Following the success of the 5-Band Kit and requests from users, a 7-Band version will now replace the original 5-Band Radio - and at the same kit price of $40 plus shipping! DXFT8 is Open Source with all build instructions on WB2CBA (Github) Page. DXFT8 Does not require a PC (no OS) or GPS and features a 'Touch-Screen-Gui". The radio does not use any MOSFET's or PA and is therefore ultra-reliable for SWR mistakes! A partial Kit of parts (populated RF Deck and assembly hardware) is available. * DXFT8 requires the STM32-Disco Board (Digikey) to complete the transceiver. For more information, visit: https://github.com/wb2cba/DX-FT8-ft8-multiband-tablet-transceiver Or stop by https://groups.io/g/DXFT8 73 ve3ega
Les, You do realize that this is a 'Kit-Project' and that you are required to purchase the components and assemble it yourself right? (see the links) We are not advertising a 'built and working' radio, we are just letting folks know that it has grown from a 5-Band to a 7-Band kit.. If you are looking for someone to actually build one for you, then you could always 'join our Group' and ask if anyone is prepared to assemble one for you (or assist you as a build partner?) - providing, of course that YOU provide the kit of parts and the STM-Disco Board necessary to build one. (DXFT8 Group - See TOPICS 'BUILD HELP') A link to WB2CBA Github page provides all the ordering information - its quite a straightforward and an easy kit to put together - no toroids to wind or complex setup procedures! 73
Update: After using "FXFT8" exclusively for just under 3 Months, I can say with all sincerity that this 'Super Portable' FT8 radio is going to mark the beginning of 'take it anywhere', FT8 adventures, example: Camping, Touring ad-hoc operating! There is however a small caveat, that may deter some folks? - it will not send 'CQ POTA' or 'CQ SOTA' without customizing the 'Open Source Code' - eventually, I believe, someone will do this?. It is something to do with the' hard coding' of this radio and available memory space - and unlike a PC and WSJT-X there is no provision for a keyboard entry - but it can be considered as a means to getting on the air with minimum fuss for those without a designated 'ham-shack' or who have 'downsized' their ham lives! At this time, the current release V1.9 Firmware allows only for Callsign and Grid when calling CQ! Where I do see a growing market for this kit-radio is for the traveler, retiree or anyone within a HOA situation that is limited to operating times/space or antenna restrictions. As DXFT8 does not use a PC, it really doesn't get any simpler than that, there is no boot-up time and the radio will work with a wide range of portable antennas, including EFHW and verticals, all of which can be quickly deployed! A recent announcement on our 'Group' page from its creator Barb, WB2CBA was to even make a small number of his "Pocket-Tuner's" available to group members at a ridiculously low price. Happy Operating, 73 Terry, VA3IP For more information, visit: https://github.com/wb2cba/DX-FT8-ft8-multiband-tablet-transceiver Or stop by https://groups.io/g/DXFT8
**POTA/SOTA Update** One of our Group Members has created a custom BIN file that will allow users to call CQ POTA (or SOTA). The Link to his GITHUB is on our DXFT8 Group Page. 73
**POTA / SOTA Update** "DXFT8" now has selectable 'preset Soft Buttons' added for easy CQ's: Optional, Customized Firmware has just been updated to include some 'amazing useability' features: CQ (YOURCALL)(YOUR GRID) CQ DX (YOURCALL)(YOUR GRID) CQ POTA (YOURCALL)(YOUR GRID) CQ QRPP (YOURCALL)(YOUR GRID) In addition TWO selectable 'Soft Buttons' added for user programmable (on SD Card) FREE TEXT (example: QRZ DX, DXFT8 TX 0.6W) "Now We have a 'SERIOUS' QRPp POTA Radio!" Notes: DXFT8" is available as OPEN SOURCE (BOM) - Or a Semi-Kit (Populated RF Deck, and a few hardware parts like switches and headers to solder in). You will need to order the STM32-Disco Board from Mouser or DigiKey) Note: Kit comes with Top/Bottom Covers and all mounting hardware. Current Semi-Kit Price: $40 (RF Deck and Hardware) plus Shipping! - The User Self-Sources STM32-Diso Board (approx) $US60 (see WB2CBA Github). Features: Instant Boot (No Operating System), Easy Build (No Toroids or Complicated alignment or setup!), Super-Portable from 5V or 12V DC. 7-Band Radio! For more information, visit: https://github.com/wb2cba/DX-FT8-ft8-multiband-tablet-transceiver Or stop by https://groups.io/g/DXFT8 73, CU ON QRPP ve3ega/va3ip NOTE: I HAVE NO FINANCIAL INVOLVEMENT OR GAIN IN "DXFT8" (I JUST MANAGE THE USER GROUP AS A FELLOW-HAM)
"DXFT8" is a QRPp, 'Super-Portable FT8, 7-Band Radio' that is easy to build and operate!(no Toroids or Complicated alignment and Instant Boot!) "IDEAL FOR 'LUNCH-TIME-POTA with a simple Antenna System like a EFHW" Features a TOUCH-SCREEN (No PC NEEDED) and operates from 5VDC or 12VDC (size approx 5 x 3 x 1.5") DOES NOT USE MOSFET PA - Therefore super-SWR forgiving/Tolerant! Check it out here: For more information, visit: https://github.com/wb2cba/DX-FT8-ft8-multiband-tablet-transceiver Or stop by https://groups.io/g/DXFT8 73 Terry, ve3ega/va3ip
Thanks for the links. I found the PA section to be, in my experience, unique. I believe this would benefit form a full up kit to avoid the messy path outlined for now.
