[hpsdr] Newbie saying hello and getting a sanity check

[k3it]

Adam
I recently went through a Hermes DIY experience.  I don't mean to
discourage but this is an extremely time consuming and difficult task.  The
BOM information is not up to date.  I've spent a day just making
corrections and searching the archives for the component info. Then another
day or two finding equivalent parts that are actually in stock at mouser or
digikey.  You will need to setup a solder reflow process, at least for the
QFN parts.  You can use one of the shared solder paste stencils made by Rob
Frohne.  Also I don;t think there is a "kit" - blank PCBs are not available
officially, nor the PCB layout.   This is an open source project, but not
quite open from the hardware perspective.

My board still has glitches with the ethernet IC (can't get more than 24
hours of operation without burning up the chip). The board is very hard to
troubleshoot because of SMD. You end up probing 0.5 mm pitch traces and
leads and that's hard on the eyes.  I got a second, factory built board, so
I can finish troubleshoot the DIY one.  So no money saved there. I'm still
glad I went this route because of all the learning.

73
Vasiliy K3IT


On Fri, Jul 19, 2013 at 11:25 AM, Adam L. Mendelson <adam at kg4pes.com> wrote:

> ***** High Performance Software Defined Radio Discussion List *****
>
>
> Hello all,
>
> I have been following the HPSDR project for a little while now and really
> would love to get involved and tinker with this kit.  Yet, I am concerned
> that I do not have the skill for this.  I have very little experience
> building kits and absolutely no experience with working on SMT components.
>  From the perspective of hardware I am just a total newb when it comes to
> building.
>
> When it comes to software, firmware, fpga code, well I do have some
> background in this end.  I have worked for FPGA based hardware
> manufacturers for years and this part excites me.  I have been dying to
> jump into SDR for years but never found a rig that I was comfortable
> sinking my $$$ into.  HPSDR seems to really fit the bill for me as I am
> firm believer in opensource, and knowing this is open from the hardware and
> software really gets me excited.
>
> Furthermore, I have been a network engineer for 15+ years and the IP side
> of this makes me itch to get started,as I have had the concept of a
> software defined shack in my head for a while.  By this I would love to be
> able to segment the entire RF chain into soft controllable pieces placed
> where needed and operated at a clean and neat computer like position.  I
> dream of placing receivers and transmitters close to the antenna, having RF
> switches where needed and so on....
>
> So, I ask this of the reflector, is this a project someone like myself can
> undertake?  If I read correctly it looks like a few of the board are
> available assembled?  If I have read correctly iquadlabs.com may be
> selling fully assembled kits?  I was not able to find them on the website.
>  Is HPSDR far enough along to really work and be a viable radio, not just a
> tinkerer's time sink?  I love to play but I only have so much $$ to burn
> and I want my SDR to be a viable radio to operate not just tinker.
>
> Thanks all for listening to my lengthy rambling and any feedback you can
> offer on a newbie looking to get started.
>
> Adam
> KG4PES
>
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