View source for A complete HPSDR transceiver

An example a '''complete HPSDR transceiver''' using the [[MERCURY|Mercury]], [[PENELOPE|Penelope]], and [[OZY|Ozy]] boards and other available hardware and software. It concludes with test measurements that compare the finished transceiver to other commercially available high end transceivers.

By Ron Cox, W9KFB (with help from the HPSDR group who made all this possible)

=== Specifications ===

The goal was to build and operate the Highest Performance Amateur Radio Transceiver that can be assembled using components documented on this wiki. Specifically in one case/enclosure, the following is expected:

A totally integrated transceiver with an integrated computer, audio amplifier, speaker, HPSDR components, and 10 to 50 watts of power output. Not included would be the keyboard, mouse, flat panel screen, and antenna tuner. You could compare the proposed rig to commercial rigs such as the Flex 3000, TS-B2000, FT-2000, FT-950, or Ten Tec Pegasus. The transceiver must be mechanically and electrically secure so that one would not hesitate to take one to a field day exercise or a DXpedition as a primary rig.

=== Enclosure ===
[[Image:IMG 1217.jpg|thumb|300px| Rear view of case prepared for installation of HPSDR components]]
It may be possible to build the rig I have in mind in the HPSDR's Pandora's box. I think it is very possible to do so if you are using a laptop computer can keep the RF powerout requirements to that needed for narrow band modes such as PSK31 and CW. I am building such a rig, but two other rigs I have built came closer to meeting the specifications above and I think with this experience, I can meet the goals set. 

The following information on the Antec New Solutions Case was taken from their web site at [http://www.antec.com/Believe_it/product.php?id=MzI=]. In looking for a good case to build a transceiver that meets the specifications above and that allows you to access and modify the circuitry with out getting in the way, I found that this case meets most of my requirements and delivers many unexpected bonus features.
The specific Antec case is called a model NSK2480 in the "New Solutions Series". Here are the main selling points that I like about this case and power supply combo that sells for under $100 USD at most internet suppliers that carry the case:

==== Power Supply ====

* The power supply is acoustically Quiet and highly efficient. [[Image:IMG 1224.jpg|thumb|300px| The 80 PLUS® Certified EarthWatts 380W power supply]]
* The 80 PLUS® Certified EarthWatts 380W power supply is also very quiet electrically and has no detectable switching power supply signals. If any spurious signals are detected in testing, we will eliminate them using clamp-on ferrites.
* Universal input (100 - 240 volts  at 6 Amps with 50 or 60Hz). This power supply must power all the HPSDR components that we put in this case to accommodate all the components.

==== Case Structure ====

* 0.8 mm cold-rolled steel construction
* Triple-chamber structure to isolate power supply and amplifier heat for cooler & quieter operation
* 4 Drive Bays are used for HPSDR components, no optical or hard drives will be mounted here

The internal HDD trays are removed to allow room for HPSDR components (see photo).

* 4 Expansion Slots - Only two will be usable as expansion slots because we will only use a Mini-ITX motherboard
* Front-mounted ports for easy mike and earphone connections: 2 x USB 2.0 (example: Griffin Knob and/or USB DSP headset); Audio in and out (analog mike and headset)

* Unit Dimensions: 5.5" (H) x 17.5" (W) x 16.3" (D); 13.97cm (H) x 44.5cm (W) x 41.4cm (D)
The height of the enclosure makes it possible to mount the HPSDR Atlas, Mercury, Ozy and Penelope boards.

==== Cooling Design ====

* Advanced cooling system: 2 sidemounted 120 mm TriCool™ 3-speed fans

The fans really only cool one of the three chambers, the one with,the computer mounted in it, but they are very low noise when set at low or medium speeds.


=== Motherboard Selection ===
[[Image:Last Import-0.jpg|thumb|300px| The intel DQ45EK Mini IPX Board ]]
From experience building several HPSDR transceivers in these cases, I have found that all is needed is a small footprint Mini IPX motherboard. No extra I/O cards are required and using SATA drives exclusively enable us to use such a small motherboard. I just ordered the motherboard for this project from newegg.com and the cost was $129.99 USD plus $6.98 USD for shipping. You can find information on the motherboard, intel Desktop Board DQ45EK, at this website. [http://www.intel.com/products/desktop/motherboards/DQ45EK/DQ45EK-overview.htm]