Single Tube SDR Is a Delightful Mix of Old and New
1 min read
Summary
Software-defined radio (SDR) has become increasingly popular, as it allows a computer to replace numerous electronic components, offering better signal discrimination.
One hacker combined the best of both worlds by creating a low-voltage, one-tube 6J1 SW SSB SDR radio that merges old-school components with cutting-edge computing.
The 6J1 vacuum tube can operate on low voltage while producing a sensitive and selective single-sideband (SSB) receiver when combined with a computer.
The receiver includes a simple circuit comprising a receiving coil, resistors, and a variable capacitor, while the tube acts as a mixer to inject the oscillator signal.
The hacker, whose other projects include a virtual pinball cabinet and a VU meter, among others, has demonstrated the radio in a video, which the reader can watch via the article.
