeaters in the region. Using a scanning second receiver is quite ingenious method of linking P25 repeaters, which by other means would be very expensive as they were not really meant or priced for amateur community!</div>
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The D-STAR stack features an 70cm Digital Voice repeater and 23cm Digital Voice + Digital Data units. The repeaters belong to the US-Trust and run IRCddb so all the latest bells and whistles are in users disposal :)</div>
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On top of the stack there is a Motorola DR3000 70cm DMR repeater which is hooked to the worldwide DMR-MARC network.</div>
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The "indoor" antennas possible in the Feldberg-style towers are something special which we in Finland are unable to utilize as all communication towers are open-air sites and all antenna assemblies must be planned and build to be rugged and weatherproof. There are several antennas concealed in the wooden tower which is not only easy for maintenance but also enable also to use homebrew antennas as the antennas do not need to meet all possible commercial specs. There were several 23cm packet radio link antennas inside the building, and link antennas for the P25 repeater scanning receiver antennas towards the other P25 repeaters.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6iOZQTPvMv5Dw-nhztmGUsQoLwPVIuLXFugbLOehURF-d80OIZnrX9lb8dSE6EqQj-NENVmtrXJt4k0OEHVFbcJdu43Z5WbiZRRpmzQRvTH-QSqM0jjW7PZBndFQBJf5kGqR-wxL8fQ/s1600/IMG_0976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6iOZQTPvMv5Dw-nhztmGUsQoLwPVIuLXFugbLOehURF-d80OIZnrX9lb8dSE6EqQj-NENVmtrXJt4k0OEHVFbcJdu43Z5WbiZRRpmzQRvTH-QSqM0jjW7PZBndFQBJf5kGqR-wxL8fQ/s200/IMG_0976.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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TRG operates also many packet radio links which operate on 23cm band. There were several link stretches looking at remote packet radio nodes.</div>
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The day we visited the site was very windy and foggy, so it was not possible to visit the top of the tower but only have a quick look through the hatch how the things look like. I was quite sure the hatch would fly away, it was *that* windy :)</div>
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The red panel antennas just above the hatch are used by amateur radio, one "level" for RX and other for combined TX. Vertical antennas shown in the right picture are for D-STAR 23cm.</div>
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There was quite significant amount of Wimax and 5GHz Wi-Fi antennas also. No wonder that some local ISP providing wireless has spotted this site to be an optimal place for long-haul trunks :)</div>
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The installallations on Großer Feldberg are very professionally done and represent amateur radio engineering very well. Thanks Ralf for showing me around!</div>
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Erik Finskas OH2LAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079873310376968741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1487972703765135675.post-1384947710804265162012-09-10T20:49:00.000+03:002012-09-11T11:02:35.255+03:00Digital Ham Radio in Ham Radio Friedrichshafen 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUnhL6bWza8Y6e2jXfT-8PUpMbjBAnRPLXwRSlQMcuanrfa6m61nQ84LvFq8dS4xbeaxW0RGMvCZlqtSSxS9tjWGe31HUWB5EEo4IcWGOGW40oDVMWQ-h51crRFjC1MdtjOtLkLwNH2o/s1600/IMG_0515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUnhL6bWza8Y6e2jXfT-8PUpMbjBAnRPLXwRSlQMcuanrfa6m61nQ84LvFq8dS4xbeaxW0RGMvCZlqtSSxS9tjWGe31HUWB5EEo4IcWGOGW40oDVMWQ-h51crRFjC1MdtjOtLkLwNH2o/s200/IMG_0515.JPG" width="150" /></a>Digital ham radio was the theme for this year's Ham Radio fair in Friedrichshafen and I must say our activity group(s) fit to that picture very well. We have been operating digital modes as the pioneers in Finland. We operate D-STAR, P25 (APCO25), DMR, TETRA and few other non-voice digital modes like POCSAG :)<br />
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For the first time Ham Radio Friedrichshafen was equipped with both P25 and DMR repeaters and a frequency for TETRA operations on 70cm band was reserved!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade 70cm D-STAR repeater</td>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Motorola Quantar 70cm P25 repeater</td>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Icom 70cm D-STAR repeater & controller</td>
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There were substantially large crowd of people operating either D-STAR, P25 and/or DMR in the event, not that many fleamarket vendors selling that stuff unfortunately!<br />
