Hi,
Are you familiar with WebSDR? Those are SDR receive stations that are shared over the web. You can find them in various places covering various parts of the spectrum. Multiple users can use each one of them at the same time on different frequencies and different modes. If you don't know about them you should look into them and play with them a little.
Some key features are:
They are not in the same room as your transmitter! Does that ring any bells? :)
You get some idea how well your transmitter and antenna are getting out various locations. When you look those up on the WebSDR site they tell your right where they are:)
They are not in the same location as your industrial QRM. If industrial noise is giving you trouble at your home location you might consider using one of these receivers at it's quieter remote location and using your transmitter at your home to work other stations you hear on the Web SDR receiver. Choose wisely. If your are using a Web based SDR that is shared from Timbuktu in central Africa from San Diego on 80 meter CW you will probably not work anything that station can hear even though you can hear it. Choose a station that is in your own region so that other hams you hear on the remote receiver have a chance of hearing your transmitter:) There may be some pleasant surprises.
73,
Bill KU8H
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On 11/23/18 6:46 PM, KN4IYL wrote: Bill, you caught me. The receiver is about a foot away. Lesson learned, and thanks for everybody's input.
--
bark less - wag more
|
Re: Possibly the last person to get a uBitx on the air.
John
We are doing a group build of 23 rigs, many more behind you.
Check out 2 versions of nd6t agc, to cure that.
Yes cw via one arduino pin, you can get used to it. I may try w0eb firmware and hardware solution someday.
Dynamic mic, using a single transistor stage, solutions are out there on the web, and a very recent qst.?
I suggest using the stock firmware, then reading about 2 nice alternatives,? not in a hurry to decide.
Our club is using the fix with an extra 45mhz xtal and a daughter board with relays to cure the spurs.
Enjoy your ubitx ride while you sort it all out.
Curt
Central MD
|
Mike,
Interesting link but as you suggested, the most likely would be RF
intrusion.?? Was transmitting (into dummy load) when failed. ?
Still wonder why, since it was the "nth" time the xmit was on.?
Wire movement? freq different?? Too many variables...? TX was
acting weird at that point. 10 MHz and up was pretty much like
others have experienced.? At lower freqs, the power dropped to 1-2
watts and the current increased almost an amp.?
In addition to my RX problems need to investigate the (above)
unusual RF power / current draw (was starting to troubleshoot when
lost nano).?? Wonder if high SWR on lower freqs affected current
and generated more stray RF ????
Will add ferite to lead wires before next xmit and cross fingers.
--
To All -? CURIOUS:??
Is the board microphonic for anyone else?? With the volume up
(slight background tone) tapping or lightly dragging a plastic
diddle stick across the components can be plainly heard from the
speaker.
TNX,
Woody
----------------------------------------
On 11/24/2018 0:33, Mike Woods wrote:
Woody
It's pretty easy to kill a nano.?? See
And it may have been RF, putting the connector on one pin out of
line, and a whole bunch of other ways ...
Mike ZL1AXG
On 24/11/18 1:04 PM, Woody wrote:
Solved...
Thanks to a comment from Jim, one problem solved.?? Idiot me did
not adjust the display contrast before deciding the kit had an
assembly problem.?? A tweek of the contrast pot, and there where
characters!
Still wonder why the original nano died...?? At least I can now
proceed to trouble shoot the main ubitx board.
Woody??? KZ4AK
--------------------------
On 11/23/2018 20:05, Woody wrote:
Will welcome any suggestions...
History:
Using UBITX_CEC_V1.080_16P.hex. Original Raduino died during
transmitter testing.??? Display: Top row all filled
characters, Bottom row no characters.? This is what is
displayed while waiting for boot to complete with working
unit...? Tried to reload firmware...
UBITX Manager: Connects OK (38,400 baud), but READ UBITX
returns error - [6:31] ERROR RECEIVE LENGTH = 0/1027
Reset does not return error.?? After "reset ubitx", reconnect
and tried to upload original btx file - reported success...
Then...
Using XLOADER, tried uploading UBITX_CEC_V1.080_16P.hex again
(57,600 baud, at 38,400 - can't open port)? ---? Tries to
upload, but stuck at "uploading...", never completes.
So...? Ordered new Raduino kit from W0EB.? Different problem:
Display lights, no characters either row.
