Using Raduino for vacuum tube rig
The Raduino output was very successful at replacing the VFO of the heathkit SB-100 that we are building as an EMP-proof system for our local Emergency Operations Center.? ? Receiver worked well and transmitter hit full power.? ?This rig, designed maybe 50
years ago, included provisions for an external VFO in the range of 4.5 - 5 MHz.? ?Jerry taught me a lot about how diode mixers work, so now i much better understand WHY this works.? ?The raduino output appears close to the same level as the 50-year old vacuum
tube VFO.??
It is easy to measure the frequency of each of the heterodyne crystals, and of the upper and lower sideband BFO cyrstals (it shifts the suppressed?carrier on opposite sides of the SSB filter) and write some code (thanks to the ongoing?education Allard is
providing) and create a digital VFO that can give the old vacuum tube 100-watt rig new life? ?
The technology improvements and applications that y'all are making have far reaching effects!? Y'all should be very proud of yourselves!?
Cheers,
gordon gibby
|
Re: off-topic (was larger uBitX)
Craig
Not criticizing you....just making a point before things got out-of-hand.?
This PCB making is an interesting sideline associated with our hobby.? It does
seem to appeal to those with mechanical tendencies.
Arv
_._
On Tue, Dec 5, 2017 at 1:50 PM, Craig Wadsworth <cwadsworth@...> wrote: Arv et al:
Plagiarism?? No.? The very thought is offensive to those of us who live in part by our writing and the credibility of our names.? I am sorry about my poor phrasing.? Had I used the gerber files for a PC board, I would have credited Ashhar.? It was not my intention to steal Ashhar¡¯s work and present it as my own.? I agree with you; that would be unethical, perhaps criminal.? I believe that as we get to know each other you will find that I credit others¡¯ work with respect and enthusiasm.? There is joy to be derived from sharing this stuff with which we work, no?
I was only aware of Kicad because it was occasionally mentioned on this list, and I was already looking forward to learning how to use some small portion of its capabilities, probably by re-drawing a uBitX schematic and laying out a PCB foil pattern.? Thank you for giving us many interesting links to explore.? I was unaware that freeware schematic capture software was available and really do appreciate your suggesting it.? It looks like like much fun awaits as I expand my skill set.
Sincerely,
Craig
w9ctw
If anyone is still reading, I suggest we now return to our real reason for being here: amateur radio!
¡°From: Arv Evans
Date: Tue, 05 Dec 2017 11:55:37 CST
regarding Gerber files. . .
Gerber files for existing PCB layouts are useful . . . But the real question might be ¡®why would you want to plagiarize the work of others?¡¯ It is an ethical question . . .¡°
|
Re: External Capacitive touch keyer
I looked at the code and it has a few functions with which I'm not familiar (e.g., digitalPinToBitMask() ). Chapter 7 of my Arduino Projects for Amateur Radio book also has a capacitive touch keyer in it and uses the attiny85. (See picture.) The one shown even has a small buzzer on it for use as a code practice oscillator. I've also included the code for it which could also be used with a Nano.
Jack, W8TEE
From: "nphektor@..." <nphektor@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, December 5, 2017 3:50 PM
Subject: [BITX20] External Capacitive touch keyer
hi all,
I want to build an external capacitive touch keyer for use with my bitx40. I know that there is built in capability, but i want an external unit.
Im looking at :
?
I think that's a good starting point but i was thinking of using a relay (https://m.ebay.com/orderDetails?itemId=162247557098&txnId=1628767184006) and attiny85 dev board ( https://m.ebay.com/orderDetails?itemId=162329675808&txnId=1627917584006&skus=Select:USB%20Development%20Board&varId=461344558549 ).
Ultimately i my goal is to have a keyer that can be used with any radio. I'll strip out all code not needed and dont want the sidetone. Do i still need the transistor circuit? Cant i simply wire the paddles into the attiny85?Thoughts?
Suggestions?
|
External Capacitive touch keyer
hi all,
I want to build an external capacitive touch keyer for use with my bitx40. I know that there is built in capability, but i want an external unit.
Im looking at :
?
