TEN-TEC 506 Open Source Qrp Transceiver Instruction Manual

Instruction Manual for TEN-TEC models including: 506 Open Source Qrp Transceiver, 506, Open Source Qrp Transceiver, Source Qrp Transceiver, Qrp Transceiver, Transceiver

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

File Info : application/pdf, 11 Pages, 1.44MB

Ten-Tec Rebel 506 user 2013

OPERATOR'S MANUAL
MODEL 506 REBEL
OPEN SOURCE QRP TRANSCEIVER

506 / Rebel Users Manual Part #74482 Printed in USA

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Table of Contents
1. Your New Rebel 506 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Introduction: The Open-Source Concept 1.1 Unpacking Your Rebel 506 1.2 About this Manual 1.3 Power, Antenna, Keying and Audio Connections 1.4 Internal Connections
2. 506 Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 2.1 Basic Radio Controls 2.2 SELECT and FUNCTION Pushbuttons 2.3 Tuning Procedure
3. 506 Rear and Side Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 3.1 Rear Panel Connections 3.2 Sidetone Level Adjustment 3.3 User-Programmable Poteniometer
4. 506 Internal Adjustments and Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 4.1 40/20 Meter Band Selection 4.2 Speaker/Headphone Selection 4.3 Connections to the Processor Board
5. Model 506 Rebel Schematic Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7, 9
6. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
7. In Case of Difficulty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
8. Warranty and Return Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
9. Appendix: Getting Started with Arduino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 9.1 Purpose and Capabilities 9.2 Web-based Resources 9.3 References
Limited Warranty and Service Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

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with the Rebel 506. The assembled radio is the only item of hardware. All power, antenna, keying and programming connectors are standard types. No specialized cables or adapters are required. This manual and any purchaserelated paperwork are the only other items packed with the unit.

1.2 About this Manual

1. Your New Rebel 506
Introduction: The Open-Source Concept
The TEN-TEC Rebel model 506 is designed with the purpose of providing Ham Radio operators a platform for developing and writing code using the open-source Arduino programming environment. It is a factory built QRP radio with a chipKITTM Uno32TM Arduino compatible processing unit that holds the operating program. The radio is provided with programming for basic operating functions that allow it to be used immediately as a basic QRP transceiver. Additional operating functions can be programmed by the user, either by writing the code or copying/adapting code developed by members of a growing number of Arduino special interest groups. It is this sharing of programming routines and ideas for functionality that is the heart of the Arduino open-source concept.
1.1 Unpacking Your Rebel 506
Examine the unit for signs of shipping damage. Should any damage be apparent, notify the delivering carrier immediately, stating the full extent of the damage. Save all cartons and packing material to document the damage.
Liability for any shipping damage rests with the shipping carrier.

This Operator's Manual includes a complete description of the features and functions of the Rebel 506. The latest version of this manual is also available at www.tentec.com. Also available online are additional technical resources, including schematic diagrams and a list of resources to help users get started with Arduino programming.
1.3 Power, Antenna, Keying and Audio Connectors
The DC power connector is a 2.1 mm coaxial power connector with the center pin positive (+). A user-provided power source of 10-15 VDC is required.
The antenna connector is a female BNC connector. The impedance is 50 ohms.
The Key/Paddle connector is a 1/8" stereo jack. As provided by the factory, only a key or external keyer may be used, with connection to the tip and sleeve. Tip, ring and sleeve are available if the user chooses to include a CW keyer when programming the chipKIT Uno32.
The Speaker/Headphone connector is a 1/8" stereo jack. The factory setting is for headphones, and either monaural or stereo types may be used. If a speaker is preferred, an internal jumper may be moved, which will drive a speaker connected between ring and sleeve.

Note that there no accessories are included

See Sections 3 and 4 for additional details.

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1.4 Internal Connections

headphones or speaker.

With the cover removed, several additional connections are accessible:
The chipKIT Uno32 Arduino processing card has an on-board mini-USB connector, accessible at the rear of the PC board.
On the main PC board are the band selection jumpers, the speaker enable jumper, and four pin-type connector blocks that provide access to interface and monitoring functions of the processor card.

