Kit Status: currently awaiting stock, resuming shipping mid-Jan 2026 !

Looking for a new challenge ? Why not get active on the 23cm band (1296MHz) ?
 

Here in Sydney, Australia -  FM is the most common 23cm operating mode, with a couple of operational FM repeaters, weekly WIA/ARNSW broadcasts and a small but active community on-air daily.
 

The VK2 Microwave Users Group holds a monthly “23on23” net on the 23^rd day of each month commencing around 8pm local with activity centred on 1296.1MHz (mostly SSB).

There are few equipment options:

• Buy a new transceiver with 23cm capability. Choices in Australia are limited. Mono-band 23cm equipment is rare or non-existent. 23cm capability typically is only available by purchasing a high-end, all-band, all-mode $5000+ boat anchor. Ouch!
  Choices improve slightly if you are prepared to import privately from Japan or USA – however beware of warranty terms and repairs logistics. If you do go down the private import path check that frequency coverage, channel spacing (10kHz/25kHz), repeater offsets (20MHz here in Australia) and power requirements (240/110/13.8vdc)  meet your requirements.
   
• Purchase second hand.  Given the limited availability of new 23cm radios it’s not surprising that the second hand market in Australia is thin or non-existent. Most second-hand equipment appears to have been privately imported so the caveats that apply to new equipment (above) also apply. You are often buying without warranty and may have to deal with intermittent &/or faulty gear. You might also pick up a bargain. The second-hand market for 23cm gear is much more buoyant in Japan – check out the www.zenmarket.jp proxy buying service and select the “JdirectItems Auction” listings.
   
• Purchase a 23cm transverter. A transverter will convert TX/RX from a 2m (or 70cm) transceiver up to 23cm. Transverters are typically “all-mode” – if your 2m (or 70cm) rig is capable of FM & SSB then you will be operating FM & SSB on 23cm. Reliable suppliers include Hrystian at SG LAB in Bulgaria (www.sg-lab.com). Before purchasing confirm the transverter supports the relevant portions of the 23cm band in your area, and supports your local repeater offset (20MHz etc).
   
• Build your own transceiver. Read on - this website is the home of the single-board 23cm NBFM Transceiver Project 

Project Background

A Google search for DIY 23cm projects identified only a single modern transceiver design - developed by Bas de Jong PE1JPD in Netherlands. His design and kits were released around 2015.

Hundreds of Bas’ transceivers were successfully constructed by clubs and hams around the world. Numerous hardware and software improvements have since been incorporated into the original design. Details of Bas’ NBFM original transceiver project can be found at his website www.pe1jpd.nl (offline as of Nov 2025). 

Jumping ahead to 2025 – Bas is no longer selling kits, and key components used in Bas’ original design have become obsolete (including semiconductors, coils and ceramic filters etc).

Here in Sydney, Richard VK2VD has reworked the original hardware design. Replacements for obsolete components have been identified & tested, suppliers confirmed, and an updated PCB designed.
The updated transceiver uses the most recent PE1JPD firmware, available under open source MIT licence. 

Here you will find Technical information and Project documentation to build the transceiver. We also have component kits for sale.