{"id":178,"date":"2026-01-29T14:28:26","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T14:28:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/papacharlie-001-site5.jtempurl.com\/?page_id=178"},"modified":"2026-03-22T03:19:56","modified_gmt":"2026-03-22T03:19:56","slug":"home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ve3pcd.com\/","title":{"rendered":"Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-hero alignfull stk-block-hero stk-block stk-75a25ac is-style-default\" data-v=\"2\" data-block-id=\"75a25ac\"><style>.stk-75a25ac-inner-blocks{justify-content:space-between !important;row-gap:var(--stk--preset--spacing--none, 0px) !important;}.stk-75a25ac {margin-bottom:79px !important;}.stk-75a25ac .stk-block-hero__content{min-height:650px !important;align-items:center !important;max-width:1054px !important;min-width:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:auto !important;display:flex !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-block-hero__content stk-content-align stk-75a25ac-column alignfull stk-container stk-75a25ac-container stk-hover-parent stk--has-background-overlay\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk--column-flex stk-75a25ac-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button-group stk-block-button-group stk-block stk-be9dae6\" data-block-id=\"be9dae6\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-button-group\"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><video class=\"stk-video-background\" autoplay muted loop playsinline src=\"https:\/\/ve3pcd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/WdbSiteVid.mp4\" poster=\"\"><\/video><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-feature-grid alignwide stk-block-feature-grid stk-block-columns stk-block stk-306c6f8 is-style-default\" data-block-id=\"306c6f8\"><style>.stk-306c6f8 {margin-bottom:100px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-306c6f8-column alignwide\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-7f2bb24\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"7f2bb24\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-7f2bb24-container stk-hover-parent\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-7f2bb24-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-8156044\" id=\"what-is-coverdrive\" data-block-id=\"8156044\"><style>.stk-8156044 {margin-bottom:50px !important;}<\/style><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">What is coverdrive?<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-c256104\" data-block-id=\"c256104\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-left\">coverdrive is a standalone controller designed to automate and simplify\nthe tuning of magnetic loop antennas for amateur radio operation.\n\nIt integrates directly with the radio, tracks frequency changes in real time,\nand precisely positions a vacuum variable or butterfly capacitor using a stepper motor.\n\nThe system supports fully automatic SWR tracking as the operating frequency changes,\nwhile still giving the operator full manual control.\nWhen SWR calibration is performed, Coverdrive continuously seeks and maintains\nthe lowest achievable SWR.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-feature-grid alignwide stk-block-feature-grid stk-block-columns stk-block stk-c9cc1f0 is-style-default\" data-block-id=\"c9cc1f0\"><style>.stk-c9cc1f0 {margin-bottom:100px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-c9cc1f0-column alignwide\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-11d737c\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"11d737c\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-11d737c-container stk-hover-parent\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-11d737c-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-4702d93\" id=\"overview\" data-block-id=\"4702d93\"><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Overview<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-662fabc\" id=\"overview\" data-block-id=\"662fabc\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-left has-text-align-left-tablet\"><strong>coverdrive<\/strong> is a complete control system for magnetic loop antennas, designed for amateur radio operators who want precise, repeatable tuning with both automatic and manual control.<br>The system combines a dedicated controller, stepper-driven capacitor control, live radio frequency tracking, and SWR feedback to deliver reliable loop tuning across multiple bands.<br>coverdrive is an experimental, builder-focused project developed in the spirit of amateur radio experimentation and learning.<br><strong>What coverdrive Does<\/strong>:<br>coverdrive manages the relationship between your radio, loop antenna, and tuning capacitor by:<br>\u2022\tDriving a stepper motor connected to a vacuum or air variable capacitor<br>\u2022\tTracking the radio\u2019s live operating frequency<br>\u2022\tAutomatically positioning the capacitor for resonance<br>\u2022\tMonitoring SWR using onboard ADC circuitry<br>\u2022\tAllowing manual fine control when desired<br>The system supports both automatic tuning and hands-on adjustment, giving operators full control over how their loop behaves.<br>coverdrive Sidekick connects the controller to your radio using Omni-Rig v1.2, allowing the system to track the radio\u2019s VFO frequency in real time.