Roger,
This is a project we've been working together with Willoh (LW3DYL) which fits partially into your quest for an extremely low cost and easy to build rig ("UKP 20 decent HF...") although not using the low tech approach but the other way around.The design is still being debugged and more simplifications will be attempted (such as a more simpler TR/RX switch and eliminate the 7474 based quadrature filter replacing it by an RC approach. The net result should be a one IC and 4 transistors design plus PA final.The design uses an USB power source (out of an inexpensive cell phone switching power supply or straight out of the USB port at the PC) having 0.5W with it; more like 1W with +12V.Main software platform will be a modified version of KGKSDR. Main use should be CW or SSB although no reason why not to use it with PSK or FreeDV or WSPR.Should fit on a (small) pocket.Main limitation so far is available time from the builders to devote to the project.73 de Pedro LU7HZ
Dr. Pedro E. Colla
Va.Belgrano-Ciudad de Cordoba
Cordoba- Argentina"La vida no es esperar a que pase la tormenta, es aprender a bailar bajo la lluvia". Anonimo
14 Jun 2013
Low costs SSB "Pixie" from Argentina
Pedro LU7HZ has sent me an update on work in Argentina on a low cost approach to an HF QRP SSB transceiver using very few parts. Basically they are using simple electronics coupled with an SDR approach to the modulation and demodulation process. My own approach would be the fully low tech approach (for a CW/DSB rig) but Pedro's approach is innovative and worth watching. I hope he produces kits or, at the least, documentation to allow others to duplicate the idea as it comes to fruition.
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The 74HC4066 quad bilateral switch used in the "Low Cost SSB Pixie" is a poor choice in my opinion. You will be lucky to operate above 40m with that part. At similar cost use the FST3253 instead. It will give you versions of the radio that work through 10m. Also, at near zero cost, I would add a small "gimmick" cap across the crystal that allows you to tune it to a precise frequency.
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