[Heathkit] SS-9000 Controller Circuit Card

[Rob Doyle]

I obtained a non-working SS-9000 on E-bay for dirt cheap with a 
massively broken Controller Circuit Card.

Instead of investing my time and money in obsolete and possibly 
unobtainable computer parts from the 1980s, I've created a
replacement circuit card that will drop in the same location and mate 
with the same connectors.

The new card uses a single AVR processor.  In addition to the standard 
RS-232 port for remote tuning, I've added a USB port which
can also be used for code loading.  I had a couple of circuit cards
made for me by Express PCB.

The display software, front panel interface software, synthesizer 
tuning software, memory software, A/B VFO software is all completed 
and works in receive mode really nicely.

I've not yet debugged the code that transitions the unit to transmit 
mode.  I don't even know if the transmitter works, or not.

I've also not implemented any of the remote tuning software.  I was 
thinking that I'd be better off implementing my Kenwood TS-570 
protocol than the original Heath protocol with would add some 
compatibility with Ham Radio Deluxe or such PC software.

So - the questions -

Is an SS-9000 so special that I should spend the time an find the 
correct replacement parts, or is this a practical solution to a real 
problem?

Does any body else need a SS-9000 Controller Circuit Card?  I could 
make the design information available.  Input from others might steer
where this goes from here.

Thanks in advance.

Rob Doyle
WA3TGF
radioengr at gmail dot com