At the lower right is the RIT (Receiver Incremental Tuning) knob, which controls the frequency offset in the receive mode. The RIT control has an adjustment range of approximately ±0.5 kHz, which allows the operator to tune the receiver to signals that are slightly off frequency, without changing the transmit frequency. When the indicator on the knob is centered -- aligned with the "I" of RIT -- the radio has a normal receive offset of approximately 800 Hz.
2.2 SELECT and FUNCTION Pushbuttons

2. 506 Front Panel
(Refer to the photo above)
2.1 Basic Radio Controls
The power switch is located at the upper left of the front panel. DC power from the external power supply is switched to the radio circuitry. The radio is protected from reverse voltage polarity by protection diodes that are placed between the power source and switch.
The VOL (volume control) knob at the lower left of the front panel operates in a typical manner, controlling the audio level of the

Three functions, and three settings for each function, are selected using the front panel FUNCTION and SELECT pushbuttons. Green, yellow and red LEDs indicate which function or setting is currently selected.
Using the FUNCTION button, the user may choose among the following:
BW: I.F. filter bandwidth STEP: Tuning step size USER: User-programmed functions
The SELECT pushbutton chooses the programmed setting for each function:

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BW: W (wide ~ 2.5 kHz) M (medium ~ 1.5 kHz) N (narrow ~ 800 Hz)
STEP: 100 (Hz), 1K (Hz), 10K (Hz) USER: U1, U2 or U3 (user programs)

diately, without additional user programming.
The radio is factory programmed to avoid operation outside the amateur bands. When tuned to the band edge, the LED remains lit to show that the tuning limit has been reached.

2.3 Tuning Procedure
As programmed at the factory, when power is turned on the Rebel 506 will be tuned to the QRP calling frequency on the band selected: 7.030 MHz on the 40 meter band, or 14.060 MHz on 20 meter band. Note that the front panel does not have a frequency display. (Such a display may be one of the Arduino programming and interface functions added by the user.)
The TUNE knob controls the operating frequency in the following manner:
As the TUNE knob is turned, the LED in the center of the TEN-TEC logo at the upper right of front panel will flash with every tuning step, as selected by the user. For example, if the 100 Hz step size is selected and the user wishes to tune to a frequency 1 kHz higher than the startup frequency the user would turn the knob clockwise and count ten flashes. Although this method may seem cumbersome, it allows the Rebel 506 to be operated imme-

3. 506 Rear and Side Panels
(Refer to the photo above)
3.1 Rear Panel Connections
DC POWER (2.1 mm coaxial power connector): Connect an external regulated DC power source of 10-15 volts to this The center pin is positive (+).
HEADPHONE/SPEAKER (1/8" stereo phone jack): Accepts standard stereo headphones, with monaural audio routed to left and right earpieces. When a speaker is desired (see Section 4.2), the audio is routed to the tip and sleeve of the connector.
ANTENNA (BNC female): Connect a nominal 50 ohm impedance antenna.
KEY/PADDLE (1/8" stereo phone jack): The Key/Paddle connector is a 1/8" stereo jack. As provided by the factory, only a key or external keyer may be used, with connection to the tip

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5. Model 506 Rebel Schematic Diagram

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Speaker Select
Programmable
Control
Sidetone Adjust

Processor Connections

Band Select

and sleeve. If the user wishes to add a keyer as part of the Arduino programming, both tip and ring connections are accessible to the processor for the paddle inputs.
3.2 Sidetone Level Adjustment
A sidetone level adjustment potentiometer can be reached via an access hole on the left side panel (visible in the photo at the beginning of this manual).
3.3 User-Programmable Potentiometer

4. 506 Internal Adjustments and Connections
(Refer to the photo above)
4.1 40/20 Meter Band Selection
To select the desired band, the user must move five (5) jumpers located in the right rear area of the main PC board. The outer pins of the 3pin headers are labeled "20M" and "40M" to indicate the proper position of the jumper. Be sure that all five jumpers are in position for the desired band before applying power.