----
Memory manager connects, Read ubitx seems to work.? Got data
and the info: [6:57 PM] Check sum compare 57:57
[6:57 PM] READ SAMPLE :
02,D2,DD,FF,FF,00,00,00,00,B2,0E,B7,00,00,00,00,00,10,93,6B,00,C8,09,6F,00,00,00,00,00,0E,00,00,
Memory Manager
Reset seems to work.
Loading btx from file reports "success".
Using Xloader, loaded UBITX_CEC_V1.080_16P.hex,? apparently
successful.
Lit, but still blank display.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THEN... Put the new arduino nano (from W0EB) in the original
Raduino board.?? Seems to work!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Apparently I have two issues.? A bad Nano in original, and
something wrong with my new kit.
I have carefully examined all solder joints using 10x eye loop
and 20x stereo microscope.? No bridging, joints look OK.
Two questions:
1) Any suggestions about why the original Nano died?? Don't
want a repeat!
2) What could be causing the lit but blank display on the new
kit?
Thanks for any suggestions.
Woody,? KZ4AK
--
|
I was lucky enough to get this one. If you have a chance to deal with Joe in the future, don¡¯t hesitate. A true man of his word and a joy to get to know.
thanks, Joe.
--
72 and God bless
KD4EPG
|
Re: Possibly the last person to get a uBitx on the air.
Have your tried KD8CEC firmware??? It should fix keying issues ... it has for most, although some have gone to using a fixed digital pin.?? Lots of ways of fixing that problem.
However, the KD8CEC has lots of other features as well!
Mike ZL1AXG ubitx.net
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Show quoted text
What would be your first recommended software upgrade, not needing any HW fix.
--
Mike Woods
mhwoods@...
|
Woody
It's pretty easy to kill a nano.?? See
And it may have been RF, putting the connector on one pin out of line, and a whole bunch of other ways ...
Mike ZL1AXG
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 24/11/18 1:04 PM, Woody wrote: Solved...
Thanks to a comment from Jim, one problem solved.?? Idiot me did not adjust the display contrast before deciding the kit had an assembly problem.?? A tweek of the contrast pot, and there where characters!
Still wonder why the original nano died...?? At least I can now proceed to trouble shoot the main ubitx board.
Woody??? KZ4AK
--------------------------
On 11/23/2018 20:05, Woody wrote:
Will welcome any suggestions...
History:
Using UBITX_CEC_V1.080_16P.hex. Original Raduino died during transmitter testing.??? Display: Top row all filled characters, Bottom row no characters.? This is what is displayed while waiting for boot to complete with working unit...? Tried to reload firmware...
UBITX Manager: Connects OK (38,400 baud), but READ UBITX returns error - [6:31] ERROR RECEIVE LENGTH = 0/1027
Reset does not return error.?? After "reset ubitx", reconnect and tried to upload original btx file - reported success...
Then...
Using XLOADER, tried uploading UBITX_CEC_V1.080_16P.hex again (57,600 baud, at 38,400 - can't open port)? ---? Tries to upload, but stuck at "uploading...", never completes.
So...? Ordered new Raduino kit from W0EB.? Different problem: Display lights, no characters either row.
----
Memory manager connects, Read ubitx seems to work.? Got data and the info: [6:57 PM] Check sum compare 57:57
[6:57 PM] READ SAMPLE : 02,D2,DD,FF,FF,00,00,00,00,B2,0E,B7,00,00,00,00,00,10,93,6B,00,C8,09,6F,00,00,00,00,00,0E,00,00,
Memory Manager
Reset seems to work.
Loading btx from file reports "success".
Using Xloader, loaded UBITX_CEC_V1.080_16P.hex,? apparently successful.
Lit, but still blank display.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THEN... Put the new arduino nano (from W0EB) in the original Raduino board.?? Seems to work!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Apparently I have two issues.? A bad Nano in original, and something wrong with my new kit.
I have carefully examined all solder joints using 10x eye loop and 20x stereo microscope.? No bridging, joints look OK.
Two questions:
1) Any suggestions about why the original Nano died?? Don't want a repeat!
2) What could be causing the lit but blank display on the new kit?
Thanks for any suggestions.
Woody,? KZ4AK
--
Mike Woods
mhwoods@...
|
Possibly the last person to get a uBitx on the air.
I got my uBitx going today and already made some contacts. I had to rewire the socket for the keyer but other than that all worked OK out of the chute.? It's presently using the v0.20 code
Things noted:
* No ALC--- I think I lost one ear while copying a weak one on 40CW when a QRO station opened up about 2 kc below.
