History of mcHF!

Looking back in time from 2020.

Inspiration

Created and executed by MONKA with the first release for NON-COMERCIAL USE to the Ham community in 2013. Inspired by the idea to give the Operating Ham power to modify, add functionality, and play with their transceiver, freedom that is not given with any other shop purchase.

We see it as a platform where Software knowledgable Hams can ‘play’ with Hardware designers.  Bring fun to the Hobby. Keep it alive!!!

The Logistics

mcHF V0.4 through V0.5 to V0.6 reflects many ‘heated discussions’ among all involved. The balance between what software coding can deliver and hardware implementation can support hasn’t always been easy to keep. The main goal has always been to keep the Hobby project as cost-effective as possible with critical components purchase from well-established and trusted suppliers. Priority goes to long-term, steady supply since a change to key components that the industry discontinues manufacturing is often an expensive set-back.

We are facing one right now, PO74G74AS/U11 on RF board, that is ONLY supplied by one company. They’ve stopped shipping outside of the US.

The Clones

It means the world that you buy mcHF kits from us. This allows us to continue our development of new versions and continue to implement many consumer reviews and suggestions. The Ham Community has been and is the Outstanding-Guard of mcHF and the Intellectual Property of MONKA.

Thank you all for that support!

mcHF Evolving

The popularity of mcHF has been a tremendous success. This success brings a wide variety of Hams from all over the world and with even wider Engineering background abilities. We try to keep configurations of the kit that have proved to satisfy that ranging from blank pcb’s for the challenge seekers and factory-soldered SMD boards for all with artistic box design vision that like their own finishing touches. DIY-ers that like it all supplied to the latest Fully Built. Please visit here for more details on this service.

Fully Build mcHF 0.6.3

We started to offer Fully Built mcHF’s on an experimental trial run for US Hams in late 2019. Chuck WD8BXS has been with mcHF since inception and has been building those kits for you US ham operators. He is the utmost passionate and dedicated Ham….( something else….)

We are now in the process of widening this service of building the original MONKA mcHF 0.6.3 kits and reaching out to as many people as possible who wish to operate this radio. We are only bringing to the team people driven by their passion to share their experience, knowledge, and ideas with the Amateur Radio Community, not for financial gains.

All kits are built and shipped locally; therefore, customs charges will not impact the purchase.

Credits

This is the hardest section to write. There have been more contributors throughout the years that this page can fit. Softrock, SDRCube, ICOM 7600 and Elecraft KX3, inspired the project. Our gratitude to Eric Brombaugh, Brian (G0MJI), Clint (KA7OEI), Andreas(DF8OE), Danilo(DB4PLE), Frank(DD4WH), Michael(DL2FW),Slawek(SP9BSL),Petr(OK1RP)…and many more.

304 thoughts on “History of mcHF!”

  1. John

    Very near to a purchase!

    Please:

    (1) Does the fully assembled unit include a TCXO, and what is the typical stability with it engaged? I am a WSPR nerd, so this is important!

    Thanks!
    MW1CFN

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hey,

      As a fellow WSPR nerd, i did lots of testing to achieve good frequency stability
      performance. First was software routine that was trying to match temperature changes
      of the VFO using the temperature chip next to it. I have an old video demonstration here:

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OhW0rsv1LU

      (the mcHF was still in Alpha HW revision!)

      The TCXO chip for the CPU clocking (if you install it) can contribute very little, mainly
      if you use the radio in USB audio card and stream IQ samples to the PC.

      At some old PCB revision i even had small oven built into the RF PCB (as optional components).

      In conclusion, it is not just one thing, but combination of them. And all those will require
      lots of modding.

      73!

      Reply ↓
  2. gab

    hi!, I’ve ordered .6.3 full kit and waiting for receiving it (hope brexit will not interfer) .I thougth it was latest release. Now I am seeing of .7 and .8 release, in old messages, but also in recent videos. I am quite new of the history. And confused. If I understand .7 and .8 kits are not available. There is a message refferring to a pdf containig differences between .63 .7 an .8 but I did not find such pdf. Could you help me understanding or finding the right web pages?
    thanks!

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi. We have discontinued the sales of 0.7 some time ago. The files are still present and available to download for customers that have purchased it. 0.8 is still in development and not for sale yet. 0.6.3 is the only mcHF we are selling at this present time and have been in the past 2yrs
      Hope this clears it for you. If you have any questions, shoot me an email at djchrismarc at gmail

      Reply ↓
      1. Ian Wooller

        I see you have not replied to my simple question. Is the mcHF classified as a Commercial Kit if assembled and tested in the USA and then shipped back to the UK?

        Reply ↓
  3. Anastasio

    Hello!
    I am interesting to the metal case including kit, and shipping to Italy, does i have to consider customs fees?

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi
      We do our best at our end, but the latest sale going to Spain was with some strange charges called ‘Government charge’ and ‘Brokerage charge’ but £0 customs charge…!
      I’ll know soon if a different country in the EU will operate in a similar way. Should have info by Wednesday. I’ll update you as soon as I know

      Reply ↓
  4. Ian Wooller

    Is the mcHF now considered as a Commercial Radio if it has been Built and Tested by someone in America or is it still classified as a Kit!

    Reply ↓
  6. Pierre

    You are selling USA and EU fully built mcHF. Are there differences between them about the Ham Bands as the limits are not the same in the USA and EU?
    I ask this question because I plan to build a mcHF and use it in Thailand where they allow only transceivers limited to 3.5 to 3.6 MHz and 7.0 to 7.2 MHz for the 80 and 40M bands, the 60M is not allowed, the other bands have the same limits as EU.
    Can the firmware be modified in ordzer to allow the user to set by menu band edges as he can do with ICOM IC-705 and IC-7300?
    One last question : do you plan to sell full kits of mcHF 0.7 and when?
    73 – Pierre – FK8IH

    Reply ↓
  7. Stefan

    Hi, I have searched high and low to find a bom list without success I bought the boards from you and can’t wait to start, also what lcd is required and led switches used,
    Regards
    Stefan
    G7SPG

    Reply ↓
  8. Johann

    Hello!
    Could you please, email me once the full built unit will be available for EU?
    So pleased to see an openSource project 😉 I will wait and support you not buying one of these clones… 😉
    Thanks in advance.
    73 Johann F4IRK

    Reply ↓
        1. m0nka Post author

          Hi, I already emailed you twice with a return address. Please check your junk/spam folder. 18-11-20 emailed at 10:25 and again at 18:08
          Thanks

          Reply ↓
          2. m0nka Post author

            I don’t know why that is. I don’t retype, I just go in direct reply to your emails. You have said that in the past, that no replies are received. Maybe it’s something to do with your settings.
            Anyway, I just emailed the address again, about 30 min ago.

          4. m0nka Post author

            I don’t use Facebook. You can return your kit to this address: Lucy Jeliazkova
            113 Durley Dean Road
            Selly Oak
            Birmingham
            B29 6RY

          5. Ian Wooller

            I have now been forced into using the FULL callsign with this Radio as I cannot get my Foundation one back.

          6. m0nka Post author

            As per your request, I have given you a return address. I’ll issue you a refund as soon as I receive it.
            Lucy

    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi
      We should be able to bring stock back week commencing 9 November. If kits are built and ready before then, I’ll email you.

      Lucy

      Reply ↓
      1. Thierry ATO

        Hello,

        I just noticed that the “mchf KIT EU” is available but not the “mchf KIT FULLY BUILT EU”.
        If my impatience takes over 🙂 and the delivery time for the “mchf KIT FULLY BUILT EU” is not yet known, I can order a mchf KIT.
        Can you tell me the difference between the KIT “EU recorder” and “World recorder”?
        What are the prices for a microphone and a magloop antenna and how to order them?

