Allstar Link Node Build - Part 6

Welcome to part 6 of my Allstar Link node build. 

In this instalment the project finally comes together with the boxing up of all the various modules and parts that I covered in my previous blog posts.
 

Choice of enclosure

To enclose the project, I decided that I wanted to keep everything screened to minimize the possibility of unwanted interference in the shack. You may remember in part 4 of my build I commented that there's a reason computers are built into metal boxes!

I suspect that some readers of the blog maybe thinking but "my laptop case is plastic";  therefore my comment or argument is not a valid one! 

 

Well, having stripped down many laptops for repair, I can substantiate my point due to the fact that the internal electronics of a laptop are shielded either by tin sheeting or a screened coating on the inside of the plastic shell, the same can also be said for tablet computers and mobile phones.

Allstar Link Node Build - Part 5

Welcome to part 5 of my Allstar Link node build. 

If you read part four of my node build, you probably arrived here expecting to read a blog post covering the grand boxing up of the project!  Fear not, this is just a short interlude and the boxing up will now commence in part 6.

I need to vent a little about my concerns regarding the "Buck Converter Module" that is commonly used in node builds. The idea of using a buck converter to regulate a DC supply voltage is fine and I intend doing this myself but there is a caveat! 

If you are not aware of what a buck converter is, it is a type of switch mode Power Supply; they are highly efficient when compared to traditional linear voltage regulators.

The buck converter module that I will be referrincing is shown below and can be purchased from eBay, AliExpress and many other online sources for less than £2. 

These modules are sold as being equipped with a LM2596 switching regulator,  a device from the Texas Instruments portfolio of power management devices.

Allstar Link Node Build - Part 4

Welcome to part 4 of my Allstar Link node build. 

In this installment I will prepare some additional components in preparation for casing the project up.

Before I get started

In the last installment, I covered modifying the popular CM108 USB sound module for use with the Allstar Link Node and I remembered that I had used the CM108 in a digital mode interface that I designed and built back in 2018.  Below is a photo of the interface completed.

Click for a larger image

Allstar Link Node Build - Part 3

Welcome to part 3 of my Allstar Link node build. 

In this instalment I will start working on the CM108 USB sound modules and show you how to modify one for use with an Allstar Link node.  The module forms a link between the modified Baofeng radio transceiver and the Raspberry PI single board computer.

The CMedia CM108 is a highly popular single chip USB audio solution. All essential modules are embedded into an LQFP 48 pin package. The chip includes a dual DAC, earphone driver, ADC, microphone booster, PLL, voltage regulator and USB 2.0 compliant transceiver.

Shown enlarged, the actual IC is 7mm by 7mm

 

 

 

 

Allstar Link Node Build - Part 2

Welcome to part 2 of my Allstar Link project build. Before I continue, I would like to take the opportunity to wish everyone around the world a happy, healthy and prosperous 2021.

Allstar Link Node Build - Part 1

The Digital Age and the Internet of Things

"Plus A Ham Radio Project for the Digital Age"

As I wrote this blog post near the end of 2020, I cannot help but marvel with admiration at the technological achievements that have been made since I ventured into the world of radio and electronics back in the 1970's.

 

I have witnessed the development and progression of electronic devices, such as transistors, integrated circuits and optical devices, such as LEDs and LCD displays.  These electronic wonders helped develop electronic and analogue equipment, such as photocopiers, printers, fax machines, modems, computers and mobile phones, all of which are now part of everyday life.