Product Details
Manufacturer NooElec
Model Ham It Up v1.3
Quantity
  • 1 fully assembled RF upconverter
Technical Details
Full Project Documentation at opendous.org
Independent Review at hamradioscience.com
RTL-SDR Project
RTL-SDR Subreddit
Applications Software defined radio
Product Information

Now shipping v1.3!  We believe this is the best SDR upconverter available. Here is why.

Major version changes:

  • Full 1-year warranty directly through us!
  • Proudly designed, fabricated and assembled in the USA and Canada!
  • Input, output and LO filters reconfigured for substantial sensitivity and selectivity improvements
  • New ultra low-noise linear power regulator (LP5907), with voltage noise under 10 µVRMS!
  • Optional battery-powered operation for DXing on the go!  (easy-to-assemble AAA battery holder sold separately, or roll-your-own solution with the easily-accessible battery power input vias)
  • New side-mount LED indicators, easily visible with or without an enclosure (Green = upconvert mode enabled; Yellow = USB powered; Red = low voltage)
  • Fully-assembled broadband RF noise source built-in (Note: SMA output jack excluded to comply with government regulations, but can be purchased separately)
  • u.FL socket (also known as IPX and UMCC) available for optional clock injection from an external clock source, should a higher-accuracy clock be desired
  • 5 other u.FL socket mounting footprints for simplified testing, troubleshooting and demonstrational purposes
  • Additional mounting holes to facilitate custom installations
  • Sturdy right-angle SMA connectors to improve spacing tolerances and ensure physical compatibility with our machined aluminum enclosures (enclosures sold separately)
  • Redesigned for a surface-mount oscillator to eliminate potential oscillator-desocketing issues

IMPORTANT NOTE:  due to changes implemented in v1.3, enclosures built for previous Ham It Up models are NOT 100% compatible.  Specifically, new end-panels are required for full compatibility with older enclosures.  Along with v1.3-specific enclosures, we also carry end-panel sets to allow for installation of Ham It Up v1.3 into older enclosures.  If you cannot find these in our store, please contact us!

 

Standard features:

  • Female SMA for both input and output for a wide array of connectivity options 
  • In-line SMA connectors.  Much easier to connect and manipulate than side-by-side SMA connectors 
  • Antenna protection on RF input--in-circuit in both enable and passthrough mode--to protect your Ham It Up & SDR from stray ESD
  • All critical components sourced exclusively from North American parts distributors
  • Only ultra-low-noise components used in the signal path
  • Ultra-high-Q, low ESR inductors and capacitors used for all filters
  • Powered by a sturdy & common USB-B USB socket for a multitude of power input options 
  • RF-suitable power supply regulation (LP5907) 
  • PTC fuse on USB power input to protect your Ham It Up upconverter from short circuits
  • Upconverter enable/passthrough toggle switch--less fiddling with small, delicate cables and connectors 
  • 125MHz oscillator for improved sensitivity (away from high-traffic RF zones, like broadcast FM)
  • Stable <25ppm oscillator included 
  • LO disabled in passthrough mode 
  • A maximum input level of +1dBm with LO at +7dBm
  • High-quality 2-layer PCB with ENIG finish 
  • Small, light-weight PCB (just 3.8" x 1.9")
  • Designed to fit standard off-the-shelf Hammond enclosures 
  • 7 mounting holes for standard PC screws 
  • Designed and manufacturered in conjunction with Opendous Inc., an excellent open-hardware design company 
  • Full project documentation--schematics, PCB design files, assembly information--is freely available.  
  • A portion of the proceeds from your purchase will be used to support this and other open-hardwareopen-source initiatives

BONUS!  We had space left on the PCB, so rather than waste it we have added a noise source circuit at no additional cost! We have even populated most of the components for you. We have the SMA connector required to complete this bonus noise source circuit available for a small additional fee. Details of the noise source circuit are available with the project documentation.

 

Operation:

Before operating your unit for the first time, and every time you run with a new SDR, we recommend running the tuning procedure located here. It is not a mandatory procedure but may help fine-tune your, erm. tuning.  The basic operational instructions follow.

  • Connect your antenna to the RF input 
  • Connect your SDR to the IF output 
  • Ensure your toggle switch is in the enable position 
  • Plug your USB power source into the USB-B USB jack 
  • Fire up your favorite SDR software.  Tune to 125MHz + (+/- the tuning offset from the tuning procedure) + your desired frequency and enjoy!

About Us:

Why purchase from NooElec?  Because we know software defined radio, and know it well.  We support our products.  We warranty our products.  Perhaps most importantly, we understand our products.  We are always glad to help customers who have technical questions.