Re: Yet Another set of BitX40 Project Enclosure Template CAD files
That is really nice work.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Apr 29, 2017, at 3:14 PM, David Fannin < dfannin@...> wrote:
For making my ?BitX40 enclosure, I created a set of templates that were inspired by VU2XE's CAD templates.? Since I was experimenting with a number of different options, including the box size and different style of openings, I created a python program that would generate the DXF CAD files, based on my desired configuration settings, with more or less automatic resizing if the dimensions changed. ? ? The DXF files can be opened by any suitable CAD program (I used LibreCAD on Ubuntu), and can be modified and exported as needed. ? I've uploaded the python program and created files to a github repository ( ) so others can download and create their own. ?There is also as generated set of DXF and PDF files from the current program settings. ? The python program uses the dxfwrite library, which can be installed using pip. ? I used the Kenwood-style 2 pin Mic/PTT/Speaker connector, which works very well for a compact design. ?Just remember to make sure the 3.5mm jack is not grounded to the case, as this would active the PTT switch. ?I also used the anderson polepower connectors on the back. ?The enclosure is made from two 12"x12" sheets of ?5052 aluminum 0.040" thickness.? Dave KK6DF
<bitx_front.jpg> <pb_top.jpg><pb_bottom.jpg><pb_front.jpg>
|
Re: Downloading hex code from raduino
Good idea. The bitx40 has the code it came with. I didn't know the original source could be downloaded. Where would I find that source code?
Thanks
Pat aa4pg
Sent from my iPhone
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Apr 29, 2017, at 4:52 PM, Steve Wright <SteveWrightNZ@...> wrote:
On 30/04/17 08:44, pat griffin wrote:
[....] But before uploading to the raduino, I want to save the
current version such that it can be reloaded if I have a problem
It's a lot less work, less error-prone, and more reliable to find what
version the software is and download that version source.
Then, keep a little local repository of various versions that you like,
and get used to uploading what you want at the time.
Steve
|
Re: raduino_v1.08 released
Very good, I understand much clearer. I get signals thru on usb but much lower than lsb.
The usb setting is at 8ma, so sounds like C91 and C92 need to go.
No clicks, no birdies? great software.
Thanks!
Joe
VE1BWV
On Sat, Apr 29, 2017, 7:31 PM Allard PE1NWL < pe1nwl@...> wrote: Hi Joe,
How is the receiver doing in USB mode? Is the signal strength same as in
LSB? Or is it less sensitive in USB than in LSB?
If USB reception is also poor then removing c91 and c92 may help.
In LSB mode the local oscillator frequency is about 12 - 7 = 5 MHz.
In USB mode we move the local oscillator to the high side of the IF, so
the frequency is then about 12 + 7 = 19 Mhz.
At 19Mhz, the capacitors c91 and c92 will attenuate the LO signal much
more than at 5 MHz.
In order to compensate for this we use a higher drive-level in USB mode
than in LSB mode. If your USB drive level is already at the max (8mA),
then removing C91 and C92 will help.
73, Allard PE1NWL
On Sun, April 30, 2017 00:03, Joe wrote:
> Hello,
>
> Having great fun building these kits and playing with excellent coding....
>
> I have just completed my 2nd Raduino.? This one will eventually have the
> 80 meter band and used for the Digital modes.
>
> I uploaded the ?latest version 1.08.? Did the Calibrations (love the
> menus) etc and all seems to be fine except for one issue.
>
> When I transmit in LSB - i get 8-10 watts --- Great
>
> When I transmit in USB ?- i get about 2 watts. ???
>
> In my other Raduino bitx40 - ?I used some other firmware with a rotary
> encoder etc and they indicated I needed to remove c91 and c92 in order to
> get usb to work.
>
> Otherwise the USB side signals get mostly filtered out. ?
>
> Does your LSB / USB ?functions need these capacitors to be removed ?in
> order to pass the most signal as well?
>
> Thanks
>
> Joe
>
> VE1BWV
>
|
Re: Raduino Sketch upload
Mark, I believe you have not (properly) installed the si5351 library, or perhaps to the wrong location. Please follow the WIKI instructions at /g/BITX20/wiki/Retrieving-the-Si5351A-Libraryto install it to the correct location. 73, Allard PE1NWL
On Sun, April 30, 2017 00:31, Mark Harris wrote: I get the:
"Arduino: 1.8.0 (Windows 10), Board: "Arduino Nano, ATmega328"
C:\Program Files
(x86)\Arduino\libraries\raduino_v1.07\raduino_v1.07.ino:42:20: fatal
error: si5351.h: No such file or directory??