<br><strong>coverdrive Firmware<\/strong>:<br>The firmware is the core of the system and is responsible for:<br>\u2022\tCapacitor end-stop calibration<br>\u2022\tBand setup and storage<br>\u2022\tStepper motor control<br>\u2022\tEncoder and push-button handling<br>\u2022\tTouch UI interaction<br>\u2022\tSWR monitoring and refinement<br>\u2022\tAlert and status messaging<br><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-feature-grid alignwide stk-block-feature-grid stk-block-columns stk-block stk-bd86940 is-style-default\" data-block-id=\"bd86940\"><style>.stk-bd86940 {margin-bottom:100px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-bd86940-column alignwide\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-aa8c3f0\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"aa8c3f0\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-aa8c3f0-container stk-hover-parent\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-aa8c3f0-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-2177a81\" id=\"system\" data-block-id=\"2177a81\"><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">System<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-fb1ddcb\" id=\"system\" data-block-id=\"fb1ddcb\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-left\">coverdrive is a complete control system that combines dedicated hardware, embedded firmware, and companion software to manage the tuning of a magnetic loop antenna.<br><br>At the hardware level, an ESP32-based controller interfaces with a stepper motor driver, position sensing, and an analog measurement network used to monitor forward and reflected power. This allows the system to accurately position the tuning capacitor while observing antenna behavior in real time.<br>The firmware implements calibrated end stops for both the capacitor and individual bands, ensuring that all movement stays within safe mechanical and electrical limits. Once calibrated, coverdrive maintains a direct relationship between radio frequency and capacitor position, allowing repeatable tuning across bands.<br>During operation, frequency changes from the radio are tracked continuously. As the VFO is adjusted, the controller moves the capacitor to the expected resonance point and, when required, performs a refinement pass to locate the lowest achievable SWR.<br>User interaction is handled through a rotary encoder, push button, and a touch-based TFT display. The interface provides clear visibility of frequency, motor position, tuning direction, band limits, and system status, allowing both automatic and manual control at any time.<br>coverdrive is operated directly through its local interface.<br>To obtain live frequency data from the radio, a USB connection to a PC running the companion software &#8220;coverdrive SideKick&#8221;  is required. The companion software interfaces with the radio using Omni-Rig, and forwards frequency information to coverdrive. Once this link is established, all tuning, calibration, and antenna control functions are performed by coverdrive.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-feature stk-block-feature stk-block stk-311711d is-style-default\" data-v=\"2\" data-block-id=\"311711d\"><style>.stk-311711d {--stk-feature-flex-wrap:nowrap !important;margin-bottom:50px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-content-align stk-311711d-column stk-container stk-311711d-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-row\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-24773b1\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"24773b1\"><style>.stk-24773b1 {align-self:center !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-24773b1-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-24773b1-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-e9a1963\" id=\"new\" data-block-id=\"e9a1963\"><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">New Release<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-b034ce0\" data-block-id=\"b034ce0\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">The new release of coverdrive represents the current and recommended hardware revision of the system.\n\nFrom a hardware perspective, the updated PCB adds native support for a USB connection to the radio interface and onboard audio feedback for system notifications and alerts. These additions simplify integration with modern station setups and improve operator awareness during calibration, tuning, and limit events.\n\nFrom a firmware perspective, the new release incorporates the full set of current features, including enhanced calibration workflows, band and capacitor end stop management, automatic refinement after frequency changes, improved stepper control, and expanded on-screen status reporting.\n\nThe new release is intended for new builds and for operators who want full access to the latest functionality and ongoing firmware development. It is the reference platform for all current documentation and future updates.\n\nThe system is provided as a PCB-only offering, allowing builders to select motors, drivers, and mechanical components that best match their antenna and operating requirements.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-d912586\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"d912586\"><style>.stk-d912586 {align-self:center !