Homebrew 40m SSB transceiver - receiver demo

A demonstration of the receiver in a 40 metre SSB transceiver. The video starts off with CW signals and then moves up the band for SSB. It is a single conversion superhet with a 10 MHz IF and 3 MHz VFO. The receiver selectivity is determined by a ladder crystal filter while a similar filter suppresses the opposite sideband on transmit. The set uses NE-602s for the mixer and product detector and is similar to many popular designs including VK3XU's TCF.

You'll hear several traits that are typical with simple receivers. The first is the image which is heard on the first strong CW signal. While it is partially suppressed (unlike a basic direct conversion set) the rejection still isn't as good as for a commercial transceiver.

Then there's the strong signal on SSB which distorts until the gain is backed off. The need to turn it up and down depending on signal strength is because the set lacks an automatic gain control (AGC).

Nevertheless the receiver is entirely satisfactory for casual use and will hear just about anything a commercial rig does. The DX station being worked by the ZL is in Indonesia.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• QRP
• amateur
• ham
• radio
• DX
• 40
• metres
• homebrew
• receiver
• transceiver

[m0dad]

Enjoyed the video peter. Very good demo and sounds great. I am still operating my homebrew 40m tcf rig and get more enjoyment from it than any off the shelf black box.

Do you know of anyone who has built the tcf for any other band?

[vk3ye]

@m0dad Drew developed versions of the TCF for 80m as well as 40m. I'm unaware of whether they've been got going on other bands. 20m should be easy though you might need an extra stage of RF amplification on the Tx. A possibility for 20m would be to use a 10 MHz xtal ladder filter and a 4.19 MHz ceramic resonator - this would cover the busiest part of the band.

[vk3ye]

It's a standard NE602-based design, using those chips for the mixers and product detector.

Closely based on Drew Diamond VK3XU's 'TCF', which is published in one of his 'Radio Projects for the Amateur' books.

[emercito]

Man, i would like to build this device, but do you have a schematics of this one? Please.

[emercito]

Man, i would like to build this device, but do you have a schematics of this one? Please.

Best 73

[MadManMarkAu]

You have a great accent. You sound like one of the TV announcers from past years.

Great work on the radio :)

[w5d]

Real hams still exist. It's good to see VK3YE showing off his handy-work and skills. Good job. Mike, W5MP

[TAC19jm]

Good work!!!

[hamrite]

Focus focus!

[ki6fzb]

I second that, any schematics?