hardrock 50
works as it should ….
Based on Jim Veatch’s winning ARRL Home Brew Challenge II amplifier design, it’s been improved and functionality has been expanded to include a new aluminum enclosure with built in pre-drilled and tapped heat sink, an LCD display, pre-soldered SMT components, computer control options, software upgradeable, easier to use connectors, and MORE. All software is open source and the unit hackable. The HARDROCK-50 is FCC Type accepted under device ID RHAHR50
Kit includes 3 PCBs with all surface mount components professionally installed using a reflow process. Builder only needs to install through hole components; toroidal inductors, relays, transistors, connectors, etc. Also includes professionally machined case with integral heat-sink, all chassis mount components, interconnects and instruction/assembly manual. Supports auto band select (depending on transceiver) via accessory port.
Specifications
Bands: 160, 80, 40, 30, 20, 17, 15, 12, 10, 6 meter Ham Bands
Input power: 5 Watts
Output power: 40-50W on 160-10M, 30-35W on 6M
DC power: 13.8 VDC (nominal), 10 Amps (max)
Keying modes: COR, external PTT (positive or negative) and Standby
Metering: Forward and reflected power, Temperature, DC Voltage
Size: 4.25” W by 3.5” H by 7.5” D (not including switches and connectors)
Connections: RF In/Out – UHF (SO239); DC Power – Anderson Powerpoles; External PTT – RCA jack; USB serial control; DB9 Accessory Jack
Auto Band Select Support: Electraft KX3, Various SDRs via PowerSDR over USB, Kenwood CAT compatible devices over RS-232 TTL
Source Code Repository:http://code.google.com/p/hardrock-50/
NOW Available QSK Mezzanine add-on board, Select the option when ordering.
Please note installing the QSK board in a HARDROCK-50 (or any amplifier up to 50W) does indeed allow the amplifier to be switched in and out very rapidly, 20-25 WPM on CW easily. The QSK board does have an impact on the RF performance of the amplifier when compared to an electrico-mechanical relay. On 160-10M this impact is negligible; 0.25 dB less gain, a few watts less output and 0.25 dB in the RX path none of which are even noticeable. On 6M the story is a little different; 0.5 dB less gain, 5-7W less output, 0.5 dB in the RX path and increased input VSWR. There are certain circumstances where these impairments could have a negative impact on system performance. For weak signal work on 6M with a HARDROCK-50 amplifier, the T/R relay
