"PaoloC" wrote in message
...
Sverre Holm wrote:


down to 6 meters for his first whack and had no problems.


If they can be taken down to HF also, it would be very easy to make a CW
tx
for 17 - 10 meters with such DDS-PLL chips. Right now that is not so
interesting, but by the time we approach the next solar peak (2008+?),
there
may be many more such chips available also.

Yep, and in smaller packages too! :-) Those mentioned by xpyttl are in
TSSOP packages if I recall correctly: way too small to hand-solder!

Sometimes I am "frustrated" by the huge amount of useful ICs for HAM
homebrewing shipped in ultra-space-saving packages. :-(

TSSOP is easy to solder using the 'drag soldering' technique. I use a
special Metcal system with a hoof tip, but it can be done with ordinary
soldering equipment. Plenty of liquid flux is the secret to success.

Leon
--
Leon Heller, G1HSM
http://www.geocities.com/leon_heller