I think that's a good starting point but i was thinking of using a relay (https://m.ebay.com/orderDetails?itemId=162247557098&txnId=1628767184006) and attiny85 dev board ( https://m.ebay.com/orderDetails?itemId=162329675808&txnId=1627917584006&skus=Select:USB%20Development%20Board&varId=461344558549 ).
Ultimately i my goal is to have a keyer that can be used with any radio. I'll strip out all code not needed and dont want the sidetone. Do i still need the transistor circuit? Cant i simply wire the paddles into the attiny85?Thoughts?
Suggestions?
|
Re: Response to Larger ?BitX
Got it...still in a fog here...
Jack, W8TEE
From: "Weddig, Henning-Christof" <Henning-Christof.Weddig@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, December 5, 2017 2:25 PM
Subject: Re: [BITX20] Response to Larger ?BitX
Jack,
ok a bit misunderstanding: the AD9851 can only "output" a maximum frequency of 72 MHz? not the needed 29.7 + 45 MHz =? 74.7 MHz.?
Henning
From: "Jack Purdum via Groups.Io" <jjpurdum@...> To: "BITX20" < [email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, 5 December, 2017 20:13:14 Subject: Re: [BITX20] Response to Larger ?BitX Henning:
I don't understand this: The max freqeuncy of the DDS is about 0.4
times 180 MHz = 72 MHz, so the 10 m band is " not within spec".
If the 10M band is from 28-29.7MHz, what do you mean by it's not within spec? I did forget about the new IF frequency.
Jack, W8TEE
From: Henning Weddig via Groups.Io <hweddig@...> To: [email protected] Sent: Tuesday, December 5, 2017 1:58 PM Subject: Re: [BITX20] Response to Larger ?BitX
Jack,
for the uBITX with a first IF of 45 MHz and a maximum receiving
freqeuncy of 30 MHz the maximum DDS frequency for the DDS is 75
MHz.
The AD9851 is fed by a 30 Mhz crystal and internally multiplied
by six giving 180 MHz. The max freqeuncy of the DDS is about 0.4
times 180 MHz = 72 MHz, so the 10 m band is " not within spec".
I therefore propose to use either a AD9951 (400 MHz max clock,
160 MHz max output freqeuncy) -- unfortunately our chinese vendors
do not sell such a populated baord or a AD9910? (1 GHz clock, up
to 420 MHz output) available on ebay as a board -- not so cheap...
Henning Weddig
DK5LV
Am 05.12.2017 um 19:31 schrieb Jack
Purdum via Groups.Io:
I wrote this earlier
this morning, but it was buried below Craig's message where my B40
board was mentioned:
=================
Mornin' Craig:
?
My plan
is to do the TFT/VFO display PCB specifically for the ?BITX. The
two main changes will be a move to the AD9851 and the "full
size" Mega 2560. This will make the board larger, but will lower
the cost of the Mega and the '51 extends the usable frequency of
the VFO. These two changes should also make it easier to acquire
parts. Because of the size of the regular Mega, I will likely
not worry about a small 2.4" display any more, but assume at
least 2.8". I think 3.0" or larger would be better, as I want to
put some band information on the display, too.
?
My first
work will be using the current B40 TFT display board. My cohort
in crime, Al Peter (AC8GY), is in the middle of moving and will
not be able to redo the board until early next year. In the
meantime, my ?BITX changes will be using the current B40 PCB. My
initial impression is that I can literally plug in the current
PCB and it will work. I just need to figure out the header
connections. Anyone who wants to switch to the AD9851 now can
use the current board and omit D4 and D5 and jumper the 5V to
the chip. The '50 falls off as you approach 30MHz, but the '51
has a much higher usable frequency. I haven't made the switch
yet myself, so I don't know if I'll have to mess with the
software but, even so, I don't see it as being a big deal. The really
good news is that Ashhar has given us a gift where all
those currently-idle memory resources on the Mega can be put to
good use.
?
My long, long
run goal is to switch to a large touch screen display
(e.g., 5"-7") controlled by a Teensy 3.6 and have an SDR with
"panadapter" display that doesn't need to be tied to an
external PC. I would also like to keep it well south of $200
as a price point. Alas, I'm not smart enough in digital signal
processing and FFT's at the moment, but I've started the
uphill trek on that learning curve. Anyone who wants to join
me in that journey contact me off-group using my QRZ email.
?
