Joe,
Thanks as I also have one of those encoders and planned to use it.? My plan was to make the changes you have done.
Saves me a bit of testing.
The STM will make doing color display easier and faster to update as I've used it for another project that had a color screen.
I haven't seen board images and have to hunt and trace for palaces to cut for mods.
Allison
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Re: Newbie instructions for loading software in Raduino
#firmware
The Arduino board is soldered to the other board.? I used? a hot air gun on the pins connected to the other board.? Then one of the solder sucking guns out clean out the holes.If you get an Arduino board make sure you install the pins on the correct side or the board will not fit.
As mentioned before you should be able to connect to the nano board and download programs into it with the power off the ubitx.
On Thu, May 17, 2018 at 11:53 AM, kj6etl <pa1zz@...> wrote: Thanks these instructions will get me going.
You might have seen that I have been strugling to get my uBitx to work and I am now certain that I have a failed Raduino board since it doesn't even want to connect to my compuer.
Thank you for confirming that the Raduino is the same board as an Arduino. I was assuming it was but "assume" is a very dangerous word so I rather confirmed :-)
I asked Farhan about how to obtain a new board but rather then waiting for his reply and mail from India I might as well buy an Arduino board locally.
New question:
The blue (r)arduino board is firmly connecthe to the larger green board. Before I continue and apply more force is this indeed a part that can be unplugged or does it need to be unsoldered?
_._,_
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Re: Using IRF530 outputs and 2N3553 drivers in ubitx
Don't know enough about the minipa 70 to comment.? Is there a circuit out there to look at?
The Wa2EBY I have has run at 65W (40M) brick on key mode for nearly 20M before I called it
good.? Only slightly larger heatsink but the real factor was stability. and avoiding overdrive.
I used a 4DB pad on the amp as almost of the radios I have are about 4W to both protect
the amp from overdrive, provide a stable load for the radio and input to the amp.? Also
everyone that reported killing that amp was running more than 28V.? FYI that used IRF510s.
I built it back in 2006 its still running the second set of transistors and has been run into shorted
coax, opens (no antenna or no coax!), wrong lowpass filter (on 10M with 80m filter...oops).
What happened to the fist set of IRF510s?? Testing to see what they could take, they failed
at 85W out on 40M (190W DC input) and 36V and the likely failure mode was overvoltage
on the gates (needed 5W drive for that power) with bias set to 200ma per device.? Previous
test at 80W ran for 5 minutes without issues?though the heat sink did hit 55C and the case
of the device nearly 80C.? Backing off to 28V and keeping drive under 1.2W has proven?
blast proof.
I have encountered enough IRF5xx mosfet amp designs and most a at best conditionally
stable and if they go unstable they will oscillate and, overheat and die. Some do not like the
driver (what ever radio used) and many are even less tolerant of bad SWR usually due to high?
reactance of the antenna not tuned out.? At least one case it was built so open
(no screening at all) that RF from the antenna was getting to the input causing
oscillation.? ?Another case the conclusion was the amp was ok but the QRP rig was?
unstable with a reactive load and would go into oscillation, over drive the amp and
kill the IRF520s used .? I helped him build in a TX only input attenuator(3DB) into
the amp and problems went away.
I've seen this sort of failure and misbehaviour in bipolar and LDmosfet?and even
vacuum tube amps as well.??
Allison
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Re: Newbie instructions for loading software in Raduino
#firmware
The Mac can have trouble talking to the CH340 USB chip on the Nano clones requires a special driver.? Here's on possible solution plucked from a very long thread: ? ?? /g/BITX20/message/47747Your USB cable may have been built with only two wires, suitable to supply power but no data wires. Try the USB cable out on some other equipment, see if it really transfers data. Lots of other things could go wrong here, it can be frustrating. But if you keep plugging away and asking questions, it will most likely come to life. Jerry
On Thu, May 17, 2018 at 09:14 am, kj6etl wrote:
It powers on but its unresponsive to any input from the rotary controller or the funktion button.
When pressing the reset button it blinks for s second showing the version of the sofware thats it. This also happens with the board removed and only powered by USB.
After connecting it directly to my iMac and using the Arduino application its not showing under the available ports in the Tools menu.
When I check the USB ports in the System report its not showing there either.
