New Items/Announcements:

Last update 12/20/2008

 

 Please follow the ordering information in the section "How to Purchase" at the previous link, for a list of available items click on the title of this article or on "read more" to see the whole article.

 Summary of available Kits

See the email from 10/26/2008

SoftRocks by Tony Parks

Tony's kits are in transition at this time, the previous generation has been retired and the new generation is in the works but not all the pieces are finished, stay tuned.

 

SoftRock Lite+Crystal+USB V9.0 kit.

Status: in production.

ASoftrock with a band filter plugin, a SI570 programmable XO, a AVR CPU chip to program and control the SI570 via a built in USB port, this kit along with the soon coming 4 band filter board will make a nice multiband receiver without all the add on boards of the previous versions since it's all built in.

SoftRock Band Pass Filter Module

Four electronically controlled band pass filters made to plug into a SoftRock V9, caould be used with other models that uses the AVR controller for the SI570. See email from 11/30/2008

 

6M Bandpass modelue for SoftRock V9.0

Since this SoftRock appears to work decenty at 6M tony has now made available a 6M bandpass kit for $4 US, or 5$ shipping to DX locations.

 

SoftRock Lite II (new product soon to be announced)

A replacement for the SoftRock Lite, using synchronous counters for less noise and better performance at the higher frequencies. See email from 12/20/2008

 

SoftRock Lite Xtal (DISCONTINUED)

Status : In production see the email from Tony on 5/5/08.

The SR-LXv8.3 sells for $28 for US/Canada and $29 for DX without the SI570 chip.

The price of the Lite+Xtall v8.3 kit with the CMOS Si570 device will
be $42 for US/Canada and $43 for DX. Please note that the SI570 will ship separately from the kit.

Additional Band Pass filter boards will be $3 for a group of four boards

 SI570 CMOS  Price will be $16 for US/Canada and $17 for DX with mailing cost included in each price.
 
73,
Tony KB9YIG
 

SoftRock RxTx Xtal V6.3 (a new multi band multi-mode transceiver)

Status : Product is currently shipping.

 

The SoftRock Lite is DISCONTINUED

 USB I2C interface kit

Interfaces a computer with a USB connection to the SI570 to change the frequency under computer control.

 

 SoftRock RXTXv6.2 transceiver.

This product is retired and no longer available.

 

Odds and Ends (Acessories for the SoftRock's)

 The Delta 44 interface module kit is in stock at a price of $11 for US/Canada and $12 for DX mailing

The Rocky 3.x serial interface module kit at $5 for US or DX

The XTALLv1.1 kit with a CMOS Si570 would be a good addition to the
RXTXv6.2 kit to provide many additional center frequencies. The
XTALLv1.1 kit with the MOS Si570 is priced at $28 US/Canada and $29 DX.

 

Emails from Tony Parks and others.

 

Please note that the newest information always overides the older emails.

 

12/20/2008

To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com From: "kb9yig" <kb9yig@gmail.com> Subject: [softrock40] SoftRock Lite II circuit board

11/30/2008

To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
From: "kb9yig" <kb9yig@gmail.com>
Subject: [softrock40] Electronically Switched v9.0 HF BPF kit

Good Afternoon All,

The circuit boards for the production electronically switched v9.0 HF
BPF will go on order on December 1 and should be back by mid-December.

Several have ask if the v9.0 HF BPF kit will be offered separate from
the v9.0 Lite+USB Xtall kit.  My plan is to offer the v9.0 HF BPF kit
by itself with the following options:

1.8 MHz to 30.0 MHz kit option at $13 for US/Canada and $14 for DX

3.5 MHz to 30.0 MHz plus 6m coverage option at $13 for US/Canada and
$14 for DX.

Each kit price includes postage costs.

(One warning is that 6m operation of the HF BPF board still needs to
be checked.)

Those who recently order a beta HF BPF kit will instead be receiving
a kit with the production level HF BPF filter board and those kit
orders will be filled in about ten days.

Thanks for your interest in the kits.

