Overview
SHARI (SA818 Ham Allstar Radio Interface) PiHat Allstar Node (52PI/Pi5 Case) is a kit construction project that implements a Pi5 hosted Allstar node using a NiceRF SA818 embedded UHF (420 – 450 MHz) or a VHF (144-148 MHz) radio module. The radio module and interface circuits are located on a custom Raspberry Pi Hat board. This Pi Hat board plugs into the Pi5 using the 40 pin GPIO connector. A JST 2 conducter cable is used to complete a USB connection to the PI5. A complete Allstar node can be created with a SHARI PiHat 52Pi/Pi5 Case kit, a Raspberry Pi5 (with power supply and microSD card) and an Allstar image.
This kit uses the 52Pi/Pi5 tall case which allows a fan to be installed inside the unit. The top cover of the case is made from Lexan with a slight “smoked” tint which permits the COMM (blinking green), COS (yellow) and PTT (red) LEDs to be viewed through the cover.
The SHARI PiHat Mod2 PC board used in this kit is implemented with surface mount parts, a NiceRF radio module with castellated holes for mounting to the PC board and 3 through-hole connectors. The board is supplied with all the small surface mount parts installed.
Features
- 52Pi/P5 tall case (3.34″L x 2.48″ W x 1.77″H) with internal fan and Pi5 copper heatsinks
- Uses CMedia CM108B USB Audio IC.
- Uses a NiceRF SA818 UHF (420-450 MHZ) or VHF (144-148MHz) embedded radio module (www.nicerf.com) with a lowpass output filter to meet FCC Part 97 harmonic level requirements
- 300 to 600 milliwatts RF output power
- RX/TX serial connection from the Pi4 GPIO to the SA-818 radio module to change RF module parameters including RF and CTCSS/CDCSS frequencies.
- Clamp-on ferrite provided to mitigate buzz interference from high RF fields near the Pi power supply.
- Numerous EMI control techniques including ferrites, bypass capacitors and a multilayer PC board
- Internal coax cable routes RF from U.FL (IPEX) connector to SMA antenna connector
- Raspberry Pi5, power supply and microSD card provided by kit builder.
Construction
SHASI PiHat (52Pi/Pi5 case) is a kit construction project. The kit consists of the following items:
- 52Pi/Pi5 tall case with fan and heatsinks
- SHARI PiHat Mod2 (U or V) label
- SHARI PiHat UV Mod 2 PCB with installed SMD components
- SA818S (U or V) radio module
- USB jack plug (prevents plugging a connector into the USB port used by SHARI)
- UHF (or VHF) right angle antenna
- U.FL to SMA connector cable with washer and nut
- Two 11 mm brass spacers
- 2 row, 40 pin female GPIO connector
- 2 position JST right angle female jack
- 2 conductor cable with JST male plug
- Two ferrite cores (clamp-on and dual hole for common mode)
The kit builder supplies the Raspberry Pi4B, the Pi5 power supply and a microSD card to complete the self-contained Allstar node.
Construction and Setup Manual
A comprehensive step-by-step construction/assembly/setup manual to construct an Allstar node using the SHARI PiHat Mod2 board with a Pi5 is available.
Ordering Information
SHARI PiHat (52Pi case/Pi5) is designed as a kit for construction and use in the amateur radio service by licensed amateur radio operators who can assure that the unit they construct meets 47 CFR Part 97 – Amateur Radio Service required operating requirements including frequency, bandwidth and required power levels at the fundamental and harmonic frequencies.
SHARI PiHat (52Pi case using Pi5) Ordering Options
- Kit – Available as a parts kit for $95 (UHF or VHF). You supply the Raspberry Pi5, Pi5 power supply and microSD card to complete your Allstar node . Please be sure to download and study the SHARI PiHat (52Pi/Pi5 case) Construction Manual to be sure you own the required tools and possess the required mechanical and soldering skills to build the kit.
Additional Kit Options:
– We will solder the SA818S radio module onto the PC Board for an additional $5. - Built – We supply all the parts including the Pi5-2GB and Pi5 power supply. You supply the microSD card and perform the setup of Allstar – A complete assembled and tested unit is $235.
Please send an email with your name and callsign to kits4hams@gmail.com for ordering and delivery information. We will send you an order form for you to complete and return to us. This will result in you joining our wait list. When your order on our wait list is ready for processing, we will send you a customized Paypal invoice to pay.