[hpsdr] Alex bare boards option

[Bruce Beford]

As some of you are no doubt aware, the delays in producing Alex have
resulted in the specified relay used on the TX filter board (Omron
G6H-2-DC12) becoming obsolete.

The following is posted on the TAPR web page for ALEX (near the bottom under
Bare Boards):

(http://www.tapr.org/kits_alex.html)

Bare TX PCB
"Notice to buyers of blank Alex-TX PCBs: The Omron G6H-2-DC12 relay used on
the Alex-TX board has been discontinued. The Omron suggested replacement is
G6S-2-DC12, but it is NOT a direct replacement. Board modifications are
necessary in order to use the G6S relay on the Alex-TX board. Be sure that
you either have/can get G6H relays or are prepared to find a suitable
substitute before you purchase a blank Alex-TX PCB."

I have found (I believe) the original Omron relay available on eBay, from a
seller in Hong Kong:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200320488340

The listed price was $2.45 each, plus shipping. I offered $2.00 USD each for
$20 pieces. A counter offer of $2.25 each was made by the seller, and I
accepted. Total cost for 20 pcs shipped to the US was $52.80.

I only bring this up, as those who may have been considering bare boards for
Alex will need a source of relays.

Disclaimer: I am assuming, from my research that these are the same relays
used on Alex. I have bought 20 them based on that. Once I receive my
assembled and tested Alex boards, I will be able to do the final comparison.
If these are correct, I will have enough to populate an Alex TX board, with
2 spares. I intend to buy a spare set of bare boards, if these turn out to
be the right relay. If not, they will find a home in my already burgeoning
junk box.

Again, I just wanted to bring this up, in case others are doing the research
into parts required to populate Bare Alex boards. (or obtain spares for A&T
Alex boards from TAPR)

73,
Bruce, N1RX