Not only willing to be a beta tester,? willing to assemble.
--
73 de W5NNH
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Re: Tell me your favorite uBitx mods
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Re: Tell me your favorite uBitx mods
I am planning on adding this audio filter/DSP project to mine... when I get it.
/ Gerry
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Power output decreases as a function of frequency?
#bitx40
John,
Just a thought.
Desolder one end of L1,L2 and L3 and unwind ONE turn but do not cut the extra wire. Solder the ends and then try.
You can put that one turn back if it does not work..
The filter should move northwards and power graph may be more to your liking!
Happy new year!
Raj, vu2zap
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
At 31-12-2017, you wrote: Raj,
Could you suggest a method for bypassing L1-L3? I'm not sure how I would do that with any temporary change, any approach I can think of would be permanent and then attempting to reverse the damage later.
And where is the output filter on the board?
Something is definitely off center, I set the Raduino to transmit out of band and the power tails off in a rather symmetrical pattern centered on 7000khz, with another attachment showing the output power vs frequency.
Thanks!
John
On 12/29/2017 11:20 PM, Raj vu2zap wrote:
Could be something with L1-3. Temporarily bypass the filter and try another test.
I have one board with the filter centered a bit and gives less power higher up the band
but we work only till 7.2MHz.
It could be the output filter also.
Raj
At 30-12-2017, you wrote:
Bottom line up front:
I am having a problem with my Bitx40 where the power output decreases as I increase my frequency across the 40m band.
I completed all of Allard's 1.27.3 mods, plus RX/TX lights, and the spurious emissions capacitor, with it transmitting through a SWR meter into a 50W/3.5ghz dummy load. Power is from a variable power supply set to 12.0V, which includes powering the PA.
I'm receiving the following readings from the SWR's forward power gauge and the power supply's current meter as a function of the tuned frequency when using my straight key for ~1 second:
Frequency, SWR meter forward power, power supply current;
7005khz, 4.5W, 1.15A;
7050, 3.8, 1.06;
7100, 3.0, 0.98;
7150, 2.5, 0.91;
7195, 1.9, 0.82;
7250, 1.3, 0.72;
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Re: Tell me your favorite uBitx mods
Dave,
I agree with many of your points, very specifically, the AGC.? I tried listening in with my uBitx once I got the case wired up, and then promptly had my ears blown off by a nearby static pop or something.? I haven't listened to it since, and won't until I get some form of AGC, hopefully RF-derived... I am very touchy about my hearing, as it's sensitive and you only get one set of years (I wore earplugs all new years this year... hope yours was quieter).? I need to figure out the proper AGC scheme that is best, it should be reasonably easy to do.
Down the line, but a quick note:? Panel space is the biggest premium I'm dealing with. The display alone takes up 3.2" of front panel space.? Either one has to create a mezzanine board to 'stack' buttons/encoders/etc vertically, or you start going to the back panel, the side panels, etc.
1) Already covered above 2) Already in my schematic (I use a BY-1) 3) Already in my schematic 4) S-meter would have to be derived from the AGC, but I see no reason it couldn't be.? I've added in an analog pin. 4b) I have one 'undefined' front panel button.? I'd like to have more if possible... I might add in an extra MCP23S17 to expand my IO's...? (I'm nearly full on the leonardo) 5) Not sure how to implement this one, but if you've got a rough schematic to point me to of your modifications, I can probably include it.? Depends on how the wires would need to go to the PCB below, or if it's something that can just be put inline with the microphone.? Could do a microphone amplifier I suppose...? This is probably the lowest priority out of the things listed for me. 6) It's easy enough to pipe the TX line out to a relay.? I'll consider it based on panel space. 7) Yep, already in the schematic.? For now I'll probably stick to linear / non-phase detector method, but it probably wouldn't be hard to modify for a phase detector.? Just would need to focus on how to do it on the cheap instead of using an AD8307 or 8302 (Which are like $10-25 at digikey).
On Mon, Jan 1, 2018 at 1:15 AM, Dave Bottom <ars.kd6az@...> wrote: Hi Martin,
?A Second Story is a neat idea that could eliminate wiring with a suitable case that can take advantage of PCB mounted connectors. Here's my wish list...