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Hey Joe, good to see you taking on the uBitx! I don't think Farhan has not released mechanical data, but here's gerbers for a Raduino replacement that Nik may have gotten right through careful measurements.? Perhaps you could contact him on how these dimensions were arrived at. ? ?? /g/BITX20/message/42237You've got a busy website:?? The improvement to the biasing of Q70 at the audio preamp seems like something easy to do and well worth trying. I've been playing with Blue Pills also, was thinking perhaps putting just the processor chip? down on a new Raduion PCB would be worth the trouble, gives far more IO than available from the Nano form factor.? The STM32F has pin compatible processor chips through a wide range of capability, here's a selection of LQFP 48 and 64 pin parts: ? ?? Top end parts such as the? 511-STM32F405RGT6TR?include an FPU. Jerry, KE7ER ? ? ?
On Thu, May 17, 2018 at 06:12 am, W3JDR wrote:
I want to make a substitute Raduino using a "Blue Pill" STM32F103 board. Does anyone know where I can get a quick start on the CAD by finding an Eagle or KiCAD file set that already has the critical connector dimensions on it?
Joe
W3JDR
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Re: Newbie instructions for loading software in Raduino
#firmware
Hi Allison,
It powers on but its unresponsive to any input from the rotary controller or the funktion button.
When pressing the reset button it blinks for s second showing the version of the sofware thats it. This also happens with the board removed and only powered by USB.
After connecting it directly to my iMac and using the Arduino application its not showing under the available ports in the Tools menu.
When I check the USB ports in the System report its not showing there either.
Smiles across the wires,
Rogier
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Re: Mic doesn't work in bitx40
#bitx40
Most dynamic mics are like speakers with 50-500 ohm voice coils, Most are not very compact
with an OD of 10MM and up to as large as 30mm.? That is at least true for ones I have.
Electret mics ar small cartridges usually 6mm to as large as 9mm?in diameter with two
terminals.? The ground is the terminal that connects to the metallic shell.
Allison
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Re: Newbie instructions for loading software in Raduino
#firmware
Failure to connect may be due to wrong USB driver, wrong board selected (under tools), wrong port selected (under tools)
or maybe even a bad cable.
I will not suggest more than at for now as for me it all old hat and I'd likely skip a step critical to someone new at it also
unless you are using Mint Linux version of the IDE what you see might be different.
However if its new and does nothing are you sure power is getting to it?
Allison
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Re: Newbie instructions for loading software in Raduino
#firmware
Rogier,
Please be aware that on Windows systems it may be
necessary to load a driver program.
Apparently there are two variations of Arduino
Nano, and one of them is not automatically
supported with Windows drivers.
see
for more details.
you may not have a bad
raduino
Regards,
Rod KM6SN
On 05/17/2018 08:53 AM, kj6etl wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Thanks these
instructions will get me going.
You might have seen that I have been strugling to get my uBitx to
work and I am now certain that I have a failed Raduino board since
it doesn't even want to connect to my compuer.
Thank you for confirming that the Raduino is the same board as an
Arduino. I was assuming it was but "assume" is a very dangerous
word so I rather confirmed :-)
I asked Farhan about how to obtain a new board but rather then
waiting for his reply and mail from India I might as well buy an
Arduino board locally.
New question:
The blue (r)arduino board is firmly connecthe to the larger green
board. Before I continue and apply more force is this indeed a
part that can be unplugged or does it need to be unsoldered?
|
Re: Newbie instructions for loading software in Raduino
#firmware
The Raduino board is NOT an arduino board.? The processor chip on the board (NANO) is an arduino but the
Raduino board is NOT from arduino.
rOn
On May 17, 2018 at 11:53 AM kj6etl <pa1zz@...> wrote:
Thanks these instructions will get me going.
You might have seen that I have been strugling to get my uBitx to work and I am now certain that I have a failed Raduino board since it doesn't even want to connect to my compuer.
Thank you for confirming that the Raduino is the same board as an Arduino. I was assuming it was but "assume" is a very dangerous word so I rather confirmed :-)
I asked Farhan about how to obtain a new board but rather then waiting for his reply and mail from India I might as well buy an Arduino board locally.
