Isolation of VCO Contoller

[pcossins]

I have just completed a digilite system.

The BATC PCB's and the Ultram LO are all mounted on a piece of double sided PCB. This allows PCB dividers to be soldered to isolate the Serialiser and IQ modulator from the LO and the VCO controller. The VCO controller is mounted directly above the ultram board with leads about 25 30 mm long. The whole assembly is then mounted in a plastic box with LCD front panel and controls. There is also a small Mini-Kits (Australia) PHA-1 linear in its own separate area.

The articles I have read recommend complete isolation of the VCO and ultram PCB in a tin box with feedthroughs. I have found this not to be necessary with simple PCB panel screening being adequate. (VK3CE has also built a digilite using home brew PCB's and a similar arrangement with no problems.)

Peter VK3BFG