        Thank you for your answer.
        Best regards

        Thierry ATO (France)

        Reply ↓
        1. m0nka Post author

          Hi
          We don’t have any built kits to distribute in the EU. It could be over 2 weeks before we stock up. I can email you if you wish.

          Kit, EU recorded is the value of the postage fee that covers all countries within the European Union.
          World recorded, is the postage fee that is for further destinations than the EU ( for example- US, Canada, Japan, Russia, etc)

          Reply ↓
          2. Jean-Marc

            Very interested !
            Either kit (like my K2) or fully assembled.
            Can you drop me a line when it will be available ?
            72′ de F5LCI

      1. m0nka Post author

        Hi
        I read IR 2028 and see no problem for you to use your mcHF with a foundation license. Is there anything specific in the document that worries you? mcHF is also 5W, so within regulation.
        You also had some reassurance in the topic, mcHF kit and GB foundation license, which started 17 October in the IO Group.

        Reply ↓
        1. Ian Wooller

          That is incorrect as it is a Kit and NO Kit complies with the regulation. I have been in touch with OFCOM and read all the documentation and it is clear that unless it is deemed compliant then it is a no no.

          Reply ↓
          1. m0nka Post author

            I didn’t see anywhere in particular kits to be mentioned or exempt. There are areas that are open to interpretation in my opinion.
            You are saying you have been in touch with OFCOM already and I presume they have answered your question therefore you are having these concerns in using your mcHF.
            If this is the case just email me and I’ll pass instructions for the return of the assembled radio. You’ll be issued a refund and postage compensation.

  12. Anatoly

    Hi!
    I’m from Russia. I have a question. Is it possible buy from this shop transceiver full build in my country?
    Best Regards!

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi Anatoly
      At this moment in time, we are only offering the assembly service for the EU. We are expanding step at a time. The US was successful. Now we are trying the EU and Brazil. I can not say when we’ll be able to reach Russia but hope that we will someday.
      73

      Reply ↓
      1. Anatoly

        Thank’s for answering. Your device the best! I’m really hope you achieve possibility send in my country.

        Best Regards,
        Anatoly

        Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hello Dan
      We haven’t added this product to new ‘shopping’ page. Email me (djchrismarc@gmail.com) with your PayPal details and I’ll send you invoice. I receive new pcb’s yesterday.
      Lucy Jeliazkova

      Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Package has been held at Heathrow for over 10 days now. Last time this happened customs sent it back to sender for no particular reason. I am trying to stay optimistic that this will not be the case this time…
      I’ll email you when all is here. Hopefully soon!

      Reply ↓
    1. Gary Krause

      I noticed that you have a completely built and tested version for the US at this time. It says you have one left. Is this current and could I still order one?

      Reply ↓
      1. Steve Haber

        I was wondering if the fully assembled USA version included the microphone and antenna tuner board for the price listed, and if not, how would I go about ordering it fully assembled and with those accessories, when stock is available.

        73’s

        KJ7MHU

        Reply ↓
        1. m0nka Post author

          Hello
          Fully assembled units are available at the moment and ready to ship. Please purchase from the website. The antenna tuner and Mic are optional and prices are listed on the pictures ( sorry for bad quality, I am working on improving but just wanted to make it clear that is available), if you are interested in any of those please email me (djchrismarc-at-gmail.com) and I’ll pass you Carl details for further information on how to pay.
          Regards
          Lucy

          Reply ↓
      1. Jon Illsley

        Chris I’ve been trying to contact you as I would like to buy one of your new ATU’s. Please reply. Jon G2FHF

        Reply ↓
          1. Anders 5X7W

            The 0.6 is doing a very good job in Uganda right now. I’m working digimodes FT8/FT4 as 5X7W. The 4 Watts I’m putting out has rendered me 77 confirmed DXCC so far, and it’s great fun. A great rig! 73’s Anders SM0HPL / 5X7W

    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi Tom,

      Should be more or less compatible. We also have some 0.4 boards, drop Lucy a mail please (djchrismarc at gmail)

      73

      Reply ↓
  19. Artem

    Hello Chris,
    Do you still continue to ship version 0.6? I would like to order the kit exactly version 0.6 because for me it is more convenient and has a metal case.

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi,

      I think latest firmware allows both, but for remote operation, you need some special soft. No idea really

      73

      Reply ↓
  24. Panagiotis Taranis

    Hi Chris,
    Do you have any pics or drawings of what rev. 0.8 looks like with the 5″ display.
    I would like to see before I order. The 0.7 is a bit lumpy and ugly, sorry to say.
    The 0.6 is a beautiful beast.

    Reply ↓
      1. Chuck Beck

        I like my 0.7 much better than the 0.6. I am so glad I was able to get one. Both are beautiful radios. TY 73-Chuck

        Reply ↓
  25. Sergey

    Good afternoon! My name is Sergey – ew8dos. I am a young radio fan, I have no hf transceiver. In our country not really big salaries. Whether it is possible to buy your msHf the transceiver by installments or the credit?
    73 thanks

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi Sergey,

      The only option to build it cheaply is getting blank UI board from us, solder only minimum components and
      make some prototype style RF board to connect to it. The price is gone so much because of the parts prices
      have gone maybe 500% in the last four years 🙁

      73

      Reply ↓
  26. Tapio Valli

    Hello,

    I am considering purchasing this kit (the pre-assembled rev 0.7). My soldering skills are sub-optimal and therefore I’d appreciate a list of all pre-assembled components or a list of all components needing soldering. I haven’t found one, maybe I have looked for it from all the wrong places. I’d thought there would be demand for this list.

    Thanks,

    Tapio OH2EYY

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi Tapio,

      Thanks for your interest in the project! Please check the .zip file at the top of the Downloads page.

      73

      Reply ↓
  27. Paulo Serafini

    Chris,
    In RX mode the 1 (OE1) and 15 (OE2) pins of U15 (RX mixer) have 5 Volts supply or 0 Volts?
    On the RF board where these pins are connected?

    Turning the Freq Enc the display digits change very slowly. What is the cause of this?

    I have Revision v 0.4 boards. What firmware versions are possible?

    Many thanks for your help
    Paulo

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi Paolo,

      I haven’t shipped rev 0.4 for 2 years i think. You probably have the clone, but they made too many changes, so
      i can’t give you much support. Sorry.

      73!

      Reply ↓
    2. Paulo Serafini

      Hi, Chris.
      My M0nka is original and was bought more than 2 years ago by Mauro Donadio.

      In RX mode the 1 (OE1) and 15 (OE2) pins of U15 (RX mixer) have 5 Volts supply or 0 Volts?
      On the RF board where these pins are connected?
      Turning the Freq Enc the display digits change very slowly. What is the cause of this?
      I have Revision v 0.4 boards. What firmware versions are possible?

      Paulo

      Reply ↓
      1. m0nka Post author

        Hi Paulo,

        Display turning slowly is probably because of bad communication with SI570. Maybe check soldering ? Or replace it.