I can't
tell you how excited all of this has me...we all need to express
a HUGE thank
you to Ashhar for not only making the effort to design and build
the ?BITX, but also for keeping it open and reasonably-priced so
we can all play with it...thanks again, Ashhar.
?
Jack, W8TEE
|
Re: Response to Larger ??BitX
The new IF is 45 MHz. If the max the DDS can do is 72, 72-45=27. Your
highest band is 12 meters (or the very low end of 11).
Vince.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Henning:
I don't understand this:The max freqeuncy of the DDS is about 0.4 times
180 MHz = 72 MHz, so the 10 m band is " not within spec".
If the 10M band is from 28-29.7MHz, what do you mean by it's not within
spec? I did forget about the new IF frequency.
Jack, W8TEE
From: Henning Weddig via Groups.Io <hweddig@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, December 5, 2017 1:58 PM
Subject: Re: [BITX20] Response to Larger ??BitX
Jack, for the uBITX with a first IF of 45 MHz and a maximum receiving
freqeuncy of 30 MHz the maximum DDS frequency for the DDS is 75 MHz.
The AD9851 is fed by a 30 Mhz crystal and internally multiplied by six
giving 180 MHz. The max freqeuncy of the DDS is about 0.4 times 180 MHz
= 72 MHz, so the 10 m band is " not within spec". I therefore propose to
use either a AD9951 (400 MHz max clock, 160 MHz max output freqeuncy) --
unfortunately our chinese vendors do not sell such a populated baord or
a AD9910?? (1 GHz clock, up to 420 MHz output) available on ebay as a
board -- not so cheap... Henning Weddig DK5LV
Am 05.12.2017 um 19:31 schrieb Jack Purdum via Groups.Io:
I wrote this earlier this morning, but it was buried below Craig's message
where my B40 board was mentioned:
=================
Mornin' Craig: ?? My plan is to do the TFT/VFO display PCB specifically
for the ??BITX. The two main changes will be a move to the AD9851 and the
"full size" Mega 2560. This will make the board larger, but will lower
the cost of the Mega and the '51 extends the usable frequency of the VFO.
These two changes should also make it easier to acquire parts. Because of
the size of the regular Mega, I will likely not worry about a small 2.4"
display any more, but assume at least 2.8". I think 3.0" or larger would
be better, as I want to put some band information on the display, too. ??
My first work will be using the current B40 TFT display board. My cohort
in crime, Al Peter (AC8GY), is in the middle of moving and will not be
able to redo the board until early next year. In the meantime, my ??BITX
changes will be using the current B40 PCB. My initial impression is that
I can literally plug in the current PCB and it will work. I just need to
figure out the header connections. Anyone who wants to switch to the
AD9851 now can use the current board and omit D4 and D5 and jumper the 5V
to the chip. The '50 falls off as you approach 30MHz, but the '51 has a
much higher usable frequency. I haven't made the switch yet myself, so I
don't know if I'll have to mess with the software but, even so, I don't
see it as being a big deal. The really good news is that Ashhar has given
us a gift where all those currently-idle memory resources on the Mega can
be put to good use. ?? My long, long run goal is to switch to a large
touch screen display (e.g., 5"-7") controlled by a Teensy 3.6 and have an
SDR with "panadapter" display that doesn't need to be tied to an external
PC. I would also like to keep it well south of $200 as a price point.
Alas, I'm not smart enough in digital signal processing and FFT's at the
moment, but I've started the uphill trek on that learning curve. Anyone
who wants to join me in that journey contact me off-group using my QRZ
email. ?? I can't tell you how excited all of this has me...we all need
to express a HUGE thank you to Ashhar for not only making the effort to
design and build the ??BITX, but also for keeping it open and
reasonably-priced so we can all play with it...thanks again, Ashhar. ??
Jack, W8TEE
--
Michigan VHF Corp.
|
Re: Response to Larger ?BitX
Jack,
ok a bit misunderstanding: the AD9851 can only "output" a maximum frequency of 72 MHz? not the needed 29.7 + 45 MHz =? 74.7 MHz.?
Henning
From: "Jack Purdum via Groups.Io" <jjpurdum@...> To: "BITX20" < [email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, 5 December, 2017 20:13:14 Subject: Re: [BITX20] Response to Larger ?BitX Henning:
I don't understand this: The max freqeuncy of the DDS is about 0.4
times 180 MHz = 72 MHz, so the 10 m band is " not within spec".
