QCX-mini

Hans, G0UPL, is in the process of prototyping a QCX-mini for portable and or SOTA operations.  He has made good progress thus far, as can be seen in the photo below.

 Hans states that the: -

QCX-mini uses basically the same schematic as the QCX+ and the same firmware chip. Operation and performance are the same. This is NOT therefore being undertaken as a large, time-consuming project. Specifically, the scope is restricted to keeping it QCX-compatible, to minimize development time. Just make-it-smaller. The project therefore is a mechanical re-engineering task, with some documentation towards the end, and a small firmware change to facilitate the configurable LCD backlight.

More information can be found here.

Antenna Rotator - Update

Way back in a post on the 5 April 2019, (wow, a lot of water has gone under the bridge since then) I provided my first update on an Azimuth and Elevation Rotator project that I was working on.  There were two options for code available at the time, one from Anthony Good K3NG and one from the School Amateur Radio Club Network (SARCNET), the latter from Victoria, Australia.  I decided to build the SARCNET rotator but in such a way that I could switch to the K3NG code if desired.  That time is nigh approaching.   

There have been some very good advancements with the K3NG code, two in particular.

• NEW! Satellite Tracking
• NEW! Nextion Display Support

These features are very significant as I would no longer need to use a PC or Pi to deal with the satellite tracking, the rotator, itself, can store up to 34 sets of satellite data  (TLE).  

The Nextion display is a great way of accessing the additional features without adding extra buttons and switches, thus saving on front panel real-estate.

The display has been ordered.

Adam, VK4GHZ has been busy enhancing the display, See above! As Adam states, 'LCDs and switches are so last decade!'

Keep an eye out for an update once we have the shack up and running again.