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  • [Hackaday] Four Band Digital HF SDR Transceiver Offers High Performance

    From Hackaday via rec.radio.amateur.mode@21:1/5 to All on Thu Dec 9 01:15:07 2021
    XPost: rec.radio.amateur.moderated

    amateur radio - Hackaday

    ///////////////////////////////////////////
    Four Band Digital HF SDR Transceiver Offers High Performance for Only $60

    Posted: 08 Dec 2021 04:00 AM PST https://hackaday.com/2021/12/08/four-band-digital-hf-sdr-transceiver-offers-high-performance-for-only-60/


    Amateur radio is a hobby that is often thought of as being exclusive to
    those with a healthy expendable income. In recent years however, the tides
    have turned. Cheap microcontrollers and signal generators have helped
    turned things around, and the $60 USD QDX from QRP Labs goes even further
    by sending the performance/price ratio through the roof. You can see more details in the video below the break.

    The QDX is the creation of [Hans Summers] who is well known for producing affordable high performance amateur radio kits that are focused on low
    power transmission, called QRP in ham radio parlance. What is it? Its a
    pocket sized four band (80, 40, 30, 20 Meters) software defined radio (SDR) that is designed to be used with some of the most popular digital radio
    modes: FT8 and JS8Call, as well as any other FSK based mode such as RTTY.
    Its also been tested to work well (and within spec) on 60 Meters.

    While classic radios have to be connected to a computer through a special hardware interface, the QDX is designed to connect directly to a computer through a standard USB A>B cable. CAT control, PTT, and Audio are all
    handled directly by the QDX, and no special interface is needed. While the radio is essentially plug and play, configuration, testing, and
    troubleshooting can be done by connecting to the QDXs unique serial
    console, which among other things contains a text based waterfall. For
    those who want to run their own SDR receiver, I/Q output can be sent
    directly through the sound card.

    Now for the bad news: due to global chip shortages, the QDX is out of stock
    at the moment, and theres no telling when they might start shipping again.
    QRP Labs is looking to source parts wherever they can to get more of the
    units made, but of course, so is everyone else right now.

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