I decided to start building my V3 uBitx I had since February. I was going to build It in a case but hobby funds are low at the moment so I decided to at least get the basics done in the plastic container it came in. I already replaced the audio chip, I had the WX one and I added a AGC that I purchased from one of our group members. I don¡¯t have a power meter or swr but I¡¯ve put it on a dummy load and tested current, I¡¯m pulling 160ma when it¡¯s on and when I yell it went up to. 600ma. I haven¡¯t played with the 2 bias pots and audio driver. I also upgraded to the latest CEC firmware.
I¡¯m interested in improving the power out and hope a good solution with minimal effort is available soon and I would also like to attack some of the IMD issues and spur issues i¡¯ve been reading about. I eventually want to get the Nextion LCD (sp?) and add a dedicated raspberry pi to it with touchscreen and SDR and sound usb so I can do digital modes. But so far the receiver sounds wonderful it really sounds much better than my commercial Yaesu FT 840 which seems to have a lot of noise coming out compared to the uBitx. Btw I¡¯m not sure if that mic is a good mic for the rig but I can hear myself from another radio and I can confirm that I at least hear my voice.
Anyway I really just wanted to show off these initial pictures with the group I¡¯ll see you guys on the bands.
73
Joe
KD2NFC
|
Re: UBITX Q90 mod with BFR106
Try bypassing the 11R resistors with 2000pf to 3000pf.? Should make the equivalent to 2 ohms or so.
Good work, by the way.
Marco - KG5PRT?
On Tue, Sep 18, 2018, 5:22 PM Glenn < glennp@...> wrote: I was wondering about the bypassing.?? I stopped last night as getting too late for more testing but i still have some power drop at 10M (see below) Its now 8am and I can't get back to testing till later today.
I have now built the entire PA but some 'small' changes. Mainly, i used a bifilar choke DC feed to the final stage FETS., IRF510's.
Otherwise all changes are per Allison's suggestions in the WIKI. And a new layout.
Appears the drop is mainly in the 2N2222a driver stage. I might try a bypass cap on the 11R emmiter resistors.
Gain at 40M is approx 55dB.
|
Re: JackAl System Preview
If you can run the Arduino IDE, I don't see why not. The software is all on the board. If you can't run the IDE, go to a school lab, borrow a Windows machine, ciompile/upload, take home and plug in...done!
Jack, W8TEE
On Tuesday, September 18, 2018, 3:58:45 PM EDT, Mike Lichtman via Groups.Io <tchrme@...> wrote:
Jack and Al,
? ? I concur. I also would prefer a ¡°all in one place¡± maxi purchase. Many of us have Macs and cannot use Ian¡¯s utility program. Will we also be able to utilize the Jackal? 73 Mike KF6KXG
|
Re: UBITX Q90 mod with BFR106
I was wondering about the bypassing.?? I stopped last night as getting too late for more testing but i still have some power drop at 10M (see below) Its now 8am and I can't get back to testing till later today. I have now built the entire PA but some 'small' changes. Mainly, i used a bifilar choke DC feed to the final stage FETS., IRF510's. Otherwise all changes are per Allison's suggestions in the WIKI. And a new layout.Appears the drop is mainly in the 2N2222a driver stage. I might try a bypass cap on the 11R emmiter resistors. Gain at 40M is approx 55dB.  
|
Re: UBITX Q90 mod with BFR106
On Mon, Sep 17, 2018 at 06:17 PM, Nick VK4PP wrote:
Did you parallel the 220pf caps across the 22ohm emitter resistors on Q911/912?.
No, first I reduced? their value to 11ohms then tried the 220P, then dumped the 3904 and
reset and tried again with 2n2222A.
Allison
|
Re: JackAl System Preview
On Tue, Sep 18, 2018 at 12:58 PM, Mike Lichtman wrote:
Many of us have Macs and cannot use Ian¡¯s utility program.
