Tx/Rx Control

Description: This circuitry offers some features that are highly desirable when building a QRP (or ANY) transceiver. It also includes a combination of features that many might not always take the time to include in their projects. Considerable effort has been made to assure that in this design, the RIT (RX frequency offset control) voltage and the TX frequency offset control signals are immune to supply voltage variations. IC1 requires a regulated +6 V voltage for proper operation. This is achieved by using the highly regulated VFO power supply rail. The main power supply rail (+9 to +15 V unregulated) powers the relay coil and its transistor circuit. The separate power sources improves the stability. Some features included in this control circuit include:

Semi QSK with adjustable wide range break-in delay Triggering and driving the Tx / Rx antenna relay Sidetone oscillator with adjustable volume RIT for driving a varactor diode located at the VFO Dc offset bias during TX for a fixed 700 Hz VFO offset When the key is pressed down, the antenna relay coil needs to be quickly energized. One of the sections within IC1 is assigned this task. The voltage on pin 13 determines if the output at pin 1 is at a logic high or low level. Since C3 is quickly discharged via a blocking diode, D2, when the key is pressed, IC1 pin 1 is set to a high output logic level. This level biases the VT1 into conduction, enabling relay coil current flow. When energized, K1 switches the antenna from the receiver input to the output of the TX.

To understand how this works, observe that voltage is applied to C3 via the variable resistance of control P2. This forms an RC timebase circuit. When a voltage is applied via the resistance of P2, energy will be stored in C3. As the amount of energy stored in C3 increases - the voltage measured across C3 will also rise. As this voltage steadily rises to a level beyond the threshold needed by IC1 pin 13, the output from IC1 pin 1 will revert back to its logic Low-level. Bear in mind that so long as the key is pressed, the voltage from P2 is shunted to ground and thus does not store a charge in C3.

When the key contact is opened, C3 will begin to build up a charge via P2 and R4 since it is no longer being shunted to ground. As time elapses, the voltage across C3 rises to the threshold level, allowing IC1 pin 1 output to return to its Logic low resting state. When this occurs, it will lower the bias voltage seen at the gate on VT1's Drain to Source current will stop thus relay coil current will cease. Without relay current, the relay reverts back to its unenergized state (receive). By altering the setting of P2, the break-in delay can be altered to any desired break-in delay between 100 ms to 5 sec. Be sure that you include diode D3 since it clamps any reverse-emf developed across the relay coil as the magnetic field collapses. Such reverse-emf is sufficient to destroy the transistor VT1. As long as this circuit is in the receive mode one can adjust the VFO frequency with P3 a little - forming the RIT feature. This works by offering a bias voltage, which can be applied to a varactor diode in the VFO. This voltage can range anywhere from +1 to +5 V. In practice, this control P3 should be set to the center of its range so the RIT can be varied either above to below the desired frequency. The RIT voltage is switched to a constant +3 V at P3 - during transmit. A 700 Hz timebase circuit is formed by fixed resistor R2 and fixed capacitor C2. So long as the key is pressed, the C2 is going to be charged and discharged in at a 700 Hz cycle rate via R2. When the key is not pressed, IC1 Pin 6 input is immediately forced high via resistor R3 and diode D1 preventing to 700 Hz switching activity. Sidetone output volume level can be set with P1.

It may be desirable to provide the transmitter with a voltage capable of shifting the VFO by 700 Hz. This provides a +6 V during transmit for VFO varactor bias at IC1 pin 4. If the opposite is desired (i.e. 0 V at Tx and +6 V at Rx):

Move R6 to a new location between pin 3 and + 6 V Connect pin 4 to Gnd potential A superhet does not generally require the Tx shift signal. The BFO is generally set to a point about 700 Hz from the received carrier. In such a case, the third CMOS switch (pins 3, 4, 5) can be used for any other desired activity - such as muting of a Receiver AF stage. Parts No. Value R1,3,4,5,7 resistance network 5 x 10 kOhm, 6 pins R2,6,8 resistance network 3 x 10 kOhm, 6 pins P1 5 kOhm, linear P2 500 kOhm, linear P3 100 kOhm, linear C1 4,7 nF C2 0,1 uF C3 2,2 uF C4 47 uF, electrolytic cap. D1,2,3 1N4148 VT1 BS170 IC1 4066B, quad CMOS switch K1 12 V miniature print relay, R_coil

The described circuitry is designed for a QRP transceiver application, integrating several advanced features that enhance functionality and user experience. The system utilizes a quad CMOS switch (IC1: 4066B) to manage various control signals essential for the transceiver's operation. The power supply configuration is critical, with a regulated +6 V supply for the IC1 ensuring stable performance, while an unregulated +9 to +15 V supply powers the relay and associated components, thus isolating sensitive control functions from potential power supply fluctuations.

Key features include a semi-QSK (quasi-full duplex) operation mode with an adjustable break-in delay, which is controlled via a variable resistor (P2). This allows operators to customize the response time of the relay that switches between transmit and receive modes. When the key is pressed, the voltage at pin 13 of IC1 influences the output state at pin 1, which in turn controls the transistor VT1 (BS170) to energize the relay (K1). The discharge path for capacitor C3 through diode D2 ensures rapid response to key presses.

