There are currently three major projects underway, and six separate printed circuit boards supporting them. All projects are experimental at this time, meaning that the designs have not been fully implemented or tested to confirm that they sufficiently meet design goals. But progress continues steadily, and prototype designs are likely to be achieved in one or more projects in 2018. Here is how things stand in each project and subproject at this time:
Dual-band ARDF Transmitter
Digital Interface Board: Ver X2 has been fully built and tested, and was found to meet all design goals. The software was developed sufficiently to test hardware and to confirm product concept. Needed X2 rework has been implemented in the design for the next schematic and PCB versions. Next version: X2A or P1
Transmitter Board: Ver X2 has been built to ~80%. The need to redesign both 2m and 80m transmitter blocks was identified and Ver X2A board respin was required to proceed. Ver X2A redesign was completed and new PCB boards ordered and should arrive early Mar 2018, with assembly to commence immediately thereafter. Next version: X2B or P1
Transmitter Power Supply: Ver X2 has been built to 95%. Ver X2 was found to work well enough to support transmitter development, but needed a redesign to achieve zero-voltage power-off state, requiring a board respin. Version X2A redesign was completed, and new boards will be ordered once Version X2A Transmitter Board build and test is complete. Next version: X2A or P1
Antenna Matching Board: Ver X2 has been designed, but no boards are yet on order. The Antenna Matching board will be built and tested after there are working transmitters. No current activity.
Dual-Band ARDF Receiver
Digital Interface Board: This board is identical to that used for the Dual-band Transmitter. See above.
Receiver Board: Ver X1 has been fully built at NC location, but not fully tested. The same version has been 50% built at the NM location, and build-out continues as testing confirms adequate performance. The 2m receiver has achieved sufficient sensitivity for ARDF use, and testing continues to confirm other performance goals are met. The 80m receiver has achieved basic functionality, and testing will continue after 2m receiver work is complete. Next version: X2 or P1
80m ARDF Antenna
80m ARDF Antenna Board: Ver X1 has been fully built and tested at OR location. Numerous design changes were identified, implemented, and tested to confirm that it will function as a stand-alone 80m DF antenna. Design changes have been incorporated into the schematic and PCB design. Next version: X2