PCR 1000 Controller

The PCR 1000 is a small communication receiver with a wide frequency range of 50kHz to 1300MHz. It has no control elements, only a serial interface. A nice software comes with it and some others are available to control the receiver. But they need a PC (or a palm), sometimes really powerful ones.

The idea of my controller is to build up a small device that allows a standalone control of the rx. With one rotating knob for the frequency, perhaps two potentiometer for AF-volume and squelch, some keys and an alphanumeric LCD-display.

The specifications of this controller are not complete til now. I'm interested in your ideas.

 It is a non-commercial project, all informations, scematics and software will be available while and after the realiziation.

Hardware

• microcontroller 8051-type (not the last word, I'm experienced with this type but perhaps I switch to an Atmel to learn something new)
• LCD 2x16 or 4x20 with backlight
• 1 incremental knob (help: I'm looking for a payable model)
• 1 or more potentiometer for important analog functions (of course connected to the microcontroller)
• 4 keys beyond the display with changing functions
• serial interface RS232
• power from the PCR-AC-supply(?)
• PCB with easy mounting of the control elements and a minimum of external wiring.

Software

• Control of the basic functions of the PCR1000:

frequency
mode
filterwidth
volume
squelch
ATT, AGC, NB

• Scanner
• Easy-to-use human interface

Next Steps

I'm just collecting additional ideas. Realization is planned for the long winter evenings.

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