PI PICO SDR RX

Pi Pico RX SDR Receiver – Rev 1.0B (Now Available)

The Pi Pico RX is a compact, high-performance Software Defined Radio (SDR) receiver covering 0–30MHz, designed around the powerful Raspberry Pi Pico and a proven Tayloe Quadrature Sampling Detector (QSD) architecture. This design approach, widely used in HF SDR systems, delivers excellent performance using a simple and efficient analogue front end.

Revision 1.0B introduces several important hardware improvements, enhancing performance, usability, and audio quality.

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What’s New in Rev 1.0B

• Paralleled MUX channels to reduce switching resistance for smoother rotary encoder tuning
• Added headphone connector (automatically disconnects internal speaker)
• Improved audio with a passive equalization filter
• Relocated low-pass filter under the LCD for better layout and performance
• Added both 0805 SMD and through-hole inductors for improved filtering
• Selectable input op-amp (ADA4897 or OP354) for flexible front-end configuration
• Additional SMA antenna input on the PCB

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Overview

The receiver features an RF front-end amplifier, followed by selectable low-pass band filters, feeding the Tayloe QSD mixer. The digitized signal is processed by the Pico to provide demodulated audio and visual feedback.

Audio output is filtered and amplified through a bridged audio amplifier, capable of driving both a speaker and headphones.

A rotary encoder with push function allows precise tuning and menu navigation, while dedicated buttons enable quick band navigation. The intuitive menu system provides easy control over both radio and display settings.

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Key Features

• Frequency Coverage: 0 – 30 MHz (HF bands)
• Bandwidth: ~250 kHz SDR bandwidth
• Modes: CW / SSB / AM / FM
• Displays:
  • 2.8" TFT LCD (main interface)
  • 0.96" OLED (secondary information)
• Spectrum Scope: Simple real-time band visualization
• Controls: Rotary encoder + function buttons
• Memory: 500 programmable channels
• Audio:
  • Built-in speaker amplifier
  • Headphone output (auto-switching)
• Power:
  • 9–12V DC input
  • Can operate from 3× AAA batteries
• Low Power Consumption: < 50mA

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Advanced Capabilities

• USB Sound Card Emulation
  Connect directly to a PC and use as an audio input device for digital decoding.
• Digital Mode Support
  Compatible with software such as WSJT-X for decoding:
  • FT8 / FT4
  • WSPR
  • JS8Call
• SSTV Decoding
  Built-in SSTV decoding displayed directly on the TFT screen.
• CAT Control Support
  Enables integration with external control software.

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Performance Notes

The upgraded front-end includes a low-noise wideband op-amp (~1 nV/√Hz) for improved sensitivity. While the receiver operates without additional amplification, using a preamp stage is recommended for optimal performance, especially in weak signal conditions.

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What’s Included

• Fully assembled and tested Pi Pico RX SDR board (Rev 1.0B)
• 2.8" TFT LCD display
• 0.96" OLED display

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Important Shipping Information

• Shipping to the U.S.A is available via courier only (FedEx) due to postal restrictions (De Minimis clause changes). Additional shipping cost: $50 + import tariffs
• Standard postal shipping available worldwide except: U.S.A, Russia, Ukraine