6m & 10m SSB/CW Transceiver for the ARRL ‘Homebrew’ Challenge III

This is my entry into the ARRL ‘Hombrew’ Challenge III, which is a contest to develop the best 10m & 6m SSB/CW transceiver.

My objective was to make the highest performing radio using some new technologies for the amateur radio ‘Homebrew’ community.

New technologies include:  op-amps for pre-driver and first IF amplifier, Si570 VFO, NXP LDMOS BLF645 for the PA, and a robust audio derived AGC.

Appearance is important, for this reason I built the radio to look like something out of the 1950’s or early 60’s using military surplus chassis, knobs, lamps, connectors, and external parts.

Although the superficial exterior components leverage military surplus, the insides are readily available in mail order electronics catalogs.

Publications

G. L. Charvat, “Dual-Band Homebrew, this 6 and 10 meter SSB/CW transceiver is scaleable to all bands,” QST, March 2013, pp. 39-42.

G. L. Charvat. “N8ZRY's ARRL 'homebrew' (develop a 6 & 10m SSB/CW transceiver) challenge 3 radio,” MIT Haystack Observatory, November 2, 2011.

Press

J. Hollas, 'The ARRL Homebrew Challenge III – And the Winner Is...' March 13, 2012.

Engineering Notes & Documentation

Download all design notes (right click and download the .zip)

Download all of the schematics, block diagram, additional photos and other material (right click and download the .zip).