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-d912586-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-d912586-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-image stk-block-image stk-block stk-ce5778b\" data-block-id=\"ce5778b\"><figure><span class=\"stk-img-wrapper stk-image--shape-stretch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"stk-img wp-image-228\" src=\"https:\/\/ve3pcd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/cd2_Jan2026.jpg\" width=\"881\" height=\"587\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ve3pcd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/cd2_Jan2026.jpg 881w, https:\/\/ve3pcd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/cd2_Jan2026-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ve3pcd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/cd2_Jan2026-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 881px) 100vw, 881px\" \/><\/span><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-513e027\" data-block-id=\"513e027\"><style>.stk-513e027 {margin-bottom:100px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-513e027-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-d5f8bd6\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"d5f8bd6\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-d5f8bd6-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-d5f8bd6-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-fabc2d1\" data-block-id=\"fabc2d1\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-fabc2d1-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-a6b4072\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"a6b4072\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-a6b4072-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-a6b4072-inner-blocks\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-feature stk-block-feature stk-block stk-22d48ca is-style-default\" data-v=\"2\" data-block-id=\"22d48ca\"><style>.stk-22d48ca {--stk-feature-flex-wrap:nowrap !important;margin-bottom:100px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-content-align stk-22d48ca-column stk-container stk-22d48ca-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-row\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-7b9ebf1\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"7b9ebf1\"><style>.stk-7b9ebf1 {align-self:center !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-7b9ebf1-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-7b9ebf1-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-ec8c893\" id=\"lagacy\" data-block-id=\"ec8c893\"><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Lagacy<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-b5ea7cc\" id=\"legacy\" data-block-id=\"b5ea7cc\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">The legacy version of coverdrive refers to the earlier PCB revision that predates the current hardware release.<br><br>From a hardware standpoint, the legacy PCB does not include onboard support for the USB radio interface or the audio notification circuit. Builders who wish to use the current firmware features must manually add these functions by making a small number of direct connections to the ESP32. This includes wiring for the USB interface used to obtain radio frequency data and connections for the audio buzzer used for system alerts.<br><br>From a firmware perspective, the legacy hardware is compatible with the current coverdrive firmware once these connections are made. All operational features, including calibration, band management, tuning, and refinement, are supported when properly configured.<br><br><strong>Legacy PCBs<\/strong> are offered in limited quantity and are intended for experienced builders who are comfortable with hardware modification, wiring, and troubleshooting. These boards are provided as-is and are not recommended for new builders.<br><br>This option exists to allow continued use of earlier hardware while transitioning toward the current coverdrive platform.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-c200887\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"c200887\"><style>.stk-c200887 {align-self:center !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-c200887-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-c200887-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-image stk-block-image stk-block stk-1275f2a\" data-block-id=\"1275f2a\"><figure><span class=\"stk-img-wrapper stk-image--shape-stretch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"stk-img wp-image-232\" src=\"https:\/\/ve3pcd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/coverdrivePCB.jpg\" width=\"1121\" height=\"739\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ve3pcd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/coverdrivePCB.jpg 1121w, https:\/\/ve3pcd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/coverdrivePCB-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ve3pcd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/coverdrivePCB-1024x675.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ve3pcd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/coverdrivePCB-768x506.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1121px) 100vw, 1121px\" \/><\/span><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-feature stk-block-feature stk-block stk-09e9994 is-style-default\" data-v=\"2\" data-block-id=\"09e9994\"><style>.stk-09e9994 {--stk-feature-flex-wrap:nowrap !important;margin-bottom:100px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-content-align stk-09e9994-column stk-container stk-09e9994-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-row\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-68dfeed\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"68dfeed\"><style>.stk-68dfeed {align-self:center !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-68dfeed-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-68dfeed-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-013c075\" id=\"3-d-enclosure\" data-block-id=\"013c075\"><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">3D Enclosure<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-90eed1c\" id=\"enclosure\" data-block-id=\"90eed1c\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><strong>Enclosure Options<\/strong><br><br>A purpose-designed enclosure is available for coverdrive, created specifically to support the controller hardware, display, encoder, and connectors in a compact and practical form factor.