The following charts my progress in 'beta building' the Pic-a-Star DSP transceiver project designed by Peter Rhodes, G3XJP. The project is the subject of a multi part constructional article currently being published by the RSGB in RadCom. If you are interested in becoming actively involved with this first-rate project, Peter has recently opened a Yahoo Picastar Group where you can apply to join and keep up to date with the hardware and software developments.
To save you having to download each picture every time, I have provided links for the individual pictures that I've taken as the build proceeds. I have also reduced file sizes, so that you use less of your precious telephone seconds.
The first is of the front panel, and was taken on 7th October 2002.
The second, taken on 11th October shows that, despite rumours to the contrary, I have done a little work on the innards. At this stage, the DSP/IF 'brick' is installed, along with the DDS, display board, TSO bandpass filter board (fitted temporarily until I build the XJP board), timer board and low pass filter board (again, lifted out of the G3TSO tcvr). The rear panel has been removed, and is about to have the PA and heat sink fitted.
At last, on 7th November, the tcvr is back on the air. I had been using it successfully in 'lash-up' form before October, but this is the first time it has been self contained. There are still 2 or 3 temporary boards mounted (eg the TSO BPF, and the TSO IF board - which I needed as an instant J310 bi-directional amp), but it's great to have it back on the air! There were one or two teething problems (eg the band switching was not working 100% on all bands), and it could do with a deal of tidying up, which should follow as I start to replace the temporary boards.
On the 9th February, I finished building the "Magic Roundabout" board (H-mode mixer, and rf amp), which is to replace the TSO IF board mentioned above. It is currently functioning, even though (as you can see) mounted in a temporary fashion.
On 5th March, I finished testing the G3XJP Bandpass Filter module. After a couple of minor hiccups (I only had to replace 2 of the FST3126 chips!), it is now ready to install into STAR, and I hope to do that later today.
8th October 2003, and here are some up-to-date pictures of the rig (top and bottom) as it now stands. The bandpass module is installed, as is the Magic Roundabout (see above). Most of the screening is now in place, but not all. The DDS needs a top cover, and (as you will see) the DSP board cover has been removed (to give me access to the RS232 port on the board).
I will update this page as the rig progresses (slowly). In the meantime, email me (peter AT barville DOT net) you would like more information. For those that might not be aware, this STAR is amongst several to be heard on a regular basis on 3727kHz during the homebrew nets at lunchtime, and late afternoon most days. Judge the quality for yourself!