73,
Tony KB9YIG

11/16/2008

To: <softrock40@yahoogroups.com> From: "Tony Parks" <kb9yig@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re: 6m version of v9.0 sucessfully tested

 

10/26/2008

To: <softrock40@yahoogroups.com> From: "Tony Parks" <kb9yig@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [softrock40] Re: RXTX+Xtall v6.3 transceiver

 

10/11/2008

To: <softrock40@yahoogroups.com> From: "Tony Parks" <kb9yig@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [softrock40] Ordering RXTX 6.2

 

09/10/2008

To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com From: "kb9yig" <kb9yig@gmail.com> Subject: [softrock40] SoftRock Lite kits again available

 

08/17/2008

To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com From: "kb9yig" <raparks@ctcisp.com> Subject: [softrock40] SoftRock v6.0 orders now being accepted

 

 

07/30/2008

To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com From: "kb9yig" <kb9yig@gmail.com> Subject: [softrock40] USB I2C interface kit status

 

07/12/2008

To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
From: "kb9yig" <raparks@ctcisp.com>
Subject: [softrock40] RXTX+Xtall v6.3 kit offered and RXTXv6.2 kit sold out

Good Morning All,

The RXTXv6.2 kits are now sold out with only enough boards left to
fill existing multiple kit orders.

Response has been positive on moving forward with the RXTX+Xtall v6.3
kit and circuit boards will go on order July 14 with kit shipments to
start around July 29.

Revisions have been made this morning to the board layout to include
I2C SDA and SCL signal access as well as either regulated 5 volts or
3.3 volts.   Under the DIP switch location is a second row of holes
such that a double-row header, eight pins in all, may be mounted in
place of the DIP switch.  The signals available on the header include
the four DIP switch inputs to the PIC, GND, SDA, SCL and either
regulated 5 volts or regulated 3.3 volts.  (The regulated voltage
selection is by soldering in a wire jumper at a three hole via group
near the DIP switch position.)

The RXTX+Xtall v6.3 kit will include the circuit board and all
components that go on the circuit board as well as a 9-pin female D
connector for the Rocky 3.x serial interface use, the receiver BPF
group kit for all HF bands, and a FIN1002 for the case where an LVDS
Si570 is to be used with the board. 

Kit pricing will be as follows:

RXTX+Xtall v6.3 kit with CMOS Si570: $50 US/Canada, $52 DX

RXTX+Xtall v6.3 kit without the CMOS Si570 $35 US/Canada, $37 DX

80m/40m PA/Filter kit for 80m-40m TX operation, $15 US/Canada and $16
DX.

Additional testing will be done in the next few weeks to expand the
TX band coverage with three PA/Filter kits planned for 160m,
30m/20m/17m, and 15m/12m/10m operation.

The RXTX+Xtall v6.3 kit may be ordered starting today, July 12. 
Three pre-production kits will be available for shipment around July
21 at the production kit price if there are people interested in
trying the kit at an earlier date.

Thanks for your interest in the SoftRock projects.

73,
Tony KB9YIG

 

06/25/2008

To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
From: "kb9yig" <raparks@ctcisp.com>
Subject: [softrock40] change to 30m SoftRock Lite kit

Good Monring All,

I recently used my last 40.5 MHz crystal which in used in the 30m
SoftRock Lite kit to give a center frequency of about 10.124 MHz.
Since this crystal is no longer available at a low price a change has
been made in the 30m SoftRock Lite kit.

All 30m Lite kits will now be provided with a 13.5 MHz crystal with
associated component value changes that I will post in the next day
or so. The 30m Lite will now use 1/3 sub-harmonic sampling with a
center frequency of about 10.124 MHz, (3 * 13.5 / 4 MHz). To deal
with the sensitivity loss associated with the 1/3 sub-harmonic
sampling the op-amp in the 30m kit has been changed to an LT6231 and
the audio gain increased by as factor of five. This is the same
configuration used in the Upgraded 20m Lite kit so the 30m Lite kit
will become the Upgraded 30m SoftRock Lite kit. The 30m kit price
will need to increase to cover the additional cost of the low-noise
LT6231 and the new kit price will be $12 for US/Canada and $13 for DX.

One built Upgraded 30m SoftRock Lite is now available if anyone would
like to have it. The unit has attached cables which include a 3 foot
stereo audio cable, a short length of RG174 for antenna input, and DC
power leads. The built unit may be purchased via PayPal for $25 which
includes the postage.