New question:
The blue (r)arduino board is firmly connecthe to the larger green board. Before I continue and apply more force is this indeed a part that can be unplugged or does it need to be unsoldered?
|
Re: Newbie instructions for loading software in Raduino
#firmware
Thanks these instructions will get me going.
You might have seen that I have been strugling to get my uBitx to work and I am now certain that I have a failed Raduino board since it doesn't even want to connect to my compuer.
Thank you for confirming that the Raduino is the same board as an Arduino. I was assuming it was but "assume" is a very dangerous word so I rather confirmed :-)
I asked Farhan about how to obtain a new board but rather then waiting for his reply and mail from India I might as well buy an Arduino board locally.
New question:
The blue (r)arduino board is firmly connecthe to the larger green board. Before I continue and apply more force is this indeed a part that can be unplugged or does it need to be unsoldered?
|
Re: Mic doesn't work in bitx40
#bitx40
Thank you for your reply..
What is difference between dynamic mic and electret condenser mic? Do they look a like in shape? The one I bought is look like this ..
|
uBitx diagnostic document from Facebook group
#ubitx
I think that is a very useful exercise by that person.
73, John (VK2ETA)
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Re: Mic doesn't work in bitx40
#bitx40
Thank you for your reply,?
I build my own bitx and bought all the component by myself.. The mic element was an electret condenser mic. I wired it up according to the datasheet..
Maybe there was something wrong with the wiring. But all the connections are good and the schematic are exactly the same with the schematic in bitx40..
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Paul, well put!
Retired Engineer Roy WA0YMH
On Thu, May 17, 2018, 10:15 AM Paul Galburt - K2AYZ < galburt@...> wrote: Having just gotten off my bi-weekly company-wide engineering review, I must confess to having a bit of difficulty separating some of the uBitx discussions from my commercial product development (IOT and security).? The topics are often similar.
What I read on seems more like spirited creative discussion rather than bickering. Folks seems respectful of each other, but have informed points of view. I have been a working hardware and software developer for almost 60 years, but still learn stuff from the group every day.
Thanks to Farhan for being the Godfather of this product line while never letting ego block him from evaluating outside ideas fairly - unusual traits. Thanks also to so many group members for sharing their hard won technical skills and knowledge so freely. I hope to be able to contribute in kind over time.
73,
Paul K2AYZ
|
Having just gotten off my bi-weekly company-wide engineering review, I must confess to having a bit of difficulty separating some of the uBitx discussions from my commercial product development (IOT and security).? The topics are often similar.
What I read on groups.io seems more like spirited creative discussion rather than bickering. Folks seems respectful of each other, but have informed points of view. I have been a working hardware and software developer for almost 60 years, but still learn stuff from the group every day.
Thanks to Farhan for being the Godfather of this product line while never letting ego block him from evaluating outside ideas fairly - unusual traits. Thanks also to so many group members for sharing their hard won technical skills and knowledge so freely. I hope to be able to contribute in kind over time.
73,
Paul K2AYZ
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Re: share your BITX success stories
I've given my report before, but I'll throw it in here for giggles.
My uBITX is my first HF rig.? I ordered to close the deal on getting my Extra.? I got my Extra 2 weeks later and got my CW up to 13wpm (5 char, random) as penance for not getting my ticket 30 years ago.
While waiting for my uBITX to arrived I read every...single...post, looked up part numbers, googled what it did when I didn't understand it, ordered some extras, practiced my soldering and read some more.? I ordered the SMD practice boards, a new soldering iron and some spare IRF510's and RD16's as well as some SMD kits.
uBITX arrived, I soldered it up and started the "Junkyard Dogs" thread here for my complete lack of regard for aesthetics.? I fired it up and couldn't get any SSB QSO's with my EFHW, so I found the CW key memory and sent "TEST AG5OV TEST" a few times and checked the RBNs....IT LIVED, I was getting out!
Next I updated the firmware to Ian's fantastic work and soldered up a home grown EasyDigi interface and plugged it into a RPi.? I've been running FT8 and WSPR almost continuously since I turned it on a couple months ago.? I'm over 700 digital QSOs, 0 SSB (it'll come, no rush) and 0 CW (printed up a key, just need to wire it up).? It's been, simply, fantastic.? I'm so very glad I went with the uBITX as my first HF rig, the experience with both the product and the support here has been more than I could have imagined.? It's what I got into ham for, to explore, to learn, to discover to get that spark in the mind of "ah ha!".