Important: 1) Well the top of my list is a really effective AGC.? This is what separates a really great rig from a really good rig. The basic MicroBITX so reminds me of my SBE SB-33 (1966 - mobile rig) it is the audio derived AGC.? Back in the day Collins S-Line had great (but complex) AGC that worked(s) great, but.. Nearly every Heathkit SSB rig back in the day had great AGC whether it was a tube HW-12 or a solid state HW-104. Check out the HW-104 AGC system...
2) Solid CW Keying and for a paddle
3) USB interface to rear panel -? One big reason for this kit is to become proficient working with software.
4) Well if those are done an S-Meter is nice.
Nice to have: 4) Momentary button to toggle between VFO A and VFO B.? If you work split this is really necessary (Yes, I chase DX on QRP)
5) Mic Pre-Amp and Mic Gain -? I added this tonight with the PCB temporarily stuck on the rear panel (all my jacks are on the rear panel out of the way of knobs.? It helps a little so I don't feel like I have to climb in the Mic, however a Speech Compressor might be more worthwhile.? Being able to use typical Electret Condenser Mics (e.g. ICOM radios) it needs more gain and an adjustment even if a PCB mounted internally accessible set and forget pot.
6) Keying interface for a Linear.? Band data and keying - This baby will drive an RF-KIT 2K+ LDMOS linear to legal limit. (when life is too short for QRP)
When you have nothing better to do: 7) VSWR Bridge with Display for forward/reflected power.? The tuner gets a lot simpler and an external tuner may not need power (manual tuner).
Oh, wait, didn't you do that one already?? LOL
Dave WI6R
-- Martin Held - AE7EU
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If there aren't any questions, then what is there to learn?
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Re: Wiring volume control
You are correct.? The Orange Wire goes to the Wiper.? Otherwise the volume control works very weird.
Dave WI6R
On Sun, Dec 31, 2017 at 8:28 PM, ekelley <ekelley828@...> wrote: The schematic shows the yellow wire going to the wiper arm, but in the instructions
later on the orange wire goes to the wiper. Which is correct?
Ed
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[2] Re: Another opportunity to show my ignorance... Tuning control?
Many thanks for speedy clarification - sincerely appreciated?.
Once my uBitx project assembled (edit to change wording from 'complete' as suspect this type of project will never be finished <grin>), I will post pictures (maybe a video?) as I enjoy looking at what others have constructed and perhaps my efforts (idea is to re purpose 1960's GEC VHF transceiver (am) portable case...) could be added to a gallery. ?Hmmm, wonder if possible to add sub-section somewhere on groups.io and if yes would there be interest from 'members'?
73 from a hot and sunny South Africa :-)?
Nigel - ZS6RN
Sent?from?my?BlackBerry?Passport?
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Re: Tell me your favorite uBitx mods
Oooh, I like that idea John.? Would be easy enough to do too.? Two power inputs, one 7 or 8V minimum for the logic and/or amp power, and a second dedicated power level supply.? Easy enough to do with two 5.5mm jacks.
On Sun, Dec 31, 2017 at 9:02 PM, John McFadden <johnamcf@...> wrote: A relay to select the board's power source (12 or 13.5v) or an alternate power input (24v or a variable input) as the feed to the finals, potentially with the system reading the voltages and the software calculating the approximate power.?
The user could then switch between two power levels with software, accommodating low power antennas like magnetic loops which have restrictions such as 10W CW and 25W SSB.
John
-- Martin Held - AE7EU
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If there aren't any questions, then what is there to learn?
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Re: Tell me your favorite uBitx mods
Hi Martin,
?A Second Story is a neat idea that could eliminate wiring with a suitable case that can take advantage of PCB mounted connectors. Here's my wish list...
Important: 1) Well the top of my list is a really effective AGC.? This is what separates a really great rig from a really good rig. The basic MicroBITX so reminds me of my SBE SB-33 (1966 - mobile rig) it is the audio derived AGC.? Back in the day Collins S-Line had great (but complex) AGC that worked(s) great, but.. Nearly every Heathkit SSB rig back in the day had great AGC whether it was a tube HW-12 or a solid state HW-104. Check out the HW-104 AGC system...