If the 10M band is from 28-29.7MHz, what do you mean by it's not within spec? I did forget about the new IF frequency.
Jack, W8TEE
From: Henning Weddig via Groups.Io <hweddig@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, December 5, 2017 1:58 PM
Subject: Re: [BITX20] Response to Larger ?BitX
Jack,
for the uBITX with a first IF of 45 MHz and a maximum receiving
freqeuncy of 30 MHz the maximum DDS frequency for the DDS is 75
MHz.
The AD9851 is fed by a 30 Mhz crystal and internally multiplied
by six giving 180 MHz. The max freqeuncy of the DDS is about 0.4
times 180 MHz = 72 MHz, so the 10 m band is " not within spec".
I therefore propose to use either a AD9951 (400 MHz max clock,
160 MHz max output freqeuncy) -- unfortunately our chinese vendors
do not sell such a populated baord or a AD9910? (1 GHz clock, up
to 420 MHz output) available on ebay as a board -- not so cheap...
Henning Weddig
DK5LV
Am 05.12.2017 um 19:31 schrieb Jack
Purdum via Groups.Io:
I wrote this earlier
this morning, but it was buried below Craig's message where my B40
board was mentioned:
=================
Mornin' Craig:
?
My plan
is to do the TFT/VFO display PCB specifically for the ?BITX. The
two main changes will be a move to the AD9851 and the "full
size" Mega 2560. This will make the board larger, but will lower
the cost of the Mega and the '51 extends the usable frequency of
the VFO. These two changes should also make it easier to acquire
parts. Because of the size of the regular Mega, I will likely
not worry about a small 2.4" display any more, but assume at
least 2.8". I think 3.0" or larger would be better, as I want to
put some band information on the display, too.
?
My first
work will be using the current B40 TFT display board. My cohort
in crime, Al Peter (AC8GY), is in the middle of moving and will
not be able to redo the board until early next year. In the
meantime, my ?BITX changes will be using the current B40 PCB. My
initial impression is that I can literally plug in the current
PCB and it will work. I just need to figure out the header
connections. Anyone who wants to switch to the AD9851 now can
use the current board and omit D4 and D5 and jumper the 5V to
the chip. The '50 falls off as you approach 30MHz, but the '51
has a much higher usable frequency. I haven't made the switch
yet myself, so I don't know if I'll have to mess with the
software but, even so, I don't see it as being a big deal. The really
good news is that Ashhar has given us a gift where all
those currently-idle memory resources on the Mega can be put to
good use.
?
My long, long
run goal is to switch to a large touch screen display
(e.g., 5"-7") controlled by a Teensy 3.6 and have an SDR with
"panadapter" display that doesn't need to be tied to an
external PC. I would also like to keep it well south of $200
as a price point. Alas, I'm not smart enough in digital signal
processing and FFT's at the moment, but I've started the
uphill trek on that learning curve. Anyone who wants to join
me in that journey contact me off-group using my QRZ email.
?
I can't
tell you how excited all of this has me...we all need to express
a HUGE thank
you to Ashhar for not only making the effort to design and build
the ?BITX, but also for keeping it open and reasonably-priced so
we can all play with it...thanks again, Ashhar.
?
Jack, W8TEE
|
If you're on gmail just drag the messages from spam to the appropriate folder and you should be good.
|
Re: Response to Larger ?BitX
Henning:
I don't understand this: The max freqeuncy of the DDS is about 0.4
times 180 MHz = 72 MHz, so the 10 m band is " not within spec".
If the 10M band is from 28-29.7MHz, what do you mean by it's not within spec? I did forget about the new IF frequency.
Jack, W8TEE
From: Henning Weddig via Groups.Io <hweddig@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, December 5, 2017 1:58 PM
Subject: Re: [BITX20] Response to Larger ?BitX
Jack,
for the uBITX with a first IF of 45 MHz and a maximum receiving
freqeuncy of 30 MHz the maximum DDS frequency for the DDS is 75
MHz.
The AD9851 is fed by a 30 Mhz crystal and internally multiplied
by six giving 180 MHz. The max freqeuncy of the DDS is about 0.4
times 180 MHz = 72 MHz, so the 10 m band is " not within spec".
