🔧 N6GN Open Source Hardware Projects

Amateur Radio & RF Engineering Designs

Last Modified:

Welcome to Open Source Hardware!

🎯 The Goal: Provide complete hardware designs so you can build your own or have PCBs manufactured professionally.

📁 Each project includes full source files (schematics, PCB layouts, BOMs, firmware) that you can modify and improve.

🌍 Share your improvements back to the community - that's the spirit of Open Source!

How to Build These Projects

1Download & Review

Get the design files and review the schematics using the free tools below. Understand what you're building!

2Order PCBs & Parts

Upload Gerber files to PCB fab houses like JLCPCB, PCBWay, or OSH Park. Order components from Digi-Key or Mouser using the BOM. This is the essence of Open Source Hardware.

3Assembly & Documentation

Order additional parts (enclosures, panels), program CPU if applicable, and assemble. Often requires minimal or no soldering!

Required Design Tools

KiCad

For PCB design files

FreeCAD

For 3D printed designs

Arduino IDE

For firmware development

KiCanvas

Quick browser-based PCB viewer

💡 Ordering & Customization

  • PCBs typically cost $2-5 per board for small quantities
  • Components can be sourced from Digi-Key, Mouser, or LCSC
  • Feel free to modify designs for your needs
  • Share improvements back to the community!

⚡ Building Tips

  • Start with simpler projects to gain experience
  • Double-check component values before ordering
  • Use a good soldering iron (if soldering required)
  • Test as you build - don't wait until the end!

📊 Cost Considerations

  • PCB costs: $10-30 for 5-10 boards
  • Components: $20-200 depending on project
  • Enclosures & hardware: $10-50
  • Total: Usually $40-$300 per project
📻 Disciplined All-Mode All-Band Transceiver System
All-Band System

Complete Disciplined All-Mode All-Band Transceiver System

Transverter

0-2 GHz Transverter

Wideband transverter covering 0-2 GHz with injection locking and automatic band switching.

Kit HWSource
IC7300 Interface

IC7300 Transverter Interface

Interfaces IC7300 to transverters with automatic PTT, IF offset, and band data control.

Kit Source

0-2 GHz Kiwi Extender

Extends KiwiSDR coverage to 0-2 GHz. Awaiting Kiwi-3 re-layout.

Source
📊 Disciplined Reference
GPSDO

GNSS/10MHz Disciplined Reference (v2)

Precision 10 MHz reference disciplined by GNSS with OCXO for excellent stability.

Kit HWSource
🔌 Distribution & Isolating Devices
8-way GPS Splitter

8-way Active GPS Isolating Splitter

Distribute GPS signals to 8 outputs with isolation and amplification.

Kit Source
4-way Clock Splitter

4-way Isolating Clock Splitter

Split and isolate clock signals (10 MHz, 100 MHz) to 4 outputs.

Kit Source
4-way Antenna Splitter

4-way Isolating Antenna Splitter

⚠️ Not Recommended: Poor PSRR. Use purpose-built antenna distribution instead.
Not Recommended Kit Source
Isolating Sloped Filter

Isolating Sloped Filter

Frequency-dependent attenuation filter with isolation for wideband receivers.

Kit Source
LPF60

LPF60 - 60 MHz Lowpass Filter

Sharp cutoff lowpass filter for eliminating signals above 60 MHz.

Kit Source

LPF30 - 30 MHz Lowpass Filter

Sharp cutoff lowpass filter for HF applications up to 30 MHz.

Kit Source
🔒 General Purpose Phaselock

RX888 Injection Locked PLL

Lock RX888 to external reference for improved stability and synchronization.

Kit Source
TRXduo PLL

TRXduo/RedPitaya Injection Locked PLL

Injection locking solution for TRXduo and RedPitaya SDR platforms.

Kit Source
IC7300 PLL

IC7300 Injection Lock PLL

Lock IC7300's internal oscillator to external precision reference.

Kit Source
📡 Broadband Receive Antenna Systems & Probes

📌 System Requirements

All broadband antenna systems require the ShackBoardv2 for power distribution, control, and interface. Please read the Broadband Receive Antenna Systems overview before building.

SAS

SAS - Single Antenna System

✅ Recommended: Simplified single-antenna system with excellent performance.

Kit Source
Hybrid Antenna System

Hybrid Antenna System

Dual-antenna system combining active dipole and loop/Beverage inputs.

Source

PreampA - Active Dipole

⚠️ Legacy Design: PreampA/PreampB system superseded by SAS. Use SAS for new installations.
Kit Source

PreampB - LoE or Beverage

⚠️ Legacy Design: PreampA/PreampB system superseded by SAS. Use SAS for new installations.
Kit Source

Junction - A/B Preamp Combiner

Combines outputs from PreampA and PreampB for legacy dual-antenna systems.

Kit Source
ShackBoardv2

ShackBoardv2

✅ Required for all antenna systems: Central power, control, and interface hub.

Kit Source
🔬 Field Measurement
Field Probe

Field Probe

Calibrated RF field strength probe for measurements from 1-200 MHz.

Kit Source
📊 Polarimeter (300kHz-30MHz)
Polarimeter System

300kHz - 30 MHz Polarimeter Antenna System

Quadripole

Quadripole/Preamp v2

Four-element antenna array with integrated preamplifiers for polarization measurements. Use with ShackBoardv2.

Kit Source
Analog Combiner

Analog Polyphase Combiner

Combines quadripole signals with phase relationships for polarization analysis.

In Revision
🔀 Antenna Switching
KiwiSDR Switch

KiwiSDR Antenna Switch

Remote-controlled antenna switching for KiwiSDR with web interface.

Source
⚡ Transformers, Isolation & Filters

CM Isolation, Combiner, VNA Fixturing and MPPT Filter

CM Isolation

CM Isolation Transformers

Common-mode isolation transformers for reducing noise and ground loops in three package sizes:

Source
Hi-Z VNA Fixture

Hi-Z VNA Fixture

High-impedance test fixture for VNA measurements of transformers and high-Z components.

Source
3dB Combiner

3dB Combiner/Splitter

Wideband 3dB hybrid combiner/splitter for signal distribution or combining.

Kit Source
MPPT Filter

MPPT Solar Charge Controller Filter

Filter to reduce MPPT switching noise in radio installations.

Kit Source
🖨️ 3D Printed

Az/El Positioner with Web Interface

3D-printed antenna positioner with stepper motors and browser-based control.

Kit Source

3D-printable .1-2 GHz Bi-conical Antenna

Wideband 3D-printed biconical antenna for VHF/UHF measurements and monitoring.

Kit Source

📝 Feedback Welcome

  • If you have suggestions for improvements, please contact me
  • If you build one of these kits, let me know how it went
  • If you have design improvements or new Open Source designs, please share them