* Keyer- clunky at best . I hope there's an upgrade, as it's really a struggle to send good code with it. Not sure if it's me or the fact that there seems to be no "send ahead buffer" that makes it unweildly
* I need to do some mod (reducing a mic amp emitter resistor) to enable use of a dynamic mic.?
* I get about 7-8W out on 40 CW
First CQ was answered by a station about 500 miles away and I got an 579 mid afternoon on 40.
I fired it back up again a little while ago and worked contest stations in Italy and Russia also on 40.? It works !
I have it in one of the VU3SUA cases also from India. I gave up trying to use the boards that came with the enclosure kit. They could be made to work, but the lack of coherent documentation made that not worth the effort. The enclosure itself is fine. The rest got tossed, except for the digital board.?
What would be the recommended mod for the dynamic mic fix??
What would be your first recommended software upgrade, not needing any HW fix.
73?
John K5MO
Central NC
|
Solved...
Thanks to a comment from Jim, one problem solved.?? Idiot me did not adjust the display contrast before deciding the kit had an assembly problem.?? A tweek of the contrast pot, and there where characters!
Still wonder why the original nano died...?? At least I can now proceed to trouble shoot the main ubitx board.
Woody??? KZ4AK
--------------------------
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 11/23/2018 20:05, Woody wrote: Will welcome any suggestions...
History:
Using UBITX_CEC_V1.080_16P.hex. Original Raduino died during transmitter testing.??? Display: Top row all filled characters, Bottom row no characters.? This is what is displayed while waiting for boot to complete with working unit...? Tried to reload firmware...
UBITX Manager: Connects OK (38,400 baud), but READ UBITX returns error - [6:31] ERROR RECEIVE LENGTH = 0/1027
Reset does not return error.?? After "reset ubitx", reconnect and tried to upload original btx file - reported success...
Then...
Using XLOADER, tried uploading UBITX_CEC_V1.080_16P.hex again (57,600 baud, at 38,400 - can't open port)? ---? Tries to upload, but stuck at "uploading...", never completes.
So...? Ordered new Raduino kit from W0EB.? Different problem: Display lights, no characters either row.
----
Memory manager connects, Read ubitx seems to work.? Got data and the info: [6:57 PM] Check sum compare 57:57
[6:57 PM] READ SAMPLE : 02,D2,DD,FF,FF,00,00,00,00,B2,0E,B7,00,00,00,00,00,10,93,6B,00,C8,09,6F,00,00,00,00,00,0E,00,00,
Memory Manager
Reset seems to work.
Loading btx from file reports "success".
Using Xloader, loaded UBITX_CEC_V1.080_16P.hex,? apparently successful.
Lit, but still blank display.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THEN... Put the new arduino nano (from W0EB) in the original Raduino board.?? Seems to work!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Apparently I have two issues.? A bad Nano in original, and something wrong with my new kit.
I have carefully examined all solder joints using 10x eye loop and 20x stereo microscope.? No bridging, joints look OK.
Two questions:
1) Any suggestions about why the original Nano died?? Don't want a repeat!
2) What could be causing the lit but blank display on the new kit?
Thanks for any suggestions.
Woody,? KZ4AK
|
Bill, you caught me. The receiver is about a foot away. Lesson learned, and thanks for everybody's input.
|
Hi,
How many kilometers are between the receiver you are using for tests and the transmitter? If it's in the same room you don't stand a chance.
73,
Bill KU8H
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 11/23/18 5:28 PM, KN4IYL wrote: Addendum to the above: It's not so much a squeal, more like a noise you'd hear on Space Invaders or Galaga or something. Sorry for the non-technical explanation, but I don't know what else to call it.
--
bark less - wag more
|
Re: Bitx40 Power Supply - stackeing 4 2032 Lithium coin batterieis?
Hi,
The capacity of an Energizer coin cell of this size is 235mAh.? That would last you maybe 1.5h max on receive only; much less with some transmitting.
73,
Mark.
|
Re: Bitx40 Power Supply - stackeing 4 2032 Lithium coin batterieis?
The CR2032 is designed for applications with very low current draw. It's spec show standard discharge rate is 0.2mA. So you would need to parallel many cells to get the power you need.
|
Re: Bitx40 Power Supply - stackeing 4 2032 Lithium coin batterieis?
I would use 4 individual holders. Then, mount them to a piece of circuit board.
Like:?
I would check Digikey.com also....