I therefore propose to use either a AD9951 (400 MHz max clock,
160 MHz max output freqeuncy) -- unfortunately our chinese vendors
do not sell such a populated baord or a AD9910? (1 GHz clock, up
to 420 MHz output) available on ebay as a board -- not so cheap...
Henning Weddig
DK5LV
Am 05.12.2017 um 19:31 schrieb Jack
Purdum via Groups.Io:
I wrote this earlier
this morning, but it was buried below Craig's message where my B40
board was mentioned:
=================
Mornin' Craig:
?
My plan
is to do the TFT/VFO display PCB specifically for the ?BITX. The
two main changes will be a move to the AD9851 and the "full
size" Mega 2560. This will make the board larger, but will lower
the cost of the Mega and the '51 extends the usable frequency of
the VFO. These two changes should also make it easier to acquire
parts. Because of the size of the regular Mega, I will likely
not worry about a small 2.4" display any more, but assume at
least 2.8". I think 3.0" or larger would be better, as I want to
put some band information on the display, too.
?
My first
work will be using the current B40 TFT display board. My cohort
in crime, Al Peter (AC8GY), is in the middle of moving and will
not be able to redo the board until early next year. In the
meantime, my ?BITX changes will be using the current B40 PCB. My
initial impression is that I can literally plug in the current
PCB and it will work. I just need to figure out the header
connections. Anyone who wants to switch to the AD9851 now can
use the current board and omit D4 and D5 and jumper the 5V to
the chip. The '50 falls off as you approach 30MHz, but the '51
has a much higher usable frequency. I haven't made the switch
yet myself, so I don't know if I'll have to mess with the
software but, even so, I don't see it as being a big deal. The really
good news is that Ashhar has given us a gift where all
those currently-idle memory resources on the Mega can be put to
good use.
?
My long, long
run goal is to switch to a large touch screen display
(e.g., 5"-7") controlled by a Teensy 3.6 and have an SDR with
"panadapter" display that doesn't need to be tied to an
external PC. I would also like to keep it well south of $200
as a price point. Alas, I'm not smart enough in digital signal
processing and FFT's at the moment, but I've started the
uphill trek on that learning curve. Anyone who wants to join
me in that journey contact me off-group using my QRZ email.
?
I can't
tell you how excited all of this has me...we all need to express
a HUGE thank
you to Ashhar for not only making the effort to design and build
the ?BITX, but also for keeping it open and reasonably-priced so
we can all play with it...thanks again, Ashhar.
?
Jack, W8TEE
|
Sorry for the double post. When I didn't see it, I resent it not realizing I did something to route all my BITX20 messages to the spam folder. This happened to me once before when I was using my table on vacation and a fat finger hit the delete message by mistake. Anytime you do that, all subsequent messages from the same sender end up in the spam folder. I know it's easy to fix, but I'm old and I forgotten how to do it. Anyone remember how to reverse it? (The good news about forgetting everything is that I can have my own Easter Egg Hunt.)
Jack, W8TEE
|
Re: Response to Larger ?BitX
Jack,
for the uBITX with a first IF of 45 MHz and a maximum receiving
freqeuncy of 30 MHz the maximum DDS frequency for the DDS is 75
MHz.
The AD9851 is fed by a 30 Mhz crystal and internally multiplied
by six giving 180 MHz. The max freqeuncy of the DDS is about 0.4
times 180 MHz = 72 MHz, so the 10 m band is " not within spec".
I therefore propose to use either a AD9951 (400 MHz max clock,
160 MHz max output freqeuncy) -- unfortunately our chinese vendors
do not sell such a populated baord or a AD9910? (1 GHz clock, up
to 420 MHz output) available on ebay as a board -- not so cheap...
Henning Weddig
DK5LV
Am 05.12.2017 um 19:31 schrieb Jack
Purdum via Groups.Io:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
I wrote this earlier
this morning, but it was buried below Craig's message where my B40
board was mentioned:
=================
Mornin' Craig:
?