I wouldn't change a thing, even my dreaded WX2822...where I got to down convert to 12.1v instead of running at full 13.8.? If I had wanted to make eleventy-seven DX SSB QSO's in the first week then I wouldn't have picked the uBITX.? I don't need that, I yearn for discovery and and exploration.
I'll add that I have a 2nd uBITX still in box that I need to wire up and put across town.? I'm super interested in not just digital modes, but data modes and having my own testbed with rigs across town and network access to each end will be great fun.
73 Rob AG5OV
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Roxi,
I totally agree with u. some members spout a plethora of knowledge but won't respond to any ham asking for help. but shame on any of us who love to build mention the bickering about who's software is the best what standards etc. Thats why some clubs shut the doors because of internal bickering and everyone has to do it their way.im a builder and a qrper. i bought this rig for the economics of an all band rig and possibly modify it MY way later with the help of other great knowledgeble hams on this forum. I mean really, price of other rigs, and they are outrageous.
Farhan has an incredible rig. unfortunately some hams aren't happy with anything.ive been a ham since early 80s, and i love cw. some do not. some refuse to be my friend anymore because i love cw. oh well, its a great hobby. and a lot of hams forget that. i don't get impressed by the bickering and arguing. its boring and stifles amateur radio as a whole.i was lucky to have mentors who really enjoyed ham radio and was OPEN i repeat OPEN to others suggestions without arguing.i love the forum and the knowledge others bring to share or help ,but i erase any posts that have a bickering title to it.they forget there are thousands of hams who have gone it alone because of bickering ,only to discover a new technology.there are also thousands of hams who are programmers and they don't get on here to argue about code. life is too short to bicker about petty things. Well roxi i probably made some mad but, they will get over it. if not they don't need to be in this hobby. remember we love this hobby to promote technology , self learning and spread goodwill across the world without any biases or politician agendas¡?
thats why i mostly work cw. try arguing in cw .:)
73s David? ka9koj.
p.s.?
remember to have fun.
?
On Wednesday, May 16, 2018 1:21 PM, Laurence Oberman <oberman.l@...> wrote:
Indeed
I have always said folks need to be more appreciative of what they are
getting here and less ready to bicker/moan about stuff.
Its an awesome little radio and provides freedom for those who want it
and simple function for those who just want it to work.
This group of folks is awesome and will help with any issues so is
pretty much the best of both worlds.
Thank you again Mr Fahran
73 KB1HKO
Laurence
On Wed, May 16, 2018 at 11:52 AM, R. E. Klaus via Groups.Io <reklaus= [email protected]> wrote: >? First, Mr. Farhan, thank you for developing the BITX series of radios. I > think there has been a great need for an inexpensive HF radio particularly > for the QRP operator. I have a couple (used) QRO rigs but have a desire to > try QRP and portable operation.? I would like to have a FT-817 but they are > way beyond my budget. When I heard about the uBITX, I had to check it out > and bought one ( now I am looking for the "perfect" (for me) case.) The > basic uBITX is a good little radio. My wish list would be to have 10 watts > PEP from 80 through 10 meters (many fixes available) and for it to have some > type of output indicator to help avoid over driving the output and > distortion.? May be a very basic CAT interface to use a tablet for digital > modes. >? Now a suggestion to the group originator. I find it interesting that the > highest number of posts seem to involve bickering over the best software > developer/development. Maybe it is time to split the group into separate > groups one for software developers and one for basic usage and > modifications. > Roxie -- K1AUS >
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Re: share your BITX success stories
The uBITx has been a blast!? 330 FT8 QSOs in 6 weeks including 46 states and 12 countries on 4 watts or less.? Using end-fed 59 ft antenna to tree.? Having too much fun to see the negative......:) Looking forward to "souping up" the 2nd uBITx!
Tom
AB7WT
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Re: share your BITX success stories
On Thu, May 17, 2018 at 04:24 am, WS4JM wrote:
Where can I find instructions for the necessary cabling for digital?
73, Dennis W7DRW
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kj6etl
Paul Galburt - K2AYZ