        Chris

        Reply ↓
  28. Carlos Maccoratti

    Hi Chris!
    From Argentina, we have an mcHF Equipment.
    And his uController has fault (whith smoke!!!)
    We need info about replacement of this chip, to delivering to my country.
    Great equipment! thanks

    Carlos LU2MCA (smoke maker)
    Leo LU3MKH
    73′

    Reply ↓
  29. wei

    Hi Chris,

    One more question. On the UHSDR WIKI page, it says:

    Note that the ability of the Si570 to tune the radio below 2.5 MHz is not guaranteed in its specifications, but most units have enough range to tune well below 1.0 Mhz. Maybe there are some small gaps where LO does not work – if it works, it works fine. Indicator is the color of the frequency digits:
    white: fully working
    yellow: working (Si570 operates outside of published frequency range but inside tuneable known working range)
    orange: not working (frequency is out of tuneable range)
    red: not working, there is a technical problem communicating with the Si570 LO (not a frequency range problem)

    Is that mean mcHF can work below 2MHz, such as LF and MF band ? Of course, with some changes in the board, add a MF BPF and LPF, etc.

    In the future version, do you have the plan to extend the working frequency to middle wave and long wave band, like OVI40, use a SI5351A as its osillator?

    Reply ↓
  30. wei

    Hi Chris,

    I noticed that the RF swith is connected to the RX path directly. Why not insert a low noise amplifier in the RX path to improve the receive sensitivity?

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi,

      Have you checked my blog post about the receiver updates ? The sensitivity is already too high(reaching -140 dBm),
      it is more problem to reduce it.

      73

      Reply ↓
  31. Kazuhiro Uda

    Hi ! Chris,
    This is KAZUHIRO from Japan.
    I ordered mcHF v 0.7 Full Kit, but has it arrived?
    PAYPAL has already been paid.

    I sent an email, but I have no reply.
    73’s

    Reply ↓
  32. Sergey

    Good afternoon, Chris.
    Do you have a 6 version of the “psb” for the transceiver MCHF (with details). I want to buy for self assembly. Or is only 7 version of the transceiver sold?
    Sergei

    Reply ↓
    1. mfaircloth

      Same question. I prefer to format of the earlier radio as well. I would like to order a set of the PCB’s or could you release the CAD files if you are no longer planning on selling this version?

      Reply ↓
      1. m0nka Post author

        Hello Sergey,

        Single PCB order is like 100 GBP. The only use for the gerbers is to start mass production,
        this is the reason i don’t release manufacturing files. Doesn’t stop cloners though, but filters
        the ‘low effort’ ones.

        73

        Reply ↓
  33. Malcolm Hyde

    Hi Chris .

    where do we look for information on coil winding info and the RFC’s ? for the new version 0.07

    Thanking you in advance.

    Reply ↓
  35. Jason

    You mentioned a few posts ago that you are between versions now. Does this mean between 0.5 and 0.6 (January)? Or do you have a newer v0.7 coming soon? I am putting together the v0.6 BOM using only Digikey, and am willing to postpone a short while if a newer version will release soon.

    Also, the 10uF tantalum(?) Farnell part number 233-3009 in both your RF and UI BOMs resolves as a tin contact connector pin. I am trying unsuccessfully to find a clear photo of that part on either RF or UI board. Consider adding a column in your BOM Excel sheets for a description of the part? Do you want my all-Digikey BOM for reuse?

    Reply ↓
      1. Eugene

        Quick Question related to the upcoming v 0.7. Having just purchased an enclosure for v 0.6, do you foresee changes in cases?

        Reply ↓
  36. kj6na

    Hi Chris,
    Great job designing this rig! It’s a big job creating these various kits yourself. Have you thought about contacting the clone manufacturer and asking them if they will make legit product for you and drop ship them ? The Chinese love that kind of business and are great at it. Or find another Asian manufacturer to do this for you if you don’t like the company that copied you ? He who has the orders and the money has the power. People would rather order from you if you can deliver, and that is the problem. It’s hard to get one of these kits in a timely fashion. If you outsource, people will still buy from you. You get paid. Outsource does the work. You grow your business and maybe have less headaches and hams are happy they can get the product from you expediently. Everybody should be happier. I think the demand for this product has surpassed hobby status and is now a business. Maybe time to treat it like one ? It seems you’re losing a lot of orders because of delivery times. Also, there are people that just don’t have the time to build a kit or don’t have the ability. I wish you great success.

    Best,
    KJ6NA

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      8Hi,

      Amateur radio is not about business, but about a hobby we love and playing with electronics. I had no problem
      organizing mass production from the beginning and churning thousands of appliances a month. The goal of the
      mcHF project is completely different.

      I already have various suppliers and factories in China that do things for the project – PCBs, partial assembly.
      If there is a need of a cheap radio, with excellent support, so some back alley
      sweat shop in China to produce with zero manufacturing costs, i don’t think the mcHF is the project that has to fit the bill.

      Anyway, we are in between revisions, that is why the gap of availability of kits. In the last year there was
      constant stock on my Order page and not much complains.

      73!

      Reply ↓
      1. Dirk Handzic

        Hi Chris,
        I have the mcHF version 0.6 and it is working really very well. Good work from your side. I am living in the countryside in Sweden with very low noise levels. The only thing I am missing with the mcHF is a possibility to turn off the preamplifier. The mcHF is very comparable in performance to my Elecraft KX3 with preamp turned on.
        If this could be added to a version 0.7 or later I think would be fantastic!

        73, Dirk SA4DHT

        Reply ↓
        1. m0nka Post author

          Hi Dirk,

          It is a great idea. The two possible problems i see to implement this – first to be low noise implementation, it has to be extra latch relay, which ads some 3 GBP cost to BOM. Second problem, it would need extra pin from the CPU and not possible to add to current GitHub firmware, so it has to be fork from some intermediate version. Maybe just for you. But i will add to my ‘ToDo’ list.

          73

          Reply ↓
    2. Paul Bates

      I totally agree after waiting and passing both by now for months and while continuing to see if this turns up am getting a uBitx Farhan has been doing well delivering. I worked many years in China taking companies over to good Manufacturing Processes. It’s not too magic but you do have to have someone to spend the time in China to make sure of QA, Test,MFG. Eng. Best enclosures would actually be better amazingly in Taiwan where I also did that work between 1995-2004.. N7PB Paul OldNormanBates Seattle WA USA

      Reply ↓
  37. YL3AJG

    Just ordered the kit from you, and I am eager to experiment with the DSP part. I really appreciate the effort that has gone into the development. I have been musing about a similar transceiver for few years myself, but knowing how expensive it is to develop hardware, it’s amazing what you have achieved. If you don’t mind, I will share some of my ideas on the HW part (please don’t see it as a criticism or questioning, it’s just what goes through an engineer’s mind, and you probably have received tons of these suggestions before):
    – The RF amplifier (Q1) seems to work in the straight common emitter fashion without any feedback except emitter resistor. It’s loaded by the QSD, which is fine, but what about the input impedance of this stage? I can’t see how it would be well matched to the previous stage. I would considered other alternatives, like a collector-base feedback, e.g. http://cqham.ru/rb/ris3_9.gif from http://cqham.ru/rb/rb3.html, which could have better IMD and NF properties, and better matched. The QSD itself has quite remarkable strong-signal performance, so adding a weaker amplifier before it compromises the quality. I see, of course, how you have strived for lower price, yet reasonable quality.
    – An interesting idea to borrow from fellow designers is to use multi-line common mode chokes as RF transformers – haven’t tested it myself, but the successful JUMA project seems to use them – http://www.jumaradio.com/juma-trx2/. They are off-the-shelf components on Farnell.
    – Have you considered double conversion architecture with a fixed first IF of 45..70 MHz, like it is, for example in uBITX and also many commercial TRXs? This way you might eliminate the switchable band filters otherwise necessary for QSD (due to its sensitivity to 3x f_lo), and also the QSD would work on a fixed frequency, making the phase/amplitude errors easier to cancel.
    – The WM8731 seems to be no longer stocked in Farnell, have you considered a replacement or an alternative? Like TLV320AIC3104/5? They are cheaper, have more inputs/outputs, and a very comparable performance.

