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THE AM BULLETIN BOARD => Class E Forum => Topic started by: KF1Z on December 18, 2020, 06:46:18 PM



Title: Class E Radio Revisited
Post by: KF1Z on December 18, 2020, 06:46:18 PM
Ok,
Step 1 -  Get all the 3D Printer stuff off the bench to make room for radio stuff -  Check  ( almost)
Step 2 -  dig out the modulator - Check
Step 3 -  dig out the RF deck(s) - Check
Step 4 - Remember how to assemble it all ------------------

Ok, that's gonna take a bit  :-)

Looks like I'm missing a VFO..
But I think I'll use the Flexradio output...  So just need the interface between that and the RF deck
I believe I still have an unpopulated VFO/Phase splitter board that I can use.
So need to find that, and the components...

I guess this isnt going to be as quick and easy as I'd hoped.  ;D


Title: Re: Class E Radio Revisited
Post by: vk3alk on December 19, 2020, 08:58:11 PM
Hi Bruce...

Doesn't sound too bad.. at least there appears to be no hardware damage etc:
Its good to have dummy loads to test PWM and stuff ....
Remember to set or check the Mark to Space ratio to give your TX headroom .....

Hopefully all springs into life.....

I know you know this anyway .....  :)


Wayne

 


Title: Re: Class E Radio Revisited
Post by: KF1Z on January 11, 2021, 08:46:14 PM
It lives!
 ;D

The PWM modulator needed some new meters.... unfortunately, I had no matching sets.....  oh well.

The Class E deck.. I stripped out all the mosfets, drivers etc...
And replaced them all , along with some transzorbs caps etc.

First QSO's last night and tonight.

Seems to be working ok fine.



Title: Re: Class E Radio Revisited
Post by: vk3alk on January 12, 2021, 09:20:16 PM
Thats good Bruce.....

Sounds like you did a little work on the TX ......
How many FETs are you using again, is it 8 around the 350 watt mark .....


Wayne


Title: Re: Class E Radio Revisited
Post by: KF1Z on January 13, 2021, 10:07:11 AM
Wayne,

When I first built this deck, it was 12 FETs ( 2x6)

Now it is 'standard' 8 fet.

bruce


Title: Re: Class E Radio Revisited
Post by: steve_qix on January 21, 2021, 01:40:54 PM
Although 12 FETs is good too.  600 watts (carrier) out.


Title: Re: Class E Radio Revisited
Post by: vk3alk on January 21, 2021, 04:27:19 PM
You guys are sooooo lucky been able to run decent power levels...

Actually Steve what brand model of Drone do you use to drop the fishing sinker over the trees for your antennas ?

It must be reasonably large to drop a 12 oz sinker !!!


Wayne
AMfone - Dedicated to Amplitude Modulation on the Amateur Radio Bands