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Jochen DL1YBL hosted a DMR meeting where the current situation of DMR in the ham radio world was updated and I had a small presentation of what we do. Presentation is available <a href="https://www.facebook.com/download/258684290898032/OHTRBO_Ham_Radio__2012.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> for download.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0Gl-BiiFx8eyjOiF4SPCl_klONt8MS5c3T9huRHMmtvIOt9q3dssyRgdau7VTmlem9E32qdFbndO8tpOlhMx2Ag9lE37YGjdNlHSWpXhfDdd0chfmV3i4f5LVAO676nVdxrmAgI92GU/s1600/45+Friedrichshafen+6-2012+Ektar100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="(c) Janne Pulkkila OH2HWH" border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0Gl-BiiFx8eyjOiF4SPCl_klONt8MS5c3T9huRHMmtvIOt9q3dssyRgdau7VTmlem9E32qdFbndO8tpOlhMx2Ag9lE37YGjdNlHSWpXhfDdd0chfmV3i4f5LVAO676nVdxrmAgI92GU/s200/45+Friedrichshafen+6-2012+Ektar100.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Digital guys; Niko OH2GEK & Erik OH2LAK</td></tr>
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The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/OHTRBO" target="_blank">OHTRBO</a> Group was represented in Friedrichshafen by Niko OH2GEK, Janne OH2HWH, Hessu OH7LZB and Erik OH2LAK. Rich N1OZ and Darren G7LWT were hanging around with us too, both operating DMR.<br />
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOzNlP14mvwDhaC4vuU9EfqNrIwb64sUk14ZJPGwZYl7Eb6RYZPzried3KGcAGGzfpq8okijfMAqvtdJgaRa1U6h_n_U562o1QDNRDf3CweypInF62thVROKScYtH9dRu3WYXuEjhIWk/s1600/IMG_0481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOzNlP14mvwDhaC4vuU9EfqNrIwb64sUk14ZJPGwZYl7Eb6RYZPzried3KGcAGGzfpq8okijfMAqvtdJgaRa1U6h_n_U562o1QDNRDf3CweypInF62thVROKScYtH9dRu3WYXuEjhIWk/s200/IMG_0481.JPG" width="200" /></a></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdlPUA6NyElt0-M2nu5BetCKbIo-5QqPRQ7F-_E_FHbuJoPN_93lBPvRgzJrZUk3kIdx61wYUZlxOXFffOS0ndEXQ3ZkgYRtEa6yIi4DG-waPQRk7m2m9-hlYmF9Cu3J0Oft34W5C2pM/s1600/IMG_0480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdlPUA6NyElt0-M2nu5BetCKbIo-5QqPRQ7F-_E_FHbuJoPN_93lBPvRgzJrZUk3kIdx61wYUZlxOXFffOS0ndEXQ3ZkgYRtEa6yIi4DG-waPQRk7m2m9-hlYmF9Cu3J0Oft34W5C2pM/s200/IMG_0480.JPG" width="150" /></a></td>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rich N1OZ and Darren G7LWT</td>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. LAM Communications,<br />
Michael DB5KN and Hessu OH7LZB</td>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Darren G7LWT with MotoTRBO</td></tr>
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Erik Finskas OH2LAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079873310376968741noreply@blogger.com0Friedrichshafen, Germany47.6617648 9.480011347.5762103 9.3220827999999987 47.7473193 9.6379398tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1487972703765135675.post-27454204542278271992012-09-10T20:00:00.001+03:002012-09-10T20:00:43.783+03:00Operating via aurora reflections on 6mAurora has been my favorite propagation mode always as I learned CW properly working via Aurora on 144 MHz. There's been not that much aurora conditions when I've been at the radio, and the remote operations which I do mostly these days has not changed that. Fortunately now and then I get to work some aurora contacts, have a look of one on 6m with OH2MA (Also another RemoteRig user!) with my remote setup. This also shows how well CW works with the remote system.<div>
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Erik Finskas OH2LAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079873310376968741noreply@blogger.com0Auringonkuja 2, 02210 Espoo, Finland60.1719036 24.729462360.1699291 24.724526800000003 60.1738781 24.7343978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1487972703765135675.post-68701387873090499982012-09-10T19:52:00.000+03:002012-09-10T20:01:09.824+03:00Updates to the remote stationsWhile it was good to have lots of radios at the remote site, I found the Icom IC-R7100 receiver doing nothing there as I've been generally too busy to do anything :)<br />
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Originally plan was to use the Icom IC-706MK2G as the main remote transceiver due to its superb remote touch-n-feel as the complete control head was at the remote site, just as it would control a local radio. Radio performance was not that fabulous and as I had my TS-2000X doing nothing, I decided to swap that radio to the remote site for VHF/UHF operations. In addition I got 23cm QRV too as I haven't been able to get the transverter up there either..<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RWr4Ai5heOUwm6zY2wtm3TU_18ndaq1qhcMrbRSu2h2H0CyQ9IMR3XoDBycxV70F3tdc9f97OmYkgSPjG5N4Bc3J0yFj2G44b9F8iM2SWDeJuiNNDxsQ6IOWUDStcChOboVVd4k0X90/s1600/IMG_2188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RWr4Ai5heOUwm6zY2wtm3TU_18ndaq1qhcMrbRSu2h2H0CyQ9IMR3XoDBycxV70F3tdc9f97OmYkgSPjG5N4Bc3J0yFj2G44b9F8iM2SWDeJuiNNDxsQ6IOWUDStcChOboVVd4k0X90/s320/IMG_2188.JPG" title="Remote setup in KP20IE" width="240" /></a></div>
The current remote setup features the Kenwood TS-2000X as the main transceiver for 6m, 2m, 70cm and 23cm. (Yes, I added a 6m 3-el yagi there too!)<br />
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In addition there is the Icom PC-R1000 receiver and a Funcubedongle SDR. Down below is a Icom ID-1 1.2GHz D-STAR transceiver for 1.2GHz data transfer tests.<br />
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The PC to drive the whole setup seems to be bit too slow (and I'm running out of USB ports) so I'm in progress of upgrading the PC. Looks like I really don't need other than Windows to control all I need so I most probably will drop the original idea to run a VMWare ESXi virtual platform and on top of it both Windows and Linux virtually.