    Reply ↓
  38. JR8QVT

    Hello Chris san
    I am very interested in complete kit of MCHF and would like to order it as my birthday present (19,Dec).
    Coudl you kindly let me know when complete kit is available?
    Coudl you also let me know total cost for complete kit / compontent kit which include postage?

    Tak JR8QVT

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi Tak,

      Thanks for your interest in the project! But i am really not sure when will have the Full Kit.
      When i do, will post on the main page.

      73!

      Reply ↓
  39. John Tarbox

    I too am interested in a complete kit, either populated with the SMD devices or not, whatever is available first.

    WA1KLI John

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi Chuck,

      Thanks for your interest! We would have few kits ready in day or two, just finished some components, waiting on them.

      73!

      Reply ↓
  41. Chris Herd

    Hi Chris

    When will you have stock of kits where the components have been soldered to the boards?

    Best regards

    Chris ZL2TCH

    Reply ↓
  42. Paul Rice

    A lot of people are now buying the Chinese clone because you have been out of stock for a long time.
    What’s up?
    Are you going to re-stock version 0.6 or are you working on version 0.7 now?

    Reply ↓
    2. Alex

      chinese and indonesian sdr/dsp xcvrs are now prevailing in the market now. your items have been out stock for a long time.

      Reply ↓
  43. Leif Christensen

    Hey
    I have a MCHf vers 0.4 which have worked ok until I had a lightning destroing the ui-board. The rf-board works ok.
    Does a rf-board vers. 04 work together with a vers. 0.6 ui-board?. If it doe,s Is it possible to buy only a ui-board kit?
    Vy 73 de OZ8GW, Leif.

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi Leif,

      Sorry to hear that! yes, boards between versions are inter-compatible.
      I have few single boards left over, some with small defects, will list them,
      maybe later today.

      73!

      Reply ↓
  45. Sam NW9T

    I don’t see an Email address here so sent one to your Email address listed on a Ham Lookup site.

    Reply ↓
  47. Lev OK2PLL

    Dr om. I am against thee arrangements described tx tx quad preamp and mixer. Would not it be easier than wires stretched across the plate instead of jumpers directly on one side of the C109,110,11 capacitors, and resistors 112 and R63,64,65 and 66? It would be significantly shorter and simpler. Or such a solution was a reason. Lev 73 OK2PLL

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi Lev,

      Off course. It is much better with short bridge on the single side of the PCB. It is what i did for my test and took pictures.
      As my test boards never see a case and stay in ‘naked’ position all the time was ok. But if you going to do on your radio should
      be done properly, with short as possible wires.

      73!

      Reply ↓
  48. Luca

    Hi Chris,
    is it possible for you sell me a bounce of SN74CBT3253C? Here in Italy are not in stock since months.. and my mchf needs. As occurred in the early days after completed your kit, these days U2 died again.
    If it’s possible for you, please forward me prices details at my persona email.
    Thank you,

    Luca IU0AZB

    Reply ↓
  49. Claudio

    Hi Chris I saw on the internet a rf board for 144 mhz. I wanted to ask if you plan to produce a kit or a board for this frequency.73 de IV3ALF claudio

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi Claudio,

      I have no idea about this board. I still support only HF, as there are so many cheap VHF radios.

      73

      Reply ↓
  50. Clark

    When might you have more complete kits, I see that they are out of stock. I’d sure like to order one from across the pond here.

    Clark, WA3JPG

    Reply ↓
  51. C-Jack

    Hi. I like the radio. I am curious though. What is the sensitivity of the mcHF radio. And what will I have to purchase additionally for the kits on EBAY to be fully operational.

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hello,

      I haven’t done any measurements due to lack of equipment(calibrated RF signal generator), although i am
      getting one soon and will try to measure and post some details.

      As for the missing parts – Speaker and MOSFETs. You can get that former from Farnell (part code in BOM),
      as far as the MOSFETs go – do not buy from ebay, but from reputable Ham source, as most of those transistors
      on Ebay are fakes.

      73

      Reply ↓
  52. Larry W8LM

    Chris,
    I enjoyed surfing your web site. I’ve only been licensed 50 years this month. That’s 350 dog years. I’m trying to learn more about the hobby. I built my 1st receiver in 1962, transmitter in 1966 and my 1st computer in 1977. We’re in the middle of the US eating and shopping holiday. I took the time to eat and surf at the same time and enjoyed your web site. Having an Amateur Extra class license allows you to talk and eat at the same time. In this case keyboard. I have a few comments regarding your mcHF radio:

    #1. Complete Kit– minus this and that– Obvious English Humor. The Catholic nuns would admonish you
    as It can’t be complete if it’s missing something. Or did you learn something akin from Kansasian
    P.T. Barnum- as his Kansas City guarantee was “If it breaks in half, you get to keep both pieces”
    #2. In case your wondering who this A$$hole is, now for the technical aspects of my inquiry:
    a. Why Toroids in the band pass filters?
    1. When surface mount devices can make a lighter more compact filters with good results.
    2. Does the assembler have to wind the toroids in your kit? Pain to strip enamel wire for soldering.
    3. See a surface mount band pass using all surface mount components:
    https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hobbypcb/rs-hfiq-5w-software-defined-radio-sdr-tranceiver#prototype-slide-14551
    b. More about the rs-hfiq SRD transceiver:
    https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hobbypcb/rs-hfiq-5w-software-defined-radio-sdr-tranceiver# #3. Which brings us to – Why are you not “GO FUND ME”? They raised $44K (USD).
    a. They surpassed their original goal by offering a TXO at a second level of funding.
    b. I am funder #101 and sold my FLEX 1500. Keeping the FT-817
    c. Because of “GO FUND ME” they offer a complete kit including enclosure.
    1. I believe that “seals the deal” regarding resale value and protection of components.
    #4. All though I did not dig to the depths of every page, I did not find any specifications regarding
    dynamic range, IMD, 2nd,3rd harmonic suppression. Has your transceiver been lab tested?
    #5. Buttons and 4 encoders… What are their functions? I know 1 must be VFO. Any memories, Band
    Stacking registers, Scanning functions, Menu’s etc… Inquiring minds would like to know.
    #6. I think you would do much better if you simply took a sales brochure from the “BIG 3” and used it as
    a guide line to duplicate the information they provide in 3-4 full color pages You don’t have to be as
    fancy or have mum in a miniskirt holding the radio in hope of increasing sales.

    If you get out this way. We can feed you the best $10 steak you ever had. Planning on Dayton 2017, maybe you should go too.

    Larry W8LM
    ARRL Life Member -50 years a ham this month.
    President, VFW post 3115 Amateur Radio Club, W0VFW- Wichita, Kansas
    Old Goat Ranch – Mulvane Kansas

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi Larry,

      Thanks for your interesting post and inquire about the project! I will try to address your points as much as I can:

      1. The full kit is missing only the final MOSFETs and the speaker. Also there is no enclosure, but the point of being project,
      not product is purely on purpose.

      2. Actually the BPF is using SMD wire wound inductors, the one you see on board with toroids is actually the LPF, it is realised
      like that due to higher power handling requirements. Yes, you need to wind those buy hand, including scraping enamel and the full deal, sorry.

