# uConsole HAM HAT – Open Hardware Add-on for Amateur Radio **URL:** \ **Category:** uConsole\ **Tags:** tinkering, hardware, software, extension\ **Created:** [March 5, 2026, 7:38pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/uconsole-ham-hat-open-hardware-add-on-for-amateur-radio/21747 "2026-03-05T19:38:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![yaghini](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/yaghini/32/14346_2.png) [@yaghini](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/yaghini)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2026, 7:38pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/uconsole-ham-hat-open-hardware-add-on-for-amateur-radio/21747/1 "2026-03-05T19:38:59Z")
Hi everyone, I’ve been working on a **ham radio expansion board for the uConsole** and wanted to share the project with the community. The **uConsole HAM HAT** is an open hardware add-on designed to turn the uConsole into a flexible platform for **amateur radio experimentation, packet radio, and digital communications**. Project repository: [https://github.com/ayaghini/uConsole\_HAM\_HAT](https://github.com/ayaghini/uConsole_HAM_HAT) ### Key design goals The board is designed to be flexible and compatible with existing uConsole hardware. • Compatible with **both versions of the AIO HATs** (uses the exposed internal USB port) • Can also be used **independently via its own dedicated USB port** • Mounts **on top of the uConsole** • The enclosure is designed to **accommodate additional antennas required by the AIO HAT** ### Planned functionality The board integrates several capabilities useful for radio experimentation: • **100 Mbps Ethernet port** • **SA818 VHF/UHF transceiver** with a dedicated modem • **Digital modem fully compatible with DigiRig pinout and cables** It will also come with **dedicated Windows and Raspberry Pi software** , available here: [https://github.com/ayaghini/Ham-Radio-Hat-Software](https://github.com/ayaghini/Ham-Radio-Hat-Software) The goal is to support things like **APRS, packet radio, digital messaging, and other radio experiments** while using the uConsole as a portable computing platform. ### Current status I have **not yet received my uConsole**. I’ve been in contact with Alex regarding obtaining a developer unit, but I’m currently **disappointed with how the developer unit situation has been handled**. Because of this, I’m not yet certain whether I will continue this project. However, if there is enough interest from the community, I may still move forward. If you would be interested in purchasing a unit, please send me a note at: **va7ayg+uConsolehamhat [at] gmail [dot] com** Depending on the number of orders, the estimated price would likely be **around $100–$150 USD per unit**. Feedback and interest from the community would be greatly appreciated. — Ali ---
**Author:** ![\_N2](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/_n2/32/16544_2.png) [@\_N2](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/_N2)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2026, 7:46am UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/uconsole-ham-hat-open-hardware-add-on-for-amateur-radio/21747/2 "2026-03-06T07:46:12Z")
Have a look at the Si4010-C2 transmitter chip, it claims to cover 27MHz to 960MHz and can improve the frequency stability with an external reference. ---
**Author:** ![Chris\_McIntosh](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/chris_mcintosh/32/15755_2.png) [@Chris\_McIntosh](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/Chris_McIntosh)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2026, 2:59pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/uconsole-ham-hat-open-hardware-add-on-for-amateur-radio/21747/3 "2026-03-06T14:59:47Z")
I might be interested. I’m working on my technician right now. ---
**Author:** ![yaghini](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/yaghini/32/14346_2.png) [@yaghini](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/yaghini)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2026, 5:15pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/uconsole-ham-hat-open-hardware-add-on-for-amateur-radio/21747/4 "2026-03-06T17:15:38Z")
Thanks for the recom, its a nice chip, I’d need to invest in the rest of circuit, and designing RF circuits are not easy to justify unless there is a huge demand. SA818 is a ready to use 1 or 2w module that makes implementation easy. ---
**Author:** ![yaghini](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/yaghini/32/14346_2.png) [@yaghini](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/yaghini)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2026, 5:16pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/uconsole-ham-hat-open-hardware-add-on-for-amateur-radio/21747/5 "2026-03-06T17:16:11Z")
good luck with the test! 73 VA7AYG ---
