Anyone who has been a licensed ham longer than 45 Minutes knows Wes Hayward, W7ZOI.
If you have SSDRA (the better) or EMRFD (the lesser) or built a Direct Conversion Receiver or a Crystal Filter or a TIA amp or the Competition Grade CW Transceiver or the Ugly Weekender... That is the handiwork of Wes W7ZOI.
In December 1989 and January 1990, Wes had a two-part article in QST which documented a 20M, QRP Solid State, SSB/CW Transceiver. Quite a feat at that time or any time. This project was beyond minimalist as fully built out it had multiple Crystal Filters. It actually was a trans-receiver which shared a common LO and BFO, thus separate filters in the receiver and transmitter.
I could not resist replicating W7ZOI's project save for the hinky way he did CW and the Analog VFO sans VFO Stabilizer. It was a challenge I took on.
My implementation added Break-In CW and the use of the EI9GQ PIC based (16F84) VFO stabilizer. Most of the rest of W7ZOI's design remained intact with the exception of the IF stage/AGC which was a suggested change from W7ZOI. My only contribution was the break in keying and the addition of the Digital Display and VFO Stabilizer from Ed, EI9GQ
I had been in contact with Wes, and he said maybe you would like to try this IF as it uses 3N209's which he sent me as well. He asked if I tried it to give him feedback on how it worked.
The Revised IF Amp from W7ZOI. Empty Sockets = AGC
Replacement AGC
Ferrite Beads on the Gates
Essentially, I was Beta testing what would eventually become the HYCAS IF. The AGC seemed to hang up for me, and I Installed a different board. When all done, I shared my results with Wes. As those who homebrew know the final HYCAS did not use the 3N209's.
The XF-9B is an 8 Pole, 9 MHz Crystal Filter from KVG in Germany. OT homebrewers know this was once the ne plus ultra of Crystal filters. So, the newly minted 45 Minute Extra asks where is that filter in my IC7300. Didn't the test answer guide cheat sheet explain about different SSB generation technologies?
My build ended up with a big and heavy homebrew box. Yesterday afternoon I worked an HI7 station in the DR.
My receiver uses the 8 Pole KVG Crystal Filter and the transmitter a 6 Pole from the G-QRP Club Sales. The receiver design is by far one of the best I have seen.
This project required an advanced amateur to fabricate and not for someone who knows nothing about electronics.
Note: No Manhattan or Ugly construction here.
News Flash: Bozos selling the Baofeng UV5R for $16. Such a deal Vinny!
Them that know, now don't care if you know.
73's
Pete N6QW