[hpsdr] Project proposal - Hermes

[Willi Reppel]

Hi all,
My experiences with HPSDR, consisting of Atlas,Penny Mercury and Ozi, shows that the modular solution has some advantages over a single board when performing fault tracing . I had start-up problems with my unit and could not get it operational. By interchanging the boards against other approved faultfree boards, I was able to trace the mal-functioning boards. TAPR´s ready assembled Atlas had a defective tantal capacitor and Ozi failed due to some bad soldering spots and a missing pull-up resistor. Locating of a fault on a single board would have been very difficult for me as layman and if TAPR´s terms of sale are applicable also for  single boards (no return for repair accepted) there is a risk to lose the money you invested into the project. In con-trary, the modular approach makes it possible to replace  faulty boards and to recover part of your investment. 
Willi
SM6OMH

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Kevin Wheatley 
  To: hpsdr at lists.hpsdr.org 
  Sent: Sunday, April 12, 2009 6:35 PM
  Subject: [hpsdr] Project proposal - Hermes


  ***** High Performance Software Defined Radio Discussion List *****




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  Following the outstanding success of Mercury and Penelope, and while investigating the verilog code for both, I had the insane idea of merging the verilog code of Mercury and Penelope into a single fpga! I played around with this idea for a while and the more I thought about it the more I liked the idea. 


  So here is the proposal, to develop a single board HPSDR based on the hardware of Mercury and Penelope and a single large fpga.


  This board would have PC connectivity by USB. I'm planning to squeeze this all onto Euro Card sized PCB (100 x 160 mm), and if I utilize both sides I might even have room for a Pennywhistle type PA  :). 


  Basic specs so far (nothing cast in stone)


  Fpga EP3C25Q240C (I think this is the largest without BGA pin out)
  Mercury receive chain
  Penelope transmit chain
  USB2 to PC data transfer
  Pennywhistle PA (if there's room)
  10Mhz on board with ext an option
  Alex filter switching header
  13.5V supply


  I'll post a provisional block diagram on the Wiki this week, and lastly, why the name?


  Following the tradition of the HPSDR naming convention, I thought Hermes was appropriate as he was known for his invention and theft!


  All comments welcome.


  Kevin - M0KHZ




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