This may be a little out of date, but I was able to get the CEC "Memory" manager to work on the Mac. /g/BITX20/message/50329I'm happy the JackAl board is finally making it out, though. Tom, wb6b
|
Re: UBITX...getting to legal ???
iz, 3rd order and higher IMD can occur in *any* stage in the RF transmission path. It can actually happen in audio stages but that only affects the quality of the audio, it doesn't generate RF interference. IMD happens anytime the slope of the gain equation for the amplifier becomes non-linear. This can happen if the amplifier is over-driven and is driven into saturation. It can also happen if the biasing of the stage doesn't produce a clean "crossover" at the zero point. IMD can be in the early stages, the mid stages, or the final stages. tim ab0wr On Mon, 17 Sep 2018 08:33:31 -0700 "iz oos" <and2oosiz2@...> wrote: Ok Allison, if the IMD issue is confined to the first stages as it
seems then won't the operator be blamed? If this is the case, the IMD
issue in the uBitx would produce just a very limited negative
externalities.
Il 17/set/2018 17:08, "ajparent1/KB1GMX" <kb1gmx@...> ha scritto:
IMD is a signal quality thing. For many digital modes it represents
undesired distortion that can increase error rate.
If the IMD is from later stages then it can be a bigger deal as
then it can easily be heard as a "broad" signal
and can cause the operator to be unpopular.
Allison
|
Re: JackAl System Preview
Jack and Al,
I concur. I also would prefer a ¡°all in one place¡± maxi purchase. Many of us have Macs and cannot use Ian¡¯s utility program. Will we also be able to utilize the Jackal? 73 Mike KF6KXG
|
Re: JackAl System Preview
Looking good. And hopefully just in time for xmas
73
Tim
|
Re: JackAl System Preview
We considered this, but the addons are from $79 to $89 depending on what you get. The discount offered by the display people is like 3% for 10 and about the same for the Teensy, so there's not much to be gained from our point of view. We plan on selling through a distributor so we'll mention the idea to them, too.
Jack, W8TEE
On Tuesday, September 18, 2018, 12:56:50 PM EDT, Lee <mr.olson@...> wrote:
Jack & Al, Please consider a Max-Kit with everything we need to make our uBitx into the ultimate uBitx with option of display size.? It looks fantastic. -- Lee - N9LO? "I Void Warranties"
?
|
Re: JackAl System Preview
We don't see any further changes being made to the board after V4.0. Once we've had some testing time with it, we'll go into production and start selling it. I would say that all of the remaining hiccups are my software problems and changes I need to make/fix. However, given the testing and turn around time, it should be pretty easy to get things fixed in a couple of weeks.
Jack, W8TEE
On Tuesday, September 18, 2018, 12:58:45 PM EDT, Art Olson <olson339@...> wrote:
Jack
I originally purchased a pcb (ver 1) but have not moved forward waiting the outcome of changes. Is ver 4 the final? ?If so I would like to buy one. Understand the desire/drive of development and engineering so hope you at close if not final
On Sep 18, 2018, at 12:18 PM, Jack Purdum via Groups.Io < jjpurdum@...> wrote:
On Tuesday, September 18, 2018, 12:14:09 PM EDT, Laurence Oberman < oberman.l@...> wrote:
Jack Please add me as a definite buyer when you have some to sell. paypal invoice to oberman.l@...On Mon, Sep 17, 2018 at 8:04 PM, Jack Purdum via Groups.Io <jjpurdum= [email protected]> wrote: > All: > > As some of you know, Al Peter (AC8GY) and I have been working on a display > replacement for the ?BITX for quite some time. We have a preview video that > gives an overview of the JackAl system. There are some software hiccups in > the preview that should be fixed soon. We just sent Rev 4.0 off to the PCB > fabricator which should be the final version of the board. All SMD's are on > the board. JackAl makes use of either 5" or 7" 800x480 displays ($34-$44) > using the Teensy 3.6 microcontroller ($30) and its companion audio > board.($14) for the DSP. The Teensy has 1Mb of flash memory and 256K of > SRAM, or which we are using less than 20% and 15%, respectively. We have > also brought out a dozen "empty" pins for you to experiment with so, along > with the I/O pins, there plenty of resources left to play with. > > BTW, pay particular attention to the ALS Tuning it uses. It really makes it > so much easier to zero in on a station. Details are in the video, but if > questions remain, let us know. > > > > Jack, W8TEE > Al, AC8GY >
|
Re: JackAl System Preview
We don't even use a bezel and it still looks very good. One reasons is because, unlike an LCD, the screen fits flat to the chassis...there are no "bumps" from the solder connections to the LCD. You might hold off until you see what the screen looks like.
