KØAWU's SoftRock Ver6.1 Transceiver


Feb 2007 - Softrock Ver6.1 Software defined 80/40m Transceiver

This transceiver is the latest offering from Tony Parks KB9YIG. I was dragging my feet on this one, since it had no UHF/VHF application, but I built one for Carl, WAØCQG and had too much fun playing with his on the air,that I had to build one for myself. How often can you add a HIGH performance transceiver to your shack for $32 and 20hrs of construction? The transceiver is Software Defined and can be operated on SSB, AM, FM and CW. Digital modes are possible as well. I am running with the Delta 44 sound card in the computer using a 96k sample rate. This with the two crystals in the transceiver, allows two 96kc "windows" in the CW end of 80 and 40m. I use a different software package for HF than what I use with my 144Mhz SoftRock IF/Rec. At this point I think that the best software for the 6.1 Rx/Tx is MØKGK's.

MØKGK's Transceiver 1.1 Software

SoftRock User Group














My primary interest was just to play a bit with a SD Transceiver. However I have always enjoyed working a bit of low band CW during the winter months and this rig makes that a BLAST. Fun to get those "Did I copy right?, Your running 500mw? Not all signal reports are "loud", but all are good quality. I am running almost all CW right now, but have made a couple dozen SSB and SSB works very well too. I need expand the xtal switching to allow different crystals to operate in a SSB window on 75 or 40m. This is my first intended QRP operation and it has been very rewarding. "A thrill that will be lost on most of the new "no code" hams now joining the ranks.

I am using a 40 dipole about 20ft off the ground in the trees for 40 and an "inverted Vee" on 80m with the vertex at about 40ft for antennas.

















The latest top view of the transceiver now shows the band switch and xtal switch that allows switching from 80/40m and between the two xtals. Also the keyer interface has been changed to accommodate the three different software packages available. Some software requires a standalone keyer, while others require paddle input for software keyers. Both inputs are now available on tha back panel.

April 5,07 My first random CW Softrock Ver6.1RxTx to Softrock QSO. I heard Tony KB9YIG in QSO with another station on 7.037 at 23:25z .. waited until they signed and called Tony ... Tony came right back and we had a very nice quick QSO. The contact was cut short because my dinner was on the table, but wonderful to work him. He had a nice 5-5-9 signal on his random wire antenna running 1W. I was running 500mw into a 40m dipole at 20ft and was also 55N. Tony is the "MAN behind" the SoftRock series. He ramrods the designs, packages and distributes all the softrock series. A very special QSO. Thanks Tony for the Softrocks and the QSO!! (101 QSO's on 40m CW and "counting".

The photo below, shows the SM components and ICs on the bottom of the PC board.























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