The RIT (Receive Incremental Tuning) feature is implemented through a varactor diode connected to the VFO, allowing fine adjustments to the frequency during reception. The control voltage for the varactor is adjustable between +1 to +5 V via a potentiometer (P3), with a fixed +3 V applied during transmission to maintain consistent frequency shifting.

The sidetone oscillator, governed by resistor R2 and capacitor C2, generates a 700 Hz tone for operator feedback during transmission. The output volume of the sidetone can be adjusted using potentiometer P1, providing flexibility in user experience.

Diodes D1, D2, and D3 are strategically placed to protect the circuit from reverse voltage spikes, particularly from the relay coil, and to ensure safe operation of the transistor. The circuit design allows for additional modifications, such as relocating resistor R6 to change the biasing conditions for the VFO during transmit or receive modes, demonstrating the versatility of this transceiver control circuit.

Overall, this circuit exemplifies a thoughtful integration of components and features aimed at enhancing the performance and usability of QRP transceivers.This circuitry offers some features that are highly desirable when building a QRP (or ANY) transceiver. It also includes a combination of features that many might not always take the time to include in their projects.

Considerable effort has been made to assure that in this design, the RIT (RX frequency offset control) voltage and the TX frequency offset control signals are immune to supply voltage variations. IC1 requires a regulated +6 V voltage for proper operation. This is achieved by using the highly regulated VFO power supply rail. The main power supply rail (+9 to +15 V unregulated) powers the relay coil and its transistor circuit.

The separate power sources improves the stability. Some features included in this control circuit include: Semi QSK with adjustable wide range break-in delay Triggering and driving the Tx / Rx antenna relay Sidetone oscillator with adjustable volume RIT for driving a varactor diode located at the VFO Dc offset bias during TX for a fixed 700 Hz VFO offset When the key is pressed down, the antenna relay coil needs to be quickly energized. One of the sections within IC1 is assigned this task. The voltage on pin 13 determines if the output at pin 1 is at a logic high or low level. Since C3 is quickly discharged via a blocking diode, D2, when the key is pressed, IC1 pin 1 is set to a high output logic level.

This level biases the VT1 into conduction, enabling relay coil current flow. When energized, K1 switches the antenna from the receiver input to the output of the TX. To understand how this works, observe that voltage is applied to C3 via the variable resistance of control P2. This forms an RC timebase circuit. When a voltage is applied via the resistance of P2, energy will be stored in C3. As the amount of energy stored in C3 increases - the voltage measured across C3 will also rise. As this voltage steadily rises to a level beyond the threshold needed by IC1 pin 13, the output from IC1 pin 1 will revert back to its logic Low-level.

Bear in mind that so long as the key is pressed, the voltage from P2 is shunted to ground and thus does not store a charge in C3. When the key contact is opened, C3 will begin to build up a charge via P2 and R4 since it is no longer being shunted to ground.

As time elapses, the voltage across C3 rises to the threshold level, allowing IC1 pin 1 output to return to its Logic low resting state. When this occurs, it will lower the bias voltage seen at the gate on VT1's Drain to Source current will stop thus relay coil current will cease.

Without relay current, the relay reverts back to its unenergized state (receive). By altering the setting of P2, the break-in delay can be altered to any desired break-in delay between 100 ms to 5 sec. Be sure that you include diode D3 since it clamps any reverse-emf developed across the relay coil as the magnetic field collapses.

Such reverse-emf is sufficient to destroy the transistor VT1. As long as this circuit is in the receive mode one can adjust the VFO frequency with P3 a little - forming the RIT feature. This works by offering a bias voltage, which can be applied to a varactor diode in the VFO. This voltage can range anywhere from +1 to +5 V. In practice, this control P3 should be set to the center of its range so the RIT can be varied either above to below the desired frequency.

The RIT voltage is switched to a constant +3 V at P3 - during transmit. A 700 Hz timebase circuit is formed by fixed resistor R2 and fixed capacitor C2. So long as the key is pressed, the C2 is going to be charged and discharged in at a 700 Hz cycle rate via R2. When the key is not pressed, IC1 Pin 6 input is immediately forced high via resistor R3 and diode D1 preventing to 700 Hz switching activity.

Sidetone output volume level can be set with P1. It may be desirable to provide the transmitter with a voltage capable of shifting the VFO by 700 Hz. This provides a +6 V during transmit for VFO varactor bias at IC1 pin 4. If the opposite is desired (i.e. 0 V at Tx and +6 V at Rx): Move R6 to a new location between pin 3 and + 6 V Connect pin 4 to Gnd potential A superhet does not generally require the Tx shift signal. The BFO is generally set to a point about 700 Hz from the received carrier. In such a case, the third CMOS switch (pins 3, 4, 5) can be used for any other desired activity - such as muting of a Receiver AF stage.

Parts No. Value R1,3,4,5,7 resistance network 5 x 10 kOhm, 6 pins R2,6,8 resistance network 3 x 10 kOhm, 6 pins P1 5 kOhm, linear P2 500 kOhm, linear P3 100 kOhm, linear C1 4,7 nF C2 0,1 uF C3 2,2 uF C4 47 uF, electrolytic cap. D1,2,3 1N4148 VT1 BS170 IC1 4066B, quad CMOS switch K1 12 V miniature print relay, R_coil