Thanks and 73,
Tony KB9YIG

 

06/12/2008

To: <softrock40@yahoogroups.com>
From: "Tony Parks" <raparks@ctcisp.com>
Subject: Re: [softrock40] V8.3 Lite+Xtall kit now sold out

A number of people have expressed an interest in additional v8.3 Lite+Xtall kits being made available.  This morning I have placed an order for a second group of the v8.3 circuit boards.  Additional v8.3 circuit boards should come in on or slightly before June 30 so new kit orders will be filled the first week of July.
 
Kit prices will remain the same at $26 for US/Canada and $27 for DX orders where the kit does not include a CMOS Si570.  If a CMOS Si570 is included the kit price with be $42 for US/Canada and $43 for DX orders.
 
Thanks and 73,
Tony KB9YIG
 

06/10/2008

To: <softrock40@yahoogroups.com>
From: "Tony Parks" <raparks@ctcisp.com>
Subject: Re: [softrock40] summary of softrock baords and kits available?

Hi Dan,

Currently available Kits include the following where postage costs are
included in each kit price:

SoftRock Lite single band receiver kits, 160m, 80m, 40m or 30m, at $10 per
kit for US/Canada and $11 for DX.

Upgraded SoftRock Lite single band receiver kits, 20m or 15m, at $12 per kit
for US/Canada and $13 for DX.

Special IF SoftRock Lite kits at $12 per kit for US/Canada and $13 per kit
for DX.

Lite+Xtall v8.3 kit less the Si570 for all HF band coverage at $26 per kit
for US/Canada and $27 for DX.

Lite+Xtall v8.3 kit with the CMOS Si570 for all HF band coverage at $42 per
kit for US/Canand and $43 for DX.

RXTXv6.2 transceiver kit for 160m at $30 per kit for US/Canada and $31 for
DX.

RXTXv6.2 transceiver kit for 80m at $30 per kit for US/Canada and $31 for
DX.

RXTXv6.2 transceiver kit for 40m/80m at $30 per kit for US/Canada and $31
for DX.

RXTXv6.2 transceiver kit for 40m/30m at $31 per kit for US/Canada and $32
for DX.

RXTXv6.2 transceiver kit with daughter board kit for 20m/30m at $38 per kit
for US/Canada and $39 for DX.

RXTXv6.2 transceiver kit with daughter board kit for 15m at $38 per kit for
US/Canada and $39 for DX.

RXTXv6.2 transceiver kit with daughter board kit for 10m but without a 10m
crystal $35 per kit for US/Canada and $36 for DX.

XTALLv1.1 kit without CMOS Si570 at $12 for US/Canada and $13 for DX.

XTALLv1.1 kit with CMOS Si570 at $28 for US/Canada and $29 for DX.

Rocky 3.x serial interface module kit at $5 for US/Canada and $6 for DX

Delta 44 interface module kit at $11 for US/Canada and $12 for DX.

Kits may be ordered via PayPal to raparks @ ctcisp.com. (remove spaces
around "@" )

Thanks for your interest in the SoftRock Kits.

73,
Tony KB9YIG

06/02/2008

To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
From: "kb9yig" <raparks@ctcisp.com>
Subject: [softrock40] Small additional run of SoftRock Lite kits will be available

Good Evening All,

A number of people have recently expressed an interest in the low-cost
SoftRock Lite kit. Additional circuit boards went on order this
evening to support a small run of the SoftRock Lite kits so that the
kit will be available again by mid-June for a couple more months.

The kit offering will include the following:

Kits for individual bands from 160m through 30m will be $10 per kit.

Upgraded kits for either 20m or 15m will be $12 per kit.

Kits for special IF applications will be $12 per kit.

Kits may be ordered via PayPal to raparks @ ctcisp.com (remove spaces
around "@").

Thanks and 73,
Tony KB9YIG

 

05/26/2008

To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
From: "kb9yig" <raparks@ctcisp.com>
Subject: [softrock40] Small additional run of RXTXv6.2 kits

Good Morning All,

On May 25 the last RXTXv6.2 kit in stock was ordered. However, since
additional orders for that kit have come in I will continue to offer
the kit for a few more weeks. Additional circuit boards will go on
order on May 27 and new orders for the kit should be filled by about
June 12.