Jack, W8TEE
On Tuesday, September 18, 2018, 1:32:52 PM EDT, Jack Wilker via Groups.Io <jack.wilker@...> wrote:
Hello Jack and Al, ? I finally (!) completed the uBITX kit and it works to some degree¡need to do more checking to make sure everything is OK. ? I believe I had already signed up for a ¡°JACKAL¡± board, but if not, here we go! ? I am currently trying to find a decent (!) bezel for the 5 inch touch screen display. I am currently printing a Thingiverse one, and will share with the group if successful. I may have to sketchup something if this don¡¯t work. Anyone else using a 5inch and have a plan for the bezel? ? Thanks for all you do. ? Regards, ? Jack Wilker KB9KJO ? Sent from for Windows 10 ?
From: Art OlsonSent: Tuesday, September 18, 2018 12:58 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [BITX20] JackAl System Preview ? Jack I originally purchased a pcb (ver 1) but have not moved forward waiting the outcome of changes. Is ver 4 the final? ?If so I would like to buy one. Understand the desire/drive of development and engineering so hope you at close if not final Art N2AJO?
On Sep 18, 2018, at 12:18 PM, Jack Purdum via Groups.Io <jjpurdum@...> wrote:
On Tuesday, September 18, 2018, 12:14:09 PM EDT, Laurence Oberman <oberman.l@...> wrote: Jack
Please add me as a definite buyer when you have some to sell.
paypal invoice to oberman.l@...
On Mon, Sep 17, 2018 at 8:04 PM, Jack Purdum via Groups.Io
<jjpurdum=[email protected]> wrote:
> All:
>
> As some of you know, Al Peter (AC8GY) and I have been working on a display
> replacement for the ?BITX for quite some time. We have a preview video that
> gives an overview of the JackAl system. There are some software hiccups in
> the preview that should be fixed soon. We just sent Rev 4.0 off to the PCB
> fabricator which should be the final version of the board. All SMD's are on
> the board. JackAl makes use of either 5" or 7" 800x480 displays ($34-$44)
> using the Teensy 3.6 microcontroller ($30) and its companion audio
> board.($14) for the DSP. The Teensy has 1Mb of flash memory and 256K of
> SRAM, or which we are using less than 20% and 15%, respectively. We have
> also brought out a dozen "empty" pins for you to experiment with so, along
> with the I/O pins, there plenty of resources left to play with.
>
> BTW, pay particular attention to the ALS Tuning it uses. It really makes it
> so much easier to zero in on a station. Details are in the video, but if
> questions remain, let us know.
>
>
>
> Jack, W8TEE
> Al, AC8GY
>
|
Re: Latest list of ubitx sources for newbies and for not so newbies. If you have any additions please let me know.
Regarding the PJRC module, here is the schematics: The CODEC part is very much the reference design provided by the part manufacturer. The support for the EEPROM and the SD card is optional. The libraries will be compatible with any SGTL5000 or for that matter a long list of other I2S compatible CODECs (look at the source code). Anyhow, I hope that you guys will consider the integration of the CODEC. Also note that the libraries will support the internal A/D-D/A of the Freescale ASIC with very few components (resistors, capacitors) added. Sample resolution of 12-bits is sufficient for the type of audio DSP that we need, though the higer bit-rate CODECs are much better. It is a matter of cost effectiveness and board space.
Below shows mono circuits for a lower grade Teensy, however the circuit are the same for the V3.6 for the corresponding pins.
Here is an input circuit (mono): here is the output circuit (mono):
--Ron? ? N7FTZ
On Tue, Sep 18, 2018 at 9:49 AM W2CTX < w2ctx@...> wrote:
You might be thinking of the JackAl video.
On September 18, 2018 at 12:28 PM "Dr. Flywheel" <Dr.Flywheel@...> wrote:
Hi Jim,
Since you referenced a video demonstrating audio DSP capabilities, I wonder if you guys have experimented with the internal A/D-D/A capabilities of the Teensy, rather than the add-on PJRC Audio Codec.? In addition, do you have plans for future release of a board that will include an integrated Audio Codec in order to remove the need for PJRC audio module. This would simplify the wiring complexity and probably save some $$ too.
Thanks for your diligent work.
--Ron? ? ?N7FTZ
On Tue, Sep 18, 2018 at 9:06 AM Jim Sheldon < w0eb@...> wrote: You might add the "Triumvirate Skonk Worx" group's website where we have lots of info, software and alternate stuff for the uBITX as well. ? ??
