[K3PZN-List] Technical Project Idea - Maybe - PSK31+CW Rig - Schematic Found

[Curt Milton]

I had just about given up the vision of kitting a low cost QRP rig that members (and prospective members, particularly youth) could build (or we build for them) that would do both PSK-31 (primary function) and CW (secondary function) -- PSK of course occurs at set frequencies, and a few kHz of QSY is sane for minimal CW capability.  a few watts can communicate effectively on these modes, and the power supply could be simple!  

Warbler is around $60 and does PSK-31 only on 80m.  We would need to be lower cost and/or dual function to be interesting.  Warblers often have a long lead time .... 

I discovered this simple PSK rig posted by KD1JV, well known rig designer:

http://kd1jv.qrpradio.com/PSKTX/SIMPLEPSKTX.HTM

The rig has its quirks -- like requiring user to operate on a fixed PSK31 freq -- maybe this could be remedied by a VXO ?  

Essentially all the stuff is here also for a CW transmitter, and a receiver -- but some ability to QSY (tune) a little is required.  

Rig could be simpler if designed for 80m operation ?  That would eliminate one of the SA612 mixers (it is used to mix two xtals to get to 20 meters).  

If anyone wants to use their technical skills, join me in analyzing this circuit to see if we could refine it into a 'beginner rig.'  I see PSK-31 as a critical requirement, and useful as a first-mode for a new ham.  

If a rig emerges, we could consider kitting a decent sized lot and building a couple extras that could serve as gifts (or discounted) to youth?  That is if we can develop a useful low cost rig ??

Definitely we should explore best band to implement a simple rig with available (cheap) crystals - maybe i shouldn't throw out the second SA612 so quickly!  VXO using one of the xtals might be the trick?  

If this idea is sound (or we come up with a different approach), a big if, I would hope to form a small design team amongst us to make it happen.  Yes if we are onto something, Steve KD1JV certainly could be enlisted to review our thoughts.  

Reviewers - look for holes in my logic, challenges, and something might emerge.