Ultimate3: QRSS Labs Multi-mode QRSS Beacon Kit
PCB Revisions 3 and 4
1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing my third generation “Ultimate3” Multi-mode QRSS beacon kit. This kit is capable
of automated transmission of a range of weak signal modes that are capable of worldwide HF propagation
using a fraction of a watt of RF output power. The DDS module permits accurate, stable operation
anywhere on HF whilst plug-in low-pass-filter modules allow easy band changing.
Recommended approach to building the kit:
This is a simple design but there are a large number of
features which provide a great deal of flexibility.
Read this WHOLE manual and understand it!
Follow
the construction section to build the kit. Use a receiver connected to your PC, with a slow-signal decoding
program such as Argo, to monitor your signal, experiment and understand the various features before
connecting an antenna!
Good performance depends on proper set up:, see the calibration section.
Please read the DDS module stability section 7! Do not miss this section, or your output signal may
be unstable and look horrible!
This assembly manual is to be read in conjunction with the operation manual!
The kit supports the following modes:
•
QRSS mode (plain on/off keyed slow CW)
•
FSK/CW mode (frequency shift keyed slow CW)
•
DFCW mode (dual frequency CW, dit's and dah's on different frequencies)
•
WSPR and WSPR-15 modes (Weak Signal Propagation Reporter)
•
Slow-Hellschreiber (frequency shifted slow Hellschreiber)
•
Hellshreiber (full-speed standard Hellschreiber, and half-speed Hellshreiber)
•
CW (plain CW) and fast FSK mode
•
Transmitter mode
•
Customisable FSK patterns
Other features:
•
DDS-controlled output frequency (through-pin DDS module, no SMD soldering required)
•
Plug-in low pass filter boards (available for 10 HF and 2 LF bands)
•
16-column x 2-row LCD with backlight, and two-button user interface
•
User-programmable (callsign, message, speed, FSK, mode, etc.), settings stored in EEPROM
•
GPS interface, for locking the frequency, timing and location information
•
On-chip generation of WSPR encoded message (no PC required)
•
WSPR maidenhead locator can be generated from GPS-derived latitude/longitude
•
Selectable “frame” size, for stacked QRSS reception
•
Plain CW callsign identifier at selectable interval
•
Produces approximately 150mW RF output on 30m (lower output on higher frequency bands)
•
Higher output power by fitting additional PA transistors and/or higher PA supply voltage
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