HF BPF Builders

Description: This kit is a daughter board designed by Jan G0BBL and Tony KB9YIG, providing four electronically switched band-pass filters for the Softrock Lite + Xtall V9.0 RX, replacing the single-band daughter board in the original design. The electronically switched BPF board measures 2.5 inches by 0.95 inches, with a height of less than 0.5 inches, excluding the extension of the connector pins that are perpendicular to the bottom of the board. For those who order the RX/BPF combos, the standard-sized project box available at Radio Shack is an ideal fit, offering protection for the investment, and the receiver has proven to be worth the wait. The kit includes parts that allow the builder to select the desired bands ("flavor"). The board is compatible with both option 1 and option 2, with differences in components for the first two bands (capacitors C07 - C12 and coils L1 - L6). Additionally, the board is usable with earlier RXTX V6.3 and RX V8.3 kits, although the builder must provide the necessary +5 Vdc bus and ground connection to the HF-BPF board, as earlier boards do not have matching sockets. Starting with v9.0 kits shipped after February 21, 2009, the USB interface microprocessor will be an ATTiny85 device featuring Jan G0BBL's enhanced code. Interested parties can contact Tony Parks for pricing on a programmed ATTiny85 device for an existing v9.0 receiver, which will cover the device cost, PayPal fees, and mailing expenses. The kit includes a two-pin socket section to interface with J3 on the RX v9.0 board. Wires need to be connected to the two jumper plug locations (with the jumper plugs not used) on the switched BPF board to the two-pin socket section, establishing the connection between the v9.0 board and the electronically switched BPF board. An insulated sleeve can be added to the small plug for a more polished appearance, and markings may be included to indicate polarization.

The daughter board designed for the Softrock Lite + Xtall V9.0 RX enhances the functionality of the receiver by incorporating four electronically switched band-pass filters (BPF). This modular design allows for greater flexibility in selecting frequency bands, which is particularly beneficial for users who require multi-band operation in their applications. The compact dimensions of the board facilitate integration into various project enclosures, ensuring that it can be easily accommodated within standard-sized project boxes.

The switchable nature of the BPF allows users to tailor their receiver's performance to the specific bands of interest, thereby optimizing signal reception and minimizing interference from adjacent frequencies. The inclusion of customizable components, such as capacitors and inductors, enables builders to fine-tune the filters according to their specific requirements, further enhancing the versatility of the kit.

Compatibility with earlier RXTX models, while requiring additional connections for power and ground, underscores the board's design ethos of adaptability. This allows users with existing setups to upgrade their systems without the need for a complete overhaul. The transition to the ATTiny85 microprocessor in newer kits signifies an improvement in processing capabilities and functionality, reflecting advancements in technology and user feedback.

The assembly instructions highlight the importance of proper connections between the BPF board and the RX v9.0 board, ensuring reliable operation. The option to add an insulated sleeve and polarization markings contributes to a professional finish, which is essential for both aesthetic appeal and functionality in practical applications. Overall, this daughter board represents a significant advancement in amateur radio technology, combining ease of use with high-performance capabilities.This kit is a daughter board, designed by Jan G0BBL and Tony KB9YIG, that provides four electronically switched band-pass filters for the Softrock Lite + Xtall V9. 0 RX, replacing the single-band daughter board in the original design. The electronically switched BPF board is 2. 5 inches by 0. 95 inches. The height will be less than 0. 5 inches not cou nting the extension of the connector pins perpendicular to the bottom of the board By the way for anyone who orders one of the rx/bpf combos the standard sized project box at radio shack is a perfect fit. Great way to protect the investment and so far the receiver has been very much so worth the wait. Thanks again and looking forward to to the RXTX combos coming out. The kit will ship with parts that enable the builder to decide what bands (which "flavor") he/she desires.

The board itself works for both option 1 and option 2. The differences are in the components for the first 2 bands (Caps C07 - C12 and coils L1 - L6. The board can also be used with the earlier RXTX V6. 3 and RX V8. 3 kits. However, in those cases, the builder must supply the required +5 Vdc bus (and ground connection) to the HF-BPF board, there being no matching sockets therefor on the earlier boards. Starting with v9. 0 kits shipped after 21 Feb 2009, the USB interface microprocessor will be an ATTiny85 device with JanG0BBL`s new enhanced features code.

If there is interest in a programmed ATTiny85 device for an existing v9. 0 receiver, contact Tony Parks and he will price the replacement device to cover device cost, PayPal loss and mailing cost. Included in the kit is a two pin socket section to interface with J3 on the RX v9. 0 board. Wires need to be connected to the two jumper plug locations, (with the jumper plugs not used), on the switched BPF board to the two pin socket section.

This then is the plug connection between the v9. 0 board and the electronically switched BPF board. An insulated sleeve may be put on the little plug to give it a more finished look and a mark may be added to indicate polarization.