/TrekBuddy

CW QRP transceiver

TrekBuddy

CW QRP transceiver

There is no perfect transceiver for an amateur radio, otherwise we should have as many radio models as amateurs around the world. Also electronic part becomes more and more hard to build for elmers in their workshops. I would to create device that maybe is not the simplest one but gives a lot of flexibility, software is open and well-described, which makes it easy to adapt to your own needs even for non-programmers.

Assumptions :

  1. Modern receiver - QCX style a. most of procects base on NE602 IC that a not good choice in modern days b. QCX is lack of AGC - SSM2165 as AGC control ciquit idea
    c. Low pass filter MAX7400 ?
  2. PA in D class - like in QCX/uSDX - DL2MAN board 5 or 8 bands as reference ???
  3. 5 bands 80-60-40-30-20 - or any other
  4. Good keyer -becasue this is CW only radio (on transmit) should have good Iambic B keyer
  5. Audio recorder onboard - often we dont have anything to make note in field audio recorder is nice addon
  6. Optional GPS - for time synchronisation and position readout (POTA/SOTA)
  7. Digital part can be used with any oter project as syntheizer/controller
  8. Some popular easy to buy enclousure (most projects do not care about this part)
  9. Manipulation elements (buttons. vfo/multifunction knob) should have low profile to avoid damage when putting them in and out from pocket - MRP121 touch ??
  10. SSB reception
  11. This should be as number 1 - software fully avialable as OpenSource to give opportunity to enable the further development of the project ar align to own needs
  12. Raspberry Pi Pico - softaware in Python ?

Milestones

  1. Use QCX as base, remove original uC and use connect TrekBuddy instead - DONE (second hand QCX+ for 20$ :-) )
  2. Make receiver operational - sytheiser should give 2 signals 90 degree shifted
  3. Make audio recorder operational
  4. Make TX operation with stright key
  5. Add DL2MAN board, add 5 band capability and make them operational
  6. Make keyer part operational - as minimum IAMBIC B
  7. GPS capability - to synchronize time and get position/GRID for SOTA/POTA/WWFF activations

Worklog 2021-08-13 - QCX+ assembled and align https://photos.app.goo.gl/6mqfNLwnRvLMUszh9