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B. StationPro II Assembly Instructions
The W8ZR StationPro II (SP-II) consists of the primary controller unit, plus an external
RF relay unit, and three transceiver interface pods that attach to the controller unit with standard
computer cables. The controller unit contains four printed circuit boards: (1) a main circuit
board, (2) a front panel circuit board, (3) a rear panel circuit board, and (4) a microcontroller
circuit board.
The RF relay unit handles all of the RF switching for the user’s transceivers and
amplifiers. The transceiver “pods” are simple breakout boxes that interface to each connected
transceiver (or receiver/transmitter pair). Builders should allow about 14-16 hours to wire and
test a complete SP-II. You’ll maintain focus and avoid mistakes if you break up the work into
segments.
Note: If you received this manual with your W8ZR kit, then please verify
that the revision date on the Contents page corresponds to the revision date
of the manual at
www.w8zr.net/stationpro/download
. The W8ZR website
will always have the latest revision number for all documentation and
firmware.
I. Preparation for Assembly
(1) Tools: To build the StationPro II you will need the following tools and small items:
-hookup wire #22AWG, 50ft approx
-small tip soldering iron
-1/32” diameter resin core solder
-isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol & Q-tips
-magnifying glass
-small needle-nose pliers
-small flush-cut wire cutters
-phillips screw drivers (small & medium)
-small flat head screwdriver
-sharp knife or single-edge razor blade
-3/16 in. drill bit (5 mm approx.)
-small flat and round files (optional)
-set of nut drivers (optional)
-regular tip soldering iron (optional)
-1/4 in. heat shrink tubing (optional)
-transceiver cables (see Sec. X)
(2) Hardware: The hardware to assemble your
SP-II is supplied in two hardware packs with the
W8ZR “semi-kits.”
Assembly Hints
1. Make sure your workbench surface is
clean and free of clutter.
3. Inventory and sort parts and read
through the assembly nstructions before
you begin construction. Read the FAQs
page on the W8ZR StationPro website.
2. Use a high-intensity light and magnifying
glass to inspect your solder joints and to
look for solder bridges.
4. To give your work a professional
appearance, install resistors and capacitors
so their color codes and markings all face
the same way.
5. Work carefully and methodically and take
your time. Take pride in your workmanship,
and if you complete a step and it doesn’t
look good, then do it over.