W0EB
------ Original Message ------ Sent: 9/18/2018 10:12:20 AM Subject: [BITX20] Latest list of ubitx sources for newbies and for not so newbies. If you have any additions please let me know.
Latest list of ubitx sources for newbies and for not so newbies.? Not complete by any means. If you have any additions please let me know. Sept. 18 2018 ? Websites ? Where it all begins
? Absolute gold mine of info and mods
? KD8CEC's Fantastic firmware and mods
? Where we cuss and discuss ? And of course Ye olde Facebook
?
? ? Downloadable Firmware & Nextion Screens ? Latest Dr. Ian Lee KD8CEC's firmware? Raduino Source & Hex, MM EXE & HMI's for Nextion
? Hex for I2C dspmeter
? Source for I2C dspmeter
? Rich Neese KB3VGW's Custom Nextion Screens from 2.4 to 7.0 inch. TFT's and HMI's
? BJ Pasteuning PD5DJ's 4.3 custom version. TFT only for 4.3 Nextion.
? Allen Merrell KB4UD's 3.2 and 3.5 TFT's and HMI's for enhanced and basic Nextion --
N5KBP
?
?
|
Re: JackAl System Preview
Hello Jack and Al, ? I finally (!) completed the uBITX kit and it works to some degree¡need to do more checking to make sure everything is OK. ? I believe I had already signed up for a ¡°JACKAL¡± board, but if not, here we go! ? I am currently trying to find a decent (!) bezel for the 5 inch touch screen display. I am currently printing a Thingiverse one, and will share with the group if successful. I may have to sketchup something if this don¡¯t work. Anyone else using a 5inch and have a plan for the bezel? ? Thanks for all you do. ? Regards, ? Jack Wilker KB9KJO ? Sent from for Windows 10 ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: Art OlsonSent: Tuesday, September 18, 2018 12:58 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [BITX20] JackAl System Preview ? Jack I originally purchased a pcb (ver 1) but have not moved forward waiting the outcome of changes. Is ver 4 the final? ?If so I would like to buy one. Understand the desire/drive of development and engineering so hope you at close if not final Art N2AJO?
On Sep 18, 2018, at 12:18 PM, Jack Purdum via Groups.Io <jjpurdum@...> wrote:
On Tuesday, September 18, 2018, 12:14:09 PM EDT, Laurence Oberman <oberman.l@...> wrote: Jack
Please add me as a definite buyer when you have some to sell.
paypal invoice to oberman.l@...
On Mon, Sep 17, 2018 at 8:04 PM, Jack Purdum via Groups.Io
<jjpurdum=[email protected]> wrote:
> All:
>
> As some of you know, Al Peter (AC8GY) and I have been working on a display
> replacement for the ?BITX for quite some time. We have a preview video that
> gives an overview of the JackAl system. There are some software hiccups in
> the preview that should be fixed soon. We just sent Rev 4.0 off to the PCB
> fabricator which should be the final version of the board. All SMD's are on
> the board. JackAl makes use of either 5" or 7" 800x480 displays ($34-$44)
> using the Teensy 3.6 microcontroller ($30) and its companion audio
> board.($14) for the DSP. The Teensy has 1Mb of flash memory and 256K of
> SRAM, or which we are using less than 20% and 15%, respectively. We have
> also brought out a dozen "empty" pins for you to experiment with so, along
> with the I/O pins, there plenty of resources left to play with.
>
> BTW, pay particular attention to the ALS Tuning it uses. It really makes it
> so much easier to zero in on a station. Details are in the video, but if
> questions remain, let us know.