Kits offered will be as follows where postage costs are included in
each kit price:

160m kit at $30 US/Canada and $31 DX

80m kit at $30 US/Canada and $31 DX

40m/80m kit at $30 US/Canada and $31 DX

40m/30m kit at $31 US/Canada and $32 DX

20m/30m kit at $36 US/Canada and $37 DX

The XTALLv1.1 kit with a CMOS Si570 would be a good addition to the
RXTXv6.2 kit to provide many additional center frequencies. The
XTALLv1.1 kit with the MOS Si570 is priced at $28 US/Canada and $29
DX.

Thanks and 73,
Tony KB9YIG

 

05/22/2008

To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
From: "kb9yig" <raparks@ctcisp.com>
Subject: [softrock40] 10m operation problem with SN74CB3253CDR

Good Afternoon All,

A problem identified by Bodo, DJ9CS, and confirmed by Mike Collins
requires a change in the QSD/QSE switches recently shipped with
SoftRock kits. The TI SN74CB3253CDR MUX/DEMUX provided in kits does
not function properly above 25 MHz. Any kits that includes 10m
operation will require a change to the Fairchild FST3253MX.

If you have received a SoftRock kit that is to be used above 20m, (to
be safe), please check the 3253 parts supplied with that kit. If you
did not receive the FST3253 part(s) with your kit, please send me an e-
mail with your mailing address and a count of the number of FST3253
parts needed. I have FST3253MX devices on order and should be able to
send out needed parts right away at no cost to the kit buyers.

Thanks very much to Bodo and Mike for excellent support on this problem.

73,
Tony KB9YIG

 

05/08/2008

To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
From: "kb9yig" <raparks@ctcisp.com>
Subject: [softrock40] v8.3 Lite+Xtall kit shipments

Good Evening All,

When production v8.3 Lite+Xtall circuit boards were ordered last week a
second order was placed to get sixteen quick-turn v8.3 boards. The
sixteen boards came in on May 7 and a first example was built and sent
to Tom, KM5H. Tom will be adding the LVDS Si570 to the board and then
will do some initial functional checks of the receiver.

Since I still have a number of kit orders for the v8.1 and v8.2
Lite+Xtall kits that need to be filled, I have decided to fill those
open orders with v8.3 kits as much as possible at this date. Fifteen
v8.3 kits are packed and will be mailed on May 9. Hopefully those
receiving the v8.3 "pre-production" kits will have access to either a
CMOS or LVDS Si570 so that they can build the receiver and give
feedback to the group.

Production boards will be in late next week but it looks like it will
be well into June before my order of CMOS Si570 devices will be
filled. Version 8.3 kits will be mailed as soon as possible and the
orders for CMOS Si570 will be filled at a later date.

Thanks and 73,
Tony KB9YIG
 

 

05/05/2008

To: <softrock40@yahoogroups.com>
From: "Tony Parks" <raparks@ctcisp.com>
Subject: Re: [softrock40] SRLite+Xtall V8.3 Dimensions?

Hi Gerd,
 
The SR-LXv8.3 sells for $27 when mailed to a DX location.  The price includes DX postage.
 
The SR-LXv8.3 requires an Si570, eithere a CMOS or LVDS version will work,  which is not supplied in the kit.  Four BPF module kits for the HF bands are supplied in the kit and the PIC supplied is programmed to give the following sixteen center frequencies for the DIP switch codes 0000 to 1111:

Addendum

Yes, I have ordered extra BPF boards for special applications of the v8.3 Lite+Xtall such as IF applications or SW broadcast use.  Additional BPF boards, without other components for the filters and when ordered as part of a kit order, will be $3 for a group of four boards.

 

 05/03/2008

To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
From: "kb9yig" <raparks@ctcisp.com>
Subject: [softrock40] Additional source for the CMOS Si570

Good Afternoon All,

I have been talking to Tom about being an additional source for the
CMOS version of the Si570. Since Mike Collins' test of a v8.1
Lite+Xtall board show good receiver performance with the CMOS verison
of the Si570, I will also be providing that device along with kits as
follows:

When purchased as part of an XTALL v1.1 kit or a Lite+Xtall v8.3 kit,
the price of the device is $16 US/Canada and $17 for DX.