Error message, I am trying to use Si5351 v2.0.1, do I need to go back to
an older version of the Si5351 library?
|
Re: Raduino Sketch upload
I get the: "Arduino: 1.8.0 (Windows 10), Board: "Arduino Nano,
ATmega328"
C:\Program Files
(x86)\Arduino\libraries\raduino_v1.07\raduino_v1.07.ino:42:20: fatal error:
si5351.h: No such file or directory? Error message, I am trying to use Si5351 v2.0.1, do I need to go back to an older version of the Si5351 library?
|
Re: raduino_v1.08 released
Hi Joe,
How is the receiver doing in USB mode? Is the signal strength same as in
LSB? Or is it less sensitive in USB than in LSB?
If USB reception is also poor then removing c91 and c92 may help.
In LSB mode the local oscillator frequency is about 12 - 7 = 5 MHz.
In USB mode we move the local oscillator to the high side of the IF, so
the frequency is then about 12 + 7 = 19 Mhz.
At 19Mhz, the capacitors c91 and c92 will attenuate the LO signal much
more than at 5 MHz.
In order to compensate for this we use a higher drive-level in USB mode
than in LSB mode. If your USB drive level is already at the max (8mA),
then removing C91 and C92 will help.
73, Allard PE1NWL
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Sun, April 30, 2017 00:03, Joe wrote: Hello,
Having great fun building these kits and playing with excellent coding....
I have just completed my 2nd Raduino. ??This one will eventually have the
80 meter band and used for the Digital modes.
I uploaded the ??latest version 1.08. ??Did the Calibrations (love the
menus) etc and all seems to be fine except for one issue.
When I transmit in LSB - i get 8-10 watts --- Great
When I transmit in USB ??- i get about 2 watts. ????
In my other Raduino bitx40 - ??I used some other firmware with a rotary
encoder etc and they indicated I needed to remove c91 and c92 in order to
get usb to work.
Otherwise the USB side signals get mostly filtered out. ??
Does your LSB / USB ??functions need these capacitors to be removed ??in
order to pass the most signal as well?
Thanks
Joe
VE1BWV
|
Re: fitting to include multimeter in power circuit to read milliamps power
Based on the things you don't want to do, I think you have described the only answer that makes sense.
Sent from Mike's iPad WA1MAD
|
Yet Another set of BitX40 Project Enclosure Template CAD files
For making my ?BitX40 enclosure, I created a set of templates that were inspired by VU2XE's CAD templates.? Since I was experimenting with a number of different options, including the box size and different style of openings, I created a python program that would generate the DXF CAD files, based on my desired configuration settings, with more or less automatic resizing if the dimensions changed. ? ? The DXF files can be opened by any suitable CAD program (I used LibreCAD on Ubuntu), and can be modified and exported as needed. ? I've uploaded the python program and created files to a github repository (https://github.com/dfannin/projectbox-layout ) so others can download and create their own. ?There is also as generated set of DXF and PDF files from the current program settings. ? The python program uses the dxfwrite library, which can be installed using pip. ? I used the Kenwood-style 2 pin Mic/PTT/Speaker connector, which works very well for a compact design. ?Just remember to make sure the 3.5mm jack is not grounded to the case, as this would active the PTT switch. ?I also used the anderson polepower connectors on the back. ?The enclosure is made from two 12"x12" sheets of ?5052 aluminum 0.040" thickness.? Dave KK6DF https://github.com/dfannin/projectbox-layout
  
|
Re: raduino_v1.08 released
Hello, Having great fun building these kits and playing with excellent coding.... I have just completed my 2nd Raduino. ?This one will eventually have the 80 meter band and used for the Digital modes.
I uploaded the ?latest version 1.08. ?Did the Calibrations (love the menus) etc and all seems to be fine except for one issue. When I transmit in LSB - i get 8-10 watts --- Great When I transmit in USB ?- i get about 2 watts. ??? In my other Raduino bitx40 - ?I used some other firmware with a rotary encoder etc and they indicated I needed to remove c91 and c92 in order to get usb to work. Otherwise the USB side signals get mostly filtered out. ?
Does your LSB / USB ?functions need these capacitors to be removed ?in order to pass the most signal as well?