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Operating the TS-2000X differs a bit from what I've been used to with the Kenwood TS-480 HF/6m remote and the Icom IC-706 as both radios have a full-size control head which can be used remotely. The Kenwood TS-2000X features only a mobile control head, which might be perfect for operating the radio mobile, but at home as the *main* control head it is bit too less. The mobile control head is the same as the APRS mobile radio TM-D700 so the touch-n-feel of a Big Rig is not there. The VFO wheel has clicks on it and its not bigger than the RIT knob on the real radio control head. I've been mostly operating the radio using the <a href="http://www.remoterig.com/wp/?page_id=28" target="_blank">Microbit RRCMicro PC-client</a> and Ham Radio Deluxe as the control end. It works, there's no touch-n-feel but I've got used to it and it is much less to carry along when travelling. Just a headset (which I need with my work stuff anyway) and the RRCmicro dongle which attachs to the USB port.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbFvpLGNKUzbXfZBa7ZpZRnZ1UIGhyphenhyphenhgDT_6u_gLqpD3p4Ha-eA_5Q74ksvboj8wyQ1gPM5sNiVfbL1zNMIi3yhfePTsX6f8UIKKv1mF3WT2KR_6k3HYKyZs57eO7MDpFVArngXIqeF4/s1600/IMG_2118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbFvpLGNKUzbXfZBa7ZpZRnZ1UIGhyphenhyphenhgDT_6u_gLqpD3p4Ha-eA_5Q74ksvboj8wyQ1gPM5sNiVfbL1zNMIi3yhfePTsX6f8UIKKv1mF3WT2KR_6k3HYKyZs57eO7MDpFVArngXIqeF4/s320/IMG_2118.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the two remote setups running from the annual summer meeting for the Finnish Radio Amateur League SRAL. Remote operations was demonstrated but few real QSO's were made too :)</div>
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On left the Kenwood TS-480 HF/6m remote setup and on right the Kenwood TS-2000X remote with the mobile control head. Can you spot the VFO wheel? :)</div>
<br />Erik Finskas OH2LAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079873310376968741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1487972703765135675.post-85140977771658418032011-11-25T02:05:00.001+02:002011-11-25T02:06:05.726+02:00New remote station ready for use!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Again a very long quiet period here but no worries, lots have been happening though I've felt there's really no time for anything. One very important thing has gained some attention and leaped a major step ahead before winter, that is the remote operations station on top of the tall house of the housing company where we used to live (that's news also since last writing, we've sold our flat and bought a house! :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rotatable VHF-UHF antenna setup of the new remote controlled station</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The VHF-UHF rotatable antenna array consists of a Tonna heavy-duty 9-element yagi for 144 MHz, a Tonna 21-element yagi for 432 MHz, Tonna 35-element yagi for 1296 MHz and a Aerial SBFA antenna modified to 2320 MHz. On very top of the tower there is a Diamond VX-4000 triband (144, 432 and 1296 MHz) vertical antenna.<br />
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The antenna setup has now been tested for real at least on ä144 and 432 MHz, as there was extremely good tropo conditions over the sea few weeks ago, and I operated very good contacts to the baltic countries, Czech republic, Denmark and Sweden with the new setup and I was extremely happy finally to take part to the sudden conditions enhancements.<br />
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I'm gathering a info web of the remote controlled station and I promise to publish more data and pictures of how everything is made. I might say it is quite handsom setup :)<br />
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There's also the stationary tower up at the roof which carries big wheel omni antennas for 144 and 432 MHz, 1296 MHz versio of the 'big' wheel is still unfinished as it requires some kind of radome, a discone for all-band monitoring and few microwave link antennas to connect Espoonlahti water tank, Juhanila TSF site and our new house to the network.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOUtftsFdg2XeWd8HFdSwRq83axm2psC7c_IzPXs24KYehnQV9KG_cBRBRRhOSzprkanmPlzoP3E1yTTG_Yb1BZm7WcOp7gaiyM-lY94QLrz10qx8G7XVla2z6qOP_GieAwnzgAIWAz8/s1600/IMG_0931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOUtftsFdg2XeWd8HFdSwRq83axm2psC7c_IzPXs24KYehnQV9KG_cBRBRRhOSzprkanmPlzoP3E1yTTG_Yb1BZm7WcOp7gaiyM-lY94QLrz10qx8G7XVla2z6qOP_GieAwnzgAIWAz8/s400/IMG_0931.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stationary tower up at the roof with general monitoring antennas<br />
