Hi,

a quick update about small transceiver module. 

I was looking at Baofeng microphone that I normally use for my Baofeng FM radio and I thought to use complete microphone as a part of small transceiver.

The idea is that Baofeng microphone includes all what's needed: it's got electret microphone, speaker & a TX switch. If I add a small LiPo and small transceiver module I'd get a small transceiver - in a shape of microphone.

I had ony to make one simple modification to the microphone. Had to add a simple circuit to ensure TX switching. Namely Baofeng mic. makes TX when PTT switch connects to GND, while at transceiver module we have to connect PTT to +Vcc. Mod is simple - see the image below:

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Hi,

after Robert's PA2RDK inniciative we have designed APRS with DRA818 module. APRS is based upon Arduino, it has a single two-colours OLED and possibility for FM communication on one selected channel - that is a feature that "usual" APRS modules that are on the market do not have. But after testing it for over a year now I can confirm it's nice to have one FM channel available for chat!

Description of APS module can be found on this link (Razzies magazine).

KITs for PI4RAZ club members are in preparation and will be shipped.

Robert has in the mean time also developed version with full colour TFT LCD which offers functionality of APRS and full featured VHF transceiver. See article here. For this version you have to add to APRS board just another Arduino board, TFT LCD and few components. And you've got APRS and full featured VHF transceiver.

Best 73s de S52CQ, Jure

Hi,

lately I was playing with a new transceiver module that is cheap, small, requires only speaker, microphone, PTT switch, antenna and a battery to run.

Out of the box it runs on 16 preprogrammed channels at the following bands:

CB (27 MHz, 40 MHz, 49 MHz) and UHF (409 MHz up to PMR channels). It's output power is approx. 10 mW.

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Hi,

with a little help of John (VK3TVZ) I have upgraded SW for the UHF Weekender and made an ebay listing available on this link (click).

I invite all HAMs to contact me to modify SW so that the Weekender will be usable in your area.

Best 73s de Jure, S52CQ

Hi,

due to increased questions/mods etc. I have created Yahoo discussion group called Weekend VHF/UHF radio group that can be reached here.

Group is intended for tech. discussions regarding Weekend VHF/UHF radio and related topics. 

Best 73 de Jure, S52CQ

Hi all,

Weekend radio was well accepted at Hamradio fair in Friedrichshafen. I have met there many HAM operators, some also from the USA.

Recently I've got enquiry for Weekend radio from the USA and when checking US Band plan I realized that 12.5 kHz step cannot be used. So I have tried 5 kHz step - and DRA818 module worked well, despide datasheet that was saying that only 12.5 and 25 kHz steps can be used. So I thought if this was OK then perhaps I can add also add PMR channels.

Read more if interested...

Hi,

it's my pleasure to announce that Weekend VHF/UHF radio open source project will be displayed at HAMRADIO fair in Friedrichshafen from June 24th to 26th on the booth of Slovenian radioamateur organization ZRS (Hall A1, booth 243).

I will be there most of the time so if you can please stop by. I'd be pleased to discuss Weekend VHF/UHF radio project with you.

See you at HAMRADIO fair this June!

73 de Jure, S52CQ

Hi,

another update came from Jan, PA2JS, who's implementing OLED display. Read more if interested...

Hi,

Wolfgang, DL4KX has sent to me nice photos of the workshop, where they were assembling a couple of Weekend radios.

Read more if interested...

Hi All,

I have been playing with the idea how to make a dual-band transceiver with a single DRA module. I had ups and downs and hence no news from my end. Finally I have done a proven amplifier that works well and does help make a dual-band transceiver with a single DRA module. Read more if interested...