**Author:** ![trinity](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/trinity/32/16167_2.png) [@trinity](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/trinity)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2026, 3:28am UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/uconsole-ham-hat-open-hardware-add-on-for-amateur-radio/21747/6 "2026-03-07T03:28:16Z")
This is very interesting and a great contribution to the ecosystem. I won’t be getting one as it doesn’t suit my own use case: I throw my console in my purse/bag a lot and it sees occasional rough usage that means an external module would have to be very sturdy to survive; I am not a particularly skilled radio operator nor, do I have time to entertain the hobby; and for the previous reasons it is out of reach of my budget. I wish you luck though, and I think you might have hit on a fertile niche of the community in appealing to those who have already bought one piece of radio kit and can get a second great gadget without having to replace their other one. It must be very hard to compete directly with the AIO extension board… ---
**Author:** ![interlock](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/interlock/32/15763_2.png) [@interlock](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/interlock)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2026, 5:10am UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/uconsole-ham-hat-open-hardware-add-on-for-amateur-radio/21747/7 "2026-03-07T05:10:04Z")
I would be interested in something like this as well. Hopefully you get a unit soon. ---
**Author:** ![yaghini](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/yaghini/32/14346_2.png) [@yaghini](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/yaghini)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2026, 9:09pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/uconsole-ham-hat-open-hardware-add-on-for-amateur-radio/21747/8 "2026-03-07T21:09:40Z")
Thanks for your kind words, it is something I am personally interested in, having a full kit that you can throw in you bag and you could do anything, from APRS to email to even HF using the modem. I had tried to make the design as sturdy as possible, even the SMA is designed to be protected but still i need to get my uConsole and test everything. I am not trying to compete with AIO, I even reached out to him and offer him collaboration as my HAT is absolutely complementary to his. But understandably he is focused on the AIO. ![Screenshot 2026-03-07 130542](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/clockworkpi/original/3X/f/8/f814610404fe41f4511cd3fc39915c3a2a4024f3.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![arkekklesia](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/arkekklesia/32/12204_2.png) [@arkekklesia](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/arkekklesia)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2026, 1:24am UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/uconsole-ham-hat-open-hardware-add-on-for-amateur-radio/21747/9 "2026-03-08T01:24:05Z")
I’m certainly interested that it would compliment the AIOv2 board. but I do wonder since it mounts at the top, how will it manage the SD card slot, the power button and in some cases, the Antenna mounting kit from Hacker Gadgets? ---
**Author:** ![yaghini](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/yaghini/32/14346_2.png) [@yaghini](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/yaghini)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2026, 1:37am UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/uconsole-ham-hat-open-hardware-add-on-for-amateur-radio/21747/10 "2026-03-08T01:37:24Z")
The power button is moved to the side of the HAT. SD card access is only once you unscrew the HAT. My idea is to move away from AIO PCB-based antenna kit and move antennas to screw-on SMA antenna mount on top of the HAT (those three holes on top of the enclosure). Except GPS that I am thinking of using those Ceramic active antennas and perhaps move it to the face of enclosure. Still need to get my unit so I can finalize it. ---
**Author:** ![Chris\_McIntosh](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/chris_mcintosh/32/15755_2.png) [@Chris\_McIntosh](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/Chris_McIntosh)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2026, 2:48pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/uconsole-ham-hat-open-hardware-add-on-for-amateur-radio/21747/11 "2026-03-08T14:48:18Z")
Are you envisioning this working with an aio board plugged in? That would make it more interesting, mostly because I already have an aio plugged in. ---
**Author:** ![yaghini](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/yaghini/32/14346_2.png) [@yaghini](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/yaghini)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2026, 6:22pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/uconsole-ham-hat-open-hardware-add-on-for-amateur-radio/21747/12 "2026-03-08T18:22:53Z")
Yes, it’s using AIO exposed USB pins, and working with AIO. if you dont have AIO you can use a usb cable and connect it to your uConsole ---