2) Solid CW Keying and for a paddle
3) USB interface to rear panel -? One big reason for this kit is to become proficient working with software.
4) Well if those are done an S-Meter is nice.
Nice to have: 4) Momentary button to toggle between VFO A and VFO B.? If you work split this is really necessary (Yes, I chase DX on QRP)
5) Mic Pre-Amp and Mic Gain -? I added this tonight with the PCB temporarily stuck on the rear panel (all my jacks are on the rear panel out of the way of knobs.? It helps a little so I don't feel like I have to climb in the Mic, however a Speech Compressor might be more worthwhile.? Being able to use typical Electret Condenser Mics (e.g. ICOM radios) it needs more gain and an adjustment even if a PCB mounted internally accessible set and forget pot.
6) Keying interface for a Linear.? Band data and keying - This baby will drive an RF-KIT 2K+ LDMOS linear to legal limit. (when life is too short for QRP)
When you have nothing better to do: 7) VSWR Bridge with Display for forward/reflected power.? The tuner gets a lot simpler and an external tuner may not need power (manual tuner).
Oh, wait, didn't you do that one already?? LOL
Dave WI6R
On Sun, Dec 31, 2017 at 6:29 PM, Diver Martin <diver.martin@...> wrote: Hello all,
As I'm doing a motherboard mod, I'm looking to incorporate a bunch of mods into one PCB.? Right now, what I've got going are the following:
* A tuner + SWR Bridge (phase detector maybe?) * A spot for an RTL-SDR (blogV3) dongle * AGC Modifications * Integrating LCD and headphone/mic/BNC/Power/etc jacks into the PCB
Other things I've thought about, space depending:
*Adding in footprints for a chinese AD9850 DDS module for one of the clock signals
I would like to hear the top mods you've done, and what you'd love to see integrated into a motherboard PCB that fits on top of the uBitx.? Battery charger?? Battery adapter? I dunno, bring it on!? If you have a favorite AGC mod, please tell me about it, and make some suggestions as well.? This is not promising to be a cheap kit, and full of SMT, but something I might make available.
Happy new year,
-- Martin Held - AE7EU
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If there aren't any questions, then what is there to learn?
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Re: Rugged Case Options?
#ubitx
Kent,
Looks Nice!??
What a great idea 3D printing knobs!? Did you use a press in metal insert for the set screw, or make it push on the half shaft?
Dave WI6R
On Sun, Dec 31, 2017 at 7:26 PM, Kent Vanderploeg <kvanderploeg@...> wrote: Finished up my case today.? Drilled holes and mounted speaker and 3D printed a volume knob.? I may print a larger one for the VFO as well.??
  
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Hi Jack,
Nice GT-550!
Yes I got quite addicted while cleaning out storage about 8 years ago.? Restored about 90 radios before shifting back to modern gear.?? Building stuff is still my favorite.
I can't tell you how much the uBITX reminds me of my SBE SB-33 (SF-1) like the one on my QRZ page with the matching linear.
73 Dave WI6R
On Sun, Dec 31, 2017 at 8:28 PM, Jack Purdum via Groups.Io <jjpurdum@...> wrote: Loved looking at your old gear on QRZ. I saw the Galaxy V; just sold my old GT-550:
Big mistake...
Jack, W8TEE
QRZ has changed their link policy so you¡¯ll have to type in my call sign for now.
Dave WI6R Happy New Year to all.
Received mine on the 24th (lucky I ordered on the 10th).
Got my case yesterday late afternoon and finished the case prep before turning in.
Wired up this morning. It¡¯s alive!!! First contact 600 Miles - 59 report.
See top of my QRZ page for pictures.
Off to build a Mic pre-amp with Mic Gain control. Then work on paddle interface.
Dave WI6R Sent from my iPhone Same here 12/23 date. Pretty excited!? Thank you, Farhan!
Tom
AB7WT
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Re: Another opportunity to show my ignorance... Tuning control?
Farhan used the same sort of one-turn variable resistor tuning on his prototype ?BITX that he used on the BITX with Raduino (and on his Sweeperino), so you probably did see his ?BITX video.
The production ?BITX uses a rotary encoder - so we're free to 'spin and grin'. :)??
