VE3ELQ wrote:
Just acquired a Small Wonder Labs "White Mountain 75" QRP SSB
tranceiver. It works quite well as designed but would like to add a
DDS VFO with LCD frequency readout and re-package it all mainly for
PSK use. Looking for plans with PCB patterns and any hex code for a
suitable DDS VFO, or alternatively a VCO stabilizer with freq readout.
Googling turned up a few articles but not a package that I can build
myself from scratch not a kit job. Any pointers greatly appreciated.

VE3ELQ Nigel In Embrun Ontario
Most of the designs out there use PIC micro's. Nothing wrong with that,
the pics are very good micros. HOWEVER, I think you guys should
consider the AVR MEGA chips. A real jtag ice is available for $300 from
Atmel, or you can build your own jtag interface or buy a clone for under
$50. (Google for 'bootice'. Uses only two IC's some connectors,
some connectors, a few resistors and a Led or two.)
A "C" compilier, assembler, and debugger is available for a free
download, and all the tools will work under Windows or Linux! The
Avr Mega series are available in 40 pin dip or 44 pin surface mount
packages with 16k or 32k of flash program memory (10k to 100k program
cycles), 1-2k of static ram, and 512-1024k eeprom (100k to 1000k program
cycles). They make denser versions in 64pin surface mount packages that
have more io pins, and external memory bus (sram only) as well as 'tiny'
chips in 28 pin skinny dip (no jtag interface on these though).

The rich development tools (easier than a software simulator and C
programming instead of assembler) make the AVR worth considering.
I don't work for Atmel, but I am using the Avr Mega chips at work,
and they ARE easy to use. The cost may be a little higher than
the pics, but only slightly so. Check out www.avrfreaks.org

My 50 cents worth.