Variable Audio Filter Module
NEW Dennis KG4RUL has developed an Arduino sketch for our Vari-filter; this includes a nice display. Download the sketch here and a PDF circuit diagram here. It utilizes a SODIAL USB Nano V3.0 ATmega328 16M 5V Micro-controller CH340G board, or similar, available from Amazon and other sources and an OLED display module such as the HiLetgo 1.3" IIC I2C Serial 128x64 SSH1106 OLED LCD Display LCD Module for Arduino AVR PIC, or similar. Dennis is happy to share this but cannot offer any support - so please do not contact him.
NEW Magazine review - Practical Wireless, used with permission.
Our LASERBEAM-VARI digital variable audio filter module is the perfect addition to your project or even to your existing radio. Unlike analogue filters, digital filters provide near-perfect characteristics. Because of the way that they are implemented, they are better than analogue filters in almost every way!
W2AEW reviews the LASERBEAM-VARI
LASERBEAM-VARI Modules been designed for ease of use. One simple control allows you to continuously vary the bandwidth or the centre frequency of the filter. All settings produce the same great filters with flat passbands and steep skirts. Whether you need passband tuning, filters for digital modes and APRS, low pass filters or CW filters, the LASERBEAM-VARI does it all in one compact module. Dial up EXACTLY the filter you need.
- Bandwidth 200Hz - 3500Hz
- Max Passband 200Hz - 3500Hz
- Indicator outputs for tuning mode (bandwidth or centre-frequency)
- On board overload indicator
- User-defined power-up filter settings
- Two gain settings
Great for all modes: SSB-CW-Digi-AM-NBFM.
Note that this is a bandpass filter only, so it should be very effective at eliminating noise and signals outside the passband, but will not do anything about noise inside the passband. It will make the biggest difference to older or simpler radios that do not already have advanced DSP filtering on the audio output.
A single clickable rotary encoder provides the main functionality. Click to switch between variable bandwidth or centre frequency. Store your favourite setting as a power-up default. Simple but very effective. The filters are continuously variable and always have near perfect characteristics unattainable with conventional analogue techniques.
Kit includes:
- filter module PCB (ready-built),
- Bourns rotary encoder (6mm diameter shaft) ,
- 3 x LEDs,
- 2 x 10 way headers,
- 7 resistors, 2 capacitors.
Simple to use: the instructions are downloadable here. The instructions contain information to allow users to control the filter using a microcontroller.
Example filters
These plots have been made by testing a LASERBEAM-VARI using a professional audio spectrum analyser (QuantAsylum QA400). Remember that the LASERBEAM-VARI can synthesise any bandpass filter that you want (200-3500Hz). Click on the links below to see the filters.
- Typical SSB filter
- Typical 200Hz CW Filter
- Typical 200Hz CW filter but at 3kHz
- Wide filter
- LASERBEAM-VARI (yellow) vs popular op-amp filter kit (green)
- LASERBEAM-VARI (yellow) vs standard ceramic SSB filter - FT-897 (green)
- LASERBEAM-VARI (yellow) vs Collins 500Hz CW - FT-897 (green)
Video: LASERBEAM-VARI compared to Op amp filter
Using your LASERBEAM-VARI module
The most common question I get is "can I fit your filters inside xxx type of radio?". The answer is generally yes.
LASERBEAM-VARI modules are ready-built and easy-to-use. Make a few connections and you will soon be good to go.
In most radios they can be fitted before the volume control. You may need to adjust levels. The only control you need to bring to the front panel is the rotary encoder although the mode LEDs are very useful. In essence, some ingenuity is needed to retro-fit VARI-BEAM filters. The effort is worth it though, as it really can make old receivers sound quite spectacular.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The LASERBEAM-VARI module is not suitable for use with our "Ampifier and Enclosure kit for LASERBEAM-DUAL Filters" (sku BOXA-100)
Also available from our international agent(s):
LASERBEAM-VARI modules have been designed to be easy to use. Connections are kept to the minimum:
- DC power
- Rotary encoder
- Audio in (single ended)
- Audio out (singled ended or differential)
- Optional Mode LEDs (2)
- Optional Off-board Overload LED
- Optional Gain switch (Voltage gain 1 or 4)
An LED on the module lights if the input level is too high making it easy to set up your filter. The audio input is protected on the PCB so you can't easily damage it!
The filter module will drive high-sensitivity (e.g. > 110 dB SPL/mW) earbuds directly. For higher outputs a simple audio amplifier such as an LM380N could be added. LASERBEAM-VARI modules are Altoids-friendly!
The modules are perfect for use in existing radios or an an outboard filter. We used one with a Rockmite and the difference was simply amazing! These filters are also great with the popular PIXIE transceiver.
LASERBEAM-VARI Module Specification
Supply voltage: 5 - 15 Volts (reverse polarity protected)
Typical supply current: 50 mA @ 12 Volts
Filter type: multi-tap FIR (KBD Window)
Phase response: linear
Module size: 36 x 36 mm (approx 1.4 x 1.4 inches)
Weight: 5.5 grams
Voltage gain: 1 or 4 (selectable)
Ultimate rejection: better than 60 dB
Passband ripple: <0.15 dB
Input impedance: 8000 Ohms
Output impedance: 750 Ohms
Output type: differential (can be used single-ended)
Maximum AF input Voltage: 2.4 V pk-pk (input protected)
Minimum AF input Voltage: 300 mV pk-pk (recommended)
Maximum AF output Voltage: 2.4 V pk-pk
Processing delay: 22 mS
What is the difference between a LASERBEAM-VARI filter and a standard IF crystal/mechanical filter?
Characteristic | VARI-BEAM FILTER | IF Crystal/mechanical filter |
Cost | Low | High |
Bandwidth options | Fully variable | 1 per filter |
Within AGC loop? | No | Yes |
Shape factor | Excellent | Average |
Ultimate rejection | >60dB | > 50dB (but usually well away from filter bandwidth) |
Filter gain | Yes - if required | Typically 6dB loss |
Residual noise | Yes - low level | No |
Requires power | Yes | No |