Difference between revisions of "WA3TFS SDR Upverter Design"

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SDR up-converter/receiver provides excellent performance over an extreme frequency range.
+
[[file:WA3TFS_Upverter_P1874-720px.jpg]]
  
 +
== Features ==
 +
 +
SDR up-converter/receiver shifts HF (0-30 MHz) frequencies up by 100 MHz. Used to listen to HF frequencies on an inexpensive RTL-SDR module.
 +
 +
* $55
 +
** Purchased at [https://www.facebook.com/w3pie W3PIE] hamfest
 +
** [https://044640f.netsolhost.com/ Can be ordered as PCB, Kit, or assembled]
 +
* [https://www.minicircuits.com/pdfs/SBL-1+.pdf SBL-1 Level 7 mixer]
 +
* 100 MHz can oscillator
 +
* Low pass filter
 +
** 35 MHz
 
* [https://044640f.netsolhost.com/ 1 kHz to 1.7 GHz SDR Receiver] - WA3TFS Design
 
* [https://044640f.netsolhost.com/ 1 kHz to 1.7 GHz SDR Receiver] - WA3TFS Design
 
** [https://rest.edit.site/filestorage-api-service/23f1203e3bd4a6128459f208dcf16362/forkiin-sdr-qst-article.pdf?dl=1 QST Article]
 
** [https://rest.edit.site/filestorage-api-service/23f1203e3bd4a6128459f208dcf16362/forkiin-sdr-qst-article.pdf?dl=1 QST Article]
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** [https://static-cdn.edit.site/users-files/e5b0fbd1d917fc766cf2197693d69209/bill-of-material-sdr-rev-1-3.pdf?dl=1 Parts List]
 
** [https://static-cdn.edit.site/users-files/e5b0fbd1d917fc766cf2197693d69209/bill-of-material-sdr-rev-1-3.pdf?dl=1 Parts List]
 
** [https://static-cdn.edit.site/users-files/21f2eeabc8074f4bc64a7b350b8b52e1/pcb_r11.jpg?dl=1 Layout]
 
** [https://static-cdn.edit.site/users-files/21f2eeabc8074f4bc64a7b350b8b52e1/pcb_r11.jpg?dl=1 Layout]
 +
 +
=== Schematic ===
 +
 +
[[file:WA3TFS_Upverter_Schematic.PNG]]
 +
 +
=== Pass Filter ===
 +
 +
* 9 turns on FT37-2 = 0.3 uH
 +
 +
[[file:WA3TFS_Upverter_Inductor.PNG]]
 +
 +
* LTSpice Simulation
 +
** 1-100 MHz
 +
 +
[[file:WA3TFS_Upverter_Pass_Filter.PNG]]
 +
 +
* LTSpice Simulation
 +
** 1MHz-1GHz
 +
 +
[[file:WA3TFS_Upverter_Pass_Filter_1MHz-to-1GHz.PNG]]
  
 
== Software ==
 
== Software ==
  
 +
* [https://www.rtl-sdr.com/ RTL-SDR]
 
