The PSK-20 Transceiver

 

Click below to download a sample copy of the PSK-20 manual. File size is 374 kB and is in .pdf (Acrobat) format. Caution: this version is not current

http://smallwonderlabs.com/PSK20_Manual.pdf

 

Click here for troubleshooting support:

http://smallwonderlabs.com/psk_docs.htm

This design is a derivative of the SSB transceiver appearing in the April 1997 issue of QST. It's been streamlined for ease of construction and alignment, and many of the higher installation-skill components have been designed out. Intended as an entry-level platform for PSK31 use, it covers the 14.0695-14.073 segment of 20M where most of the PSK31 activity is found.

The rig is crystal-controlled and was designed to work with the popular (and free!) DigiPan software. Output power is 3W PEP. The crystal control provides excellent stability and its simplicity keeps the cost low. Performance characteristics for all versions are similar.

Click here for free DigiPan software :

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/hteller/digipan


Kit assembly is straightforward- there are only four toroids to wind! The number of adjustments is kept to the minimum consistent with good performance, and no special test equipment is needed to perform the alignment. There’s no harness wiring- all interface connectors mount on the rear of the circuit board. The board kit includes a 26-page manual with color figures. Step-by-step assembly instructions are included.


PSK-series Interfaces:


The interface cables to your computer are ‘off-the-shelf’ items, available from Radio Shack and other suppliers - there’s no soldering of adapter cables required and no extra interface units! Once the transceiver kit is assembled, it's 'plug-and-play'- any operating adjustments are made via your computer.

Computer requirements:

* if running Windows. Linux and Mac applications also exist.


Click below for a high-resolution (305 kB) image of the board:

http://smallwonderlabs.com/img/pskboard.jpg

 

The board kit price is $100 and is available now

The board assembly slides into a Lansing Instruments ‘Micropak’ series extrusion enclosure and affixes to the rear panel via the serial-port connector jackscrew hardware.

This enclosure features a handsome black-anodized finish. End panels are included- the image below shows the custom-punched and silkscreened rear panel. Pricing for the enclosure, panels and related hardware is $30.



Dave Benson, K1SWL
Small Wonder Labs
06/19/2003