Radioberry: A Raspberry Pi-Based SDR Transceiver

Software-defined radio (SDR) enthusiasts and amateur radio operators seeking an affordable yet powerful solution will find the Radioberry an exciting project to explore. Designed as a Raspberry Pi HAT, the Radioberry transforms a Raspberry Pi into a fully functional SDR transceiver, making it an excellent choice for radio experimentation and communication.

What is Radioberry?

The Radioberry is an open-source SDR transceiver designed to cover the 0-30 MHz frequency range. It leverages an Analog Devices AD9866 chipset, originally intended as a broadband modem mixed signal front-end, repurposed for Direct Down Conversion (DDC) and Direct Up Conversion (DUC) functionality. This design enables high-performance SDR capabilities with a 12-bit resolution, making it ideal for amateur radio and other radio-related applications.

At the core of the Radioberry is an Intel Cyclone 10LP FPGA, which supports 10CL16 and 10CL25 models. The FPGA firmware is dynamically loaded via the Raspberry Pi, providing a streamlined and flexible setup without the need for external programming hardware. The power supply for the Radioberry is conveniently drawn from the Raspberry Pi, simplifying the overall design and integration.

Why Choose Radioberry?

Radioberry stands out as a compelling choice for SDR enthusiasts due to its:

• Compact form factor: Seamlessly integrates with Raspberry Pi.
• Open-source philosophy: Both hardware and software are freely available.
• Cost-effective design: A budget-friendly alternative to commercial SDR solutions.
• Flexibility: Supports various modes and can be customized to meet specific needs.

Radioberry 2.x – Enhanced Performance & Features

The Radioberry 2.x builds on the original design, offering improved performance and additional features. Enthusiasts can find comprehensive details, including schematics, installation guides, and firmware updates, in the resources below.

Resources for Builders

For those interested in building their own Radioberry SDR transceiver, here are some valuable resources:

• Discussion & Community Support: Google Groups discussion forum
• Source Code & Firmware: Radioberry GitHub Repository
• Technical Documentation: Radioberry WIKI with additional information
• Installation & Setup Guide: Radioberry Releases for easy installation
• Hardware Design: Radioberry Schematic
• Real-World Applications: Radioberry transceiver insights by Gopan VU2XTO
• User Demonstrations: Recording of Radioberry 2 in action by Jacinto CU2ED

A Project for Radio Enthusiasts

The Radioberry is more than just a radio project—it’s a testament to the power of open-source collaboration and the ingenuity of the amateur radio community. This project is not for sale but rather an open-source initiative to empower builders and experimenters worldwide.

For those looking to dive into SDR development, experiment with amateur radio, or explore FPGA-based radio solutions, the Radioberry is a fantastic place to start.

Visit https://www.pa3gsb.nl/