      3. I have no financial problem to pay from my pocket for everything – development and design, then ordering from factory, etc. And i am running at a small profit as well, so it is all bad. Probably i would go to kistarter if i need a million or two, but that has to be some massive project.

      4. Probably it is possible to be tested, but for me personally is not that important because even with the best performing gear, you will still
      be on the same bands where constantly somebody is tuning over you with a kW or just shouting his call over 100 other people to get that DX. It
      is a hobby, not latest mission to Mars 😉

      5. There is very detailed manual from Clint, on my Downloads page explaining all the functions in details. But even without reading it, it is
      pretty easy to grasp in minutes. The reason i have lots of buttons is to make it user friendly, less menues etc..

      6. Yes, but wanted to have a project, that is in constant development, not a complete product. My target audience is also hams that are into
      electronics and have deep love for technology, not somebody who is just looking for cheaper deal on an appliance. For me is amazing to see the
      schematics and the insides of a gadget, sales brochures don’t win over me.

      Steaks and mini skirts, count me in 😉

      73, Chris
      M0NKA

      Reply ↓
  54. Carsten DL8AAP

    Hi Chris,
    if we want to order more than one kit (2-3) in one package are we paying the postage of 10 for each kit or only one time?
    73 Carsten DL8AAP

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi Carsten,

      My box fit only the parts for one kit. If i try to fit more boards and components in single box, i have less space for packaging material, so something can get damaged. Usually the Alu caps that stick out on the board got chopped off.

      Chris

      Reply ↓
  56. ohtaron

    I have just ordered a kit, hope it arrives fast. Any Final specific Mosfets recommended ? And the speaker has to be 8ohm or 4ohm?
    Thank you!

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi,

      It should be sent now, please check PayPal for tracking. Full specs on the MOSFETs and Speaker in the BOM,
      please check my downloads page.

      73

      Reply ↓
      1. ohtaron

        Now it arrived at home. And found all the info. Thanks! the packaging is perfect! everything OK, now to start soldering and winding toroids! Thanks for this amazing project!

        Reply ↓
  58. Wladimir Wall

    Hello dear friend Chris ! Tell me please , when you will be available again sets to build your transceiver . A few days ordering from the website but as soon as I leave on the payment list is reset , and there remains only the ports . Regards Vlad DL1KBX, ex UL7GBZ

    Reply ↓
  59. Blayne Marek

    Hey Chris, Just wanted to thank you for all the hard work you have done and also to everyone else that worked to make the MCHF what it is today!! I am almost done with mine and so far looking good. I can’t wait to get it done. Just wanted to post a big THANK YOU and soon will be ordering 2 more. KE8ARN, Blayne

    Reply ↓
  60. Karl-Heinz Faikis

    Hello, Chris, can I buy only the rf-Board like preinstalled with smd-parts in the factory and rest of pieces to finished at home? when I can do this, please give me an info about the price.
    Thanks and 73

    Henry, DL4FK

    Reply ↓
  61. Peter Schlüter

    Hallo Chris,
    did you get my order?
    Best Regards
    peter Schlüter
    Germany
    26736 Krummhörn

    Reply ↓
  62. anastasio

    Hi, I need some help,when I try to load the bootloader in DFUSE the chip is detected but in a few seconds dissappears and cannot charge it

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi, need to keep on pressing the power button, CPU in ROM mode doesn’t know how to control the power supply.

      73

      Reply ↓
        1. m0nka Post author

          Hi,

          Sorry for late reply, drop me a mail please, i will try to help (djchrismarc at gmail).

          73

          Reply ↓
  63. GARCIA

    Hello om,
    Is that you have complete mcHF QRP kit in stock ??
    Is what i can to order a mcHF QRP kit ??
    Thank you for the answer.
    73 de F6HFX

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hello,

      Yes, it is in stock and available to purchase on my Order page. Lots of information about what is included on the Download page.

      73

      Reply ↓
  64. Gus Andrada

    Hi Chris

    Sorry fo my previous bad post.

    Tell me the full kit is the complete transceiver no more board is neded? mchf have of possibility of transmit bandwidht at 3.5 khz.
    I see in the web has pre soldered smd in the boards?

    What is the cost of shipping to mi country Argentina?

    Thanks again

    Gus
    lw3ewz

    Reply ↓
  65. John Wiewiorka

    Sir

    Can you please let me know the dimensions of the main boards as I cant seem to find them anywhere

    regards John

    Reply ↓
  66. anastasio

    Hi Chris,Some time ago I bought two units of ui board and rf board and two lcd, you can sell me only the components without board and lcd?, thanks

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hello Max,

      Yes, i have full kits in stock. Also comes soldered to the UI board. Actually i do this by hand before sending, not done by
      the factory. I thought is a good idea, to save me some future troubles 🙂

      73!

      Reply ↓
      1. Max IU0AYU

        Thank you so much for your response. I will order the kit as soon as possible , as soon as I gather enough money , hopefully before the end of next month .
        Great project mchf rtx!

        Reply ↓
  68. Ulrich Graf

    Hi Chris,

    for exact identification of parts I like to have an actual parts list (board version 04). Could not find any so far. Where could I download such a list?

    73, Uli, DK4SX

    Reply ↓
  69. Ulrich Graf

    Hello Chris,

    Fred, DK9WF, a close friend of mine got your pcbs and the full kit for me. I already assembled the UI-Board and wanted to push up the push butten knobs, but unfortunately those of FARNELL have obviously a different inner diameter becaus even with hard force I cannot push them onto the button shaft. Which knobs (round shape) do you use and where can I get them from – eventually from you?

    Regards, 73, Uli, DK4SX

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi Uli,

      I use the cheapest possible ones that you can find in any equipment from 80’s and 90’s. Lots of them available on Ebay. I think they are classed as 6mm (3mm button and 3mm shaft). Just make sure you get SMD type (gull wing).

      73!

      Reply ↓
  70. Terry Genes

    Would like to buy one of these, is there a version of the kit with all surface mounted components already fitted only my old eyes can’t cope with SMD anymore

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hello Terry,

      I plan to get all SMD parts installed on the next batch of boards. But keep in mind that even the through hole parts are kinda small and some type of testing and modding might be required and this will involve touching the SMD parts (eventually).

      73

      Reply ↓
  72. Anatoly

    Hello Chris!I have a question on the program.In Your source settings are saved in the virtual EEPROM.The number of rewriting the flash 10000(100000).How long will this time-saving if You in main loop?
    // Transceiver main loop
    for(;;)
    {
    // UI events processing
    ui_driver_thread();
    // Save eeprom values
    UiDriverSaveEepromValues();

    Reply ↓
  73. Rune Gjerde

    Hi
    The STM32F407 is soldered on the Ui Board? or is it clean for every compontents for 8 pund?
    Got a bit panic when I saw that 🙂
    Best Regards
    Rune

    Reply ↓
  74. Dubravko

    What will be aproximate total price for parts and PCB’s to build this nice transceiver from parts that are acquired from on the shelf supplyers (ebay, Farnell..)?

    Thanks in advance for information…

    Dubravko 9a5bdp

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi,

      The last time i have calculated it was about 200 GBP, but i see the prices of parts had gone up in the last two years, so it might be bit higher now.

      73

      Reply ↓
  76. Keith

    I have spent some time tonight trying to find what gauge SWG wire was used for winding the coils and transformers and been unable to find this information.
    Can you point me me to this information.

    Many thanks

    Keith GU6EFB

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi Keith,

      Sorry for the late reply, the wire width is in the schematics file, next to each coil/transformer.

      73!

