Reviews For: DX-FT8
Category: QRP Radios (5 watts or less)
eMail Subscription
Registered users are allowed to subscribe to specific review topics and receive eMail notifications when new reviews are posted.
DX-FT8
DX FT8 TRANSCEIVER PROJECT is a collaboration between Charles (Charley Hill, W5BAA and Barbaros (Barb) Asuroglu, WB2CBA and Kitted by Kees Talen, K5BCQ (with acknowledgement to Joe Taylor, K1JT for his work with 'Weak Signal' Communications (WSJT-X) and the creation of 'amateur-radio' software permitting computer-generated digital-signal exchanges. The "DX FT8" transceiver is coded quite differently from the conventional 'forks' of FT8 and is the 'brain-child' of the talented Charles Hill, W5BAA.
DX FT8 is an OPEN SOURCE PROJECT.
DX FT8 is a Digital mode capable HF QRPp GUI (Graphical User Interface) based multiband Transceiver, presently covering 5 Bands - 20, 15, 17, 12 and 10m (FT8 Only)
(The adopted name DX FT8 is abbreviation for Digital Xceiver for FT8).
The radio is based upon the STM32 Development Board (which does the heavy lifting!) and WB2CBA's RF Deck (populated RF Board) While all the (Open Source) 'build information' for DX FT8 is available via WB2CBA's Github Page (Google it) a partial-kit is being offered by Kees, K5BCQ - other parts (like the STM32 Board are available from Digikey or similar.
Building the radio:
The Kit goes together really fast and requires some soldering of headers and switches and power connector - average build time is just over an hour!
The radio is programmed using STMLink (a utility that accesses various board features) and simply involves downloading the DX FT8 firmware and installing it on the STM32 board.
Full 'step-by-step' build and programming is covered in the manual on WB2CBA's Github Page!
The build involves adding the parts, sandwiching the two bards together, powering up the STM32 and programming it, to be rewarded by a fully functional FT8 Radio that requires NO PC, can operate off 5V or 12V and sports a touchscreen!!
In operation there are two modes BEACON which automatically calls CQ and answers caller - similar to WSJTX - and QSO Mode:
Beacon mode fascinating - as it seems like the radio TAKES OVER YOUR SHACK - DOESNT WANT YOU THERE - almost like a "licensed XYL" commandeering your station and not letting you play with your radios - sending you off to make coffee!
In QSO mode, 'you are the boss again' and you can choose who you respond to or what signal exchange to send!
As DX FT8 has no operating system, uploading Logs is not as easy. The Daily Log is kept on TF-SDCARD (on the STM32 Board) and needs to be removed and accessed via your logging program! - I use QRZ, so I put the card in my laptop when I get home and upload the (by date) ADIF file. Given the small form-factor (5 x 3 x 1.5") and no PC requirement, its a minor thing that can probably lend itself to future automation?
The total price is around $US130 and in Canada about $180.
Summary:
This is an innovative radio, lending itself to extreme-portability (think Power-Bank and a hamstik?) providing 'on the fly' QSO's for travelers and campers!
Ordering information is available on WB2CBA's Github page!
| ||||||||||||
