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This circuit, which was presented as an entry level SMD construction project at the 2013 RSGB Convention, allows the IF of a rig to be tapped off at high impedance, and brought out to an external SDR, to give a panoramic display.

See also the Radcom November 2014 Technical Feature article on the PAT board and its applications. This article is reproduced with the permission of the RSGB.   The PCB is just 40 x 25mm (approx 1.6″ x 1″), and fits nicely in an FT817.
In larger rigs it can easily be ‘lost’ in a dark corner! In addition to the high input impedance buffer, the PCB also provides for a low pass filter and an output attenuator.

See reviews on  eHam.net
For the detailed description of the circuit and its operation, see here
Both kits and assembled units are available – please go to the Orders & Prices page.

SDR’s?

There are many on the market, and most are compatible with more that one software package.  Based on availability, economics and performance, hupRF recommends the SDRplay range as suitable SDR’s for use with PAT boards.  Click on the link below to go to theSDRplay website – SDRuno software is also downloadable from the site.

 PAT Types

There are a few different versions of the PAT board, named according to nominal frequency of the Low Pass Filter.  However, the board can be installed in any rig.   The following information, ordered by PAT version,  should help you to decide which version to request:

Version	Vcc	LPF	Rig list
PAT 6M	8-13.8v	6MHz	– Elecraft K1, K2
PAT 12M	8-13.8v	12MHz	– IC201/202, IC821 (2nd IF), TS700, IC910 (2nd IF), IC1271 (2nd IF) FT221/225, FFT290, FT920 (2nd IF), TS2k (2nd IF), TS590, TS700, TS790E (2nd IF), TS120/130/140/180, TenTec Orion
PAT 15M	8-13.8v	15MHz	– FT736
PAT 30M	8-13.8v	30MHz	– Transverter Rx output, 28-30MHz IF
PAT 50M	8-13.8v	50MHz	– FT757GX, FT840, FT847, FT990, FTdX1200, FTdX3000, FTdX9000, TS430S, TS440S, TS940, Tentec TT550, IC740, IC781, Lowe HF225
PAT 70M	8-13.8vexcept PAT817 (5V)	70MHz	– FT100, FT450, FT817 (5V), FT857, FT897, FT891, FT920 (1st IF), FT950, FT991, FT1000, FT1000MP, IC703, IC706, IC718, IC735/745, IC746PRO, IC756, 756 Pro II and III, IC7400/7700, IC7410, IC821 (1st IF), IC9100, TS450,  Alinco DX SR8T,
PAT 85M	8-13.8v	85MHz	– TS2k HF 1st IF, TS 570, TS850, ICR70/75
PAT 150M	8-13.8v	150MHz	– IC1271 (1st IF), IC7000, IC7100, Transverter Rx output, 144-146MHz IF, TS2k (23cm 1st IF)

You can also look at this file, which is in Rig order.

Instructions for installation for the rigs below may help you find the right points in your rig, even if it’s not listed.    There are no notes provided for the FT857, but since it is essentially the same radio as the FT897, the connection points are the same.    The only difference is that the output is brought out on a flying lead – included in the GPIK installation kit.

Installation Instructions and Notes

In addition to the Notes links below, there is also a Gallery of installation picture details, including images from rigs for which there are no formal notes.

Although some of the documents below, and the pictures you will see, show a coax connection from the rig into the PAT board, I recommend that you use a short length of fine single wire (eg wire-wrap type or similar), as this will have a lower capacitive loading on any tuned circuits that may be affected by the tap.  The PAT board should be located as close as possible to the tap point, preferably within 50mm.

TMP cables are now also available for those rigs that need them.

Links to Instructions and Examples

Rig	G4HUP Link	External Link
FT450	FT450	mostly Italian! AA7VA YouTube
FT817	FT817	English
FT847	FT847
FT857		K4AX
FT897	FT897
FT920	FT920
FT950	FT950
FT991	FT991
FT1000	FT1000	K8AC  VE3TMT
FTdx1200		AB4D
FTdx9000		AB4D
IC706 Mk2	IC706Mk2	M1BXF
IC718	IC718
IC7410		Cardoso
IC746	IC746
IC756 Pro III	IC756 Pro III
TS440S	TS440S
TS450/690	TS450 & 690
TS850	TS850
TS2000	TS2000	TS2k HF/50 2Rx TS2k HF 1st IF Tap http://g0mgx.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/23cm-tap-tap-tap.html

Hardware Kits available

There are three Installation kits available, which between them will suit any rig.    They are the Generic Socket, Generic Plug and TS2k kits, which are detailed below:

• Generic Socket kit – contains 400mm RG178, SMA two hole panel mounting socket, 6mm and 12mm M2.5 screws/nuts/washers, solder tag, red & black wire and double sided tape.
• Generic Plug kit – contains 400mm RG178 with crimped on SMA plug, double sided tape, red and black power wires, solder tag.
• TS2k kit – contains 400mm RG178, solder tag, red & black wire and double sided tape. This kit assumes that you will use the existing HFRx RCA socket as the IF out. If you don’t want to do this then order the GSIK or GPIK as appropriate.

Second Receiver Function

In addition to giving you a panoramic display centred on your Rx tuning, the PAT can also be used to give a wider view as an independent second Rx. The input signal for the PAT needs to be picked up before the 1st mixer, and your SDR must be tuned to the frequency/band you are receiving, instead of the IF frequency of your radio.   Operation is different, in that the SDR display will no longer change as you tune the band – it will remain fixed, and you can demodulate any signal seen on the SDR. Of course, if you wish to work a station, then you must net your Tx with the SDR Rx!   See pictures below of 2nd Rx operation.

You can only have one PAT operating as an IF buffer OR 2nd Rx, not both simultaneously!   However, you can put two PAT’s into a rig – one as an IF tap, connected after the first IF filter, and the second connected before the first mixer as a 2nd independent Rx. You can then either use a switched input single SDR, or two separate permanently connected SDR’s on the outputs. I have done this with an FT897.    So to summarise:

• IF tap – 40 to 60kHz view around your tuned frequency. Once set to the rig IF, the SDR does not need to be adjusted.
• 2nd Rx – as wide a view as your SDR will allow. SDR must be adjusted each time you change band.

PAT V

This version has no LPF installed, so I’ve called it the Vanilla version! It is therefore ideally suited to 2nd Rx functions on radios which have VHF and UHF bands on them, such as the Yaesu 817/847/857 and 897 series. These radios all use a common 1st IF, which means that picking up the tap point just before the first mixer gives you access to the RF signal on all bands that the radio covers. This is more difficult on those radios that do not use a common 1st IF, such as the Kenwood and Icom all band offerings.

PAT 30M and PAT146M

These two new models allow direct connection of the output of your transverter to your external SDR, so for VHF and above users there is no need to go inside your favourite rig!  Simply connect the PAT 30M or PAT146M in parallel with your IF receiver input, and see what is happening on your SDR.   Kits and built units now available.

DisclaimerTo install this board, you need to open up your radio and make connections to the signal path and power supplies. You also need to either install a connector or route a cable out through the rear panel. This may invalidate any warranty on your radio, and no liability is accepted by hupRF for any damage caused while installing or operating this product in your rig. Installation instructions and notes are provided to the best of my knowledge and in good faith.Similarly, hupRF accepts no responsibility for the methods or workmanship shown in any customer pictures posted to help you.