This will make the price of the XTALLv1.1 kit with the CMOS Si570
device $28 for US/Canada and $29 for DX.

The price of the Lite+Xtall v8.3 kit with the CMOS Si570 device will
be $42 for US/Canada and $43 for DX.

When purchased as not part of a kit purchase, the price of the CMOS
Si570 device will be $17 US/Canada and $18 for DX.

These prices for the CMOS Si570 are due to a larger quantity purchase
of the device and part of the savings are passed on to kit buyers.

Tom will continue to be a source for the LVDS version of the Si570
device.

Thanks and 73,
Tony KB9YIG

 

05/01/2008

To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
From: "kb9yig" <raparks@ctcisp.com>
Subject: [softrock40] Lite+Xtall orders

Good Morning All,

Orders for the v8.0, v8.1 and v8.2 versions of the Lite+Xtall kit
have gone well beyond the number of kits available. I would like to
convert the excess orders to the v8.3 Lite+Xtall kit if it is ok with
kit buyers. I will contact people individually concerning orders
beyond what I will be able to fill within the next few days.

A v8.3 kit with synchronous QSD clocking is in the works that has the
same size board as the v8.1/v8.2 but provides a jumper option to use
either the CMOS version of the Si570 or the LVDS version of the
Si570. The v8.3 kit will include the FIN1002 and all other parts
that mount on the circuit board except the Si570 device. (If a CMOS
Si570 is used on the v8.3 board, the kit builder will omit a
resistor, the FIN1002 part, and will solder in a jumper wire.)

The v8.3 Lite+Xtall kit should be available at Dayton time and the
kit will be priced at $26 US/Canada and $27 for DX where mailing
costs are included in each kit price. Included with each kit will be
four BPF kits to provide the band combinations 160m, 80m/40m,
30m/20m/17m, 15m/12m/10m. (Excess orders for a v8.0, v8.1, or v8.2
kits will not require any additional payment when converted to a v8.3
kit.)

Thanks and 73,
Tony KB9YIG

 

04/22/2008

To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
From: "kb9yig" <raparks@ctcisp.com>
Subject: [softrock40] SoftRock Lite kits now sold out

Good Morning All,

With SoftRock Lite kit orders received through April 21 my supply of
SoftRock Lite circuit boards is at a level where enough boards are
left to fill existing orders. A total of 1700 SoftRock Lite kits
have been sold and the kit is now retired with no additional orders
to be accepted.

If beta testing of the Lite+Xtall kits is favorable then a version of
the Lite+Xtall receiver will be produced offering all HF band
coverage. If the Lite+Xtall kit goes to production, the kit will be
shipped complete with all parts including a CMOS Si570. The kit will
include the main circuit board and parts for four BPF boards to span
all Ham bands from 160m through 10m. Effort will be made to keep the
cost of the kit as low as possible. Ideally, the Lite+Xtall kit with
BPF boards will provide a significant cost reduction on a per band
basis over the cost of multiple SoftRock Lite kits. Additionally,
many more center frequencies will be possible for better band
coverage without an expensive soundcard.

Thanks for your interest in the various SoftRock kits and for your
kit orders.

73,
Tony KB9YIG

 

04/20/2008

To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
From: "kb9yig" <raparks@ctcisp.com>
Subject: [softrock40] Lite+Xtall center frequency set

Good Evening All,

Later this week when the Lite+Xtall beta kits are mailed the
following center frequencies will be included in the programmed PIC
chips included with each kit.

The assumption is that the Lite+Xtall will be used with a soundcard
that can sample at 96 kHz and that +/-46 kHz from a center frequency
will be covered. A CW and phone center frequency is included for
most of the bands with actual Si570 frequencies listed below in
parentheses at 4x of each of the center frequencies.

