Makerfabs Expects More HL2 Stock on October 10

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Group,

Makerfabs just told me that they are starting production of the next run and anticipate having another 100 units in stock by October 10. For details, see the links on this wiki page:

https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2/wiki/Group-Buy

Makerfabs will include the optional heat shim as part of every enclosure order. Heat shim testers, please let me know how much you had to file off of the top, bottom and chamfer sides of the shim to make it work. I'd like to update the specification before the next run.

73,

Steve

kf7o

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Group,

There are 3 changes planned for the next run:

1. A heat shim will be included with every enclosure purchase. This enables an alternate and improved heat dissipation method.
2. SMA connectors on the HL2 and N2ADR boards will be proper edge launch connectors with 5 pins soldered instead of the current 3. This will make these connectors more sturdy.
3. Makerfabs is exploring making their own enclosure, an exact copy of the existing enclosure. If they do, they will try not to apply any treatment or finish to the interior of the enclosure. This will help with heat dissipation both by the edge rail/slot method and the heat shim method. 

Also for this next run, I'd like to send one or two HL2 units out for evaluation, review and exposure. I'm thinking of rtl-sdr.com. Ideally, it should be a site with many readers who are familiar with SDR and know that it must be connected to a host computer and software used. Any suggestions for appropriate review sites?

73,

Steve

kf7o

[devon...@gmail.com]

Also for this next run, I'd like to send one or two HL2 units out for evaluation, review and exposure. I'm thinking of rtl-sdr.com. Ideally, it should be a site with many readers who are familiar with SDR and know that it must be connected to a host computer and software used. Any suggestions for appropriate review sites?  

How about Pete Juliano, N6QW as Pete has his own blog, is on Soldersmoke and writes articles for G-QRP's SPRAT magazine.

That could be quite a bit of exposure in one go?

I know he likes Quisk.

Nigel

[gerry kavanagh]

+1 for Pete Juliano.

That being said, there are some on YT that may appeal to the young whippersnappers out there. Perhaps not the same technical level as Pete, but if exposure is the end-goal, worth considering.

No reason that review units couldn't be passed around a few reviewers for maximum coverage.

/ Gerry

[Sid Boyce]

Hi Steve,
Softrock40 should be considered though many of the guys seem hooked on
the build more than any other aspect.
By the time a decent sound card is added to a 1 Watt RXTX you are not
that shy in price against purchasing a much more advanced, powerful and
capable HL2.
73 ... Sid.

On 28/09/2020 05:16, Steve Haynal wrote:
> Hi Group,
>

> There are 3 changes planned for the next run:
>

> 1. A heat shim will be included with every enclosure purchase. This

> enables an alternate and improved heat dissipation method.

> 2. SMA connectors on the HL2 and N2ADR boards will be proper edge

> launch connectors with 5 pins soldered instead of the current 3.
> This will make these connectors more sturdy.

> 3. Makerfabs is exploring making their own enclosure, an exact copy

> of the existing enclosure. If they do, they will try not to apply
> any treatment or finish to the interior of the enclosure. This
> will help with heat dissipation both by the edge rail/slot method

> and the heat shim method.Â

>
> Also for this next run, I'd like to send one or two HL2 units out for
> evaluation, review and exposure. I'm thinking of rtl-sdr.com. Ideally,
> it should be a site with many readers who are familiar with SDR and
> know that it must be connected to a host computer and software used.
> Any suggestions for appropriate review sites?
>
> 73,
>
> Steve
> kf7o
>
>
>
>
> On Sunday, September 20, 2020 at 9:04:14 PM UTC-7, Steve Haynal wrote:
>
> Hi Group,
>
> Makerfabs just told me that they are starting production of the
> next run and anticipate having another 100 units in stock by
> October 10. For details, see the links on this wiki page:
>
> https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2/wiki/Group-Buy
> <https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2/wiki/Group-Buy>
>
> Makerfabs will include the optional heat shim as part of every
> enclosure order. Heat shim testers, please let me know how much
> you had to file off of the top, bottom and chamfer sides of the
> shim to make it work. I'd like to update the specification before
> the next run.
>
>
> 73,
>
> Steve
> kf7o
>

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--
Sid Boyce ... Hamradio License G3VBV, Licensed Private Pilot
Emeritus IBM/Amdahl Mainframes and Sun/Fujitsu Servers Tech Support
Senior Staff Specialist, Cricket Coach
Microsoft Windows Free Zone - Linux used for all Computing Tasks

[Karl Heinz Kremer]

Pete knows about the HL2 and fir a split second a while ago, he may even considered getting one, but then just kept on going building another transceiver of his own design ;). I did mention the HL2 to him a while ago, and he certainly seemed interested. With the Soldersmoke podcast, he is certainly a multiplier. You may want to talk to him. 

