====== GM5ALX QO-100 Setup ======

My setup uses the Pluto SDR+ as the transceiver. It's one of two common setups, the other being upconverter from a 2/70 radio. 

Here's the overall diagram:

{{ :member-projects:qo100-blockdiagram.png?direct |}}

Also includes my estimates of the power. In operation I've found I'm at 85% in SDR console, which I think is circa 10-12W out, and I'm similar signal strength to the centre beacon. I've spoken to others with 1.2-1.8m dishes and they use 2-5W.

Here are a few construct photos:

|{{ :member-projects:qo100-01.jpg?direct&400 |}}| {{ :member-projects:qo100-03.jpg?direct&400 |}}| {{ :member-projects:qo100-04.jpg?direct&400 |}}|
| Outside enclosure  |  Drilling for power plugs  | Weather proof setup  |

===== Bill of Materials =====

What a bill...

^Part^Store^Price inc. shipping^
|Pluto+ SDR|Aliexpress|£201|
|CN-0417 pre-amp|Digikey|£43|
|SG Labs 20W PA|SG Labs|€147|
|2.4 GHz helix antenna|nolle engineering|€126|
|80cm dish, mount, RX cable|Satellite Super Store|£108|
|Bullseye LNB|Amazon|£31|
|Biased tee|Amazon|£24|
|[[https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/193727621572|12V/5V DC-DC converter]]|eBay|£4.9|
|[[https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/184179070285|12V/28V DC-DC converter]]|eBay|£7.45|
|Power Supply (Meanwell 12V 5A 60W Power Supply (GST60A12)) and 10m cable|PiHut|£31|
|TX Coax (LMR-400-UF) and fittings|Barenco|£65|
|[[https://www.screwfix.com/p/hylec-ip65-weatherproof-outdoor-enclosure-200mm-x-130mm-x-300mm/2597g|Waterproof box]]|Screwfix|£40|

Some optimisation possible. Dish is probably an overpriced one.

===== Software =====

[[https://www.sdr-radio.com/console|SDR Console]] is probably the best, if you run Windows, particularly for the geobeacon frequency locking. I'm meaning to write up my SDR console setup but recommend you read the docs, there's a dedicated [[https://www.sdr-radio.com/EsHail-2|QO-100 page]], and then YouTube.