Radio ham Kaushlesh “KD9VFU” Chandel is placing collectively a pocket-sized machine designed to make it simpler to play with software program outlined radio (SDR) on-the-go: the Raspberry Pi-powered SDRDock.
“Constructed on a Raspberry Pi platform, SDRDock goals to boost the SDR expertise by integrating all important {hardware} elements onto a single, streamlined PCB,” Chandel claims of his creation. “With the comfort of 3D-printable enclosures and compatibility with varied SDR dongles, this machine is each accessible and versatile. What units it aside is its tactile interface, that includes user-friendly knobs and buttons that rework complicated SDR duties into an intuitive and fascinating expertise.”
This sensible SDR machine goals to place critical energy in your pocket for radio work on the transfer. (📷: Kaushlesh Chandel)
That interface is instantly seen on the very entrance of the machine. The place most software-defined radio work is completed on a laptop computer or desktop with a keyboard and mouse, Chandel wished one thing extra streamlined — so developed what’s, in impact, a customized mixing deck-style consumer interface based mostly on 3D knobs and sliders. These are then mapped to actions within the SDR software program operating on the Raspberry Pi — which means it is attainable to hone in on an fascinating sign with no keyboard or mouse in sight.
For different interactions, the construct features a 7″ coloration touchscreen show, related to a Raspberry Pi 4 Mannequin B. There is a battery administration board with a 1Ah lithium-ion battery, an Espressif ESP32 module to deal with the {hardware} inputs, a heatsink and fan to maintain every thing cool, and an Airspy HF+ software-defined radio module — although Chandel nots others are additionally appropriate.
The 3D-printed housing holds a Raspberry Pi, SDR dongle, battery, and charging {hardware}. (📷: Kaushlesh Chandel)
The {hardware} is housed in a 3D-printed chassis, which is presently present process a redesign to permit the carry deal with and stand to tug triple-duty as an antenna. The software program, too, is present process some work, with Chandel but determined whether or not to depend on mapping the bodily controls to keyboard inputs or making a plugin for the SDR software program. “The choice might be based mostly on compatibility and ease of customization with SDR software program,” he explains.
Extra data on the mission is offered on Chandel’s Hackaday.io web page; 3D-printable information for the case had not but been launched on the time of writing.