Etherkit debuts with open source QRSS transmitter kit

[G4TUT]

Etherkit debuts with open source QRSS transmitter kit

Etherkit, a new amateur radio kit company devoted to open source hardware, has released its first product for sale.

OpenBeacon is an open source crystal-controlled QRPp beacon transmitter kit which can output a variety of slow-speed modes, including QRSS, DFCW, and Sequential Multi-tone Hellschreiber.

It is configured via USB port, so there are no jumpers to set and you can easily adjust all of the operating parameters via command line. Once configuration is complete, OpenBeacon may be removed from the PC and operate stand-alone, as the on-board microcontroller stores all settings.

Specifications

* Frequency: crystal controlled

* Modes: CW, QRSS, DFCW, Sequential Multi-tone Hellschreiber, Glyphcode, WSPR (experimental)

* Power output: 300 mW nominal (at +13.7 VDC power supply)

* Spectral purity: greatest harmonic <-45 dBc

* Power supply: +5 VDC to +14 VDC

* Current consumption: 50 mA at +5 VDC, 120 mA at +13.7 VDC

* Control via USB on Windows, OS X, and Linux

* PCB dimensions: 70 mm x 90 mm

* High quality PCB with soldermask and ENIG (gold) plating

Available Bands

* 30 meters (10.140 MHz)

* More bands available soon

Please visit www.etherkit.com for more product information, images, full documentation, access to the firmware and software, and to order.









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[W4PC]

Nice stuff, got one to play with it with HRD.

[K2OO]

Sounds nice. Just a reminder for American hams -- beacon operation on 30 meters MUST be with the control operator present. Automatic control is only legal above 28 MHz.

Andy, K2OO

[KT1F]

Sounds nice. Just a reminder for American hams -- beacon operation on 30 meters MUST be with the control operator present. Automatic control is only legal above 28 MHz.

Does anyone care that the rule is totally ignored by QRSS and WSPR stations running a few mw?

It looks like a very cool kit.

[AG6AM]

Does anyone care that the rule is totally ignored by QRSS and WSPR stations running a few mw?

It looks like a very cool kit.

I wondered about the idea that it is a beacon operating below 10 meters, but your comment might be a little different. Not a WSPR operator, but isn't WSPR actually a two way link, though automated? I got the impression that WSPR is roughly equivalent to a series of automated CQs with an occasional response and exchange where a beacon has no response or exchange. I may be completely off base though.

I wonder if this company will produce a 10 meter version of this product.

[AG6AM]

Sounds nice. Just a reminder for American hams -- beacon operation on 30 meters MUST be with the control operator present. Automatic control is only legal above 28 MHz.

Andy, K2OO

They do call that out on their site... here is what they state:

"OpenBeacon is considered a MEPT (manned experimental propagation transmitter), which means that you should never leave the control of it unattended."

[KT1F]

I wondered about the idea that it is a beacon operating below 10 meters, but your comment might be a little different. Not a WSPR operator, but isn't WSPR actually a two way link, though automated? I got the impression that WSPR is roughly equivalent to a series of automated CQs with an occasional response and exchange where a beacon has no response or exchange. I may be completely off base though.

You're partially right about WSPR. There's no two way communications over the air between WSPR stations. The stations transmit for a while and then listen for while and send signal reports over the internet. I think it's a pretty neat system.

As for how legal WSPR and QRSS is, I think there's generally a "look the other way" or "lets not rock the boat" approach. People are quite open about leaving it running while they're not home. Unless someone makes a formal complaint then I guess it hard to get upset about it.

I think the name MEPT is carefully chosen to avoid the B word.

[K5CO]

I have ordered one as this is an interesting concept.
As far as "below 28 mhz" etc., there are many WSPR beacons and others below the standard broadcast band. I hope this company will consider a unit for around 250khz or thereabouts.
As far as being legal, if the government lets millions of wetbacks stream across our borders, do we really have to consider what is and is not legal? What's good for the government must be good for all of us. Pick and chose the laws you will go along with?

[KT1F]

As soon as I saw the words QRSS and Glyphcode I knew someone would see it as an opportunity to bring up illegal immigration.

[K9FV]

A "good" QRSS beacon is running less than the 50mW level - isn't a TX below 50mW considered not requiring a license?