VLOG of interesting things I come across.
This tool comes in handy for organizing kicad footprints and modules. Unfortually it doesn’t build on osx normally. I have created a homebrew repo and after ignoring some build errors it seems to compile and work great on OSX.
The main site for the tool is at http://www.compuphase.com/electronics/kicadlibrarian_en.htm.
My homebrew repo is located at https://github.com/shaneburrell/homebrew-kicadlibrarian
Prototype boards for testing the RF module along with provisions for a low pass filter have been sent off for manufacture. I’m expecting to see these back in a few weeks. In the meantime below are links to the Gerbers for the test board as well as Kicad Modules for making your own boards that use the DRA818V module.
I’ve been looking at migrating some of the work I’ve done on my ComboStar build to VHF/UHF including GSMK and Codec2. With 3D printed case, lithium battery, STM32F405, DRA818V/U, and a nice OLED screen I think its possible to build a DIY 1 Watt radio that support analog, FSK (APRS), and Codec2 GSMK. I already have several working STM32 projects with successfully generating various modulations including GMSK, POCSAG and AFSK. My first step is to play with the DRV818V module and see how difficult it is to implement. From the datasheet I’ve included a low pass filter in this prototype which I should be able to prototype with my existing STM project board.