An additional internal potentiometer is available for user programming (e.g., CW keying speed), and is accessible via a second access hole on the left side panel.

4.2 Speaker/Headphone Selection
A 2-pin header and jumper for speaker/headphone selection is located in the left rear portion of the PC board. The jumper is placed

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Rebel Uno 32 Function

Connector J6

NC Lcd_RS NC Lcd_EN Function Lcd_D1 Side Tone Key Lcd_D2 NC Lcd_D3 Select Lcd_D4 Enc_B (PU) TX_Dit (PU) Enc_A (PU) TX_Dah (PU)

Connector J5

Table 1

SCLK Select Green FSYNC Select Yellow SDATA Select Red RESET MP_A FSEL TX_out

Rebel
11 12 13 14 15 16

Uno 32 Function

PSEL

MP_B

GND

MP_C

Band_Detect (PU)

Connector J7

A10

A11

RIT Code Read S_Meter CW Speed Battery Medium Power Mon Narrow NC Band_End/Flash NC NC

Connector J2 1 2 3 4 5 6

RESET 3.3V 5.0V GND GND Vin

On Board CHIPKIT On Board CHIPKIT
Main Supply Voltage

over both pins for speaker operation. This bypasses a resistor that reduces volume for headphone listening. The jumper is removed for headphone operation. When using headphones, the jumper can be stored in place by moving it so that it covers just one pin.
4.3 Connections to the Processor Board
In the left center portion of the PC board are connections to the ChipKit Uno32 processor board, which is located under the radio PC board. Sockets on the top of the board-toboard connectors provide access to the processor connections. Table 1 above lists the functions for each connector pin. Some are used

for radio control, other are available for userdefined functions.
4.4 Additional Connections
As noted in Section 3.3,a potentiometer is located adjacent to the 6-pin inline socket in the left center portion of the PC board. This adjustment is included for user programming of a function that requires adjustment. It is not used with factory default programming.
5. Schematic Diagram
(See pages 6-7)

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6. Specifications
Key Jack: Power Connector: RF Output Connector: Headphone/Speaker Jack:

1/8" stereo 2.1 mm coaxial
BNC female 1/8" stereo

Verify that a proper antenna is connected for the selected band.
Programming-related problems are best handled with the assistance of members of Rebel and Arduino user groups. Remember, you may restore the unit to its original factory-provided operation with the official TEN-TEC released software.

Frequency Range: Antenna Impedance:

7.000-7.300 MHz 14.000-14.350 MHz
50 ohms

TEN-TEC service may be contacted by e-mail at: service@tentec.com, or by telephone at (865) 428-0364.

DC Power Requirement:

10-15 volts 8. Warranty and Return Policy

Operating Temperature Range: 0-50º C

Dimensions (H×W×D):

2.0"×6.0"×4.0"

(not including feet, knobs, connectors)

Weight:

1.33 lbs.

Construction:

Painted steel enclosure

RF Power Output: Approximately 5 watts at 13 VDC; reduced output at lower supply voltages

Harmonic & Spurious Outputs: Meets FCC specifications

7. In Case of Difficulty
Typical procedures should be followed when the unit does not operate or when one or more functions do not work properly:
Check power supply voltage and polarity, loose connections and correct connector.

Warranty policy for Ten-Tec products is covered on the last page of this manual.
Return Policy for Equipment Manufactured by TEN-TEC: TEN-TEC factory built radio equipment is sold under a 30-day risk-free trial period. Any piece of equipment manufactured by TEN-TEC may be returned, undamaged, within 30 days of purchase for a full purchase price refund, less shipping charges (customer pays shipping both ways).
If you want to return a piece of equipment purchased from TEN-TEC, please call the sales department at (865) 453-7172 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, Mon-Fri and obtain a return merchandise authorization number. Calling in advance for an RMA number allows us to quickly process your return and refund once your item arrives. Ship return items with letter enclosed inside the box noting the RMA number and your name, address, and telephone number. Return items are shipped to: TEN-TEC Inc., 1185 Dolly Parton Pkwy, Sevierville, TN 37862 USA.