      Reply ↓
  77. Sergey

    Hi Chris!
    Can I order a Board and some components only? Other components I already have. I did not see mode SPLIT . This feature is already implemented? Is there a possibility to order a metal body design KX3 . Very good I love Elecraft KX3.
    73! Sergey UR5IPW

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hello Sergei,

      I have some parts left, please e-mail me a list of what do you need, i will check if i have some leftovers. Split mode is available in latest firmware versions, please check the group or GitHub.
      There are two metal cases – Chinese (ebay) and aluminium extrude, from a Polish colleague, you can get
      his details in the group.

      73!

      Reply ↓
  78. Mani

    Hi Chris,
    Long time back, I had purchased LCD modules and PCBs from you. However, Just now only I could complete the assembly. MCHF firm ware from your site was loaded and the it is not working and need to trouble shoot!. Please help me in locating the problems. The following are my observations:
    1. MCHF responds to power on push button and display light up. But only a white screen is there. Nothing s displayed.
    2. Band+ , Band- buttons are responding. I can hear the relay clicks when these buttons are pressed.
    3. Volume control and Gain control knobs are working. The only issue is that volume /gain (hissing) increases when turned anti clockwise.
    4. It seems that the local osc ( si570) is not tuning. I am getting a fixed frequency of around 56 MHZ at the output of si570.
    5. I2c Bus connected to Si570 does not show any activity.

    I would like to get your expert opinion in locating the fault. Is it due to failure of the LCD display or anything wrong with the Controller?
    Waiting for your advice.
    73
    Mani

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hello Mani,

      First thing – you need to fix the LCD. Please check all joints – LCD and CPU pins soldering. The SI570 comm is not related to the LCD issues, it is something else. Best to e-mail me directly or post in the group, not easy in the comment section.

      73

      Reply ↓
  79. Ken Scharf (WA2MZE)

    I can’t seem to find the BOM on this site for the parts required to populate the bare PCB’s.
    Also a question on using the ‘Discovery’ board, it seems to have a different codec on it than your boards, I assume that would require some mod’s to the software. Maybe I might build just your UI board and then use softrock or other rf boards with it?

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi Ken,

      The BOM is on the Hardware page – schematics. As for the codec, on my early prototype i used the TI
      chip (same as Cube SDR), but lately moved to the Wolfson part as is 8-10 times cheaper. You can build
      around the discovery board and use softrock as RF front end (my 70 Mhz radio is built this way).

      73

      Reply ↓
  80. Bernie VK2ABN

    Hi Chris Beautiful Project, Congratulations ………Are there any Specs like Blocking dynamic range, AGC characteristics , and 3rd order intermod, birdies Ect I would be a starter for one of these BUT ??? anyway look forward to hearing from you

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hello,

      To be honest i never cared for those things, and don’t have the equipment and knowledge to
      measure them scientifically. I guess eventually somebody will do. My concern was normal
      requirement that can affect your license conditions (harmonics, distortions, phase noise), e.g.
      stuff that i can measure with my Spectrum Analyzer.

      73

      Reply ↓
  81. Uwe Cappeller

    Hi Chris,

    I baught one mcHF kit and will finalize soon but in the kit there is no Y1, C93 and C94 for the UI board (0.4). In the check list it is marked as “na” but what does it mean? “Not applicable” or “not available”? It is not clear for me because I didn’t any replacement note and in the other lists (also bom for Farnell) it is still in place.

    Thank you in advance for your comment. Sorry that I left this note here but I didn’t want to post it in the group and I don’t found a contact site. Here you can delete it.

    Best Regards,
    Uwe
    DJ3FV

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hello Uwe,

      The CPU needs only one clock, so its the TCXO or the crystal and two caps. In the kits supplied by me only the TCXO is used, so those components are optional, that is why NA. All this is clearly visible from the schematics, not so from BOM. But i am limited to some template excel sheets, can’t do much about them, still need to print and fit into A4 piece of paper. Hope that helps.

      73, Chris

      Reply ↓
      1. Uwe Cappeller

        Hi Chris,

        thank you for the fast reply. Now it’s clear and I can go on.

        Thank you very much again for this nice project!

        vy 73, Uwe

        Reply ↓
  83. Josip- Joe Bedenicec 9A2QP

    Hello Chris
    Gave a sales KIT kit and gave the transceiver can be paid via PayPal. Price with shipping to Croatia 230.75 GPB, I am very interested in a copy and would like to order. It is a very nice project but otherwise I like something a little strong and with it a nice design and it ordered immediately. There is a possibility to work on 50MHz and 70MHz. With the enthusiasm that the RX / TX get Joe 9A2QP

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hello Joe,

      Available right now on the Order page. I am using the mcHF on 70 Mhz, maybe for two years,but
      with external OZ2M (modded with SI570 – oven heated osc, and 10W PA).

      73!

      Reply ↓
  84. Ray

    bought the boards way back 2014 when you first started have the been changed ? I am a diabetic with bad eye site do you know of any in U.S,A. That would build the boards for me ?
    thanks Ray

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hell Sandro,

      I wouldn’t personally, due to high phase noise of those DDS chips, but you could try it, that is why the source was released,
      to allow experimentation.

      73!

      Reply ↓
  92. DL1EGR

    software developement environment can found at? is there a environment running under linux? how to & many other questions…

    Reply ↓
  93. Jonathan Miller

    I have no problems soldering, Did I see a BOM for RF board somewhere?
    I cannot seem to locate it.

    many thanks

    Kind regards

    Jonathan

    Reply ↓
  94. Jonathan Miller

    Hello
    Can you confirm then that I can set up with just a scope and multimeter please.
    Kind regards

    Jonathan

    Reply ↓
  95. Jonathan Miller

    Hello, I am interested in building your radio. What test gear would I need for setup please.

    Thank you

    Kr

    Jonathan

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi, multimeter, SWR meter and SSB HF transceiver would be enough. Scope, if you have one, would make it even easier. 73

      Reply ↓
      1. Jonathan Miller

        Hi there,

        I have a dual scope,meters, sig gens, but not the SWR meter, or the SSB HF Transceiver. Altough the SWR looks cheap enough to get. Would I be able to manage without The SSB HF Transceiver.

        As you can probably tell I am bit of a newbie to radio, although I have been in electronics all my life, and your set looks rather good without me spending a rather lot of money.

        Kind regards

        Jonathan

        Reply ↓
  97. Heinz-Volker Schütte

    Hello,

    i am interesting on this Project, and want to Buy 1 ore more complete Full Kit’s.

    Please let me know how much it cost by 1 or 5 Kit’s

    73 DD3DC, Volker

    Reply ↓
  98. Dave Marvin

    Hi,
    Thanks for your reply,
    I will check what you suggest.
    Also I am waiting membership approval for the yahoo group, so will also check this when its cleared.

    Cheers
    Dave G7JIQ

    Reply ↓
  99. Dave Marvin

    Hi, (sorry if this is in the wrong topic area)

    I first must congratulate you on an excellent project, which went together very smoothly.
    I have just one slight problem, and I wondered if you had come across anything similar and could shed any light on the cause.
    To start with, the radio functions fine as a radio, my problem is with the on/off button.
    From first applying power the button turns on power fine and the radio is operational, if I press or hold the button to turn off, the display blanks after about 5 seconds after holding the button, momentary press does nothing.
    Upon releasing the button the radio turns back on and this time flashes a overall white screen, then blanks, then displays a white screen again.
    This stays white until power is removed,
    Some times this will stay white when turned on after a power down and has to be left disconnected over night to clear.
    I have re-flashed the software and this made no difference.
    It does seem to partly work when the screen is white, but-its impossible to see what’s being changed.

