The TinyTen is a compact, highly portable, and experimental high-frequency (HF) transceiver built around a low-power DSP. It utilizes direct digital synthesis (DDS) for both transmit and receive, covering 160 through 10 meters, with a maximum output power of 1W. The design prioritizes simplicity and small size, featuring a minimalist user interface with a single rotary encoder and a small LCD display. It requires an external computer for initial configuration and incorporates readily available components for easier construction by amateur radio enthusiasts. Despite its experimental nature, the TinyTen aims to deliver a functional and portable HF experience.
The "Tiny Ten" project details the design and construction of an exceptionally compact, digitally-driven high-frequency (HF) transceiver for amateur radio operation. This ambitious endeavor leverages the power of a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), specifically the Analog Devices ADSP-BF533, to perform the majority of signal processing tasks, enabling a remarkably small physical footprint. The radio covers the 7 MHz amateur band, commonly referred to as the 40-meter band, and utilizes a direct-conversion architecture, also known as zero-IF, simplifying the analog circuitry required.
The receiver employs a single-chip solution for mixing and analog-to-digital conversion, further contributing to the miniaturization. The incoming RF signal is digitized directly and processed within the DSP. The core functionalities of the receiver, including filtering, demodulation, and automatic gain control (AGC), are all implemented in software on the DSP. This digital approach offers a high degree of flexibility and allows for advanced features to be incorporated with relative ease.
For transmission, the DSP generates the desired output signal digitally. This digitally-generated signal is then converted back to analog using a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and subsequently upconverted to the target frequency. A power amplifier stage boosts the signal to the desired output power level for transmission. Similar to the receiver, the transmitter benefits from the flexibility and precision offered by the DSP-based architecture.
The user interface consists of a small LCD display and a few control buttons, facilitating frequency selection, mode selection, and other operational parameters. The compact nature of the design necessitates a streamlined interface, but the essential controls are provided for practical operation. The radio is powered by a standard 12-volt DC supply, making it suitable for portable or mobile use.
The author meticulously documents the design process, including schematic diagrams, board layouts, and firmware details. The project highlights the capabilities of modern DSPs in enabling sophisticated radio functionality within a remarkably small and power-efficient package. The Tiny Ten showcases a compelling example of a miniature HF transceiver that leverages digital signal processing to achieve impressive performance in a constrained form factor. While operating only on the 7 MHz band, it demonstrates the potential of this approach for other frequency bands and more advanced features.
Summary of Comments ( 9 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43230864
Hacker News users discuss the TinyTen transceiver with interest, focusing on its impressive DSP capabilities and small size. Several commenters express admiration for the project's ingenuity and the author's clear explanations. Some discuss the trade-offs of DSP-based radios, noting potential performance limitations compared to traditional analog designs, particularly regarding dynamic range and strong signal handling. Others are curious about the specifics of its DSP implementation and the choice of components. A few share personal experiences with similar projects and offer suggestions for improvements or alternative approaches. The overall sentiment is positive, with many praising the project as a fascinating example of modern radio design.
The Hacker News post titled "Tiny Ten DSP-Based HF Transceiver" discussing the Tiny Ten transceiver project sparked a relatively short but engaged discussion. Several commenters expressed admiration for the project's ambition and technical achievements.
One commenter highlighted the impressive nature of achieving a full HF transceiver in such a small form factor, particularly noting the challenges of integrating features like a spectrum display and waterfall within the limited screen space. They also lauded the choice of the STM32H7 microcontroller, recognizing its capabilities while acknowledging the potential difficulties in harnessing its full potential. The same commenter later added a point about the potential legal complexities of selling a device with a built-in spectrum analyzer function, depending on the specific regulations of different regions.
Another commenter focused on the user interface, expressing concern about the potential difficulty of operating the device with such limited controls and display. They acknowledged the impressive feat of fitting all the functionality in, but questioned the practical usability for extended periods. This commenter also pointed to the Xiegu G90 as an example of a similarly small transceiver, inviting comparison and implicitly suggesting potential UI/UX improvements.
The developer of the Tiny Ten transceiver also participated in the discussion, responding to the concerns about user interface complexity. They acknowledged the challenges and indicated that a larger version with a more extensive user interface was already under development. They also clarified the status of the project, stating that it was still a prototype and not yet ready for commercial release.
The rest of the comments are brief expressions of interest, appreciation for the project, or requests for more information. Notably, there's a recurring interest in the user interface and the practicality of using such a compact device, reflecting the common thread of balancing functionality and usability in miniaturized electronics.