My plan
is to do the TFT/VFO display PCB specifically for the ?BITX. The
two main changes will be a move to the AD9851 and the "full
size" Mega 2560. This will make the board larger, but will lower
the cost of the Mega and the '51 extends the usable frequency of
the VFO. These two changes should also make it easier to acquire
parts. Because of the size of the regular Mega, I will likely
not worry about a small 2.4" display any more, but assume at
least 2.8". I think 3.0" or larger would be better, as I want to
put some band information on the display, too.
?
My first
work will be using the current B40 TFT display board. My cohort
in crime, Al Peter (AC8GY), is in the middle of moving and will
not be able to redo the board until early next year. In the
meantime, my ?BITX changes will be using the current B40 PCB. My
initial impression is that I can literally plug in the current
PCB and it will work. I just need to figure out the header
connections. Anyone who wants to switch to the AD9851 now can
use the current board and omit D4 and D5 and jumper the 5V to
the chip. The '50 falls off as you approach 30MHz, but the '51
has a much higher usable frequency. I haven't made the switch
yet myself, so I don't know if I'll have to mess with the
software but, even so, I don't see it as being a big deal. The really
good news is that Ashhar has given us a gift where all
those currently-idle memory resources on the Mega can be put to
good use.
?
My long, long
run goal is to switch to a large touch screen display
(e.g., 5"-7") controlled by a Teensy 3.6 and have an SDR with
"panadapter" display that doesn't need to be tied to an
external PC. I would also like to keep it well south of $200
as a price point. Alas, I'm not smart enough in digital signal
processing and FFT's at the moment, but I've started the
uphill trek on that learning curve. Anyone who wants to join
me in that journey contact me off-group using my QRZ email.
?
I can't
tell you how excited all of this has me...we all need to express
a HUGE thank
you to Ashhar for not only making the effort to design and build
the ?BITX, but also for keeping it open and reasonably-priced so
we can all play with it...thanks again, Ashhar.
?
Jack, W8TEE
|
The tech net on the EchoLink definitely talks about the bitx as well as using raspberry pi¡¯s?
But I have a channel open on freenode irc called #bitx. Everyone¡¯s welcome to join.?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Dec 4, 2017, at 10:28 PM, Cory Clemmer < cclemmer@...> wrote: There is a native linux echolink client called QTel.
I believe I just did a "sudo apt-get install qtel" to install it.
|
Thank you for all of your work. This project has seemed to get a lot of hams interested in QRP and kits. I enjoy building projects. but didn't know if I wanted to tackle anything this big. I especially like how you are helping your community by giving workers some place to work. Thank you Ashhar.
Art
KB8HGW
|
I wrote this earlier this morning, but it was buried below Craig's message where my B40 board was mentioned: =================
Mornin' Craig:
?
My plan is to do the TFT/VFO display PCB specifically for the ?BITX. The two main changes will be a move to the AD9851 and the "full size" Mega 2560. This will make the board larger, but will lower the cost of the Mega and the '51 extends the usable frequency of the VFO. These two changes should also make it easier to acquire parts. Because of the size of the regular Mega, I will likely not worry about a small 2.4" display any more, but assume at least 2.8". I think 3.0" or larger would be better, as I want to put some band information on the display, too.
?
My first work will be using the current B40 TFT display board. My cohort in crime, Al Peter (AC8GY), is in the middle of moving and will not be able to redo the board until early next year. In the meantime, my ?BITX changes will be using the current B40 PCB. My initial impression is that I can literally plug in the current PCB and it will work. I just need to figure out the header connections. Anyone who wants to switch to the AD9851 now can use the current board and omit D4 and D5 and jumper the 5V to the chip. The '50 falls off as you approach 30MHz, but the '51 has a much higher usable frequency. I haven't made the switch yet myself, so I don't know if I'll have to mess with the software but, even so, I don't see it as being a big deal. The really good news is that Ashhar has given us a gift where all those currently-idle memory resources on the Mega can be put to good use.
?
My long, long run goal is to switch to a large touch screen display (e.g., 5"-7") controlled by a Teensy 3.6 and have an SDR with "panadapter" display that doesn't need to be tied to an external PC. I would also like to keep it well south of $200 as a price point. Alas, I'm not smart enough in digital signal processing and FFT's at the moment, but I've started the uphill trek on that learning curve. Anyone who wants to join me in that journey contact me off-group using my QRZ email.
?