**Author:** ![yaghini](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/yaghini/32/14346_2.png) [@yaghini](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/yaghini)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2026, 4:03pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/uconsole-ham-hat-open-hardware-add-on-for-amateur-radio/21747/13 "2026-04-23T16:03:49Z")
Few quick updates, I finally got my uconsole and started testing both the hardware and software. My biggest finding is that I forgot I am dealing with a high EMI environment, especially when you are dealing with transmitters, and didn’t use a shielded cable for connecting the HAT to the AIO internal USB pads. This causes everything to go crazy as soon as you start to transmit. Solution was to wrap a wire (poor man shield) around USB lines and that proved to be working. Note that all tests passes when I connect the HAT with USB cabels to any device. Now I am searching for a short shielded USB cable that preferably comes with a plug attached. Any advice is appreciated. Note that we are looking at a very small space so even fitting JST plugs are not easy. For reference this is my current plug: [https://www.digikey.ca/en/products/detail/molex/2263921043/23571260](https://www.digikey.ca/en/products/detail/molex/2263921043/23571260) Once I finalize this, I will order one final developer batch for testing and also invite people who has showed interest (here or via mail) to get their board for testing. 73 VA7AYG ![IMG_9346.HEIC](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/clockworkpi/original/3X/4/e/4e525b5f37d427b392865d24799b52b2c188efa6.jpeg) ![IMG_9347.HEIC](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/clockworkpi/original/3X/b/6/b66f7202f8c4beced895f82d7828d41c0bc3c225.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Arkaium](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/57b2e6/32.png) [@Arkaium](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/Arkaium)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2026, 6:58am UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/uconsole-ham-hat-open-hardware-add-on-for-amateur-radio/21747/14 "2026-04-24T06:58:49Z")
Have you considered something that replaces the kickstand and sits against the back of the unit? I’m not thrilled with the idea of making the unit taller and I don’t want to mess with my AIO mount but I could see a scenario where your expansion box secures itself onto the poles on the sides (removing the kickstand). ---
**Author:** ![hdknstn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/8dc957/32.png) [@hdknstn](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/hdknstn)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2026, 3:43pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/uconsole-ham-hat-open-hardware-add-on-for-amateur-radio/21747/15 "2026-04-24T15:43:59Z")
Great concept! How can I support it? I’m ready to testing and pre-order. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/clockworkpi/original/3X/8/2/82ec7337935394c33a92e828d9ca60fa40a69b85.png) ---
**Author:** ![yaghini](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/yaghini/32/14346_2.png) [@yaghini](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/yaghini)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2026, 4:16pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/uconsole-ham-hat-open-hardware-add-on-for-amateur-radio/21747/16 "2026-04-24T16:16:39Z")
that’s absolutely an option and I understand it is not the best option for many to replace their AIO antenna mount. I will try to design something for that. Also, as soon as PCB designs are finalized I will release them as well as CAD files and hopefully someone can design a 3D printed model for it. I found community way more creative… ---
**Author:** ![yaghini](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/yaghini/32/14346_2.png) [@yaghini](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/yaghini)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2026, 4:17pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/uconsole-ham-hat-open-hardware-add-on-for-amateur-radio/21747/17 "2026-04-24T16:17:31Z")
haha, thanks, your words are biggest support. I will finalize the design soon and keep you posted. ---
**Author:** ![munsterrr](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/munsterrr/32/14045_2.png) [@munsterrr](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/munsterrr)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2026, 4:42pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/uconsole-ham-hat-open-hardware-add-on-for-amateur-radio/21747/18 "2026-04-24T16:42:57Z")
YESSSSSSS!!! i am absolutely on board(ha!) with this! ---
**Author:** ![this](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/this/32/13176_2.png) [@this](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/this)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2026, 2:20pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/uconsole-ham-hat-open-hardware-add-on-for-amateur-radio/21747/19 "2026-05-01T14:20:39Z")
Very interesting, CAD software at the ready! 73 G7UFO. ---
**Author:** ![mabrown](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/mabrown/32/15744_2.png) [@mabrown](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/mabrown)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2026, 6:57pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/uconsole-ham-hat-open-hardware-add-on-for-amateur-radio/21747/20 "2026-05-02T18:57:23Z")
What a cool idea! I’ll definitely be watching this thread for more info. [Next page](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/uconsole-ham-hat-open-hardware-add-on-for-amateur-radio/21747.md?page=2)