Projects

/ under construction

The 60M SSB transceiver published in the 2005 ARRL Handbook  is a follow-on to a 75M transceiver developed in 2002 for the Kingdom of Bhutan. That rig featured 10W PEP output on three fixed channels in the 75M band. A total of 100 kits was supplied to that country's telecommunications ministry- they provided assembly labor, while gaining hands-on experience with RF design. 

The 75M band was chosen because of the mountainous and remote terrain- each rig was paired with a low dipole, 12V lead-acid battery and solar panel.  The low antennas provided  solid NVIS coverage anywhere within the (Massachusetts-sized) country.  [Note- the frequencies used were not an amateur allocation in that region of the world. ]

Here's an image of that transceiver :

60M SSB Rig project status (as of 8/20/05)

The schematic and text for the 2005 ARRL handbook article were developed in November 2003-January 2004 for a January 2004 manuscript deadline. That development included breadboard testing of critical portions of the circuitry. Once the materials were submitted to ARRL, I turned to other activities, secure in the knowledge that there'd be plenty of time to complete circuit board development.

[This space reserved for front-panel image. ]

The rest is predictable: real-life intervened! I've now been nudged (gently, considering the circumstances) to resurrect this project. Printed circuit board development will commence on Sept 1. This 'projects' page will be updated as progress warrants.

Thanks for your patience!    73- Dave Benson, K1SWL

D. Benson, K1SWL
modified August 20, 2005