and microwave antennas for internet connections</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgOFFo81oz4S36UUayEwVVCz_7QDqJK4pwXHogVjYhQMQPchJsBUyH3GfSjwvEtYf7A5WOGvfOBKSnGW-wbUzdh_M9sfBf57ikAF8Gw_2IFxOifh7qKLeIGUz5txCyrGW9lVRo-ja8RA/s1600/IMG_0756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgOFFo81oz4S36UUayEwVVCz_7QDqJK4pwXHogVjYhQMQPchJsBUyH3GfSjwvEtYf7A5WOGvfOBKSnGW-wbUzdh_M9sfBf57ikAF8Gw_2IFxOifh7qKLeIGUz5txCyrGW9lVRo-ja8RA/s320/IMG_0756.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remote switching cabinet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The actual radio hardware inside the elevator room has two cabinets, one for cable intake & shielding and the other is actually the radio cabinet. The upped cabinet has the coaxial cables from the antennas termnated to a lightning protector block (hopefully to protect radios at the cable end!) Next to the Yaesu G-1000C rotator is the <a href="http://www.remoterig.com/wp/?page_id=166" target="_blank">Microbit Webswitch</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: center;"> for remote antenna rotator setup an relay control. Plan is to make the radio equipment power supply to be remote controlled to wake up the station when needed.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzaWcQCwORtMvRhazLrriP7D3dRM0BaMhbEwLKQMiBSVBeFtjIs-jykv0CHsSn_1gtP4A7bS06JBF9C-foIottNBWzKshp4yV_SFXLvd58HEan9-vQQA_-DZWZkjzYwb0b6D9OTjvnB4/s1600/IMG_0761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzaWcQCwORtMvRhazLrriP7D3dRM0BaMhbEwLKQMiBSVBeFtjIs-jykv0CHsSn_1gtP4A7bS06JBF9C-foIottNBWzKshp4yV_SFXLvd58HEan9-vQQA_-DZWZkjzYwb0b6D9OTjvnB4/s320/IMG_0761.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: center;">The first phase of the remote operated equipment;</span><br />
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<ul><li>Icom IC-706 mk2 G for 144 and 432 MHz operations</li>
<li>Icom IC-R7100 + SDR-IQ</li>
<li>Icom PCR-1000 receiver</li>
<li>Funcubedongle Pro</li>
<li>PC running Windows XP to control the SDR's and to perform other tasks.</li>
</ul><div>I'm looking forward to replacing the IC-706 with Kenwood TS-2000 which I have in storage, but there are some restrictions how it should be used etc., the mobile control panel is a bit too small for full-feature HF+VHF+UHF flagship to operate.</div><div><br />
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</div>Erik Finskas OH2LAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079873310376968741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1487972703765135675.post-3310927612713924862011-05-18T00:36:00.001+03:002011-05-18T00:36:45.280+03:00Enroute to Dayton Hamvention!We are on our way to Dayton Hamvention with Hessu OH7LZB, writing this offline passing Greenland below us currently. Travelling there will use the well-tested scheme, so first fly to Dallas and then make a roadtrip to Dayton.. We actually fly via Chicago which is quite near to Dayton but going from there directly would make us miss a lot as the roadtrip is actually very fun, it's not just a thousand miles of road. I'm also eagerly waiting to see Rich and Cindy who kindly hosts us at their house in Dallas for few nights prior and after the roadtrip. It's been eight years from the last trip so we have a lot to catch up :) <br/> <br/> We met my friend Yevgeny UA3AMH at Helsinki airport and found out he is on his way to Dayton too by the same flight as we are. Yevgeny goes to Dayton to promote his business Radiall antennas and duplexers. <br/> <br/> I'm equipped with digital gear, both D-STAR and P25 and hope to see what are the latest inventions in the digital business. It was Hamvention which got me into P25 last time so it might be so again that this time some new technology will bite me, MotoTRBO maybe :) <br/> <br/> We are most propably trackable during the roadtrip as OH7LZB-9 at http://aprs.fi/oh7lzb-9<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8</div>Erik Finskas OH2LAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079873310376968741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1487972703765135675.post-50025943765930162402011-03-10T01:10:00.000+02:002011-03-10T01:10:35.129+02:0023cm D-STAR DV/DD repeater re-building moves on<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I did some hard work with the 23cm DV/DD radio units yesterday at <a href="http://oh2nrg.blogspot.com/">Kauniainen Radio Club</a> where I participated the weekly NAC contest by yelling comments to the radio shack from the workshop :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All three radio modules have now decent antenna connectors (SMA) and the previously loosely wired service (USB) interface and the control interface are now wired to a neat D9 connector. The DD transceiver unit had both TX and RX control lines wired out so I needed to go for a D15 connector. I actually thought using a D15 also for the DV transmitter and receiver units, it would give free pins to wire RSSI, PTT, discriminator output etc. to use the modules for analog FM also. I might do that if I just find information about the required lines!</div><br />