I can't tell you how excited all of this has me...we all need to express a HUGE thank you to Ashhar for not only making the effort to design and build the ?BITX, but also for keeping it open and reasonably-priced so we can all play with it...thanks again, Ashhar.
?
Jack, W8TEE
|
Re: mini360 voltage regulator for BitX?
John--that switching step up power supply is probably what is inside of the potted device I bought on Amazon ( or something similar.)
Maybe hang a bit of capacitance on the output, like 500 ?F or so and some 0.1 microfarads to short out some of the RF hash and that might work well. ?
Sent from my iPhone
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
a couple of months ago? with the intent of trying them to provide higher voltage to the PA, but haven't gotten a chance to try it yet.
--
John - WA2FZW
|
regarding Gerber files. . .
Gerber files for existing PCB layouts are useful if you want to have a manufacturer
make copies of the original board.? They are also useful if you have a CNC Mill that
is capable of machining PC Boards.? But the real question might be "why would you
want to plagiarize the work of others?", ? It is an ethical question.? There are also
practical aspects of designing your own board, as mentioned below.
If you have the schematic diagram it is only a matter of a few hours work with a
schematic capture program and PCB layout tool (auto-router) to make your own
version of the board from a schematic.? This is an educational exercise and can
be added to your skill set for making future PCBs for other projects.? There are many
FREE software programs available that do schematic capture and can convert drawings
to file formats that are suitable for sending to PCB manufacturers, or for driving your own
CNC Mill.? You can even print the resulting PCB layout and use that as a mask for
etching your own boards if you do not have access to a CNC milling system.
?Making your own PCB layout also allows you to incorporate any modifications that
you want to add to the circuit.
? I ?f you do want to use someone else's Gerber files to make your own copied PCB
you may want to look at your available components to insure that they will fit the
original board design.? In most cases of board copying the components available
to the copier are not a good fit for the original board layout.? It is usually easier and
more productive to do your own board layout to match the components you plan
on using.
Arv? K7HKL
_._
?
On Tue, Dec 5, 2017 at 8:07 AM, Craig Wadsworth <cwadsworth@...> wrote:
Hi Jerry & Ryan, Thanks for responding.? I doubt I¡¯m alone in hoping to eventually tweak Jack Purdum¡¯s B40 TFT display for a uBitX but plan no other changes.? The main goal is just to build a working transceiver that is not a kit.? Is it fair to call such a build ¡®home-brewed¡¯ even if it is merely a larger-scale copy of Ashhar¡¯s circuit?? It would of course have the added 45 MHz filter in his later schematic drawing with the four LPFs. ?
After re-reading Ashhar¡¯s statement about rights to the board, I agree he has already said he does not plan to release the Gerber files.? I¡¯m not sure how I might use them other than as a guide to parts placement on a larger board; a better approach would probably be to use Ashhar¡¯s photograph of his build shown at? ?as a reference (I have an 11x17-inch color print of that photo in a frame over my bench as motivation).
¡°¹ó°ù´Ç³¾:?Jerry Gaffke
Date: Mon, 04 Dec 2017 21:05:33 CST?
Sounds fun, are you planning any circuit mods?
?. . .?
I don't recall gerbers of previous projects ever being made available.
And not sure how they would help on a Manhatten build.¡±
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Strange "Squishing" sound
I have finally (hopefully) got my BitX-40 up and running.? I have two minor niggles that I hope someone can help with.? The first is that when I go to TX using semi-QSK mode I get a short squishing sound from the speaker.? It does not seem to affect operation.? Annoying though!
My 2nd issue is with the relative power outputs between CW and SSB.? Using a dummy load and a scope and the formula (.707 x peak voltage) squared then divided by 50 I get approximately 7watts on CW but only 4 on SSB.? Any ideas please?
Dave G4LDT
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Farhan,
You dont need to ask me twice. Will start working on it. I have some ideas, let me come up with the first cut.
73
Rahul VU3WJM
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Jack, Farhan,?
Wow, Jack¡your long run goal, is what I have been working up to what I wanted to do, take a great working example of each ¡®black box¡¯ and fit them together with some tweaks, into what I want them to do, including the ¡®pan adapter¡¯ and especially including the ¡®price¡¯ point.
