Note: More links at bottom of page:  This is a simple-to-build Si570 oscillator for use with the Softrock Lite kits for CW skimmer and input to the Reverse Beacon Network. It uses the Si570 chip and an AtTiny85-20 programmed with the PE0FKO firmware used for the Softrock Ensemble kits.
Currently a programmed ATTiny chip is available separately from K5NWA.  The firmware is available for download, so programming the AtTiny is also an option.  The PE0FKO site also provides the required USB device driver, software, and guidance on using them.  (links)  The Si570 is available from Digikey(digikey part#:336-2518-ND,  manufacturer part:570CAC000141DG).(SiLabs 570CAC000141DG part )
The oscillator itself is pretty simple, and is the bare essential hardware required for re-programming the oscillator for a needed single frequency to use with a Softrock Lite II rx.  It is based on what I saw in the the schematic of the Softrock Ensemble RX, nothing original, just pared down and hijacked from the original Ensemble design.  The Si570 part itself is the bulk of the expense of the oscillator, and the cost of the Si570 chip is almost as much as the Softrock Lite kit itself.   The oscillator signal is fed into the divider through a 10K voltage divider as in the Softrock RX.
So why an Si570 Programmable Oscillator ?
The RX Ensemble kit is a viable alternative expense wise. Â It really depends on the intended usage. Â Using separate Softrock Lites as single […]
Continue reading W4KAZ Softrock Based CW Skimmer Station – 05) Si570 Programmable Oscillator for Softrock CWSkimmers – or for “Whatevah”