    Cheers
    Dave G7JIQ

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi Dave,

      I think somebody have posted about similar problem in the Yahoo group as well (not sure if it was you). It is a good idea to check the levels on the first regulator, that is MCU controlled. Also there are two lines from MCU that control it – it might be a short, wrong resistor value or partially cooked protection diod on the GPIO (inside the MCU).

      But i don’t believe is a software problem.

      73, Chris

      Reply ↓
  100. Mark Richardson

    I am, like so many other’s, trying to get on this as well! When do you think I can order a complete set of these?

    Reply ↓
  101. Gediminas M0NSP

    I love this project a lot! I think I will buy some boards and start soldering 🙂 brilliant transceiver!

    Reply ↓
  102. Clive

    Chris, Just ordered the boards and display. Looks like a great project and am looking forward to the build, there are not many that have done what you have here and placed it in the PD. Great work!

    73 de Clive G4KCM

    Reply ↓
  103. Evgeny

    Hello Chris,

    Yes I understand that I need to recompile display driver. I’ve just checked the “device code ” of display drivers on my LCDs. There are actually two types of them: 0x8989 -> SSD1289 and 0x5408 -> SPFD5408B.
    Maybe LCD you are using has similar driver ?

    So, please send me the PCBs first. I will check the info on your page when your displays come.
    Please send me by mail your payment details.

    73! Evgeny

    Reply ↓
  104. Evgeny

    Hi Chris,

    Yes I agree that Chinese New Year takes to long period of time. Anyway maybe you can sell only PCBs.
    I have few chinese LCD displays HY32D 320*240. They are 3.2″ but have the same interface. I guess you are using FSMC. Btw these 4 displays have 3 different types of controller inside. So it’s not trivial task to get them started. But I’ve found solution.
    I have one 2.4″ but it has only 8 bit parallel interface. I’ve bought it for arduino.
    It would be great if you can send the PCBs now.

    73! Evgeny

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hello Evgeny,

      Yeah, i had some but all gone, and can’t order again before the first of March, then will take few days for DHL to deliver.

      You can use those LCDs you mentioned, maybe you need to compile the code with different init routine, printing on the screen might be bit different as well, not sure. Also 3.2 inch display will have much worse PPI. For the 8 bit
      LCD is the same story, need to make a custom compile and add changes.

      If you have outstanding order for boards – i will send ASAP, no worry. If you need LCD as well, maybe wait some 10 days and order all together. I will announce on the main page when in stock.

      73

      Reply ↓
  105. Evgeny

    Hi Chris! Your projects looks very good. I am interesting to buy the PCB and display. Can you send to me ?
    73! Evgeny RV3BJ

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi Evgeny,

      Just run out of LCDs, sorry. Chinese New Year took to long, will order some more when they are back to work.

      73, Chris

      Reply ↓
  106. edwin

    hi chris,

    good day im interested with the project what is the price of the board and lcd, may be you can email me if the kit is available soon tnx 73s.

    Reply ↓
  111. Sudhindra

    Dear sir,

    I am one of the amateur radio operator in India. I am really interested to assemble one MCHF sdr. Pls send the price details of pcb’s and anything available with kit form or fully assembled one. Awaiting for your response.

    Regards&73’s
    Sudhindra. Vu3pwt.

    Reply ↓
  112. JR1KDA / Shoji Iwasaki

    It is very interesting project!
    I would like to order full parts kit.
    When can I order the whole kit?

    73
    de JR1KDA / Sho

    Reply ↓
  113. franz

    Hi Chris,

    yes, the idea with split on/off is ok and we need than VFO A and VFO B. The simply way is to push the split button and than turn the main knob until you have the TX QRG. After this operation the TRX receive with VFO A but send with VFO B on the second QRG. The other idea is to have a second readout for the main and sub-QRG so you can see the QRG´s from VFO A and VFO B. The VFO B for TX can be smaler and placed under the main frequency. After split operation push split off and that means VFO A = VFO B

    Reply ↓
  114. Franz

    Hi Chris,

    Split is when i wanna work a DX-Station with RX on 14.020 and TX 1-5 KHz up or down from the RX QRG, so i don´t need a second receiver. Ok, split is also posible when the RIT is capable to go from 1-5KHz up or down. MDS is the sensitivity of the receiver in dBµV. So, a good TRX has a sesitivity about -140 dBµV that means better than 0,1 to 0,15 µV.

    73, Franz

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Thanks for the clarification. It is no problem to be coded then, it will be probably 1-2 days playing around with the UI driver, eg adding additional controls (split on/off, split value).

      As for the sensitivity of the receiver, i don’t believe i have the needed tools and experience to produce scientifically useful result. Much easier on the TX side as i have a scope and spectrum analyzer.

      Reply ↓
  115. Franz

    Hello,

    nice TRX :). Can it make split? I can´t see VFO A or VFO B on the screen. What MDS has the TRX?

    Thanks, regards.

    Franz

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi Franz,

      No split right now. But do you need two separate receivers, working in parallel or just double frequency bank in software ? First will require months of work to achieve, the second just messing around with the UI driver.

      What is MDS ?

      73, Chris

      Reply ↓
  116. Laurent - F6FVY

    Hi Chris

    The current features do not include any CAT connectivity. Do you think it’s feasible thru the USB (not sure it’s currently configured as an USB peripheral device), or can be added with 2 spare pins on the STM32 (if any left ?).

    73 – Larry – F6FVY

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi Larry,

      Sorry for the late reply. Full CAT control is possible via USB only (emulated com port or any other type of USB device). No need to use old fashioned physical COM (UART) ports for that. I have started on the driver, but due to lack of time have implemented only PTT on/off. The only ‘appliance’ i have here is IC-706, so i need to make CAT cable, scan the USB protocol and emulate it into my mcHF driver. It is not difficult task, but will require few days, non stop work on this only. If you are in rush and you are coder yourself, mail me for some tips, so you can maybe do it yourself faster.

      73, Chris

      Reply ↓
  118. Francisco SEna

    Hola Chris

    YO estaria interesado en fabricar y distribuir este equipo como kit de radio para la comunidad QRP mundial,si de es de tu interes en llegar a un acuerdo para su fabricacion ,disponemos de los medios necesarios
    Contacta conmigo EA7JGZ .
    UN saludo

    EA7JGZ
    Francisco Sena

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi Rudolf,

      Please email me at djchrismarc at gmail dot com, we can discuss details, thanks.

      73, Chris

      Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      hello,

      I have no plans of releasing the gerbers, sorry. If you want one board, I can give you at cost plus postage. I always order in quantity of 15, so have some leftovers.

      73, Chris

      Reply ↓
  122. Rudolf0351

    Hello,
    I want to order the PCB file from MCHF QRP transceiver. My name is Rudolf Unger from Germany.
    Thank you.

    Reply ↓
  123. Rudolf0351

    Hello,
    I want to order the PCP file from MCHF QRP transceiver. My name is Rudolf Unger from Germany.
    Thank you.

    Reply ↓
  124. Janos Nagy

    Hi,
    My name is Janos Nagy from Hungary. I would like to order the PCP file of mcHF QRP transceiver.
    Thank you.

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi, this board is not possible to be made at home with homebrew methods, it has 5mil clearance.

      Reply ↓
  127. k8dad

    WOW! I’m currently working on a minima QRP rig which also utilizes the si570’s. The big difference is its SSB and CW only and not using any type of SDR setup.

