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G8JNJ

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G8JNJ
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  • External Functions

    G8JNJG8JNJ
    Hi All,

    I would like to be able to switch antenna ports directly from the BB GPIO pins via the web interface and also change some text on the web interface if some of the BB GPIO pins are switched externally.

    Kari, OH1KK, has done a great job in writing the Kiwi extension to drive a MS-S7-WEB antenna switch . But I really don't want to be tied to specific hardware as I've already got a number of different peripherals that I'd like to control & monitor directly from the KiWi.

    Is there an easy way (I'm not a coder) to modify Kari's extension to drive and receive commands from the BB ? 

    Regards,

    Martin - G8JNJ
    ic8pof

  • ADC Overload

    G8JNJG8JNJ
    Hi All,

    I notice that one or two KiWi SDR's which are using good antennas (myself included) are suffering from ADC overload due to strong Broadcast stations, especially during the night on the short wave bands.

    I have built a very simple filter that I use to place a very narrow 10dB deep notch on frequencies where I have problems with strong broadcast stations.

    It simply consists of a number of series tuned resonant circuits connected in parallel (shunt) with the KiWi SDR input. The frequencies and number of tuned circuits can be varied in order to suit your own RF environment.

    I used Elsie http://www.tonnesoftware.com/elsie.html and RF Sim 99 http://www.electroschematics.com/835/rfsim99-download/  (both free)  to help design and fine tune the values.

    22uH inductors are used in order to provide the required bandwidth and attenuation for each frequency, but you can change the values as required. 

    Fixed value capacitors with trimmer capacitors connected in parallel were used to fine tune the circuits to the required frequencies. 

    The filters are built into a small metal box with BNC connectors that simply fits in line with the antenna feed. 

    You can tune two or more notches to the same frequency if you have a really strong signal.

    The following diagram shows the circuit and frequency response curves.

    image

    By adding a simple filter like this, it's possible to reduce the level of very strong stations to below -20dB on the spectrum display, which is usually the point at which ADC overload starts to become problematic.

    Regards,

    Martin - G8JNJ
    KA7U