Check that ALL band selection jumpers are in either the "20M" or "40M" positions.

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9. Appendix: Getting Started with Arduino
9.1 Purpose and Capabilities The TEN-TEC Model 506 Rebel is controlled by a chipKIT Uno32 Arduino compatible processing unit. Arduino is a microcontroller hardware/software environment that is designed for open-source, collaborative programming and associated hardware development. Various user groups have been established to share programming code and hardware implementation.
The 506 Rebel is a basic radio platform, provided as a factory assembled unit that enables users to immediately proceed with the development of programming and hardware accessories. This section of the Operating Manual is intended to assist a new Rebel owner in finding information about Arduino, the chipKIT Uno32, and the community of users. We recommend that you explore the websites listed below to become familiar with Arduino. As you learn more, locate and download development tools and documentation. Also, there are other Arduino-related sites that you can find through user group discussions or with an Internet search engine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Support is provided only for operating software officially released by TEN-TEC. The company does not provide support for user programming or modifications.
9.2 Web-based Resources
Arduino: http://www.arduino.cc/ http://forum.arduino.cc/ (user discussion forum)
chipKIT Uno32 (Digilent, Inc.): http://www.digilentinc.com/Products/Detail.cfm?Prod=CHIPKIT-UNO32 http://www.digilentinc.com/ (home page) http://www.chipkit.org/forum/ (user discussion forum)
506 Rebel Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TenTec506Rebel/
506 Rebel Source Files (Source Code Project and Eagle Board files): http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TenTec506Rebel/files/
9.3 References
Roger Shipley, KA9NAH, "Microcontrollers -- No Experience Necessary," QST, May 2013. This article provides an example of how Arduino is used in a practical first project.
Leigh L. Klotz, Jr, WA5ZNU, editor, Ham Radio for Arduino and PICAXE, ARRL 2013, ISBN 978-0-87259-324-4. http://www.arrl.org/shop/Ham-Radio-for-Arduino-and-PICAXE/
There are many other books on general Arduino development. Recommendations and reviews are included in the various user forums.

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TEN-TEC, Inc. 1185 Dolly Parton Parkway
Sevierville, TN 37862 Repair Service: (865) 428-0364
LIMITED WARRANTY AND SERVICE POLICY, U.S.A. AND CANADA
TEN-TEC, Inc., warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase, under these conditions:
THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY TO THE ORIGINAL OWNER. It is important that the warranty registration card be sent to us promptly.
READ THE MANUAL THOROUGHLY. This warranty does not cover damage resulting from improper operation. Developing a thorough understanding of this equipment is your responsibility.
IF TROUBLE DEVELOPS we recommend that you contact our customer service group directly at the address or phone number shown above. It has been our experience that factory direct service is expeditious and usually results in less down-time on the equipment. Some overseas dealers do offer warranty service and, of course, have our complete support.
EQUIPMENT RETURNED TO THE FACTORY must be properly packaged, preferably in the original shipping carton(s). You pay the freight to us and we prepay surface freight back to you. Canadian customers must have proper customs documentation sent with incoming repair equipment. Duties or fees charged due to improper documentation are the responsibility of the owner of the equipment.
EXCLUSIONS. This warranty does not cover damage resulting from misuse, lightning, excess voltages, polarity errors or damage resulting from modifications not recommended or approved by TEN-TEC. In the event of transportation damage, a claim must be filed with the carrier. Under no circumstances is TEN-TEC liable for consequential damages to persons or property caused by the use of this equipment.
TEN-TEC RESERVES the right to make design changes without any obligation to modify equipment previously manufactured, or to notify owners of changes to existing equipment.
THIS WARRANTY is given in lieu of any other warranty, expressed or implied.
SERVICE OUTSIDE OF THE U.S.A. OR CANADA
Many of our international dealers provide warranty service on the equipment they sell. Many of them also provide out of warranty service on all equipment whether they sold it or not. If your dealer does not provide service or is not conveniently located, follow the procedure outlined above. Equipment returned to us will be given the same attention as domestic customers but round-trip freight expense, customs and broker fees will be paid by you.

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