The Hermes-Lite is a low-cost direct down/up conversion software defined amateur radio HF transceiver based on a broadband modem chip and the Hermes SDR project. It is entirely open source and open hardware, including the tools used for design and fabrication files. Over 300 Hermes-Lite 2.0 units have been successfully built.
www.hermeslite.com
Late last year I received my Hermes Lite SDR 2 plus N2ADR filter board. However, the enclusure, fan and other accessories did not arrive in time for the xmas holiday.
http://www.m0spn.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/IMGP0509-scaled.jpg
Now, in early 2020 I’ve finally assembled this amazing little SDR transceiver. The enclosure required a little modification in order to comfortably fit the PCB, but this was a simple job once I had access to the correct tools (thanks, Tampere Hacklab!).
I was initially a little nervous about the complexity of the setup (loopback audio devices, PA bias adjustment, SDR software, interfacing with hamlib etc) but amazingly everything worked on first attempt.
Rather than manually adjust the PA bias I used the simple automatic tool from James Ahlstrom (N2ADR) available here: http://james.ahlstrom.name/hl2setup/
Note: Despite being built in Ubuntu, the binary ran perfectly under Fedora 30.
Setting up Quisk was similarly straightforward; I downloaded the latest version, installed dependencies (in my case under Fedora 30, fftw-devel and pulseaudio-devel), added a new radio and configured the band pass filters. A little time was then spent configuring radio control in both wsjtx and Quisk and I was quickly on the air.
First FT4/8 QSOs using this radio (~6W to an indoor 20m dipole) were:
G6NNS, JO02, 14.081998, FT4, Sent: +04 Rcvd: -11
GB8HNY, IO93, 14.075045, FT8, Sent: +03 Rcvd: -24
PD7RF, JO22, 14.075867, FT8, Sent: +09 Rcvd: -05
PF2JV, JO22, 14.076013, FT8, Sent: -15 Rcvd: -25
Many thanks to the above operators for (unbeknownst to them) assisting with the first on-air tests!
Testing other modes (SSB voice, FreeDV) and everything has also worked as expected. My only current issue is what appears to be a lack of a CW keyer in Quisk (or the Hermes firmware). My paddle only works as a straight key connected to the Hermes front panel.
Future plans include a build based on the Hermes but with additional PA and integrated PSU. Watch this space!
Hermes Lite SDR details can be found at http://www.hermeslite.com/.
To purchase via group buy, check availability via https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2/wiki/Group-Buy.
Latest Quisk can be found at http://james.ahlstrom.name/quisk/.
A great introduction video by the designer, Steve Haynal KF7O can be found here:
Hello
Looking for real life info on rx performance on hermes lite 2 before i buy one.
Mainly on 160-40m..do you have any thoughts on this say compared to a yaesu ftdx3000 etc?
Thanks Simon g0zen
Hi Simon,
Thanks for the comment. I’ve not personally run any tests on receiver performance although I do recall seeing discussion on the Hermes mail list. The last thread I remember suggested the Hermes performance to be close to high end commercial receivers, however now I’m searching for the post/details of course I can’t find it.
I suggest you join the Google group (https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/hermes-lite) and ask there.
If I do find the post I’ll also forward you the details.
Steve
M0SPN / OH3SPN
Hi Steve
Where do you get the enclosure from? It seems very convenient.
Thanks!
Cesc
EA3IGT
Hi Cesc,
The enclosure was ordered from China via eBay and matches the specifications listed at https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2/wiki/Enclosure-and-PA-Heatsink. My only issue was the Chinese quality control; the PCB slot on one side of the case was marginally narrower, requiring use of a metal file.
The exact seller / model I ordered: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Black-150-106-55MM-Aluminum-Project-Enclosure-Electronic-Box-Case-Housing/401218732845
I’ve since bought an additional enclosure for use as a matching ~50W linear amplifier.
I hope that helps.
Steve OH3SPN
Google maker fab or maybe maker fabs.
They sell the correct enclosure..plus hermes lite 2..they are the manufacture now.
Thanks Simon!
Yes, I’ve found it at https://www.makerfabs.com/
Cesc
ea3igt
Thanks Steve!
Cesc
EA3IGT
Hi, can you post a step by step howto of your setup? i dunno how i can send with wsjx via quisk. Receive is easy.
Forget my question. it seems to be an wsjtx problem. other have it too, notreproducable.
Correct me if I’m wrong, so you can TX/RX via RPi using Quisk etc then it would be possible to VNC into that PI and via another PC etc ?
Hi David,
Yes – absolutely. I’m currently doing exactly this albeit with a Linux laptop running Quisk remotely, rather than a pi. The remote machine is up 24/7, dedicated to Quisk + JS8Call. I can also run remote SSB voice using pulseaudio on both server and client; although it generally makes more sense to run Quisk locally for voice. Let me know if you have any further questions, I’ll be happy to help.
Steve
Good evening friends, I am a volunteer instructor at YO8KZE, the children’s radio club where we have over 75 children enrolled. We are also interested in a Hermes Lite 2, only the PCB mounted and adjusted, can you tell us a price please? 73 by Mihai
Can you post your Settings for?
I don’t get anything to work, only quisk.
Wspr worked for me, but i lost my settings in Linux.
73