I was really surprised about the lossy and very low quality coaxial cable which was used in the original setup. The cable was not long but the connection to the chassis N-connector was quite HF-style I must admit. Now there's a SMA connector directly on the chassis which I consired well usable. Below is a close-up photo of the antenna connector revealing the details of such.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrpXzfGdnRny-clgtoWd_pmH44PjuSUU1AIv6PvytuZvYJRl7jixC7SNG_SGzjCrBCKN2jY2vGDcyDGFmkLsRFNM37IH98GEoTmXe7h_TrNx_gdChf4UXZlDqKQD1uztbwRtrk9mA0eQ/s1600/IMG_7147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrpXzfGdnRny-clgtoWd_pmH44PjuSUU1AIv6PvytuZvYJRl7jixC7SNG_SGzjCrBCKN2jY2vGDcyDGFmkLsRFNM37IH98GEoTmXe7h_TrNx_gdChf4UXZlDqKQD1uztbwRtrk9mA0eQ/s320/IMG_7147.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New SMA antenna connector replacing the coax pigtail<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Project still goes on, next step is to start making new cables between the radio modules and the integrated controller.Erik Finskas OH2LAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079873310376968741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1487972703765135675.post-90760360672383978592011-02-28T13:40:00.000+02:002012-09-10T20:01:34.358+03:00POCSAG project - simulcastingOne key element in paging is that it should cover a great geographical area with simultaneous transmission so that transmitters won't block or cancel each other. This technique was in use in the commercial paging network where some of the equipment used in our system originate, but we were dumb enough to discard all the material, equipment or even knowledge available when we got the transmitters. We were just looking at great PA's for 144 MHz, not actually paging transmitters where we ended up using them after a decade :)<br />
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The simulcasting technology is known and we know how we should do it, but as the infrastructure design differs quite much from the original network which was apparently synchronous till certain level, we need to do transmitter synchronizing differently. To enable simulcast, ie. multiple transmitters transmitting simultaneously on the same frequency, we need to achieve synchronization between the transmitters. Again, <a href="http://blog.aprs.fi/">Hessu OH7LZB</a> has done great job programming a PLL to the <a href="http://wiki.ham.fi/POCSAG_Encoder_and_modem">Arduino POCSAG encoder</a> interfacing the actual POCSAG transceiver to the host controller computer. The PLL will lock to the master transmitter's special preamble sequence to achieve phase lock with it and then send out the messages in synchronous manner. This design is planned geocraphically so that there is a master transmitter in the middle, surrounded by slave transmitters.<br />
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Last week at <a href="http://www.krk.fi/">Kauniainen Radio Club</a> weekly club meeting, the PLL was tested initially and results were promising, the PLL locked to the test transmitter as expected.Erik Finskas OH2LAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079873310376968741noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1487972703765135675.post-2341658064968471412011-02-12T00:43:00.000+02:002011-02-12T00:43:27.574+02:00Operating ham radio remotelyOne of my long-time interrests has been remote controlling ham radio equipment remotely, and I've been doing a lot of research on that side while helping Martti OH2BH with hes project of operating the contest station in Pusula from home in Espoo. The project has lasted over ten years and several different approaches to remote control has been crawled through.<br />
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Few years back, reading the swedish QTC magazine I found an article (or an advertisement) about new innovation, self-contained devices to be placed to control location and the remote radio location, which then would stretch the audio paths, PTT/CW signalling and control head data over IP network. I immediately ordered a pair of these <a href="http://www.remoterig.com/">RemoteRig</a> boxes to play with. When they arrived, I was very convinced that they were the ultimate solution for Martti's remote.<br />
