Stories with Tag Software Defined Radio

• Tiny Ten DSP-Based HF Transceiver

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  Posted: 2025-03-02 14:34:50

  Verbose tl;dr

  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.

  • DSP
  • HF
  • Transceiver
  • Radio
  • Amateur radio
  • Ham radio
  • Digital Signal Processing
  • Embedded Systems
  • Electronics
  • Shortwave
  • TinyTen
  • QRP
  • Low Power
  • portable radio
  • SDR
  • Software Defined Radio

  Summary of Comments ( 9 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43230864

  Verbose tl;dr

  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.

• Show HN: I built a DIY plane spotting system at home

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  Posted: 2025-01-25 13:14:37

  Verbose tl;dr

  A hobbyist built a low-cost, DIY plane spotting system using a Raspberry Pi, a software-defined radio (SDR), and a homemade antenna. This setup receives ADS-B signals broadcast by aircraft, allowing him to track planes in real-time and display their information on a local map. The project, called "PiLane," leverages readily available and affordable components, making it accessible to other enthusiasts. The website details the build process, software used, and provides links to the project's source code.

  A software engineer, driven by a fascination with aviation and a desire to understand the air traffic patterns above their San Francisco Bay Area residence, has meticulously documented the creation of a personal, at-home aircraft tracking system. This endeavor, christened "PiPlane," utilizes a Raspberry Pi 4 microcomputer as its central processing unit. The system leverages software-defined radio (SDR) technology, specifically employing a low-cost RTL-SDR dongle to receive unencrypted ADS-B signals broadcast by aircraft equipped with transponders. These signals, which contain crucial data such as aircraft identification, altitude, and GPS coordinates, are then decoded and processed.

  The software component of the project employs readily available open-source tools. "Dump1090," a popular utility for decoding ADS-B signals, captures the raw data from the SDR. This information is subsequently fed into a custom-written Python script, crafted by the engineer. The script's primary function is to enhance the received data by enriching it with supplementary information gleaned from external sources, including aircraft registration details and photographs retrieved through API calls to publicly accessible aviation databases.

  The processed and augmented aircraft data is visualized on a user-friendly web interface, also developed by the engineer. This interface provides a real-time, dynamic display of air traffic within the system's reception range. Aircraft are depicted as icons overlaid on a map, with each icon providing detailed information about the corresponding aircraft upon selection. This includes not only the basic ADS-B data, but also the added details such as the aircraft's type, operator, and even a photograph. Furthermore, historical flight data is stored, allowing the user to review past air traffic activity.

  The project documentation meticulously details every step of the system's construction, from the hardware assembly and software installation to the intricacies of the custom Python script and web interface. This detailed documentation serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in replicating the project. The creator emphasizes the accessibility and affordability of the components involved, positioning PiPlane as a viable undertaking for other aviation enthusiasts and hobbyists with a modest technical background. The entire project embodies a practical application of software-defined radio and data processing techniques to satisfy a personal curiosity and achieve a tangible, functional outcome.

  • DIY
  • Plane Spotting
  • Aircraft Tracking
  • ADS-B
  • Home Automation
  • Electronics
  • Software Defined Radio
  • SDR
  • Raspberry Pi
  • Open Source
  • Aviation
  • Flight Tracking
  • Real-Time Tracking
  • Antenna
  • Signal Processing

  Summary of Comments ( 7 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42821457

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters generally praised the project's ingenuity and execution. Several appreciated the detailed blog post explaining the hardware and software choices. Some questioned the legality of publicly sharing ADS-B data, particularly decoded Mode S messages containing identifying information. Others offered suggestions for improvement, including using a Raspberry Pi for lower power consumption, exploring different antenna designs, and contributing to existing open-source projects like ADSBexchange. The discussion also touched on data filtering techniques, the range of the system, and the possibility of integrating ML for aircraft identification. A few commenters shared their own experiences with similar projects and related technologies.

  The Hacker News post "Show HN: I built a DIY plane spotting system at home" generated several interesting comments discussing the project and related topics.

  Many commenters expressed admiration for the project's ingenuity and the author's technical skills. They praised the clear explanation of the setup and the use of readily available components like the RTL-SDR dongle. Some users inquired about specific technical details, like the antenna used and the range of the system, demonstrating a genuine interest in replicating or adapting the project for their own purposes. The author actively engaged with these queries, providing further details and helpful advice.

  A recurring theme in the comments was the discussion of alternative software options for decoding ADS-B signals, with users suggesting programs like dump1090 and ADSBexchange. This highlights the active community around software-defined radio and plane spotting, with readily available tools and resources. Some comments delved into the technical aspects of ADS-B and its limitations, such as the reliance on aircraft broadcasting their position and the potential for signal interference.

  Several users shared their own experiences with similar projects or related hobbies, creating a sense of community and shared interest. Some discussed the legal and ethical considerations of receiving and displaying ADS-B data, emphasizing the importance of responsible use. A few comments touched on the potential applications of this technology beyond hobbyist plane spotting, such as monitoring air traffic density or tracking specific flights.

  Overall, the comments section demonstrates a positive and engaged community response to the project, with a mixture of technical discussion, practical advice, and shared enthusiasm for DIY electronics and aviation.