Bitx is an easily assembled ssb transceiver for all bands and for the Amateur Radio Operator-Hams, with very clean
performance.Hams can home-brew the QRP TCVR by Using ordinary electronic components.
The DDS Version 4 is an excellent project for using with any tcvr. Many Ham's are now purchasing the PCB and building the DDS 4 Project.
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PIC16F628A and AD9850 or AD9851. PIC16F628A is an 18-Pin microcontroller
with 2K byte program memory, it is a FLASH-based and a member of the versatile PIC16F62XA family of low-cost, high-performance, CMOS, fully- static, 8-bit microcontrollers. PIC16F62XA devices have special features to reduce external components, thus reducing system cost, enhancing system reliability and reducing power consumption.
Features
1. Range 0 to 70 MHz by 1 Hz step.
2. Freq setting in 1, 10, 100Hz, 1, 10, 100KHz, 1, 10 MHz by using a low
cost mechanical encoder with a variable tuning rate. 3. 2 rows X 16 character LCD display.
4. A 4 x 3 Keypad used for easy freq entry.
5. IF, CW, SSB offsets settings when used with Transceiver/ Receiver. 6. Software calibration to WWV or equivalent. 7. Two VFOs and split freq operation.
9. All settings are held in EEPROM and are permanent (but user can
change it any time).
10. 4 Band selection and 4 Mode selection outputs.
11. When operating below IF frequency, clockwise rotation of rotary
encoder decreases DDS out put frequency but increases the display frequency.
12. RIT operation.
The PCB for the above project were designed by Tony Fletcher of UK and also mentioned earlier on this blog. Since then many have build the DDS. Hopefully we will be publishing the info as how the DDS
work's with the Bitx, but it is a complete solution for a multi band Bitx.
The Latest to build the DDS 4 is G6AJW OM Dave Lucas from U.K who has very kindly granted me permission to publish pictures of his build DDS 4, he is also going to make the Bitx Vr 3 and hopefully very soon he would let us know as to how the Bitx 3 works with DDS Version 4.
Here are the pictures of DDS 4 build by . Dave Lucas G6AJW.
Our Friend Greg OH2FFY has sent me an email with suggestions for the Bitx Case, I would like to share some of his suggestions.
SUGGESTIONS FOR CASE BY GregW:-) OH2FFY
Hi ...
The Bitx20 needs to mature and come from an experimental workbench rig and become a REAL rig in every way.
One let down for many custom builders is the lack of quality enclosures for their projects.
You CAN get some nice boxes if you hunt them down , but they are expensive.
There really is no viable cheap option of enclosures that don't look like nasty tin lunch boxes.
So many make their own boxes from PCB material (which isn't cheap) or bend up some monster in their garage from metal. (ugly)
My suggestion is to make a new line of enclosures , not only for the Bitx20 kit , but for radio/electronic experimenter community as a whole.
If done locally (India) I expect that the costs could be quite low.
Also I have some further ideas as to how to make it cheaper and flexible in design.
So my Bitx20 case design competition entry is ALSO (I think) a viable product on its own. !!!!! :-)
First off I envision a new case design and as I had said , flexible by nature.
That is , the design of the enclosure needs not limit you to one constructed shape as most boxes do.
SEE PICTURE. (case1.jpg)
This is what I have in mind ,, but larger.
Simple press bent alluminium form upper and lower shells , and other pieces make up front and rear panels.
To save money don't do any drilling........
While saving money it actually works out to be one of its best features because it allows the constructor to place the front fascia panel inward if you want recessed knobs. (i like recessed)
ALSO ..and not many think of this ,,,,, it also allows you to recess inward the back panel as well.
This means that PA heatsinks and antenna connectors can be semi enclosed which looks a lot neater and quite classy.
I don't recommend drilling vent holes in the top and bottom shell covers.