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<a href="http://www.contestclubfinland.com/CCF/">CCF</a> / <a href="http://www.ohdxf.fi/">OHDXF</a> had a cruise meeting in January 2011, where I held a presentation about Martti's remote project. RemoteRig devices were there and Mike SM20, the author for the Remoterig devices held also a presentation about the technology and innovation of the RemoteRig devices. RemoteRig devices were demonstrated controlling a remote Yaesu FT-DX5000 at Arcala OH8X superstation with a local Yaesu FT-DX5000. Ultimate innovation by RemoteRig is that two Yaesu radio's can be remoted so that the control radio actually controls the remote radio by every knob and button, and remote S-meter and frequency/function display is showed in the local radio's display. Very cool!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JdkgI_l0pJY/TVW59FDjZkI/AAAAAAAAAYc/AEUjstxkBHY/s1600/OH2LAK_OH2BH-remote.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JdkgI_l0pJY/TVW59FDjZkI/AAAAAAAAAYc/AEUjstxkBHY/s400/OH2LAK_OH2BH-remote.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Yours trulu here giving the speech about Martti's remote station. The presentation is downloadable <a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/6072690/OH2BH_remote_by_OH2LAK_CCF-OHDXF_cruise_22.1.2011.pdf">here</a>. Below is a short video from the meeting, Martti operating OH8X remotely (docked to Stockholm harbour)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/h-fgIkfeu7M?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Erik Finskas OH2LAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079873310376968741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1487972703765135675.post-16220975587976545912011-02-10T00:39:00.000+02:002011-02-10T00:39:42.640+02:00And some D-STAR stuff again!A good time ago I received a Icom ID-RP1D/VS package from Jim N5MIJ to play with, and I have had it in my lab for a good time set up for some future interrest. Recently, a bunch of Icom ID-1 23cm D-STAR radios were offered for sale for a reasonable price, and I convinced fellow D-STAR entusiasts here that we need some radios as we do have a repeater. Only issue was to find a proper location for the repeater. The first generation repeater stuff is not packaged so that they would suffer in an outdoor cabined, although they are packed in a weather-proof looking chassis.<br />
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We took the radio's off the chassis to inspect how to re-build the setup so that we could fit everything important in to a (really) weatherproof casing and locate the repeater system to a high tower downtown Helsinki.<br />
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Finally I managed to start the recabling work on the radio units of the 23cm DV repeater (two boxes, TX and RX) and the 23cm DD data access point.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_cYYbROX4uLM/TVG7SGtkK4I/AAAAAAAAAXg/abt_IkGDDIc/s720/2011-02-08%2023.51.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_cYYbROX4uLM/TVG7SGtkK4I/AAAAAAAAAXg/abt_IkGDDIc/s320/2011-02-08%2023.51.32.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the 23cm DV repeater TX unit with new SMA antenna connector in place, replacing the lossy pigtail cable which originally fed the N-connector on the chassis. Also the service connector cables and Control I/O cables are now terminated to a D9 connector, much easier for maintenance and cabling in the cabinet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More details on this work will follow as it moves on. Next job is to modify the DV RX unit and DD accesspoint units accordingly and start planning how to fit them to the cabinet.</div>Erik Finskas OH2LAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079873310376968741noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1487972703765135675.post-83712767430477757252011-02-10T00:29:00.001+02:002011-02-10T00:42:39.051+02:00Quiet...<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">It's been quiet here. I haven't died or vanished :) I've just had too much to do and not had any interresting to write about. That might be false and I'm just lazy as lots of things have happened since may when I last reported our trip to the Nordic VHF-meeting in Denmark. The trip went well, as usual I took a lot of pictures;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://gallery.lakki.iki.fi/Nordic_VUSHF_meeting_2010_Denmark">http://gallery.lakki.iki.fi/Nordic_VUSHF_meeting_2010_Denmark</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Over the summer there was also the BIG event in Friedrichshafen, where from I planned to write something also but failed on that too. Sorry, as I had a great time and propably would have had something interresting to tell about the latest findings in the amateur world.