Many thanks to Cao (BG6LH) who writes:
Hi, Thomas!
I would like to share my QRP FT8 kit for Field Operation.
A long time ago, I was seeking the most lightweight QRP kits for FT8 field operation. My goal was to have just one radio, one antenna, one phone, without too many cables, boxes, etc.
Finally, I designed a PCB. It is a Bluetooth DIGI Adapter and can be mounted on the rear panel of my FT-818.
Just plug it to the DATA and ACC jacks. It can be powered by ACC jack’s 13.8V Pin.
It works well with FT8CN, an android FT8 app.
Now, my dream has come true!
My Antenna was a so-called GAWANT, designed by JF1QHZ, I guess it’s a simple Vertical EFHW. I built it with a 1.2 meter rod.
It’s working on 7~28MHz bands, not very efficient, but so small and portable.
For FT8 QRP POTA, field operation, all of these components can be put in a small bag, and deployed in minutes.
I shared my PCB design on Github. If anyone wants to modify it, you are welcome to do so!
https://github.com/BG6LH/FT-81x-BT-DIGI-Adaptor
Thank you for sharing this, Cao. This is absolutely amazing and an incredibly clever design! I suspect a lot of FT-818/817 enthusiasts will make this same build via your design!
Thank you for reaching out and for sharing your work with the QRP community!
Cao,
That is a brilliant design for the Yaesu! I’m very impressed, at its design, and performance. Well done!
72! de W7UDT
Cao, In fact, I’d have an interest in buying one, if you’d care to make one for me?
Sorry, Tom, I didn’t plan to make this a product. So I open-sourced the design. Everyone is welcome to download and make their own products.
A little tip:
Some FT-817 players have not succeeded in powering this board, and have found that the cause is that the FT-817’s 13.8V pin protection resistor R1235 is broken. just fix it. everything goes well.
Finally someone picked up my idea that I had a few years ago. I’ve been building a prototype but never got it to work well. I’m glad someone with more tech knowledge has picked it up. I’m really interested.
See my efforts here: https://pe4bas.blogspot.com/2020/01/ultimate-digital-portable-station.html