Stories with Tag portable 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.

• Sony FX-300 Jackal: A technological marvel of the late 70s (2021)

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  Posted: 2025-02-18 03:07:45

  Verbose tl;dr

  The Sony FX-300 Jackal, a portable multi-band radio released in the late 1970s, was a groundbreaking device for its time. Its innovative features included direct frequency entry, digital frequency readout, synchronous detection, and coverage of a wide range of frequencies, including shortwave, AM, and FM. While expensive, its impressive performance and compact size made it highly desirable among enthusiasts, solidifying its status as a sought-after classic among radio collectors. The post highlights the Jackal's impressive sensitivity and selectivity, making it a powerful tool for DXing (long-distance radio listening) despite certain design quirks like its somewhat fragile construction.

  The blog post, published in 2021 and titled "Sony FX-300 Jackal: A Holy Grail Technological Marvel of the Late 70s," waxes lyrical about the Sony FX-300, a portable multi-band radio receiver released in the late 1970s. The author positions the FX-300, affectionately nicknamed the "Jackal," as an object of significant nostalgia and a testament to Sony's innovative spirit during that era. The piece emphasizes the device's groundbreaking technological advancements, especially considering its compact size and portability. It details the impressive array of features the FX-300 offered, including reception capabilities across shortwave, medium wave, long wave, and FM bands, as well as its inclusion of a built-in clock and alarm.

  The author vividly describes the tactile experience of using the FX-300, highlighting the satisfying clicks of the tuning knob and the smooth operation of the various controls. They evoke a sense of wonder surrounding the radio’s ability to connect users to the wider world, pulling in broadcasts from distant locations. The FX-300 is portrayed not just as a piece of electronic equipment, but as a gateway to a global community of shortwave listeners, facilitating exploration and discovery.

  The post delves into some of the technical specifications, explaining features like the synchronous detection system for enhanced clarity and reduced fading on AM broadcasts. It also touches on the antenna system, describing the telescopic antenna for shortwave and FM reception, and the built-in ferrite bar antenna for AM. The author underscores the significance of these features, explaining how they contributed to the FX-300’s superior performance compared to other receivers available at the time.

  Beyond the technicalities, the blog post heavily emphasizes the cultural and personal significance of the FX-300. It's presented as more than just a radio; it's a symbol of a bygone era of technological ingenuity and a treasured piece of radio history. The author's personal connection to the device shines through, framing it as an object of affection and a reminder of the joy of discovering the world through shortwave radio. The FX-300's "Holy Grail" status is reiterated throughout, solidifying its position as a highly desirable and sought-after collector's item for radio enthusiasts and vintage technology aficionados.

  • Sony
  • FX-300
  • Jackal
  • shortwave radio
  • portable radio
  • vintage radio
  • 1970s
  • Technology
  • Electronics
  • retro technology
  • SWLing
  • shortwave listening
  • radio receiver
  • analog radio
  • Consumer Electronics

  Summary of Comments ( 53 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43085687

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users reminisced about the Sony FX-300, praising its innovative design and impact. Several commenters shared personal anecdotes of using the device, highlighting its impressive audio quality for its size and the unique experience of recording on microcassettes. Some discussed its role as a precursor to the Walkman and its influence on portable audio technology. Others corrected details in the original article, such as the availability of various accessories and the actual street price. The general sentiment was one of nostalgia and appreciation for a groundbreaking piece of technology.

  The Hacker News post about the Sony FX-300 Jackal has a moderate number of comments, mostly focusing on nostalgia and the technical achievements of the device. Several users reminisce about their personal experiences with the FX-300 or similar Sony radios of that era. One commenter fondly remembers receiving one as a gift and the joy of listening to distant stations, sparking a lifelong interest in radio. Another describes the thrill of DXing (long-distance radio reception) with the device. This theme of youthful discovery and the magic of radio is prevalent in the comments.

  Beyond nostalgia, some comments delve into the technical specifics. One commenter praises the FX-300's exceptional sensitivity and selectivity, qualities that made it a favorite among DXers. Another highlights the innovative features like the synchronous detector, BFO (beat frequency oscillator), and narrowband filter, explaining how these contributed to the radio's performance. There's a discussion about the relative merits of the FX-300 compared to other shortwave receivers of the time, with some users mentioning the Grundig Satellit series and others defending the Sony's superiority.

  A few comments also touch on the evolution of radio technology, contrasting the analog charm of the FX-300 with the digital radios of today. One user expresses a preference for the direct, hands-on experience of tuning an analog radio, while another points out the advantages of modern SDR (software-defined radio) technology.

  Finally, a couple of commenters express an interest in finding a working FX-300 today, illustrating the enduring appeal of this vintage radio. The overall sentiment in the comments is one of appreciation for the Sony FX-300's place in radio history and the impact it had on enthusiasts.