* [http://hdsdr.de/ HDSDR] - Easier to use
 
* [http://hdsdr.de/ HDSDR] - Easier to use
 
* [https://airspy.com/download/ SDR Sharp] - Crashier
 
* [https://airspy.com/download/ SDR Sharp] - Crashier
 +
 +
== Build ==
 +
 +
* Nice silver mica caps for the band pass filter
 +
** My kit was missing the center cap of the band pass filter (150 pF)
 +
** I used a junk box ceramic disc cap
 +
* 30pF cap installed in J_A to J_B marked 300
 +
* Build was too tough due to very small pads on the PCB
 +
** Particularly tough to solder ground pads
 +
** Pad shapes were not round so less area to set soldering iron
 +
* Is LO drive more than 7 dBm?
 +
* Pin 1 orientations on the mixer and oscillator "backwards" from other board legends
 +
** Pin 1 shown in red circle
 +
 +
[[file:WA3TFS_Upverter_pcb_r11.jpg]]
 +
 +
=== RTL-SDR ===
 +
 +
* [https://www.rtl-sdr.com/buy-rtl-sdr-dvb-t-dongles/ RTL-SDR DONGLES (RTL2832U)] - rtl-sdr.com site
 +
** [https://www.rtl-sdr.com/rtl-sdr-quick-start-guide/ RTL-SDR Quick Start Guide]
 +
* <1 PPM temperature compensated oscillator (TCXO)
 +
** Accurate tuning and almost zero temperature drift (2 PPM max. initial offset, 0.5-1 PPM temperature drift)
 +
** SMA female antenna port
 +
** Generic dongles use the less common MCX or PAL antenna ports
 +
** SMA is more common, so more adapters and antennas are available for it
 +
** It is also more durable and has lower RF insertion losses
 +
* 4.5V USB powered bias tee
 +
** This allows the RTL-SDR to power low noise amplifiers (like the LNA4ALL, HABAMP, RTL-SDR Blog ADS-B LNA) and active antennas through the coax cable
 +
** Can be enabled in software (see V3 users guide).
 +
* Aluminium case and passive cooling
 +
** These units come stock with an aluminum case and passive cooling via a silicon thermal pad
 +
** This stops reception failing due to heat when used above ~1.2 GHz
 +
* Improved Antennas
 +
** We provide an excellent dipole antenna starter kit for newbies
 +
** Use the included mounts and extension cable to mount the dipole in good position for optimal reception
 +
** Receives terrestrial and VHF satellite signals
 +
* Various additional improvements compared to other RTL-SDRs
 +
** R820T2 tuner, higher quality passive components, a choke on the USB line to reduce USB noise, a much improved PCB design for significantly less internal spurs and noise, various break-out pads, improved ESD protection, additional bypass capacitors and ferrite power line chokes, improved front end matching circuit, a modified power design for improved long term reliability, and a better LDO.
 +
 +
[[file:RTL-SDR_improvements_v3new800x800.jpg]]
 +
 +
==== RTL-SDR V3 - HF Direct Sampling Mode ====
 +
 +
* There is a built in 25 MHz low pass filter, but additional HF filters may be required for optimal performance (e.g. to attenuate strong MW AM)
 +
* RTL-SDR V3 can listen to 500 kHz-28.8 MHz with direct sampling
 +
** [https://www.rtl-sdr.com/rtl-sdr-blog-v-3-dongles-user-guide/  Direct Sampling HF Mode]
 +
* Simply connect an HF antenna to the SMA port, and choose the Q-branch mode
 +
** Press gear icon at top of SDRShArp to set mode to Direct sampling (Q Branch)
 +
*** Radio must be "stopped"
 +
 +
[[file:RTL-SDR_Q-branch.png]]
 +
 +
* Short video showing this
 +
 +
<video type="youtube">I6Kh9A1Nd_s</video>
 +
 +
* Error "1 compatible devices have been found but are all busy"
 +
** Happens after Windows updates driver
 +
** Rerun Zadig.exe and load device
 +
 +
=== Wiring ===
 +
 +
* SPDT switch
 +
** One switch pole powers the card (turns off 12V)
 +
** Other switch pole switched in/out the Upverter
 +
** Could just move the cable
 +
 +
[[file:WA3TFS_Upverter_Wiring.PNG]]
  
 
== Enclosure ==
 
== Enclosure ==
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* Board fits perfectly in
 
* Board fits perfectly in
 
** [https://www.adafruit.com/product/2230 Extruded Aluminum Enclosure Box - 94mm x 83mm x 30mm]
 
** [https://www.adafruit.com/product/2230 Extruded Aluminum Enclosure Box - 94mm x 83mm x 30mm]
 +
** Card just perfectly matches
  
−
[[file:Adafruit_2230-00.jpg]]
+
[[file:WA3TFS_Upverter_P1878-720px.jpg]]
  
−
[[file:2230-03.jpg]]
+
[[file:WA3TFS_Upverter_P1880-720px.jpg]]
  
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== Build ==
+
== Alternate Designs ==
 +
 
 +
* Cheaper/Better options
 +
* [https://www.amazon.com/NooElec-Ham-Up-v1-3-Upconverter/dp/B009LQT3G6/ref=sr_1_13?dchild=1&keywords=rtl-sdr&qid=1634230894&sr=8-13 Ham It Up]
 +
** $39.95
 +
* [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076CYH6NL/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B076CYH6NL&pd_rd_w=bGmJ9&pf_rd_p=887084a2-5c34-4113-a4f8-b7947847c308&pd_rd_wg=ziW2h&pf_rd_r=72Y8ND4NJT5B0AXPGBQS&pd_rd_r=7754890a-00c0-4d4e-9a64-e3e2b79d566f&smid=A2JO7YP9I9Y3D6&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyU0dMNjZPODdVNlhFJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUExMDI5OTcyMTI4TUxaMDFYWU1WSCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzUxMTU2MU1GMlUwQTZWS0hGRyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbCZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU= Ham It Up Plus]
 +
** $49.95
 +
 
