VHF+ Weak Signal Source

Automated using Green Heron Everywhere

A similar WSS has been built based on the Remote so that it can be located outside for testing.

I wanted an easy way to change the frequency on my Down East Microwave Weak Signal Source (WSS) (or a Q5 Signal digiLO) without having to look at a table and flip dip switches.

Jeff W2FU suggested using a Green Heron Everyware Base Unit, saying that Automated Control / Graphical Manual Control of the WSS would be very easy using the standard tools.

  • Green Heron Engineering (GHE) Base unit provides Control / Graphical Manual Control of the WSS. It is connected to a PC via USB, although a GHE remote could also be used allowing the GHE-WSS to be controlled wirelessly and be located some distance away.

  • The GHE Base unit has 8 Open Collector outputs

    • 6 are used to select the frequency (in parallel with DIP switches)

    • 1 is used to select the low or high frequency Amplifier / Antenna

    • 1 is used to turn the WSS On / Off

  • A button panel … see below … I was able to easily create a custom control for selection of my XVTR freqs

  • The GHE Software can get Band information from the Radio and automatically get the WSS to follow providing a reference signal on the active band so you know your equipment is receiving

  • Low Frequency – Mini-Circuits ZFL-500 provides gain from 20MHz-5GHz with a Dipole Ant

  • High Frequency - Miteq JS4-18002600 Amp that provides good gain from 8-26GHz and a WA5VJB Planar Disk antenna

Thanks to Jeff for guiding me this way … I think it turned out great and is a valued addition to the station 😊

 

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