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">However, I took a lot ot pictures there also :)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://gallery.lakki.iki.fi/Ham_Radio_Friedrichshafen_2010">http://gallery.lakki.iki.fi/Ham_Radio_Friedrichshafen_2010</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNVSkmOXTOA63Z0FMavHfGtfN9P0wgMgjBIU7RsARDezZLnyT0ZCSlQz1NbBcq6y7yqCSB9CXMVq8KFsY22ucEUBXk_LB7N3tqX7r-BDQwtXcq_BSrFyaFgwWXYHLZ3t3n_jfwGNqwD8/s1600/IMG_6033_001.sized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNVSkmOXTOA63Z0FMavHfGtfN9P0wgMgjBIU7RsARDezZLnyT0ZCSlQz1NbBcq6y7yqCSB9CXMVq8KFsY22ucEUBXk_LB7N3tqX7r-BDQwtXcq_BSrFyaFgwWXYHLZ3t3n_jfwGNqwD8/s320/IMG_6033_001.sized.jpg" width="240" /></a>The finnish annual meeting was held in June. It was very hot and we had a great meeting. I was not able to attend the meeting fully, but I visited few times. First time was to build up the temporary repeaters for the meeting and second time was to give a speech about them :) Setup being temporary is quite massive, as you can see!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Here's the setup:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">2m / 70cm / 23cm FM repeaters controlled by <a href="http://cqinet.sourceforge.net/">TheLinkBox</a> linux repeater controller. All repeaters were linked to the national IP radio network <a href="http://r.net.rats.fi/">R.Net</a>. That time, R.Net had the following coverage with 7 linked repeaters. Currently there's even few more active repeaters in the west coast, and more is coming</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj242nijFM96MCnYBTsDHTtQuLM-G-fjh-pHMLHo6CYrPNrwucbGzeTvWdiR9HFA2GFVKCo5moIKW_D9v3bmZIzqO-PchT1xkU-Z8_sP5zZAOdNBaKVtSjiGG_LdwklrqaLEFoTtf7oqt4/s1600/leiritoistimet-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj242nijFM96MCnYBTsDHTtQuLM-G-fjh-pHMLHo6CYrPNrwucbGzeTvWdiR9HFA2GFVKCo5moIKW_D9v3bmZIzqO-PchT1xkU-Z8_sP5zZAOdNBaKVtSjiGG_LdwklrqaLEFoTtf7oqt4/s320/leiritoistimet-3.jpg" width="313" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Later in the autumn, I visited the <a href="http://www.nationalhamfest.org.uk/">RSGB National Hamfest</a> near Lincoln. It was truly an interresting trip. I flew to Manchester, rented a car and drove about 150 km to Lincoln in the nighttime to get to my guesthouse. First time ever in a car with right-side steering!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So there I was. At the wrong side of the car, at the wrong side of the road, and it was dark. I managed to reach my destination, an excellent Bed-And-Breakfast house only ten minutes drive from the showground. I highly recommend <a href="http://www.gablesguesthouse.com/">The Gables Guesthouse</a> if you happen to be around. Excellent and kind owners ready to help with even strange questions (You wouldn't have a spare UK mains plug? :) ), nice rooms and very good breakfast.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And of course, some pictures from the trip;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://gallery.lakki.iki.fi/RSGB_National_Hamfest_2010">http://gallery.lakki.iki.fi/RSGB_National_Hamfest_2010</a></div>Erik Finskas OH2LAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079873310376968741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1487972703765135675.post-37773585492217669082010-05-29T02:21:00.001+03:002011-05-18T00:38:22.681+03:00First day at the VUSHF-meeting, sunshine and pouring rainWell, we arrived to the meeting place at the picturesque Island of Møn. During the day before arriving to the meeting we had travelled from Gremersdorf in Germany via Puttgarden-Rødby ferry to Denmark, and searched for few vital things en-route to the meeting; Grill coal and cash.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVPTAMHPDJgEWOqp4ndsD7Kf1demK3YBIuC70WafpFtJWFLIG3wxzHibr14Mp4cVmNXY8lhqKnO0lVw5xenTgmnfzM_Z2CyJ4NbzSO_ydV7tQ42C1cjkZuqZq4HxBhwkD7YV7r4qMrkQ/s1600/IMG_5121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVPTAMHPDJgEWOqp4ndsD7Kf1demK3YBIuC70WafpFtJWFLIG3wxzHibr14Mp4cVmNXY8lhqKnO0lVw5xenTgmnfzM_Z2CyJ4NbzSO_ydV7tQ42C1cjkZuqZq4HxBhwkD7YV7r4qMrkQ/s320/IMG_5121.JPG" /></a></div><br />
