[question] Where can we find the hardware BOM and design files?

[eabase]

Fantastic project!

I would love to replicate this, but I can't see any HW design project files?

Where can I find more info and design details?

I also have some other questions:

1. Why did you chose to use a 2x4 array and not 3x3?
2. How did you determine the spacing between the antenna elements?

[Jeija]

Regarding open sourcing hardware and firmware components, please see what I wrote here: #3 (comment)

I am a bit overwhelmed right now by the number of people expressing their interest in this project, and I'm figuring out ways to get this into everyone's hands. I like open sourcing as much of it as possible, but I assume it will be easier to get funding for a production run + certification and so on if it remains closed source for the time being (might still open source everything in the long run). It will be much cheaper for everyone if there is one large production run as opposed to many people building this in their own lab (which, I can assure you, will require a lot of troubleshooting).

Regarding your questions:

1. Usually, horizontal (azimuth) information is more interesting than elevation information, since the antenna array and transmitters will be at the same height. Having more antennas in the horizontal direction provides better azimuth resolution.
2. It's half-wavelength spacing, so around 6cm. It's the spacing that is needed to achieve full angular coverage.

[eabase]

Hi Florian,

Thanks for your quick response and explanations.

I just read the linked issue. Today you can make small batches of circuit boards dirt cheap, at least if you're willing to have them made in China. Delivery times are also incredibly short. We're talking about a few days, including board reviews and fixes. The price question probably may have more to do with the actual components and their required tolerances. But hard to tell without a BOM. It looks like the patch antennas, phase correlation circuits, and power supplies, could be the more costly parts?