Donald, Hey, Thank you for your observations and comments. Building the radio is actually, in practice simpler than it sounds! The history of "DXFT8" is an interesting collaboration of 3 Hams - Barb, WB2CBA, and Charley, W5BAA and Kees, K5BCQ. Neither Charley or Barb was interested in getting into the 'Kit Business' so as hobbyist, they put the design out into the 'Open Source' World of Github. Kees, K5BCQ then offered to 'Kit' the Major components (for the 'RF Deck', including (populated) PCB - excluding a couple of switches and headers and the hardware items necessary to create a front and bottom covers. This only leaves the Kit builder to order the "STM32-Discovery" board from Mouser or DigiKey and 3 other items: SDCard, Coin Cell and a SMA to BNC Antenna adaptor! (There is a free utility called 'STM Link' which is used to load the firmware and the SDCard is prepared using 'Windows 'Wordpad' or similar!) Build time is typically 1 to 2 hours! Below is an extract from WB2CBA's page, on the project: "DX FT8 TRANSCEIVER PROJECT is a collaboration between Charles (Charley) Hill, W5BAA and Barbaros(Barb)Asuroglu, WB2CBA. DX FT8 Project is brain child of Charles(Charley)Hill, W5BAA. Charley designed and build various versions of GUI based FT8 Transceivers over the years. I was lucky enough to collaborate with Charley on 3 different versions of GUI FT8 Transceiver. DX FT8 is the culmination of all that experience we gained from previous versions. I can't thank enough Charley for his excellent GUI FT8 Firmware and his perseverance to create a standalone FT8 TABLET Transceiver. It's a pleasure for me to collaborate with Charley,W5BAA, on hardware side, RF design and PCB design of DX FT8 Transceiver. DX FT8 is an OPEN SOURCE PROJECT." So Donald, you see it's not really that 'Messy', just needs a little effort in ordering - on the part of the builder, lol (So far Kees has shipped over 140 Kits, to US, Canada, EU and VK !) Best of all - the RF/Hardware Kit from Kees is $US40 plus shipping! 73 Terry
Oh, I forgot, - and you can also call - examples: "CQ ASIA (CALL) (GRID)", "CQ EU" (CALL) (GRID) or "CQ MARS" (CALL) (GRID) as a free text message (there are 2) - I have set both my radios to QRZ DX and CQ EU. The Pre-programmed Soft-Button messages - See Picture - are 'normal CQ' (CALL) (GRID), 'CQ DX'(CALL)(GRID), 'CQ POTA (CALL) (GRID)' and 'CQ QRPP' (or SOTA) ... neat eh? (Sorry picture quality is poor - bad lighting or time for a new phone, lol) 73 Terry
Thanks, Terry - Living in Alaska has made me gun shy of 'just buy these parts' kits owing to the difficulties of shipping and the refusal of many to use USPS for very small orders. The shipping rates here are rapacious, to say the least. Thanks to your added data, I can where this might be less that a trial by fire to get the few parts needed. Right about now, I'm sure many are looking forward to a demo video showing off the rig in action....how about it???
My apologies for not highlighting the unique (to me) PA section fed by the now ubiquitous Si5351A DDS chip, the 74ACT244 as driver/PA feeding a transformer is very clever. The 'tuning of this might be problematic... I would note the use of a single, or in some cases, a pair of 74 series chips a s driver and PA have been used before- very much seen in many rigs from Steve, KD1JV. We see this used, in part, in the recently released SW6B rig
Donald, Here is a VERY OLD Video (by firmware / hardware standards!) We are now at V1.9 and the functionality has changed dramatically (see my picture) some of the soft-buttons have been updated and changed to dual function and logging is automatic while CQ mode is auto-selectable and stations auto-respond to your CQ to complete the QSO sequence! Also the radio is now 7-Band not 5.. Oh and there are 3-D printed cases available on Thingverse. gives you an idea! (Stop by our Group sometime) - 73 Terry
