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N2CHX
08-25-2013, 08:48 PM
My Softrock Ensemble RXTX is done. With a few mods and custom cabling. I had some issues with the Si570 chip, but I got those resolved and it works quite well. I had to hack some software in Linux Mint as well.

The setup so far i

* Ensemble RXTX SDR transceiver set up for 40/30/20
* Homebrew Low-pass filter with bypass switch.
* Audio cables, including stereo to mono 1/8" with 35 dB pad for connecting output of SDR processing software to mic input for FLDigi.
* Custom compiled Quisk SDR processor software
* FlDigi multimode transceiver software
* compiled usbsoftrock USB si570 controller driver
* MFJ tuner
* 33 foot longwire antenna for test.

The plan is to put up a permanent antenna and add a home brew VSWR meter to the low pass filter. It receives quite nicely, now that I have the Quisk software and audio drivers tweaked. I tested it into a 50 ohm load made from two 100 ohm resistors and looked at the waveform with a scope and the transmit waveform looks great but I haven't yet tried to make a contact with it.

This has been my project this week, which was perfect because it kept me sane and away from news, Facebook and other related assholery during this trippy week that brought bigots and assholes out of the woodwork everywhere. I have been happily oblivious to pretty much everything.

N2CHX
08-25-2013, 08:49 PM
1052910530

N2CHX
08-25-2013, 08:50 PM
1053210533

KC2UGV
08-25-2013, 08:50 PM
So....

How does it work? Well, not good, good, great, piss poor?

N2CHX
08-25-2013, 08:51 PM
1053410535

N2CHX
08-25-2013, 08:52 PM
So....

How does it work? Well, not good, good, great, piss poor?


It receives quite nicely, now that I have the Quisk software and audio drivers tweaked. I tested it into a 50 ohm load made from two 100 ohm resistors and looked at the waveform with a scope and the transmit waveform looks great but I haven't yet tried to make a contact with it.

:)

K7SGJ
08-25-2013, 09:07 PM
Happiness is building a kit. Keeps you focused on having fun.

mw0uzo
08-26-2013, 02:45 PM
Great :) Nice work through the linux side of things too, I have yet to do it with the softrock Ensemble II RX I built.

VK3ZL
08-27-2013, 02:34 AM
Looks good Kelli..I havn't ventured into solid state yet..Many of my ham friends are using SDR receivers though..For me it will probably never happen unless the supply of tubes dries up..I could never get my mind around technology after the 1940's :ashamed:

Bob..VK3ZL..