Glenn PCB's for PICaSTAR
This page updated November 18, 2008:- front panel page added.
Nov 8th, 2008: CODEC and Picnmix Version "B" info added
5th Nov, Builders Pics: PICATUNE added
021008 BOM updated for Panel #1 (link to Panel #1 below)
ATTENTION !
(disclaimer)
The information on these pages is of a general nature and is provided in good faith, but no guarantees are made of it's accuracy or completeness. (Feedback of course, is welcome)
The information has NOT been endorsed or verified by the original designer of PICaSTAR or of any other PCB's that may be contained here.
A project of this kind is intended only for constructors with experience building equipment of similar complexity. These pages are general in nature and are not a substitute for good practice, nor is success guaranteed.
The information here is not intended to be a complete constructors guide.
This is NOT a kit !
This page is for the "Glenn PCB's" made in October 2007, Feb 2008 & April 2008
for builders of a PICaSTAR transceiver.
It's purpose is to provide support documentation where it varies from the official documentation.
All PCB's are based on or are very similar to the originals by Peter, G3XJP.
Panel #1 is 407 x 255mm in size and contains all but the Rx BPF and Tx LPF.
Panel #2 is 410 x 255mm in size and contains BPF plus a 150W PA, LPF and some "bonus" PCB's.
I am indebted to:-
Peter (G3XJP) the architect of STAR, for allowing me to make these PCB's for STAR builders.
Steve (G6ALU) for the use of his 20W pep amplifier and Matrix/Audio amp designs.
Harold (W4ZCB) for use of his beeper schematic which is now a PCB on panel #1
Chris S. for many long hours spent assisting me with the design and drawings for these PCB's.
For the BPF panel, (Panel #2, PA and LPF) thanks to Steve, G6ALU and Ray, G4TZR
And to my XYL who has put up with my long hours doing this !
This is Panel #1 of STAR PCB's referred to in these pages. NOTE: No LPF or BPF is included but see "Panel #2" link below for details of these PCB's.
The VK3PE front panel, click to enlarge.
(has error in mode text, to be fixed)
Panel was colour Laser printed onto adhesive backed Polyester material.
See NEW PAGE for front panel ideas. 12th Nov 2008
Due to the amount of information,
I have now split the information pages into......
Panel #1 info here.
&
Panel #2 info here.
GROUP BUYS:-
30th Oct Last group buy of PCB's have arrived and all posted in early November.
Packing of #2 panels Oct 2008.
There is a slight chance I could do another group buy of Panel #1 if 20 people are interested. No costing available as yet as it's subject to numbers and especially the exchange rate in these turbulent financial times.
** PICaTUNE Panels **
PCB's above are NOT to scale. Logic panel is smaller.
14th October. Ordered last batch of Picatune boards.
The PCB's have arrived (29th October.) and were shipped on 3rd Nov, 2008.
Email me: glennp @ bigpond.net.au (remove the spaces around the @ symbol)
Check page for regular updates >> Picatune Web page is here.
Original Documentation and software by G3XJP is on the new "picaproject" Yahoo group.
(after the 31st, Aug, 2008, you will need to E-mail Peter directly, to join) {refer to QRZ.COM for email}
PICASTAR
Links to Integration, front panel drawings etc.
Current Melbourne time is :-
Builders pictures.
~15 'finished' STARS using these PCB's, so far ! (250908)
Send me your build pictures.
See STAR Builders Pictures here. Check for updates !
NEW 1st Nov 2008 See PICATUNE Builders Pictures here. Check for updates
11th Dec 07 Paul, G4WJH, had his 1st QSO with his new STAR, built from this panel ! Well done Paul.
30th Mar, 08, Yours truly, VK3PE, made his 1st QSO with STAR, on 80M
March 2008, Paul, M1PVC's very nice build added.
May 2008, Elia sent some pictures of his near finished STAR
July 25th, 2008, Paul M1PVC, now has his STAR on air !
Nov 1st 2008 Calvin M1EPM's Picatune (home brew pcb's) EXCELLENT!
And also his PICASTAR (click
to enlarge picture)
9th August, update
for Paul's STAR and H/B power supply.
Aug 12, 2008 Dave, VK3DSB now has his STAR on air also.
20th Aug 2008 Bob, 5B4AGN, fittingly, has his 2nd STAR up and running with the 1st 20M QSO to G3XJP
Russ's STAR . Interesting graphical display. Check builders link above.
The VK3PE build. Mostly mechanical pictures.
Make your own Opto Wheel LINK UPDATED 230708
For all that may be interested, Tom, AB9B has just released a freeware program called 'Codewheel' that facilitates generating codewheels for the construction of rotary encoders.
It is downloadable at the following web page (along with a lot of info on decoding quadrature encoders): Download it here -Ray WB6TPU
RS232
This is the method I have used to switch the RS232 between the DSP and PnM using a toggle switch. It is not an approved modification.
Alex, AI2Q, has done a similar thing: http://home.roadrunner.com/~alexmm/images/STAR_2_RS-232_switch.jpg updated 2nd Oct 2008
All wiring should be shielded.
Alternate LPF
For a 20W PA, this LPF could also be used, although it might be better to go for Ray's, in case you up the power level !
Tx Low pass filter board. I recently purchased a CDG2000 LPF pcb. 3rd Dec 2007
Kyneton Hamfest and meeting of VK STAR builders !
Paul, VK3XDE, gave an excellent mini-lecture on PICASTAR at the Kyneton Hamfest (VK3) 10th Feb 2008.
Some pictures of PCB's on Panel #2.
BPF and 150W PA amp.
Picture of G6ALU PA to right.
Chris C. has done some work on an Avago™ encoder using a small PIC. See details here. No PCB available for this.
090408 I have now mocked this up after Chris kindly sent me a programmed PIC™ and it's looking good in initial tests with a Logic Probe.
100408 Hooked up to Avago encoder and working fine on Scope. ~16uS pulses and direction Hi/Lo ok.
My email address is
glennp @ bigpond.net.au (remove the spaces either side of "@") :You will need to enter this into your email client.
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From 19th Nov 2007 (230)
Under Construction ! Last updated:- November 18, 2008