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 11/23/2018 22:32, larrymittman@... wrote: 2032 lithium coin batter
|
Thanks, but nano died during operation.? While I cannot transfer data with it (does connect), I can connect and move data fine with the second nano.?? ... And the second nano works with the original mother board, not the new one (blank screen).? Nano seems to be toasted.? Was wondering how that happened.
Woody? KZ4AK
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Show quoted text
On 11/23/2018 20:19, Jack Purdum via Groups.Io wrote: I'm grasping at straws here, but usually when I find the upload hangs, it's for one of two reasons. First, I don't have the CH340 driver installed. Many clones don't use the expensive UART of the original Nano, hence the need for the driver. Just google "CH340 download". Second, the chip was shipped with an early bootloader. If that's the case, the Tools menu will have a bootloader option. Try the ATMega328 (old bootloader), reload the IDE and see if that fixes it. (I don't have one that causes the bootloader menu to appear any more, but it's under the Tools menu.)
Let people know if either helps.
Jack, W8TEE
On Friday, November 23, 2018, 3:06:11 PM EST, Woody <mailme@...> wrote:
Will welcome any suggestions...
History:
Using UBITX_CEC_V1.080_16P.hex. Original Raduino died during transmitter
testing.??? Display: Top row all filled characters, Bottom row no
characters.? This is what is displayed while waiting for boot to
complete with working unit...? Tried to reload firmware...
UBITX Manager: Connects OK (38,400 baud), but READ UBITX returns error -
[6:31] ERROR RECEIVE LENGTH = 0/1027
Reset does not return error.?? After "reset ubitx", reconnect and tried
to upload original btx file - reported success...
Then...
Using XLOADER, tried uploading UBITX_CEC_V1.080_16P.hex again (57,600
baud, at 38,400 - can't open port)? ---? Tries to upload, but stuck at
"uploading...", never completes.
So...? Ordered new Raduino kit from W0EB.? Different problem: Display
lights, no characters either row.
----
Memory manager connects, Read ubitx seems to work.? Got data and the
info: [6:57 PM] Check sum compare 57:57
[6:57 PM] READ SAMPLE :
02,D2,DD,FF,FF,00,00,00,00,B2,0E,B7,00,00,00,00,00,10,93,6B,00,C8,09,6F,00,00,00,00,00,0E,00,00,
Memory Manager
Reset seems to work.
Loading btx from file reports "success".
Using Xloader, loaded UBITX_CEC_V1.080_16P.hex, apparently successful.
Lit, but still blank display.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THEN... Put the new arduino nano (from W0EB) in the original Raduino
board.?? Seems to work!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Apparently I have two issues.? A bad Nano in original, and something
wrong with my new kit.
I have carefully examined all solder joints using 10x eye loop and 20x
stereo microscope.? No bridging, joints look OK.
Two questions:
1) Any suggestions about why the original Nano died? Don't want a repeat!
2) What could be causing the lit but blank display on the new kit?
Thanks for any suggestions.
Woody,? KZ4AK
|
Bitx40 Power Supply - stackeing 4 2032 Lithium coin batterieis?
I was thinking of powering my new Biitx40 with 4 2032 lithium coin batteries, but I don't know how to create a holder for them. Does anyone have an idea? Also, is this idea even feasible? Thanks so much (in advance) for your answers. Larry Mittman, N8MGU GnuPG Public Key ID: DC840312============================================================================================================================Never cross a Dragon, for you are crunchy and taste delicious!My Interests are:Ham Radio (N8MGU) | Opera | Theater | Sailing | Judaica | CKCS
?
?
|
Addendum to the above: It's not so much a squeal, more like a noise you'd hear on Space Invaders or Galaga or something. Sorry for the non-technical explanation, but I don't know what else to call it.
|
Y'all were correct about the ground connection and ptt being reversed. That problem is now fixed, but when I key up, there is a lot of squealing in addition to my voice coming out of the receiver I am using to test transmitting.
|
I'm grasping at straws here, but usually when I find the upload hangs, it's for one of two reasons. First, I don't have the CH340 driver installed. Many clones don't use the expensive UART of the original Nano, hence the need for the driver. Just google "CH340 download". Second, the chip was shipped with an early bootloader. If that's the case, the Tools menu will have a bootloader option. Try the ATMega328 (old bootloader), reload the IDE and see if that fixes it. (I don't have one that causes the bootloader menu to appear any more, but it's under the Tools menu.)
Let people know if either helps.