160m 1.846 (7.384) 1.892 (7.568)

80m 3.546 (14.184) 3.846 (15.384)

40m 7.046 (28.184) 7.221 (28.884)

30m 10.146 (40.584)

20m 14.046 (56.184) 14.271 (57.084)

17m 18.114 (72.456)

15m 21.046 (84.184) 21.321 (85.284)

12m 24.936 (99.744)

10m 28.046 (112.184) 28.092 (112.368) 28.346
(113.384)

I want to thank Tom for writing the PIC program to provide the
sixteen center frequencies and for programming the chips to be
supplied with the kits.

73,
Tony KB9YIG

 

04/19/2008

To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
From: "kb9yig" <raparks@ctcisp.com>
Subject: [softrock40] Lite+Xtall beta kit status

Good Morning All,

The v8.0 and v8.1 Lite+Xtall kits should start shipping on 4/24.

Mike Collins in testing a Lite+Xtall v8.1 unit had determined that a
change was needed on the BPF board to remove the ground plane on the
backside of the board. Circuit boards are now on order for the
changed BPF board and are due in on 4/24.

Originally it was planned that each Lite+Xtall kit would include
three BPF module kits. Instead, each kit will be shipped with four
BPF module kits to give all HF band coverage in the following band
groups: 160m, 40m/80, 30m/20m/17m, and 15m/12m/10m.

More details will follow and updated documentation will be posted in
the next few days.

Thanks for your kit orders and patience with the delay in getting
these kits shipped.

73,
Tony KB9YIG

 

 

04/05/2008

To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
From: "kb9yig" <raparks@ctcisp.com>
Subject: [softrock40] SoftRock kit shipment status as of 4/5

Good Morning All,

Additional RXTXv6.2 circuit boards were received on March 25 and
since that date about 200 RXTXv6.2 kits have been mailed. All open
orders for 160m kits, 80m kits, 40m/80m kits and 40m/30m kits have
now been filled. Fourteen of the 20m/30m kits, four of the 15m/17m
kits and four of the 10m/12m kits have also been mailed. Next weeks
kit mailing should include a mix of the 20m and above RXTXv6.2 kits
with about forty orders still needing to be filled.

SoftRock Lite kit orders for Ham Bands are also now current. Some of
the special IF Lite kits have been mailed but orders for about thirty
kits remain to be filled.

Lite+Xtall kit mailings should start early next week, both v8.0 beta
kits and v8.1 beta kits.

XTALL kits mailing should also start early next week.

Thanks for your kit orders and patience as I have worked through a
large number of kit orders.

73,
Tony KB9YIG

 

03/13/2008

To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
From: "kb9yig" <raparks@ctcisp.com>
Subject: [softrock40] RXTXv6.2 kit availability

Good Morning All,

Due to quite a bit of interest in additional RXTXv6.2 kits and many
orders for the last few kits, 200 additional RXTXv6.2 circuit boards
have been ordered. This quantity of circuit boards will more than
cover all presently existing kit orders and make the RXTXv6.2 kits
available for another month. The new circuit boards are due in on
March 27 so there will be a delay in filling many of the recently
placed RXTXv6.2 kit orders. Sub-kitting will be done in the next two
weeks so that when the new order of circuit boards are available, kit
orders will be filled quickly.

Thanks and 73,
Tony KB9YIG

 

 03/07/2008 (Important announcement)

 

To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
From: "kb9yig" <raparks@ctcisp.com>
Subject: [softrock40] RXTXv6.2 kit

Good Morning All,

Orders for the remaining RXTXv6.2 kits have exceeded the quantity of
boards remaining. I have decided to do a small additional RXTXv6.2
kit run to cover all RXTXv6.2 kit order placed through March 10. On
March 11 I will order additional circuit boards to cover all kit
orders received by the end of March 10. There will be a two week
delay in mailing out the final group of RXTXv6.2 kits due to the time
required to get additional production circuit boards.

Kit prices will be the same as before and the following kits will be
offered:

160m RXTXv6.2 kit at $30 US/Canada and $31 for DX orders

80m RXTXv6.2 kit at $30 US/Canada and $31 for DX orders

40m/80m RXTXv6.2 kit at $30 US/Canada and $31 for DX orders

40m/30m RXTXv6.2 kit at $31 US/Canada and $32 for DX orders

15m/17m RXTXv6.2 kit at $38 US/Canada and $39 for DX orders

10m RXTXv6.2 kit less the 112.36 MHz overtone crystal at $35
US/Canada and $36 for DX orders.

