Thanks for showing the whole build, including the little hiccups along the way as well. Makes me feel a bit more human. Might have a go at making more little projects myself now.
very pleased with the video"s Ben, Im saving the videos so I can watch them over and over again and select subtitles on youtube, so my wife can read the information to me due to my eye sight
Hi, I saw the video last year whilst locked down in the Philippines, now I eventually get home to the UK, I built my own AllStar node to replace one I built and gave away to a Ham friend in early 2020. This time I used 2x buck converters as they are so cheap, I actually bought 10 and the remaining 8 I can use back at work. Just following up, yes a diode will drop 0.6 - 1.0v depending on the forward current. If you look at the manufacturer's data you will see on this on their graphs. The BF888 I modified by removing the output transistor, biasing components, RF choke etc, the RF output is reduced to less than 50mW and the current draw of the radio is much lower and predictable. If you want to do this on 2m then use a Baofeng UV82, they're currently 23 pounds and better quality than the UV5R. There is an annoying squealing noise on some Allstar nodes I have heard in QSOs, the fix is to use to LT400 transformers in the mic and loudspeaker circuits between the CM108 FOB and BF888, this provides a DC break, earth loop preventing, low pass filter (typical of steel/iron laminate audio transformer) and impedance matching. This can also be done with passive components but the price and benefits, 2 transformers would be my choice.
I prepare my own liquid flux. It comprises 95% alcohol and some resin. I keep the lid tightly closed lest it gets dry. I am so entertained watching the events unfolded. Unbelievable 5 Volts when you touched it!
Why did you use more than one diode. I understand that you don't want feedback, by using a diode, but why not a diode and a resistor. the voltage is pretty low, so heat generation within the resistor wouldn't be too bad.
Great question. The diode drops the voltage by about 0.6v, you are correct that the right resistance would have done to trick too. BUT the load of the radio will vary dependent on if it is tx or rx. This would mean a different potential difference with each model, whereas the diode is constant rather than comparative voltage drop. And I had a bulk load of these diodes, so went with them. Thanks for watching.
Hi Ben. When I make mine I'm going to mod it to take the nominal 12v from the shack PSU thru banana sockets. And maybe break out a usb socket to the front of the case.
