GitHub project page | WSPR-beacon

Note:

This project includes three GERBER files! Due to PCBWay platform's limitation on the number of GERBER files that can be uploaded for a single project, the GERBER files for the side covers of the device are moved to separate projects:

LED_side_cover for WSPR-beacon

SMA_side_cover for WSPR-beacon

A small hardware device for transmitting WSPR messages based on the SI5351 IC. The device has a built-in TCXO to eliminate SI5351 frequency drift, a built-in GPS module for operation with active GPS antennas, transmission time synchronization and automatic QTH locator calculation, and a simple amplifier based on a single BS170 transistor (PCB version 1.0) or buffer amplifier based on a 74ACT244 IC (this version). PCB is made on based on SMD components and adapted for installation in an aluminum enclosure with dimensions 80 x 50 x 20 mm.

Project support

BTC: Make a donation, PayPal: Make a donation, Revolut: Make a donation

Your support helps me continue developing open-source projects like WSPR-beacon and Easy-SDR, while also enabling the creation of new tools that benefit the community.

Device characteristics

Platform: Atmega328 MCU

Power amplifier: Buffer amplifier based on the 74ACT244 IC

Output RF transformer: Bifilar transformer based on an FT37-43 core

RF connectors: SMA

Feed line: 50 Ohm coaxial cable

GPS antenna type: Active, external

Maximum output power: ~23 dBm

Supply voltage: 5V (USB-B, fuse-protected, 600 mA fuse)

Current Consumption by Mode:

• Standby (GPS antenna not connected): 70 mA
• Standby (GPS antenna connected): 86 mA
• Active TX mode: 96 mA

PCB fabrication parameters

Used PCB Material: FR-4, TG150

PCB thickness: 1.6 mm

Minimum hole size: 0.3 mm

Surface finish: HASL with lead

Via process: Tented vias

Copper weight: 1 oz

Resources

A Little WSPR Beacon (Aren’t They All Little?) – Dave Richards AA7EE  

Bifilar and trifilar PA

ESP WSPR – Simple and Inexpensive WSPR Transmitter - Ankara Telsiz ve Radyo Amatörleri Kulübü Derneği

FDIM 2024 LOGIC IC TRANSMITTER CHALLENGE - Ankara Telsiz ve Radyo Amatörleri Kulübü Derneği

HarrydeBug/WSPR-transmitters: Arduino firmware for ZachTek WSPR transmitters  

K1FM-WSPR-TX - GitHub

QRP Labs QRSS/WSPR TX Kit

WSPR beacon – Projets radio

WSPR - Signal Identification Wiki

Who helped me with the development of the project?

Great thanks to PCBWay for manufacturing the PCBs for the project as a sponsored contribution.

How to contact me?

- E-mail: igor.nikolaevich.96@gmail.com

- Telegram: https://t.me/igrikxd

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/igor-yatsevich/

You can also contact me to purchase preassembled devices.