A lot of us are playing catch up to the technology that both of you are sharing with us. ?In choosing something to do with my time, this lines up with my abilities, time, and resources.
Farhan,?
Priceless is the joy I have received from your Bitx40. For me, it was the right spark, to relight my fire. My first HF rig. Your radio has brought so many more people into my life, on the air and in person, it really has been great to be a part of what has taken place with this project.?
Not sure what I can do, but, I know I am jumping on this train.
Craig? KM4YEC
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On Dec 5, 2017, at 11:07 AM, Ashhar Farhan < farhanbox@...> wrote:
i think it would be fun to layout a larger, say 8inch by 8 inch single side pcb with a few jumpers, using manhattan kind of soldering of through hole components and keep it as an independent pcb in open source.? rahul, are you game for it? rahul has already done an open source raduino board. - f
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i think it would be fun to layout a larger, say 8inch by 8 inch single side pcb with a few jumpers, using manhattan kind of soldering of through hole components and keep it as an independent pcb in open source.? rahul, are you game for it? rahul has already done an open source raduino board. - f
On 5 Dec 2017 9:18 pm, "Jack Purdum via Groups.Io" <jjpurdum= [email protected]> wrote: Mornin' Craig:
My plan is to do the TFT/VFO display PCB specifically for the ?BITX. The two main changes will be a move to the AD9851 and the "full size" Mega 2560. This will make the board larger, but will lower the cost of the Mega and the '51 extends the usable frequency of the VFO. These two changes should also make it easier to acquire parts. Because of the size of the regular Mega, I will likely not worry about a small 2.4" display any more, but assume at least 2.8". I think 3.0" or larger would be better, as I want to put some band information on the display, too.
My first work will be using the current B40 TFT display board. My cohort in crime, Al Peter (AC8GY), is in the middle of moving and will not be able to redo the board until early next year. In the meantime, my ?BITX changes will be using the current B40 PCB. My initial impression is that I can literally plug in the current PCB and it will work. I just need to figure out the header connections. Anyone who wants to switch to the AD9851 now can use the current board and omit D4 and D5 and jumper the 5V to the chip. The '50 falls off as you approach 30MHz, but the '51 has a much higher usable frequency. I haven't made the switch yet myself, so I don't know if I'll have to mess with the software but, even so, I don't see it as being a big deal. The really good news is that Ashhar has given us a gift where all those currently-idle memory resources on the Mega can be put to good use.
My long, long run goal is to switch to a large touch screen display (e.g., 5"-7") controlled by a Teensy 3.6 and have an SDR with "panadapter" display that doesn't need to be tied to an external PC. I would also like to keep it well south of $200 as a price point. Alas, I'm not smart enough in digital signal processing and FFT's at the moment, but I've started the uphill trek on that learning curve. Anyone who wants to join me in that journey contact me off-group using my QRZ email.
I can't tell you how excited all of this has me...we all need to express a HUGE thank you to Ashhar for not only making the effort to design and build the ?BITX, but also for keeping it open and reasonably-priced so we can all play with it...thanks again, Ashhar.
Jack, W8TEE
Hi Jerry & Ryan, Thanks for responding.? I doubt I¡¯m alone in hoping to eventually tweak Jack Purdum¡¯s B40 TFT display for a uBitX but plan no other changes.? The main goal is just to build a working transceiver that is not a kit.? Is it fair to call such a build ¡®home-brewed¡¯ even if it is merely a larger-scale copy of Ashhar¡¯s circuit?? It would of course have the added 45 MHz filter in his later schematic drawing with the four LPFs. ?
After re-reading Ashhar¡¯s statement about rights to the board, I agree he has already said he does not plan to release the Gerber files.? I¡¯m not sure how I might use them other than as a guide to parts placement on a larger board; a better approach would probably be to use Ashhar¡¯s photograph of his build shown at? ?as a reference (I have an 11x17-inch color print of that photo in a frame over my bench as motivation).
¡°¹ó°ù´Ç³¾:?Jerry Gaffke
Date: Mon, 04 Dec 2017 21:05:33 CST?
Sounds fun, are you planning any circuit mods?
?. . .?
I don't recall gerbers of previous projects ever being made available.
And not sure how they would help on a Manhatten build.¡±
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Arthur Bryant
Craig Thibodeaux