Happy New Year, Nigel!
Andy
KG5RKP
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Show quoted text
On Sun, Dec 31, 2017 at 10:52 pm, Nigel wrote:
First up is to wish everyone on this group the very best for 2018!
Next is to also confirm that have received the mass mailing re order acknowledged and now waiting patiently (order placed December 16th).
Now for a question that should be easy to find answer but not yet found so hence this post (and good possibility of again showing my ignorance): I recall (sort of - not 100% certain) that during a video explaining operation of the uBitx that action and verbal description of how tuning implemented shows the control (variable resistor?) being moved to either end of travel (implying a conventional 270 deg movement) and then triggering 'fast tune' (even faster if function button active) and yet when looking at the 'code' there is reference to encoder detection (speed and direction)...?
Relevance for wanting to know if tuning action is 'rotary no limit' or 'conventional' (270 deg or perhaps 10T pot) ahead of receiving uBitx is that have an opportunity during upcoming visit to U.K. to obtain suitable knob (with finger depression) as sourcing locally very difficult + expensive.
?
As an aside the unreliable postal service here is another reason to only use courier services when importing ANYTHING. I digress... now stepping off soap box and looking forward to learning more via this forum.?
Many thanks in advance.
Remember to KEEPSMILING and have FUN!
Best regards to all
Nigel
ZS6RN ex G8DEV?
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Re: Another opportunity to show my ignorance... Tuning control?
The uBitx uses an encoder, so rotary, no limit.
The Bitx40 uses a pot for tuning with 270 degree rotation, that's likely the video you remember.
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Show quoted text
On Sun, Dec 31, 2017 at 10:52 pm, Nigel wrote:
I recall (sort of - not 100% certain) that during a video explaining operation of the uBitx that action and verbal description of how tuning implemented shows the control (variable resistor?) being moved to either end of travel (implying a conventional 270 deg movement) and then triggering 'fast tune' (even faster if function button active) and yet when looking at the 'code' there is reference to encoder detection (speed and direction)...?
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Re: Another opportunity to show my ignorance... Tuning control?
That certainly applied to the Raduino used on BITX40 Nigel but the uBITX, which uses a rotary encoder rather than a variable resistor.
Bill, VK7MX
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 1/01/2018 5:52 PM, Nigel wrote: First up is to wish everyone on this group the very best for 2018!
Next is to also confirm that have received the mass mailing re order acknowledged and now waiting patiently (order placed December 16th).
Now for a question that should be easy to find answer but not yet found so hence this post (and good possibility of again showing my ignorance): I recall (sort of - not 100% certain) that during a video explaining operation of the uBitx that action and verbal description of how tuning implemented shows the control (variable resistor?) being moved to either end of travel (implying a conventional 270 deg movement) and then triggering 'fast tune' (even faster if function button active) and yet when looking at the 'code' there is reference to encoder detection (speed and direction)...
Relevance for wanting to know if tuning action is 'rotary no limit' or 'conventional' (270 deg or perhaps 10T pot) ahead of receiving uBitx is that have an opportunity during upcoming visit to U.K. to obtain suitable knob (with finger depression) as sourcing locally very difficult + expensive.
As an aside the unreliable postal service here is another reason to only use courier services when importing ANYTHING. I digress... now stepping off soap box and looking forward to learning more via this forum.
Many thanks in advance.
Remember to KEEPSMILING and have FUN!
Best regards to all
Nigel
ZS6RN ex G8DEV
|
Another opportunity to show my ignorance... Tuning control?
First up is to wish everyone on this group the very best for 2018!
Next is to also confirm that have received the mass mailing re order acknowledged and now waiting patiently (order placed December 16th).
Now for a question that should be easy to find answer but not yet found so hence this post (and good possibility of again showing my ignorance): I recall (sort of - not 100% certain) that during a video explaining operation of the uBitx that action and verbal description of how tuning implemented shows the control (variable resistor?) being moved to either end of travel (implying a conventional 270 deg movement) and then triggering 'fast tune' (even faster if function button active) and yet when looking at the 'code' there is reference to encoder detection (speed and direction)...?
