Ham It Up Plus
HF Upconverter w/ TCXO, ULF Support & Noise Source
A high-quality RF (ULF/VLF/LF/MF/HF) converter for software defined radio devices like the NESDR series and the HackRF. It extends your radio range down to 300 Hz. The Ham It Up Plus also functions as a panadapter for most radios and can be used for both receiving and transmitting.
Frequency capability: 300 Hz - 65 MHz in upconvert mode and 300 Hz - 6 GHz in passthrough mode.
The Ham It Up Plus is an HF upconverter that allows you to extend the range of your favorite radio down to at least 300 Hz. It is compatible with any radio capable of 125 MHz - 190 MHz for full 300 Hz - 65 MHz operation in upconvert mode.
The Ham It Up Plus includes all the features of the Ham It Up, with the following major improvements:
Major Differences vs. Ham It Up v1.3
- A 125 MHz TCXO, custom-built for NooElec by a Japanese partner, is included and pre-installed, providing more accurate and stable tuning in any environment.
- Ultra-low distortion ceramic capacitors, custom-built for NooElec by a Taiwanese partner, extend the range of the Ham It Up Plus down to 300 Hz.
- The separate noise source circuit is fully assembled and can be used for various RF projects, including calibration and tuning of filters, amplifiers, and attenuators.
- The form factor remains identical to the Ham It Up, allowing the use of the same enclosure (a new end panel may be required for the additional SMA connector of the noise source circuit).
Major Features
- Input, output, and LO filters are configured for substantial sensitivity and selectivity improvements.
- Ultra low-noise linear power regulator (LP5907) with voltage noise under 10 μVRMS.
- Optional battery-powered operation for DXing on the go. An easy-to-assemble AAA battery holder is sold separately, or a DIY solution can be implemented using the accessible battery power input vias.
- New side-mount LED indicators are easily visible with or without an enclosure: Green = upconvert mode enabled; Yellow = USB powered; Red = low voltage.
- A u.FL socket (also known as IPX and UMCC) is available for optional clock injection from an external clock source for higher accuracy.
- Five additional u.FL socket mounting footprints are provided for simplified testing, troubleshooting, and demonstration purposes.
- Additional mounting holes facilitate custom installations.
- Sturdy right-angle SMA connectors improve spacing tolerances and ensure physical compatibility with machined aluminum enclosures (enclosures sold separately).
- Female SMA connectors for both input and output offer wide connectivity options.
- In-line SMA connectors are easier to connect and manipulate than side-by-side connectors.
- Antenna protection on the RF input is active in both enable and passthrough modes to protect the Ham It Up and SDR from stray ESD.
- All critical components are sourced exclusively from North American parts distributors.
- Only ultra-low-noise components are used in the signal path.
- Ultra-high-Q, low ESR inductors and capacitors are used for all filters.
- Powered by a sturdy and common USB-B USB socket for multiple power input options.
- A PTC fuse on the USB power input protects the Ham It Up upconverter from short circuits.
- An upconverter enable/passthrough toggle switch reduces the need for fiddling with small connectors.
- A 125 MHz oscillator provides improved sensitivity, operating away from high-traffic RF zones like broadcast FM.
- LO is disabled in passthrough mode.
- Maximum input level is +1 dBm with LO at +7 dBm.
- High-quality PCB with ENIG finish.
- Small, lightweight PCB (3.8" x 1.9").
- Designed to fit standard off-the-shelf Hammond enclosures.
- Seven mounting holes are provided for standard PC screws.
- Designed and manufactured in conjunction with Opendous Inc., an open-hardware design company.
- Full project documentation, including schematics, PCB design files, and assembly information, is freely available.
Operation
- Connect your antenna to the RF input.
- Connect your SDR to the IF output.
- Ensure the toggle switch is in the enable position.
- Plug your USB power source into the USB-B USB jack.
- Launch your SDR software. Tune to 125 MHz + (the tuning offset) + your desired frequency and enjoy.