mcHF transceiver

Some years ago the mcHF transceiver kit was launched by M0NKA. Since then it has been "cloned" and has been sold as the RS918. Whilst I think the design credit should go to M0NKA, I have some sympathy for those who did not want to buy the kit or were unable to build one.

This video is of the cloned radio. For the price it is good value. It is still sold. The original mcHF is also sold in the USA only as an assembled unit.

OV140 German SDR project

This started from the mcHF project and is an open source software and hardware project from Germany. When it is ready, it should be a very interesting SDR transceiver covering up to 2m with 75W. It is expected to be low cost.

See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tdi0wjO1UwM&feature=youtu.be&t=11282

RS-918 and mcHF SDR transceivers

This rig is a Chinese rip-off of the mcHF rig that was designed by a UK amateur, M0NKA. Kits for the mcHF are available, but the RS-918 is available ready built. It has been getting good reviews on eham (last time I looked 4.8/5 on eham). Sadly, the UK amateur did not register the design, so has no come-back. Having said that, I suspect the Chinese would have ripped it off anyway!

See http://www.m0nka.co.uk/ for the original design.

See  https://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/13489 for the review of the Chinese clone.

mcHF clones

There has been quite a bit of interest in this HF transceiver project. At one time MLS was going to sell a Chinese clone, but had second thoughts. You can buy this Chinese clone direct from China. It is much less than the FT817/818.

There is a German derivative coming called the OV140. At the time of writing, kits are not yet available. This is open source hardware and software. It looks like this will be good when it comes.

See https://www.amateurfunk-sulingen.de/projects/ovi40-sdr#start

See also http://www.m0nka.co.uk/

mcHF clone RS-918

The mcHF-QRP rig clone is being sold by XBS Telecom for 585 euros or less. As this is within the EU, no additional VAT needs to be added, I think. This is a nominal 5W SDR HF rig. If my reading is correct, this includes a 2 year warranty.

You may recall that MLS was going to sell this until it found the Chinese "rip off" had not been agreed with the originator.

See https://www.xbstelecom.eu/shop/en/sdr-100-digital/392-recent-rs-918-ssb-hf-qrp-15w.html

mcHF transceiver

Graham G8NWC has brought this QRP transceiver (the mcHF) to my attention.

See http://www.m0nka.co.uk/ .  It is described as a small and inexpensive homebrew HF transceiver.  Features (as listed on Chris M0NKA's website):

• Standalone and compact embedded transceiver
• Operates on USB, LSB, AM and CW
• Large 2.8 inch color LCD
• Four encoders and 17 buttons for easier operation
• Fast and fully electronic RX/TX switching
• Two USB ports – for PC control and external keyboard
• Two temperature compensated oscillators/clocks makes it ideal for digital modes
• Four digital filters – 1.8kHz, 2.6kHz, 3.6kHz and 10kHz
• Built in Iambic Keyer that supports Mode A and Mode B
• Large 48kHz spectrum display