73,

Karl Heinz - K5KHK  

Karl Heinz Kremer

PDF Acrobatics Without a Net 

PDF Software Development, Training and More... 

http://www.khkonsulting.com 

On Sep 28, 2020, at 7:17 AM, gerry kavanagh <ger...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Jeff Scaparra]

I would get a you tuber to review. That is how I get most of my info. I would see if ham radio crash course was interested as he has a pretty wide audience with newer hams that would welcome pure sdr and aren't afraid of computers and also would love the low price.

Jeff N5SDR 

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[Don [N5SKT]]

I recently tried to get Ham Radio 2.0 to do it. BTW, I have my Hermes paired with a MX-P50M and it works great. I also have a KP-990 Amp. Both are dead simple to add to the Hermes and inexpensive as well.

Best Regards,

Don

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[keyboa...@gmail.com]

Hi, Don! I also use a KP990 with my Hermes. I agree it's inexpensive and works well but has some limitations.
See http://www.teleclinicvideo.com/video-bpdaily/017radio-om04kn-990+kp990.html

If you make the modifications it's not too bad. I still made the spiral coil filters crispy like the one in the link by WSPRing too much. It also gets REALLY hot. There's no heatsink just the metal plate. It's not meant for high duty cycle like SSTV or long transmit AM. On lower frequencies like 160-80 meters it's got a lot of gain but it's not much amplification above 20 meters due to the frequency response of the MOSFETs. I use another amp for 10-15 meters.

The amp uses a positive 12 volt TX keying circuit. You can make a logic inverter to key the amp with the HL2 but if the amp is unpowered (not bypassed) and the keying circuit activates it can power up the amp's relay but nothing else and break the signal path. You may get no RF output and wonder what's broken. It happened to me.

I've been thinking about getting a MX-P50M as an extra alternative, thanks for the vote of confidence.

73,
Jayson
AA7NM

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

Hi Steve,

rtl-sdr.com is the only major site that posted a front page article on my iPhone rtl_tcp app; and the number of downloads and active users of my iOS SDR app have been quite good.  Current users of RTL-SDR devices also have basic knowledge of SDR software, and might be interested in hardware with upgraded capabilities.  So, I'd say a review unit that gets a front page review on rtl-sdr.com might be quite effective at giving the HL2 more exposure.  Perhaps even more so than an amateur radio associated site.

Also, I've found the HL2 to be an excellent pure HF SW receiver.  I wonder how much the HL2 could be cost reduced by creating a stripped-down receiver-only version, with no Tx components on a smaller PCB, and perhaps including the n2adr high-pass filter.  It could fit a similar market niche with that of the AirSpy HF+ Discovery and the SDRPlay RSPdx.  But the HL2 can be used remotely networked, do multiple Rx slices across multiple HF bands; and its latency and agility are far better than the USB connected SDR dongles.

73,

Ron

n6ywu

http://www.hotpaw.com/rhn/hotpaw/

[Dave Cutts]

Could be worth exploring a review with Radcom, as they are always looking for new kit to feature.

https://rsgb.org/main/publications-archives/radcom/information-deadlines/radcom-review-policy/

Dave

M0TAZ

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Group,

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll prepare one loaner unit and maybe we can pass it to all the places over time.

73,

Steve

kf7o

[Don [N5SKT]]

Jayson,

Very nice. I only input about 3 watts into the KP-990. I will look into the article. I do have a 705 on order and when it arrives, I am going to see what pairing that amp with a 705 will do. The MX-P50M is a really easy to use Amp and very forgiving. 

73 de N5SKT

Don

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[Greg S]

I ordered the 3 pieces from Makerfabs yesterday....HL2, case, N2ADR LPF board. I am in Michigan, USA. Will advise if/when I get DHL shipment notice, and when it arrives. Will also post info about any mods required to included shim. Please bear with me. I’ve owned a few SDR’s, and played with more than several software flavors, but this will take me to another technical level. Looks like a great project, and group. 

Thanks in advance!

Greg, KC8HXO 

West Mitten

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Greg,

Welcome! The shim should hopefully fit perfectly if oriented correctly. There was a post about that, but I need to post a picture with the proper orientation on the wiki.