Thanks Joe VE1BWV
|
Re: Downloading hex code from raduino
On 30/04/17 08:44, pat griffin wrote:
[....] But before uploading to the raduino, I want to save the
current version such that it can be reloaded if I have a problem
It's a lot less work, less error-prone, and more reliable to find what version the software is and download that version source. Then, keep a little local repository of various versions that you like, and get used to uploading what you want at the time. Steve
|
Downloading hex code from raduino
I have successfully compiled Allard's new software. But before uploading to the raduino, I want to save the current version such that it can be reloaded if I have a problem ?I was able to download the current version hex code using ..avrdude -c Arduino -b 57600 -P <com port> -p atmega328p -C<config file> -Uflash:r:c:<stored file>:i ?Where <comport> is the com port such as com4, <config file> is the config file such as "Program files\arduino\hardware\tools\avr\etc\avrdude.conf", <stored file> is the file name on the PC for the hex file. ?Unlike downloading from an Arduino uno, in this case I had to force the baud rate to 57600 with the -b 57600 command. Now, I have downloaded a hex dump from an arduino and then uploaded it back to the arduino and that worked. ?I did that as practice to get the commands right. ?So, now, if I need to revert to the original code in the raduino, I claim I should be able to simply change the -Uflash:r in the above command to -Uflash:w, and reload the original hex code. ?Has anyone done this?? Thanks, Pat AA4PG
|
Re: BITX40 Transistor Voltage Measurements
Lex
Glad to hear that it helped.
Randy
On Sat, Apr 29, 2017 at 11:07 AM, <lexhw2@...> wrote: Hi Randy,
Thanks for your info. My bitx40 had no power in tx, I compared the voltage on all transistors with your measurements and this way found q13 defective. replacing it with a new one was easier than i thought, and my bitx now has 5w rf output in cw !
73,
Lex.
|
push-pull amp also need less idle current...
On Apr 30, 2017 1:00 AM, "Ashhar Farhan" < farhanbox@...> wrote: The push-pull with two transistors is a better idea than a single ended amplifier.? 1. the push-pull distributes heat over two transistors. This is quite an advantage if you are planning to dissipate more than 10-20 watts of power. 2. the push-pull amp has far lower even harmonics than the single ended amp, simplifying your low pass filters
-- f
|
The push-pull with two transistors is a better idea than a single ended amplifier.? 1. the push-pull distributes heat over two transistors. This is quite an advantage if you are planning to dissipate more than 10-20 watts of power. 2. the push-pull amp has far lower even harmonics than the single ended amp, simplifying your low pass filters
-- f
On Sun, Apr 30, 2017 at 12:45 AM, Sandeep Lohia <sandeeplohia12@...> wrote: Engineer @gmail...
those I know none ?IGBT go that high frequency, not yet ?;)
|
Engineer @gmail...
those I know none ?IGBT go that high frequency, not yet ?;)
On Apr 29, 2017 4:53 PM, "Engineer" < Engineer21261@...> wrote: Just a thought are there any ?IGBT devices that will work at 7mhz - the switching losses would be lower.?
Sent from my iPhone If it is the same 45 watt amplifier kit I bought a couple years ago, be aware that the INPUT of the amplifier needs to be EXTREMELY small - as in, milliwatts - or it will blow. Check the specifications, before you decide! I ended up buying a ready-made MX-P50M amplifier that will take 5 watts in and put out 45 watts, to use with my QRP equipment.
Rich KC8MWG
On Friday, April 28, 2017 11:05 PM, Mvs Sarma <mvssarma@...> wrote:
There is a 45w amp kit sold rather cheap on ebay and aliexpress both.
|
Re: Bitx40v3: Analog Alley questions
On 30/04/17 03:09, ohwenzelph via Groups.Io wrote:
[lots of mods snipped] is there any down side to doing this replacement?
The main downside is your project will stop working and you won't be able to fix it, then you will give up. Put it in a box and build an antenna for it, and get on the air. S
|
All:
Anyone who is using interrupts might also want to avoid delay() as it is a blocking function. That is, if an interrupt event occurs during a delay() call, that interrupt cannot be serviced until the period used in delay() finishes. The millis() function is non-blocking, so you can build your own delay() function (e.g., myDelay()) if you want to.
I don't think this is an issue with Allard's code because it does not use an ISR routines.
Jack, W8TEE
From: Allard PE1NWL <pe1nwl@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Saturday, April 29, 2017 2:10 PM
Subject: Re: [BITX20] Birdie at 7.199
Thanks David,
for your suggestion about avoiding the delay().
I'll try to include it in the next version.
Also good to hear that you managed to (almost) eliminate the birdie with
8mA drive level.
73, Allard PE1NWL
On Sat, April 29, 2017 19:53, David Fannin wrote:
> Ok, so I tried the following si5351 drive levels (using 1.06 ):
>
> 2mA : ??loud @ 7.199
>
> 4mA: loud @ 7.199
>
> 6mA: loud @ 7.199
>
> 8mA: very soft @ 7.199
>
> I've left it at the 8mA level for now. ??Thanks, Allard for the software
> and help.??
