Temperature Inversion, Helvellyn looking north across the Solway to the Galloway Hills

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NEWS 

Last Update: Monday, 10 March 2008

New Downloads area, follow the "resources" link on the menu bar

The Microcode

The Microcode. A compact Morse Code reader that won't break into a sweat when you do! This new kit is a popular choice for both newcomers and experts of Morse Code. Reliable decoding from 10wpm to over 40wpm with an internal microphone or line inputs. A key input is provided to allow the Microcode to be used as a training aid. 

A sensitive integral microphone combined with a tunable bandpass active filter allow the Microcode to operate effectively by being placed near to a receiver's loudspeaker. Alternatively, a line input allows direct connection to the audio output from a receiver. A robust PLL detector combined with digital filtering of the detected signal produce excellent performance, even with weak or fading signals. Two front panel buttons allow the Microcode to be configured at any time during operation. A menu system allows the input source, backlight brightness and display format to be changed easily and quickly. Direct connection of a Morse key is also supported making the Microcode a useful tool for training and skill development. See the Microcode page in our kits section for more details.

Attention Version 1.0 PCB owners - See the Microcode support page for details of an important modification that will offer even better performance in noise. Follow this link to go directly to the Microcode Support Page

Minicounter version 2.0

Our most popular kit just got even better! We've made one or two changes to the Minicounter software, in place of the mode indicators the Minicounter now has 6 user programmable offsets and 6 user programmable multipliers.

The new set up menu now features two modes of operation, Frequency Counter Mode and Radio Mode. This makes it easier than ever to personalise the Minicounter to your specific application, whether that's for operation of a piece of test equipment or as a frequency display for receiver or transceiver.

Enhanced features, superb quality and tremendous value! Visit the Minicounter page for more information.

The X-Lock locks a VFO to a crystal source to provide drift free operation. This designs takes a fresh approach to the "Huff-Puff" Frequency Locked Loop technique by using a processor to measure frequency and compute correction signals. The X-Lock employs a 100mSec count period to produce 10Hz "lock points" against which the host VFO will be held. Dual regulators are used to supply the digital and analogue sections of the circuit which in turn are optically coupled to produce an exceptionally clean control voltage. 

The X-Lock will accept input signals from a few kHz up to 50MHz to provide up over 6 volts of control range. Features include auto lock/unlock during tuning, RIT detection and fast re-lock, power on reset auto centring, and a dual coloured LED to indicate lock and input states. 

This new version features an improved RF input stage and connectors to remote the Status LED. 

Attention V2.0 owners! Manual V5.0 with important amendments is now available to download on the kits page.

C-1 Controller Source Code 

We've now posted the C-1 Source Code on the downloads page of our website. This provides T-1 users with full access to the code for long term maintenance of their T-1 and the opportunity to customise or develop the code for specific applications. The downloads page is reached by selecting the resources tab on the menu bar.

Customer Projects Page

How have you used your Cumbria Designs kit? If you've built one of our kits and you'd like to share your application with others, we'd like to hear from you! Send us a brief description of your project together with some good quality jpeg images and we will include it our new Customer page.

Matti Niskanen (OH2CF) from Finland has sent us details of his very professional looking application for the Minicounter. Andy Howlett describes his Top Band transceiver. Click on the image below to go to the projects page.

More Components from Cumbria Designs

Our components stock now includes a range of Minicircuits MMIC's, FT73-43 toroids, HC49 4.9152MHz crystals (a popular frequency for ladder filters), PIN Diodes and an expanded range of semiconductors. Book mark our components page for future visits.

Worldwide shipping

We've had a few enquiries asking if we sell our products to customers outside of the UK. The answer is YES, we ship worldwide. When placing your order over the internet, our secure shopping cart will automatically apply the appropriate shipping charge for your global zone. If you wish to place your order by post, simply print a copy of the order form for your global location from our Ordering page. If you require special shipping arrangements, email us with your requirements and we will cost them for you.

Our customers often comment about them, but where are they taken? The pictures used at the head of our main page are taken from around our home area of Cumbria and in particular the Lake District. Whenever we head into the mountains for a walk or take the boat out for a sail we invariably pack a digital camera, just in case that special picture opportunity appears! Read more about Cumbria and the Lake District here; 

http://www.lake-district.gov.uk/  http://www.lakedistrictoutdoors.co.uk/ 

Download Area

Want to take a look at our product documentation? Then visit our new download area on our products page to view and print current and archived manuals and instructions. 

If you encounter any difficulties with this site please let us know at enquiries@cumbriadesigns.co.uk