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AZSX 303E Transmitter
AZSX 303E Transmitter
Some of the design goals included: Class-E final using MOSFETs Universal design able to operate on 40, 30, 20 meters Stable frequency control Easy to build/duplicate Low cost Steve Webers work on Class-E transmitters was the inspiration for much of our design. Refer to the schematic for the AZ ScQRPion AZSX-303E transmitter.
The Circuit
For discussion purposes, the transmitter can be broken down into four sections. These are: Voltage regulator VXO Keyer/Squarer/Mute Final Amplifier. 41
The VXO
The VXO is a Colpits design using a 2N4401. C6 and C7 provide the feedback to start the oscillation. RFC1, C5, and diode D1 along with R1-R3, and C4 are used to pull the frequency of the crystal X1. The HOMEBREWER
range of pull is approximately 3.5-4 kHz. The frequency of X1was chosen to be near the QRP watering holes (7.040, 10.116, and 14.060 MHz). Norcal crystals are used. The oscillator is keyed by applying 6 V to the anode of D2. The output of the oscillator is buffered and amplified by another 2N4401 to approximately 3 Vpp.
to-18-ohm output impedance of the ClassE tank circuit to a 50-ohm load. C19, D6D9, and RFC2 provide a QSK switch for the receiver.
efficiency. You are shooting for 3.5-4 watts output at 80% efficiency or greater. I have measured this as high as 90%. The 20 meter version may have a slightly lower efficiency but it still should be 75% or better. This transmitter is capable of putting out 6-8 watts; however the final transistors wont last very long at that level and the efficiency may suffer. This transmitter was designed for 3.5-4 watts using a 12.5V power supply and that is where it should be operated. Operation of this transmitter is no different from any other transmitter. Just hook up the receiver, mute line, antenna, key and power. You should exercise caution while adjusting any antenna or transmatch. Use of the Dan Tayloe SWR indicator is highly recommended, as it will keep the SWR seen by the transmitter to a maximum of 2:1 while adjusting the transmatch.
Conclusion
This Class-E transmitter met the design goals. This transmitter is a great platform for experimenting with Class-E amplifiers. Some things that could be done include:
The final transistors (Q4, Q5) could be replaced with different MOSFETs. Maybe you can find a pair that will exceed 90% efficiency. Try to find a MOSFET with low input and output capacitance and a low RDSon.
Tune up/Operation
Very little tune up of this transmitter is required. You will need to connect the transmitter to a dummy load and provide some method of monitoring the output power. I use a scope connected across the dummy load for this purpose. You will also need to monitor power supply current. Connect the dummy load, power supply or battery, and key to the transmitter. Key the transmitter and measure the power output and power supply current. The efficiency of the transmitter is the output power divided by input power. If it is putting out 3.5-4 watts at an efficiency of 80% or more, you dont need to do anything. If the efficiency is down or power output too high or low, squeeze or spread the windings on inductors L3 and L4 one at a time. Re-measure the output and 42
A companion receiver could be added. Add a sidetone oscillator. A twin-T oscillator turned on by the 6V would work well.
Summer 2003
Summer 2003
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HOMEBREWER
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Summer 2003