<br><br>The enclosure design consists of multiple interlocking 3D-printed components that provide proper alignment, ventilation, and access to all external connections. The layout is intended to support both bench use and permanent station installation.<br><br>Builders have two enclosure options:<br><br><strong>STL Files<\/strong>:<br>The complete set of enclosure STL files is available for users who prefer to print and assemble the enclosure themselves. This option allows for customization of materials, colors, and printing parameters to suit individual preferences.<br><br><strong>Assembled Enclosure Kit<\/strong>:<br>A complete enclosure kit is available for a small fee of $45.00 USD. The kit includes all required 3D-printed parts, ready for assembly, and is intended for builders who prefer a turnkey mechanical solution.<br><br>The enclosure option is independent of the controller PCB and allows builders to choose the approach that best fits their tools, experience, and build style.<br><br><strong>Note: Enclosures are produced to order, with an estimated manufacturing time of up to 2 business days following receipt of payment, not including shipping.<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-4a8c8e5\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"4a8c8e5\"><style>.stk-4a8c8e5 {align-self:center !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-4a8c8e5-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-4a8c8e5-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-image stk-block-image stk-block stk-eb29197\" data-block-id=\"eb29197\"><figure><span class=\"stk-img-wrapper stk-image--shape-stretch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"stk-img wp-image-296\" src=\"https:\/\/ve3pcd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Encosure.jpg\" width=\"624\" height=\"635\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ve3pcd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Encosure.jpg 624w, https:\/\/ve3pcd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Encosure-295x300.jpg 295w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 624px) 100vw, 624px\" \/><\/span><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-d7d622f\" id=\"documentation\" data-block-id=\"d7d622f\"><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Documentation<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-f25480c\" data-block-id=\"f25480c\"><style>.stk-f25480c {margin-bottom:100px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">Documentation for coverdrive is organized by build and operating stages to make it easier to access the information you need at the right time.\n\nDocumentation includes written manuals and short tutorial videos covering setup, calibration, and operation.\n\nDocumentation Areas\n\nGetting Started\nSystem overview, operating concepts, and build planning.\n\nHardware Setup &amp; Calibration\nCapacitor setup, end stops, enclosure assembly, and initial calibration procedures.\n\nBand Setup &amp; Operation\nBand configuration, tuning behavior, SWR tracking, and refinement operation.\n\nLegacy &amp; Advanced Topics\nLegacy hardware notes, wiring modifications, and advanced configuration details.\n\nDocumentation is provided on request to ensure compatibility with your specific hardware revision.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Product Availability &amp; Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-fa44d71\" id=\"product\" data-block-id=\"fa44d71\"><style>.stk-fa44d71 {margin-bottom:50px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">coverdrive is offered in several formats to support different build styles, from experienced<br>builders to those looking for a quicker path to operation. All firmware, software, and documentation are provided free of charge.<br><br><strong>New Release \u2014 Option 1<\/strong><br>Bare PCB<br>\u2022\tPCB \u2013 $25.00 USD<br>\u2022\tcoverdrive Firmware \u2013 Free<br>\u2022\tcoverdrive Sidekick Helper App \u2013 Free<br>\u2022\tRelated Documentation \u2013 Free<br>\u2022\tBill of Materials (BOM) \u2013 Free<br>\u2022\tSchematic Diagram \u2013 Free<br>Best suited for builders who prefer to source and assemble all components independently.<br><strong>New Release \u2014 Option 2<\/strong><br>PCB + Pre-Flashed ESP32<br>\u2022\tPCB \u2013 $25.00 USD<br>\u2022\tESP32 (firmware installed) \u2013 $30.00 USD<br>\u2022\tcoverdrive Sidekick Helper App \u2013 Free<br>\u2022\tRelated Documentation \u2013 Free<br>\u2022\tBill of Materials (BOM) \u2013 Free<br>\u2022\tSchematic Diagram \u2013 Free<br>Ideal for builders who want to skip the firmware flashing step and get started faster.<br><br><strong>Legacy Hardware (Limited Availability)<\/strong><br>\u2022\tPCB \u2013 $25.00 USD<br>\u2022\tcoverdrive Firmware \u2013 Free<br>\u2022\tcoverdrive Sidekick Helper App \u2013 Free<br>\u2022\tRelated Documentation \u2013 Free<br>\u2022\tBill of Materials (BOM) \u2013 Free<br>\u2022\tSchematic Diagram \u2013 Free<br>Note: Legacy PCBs require minor hardware modifications to support the current firmware features.