This will also save you money , but also not everyone wants or needs vents. (Too much venting may cause VFOs to drift)
If the constructor needs vents, let them drill them in the place and size that they want.
If made from alluminium the plastic protector sheet can be left intact.
Not taking it off also saves money :-) (less labour time) , and also it protects it from scratches in transit and construction.
Another material that could be considered is stainless steel.
Stainless top and bottom shell covers with alloy front and rear plates could be a good option.
Alloy front plates are recommended as it is easier to drill through compared to stainless steel.
I wouldn't use normal steel as it requires painting or powder coating , and this adds more expense and then of course steel is heavier to ship and painted surfaces could get scratched in transit....
Oh and on the subject of alluminium , I wouldn't use thin sheeting.
I would recommend at least 1.5 to 2mm thick.
It will give the appearance of a more solid enclosure when in use also your corner bends will have a more pleasing rounded appearance with thicker material.
Another product that could be sold to match the cases are polished or painted fascias ,, even colored acrylic sheet could be used as a fascia , but this would be added over the top of an existing alloy front panel.
The possibilities are endless.
All of these parts could be sold separately as well.
I envision seeing a range of 3 or 4 different size box units., and as I said , if done at a good price it can be a good product on its own.
If the tight corner bends are deemed not appealing to the eye then curved cases could be made.
This however would require stamping of the front and rear panels and rolling the top and bottom covers which would be considerably more costly --- but not impossible.....
SEE PICTURE. (case2.jpg)
I would not offer feet , handles or stands ,, but of course that too is possible.
Enclosed is a graphic of what I think a new BITX20 could look like.......
SEE PICTURE. (oh2ffy.jpg)
With a slightly recessed front fascia it would look Clean - minimalistic - uncluttered and soild with just a hint of Elecraft , that would be a hit with QRPers.
Regards
THANKS GREG FOR SUCH GOOD IDEAS AND THE PIC FOR FUTURE BITX 20
It has been a long time since I updated this blog,the reason being for new orders for Bitx Kits and other Kits.
The Bitx has reached many countries now. The usual countries are USA, and most parts of Europe.
The latest are a few Asian countries Thailand , Viet Nam Nepal and Argentina in South America.
It is really great to see the interest sustained in Bitx Version 3 and as new Hams build it, then more get the desire to try it out.
This year the aim will be to get the modules for available for Bitx to be used as a multiband with CW and other modes, and a new case with kind suggestion from friends.
I have received some feedback which I would like to share, as to show the quality of service and packing of kits from my end.
FEEDBACK
The kit has just arrived. Your packaging is amazing - my compliments.
Many thanks, and 73.
Toni
G6XMO
Sheffield
UK
FEEDBACK
Sunil,
I wanted to let you know the case arrived ok. Everything ok in the
package. Thank you again for your great products and service.
I look forward to ordering again with you.
73
Steven C. Hollifield KG4VIA FEEDBACK
Father Christmas is spent in advance! Yesterday the package arrived sooner than I thought. I placed an order with Sunil VU3SUA December 4, but he warned me that the expedition soon as he had many orders. On 17 December he informed me that the package is gone. On December 23 it happens at home (and my wife hides the warm ...). Another surprise: no tax to pay although the Vietnamese Customs have opened the package and a few bags of components. I'm more impressed by the quality of service. Pack very well, and packaged components clearly identified. Even the wire for straps comes! Everything to make a beautiful mount. PCB silkscreen prints and good quality.
FEEDBACK
A good friend of mine Marc from France had some problem in getting his Bitx ,as due to some reasons it returned back to me. I again sent him a Bitx Ver 3 kit again which he got this time. Presented a picture Marc holding the Bitx. Great Pic.
I invite my Bitx Friends to submit a design with complete details for a New Bitx Case for Bitx Version 3 and Bitx 20 A.
The best design will be awarded with a complete Bitx Version 3 Kit with the designed case by the winner.
All the best.
73's
Sunil Lakhani
VU3SUA
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