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C-BOARD (DSP-Board) for UV-K5

 

C-BOARD for UV-K5

I created an externally mountable DSP-Board to process digital signals from UV-K5.

DSP-Board was named C-Board. C-Board is divided into versions ranging from the simplest version to one that can be equipped with GPS.

0.About C-Board

To apply the DSP-Board to UV-K5, we first implemented a high-speed communication protocol. The videos below use the protocol.

0.1 RP2040 board I used #1
This is the cheapest board. It's usually around $1.4 and sometimes sells for less than that during discounts.


Below is my order details. About a month ago, the product was on sale, so I bought 3 for $1.18
The components are mounted on both sides of the PCB, so they are a bit difficult to attach.


This is also the RP2040 board I use.
Since there are no components on one side of the PCB, the C-Board can be made a little thinner.

The C-Board created in this article uses this board. It can be made in the smallest size as shown in the picture below.

1.Basic Version

  It performs all DSP-related functions, but you cannot hear sound.



(Recommended)



The UV-K5's audio signal comes out at close to 8Volts when the volume is maximized. The ADC input range of RP2040 used in Raspberry pi PICO is 0~3.3Volt.
You can use it by reducing the volume appropriately.
I don't know if the ADC bypasses excess current, but no major problems occurred even when the volume was set to maximum.
(Not recommended, but the circuit I use)


2.monitoring version
A version equipped with additional speakers for monitoring and a microphone for simple communication.

Note 1: If you want to hear loudly, the bigger the speaker, the better. I got satisfactory results with speakers about 1cm wide.
Note 2 :  The resistor connected to the speaker must be capable of transmitting high current. I use five100 ohm resistors connected in parallel as shown below.



3.GPS Version

Even if 3.3Volt is supported, it is difficult to use simultaneously due to excessive power consumption of GPS.
Therefore, a separate power supply unit must be added


Note 1 : Most GPS are equipped with a regulator that converts 5.0 Volt to 3.3 Volt.
All four types of GPS I have are equipped the same way. 

When replacing the 5.0 -> 3.3 converter mounted on the GPS with a general 3.3 regulator, the lm1117 5.0 part of the above circuit can be omitted. (general 3.3 regulator support 8.4 volt input)

In the picture below, the component in the square box is a 5 Volt To 3.3Volt regulator.


I took 8.4Volt from the point indicated by the arrow in the picture below.


4.Tip

4.1 You can make it by cutting the headset or programming cable.

If you purchase the cable below, you can get two plug parts.  However, most plugs have only three wires connected. You have to cut the plug with a knife and solder all the wires together. It's not an easy task.


A version made with the same plug as above.




4.2 use 3.5mm and 2.5mm plug

I have recently purchased and made a plug like the one below.




To ensure the correct location and direction of the plug, insert the plug into the radio and mark its location.









Basic version


Monitorring versoin

I cut the plastic and made it into a case. If you or someone around you uses a 3D printer, you can make a cooler case.


Installed




5.firmware upload
1.While holding down the Boot button, connect the USB to the computer.
2.A removable disk called RPI-RP2 will appear on your computer.
3.Copy the firmware file and paste it into the RPI-RP2 disk.



The firmware is currently under development and will be distributed together with the release of UV-K5 firmware CEC versin 0.4.
If you need firmware even before Version 0.4 is released, we will send it to you by email.
(No additional equipment is required to upload firmware to the C-Board.)



SSB Receive TEST
Receive FT8 and Decode using UV-K5 with C-Board (Standalone )




Comments

  1. You are amazing. Less than a week has passed and the next GPS project has already passed. Thank you Alfred, SP3DRY

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I posted this in advance because it takes time for people who want to make it to order and receive the RP2040. I bought several GPS's, but one GPS I bought from aliexpress is over a month old and is still being delivered. lol

      Delete
    2. Give me your email address and I'll send you a file to test. (kd8cec@gmail.com)

      Delete
  2. Parts ordered. Mine will be bigger and uglier though I think.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It wasn't until the 8th time I made it that the size finally became smaller.
      It gets smaller every time you make it. lol

      Delete
    2. Today I designed a 3D printed case with room for a GPS. It is a bit large but fits on the radio well and will work for a few prototypes. I will solder the circuit tomorrow then I am ready to test the C-board when it is released.

      Delete
    3. Give me your email address and I'll send you a file to test. (kd8cec@gmail.com)

      Delete
  3. Ian you're eons forward :-D. Hope this idea still remain 100% yours and will not be stolen by marketeers without giving you any credit... :-( I think I'll make my version in the future interposing a (not so) flat 3d printed case between the radio and battery pack. This could accomodate 2040 board a "decent" speeker and mike, GPS, charge circuit and power supply directly from the battery. Also a RTC module can be located in, so FT8 sync will be possible even without GPS fix. Joining this hack with your si 4732 mod makes RX in HF possible (also digital modes) WITHOUT MODDING THE RADIO!!... I'm just thinking of a PCB... This can be a total breaktru of K5 MCU limits with a penny expense! Congratulations!
    73 de IU3POA!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. excellent, Originally my ultimate goal was Standalone FT8 communication. It would be pretty cool to be able to do FT8 communication out of your pocket.I don't know if I will continue working on this, but perhaps including a GPS or Raltime Clock module would add features I could only imagine.
      It's a transceiver in pocket that automatically tracks satellites and even performs Doppler calculations to automatically set frequency.
      In fact, I have already ported the SGP4 Library (satellite coordinate calculation) to C-Board, but it is unclear whether it will work or not.
      However, since at least APRS reception and FT8 reception are already implemented, I don't think it will be a waste of time for those who created the C-Board.

      Delete
    2. Give me your email address and I'll send you a file to test. (kd8cec@gmail.com)

      Delete
  4. Can I try C-Board firmware in advance? My email is xcfatman@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've sent you an email. If the email has not been sent, please email me. (kd8cec@gmail.com)

      Delete
  5. This looks like a very very cool idea, can I try it? Could you please send me a copy of the c-board firmware, thanks a lot. My email address is syfhpbv@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've sent you an email. If the email has not been sent, please email me. (kd8cec@gmail.com)

      Delete
  6. Pretty Slick. I'll bet this could be built into one of those inexpensive speaker/mics that are sold for around $10 on Amazon. I'd love to try this. Any chance I could also obtain your c-board firmware? jeffledger@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've sent you an email. If the email has not been sent, please email me. (kd8cec@gmail.com)

      Delete
  7. I see that Quansheng is now marketing the UV-K6 transceiver. Would this still be compatible as an upgrade to the UV-K5(8) that you used?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As far as I know it is the same circuit.
      I haven't tested it, but I think it will be compatible.

      Delete
  8. Nice idea. Could you please send me a copy of the c-board firmware, thanks a lot. My email address is on4bgc@gmail.com.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've sent you an email. If the email has not been sent, please email me. (kd8cec@gmail.com)

      Delete
  9. It's very interesting, can I try it? My email is gialbster@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I have designed a pcb and I want to test my pcb, Could you send me a c-board firmware? thanks , my email is eruerame@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm following your tutorial to make it, thank you for your effort, here's my mailbox TT234319929@outlook.com thanks

    ReplyDelete
  12. Could you please send me a copy of the c-board firmware, thanks a lot. My email address is dvb.boian@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Good job! Where can I download the file to Pi?

    ReplyDelete
  14. Could You Plan to add to PCB Way project of board with BOM ?

    ReplyDelete
  15. I had drop email, please send me c-board firmware and UV-K5 firmware, BR&73 YB3RDW

    ReplyDelete

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