Announced over a year ago, the first kits seem to be finding their way to builders now, and reports are starting to appear on the web in builders' blogs. Here you can see some pictures of a Sienna in various stages of construction.
The Sienna appears more complicated to build than an Elecraft K3, but involves some real construction. Some boards use SMT parts, but they are preloaded. The Sienna is modular, and can be built as a receiver, QRP transceiver or with 100W PA. It is available with or without a front panel (for computer control) and may even be built with an internal PC running HRD.
Unlike the Elecraft K3 the Sienna is not a software defined radio. The circuit design appears to be an entirely analogue, triple conversion design with a 20KHz roofing filter at the first IF. I can't imagine that the performance comes anywhere near that of the K3, but I wouldn't be surprised if it sounds better.
DZKit doesn't have a forum where one can see what builders and users are saying about the radio but you can download construction manuals to get an idea of what is involved. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't tempted to order one, but I'd have to sell the K3 to afford it and the K3 is working really well now.
Very nice, if I had the money, very tempting! I like the option of an internal PeeCee.
ReplyDeleteI just finished building my DZKIT Sienna and it is quite a radio. For now it is just a receiver with the front panel, I am waiting for my transmitter kit I just ordered. With just the standard filters, it is a very good sounding radio, one of the best I have ever heard. Customer service is great too. 73 from California, Darrell, WB6VHK
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