Uploaded March 2022 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
A hybrid Ham radio and Raspberry Pi project. I took a raspberry pi, attached it to an AD9850 DDS breakout board, and used it as the VFO for my Drake R-4C and T-4XC. Attached to the raspberry pi is an optical encoder that allows precise dial response, a keypad using Cherry MX Blue keys, and an alphanumeric display. The advantage of this digital system over the Drake PTO is that it's easy to select a specific frequency, and it does not drift. It does take away some of the unique character of the old Tube Receiver. So it's a trade-off between modern convenience versus vintage look and feel. During the video I go through the schematic in detail, and I run through a full demo showing some phone reception on the 40 meter band. For more electronics projects, see smbaker.com/.
A hybrid Ham radio and Raspberry Pi project. I took a raspberry pi, attached it to an AD9850 DDS breakout board, and used it as the VFO for my Drake R-4C and T-4XC. Attached to the raspberry pi is an optical encoder that allows precise dial response, a keypad using Cherry MX Blue keys, and an alphanumeric display. The advantage of this digital system over the Drake PTO is that it's easy to select a specific frequency, and it does not drift. It does take away some of the unique character of the old Tube Receiver. So it's a trade-off between modern convenience versus vintage look and feel. During the video I go through the schematic in detail, and I run through a full demo showing some phone reception on the 40 meter band. For more electronics projects, see smbaker.com/.