>
> I'm not planning on increasing the software version yet, as I don't need
> many of the features and would like things minimalist for now. ??I
> modified 1.06 to change the frequency display from " A:07.1990 LSB " to "
> 7.199.000 LSB ", as I wanted a more readable frequency display, and I
> don't need VFO A/B or multiple bands. ??I also added a line to display my
> call sign on setup. ??I also hardcoded the calibration setting, and
> commented out the calibration and EEPROM code. ?? The code is fine, I just
> chose to keep things simple for my radio.
>
> I did notice one item after reviewing the code (1.06). ?? There were a lot
> of uses of delay() functions in the main loop (and in the doTuning()
> function) . ??This will create a issue later on as you add more functions
> to the code, as the code will be hanging on a delay, rather than
> processing other items. ?? ??The usual solution is to use update
> variables, and avoid using delays. ??Here's an example:
>
> existing:
>
> void loop() {
> doTx();
> doTuning();
> delay(50);
> }??
>
> using update variables:
>
> unsigned long doTuningLastUpdate = 0 ; #define DOTUNINGTIMER ??(50UL)??
>
> void loop(){
> checkTX();
> if ( ( millis() - doTuningLastUpdate ) > DOTUNINGTIMER ) {
> ?? ?? doTuningLastUpdate = millis() ;
> ?? ?? doTuning();??
> ?? }??
>
> }
>
> The advantage is that the main loop runs continuously, while maintaining
> the ability to run ??doTuning only ??every 50ms, without using delay()
> functions. As you add more "simultaneous" features, you'll see the clear
> benefit.??
>
> thanks,
> ??
>
> Dave KK6DF
>
|
? ?? ? ? Thanks Satish I'll do that and let's see if I can get more power. ? ?Jorge PY2PVT _._
A simple suggestion why not to increase the drain voltage? on the existing IRF510 to 24V / 27 V to increase the output? power with proper increase in heat sink area to keep it cool and keeping the eye on the electrolytics around that stage for proper voltages. That is well within the specification of IRF510. Satish VU2SNK?
-- ? 73 de Jorge PY2PVT
? Campinas SP
? GG67MD
|
Thanks David,
for your suggestion about avoiding the delay().
I'll try to include it in the next version.
Also good to hear that you managed to (almost) eliminate the birdie with
8mA drive level.
73, Allard PE1NWL
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Sat, April 29, 2017 19:53, David Fannin wrote: Ok, so I tried the following si5351 drive levels (using 1.06 ):
2mA : ??loud @ 7.199
4mA: loud @ 7.199
6mA: loud @ 7.199
8mA: very soft @ 7.199
I've left it at the 8mA level for now. ??Thanks, Allard for the software
and help.??
I'm not planning on increasing the software version yet, as I don't need
many of the features and would like things minimalist for now. ??I
modified 1.06 to change the frequency display from " A:07.1990 LSB " to "
7.199.000 LSB ", as I wanted a more readable frequency display, and I
don't need VFO A/B or multiple bands. ??I also added a line to display my
call sign on setup. ??I also hardcoded the calibration setting, and
commented out the calibration and EEPROM code. ?? The code is fine, I just
chose to keep things simple for my radio.
I did notice one item after reviewing the code (1.06). ?? There were a lot
of uses of delay() functions in the main loop (and in the doTuning()
function) . ??This will create a issue later on as you add more functions
to the code, as the code will be hanging on a delay, rather than
processing other items. ?? ??The usual solution is to use update
variables, and avoid using delays. ??Here's an example:
existing:
void loop() {
doTx();
doTuning();
delay(50);
}??
using update variables:
unsigned long doTuningLastUpdate = 0 ; #define DOTUNINGTIMER ??(50UL)??
void loop(){
checkTX();
if ( ( millis() - doTuningLastUpdate ) > DOTUNINGTIMER ) {
?? ?? doTuningLastUpdate = millis() ;
?? ?? doTuning();??
?? }??
}
The advantage is that the main loop runs continuously, while maintaining
the ability to run ??doTuning only ??every 50ms, without using delay()
functions. As you add more "simultaneous" features, you'll see the clear
benefit.??
thanks,
??
Dave KK6DF
|
Re: BITX40 Transistor Voltage Measurements
Hi Randy,
Thanks for your info. My bitx40 had no power in tx, I compared the voltage on all transistors with your measurements and this way found q13 defective. replacing it with a new one was easier than i thought, and my bitx now has 5w rf output in cw !
73,
Lex.
|
Allard PE1NWL
Dave F
PA1LEX