Building a PIC-based beacon-keyer for radio club

[K6MLE]

I am completing the design of a PIC-based project that we will use for a 'build-it' session our club puts on a few times each year.  It is a simple beacon (programmed using Hyperterm, or equivalent) and keyer (with PTT and KEY outputs), with each function selectable via a dip-switch setting.

I bring this up to see if there might be any interest on the part of HRN users.  I am currently considering two options for construction 1) having each builder put it together on plated perfboard; 2) designing a PCB.  The PCB route is more attractive when the quantities go up, which can bring the board price below $20, perhaps significantly.

The programming is done in PicBasicPro and I could make the source code available with a programmed PIC.

Not looking to profit from this 'venture'; just cover costs.

Does this have any interest here?

73,

Michael
K6MLE

[VK5MW]

I made one already using a Picaxe proto board. They are very cheap 8 Pin boards based on the picaxe 08M. It is able to key the radio and generate the CW tones for the beacon. Whats better is that the code is written in picbasic which is quite easy to pick up.

Google "AXE021" and you will find plenty of information for them.