Relevance for wanting to know if tuning action is 'rotary no limit' or 'conventional' (270 deg or perhaps 10T pot) ahead of receiving uBitx is that have an opportunity during upcoming visit to U.K. to obtain suitable knob (with finger depression) as sourcing locally very difficult + expensive.
?
As an aside the unreliable postal service here is another reason to only use courier services when importing ANYTHING. I digress... now stepping off soap box and looking forward to learning more via this forum.?
Many thanks in advance.
Remember to KEEPSMILING and have FUN!
Best regards to all
Nigel
ZS6RN ex G8DEV?
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Re: C;hanging frequencies on the Raduino
Hi side VFO while operating in lower-sideband mode on the Bitx40 requires lowering the BFO frequency a few khz.
So you need version 2 of Allards firmware plus the associated hardware mods, one of which drives the BFO
from the si5351's clk0.? ??
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On Sun, Dec 31, 2017 at 09:36 pm, Dale Brooks KG7SSB wrote:
Hi Guys, could someone tell me what I would have to do to change my VFO frequency from the normal 4.7-5.0 mhz to 19.0-19.3 mhz. on my bitx40 rig. I'm using Allards ver 1.27.2 at this time but I would like to go on the high side of my IF to rid it of a nasty birdie at 7.2mhz. I remember back many weeks ago there was a bunch of threads having to do with this issue so if it already exists please help me locate the info. I'm still trying to learn the digital side of this thing so I'm not real good at processor mods. Thanks for the help:::Dale?
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Re: Wiring volume control
Thanks, Jerry
On 12/31/2017 10:59 PM, Jerry Gaffke
via Groups.Io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
You found a bug in
the schematic at the top of the wireup instructions where orange
and yellow wires are swapped.
Should be the orange wire to the wiper arm, as shown in the photo
of the volume pot down in the instructions.
Also, should have the green wire on the correct end of the pot as
shown in the photo
so fully counter-clockwise is minimum volume.
?
On Sun, Dec 31, 2017 at 08:28 pm, ekelley wrote:
The schematic shows the yellow wire going to the wiper
arm, but in the instructions
later on the orange wire goes to the wiper. Which is correct?
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C;hanging frequencies on the Raduino
Hi Guys, could someone tell me what I would have to do to change my VFO frequency from the normal 4.7-5.0 mhz to 19.0-19.3 mhz. on my bitx40 rig. I'm using Allards ver 1.27.2 at this time but I would like to go on the high side of my IF to rid it of a nasty birdie at 7.2mhz. I remember back many weeks ago there was a bunch of threads having to do with this issue so if it already exists please help me locate the info. I'm still trying to learn the digital side of this thing so I'm not real good at processor mods. Thanks for the help:::Dale?
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Re: Wiring volume control
To be a bit more concise, the schematic at the top of the wireup page does correctly show the?
the yellow wire coming out of pin 4 of the uBitx main board, and the orange wire out of pin 5.
However pin 4 should be labeled "VOL_HI", and be wired to the hot side of the pot,
and pin 5 should be labeled "VOL_MID" and be wired to the wiper of the pot.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Sun, Dec 31, 2017 at 08:59 pm, Jerry Gaffke wrote:
You found a bug in the schematic at the top of the wireup instructions where orange and yellow wires are swapped.
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Re: Tell me your favorite uBitx mods
A relay to select the board's power source (12 or 13.5v) or an alternate power input (24v or a variable input) as the feed to the finals, potentially with the system reading the voltages and the software calculating the approximate power.?
The user could then switch between two power levels with software, accommodating low power antennas like magnetic loops which have restrictions such as 10W CW and 25W SSB.
John
On Dec 31, 2017 10:10 PM, "Diver Martin" < diver.martin@...> wrote: My concept is to create a 6" x 5.5" PCB.? It would go on top of .5" standoffs on top of the uBitx main PCB.? One would remove the raduino, save the display, discard the nano/raduino (or better, use for a different project), and use the board as I'm creating it instead.? The idea is to create a clean, 2-PCB design, with a tuner, USB connectivity, built in connectors, etc.? It would replace some of the parts that come with the uBitx normally, make the case more compact, and remove the requirements to wire everything into an enclosure, allowing a clean 3D printed setup or however one would like.
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Raj vu2zap
ekelley