Building the Transceiver Kit

Construction Requirements:

The kit is targeted at experienced radio constructors. Succesful construction requires:

• VHF/UHF construction and debug skills.
   
• Ability to solder SMD components – some of the semiconductors are ‘real real small’. You will need good eyesight, a steady hand and a suitable needle-tip soldering iron. Maybe a magnifying glass and a beer also. Alternately call a friend to help.
   
• A 23cm signal source to align the receiver strip. Consider:
  • A NanoVNA or TinySA
  • MAX2870 signal  generators work well, available from Ebay and AliExpress for under A$100
  • Beg, borrow, ask around at your local radio club
     
• A way of measuring 23cm RF power – to peak the TX strip.
  Again, if you don’t have access to professional test gear then consider:
  • Using another nearby 23cm receiver,
  • Use a TinySA spectrum analyser,
  • Buy a cheap power meter on the second hand market (radio club disposals, Ebay, zenmarket.jp etc),
  • Buy a $20 digital power meter on AliExpress (check the maximum input power of the meter and add an external attenuator if necessary).
  • ask around at your radio club.

If you have access to a 2m/70cm power meter you may find is has sufficient sensitivity
to peak the TX strip (although absolute power measurements will be inaccurate).
 

Sourcing components

The internet is awash with vendors selling cheap fake, defective, incorrectly labelled and/or sub-standard components. These can be difficult to identify, cause frustration and consume hours of fault finding. At 23cm it is vital that components operate “to full spec”. Buyer beware especially when purchasing obselete and discontinued semiconductors from China.

Project & kit support

The Single-board NBFM transciever was conceived and originally designed by Bas PE1JPD. The 2025 update has been performed independent of Bas (although with his knowledge).

Bas was not involved in the redesign, and so is unable to answer queries regarding the updated project, or the experimenters kit available through this website.

Technical queries, sales enquiries and feedback should be sent to VK2KFP and VK2VD via the email form on the contact page.