    Whats the power output from your power amp on various frequencies?
    What frequencies are covered by this? 1mhz to 160mhz?
    I know your not selling any kits yet but can you give a rough estimate on final cost?

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi,

      The SDR setup is good in a way that allows to add other modes via software update only, so no hardcoded hardware blocks. The maximum power from the current drive without clipping is around 10W, below 10 Mhz. On higher frequencies is lower. Also the PIN diods will not survive for long at 10W on some data modes like WSPR, that is why i limit the output power to around 5W in the software(via mult/div). The frequency coverage is 2-30 Mhz because the mixers use 4x the LO frequency, so with the cheap version of SI570 thats the best we can do.

      Current BOM for both boards, without assembly comes to 170 GBP.

      73, Chris

      Reply ↓
      1. k8dad

        Gotcha thats great as you have coverage on most of the HF bands + all mode. I do like the fact that you check that the si570 locked on the requested frequency. If the minima dosn’t already do that I will probably add it to there code base.

        Price wise thats still much more affordable than the kx3 and will enable more people to get into the HF section.

        Have you looked at the non-cmos versions of the si570? They run from 1mhz to I think 1600mhz but I dont know how much the price increases with the other ones.

        Reply ↓
        1. m0nka Post author

          Yeah, i found some bug, where the chip will reset itself to default frequency on I2C error. This was unacceptable for a transceiver, so i had to implement extra checking.

          I wouldn’t compare it to the KX3, it is a hobby project, not complete, commercial project.

          About the SI570 – i am in the UK, it is so difficult to buy good quality parts here, for example Digi key seems to refuse to sell latest tech to outside US, i was lucky with those PIN diods, hehe.

          Reply ↓
          1. k8dad

            Interesting. I did a quick lookup and it looks like for the 1.4ghz si570 its $54 usd which is a far cry from the $11 usd that the cmos si570 costs.

            But that would get you up to 350mhz which would cover the 2 meter band + 220 but the amp would probably be out of spec at that point.

          2. m0nka Post author

            Yeah, that is really too expensive. Originally i had VHF support(70 Mhz only), but with transverter. The STM32F4 can output 42Mhz on one of it’s pins, so i was using as clock for the transverter. Adding more bands is more relays, more filters, more real estate on the PCB, i think i am done. I will add 60m though, this is just software update.

          3. k8dad

            Yea I think you have done an amazing job on this. Just curious but could you highlight a few of the more expensive components of the system besides the si570?

          4. m0nka Post author

            Thank you! The speaker is expensive, but gives very good sound, together with the acoustic chamber formed by the bottom and middle panels. The LCD is around 10 USD. The Mitsubishi transistors are rare and expensive. Then i use those ridiculously expensive 22nF caps in the TX and RX switching mixers – .80 GBP each. Keep in mind that the component count is high as well – the RF board has some 320 in the BOM.

  128. Paul Warren

    Hi there, This project does look very nice! You’ve certainly put a lot of work into it, and I’m glad to see it all working successfully!

    I’m wondering, have you given any thought to releasing the firmware as open source? It would be of great value to me, and others I’m sure, if for example, I could do things like add Codec2 and its modem directly in to the firmware, and of course, whatever else comes down the pipeline in the future!

    Is there a license attached to the schematics?
    Are the PCB layouts available, or will they be?

    Look forward to seeing more 🙂

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi Paul,

      Thanks for your interest and kind words. Yes, i was planning to release the source code, just need some time to clean it up. Great idea about Codec2, i was thinking the same the other day when listening to 20m.

      Schematics are more or less re-hashing of common knowledge, so no license. The enclosure STL files and source code will be free to use, as long as no commercial usage.

      About the PCB, i have few extra made, let me know if you need one.

      73

      Reply ↓
      1. Paul Warren

        Awesome news, and I see you’ve released it already 🙂 Excellent news!

        As for a PCB, I’d definitely love one, but I would say that my soldering skills are probably not up to populating it, so it’ll be many months before I feel confident making a start on it! So, send it to someone else if you know they’ll make use of it sooner!

        Reply ↓
        1. m0nka Post author

          No problem Paul. I will try to solder make few boards with the most difficult to solder components and offer, just need to clear some work projects aside first. The source you have probably seen has most of the functionality working, but things like CAT driver, IQ ballance, etc are still work in progress. I also switched from ‘super loop’ to IRQ based state machine for the UI driver in the last firmware version to minimize some parasite noise, still in testing as well. Also there is a need for some compressor for the microphone on SSB. All on the pipeline.

          Reply ↓
  129. Graham Phillips, G3XTZ.

    Hi Chris, this is off-topic, but I hope you can help with a little info. I’ve seen your info on modification of the
    RA35h1516 P.A. block. and wondered if you had made any more progress ? The transistor gain would be higher at 70 Mhz ( than 150 Mhz ), so I would have expected nearer 50 watts O/P. When I bought my modules, I was given a “HF mod sheet”, which was pure fiction …. an external RF choke supposedly isolated the power feed, but actually allowed the full RF output to be applied to the Gate of the final amplifier !

    Many Thanks, Graham, G3XTZ.

    Reply ↓
    1. m0nka Post author

      Hi,

      Thanks for your interest! Haven’t started sales yet. Still some Beta testing left. Please keep coming back and check on my progress.

      73, Chris
      M0NKA

      Reply ↓
      1. anonymous

        I was wondering what your cost goal was, such as keeping the final device at a cost sub $200 , sub $100 , sub $50 , ect..

        Reply ↓
        1. m0nka Post author

          I was hoping below 100 GBP, but some components are very expensive, and at the end all adds up ;(

          Reply ↓
    1. Gus Andrada

      Hi Chris

      the complete kit is the full transceiver or need some other part?
      I see in the page that the kit is pre solder smd components. Im interesting in the excellent proyect.
      The transmit max bandwidth in SSB is 3.6 Khz?
      Tell me .. what is te cost of shipping to my country Argentina.

      sorry for the many questions
      best regards
      gus
      lw3ewz

      Reply ↓
      1. m0nka Post author

        Hello,

        Although it has SMD parts, still requires excellent soldering skills and lots of work to finish as complete radio. TX bandwith you can change to upto 48 kHz (codec sampling rate) by playing with the source code. Cost for International Recorded is 10 GBP.

        73

        Reply ↓
        1. Lukas Thorwald Hey

          Hi from germany!

          I’m dying to see the kit with presoldered smd parts being available again _and_ having the money to purchase it 🙂 I unfortunately didn’t do anything concerning smd the last years so in my opinion it’s worth the extra money to have at least these parts presoldered.

          73,

          DO4AMF

          Reply ↓
          1. m0nka Post author

            Hi Lukas,

            I used to have the Full Kits all the time, just this time the switch from v 0.5 to v 0.6 and Chinese New Year coincided, that is
            why the huge delay. I am sorry about that. As for the components kits, i would rather not sell them, as it takes ages to prepare the small bags, but there were lots of hams who wanted to solder from scratch, this is why i made it again. I think from now on i will have both type of kits in parallel, so there is a choice.

            73, Chris

    2. Nick Ikonomov

      Chris,
      Sincere congrats! Look’s like Bulgarians have some QRP addictions…
      Very cute project , clever and enough for most people.
      Keep up good work , buddy!
      We also try via LNR precisions… started like a joke, but…
      One more time , congratulations!
      73 Nick LZ1JY

      Reply ↓
      1. m0nka Post author

        Здравей Ник,

        Благодаря за топлите думи! Поздрави! Крис

        Reply ↓

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