HL2 for CubeSat use

[Levente Buzás]

Hi everyone, 

Starting this thread as I am trying to get a hold of Steve KF7O. Me and my team at the University of Victoria Centre for Aerospace Research are working on redeveloping the HL2 into a modular, open source SDR suitable for CubeSat applications. This new project will be the payload of the Centre's second satellite (we alredy built and launched a CubeSat successfully, see here), providing Amateur satellite capablities to the community, developed as part of the Canadian Space Angency's CUBICS project. 

Steve, if you are reading this, I would love to discuss this with you. Perhaps we could set up a call? My QRZ has my contact information.

73

Levente VA7QF

[ron.ni...@gmail.com]

If you don't need the HL2's 5W amp, N2ADR filters, and/or ethernet port, you might want to look into the Radioberry-2 project (also open source and based on the same modem and FPGA technology as the HL2): https://github.com/pa3gsb/Radioberry-2.x , https://groups.google.com/g/radioberry 

73, Ron, n6ywu

[John Williams]

Got to say it - this is way cool...

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From: herme...@googlegroups.com <herme...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of ron.ni...@gmail.com <ron.ni...@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 2, 2024 8:35 PM
To: Hermes-Lite <herme...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: HL2 for CubeSat use

 

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[Steve Haynal]

Hi Levente,

Thanks for your interest. The HL2 is entirely open source/hardware, and you are welcome to use and modify it:

https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2

I'm curious what your draw to the HL2 is as it isn't radiation hardened, is not optimized for lowest power consumption, and has no transverter for typical satellite frequencies.

You might want to contact Daniel Estevez who is a HF HL2 user but also quite active with satellites and SDR. 

https://maia-sdr.org/
https://destevez.net/

73,

Steve

kf7o

[Levente Buzás]

Hi Steve, John, Ron, 

Thanks for getting back to us. 

Ron, we have looked at the Radioberry pretty closely, but we were not happy with the software implementation of the interface between the SBC and the FPGA. It uses bit banging, which we would like to avoid as a design solution. As a result, we have decided against it.

Steve, what drew us to the HL2 is the following:

• Completely open hardware, software, gateware, firmware
• Reasonable physical size (we can make it fit a CubeSat with the QRP PA on a separate PCB)
• Relatively simple construction and build (4 layer PCB, no BGA which we can not inspect)
• Clear, open source lineage with tons of community support and extension projects
• Operation on HF by default, and precedence for operation with transverters
• Reasonable cost for average hobbyist
• No ITAR restrictions

These make the HL2 very attractive as a starting point for a modular, open source SDR free of ITAR for space and the amateur satellite service. Most universities, hobbyists can work on it with success, and without legal barriers, afford it, and using the HF as an IF, can build transverters / higher band experiments for it.

We are aware that the HL2 is not optimized for low power consumption, radiation and operation in vacuum. However, we are working on some improvements in these areas (e.g. replace Ethernet interface, add heat sinks to satellite chassis, add redundancy / latch up protection) .

With regards to your suggestion to contact Daniel - thank you. We have been in touch with him since our previous project ORCASat, and he has helped us out with invaluable advice and suggestions many times. 

If you are interested, I would be happy to discuss the project with you in more detail. We have just passed the PDR stage, and launch to SSO is expected in 2025 Q4 / 2026 Q1 via the CSA.

73

Levente VA7QF

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[Steve Haynal]

Hi Levente,

This sounds like a very interesting project and I fully approve of your use and modification of the HL2. Please contribute back to open source and hardware as much as possible! I don't have much time to contribute but I think if you keep discussion on this list, you may find others willing to help. 

73,

Steve

kf7o

[Levente Buzás]

Hi Steve, 

Sounds good, thank you very much. Everything we do will be contributed back as open source. I will keep the group updated as this develops - we welcome assistance from anyone who is interested. 

73

Levente

VA7QF

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[Levente Buzás]

Hi everyone, 

Just wanted to follow up on this old thread to note that our new SDR, based on the HL2 has successfully been designed, built, tested and launched to space:

Fully open hardware and software: https://gitlab.uvic-cfar.com/open-source-projects/mcr

Launch: https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/news/articles/2026/2026-07-07-marmotsat-takes-flight-university-of-victoria-cubesat-launched-into-space.asp

We have implemented several key changes to the design, including a new modem, form factor, and the use of a COTS Linux SoM. I encourage you to browse the design files.

We are continuing with commissioning the satellite and the payload, and will be continuing to post updates on the project website: https://www.marmotsat.ca/

73

Levente

VA7QF

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Levente,

Thanks for the update! This is very exciting. I've been watching the KRIA for several years at is looks like a good FPGA module for SDR. Also, I see you went with the AD9865. This is something else I've wanted to try and have one sitting somewhere in my lab. How much difference did you notice with only 10-bits using the AD9865 versus 12-bits of the original AD9866?

73,

Steve

kf7o