Materials
Introduction
At this time there is no single source of the necessary items needed to successfully build and commission a HFRx PSWS. The components and materials are generally easy to purchase through HamSCI partner sources like Turn Island System, TAPR and even Amazon. The most challenging item to source is the RX-888 MKII SDR. Some builders have had good success ordering their SDR from opensourcesdrlabs.com..
You won’t need a degree in engineering or science, but you should be comfortable with small electronic kit construction. If you have passed your Amateur Radio Tech Exam or regional equivelent, you should be able to build your HFRx PSWS.
One important thing to keep in mind is that there is no ‘required’ way to physically assemble a PSWS. Some of the materials listed here, like the 3D-printed hold-downs are items that represent a ‘recommended’ but not required build design.
Table of Contents
Working/Assembly Space Requirements
Your working space should be well-lit - a magnifying lamp is nice - and secure enough to leave your project safely between assembly sessions.
One of the best helpers in any electronics assembly working area is a silicon mat with component-holding areas.
- You’ll need an Internet connection to download support software and for connectivity for the HFRx PSWS’s Beelink Mini PC
- A Workstation or Laptop PC to configure the Leo Bodnar LBE-1420 GPS Disciplined Oscillator.
Tools
- A basic set of hand tools of the kind you might use to build a typical Amateur Radio kit. A soldering station is nice to have but as the PSWS is modular, it isn’t required. Use of plastic wire-ties is necessary for cable control.
- Cable Tie Gun - Fastening and Cutting Tool is helpful.
- 5/16 inch wrench for SMA connectors - For SMA connectors
- Anti-static ESD wrist strap - Inexpensive security against electronics parts damage
- Hot glue gun - Very helpful for securing parts temporarily. Use sparingly.
- 3D printer - Handy for producing the ‘official’ component hold-downs. Nice to have but not a necessity.
- Electronics tweezers - Make handling small parts easier
- Precision wire cutters - Stripper Combo - Best for working in tight spaces
- Micro USB cable - Comes with the LBE-1420 GPS Disciplined Oscillator
- Screwdriver Set for Electronics - Essential!
- Cable Tie Gun - Fastening and Cutting Tool - Handy for a neat job, but optional.
- Small Hand Drill and Bits for Electronics Work
- Hand Taper Reamer - Not essential but highly recommended to easily make holes the right size
Materials
- Color Electrical Tape for color-coding - Good for color-coding cables and connectors
- White/clear Cable Zip Tie Mount, Ties and Screw kit - Super convenient kit of self-adhesive tie pads, 8” thin ties and screws.
- 6”x8”x1/16” 6061/T651 Aluminum plate to Mount Components on - Any stiff backboard will suffice, but an aluminum backboard is recommended.
- Zultech 9.1”x7.3”x3.9” Project Enclosure - A nice enclosure. This is a bit tight so the next size larger box may be advisable, along with a corresponding larger aluminum plate. The size of the enclosure is not critical!
- 3D-Printed Component Hold-downs - For a nice, neat build. If you don’t have a 3D printer, use the zip ties and adhesive mounts
- 1/2” Rubber Grommets - Protect the cables! Split them before installing to make things easier
- Hex button Metric Screw Assortment - Handy hardware assortment to affix components to the backboard
- Nylon Spacers and Offsets - More handy hardware for a neat build!
Components
- long wire