 +
[[file:HamItUp_Better_720px.jpg]]
 +
 
 +
== Videos by others ==
 +
 
 +
<video type="youtube">I6Kh9A1Nd_s</video>
  
−
* Nice silver mica caps
+
<video type="youtube">XeQnDpzhcRo</video>
−
* Real SBL-1 mixer
 
−
* Build was tough due to very small pads on the PCB
 
−
** Particularly tough to solder ground pads
 
−
** Pad shapes were not round so less area to set soldering iron
 
−
* Pin 1 orientations on the mixer and oscillator "backwards" from other board legends
 
−
* My kit was missing the center cap of the band filter (150 pF)
 

Latest revision as of 16:50, 21 November 2021

WA3TFS Upverter P1874-720px.jpg

Features

SDR up-converter/receiver shifts HF (0-30 MHz) frequencies up by 100 MHz. Used to listen to HF frequencies on an inexpensive RTL-SDR module.

Schematic

WA3TFS Upverter Schematic.PNG

Pass Filter

  • 9 turns on FT37-2 = 0.3 uH

WA3TFS Upverter Inductor.PNG

  • LTSpice Simulation
    • 1-100 MHz

WA3TFS Upverter Pass Filter.PNG

  • LTSpice Simulation
    • 1MHz-1GHz

WA3TFS Upverter Pass Filter 1MHz-to-1GHz.PNG

Software

Build

  • Nice silver mica caps for the band pass filter
    • My kit was missing the center cap of the band pass filter (150 pF)
    • I used a junk box ceramic disc cap
  • 30pF cap installed in J_A to J_B marked 300
  • Build was too tough due to very small pads on the PCB
    • Particularly tough to solder ground pads
    • Pad shapes were not round so less area to set soldering iron
  • Is LO drive more than 7 dBm?
  • Pin 1 orientations on the mixer and oscillator "backwards" from other board legends
    • Pin 1 shown in red circle

WA3TFS Upverter pcb r11.jpg

RTL-SDR

  • RTL-SDR DONGLES (RTL2832U) - rtl-sdr.com site
  • <1 PPM temperature compensated oscillator (TCXO)
    • Accurate tuning and almost zero temperature drift (2 PPM max. initial offset, 0.5-1 PPM temperature drift)
    • SMA female antenna port
    • Generic dongles use the less common MCX or PAL antenna ports
    • SMA is more common, so more adapters and antennas are available for it
    • It is also more durable and has lower RF insertion losses
  • 4.5V USB powered bias tee
    • This allows the RTL-SDR to power low noise amplifiers (like the LNA4ALL, HABAMP, RTL-SDR Blog ADS-B LNA) and active antennas through the coax cable
    • Can be enabled in software (see V3 users guide).
  • Aluminium case and passive cooling
    • These units come stock with an aluminum case and passive cooling via a silicon thermal pad
    • This stops reception failing due to heat when used above ~1.2 GHz
  • Improved Antennas
    • We provide an excellent dipole antenna starter kit for newbies
    • Use the included mounts and extension cable to mount the dipole in good position for optimal reception
    • Receives terrestrial and VHF satellite signals
  • Various additional improvements compared to other RTL-SDRs
    • R820T2 tuner, higher quality passive components, a choke on the USB line to reduce USB noise, a much improved PCB design for significantly less internal spurs and noise, various break-out pads, improved ESD protection, additional bypass capacitors and ferrite power line chokes, improved front end matching circuit, a modified power design for improved long term reliability, and a better LDO.

RTL-SDR improvements v3new800x800.jpg

RTL-SDR V3 - HF Direct Sampling Mode

  • There is a built in 25 MHz low pass filter, but additional HF filters may be required for optimal performance (e.g. to attenuate strong MW AM)
  • RTL-SDR V3 can listen to 500 kHz-28.8 MHz with direct sampling
  • Simply connect an HF antenna to the SMA port, and choose the Q-branch mode
    • Press gear icon at top of SDRShArp to set mode to Direct sampling (Q Branch)
      • Radio must be "stopped"

RTL-SDR Q-branch.png

  • Short video showing this

  • Error "1 compatible devices have been found but are all busy"
    • Happens after Windows updates driver
    • Rerun Zadig.exe and load device

Wiring

  • SPDT switch
    • One switch pole powers the card (turns off 12V)
    • Other switch pole switched in/out the Upverter
    • Could just move the cable

WA3TFS Upverter Wiring.PNG

Enclosure

WA3TFS Upverter P1878-720px.jpg

WA3TFS Upverter P1880-720px.jpg

Alternate Designs

HamItUp Better 720px.jpg

Videos by others

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