Jack, W8TEE
On Friday, November 23, 2018, 3:06:11 PM EST, Woody <mailme@...> wrote:
Will welcome any suggestions...
History:
Using UBITX_CEC_V1.080_16P.hex. Original Raduino died during transmitter
testing.??? Display: Top row all filled characters, Bottom row no
characters.? This is what is displayed while waiting for boot to
complete with working unit...? Tried to reload firmware...
UBITX Manager: Connects OK (38,400 baud), but READ UBITX returns error -
[6:31] ERROR RECEIVE LENGTH = 0/1027
Reset does not return error.?? After "reset ubitx", reconnect and tried
to upload original btx file - reported success...
Then...
Using XLOADER, tried uploading UBITX_CEC_V1.080_16P.hex again (57,600
baud, at 38,400 - can't open port)? ---? Tries to upload, but stuck at
"uploading...", never completes.
So...? Ordered new Raduino kit from W0EB.? Different problem: Display
lights, no characters either row.
----
Memory manager connects, Read ubitx seems to work.? Got data and the
info: [6:57 PM] Check sum compare 57:57
[6:57 PM] READ SAMPLE :
02,D2,DD,FF,FF,00,00,00,00,B2,0E,B7,00,00,00,00,00,10,93,6B,00,C8,09,6F,00,00,00,00,00,0E,00,00,
Memory Manager
Reset seems to work.
Loading btx from file reports "success".
Using Xloader, loaded UBITX_CEC_V1.080_16P.hex,? apparently successful.
Lit, but still blank display.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THEN... Put the new arduino nano (from W0EB) in the original Raduino
board.?? Seems to work!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Apparently I have two issues.? A bad Nano in original, and something
wrong with my new kit.
I have carefully examined all solder joints using 10x eye loop and 20x
stereo microscope.? No bridging, joints look OK.
Two questions:
1) Any suggestions about why the original Nano died?? Don't want a repeat!
2) What could be causing the lit but blank display on the new kit?
Thanks for any suggestions.
Woody,? KZ4AK
|
Will welcome any suggestions...
History:
Using UBITX_CEC_V1.080_16P.hex. Original Raduino died during transmitter testing.??? Display: Top row all filled characters, Bottom row no characters.? This is what is displayed while waiting for boot to complete with working unit...? Tried to reload firmware...
UBITX Manager: Connects OK (38,400 baud), but READ UBITX returns error - [6:31] ERROR RECEIVE LENGTH = 0/1027
Reset does not return error.?? After "reset ubitx", reconnect and tried to upload original btx file - reported success...
Then...
Using XLOADER, tried uploading UBITX_CEC_V1.080_16P.hex again (57,600 baud, at 38,400 - can't open port)? ---? Tries to upload, but stuck at "uploading...", never completes.
So...? Ordered new Raduino kit from W0EB.? Different problem: Display lights, no characters either row.
----
Memory manager connects, Read ubitx seems to work.? Got data and the info: [6:57 PM] Check sum compare 57:57
[6:57 PM] READ SAMPLE : 02,D2,DD,FF,FF,00,00,00,00,B2,0E,B7,00,00,00,00,00,10,93,6B,00,C8,09,6F,00,00,00,00,00,0E,00,00,
Memory Manager
Reset seems to work.
Loading btx from file reports "success".
Using Xloader, loaded UBITX_CEC_V1.080_16P.hex,? apparently successful.
Lit, but still blank display.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THEN... Put the new arduino nano (from W0EB) in the original Raduino board.?? Seems to work!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Apparently I have two issues.? A bad Nano in original, and something wrong with my new kit.
I have carefully examined all solder joints using 10x eye loop and 20x stereo microscope.? No bridging, joints look OK.
Two questions:
1) Any suggestions about why the original Nano died?? Don't want a repeat!
2) What could be causing the lit but blank display on the new kit?
Thanks for any suggestions.
Woody,? KZ4AK
|
I had a similar situation.? It turned out to be my mic jack was slightly loose at the case (the mounting screw was snug but not super tight).? When I plugged the mic in, I was inadvertently (and unknowingly) twisting the entire jack clockwise and it was shorting the mic wiring on the pins against the LCD display assembly.? To correct the problem I rotated the jack away from the short, tightened the mounting screw, and (for good measure) placed some electrical tape between the jack wiring and the LCD display assembly.? Not sure if this will work for you but it did the trick for me.
Tom
AB7WT
|
