[DSP-10] Another DSP-10 now Operative

[Don Jackson (AE5K)]

Thanks Roger KA7EXM, Bob W7PUA and Jimmy W7CQ for the replies to my 
query a few days ago -- my DSP-10 is now fully operative as far as I 
can tell.  I had my first two QSOs on it during the checkout, one on 
FM and another on SSB.  Then I had my wife, W5CSJ, operate it from 
homebase (using an old Ringo Ranger up 18 ft. and a length of very 
old coax) while I drove to a point about 4 miles away, very much NON 
line of sight and got good reception of the 20mw at that distance 
with the mobile rig and with the DSP-10 receiving the mobile signal 
perfectly.

The hints, tips, and problems others have had and solved via this 
reflector and several websites all helped.

Now, I'm still trying to figure out everything all the keyboard 
commands can do.  Been fun using the summary sheet to try almost 
everything.  Next project is the 8 watt brickette.

Just a tip for those who have not built their DSP-10 yet ... in 
mounting the TUF-1 U15 on the bottom side of the board (per Bob's 
modification instructions), carefully take note that the leads should 
be bent at right angle to the body to allow laying it on its side.  I 
neglected to see those few words "pins bent at right angles" until 
after I had mounted the part.  At that point it is next to impossible 
to remove, so I left it inserted straight, but then ran into problems 
with the spacers below the board.  They needed a couple washers to 
increase that space to allow for matching the addition space taken up 
by the TUF-1.  That, in turn, required shortening the spacers between 
the board and the DSP case since the cover would not fit on the 
Hammond enclosure :-)   Live and learn I guess.  No other mistakes.

I have found that a very strong signal on FM will prevent any audio.  
In my case, my 5 watt HT even a 100 ft. away seemed too strong.  My 
40 watt mobile was too strong within about 1/4 mile away.  Is this 
normal operation?

I also found a fairly strong "birdie?" (did not change when antenna 
disconnected) around 147.470 when testing (we use 147.465 for local 
simplex).

All in all, looks like what I have thought all along ... a very nice 
transceiver to use as a basis to build upon for weak signal and other 
work.  A lot of work to build, but worth it -- and fun.

I'll be sending some pictures to Beb in a few days.

Thanks again Bob, W7PUA, for making this design, the software, and 
everything else you have provided, available so freely.

73,
Don AE5K