Derek M0XDC Builds the Radio Kits Hunter Panadapter SDR Kit

Derek M0XDC bought the Hunter HF SDR Receiver/Panadapter kit from Radio Kits at the Lincoln Hamfest on 30th September [see report here]. Apparently it was ‘my fault’ – by my dragging him to the stand to have a look at the Panadapter demo setup!  Derek likes a challenge, especially the opportunity to use his SMD soldering station on tiny little components.  So, here’s a blow-by-blow account of the kit being assembled in his words and, mostly, pictures.

More info on the Radio-Kits Hunter SDR Receiver/Panadapter at http://www.radio-kits.co.uk/hunter/.

For those wanting a better view, click here for the construction manual.

There is a Yahoo! group.  http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/RK-Hunter/

73

John G8DZH  (Email: g8dzh@lefars.org.uk)

Monday 3rd October 2011

16:58 Done a fair bit today, but had to stop – due to going cross eyed. I have managed to lose 5 pieces !  They been sent into orbit via the tweezers, and I can’t find them 🙁  I have emailed Radio-Kits for replacements. Anyway pictures below. 73 Derek.

20:33 I have just received an email from Steve G6ALU, the guy that does the radio-kits. He is sending the five lost parts at no expense to me, excellent service J. 73 Derek.

Sunday 9th October 2011

12:30 I replaced U3 (MCP1702T) kindly sent by Steve G6ALU, again at no expense to me. Again I will say excellent service and support.

Unfortunately I found another fault; I was getting a lot of noise and no receive. Anyway that turned out to be just one dodgy solder joint on Q3 (BC857B) and easily corrected. I suppose there had to be one out of many.

Anyway here’s that picture you wished you had taken.

HAAAAAAAAAAAA Job finished

Monday 10th October 2011

17:06 Finally Labels made and applied. 73 Derek.