73,

Steve

kf7o

[Chris Gerber]

Steve post the two mail i wrote about the install a while ago again

73 chris

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[Chris Gerber]

Hi All

Here are my .doc's about correct mounting Shim's

73 Chris HB9BDM

Am 12.10.2020 um 05:59 schrieb Steve Haynal:

[Jon Gefaell]

Has anyone received a shipping notice yet? Excited to play! :) 

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Group,

I spoke with Makerfabs today. They shipped orders with enclosures yesterday, and are shipping orders with enclosures today as they just received the heat shim that goes with the enclosures. About 30 units from the next batch of 100 have been ordered. You should receive a shipping notice soon.

73,

Steve

kf7o

[Greg S]

Received my DHL tracking number! Says delivery Thursday, 13th in Michigan. Woot!!!

Greg, KC8HXO 

Sent from my Linux device

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[Greg S]

Must be 15th....unless their Calendar is different.

Sent from my Linux device

[Christiaan Roselaar]

Yes!!!
My HL2/N2ADR-LPF/Cabinet just got in today.
Hopefully on the air tomorrow using piHPSDR.
73's Christiaan PA3FUN

Op maandag 21 september 2020 06:04:14 UTC+2 schreef Steve Haynal:

[Kristofer Danner]

Hi, received all parts today in Texas. I was a bit puzzled with the shim initially as it isn't explained on the wiki, but after finding the previous thread about it here I had no problems at all with assembly.

KD

K3PZ

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Kristofer,

Glad you figured out the heat shim. It is a new part with this latest batch. I just added a section to the assembly wiki page with relevant links to group posts:

https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2/wiki/Final-Assembly#heat-shim

It would be great if someone wants to expand and enhance that wiki section. All that is required is a free github acocunt to edit pages via the web.

73,

Steve

kf7o

[Greg S]

Mine just arrived in Michigan. Now to find time to assemble and test!

Greg, KC8HXO

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Greg,

Great to hear you unit arrived. Just a reminder to all new users, you can find getting started instructions and links at:

https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2/wiki#getting-started

73,

Steve

kf7o

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

Hi Steve,

Have you asked or considered asking Makerfabs if they can drill and countersink (and possibly tap) the one required M3 hole in the case for thermal conductivity?  I don't have a drill press, and using my punch and hand held drill always seem to miss getting the hole in the exact right spot by at least some fraction of a mm.

Or is drilling the one hole part in the right spot of the fun of building an HL2 "kit"? :-)

73, 

Ron

n6ywu

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Ron,

I did mention it to Makerfabs as they switched to a new enclosure, but there wasn't much interest and discussion. I think we would need a drawing in a format they accept if we pursue this.

73,

Steve

kf7o

[Greg S]

My recently arrived most recent edition has been unpacked, and I have started physical layout of components. The rectangular end plate hole for the Ethernet connection is small in length by several MM.....being a machinist by trade, I own a small file that will make quick work of that little SNAFU. I can appreciate the wish for the inside of enclosures to NOT  have anodization, but this is a submersion process, and unless you want to pay extra for some kind of masking (if that is even an option), we will continue to spend 5-10 minutes removing the anodization from the needed areas. Anodizing is an interesting process. Similar to soldering, whereby a molecular level bond is achieved, although at a VERY shallow surface depth. I may take my enclosure top into the shop some day, and do some custom CNC engraving on the top!

Time to go find my small files..... if they aren't all at work, LOL.

Thanks again for all the hard work folks have done on this project. I am a big guy, and I feel bad standing on your shoulders.

Kindest returns, and good health to all-

Greg, KC8HXO in West Mitten

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Greg,

This is the second report that the rectangular hole for the ethernet is too small. It is a tight fit and is supposed to be. There are tabs on the ethernet jack which cause it to snap on. Can you not snap it into place? If I remember correctly, the first reporter was able to snap it on. If not, I will ask Makerfabs about any changes which may have caused this.

73,

Steve

kf7o

[Greg S]

Yes, I just measured the opening and the portion of the Ethernet port fitting WITHOUT 
the spring loaded clamps. There is .006-.007" interference fit. Not going to go. As an aside, at one corner of the opening n the end panel, I see a larger radius than on the other 3 corners. That alone makes me suspect something went wrong.... maybe only with this board. Tight is tight, but no big hammer going to make this one fit, LOL. 

Working tons of hours, so still no time to put her together, sigh.

Again-

Thanks to all for the work.

Greg in West Mitten-

KC8HXo

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Greg,

Okay. I will ask Makerfabs if there were any changes related to this. I haven't been sent any physical samples from the latest batch.

73,

Steve

kf7o

[Kristofer Danner]

Steve, can confirm that mine fit properly. It was a snug fit around the ethernet port, but I had no impression that I was forcing it on whatsoever. 

KD

K3PZ