Open-Hardware Licensed Handheld Software-Defined Radio In the Works

An anonymous reader writes "Chris Testa recently presented at TAPR Digital Communications Conference and annouced his development work on a hand-held software defined radio. Running uClinux on an ARM Corex-M3 coupled to a Flash-based FPGA, it will be capable of receiving and transmitting from 100MHz to 1GHz. Designed to be low power, Chris has designed the radio primarily with the Amateur 2m and 70cm bands in mind. Currently in early prototyping stage, Chris intends to release the design under the TAPR Open Hardware License."

Re:Why just 2m and 70cm?

[atrus]

The only real limits are: RF front end/IF section (if any, could be a direct conversion) FPGA speed The latter really only comes into play for high datarate/frequency work, so its all in the (hopefully replaceable) front end.

Re:Why just 2m and 70cm?

[Anonymous Coward]

The 2 meter and 70cm bands are by far and away the most popular amateur radio bands, and they are the most accessible. All license tiers can use them, and equipment can be had for reasonable prices.

These sorts of considerations are very important if you want to kick off something you want to see widespread use. HF can always be added later, once a project develops traction.