[DSP-10] VK3CV 122-GHz (2.5mm) Transceiver + Redesign of DSP-10 RF-hardware

[Bob Larkin]

Hi Doug,

It is great to hear of your thoughts for the DSP-10 relative to the 122 
GHz projects.  Makes sense to me!  The 122 GHz board/Antenna is a neat 
project---wish I had time for it!

Just a couple of comments. I have been working on several elements that 
are directed towards new DSP hardware/software  for  DSP-10 or DSP-10 
like hardware.

First the control box
http://www.janbob.com/electron/SDR_Ctrl1/SDR_Ctrl1.html
That predates the Teensy 4.x, but that is a detail.  The 4.1 can be 
rewired easily.  I also think the DSP-10 can run under the Teensy 3.6. 
This would allow both a stand-alone control and PC control at the basic 
level.

Then, on the software front, I have been working with Chip Audette to 
redo the OpenAudio_ArduinoLibrary
https://github.com/chipaudette/OpenAudio_ArduinoLibrary
to get bugs out, make everything Teensy 4.x compatible and to add all 
the necessary Classes to support a DSP-10 or others of that type.  That 
work should be ready for release in a few days, although some 
functionality may be missing. This is active as of now (for that reason 
the OpenAudio has a note on it about "don't use").

Other folks are pursuing other DSP hardware, as well, and more options 
are better.

Finally, the hardware of the DSP-10 needs a redo.  The block diagram is 
not clear. The big issue is that every high resolution LO comes with a 
bunch of birdies. Fractional N, DDS, hybrids all have these issues, as I 
can see.  The *OLD* DSP-10 LO system had much, much less birdie problem, 
and I can't see giving that up!!  Ideas?

That is it in a nut shell.

Bob  W7PUA


On 6/26/20 9:15 AM, Doug Yuill wrote:
> Greetings from Smiths Falls Ontario,
> 
> I hope everyone is playing safe and unaffected by the pandemic.
> Remember, Amateur Radio is the original form of (safe) Social Networking!
> 
> The VK3CV (Andrew Anderson) 122-GHz Transceiver
> <https://www.dropbox.com/sh/32iznukohqnpjsz/AAABv0Y5OMHjqbQWZTNozYPAa/As%20Easy%20as%20122GHz%2020_07_2019%20%28Compressed%20images%29.pdf?dl=0>
> for the 2.5mm band, described at the link below, may be of interest to
> other TAPR DSP-10 users.
> 
> https://www.dropbox.com/sh/32iznukohqnpjsz/AAABv0Y5OMHjqbQWZTNozYPAa/As%20Easy%20as%20122GHz%2020_07_2019%20%28Compressed%20images%29.pdf?dl=0
> 
> A reliable source has indicated that the DSP-10 software may have been
> ported to the Teensy <https://www.pjrc.com/teensy/>, using the Audio
> Adaptor Board <https://www.pjrc.com/store/teensy3_audio.html> to form the
> basis of a standalone SDR. As the VK3CV transceiver has an I/Q spigot,
> marrying the two would be a match made in heaven!
> 
> Q1: The DSP-10 15-Khz IF, doesn't appear to use a Tayloe quadrature mixer.
> While the hardware should be easy to form, how much software rework would
> be required?
> 
> Q2: Is there any interest in redesigning the DSP-10 2-metre RF-hardware
> with the objective of simplifying and compactifying the design?
> 
> In support of such an endeavor, I couldn't help but notice this sexy
> looking SAW filter for the 2-metre amateur band: Microsaw OY M333-145M1
> <http://www.microsaw.fi/pdf/saw-filter/145-mhz/M333-145M1.pdf>
> 
> I mention this idea because there's almost no new transceivers available on
> the market for 2-metres, that aren't designed for FM only. A handheld 2m
> transceiver for weak-signals could fill an otherwise empty market niche,
> and would appeal to the growing number of Hams interested in portable and
> SOTA operations.  Is this a project TAPR would consider sponsoring a design
> competition for?
> 
> I expect to finish assembling and testing my Veteran-SDR over the next
> couple of months. If I also manage to finish my HF antenna projects, I'll
> get a Teensy 4.1 <https://www.pjrc.com/teensy-4-1-released/> and explore
> geting my feet wet by using it to replace the native EZ-Kit Lite DSP in the
> DSP-10.
> 
> If I'm good, maybe Santa will bring me a VK3CV 122-GHz Transceiver for xmas
> too?
> 
> The future is already here, it's just not evenly distributed! :-)
> 
> 73's everyone,
> de VE3OCU
> 
> --dy +1 613-366-9690 (VoIP)
> ****************************
> Doug Yuill; My greatest learning lies ahead.
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