A complete HPSDR transceiver in a Pandora Box
The goal with this project was to assemble a complete 100 Watt 160 to 6 meter HPSDR rig using available HPSDR components. The computer and power supply were not included because a HPSDR station could be mobile operating from the vehicle's battery and controlled by a high end lap top computer. At the W9KFB shack this rig is powered by an Astron RS-35M power supply and the computer used has an Intel Core2 Quad CPU Q8200 2.32 GHz. 3.24 GB of RAM with Physical Address Extension. The operating system is Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Version 2002 with Service Pack 3. PowerSDR version 1.19.3 is used to demonstrate that version's built-in support of the Hercules 100 Watt Amplifier. Also note that CW operations are aided by using K1EL's Winkeyer USB.
A list of all HPSDR components follows with the source web addresses:
Pandora Enclosure Kit TAPR
LPU Kit(Low Power Power Supply Unit) TAPR
6 slot Atlas Mother Board Kit TAPR
Mercury Receiver Board (assembled and tested)TAPR
Magister (Ozy) (assembled and tested) TAPR
Excalibur Kit TAPR
Antenna Switch with ribbon cable, ribbon cable connectors, 6 meter LNA, and metal enclosure (version 3 fits in 2 Atlas slots)(assembled and tested) NT-Electronics
Penelope transmitter board (assembled and tested) NT-Electronics
Hercules 100 Watt Amplifier with Monitor board (partial kit) NT-Electronics
Antec 3 speed fan Fry's Electronics
For software see PowerSDR Software installation information published in this Wiki.
Construction notes:
1. Put an RFI clamp-on choke on the 25 pin ribbon cable between the antenna switch and Penelope and between Penelope and Hercules.
2. Use two pairs of Anderson power poles for the 12 volt input connectors. Use of only one pair will cause a measurable voltage drop at full power output. You may want to consider the installation of a separate connector for the high current requirement of Hercules (25 Amperes). A front mounted power switch would be a welcome addition to the rig.