First things first, I opened the fleamarket from the trunk of my car even before I had laid suitcases to the sleeping quarters :) Shortly it started to really pour rain, it was so good that we had the marquee with us!<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8</div>Erik Finskas OH2LAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079873310376968741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1487972703765135675.post-91920232991278528272010-05-28T01:05:00.000+03:002010-05-28T01:05:05.758+03:00Enroute to the Nordic VHF-UHF-SHF-meeting in Denmark!It's time again for the annual Nordic VHF-UHF-SHF-meeting, organized this year in <a href="http://www.vushf.dk/nordic/VUSHF2010/">Denmark by EDR</a>. We took this year a ferry to Germany instead of driving through Sweden. The ferry trip was quite fantastic, very different from the ferry trips between Finland and Sweden added with the drive-through of Sweden, which we have done *many* times. <a href="http://www.finnlines.com/index.php/passenger_fin/reitit_ja_aikataulut">Finnlines</a> runs brand new Star-class cargo/passenger vessels between Helsinki and Travemunde. They can take up to 500 passengers in addition to the huge amount of cargo (containers and trucks etc)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1wuzkOMLnE1eiDXJk_Jb7jsS2K6-tNR04hq06kpdYaqWOFwJKZSeq23mmSEMfHKNJe8MKJK125Hv7QTJ4LTFpkOf5Gv3EN734PT51Uz1TAixSySTjO33P4D69h8RB0ZkOgYY-dt2458/s1600/27052010153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1wuzkOMLnE1eiDXJk_Jb7jsS2K6-tNR04hq06kpdYaqWOFwJKZSeq23mmSEMfHKNJe8MKJK125Hv7QTJ4LTFpkOf5Gv3EN734PT51Uz1TAixSySTjO33P4D69h8RB0ZkOgYY-dt2458/s320/27052010153.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We just arrived to our overnight location in Gremersdorf, Germany, and continue tomorrow to Denmark over the Puttgarden-Rödby ferry.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoO-C4IaahodgG-kDcLR6nkY0wXOptcT5wLIhI0S5h1q0bkXy8lti2YhO_ZnlVkcLqmQqTgNRF049ZuXNCJKEVuNDNs8ihYffCBQGNJNfOISGZNqdL7bIYdVyt3BLPA8F_HYgLMYUWPBA/s1600/27052010157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoO-C4IaahodgG-kDcLR6nkY0wXOptcT5wLIhI0S5h1q0bkXy8lti2YhO_ZnlVkcLqmQqTgNRF049ZuXNCJKEVuNDNs8ihYffCBQGNJNfOISGZNqdL7bIYdVyt3BLPA8F_HYgLMYUWPBA/s320/27052010157.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Our fleet consists of four cars and nine hams; Juha OH1JA, Memma OH1EG, Rami OH2LIY, Toni OH2LNM, Veli-Matti OH7VM, Marko OH8WM, Jouni OH2BZP, Tapio OH2TH and myself.<br />
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My car can be tracked over APRS using <a href="http://aprs.fi/?call=oh2lak-9">this link</a>Erik Finskas OH2LAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079873310376968741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1487972703765135675.post-2229381422464952402010-04-28T13:30:00.004+03:002010-04-28T13:35:16.672+03:00200 W paging transmitter usability increased with Arduino..Hessu OH7LZB, a key player in the POCSAG project, has done again wonderful work to get the 200 W paging transmitters running. (We set the transmitters aside from the dismantling of the commercial paging network)<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">The paging transmitters have a controller card which we are not currently using due to lack of documentation how to interface to it. Arduino comes to rescue, and acts like a interface between the paging network client and the transmitter. See the video below!</div><br />
<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/N4vyAdpsD1M&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/N4vyAdpsD1M&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
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The Arduino board sits on a interface PCB which is pressed to the controller board connector on the transmitter.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixExMHTv8Y9bCLN-hl_j38vmqkM5DdPSkB-JFRETMPTSEbC74Dt7hSzWwp0v66A-6Pz45NEJ-ftLor-aRv_HmKZUcCFggfAM5xb-wZEyOegyXJMFOHN6D1vB_t43iVy8dqvdiTG7G2QcI/s1600/1283058e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixExMHTv8Y9bCLN-hl_j38vmqkM5DdPSkB-JFRETMPTSEbC74Dt7hSzWwp0v66A-6Pz45NEJ-ftLor-aRv_HmKZUcCFggfAM5xb-wZEyOegyXJMFOHN6D1vB_t43iVy8dqvdiTG7G2QcI/s320/1283058e.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We are planning to replace the test transmitter at Haukilahti water tank with the 200 W Tecnomen Hi-Q transmitter with the Arduino interface. The following chart resembles the coverage area with the current 20 W transmitter (dark green) and the new 200 W transmitter (light green).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZyX9cnsusPhtyaOHQvvFe2DwyoUVapKJQY3Vb-kKbYKifBJdhFUJBV-GztRcL3JdoE3PQQHBXQnaFJcgIBSUVZcQ_CT4oSMvKastlLmVmJ6xqzY5nW5566AT7Aato3D0W5X08OhMWVg/s1600/POCSAG_Haukilahti_VT_20W_vs_200W.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZyX9cnsusPhtyaOHQvvFe2DwyoUVapKJQY3Vb-kKbYKifBJdhFUJBV-GztRcL3JdoE3PQQHBXQnaFJcgIBSUVZcQ_CT4oSMvKastlLmVmJ6xqzY5nW5566AT7Aato3D0W5X08OhMWVg/s400/POCSAG_Haukilahti_VT_20W_vs_200W.gif" width="400" /></a></div>Erik Finskas OH2LAKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079873310376968741noreply@blogger.com2