Thanks and 73,
Tony KB9YIG

 

03/06/2008

To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
From: "kb9yig" <raparks@ctcisp.com>
Subject: [softrock40] RXTXv6.2 kits nearly gone

Good Afternoon ALL,

My supply of RXTXv6.2 kits is now down to less than twenty kits after I
fill existing kit orders. When the remaining kits are sold the
RXTXv6.2 kit will be retired after what has been two 1000-kit runs in a
nine month period.

My supply of SoftRock Lite kits is also getting low with about eighty
kits left. The SoftRock Lite kit will also be retired when my supply
of circuit boards is exhausted.

Future SoftRock kits may be based on center frequency clocking via the
Si570 part but nothing is firm at this date.

Thanks to all for your interest and support in the various SoftRock
projects.

73,
Tony KB9YIG

 

02/25/2008

 

To: <softrock40@yahoogroups.com>
From: "Tony Parks" <raparks@ctcisp.com>
Subject: Re: [softrock40] First XTALL board example running

Good Afternoon,
 
Tom, KM5H, has written a program for the 12F683 PIC on the XTALL board to provide for 15 switch selected center frequencies as follows:
 
Switch input        Center frequency
 
0000        default frequency of Si570 part as ordered from the factory
 
0001        3.520 MHz  (Si570 output frequency is 4x each center frequency)
0010        3.560 MHz
0011        3.820 MHz
 
0100        7.020 MHz
0101        7.060 MHz
0110        7.195 MHz
 
0111        10.120 MHz
 
1000        14.020 MHz
1001        14.060 MHz
1010        14.205 MHz
 
1011        21.020 MHz
1100        21.060 MHz
1101        21.295 MHz
 
1110        28.020 MHz
1111        28.090 MHz
 
This would give coverage of the bottom 80 kHz on 80m, 40m, 20m and 15m, most of 30m and
some General Class SSB center frequencies on 80m, 40m, 20m and 15m.
 
I have all parts for the XTALL board in stock and will program each PIC to provide the above set of center frequencies.  Kit shipments should finally start going out on February 26.
 
Many thanks to Tom for his great work with the Si570 projects.
 
73,
Tony KB9YIG

 

02/12/2008

 To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
From: "kb9yig" <raparks@ctcisp.com>
Subject: [softrock40] XTALL daughter board kit

Good Morning All,

Tom, KM5H, and I are working on a Si570 daughter board project that
should come together later this week. The little daughter board, I
call it the XTALL board, has a Si570 along with a PIC and four rocker
DIP switches along with other components. The idea is that on power
up of the board the four switches will be read by the PIC to give
a "band" select of one out of sixteen bands. After a few second
delay the PIC will then periodically read the four switches to give
one out of sixteen center frequency selections associated with the
selected "band". The PIC will load the the Si570 with the most
recently selected center frequency. The PIC will continue to
periodically scan the four switches to see if a new center frequency
is now selected in the band set on power up.

The XTALL daughter board is 1.625 inches by 0.675 inches and will
mount above the RXTX board in the same way the 20m daughter board
mounts. All HF bands will be covered with 20 kHz center frequency
spacing.

A beta (alpha?) kit will soon be offered at a kit price of $12 which
will include the circuit board and all parts except the CMOS version
of the Si570. Forty such kits will be available.

The schematic for the XTALL board and the center frequency table are
now posted in the XTALL daughter board folder in the files area.

I would be interested in your comments on the XTALL daughter board
concept.

Thanks and 73,
Tony KB9YIG

 

01/20/2008

To: <softrock40@yahoogroups.com>
From: "Tony Parks" <raparks@ctcisp.com>
Subject: Re: [softrock40] Delta 44 Interface board

Hi Bob,
 
The Delta 44 interface module kit is in stock at a price of $11 for US/Canada and $12 for DX mailing.  Each price includes mailing costs. 
 
Also in stock is the Rocky 3.x serial interface module kit at $5 for US or DX.
 
PayPal to raparks"at"ctcisp.com, (replace "at" with @), to get a kit on order.
 
Thanks and 73,
Tony KB9YIG