<br><strong>Legacy Partial Kit (Limited Availability)<\/strong><br>\u2022\tPartial Kit \u2013 $150.00 USD<br><strong>Includes<\/strong>:<br>\u2022\tAll components required to populate the legacy PCB<br>\u2022\tESP32<br>\u2022\tTFT Touch Display<br>\u2022\tAudio buzzer<br>\u2022\tPush button<br><strong>Not included:<\/strong><br>\u2022\tWiring and cabling<br>\u2022\tSWR bridge<br>\u2022\tExternal connectors (stepper, DC power, USB)<br>\u2022\tRotary encoder<br><strong>Also includes<\/strong>:<br>\u2022\tcoverdrive Firmware \u2013 Free<br>\u2022\tcoverdrive Sidekick Helper App \u2013 Free<br>\u2022\tRelated Documentation \u2013 Free<br>This option is intended for experienced builders familiar with system integration and wiring.<br><br><strong>Enclosure Options<\/strong><br>\u2022\t3D Printed Enclosure \u2013 $49.95.00 USD<br>\u2022\t3D STL Files \u2013 Free<br>STL files are provided for users who prefer to print their own enclosure or customize the design.<br><br><strong>coverdrive is offered with the goal of making advanced magnetic loop control accessible to the amateur radio community. Pricing reflects hardware costs only; all software and documentation remain freely available.<\/strong><br><br><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-4ef917c\" id=\"recommended-amp-tested-hardware\" data-block-id=\"4ef917c\"><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Recommended &amp; Tested Hardware<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-019db23\" id=\"hardware\" data-block-id=\"019db23\"><style>.stk-019db23 {margin-bottom:100px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">The following components were used during development and are known to work reliably. Equivalent parts may be substituted<br><br>Tested Hardware (Known-Good)<br><br><strong>Stepper Motor<\/strong><br>NEMA 17 stepper motor, 45 N\u00b7cm (63.74 oz-in), 1.5 A, 12 V, 42 \u00d7 39 mm, 4-wire, supplied with 1 m connector lead<br>(Common CNC \/ 3D printer class motor)<br><br><strong>Closed-Loop Stepper Driver (Option 1)<\/strong><br>42C PCBA closed-loop stepper motor driver kit for NEMA17 motors<br>(Used successfully for accurate capacitor positioning)<br><br><strong>Closed-Loop Stepper Driver (Option 2)<\/strong><br>SERVO42C NEMA17 closed-loop stepper driver, TMC2209-based, ultra-quiet operation, onboard OLED<br>(Preferred for smooth, low-noise operation)<br><br><strong>USB-to-TTL Interface<\/strong><br>DTECH 3 ft 3.3 V FTDI USB-to-TTL serial adapter, FT232RL chipset<br>(Tested on Windows, Linux, and macOS)<br><br><strong>Display Module<\/strong><br>2.8\u2033 SPI TFT LCD, ILI9341 controller, 320 \u00d7 240 resolution, resistive touch, 5 V \/ 3.3 V compatible<br>(Used with ESP32)<br><br><strong>SWR Bridge<\/strong><br>Rakstore 3.5\u201330 MHz SWR bridge module (v1.4)<br>(Provides forward and reflected power sampling for SWR measurement)<br><br><strong>Rotary Encode<\/strong>r<br>Oak Grigsby rotary encoder, 128 pulses per revolution, model 91Q128, dual-channel full quadrature<br>(Used for precise manual tuning and control input)<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-2c93132\" id=\"contact-me\" data-block-id=\"2c93132\"><style>.stk-2c93132 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Contact Me<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n<style id=\"wpforms-css-vars-416\">\n\t\t\t\t#wpforms-416 {\n\t\t\t\t--wpforms-container-padding: 0px;\n--wpforms-container-border-width: 1px;\n--wpforms-container-border-radius: 3px;\n--wpforms-background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);\n--wpforms-field-size-input-height: 43px;\n--wpforms-field-size-input-spacing: 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It integrates directly with the radio, tracks frequency changes in real time, and precisely positions a vacuum variable or butterfly capacitor using a stepper motor. The system supports fully automatic SWR tracking [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-178","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"blocksy_meta":{"background":{"background_type":"color","background_pattern":"type-1","background_image":{"attachment_id":null,"x":0,"y":0},"gradient":"linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(6,147,227,1) 0%,rgb(155,81,224) 100%)","background_repeat":"repeat","background_size":"auto","background_attachment":"scroll","patternColor":{"default":{"color":"#e5e7ea"}},"overlayColor":{"default":{"color":"CT_CSS_SKIP_RULE"}},"backgroundColor":{"default":{"color":"#ffffff"}}},"has_hero_section":"disabled","styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"[data-prefix=\"single_page\"] {background-color:#ffffff;background-image:none;} [data-prefix=\"single_page\"] [class*=\"ct-container\"] > article[class*=\"post\"] {--has-boxed:var(--false);--has-wide:var(--true);}","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":6},"content_style_source":"custom","page_structure_type":"default","vertical_spacing_source":"custom"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ve3pcd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/178","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ve3pcd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ve3pcd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ve3pcd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ve3pcd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=178"}],"version-history":[{"count":157,"href":"https:\/\/ve3pcd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/178\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":444,"href":"https:\/\/ve3pcd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/178\/revisions\/444"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ve3pcd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=178"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}