PennyLane - What is it?
PennyLane (DUCk), a 1/2-watt transmitter/exciter board, is a companion to the Mercury HF direct sampling receiver board.
The Atlas (bus) compatible PennyLane transmitter uses Digital Up Conversion (DUC) techniques and processes the I and Q signals from the PC (or Sasquatch DSP board) directly without the need for a sound card.
PennyLane is an updated version of Penelope.
PennyLane - What it is not!
It does not function as a stand alone card. It requires the Atlas back-plane and the Ozy (or Magister) card connected to a PC running PowerSDR to provide a functional transmitter.
PennyLane - Features
1.8 - 55MHz frequency coverage
0.5W pep output
Low level transverter output
SSB, AM, C-AM, FM, CW, PSK etc
RF phase and magnitude outputs for future Envelope Elimination and
Restoration (EER) power amplifier
Open drain FET for PTT control of external amplifiers
Seven open collector outputs for Linear, relay, etc. control
Optional on board microphone ADC or use with a Janus card
Audio output for future projects or alternative to Janus card
Frequency options:
- On board high performance 122.88 MHz crystal oscillator phase locked to on board 10MHz TCXO or external 10MHz reference e.g. Gibraltar.
- 122.88MHz output available via LVDS
- Optional external VHF clock input via LVDS
- 10MHz TCXO available via Atlas bus
Atlas bus compatible
Two available PC interfaces: Ethernet via Metis board or USB via Ozy or Magister board (no sound card required)
I and Q balanced adjustment not required due to digital generation of RF waveform
ADC for ALC or PA linearization etc.
ALC processed in the FPGA to avoid delays associated with PC processing
New features included in Pennylane that are not present in Penelope:
Improved two-stage PA for less high-frequency power rolloff
DAC level control for improved linearity at lower power output
levels
Availability
Ordering Information
The price for the PennyLane is:
$ 399 US for members of TAPR
$ 399 US for non-members
+ shipping/handling if applicable.
(Place Web Order)
Shipping and Handling
Shipping and Handling within the US will be by USPS Priority Mail.New International Shoppers will be contacted by the TAPR office with a quote on the shipping costs to your country. Returning customers are expected to be aware of international costs, ask if unsure. TAPR uses insured Priority Mail International, unless the purchaser requires something else.
Support
Support will be provided via the HPSDR Discussion List.
Because TAPR is not staffed to provide support for PennyLane, and because the knowledge to support users resides with the developers and users on the HPSDR Discussion List, buyers should participate in that forum for support.
Firmware and software will be available for download from the HPSDR website.
Other HPSDR kits
Alex Bandpass filters ... Read more.
Atlas Backplane ... Read more.
Excalibur Reference Oscillator ... Read more.
Janus Audio Converter ... Read more.
LPU Power Supply ... Read more.
Magister USB Interface ... Read more.
Mercury RX Module ... Read more.
Metis Ethernet Interface ... Read more.
Pandora Enclosure ... Read more.
PennyWhistle PA ... Read more.
Pinocchio Extender Board ... Read more.
