Amateur radio, space technology and other geeky stuff by Alexandru Csete
mcHF is a small software defined radio transceiver for shortwaves, designed by Chris M0NKA. It has the form factor of an Elecraft KX3, but it is equipped with a graphical display with spectrum scope and other bells and whistles. Check out my photos taken while building the mcHF.
First RF signal all the way through the mcHF. Now it’s time to read through all the mods and have the radio tuned up 🙂
Every now and then, I get a good idea that makes my life easier. I let the pictures speak for themselves 🙂
Few weeks ago I have decided to resume building my mcHF kit. I have made good progress with the RF board and today I have tested the low-pass and band-pass filters.
After completing the UI board I really wanted to see it work and test it one way or other without the RF board.
Last night I mounted the LEDs, the electrolytic capacitors and the LCD panel. I am using the HY28B which is why the display doesn’t align with the push buttons.
I forgot to post this update but I did make some progress since the last report in June. Finished mounting all connectors, buttons and encoders, see photos below.
Last night I finished mounting all the small parts on the UI board and today the board got cleaned of extra flux (there was a lot).
All parts have now arrived and I am soooo ready to build my mcHF 
I have been looking into various options for building my own radios again, this time taking advantage of software defined radio technologies. I’m not crazy about using a PC for running the SDR application. While a PC offers great performance and flexibility, it makes a clumsy radio setup not at all suitable for portable and mobile use.