In this post I am going to discuss two very simple but very essential add-ons for Bitx and other similar type of QRP sideband rigs. These two add-on modules are the recent addition to my XENA and BITX rigs that have already proved their worth during portable QRP operations. The first one is of course a simple speech processor. It can give more punch to your transmissions and more QSO's are certainly assured for you.
A SIMPLE SPEECH PROCESSOR: A simple speech processor can enhance your readability on the receiving end by as much as two S-points and is an indispensable addition to any QRP voice rig. There are usually two types of speech processing techniques. One using limiting through compression and other through clipping. The latter is usually known to give better results on both AF and RF. The present circuit uses this technique. The signal from the single stage mic amplifier is routed through this module. The first stage gives it necessary amplification and the signal is clipped using a pair of back to back diodes. I used germanium diodes as these were available in my collection but BAT 54 or similar are likely to give better results. The signal is then filtered using an op- amp based sallen key filter for harmonic suppression and is then amplified and is routed to the diode DBM. The circuit can be use with almost any SSB/DSB rig. For use with bitx you should use 47K resistance for R1 or use a potentiometer at the output to get proper level of audio for modulation. The circuit is very simple and is given below:
I have chosen an LM358 for being cheap, readily available and for its smaller footprint than discrete devices, to aid smaller design. You can play with the values of C1 and C4. Try a value between 0.0033uf to 0.0068uf for C1 to suit your voice quality. Generally the least bass input to the DBM is the key to best readability. Try 1nf for C4 for much less splatter across the transmitted bandwidth.
The alignment is simple. An oscilloscope can be indispensable but if you have none don't worry. Measure the average AF signal amplitude at DBM input using a sensitive AF meter. Now switch to compress mode and set the viper of R8 all the way to ground. Now adjust R4 for an equal and almost similar amplitude reading at the input of your DBM. Go on the air and call a friend. Adjust R8 now for best results......and you are all done.
A COMPACT ANTENNA TUNER: A simple and compact antenna tuner is made of just two components; C2 and L3. L3 is a half watt resistance sized moulded inductor of about 12 uH. For 30 and 20 meters an inductor of about 6.8 uH would be sufficient and for twenty through fifteen meters just 4.7uH suffice. C2 is a common BC type variable capacitor and is not hard to find. I usually use a half wave throw away wire for my portable QRP use as it is very convenient to carry.
A COMPACT ANTENNA TUNER: A simple and compact antenna tuner is made of just two components; C2 and L3. L3 is a half watt resistance sized moulded inductor of about 12 uH. For 30 and 20 meters an inductor of about 6.8 uH would be sufficient and for twenty through fifteen meters just 4.7uH suffice. C2 is a common BC type variable capacitor and is not hard to find. I usually use a half wave throw away wire for my portable QRP use as it is very convenient to carry.
This compact tuner can tune both high and low impedances very effectively and is small enough for portable use. I have included N7VE's SWR bridge for ease of tuning. The entire module is small enough to be built and accommodated within the bitx cabinet.