>
>
>
> Jack, W8TEE
> Al, AC8GY
>
|
Re: JackAl System Preview
Jack
I originally purchased a pcb (ver 1) but have not moved forward waiting the outcome of changes. Is ver 4 the final? ?If so I would like to buy one. Understand the desire/drive of development and engineering so hope you at close if not final
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Sep 18, 2018, at 12:18 PM, Jack Purdum via Groups.Io < jjpurdum@...> wrote:
On Tuesday, September 18, 2018, 12:14:09 PM EDT, Laurence Oberman < oberman.l@...> wrote:
Jack Please add me as a definite buyer when you have some to sell. paypal invoice to oberman.l@...On Mon, Sep 17, 2018 at 8:04 PM, Jack Purdum via Groups.Io <jjpurdum= [email protected]> wrote: > All: > > As some of you know, Al Peter (AC8GY) and I have been working on a display > replacement for the ?BITX for quite some time. We have a preview video that > gives an overview of the JackAl system. There are some software hiccups in > the preview that should be fixed soon. We just sent Rev 4.0 off to the PCB > fabricator which should be the final version of the board. All SMD's are on > the board. JackAl makes use of either 5" or 7" 800x480 displays ($34-$44) > using the Teensy 3.6 microcontroller ($30) and its companion audio > board.($14) for the DSP. The Teensy has 1Mb of flash memory and 256K of > SRAM, or which we are using less than 20% and 15%, respectively. We have > also brought out a dozen "empty" pins for you to experiment with so, along > with the I/O pins, there plenty of resources left to play with. > > BTW, pay particular attention to the ALS Tuning it uses. It really makes it > so much easier to zero in on a station. Details are in the video, but if > questions remain, let us know. > > > > Jack, W8TEE > Al, AC8GY >
|
Re: JackAl System Preview
Jack & Al, Please consider a Max-Kit with everything we need to make our uBitx into the ultimate uBitx with option of display size.? It looks fantastic. -- Lee - N9LO? "I Void Warranties"
?
|
I saw somewhere in a random Googling session a fix for for not all the screen working. In that fix the person bent the metal tabs on the back of the display, removed the front bezel and repositioned the little elastomer strips that connect the back of the LCD to the front of the circuit board.?
It could be something that happened to the electronics board, repairable or not.
Another possibility, when the contrast control is out of adjustment on my LCD module the top and bottom rows can be different "brightnesses". Maybe your module has a similar behavior, only with the left and right sides.
Tom, wb6b
|
Re: Latest list of ubitx sources for newbies and for not so newbies. If you have any additions please let me know.
You might be thinking of the JackAl video.
On September 18, 2018 at 12:28 PM "Dr. Flywheel" <Dr.Flywheel@...> wrote:
Hi Jim,
Since you referenced a video demonstrating audio DSP capabilities, I wonder if you guys have experimented with the internal A/D-D/A capabilities of the Teensy, rather than the add-on PJRC Audio Codec.? In addition, do you have plans for future release of a board that will include an integrated Audio Codec in order to remove the need for PJRC audio module. This would simplify the wiring complexity and probably save some $$ too.
Thanks for your diligent work.
--Ron? ? ?N7FTZ
On Tue, Sep 18, 2018 at 9:06 AM Jim Sheldon < w0eb@...> wrote: You might add the "Triumvirate Skonk Worx" group's website where we have lots of info, software and alternate stuff for the uBITX as well. ? ??
W0EB
------ Original Message ------ Sent: 9/18/2018 10:12:20 AM Subject: [BITX20] Latest list of ubitx sources for newbies and for not so newbies. If you have any additions please let me know.
Latest list of ubitx sources for newbies and for not so newbies.? Not complete by any means. If you have any additions please let me know. Sept. 18 2018 ? Websites ? Where it all begins
? Absolute gold mine of info and mods
? KD8CEC's Fantastic firmware and mods
? Where we cuss and discuss ? And of course Ye olde Facebook
?
? ? Downloadable Firmware & Nextion Screens ? Latest Dr. Ian Lee KD8CEC's firmware? Raduino Source & Hex, MM EXE & HMI's for Nextion
? Hex for I2C dspmeter
? Source for I2C dspmeter
? Rich Neese KB3VGW's Custom Nextion Screens from 2.4 to 7.0 inch. TFT's and HMI's
? BJ Pasteuning PD5DJ's 4.3 custom version. TFT only for 4.3 Nextion.
? Allen Merrell KB4UD's 3.2 and 3.5 TFT's and HMI's for enhanced and basic Nextion --
N5KBP
?
?
|
Re: Latest list of ubitx sources for newbies and for not so newbies. If you have any additions please let me know.
Ron:
I think Jim will confirm this: The PJRC audio board really does not complicate the wiring because it plugs into (piggybacks) the Teensy. For Al and I, however, a primary reason for using their audio board is because of the libraries that support it. DSP stuff is much easier because of the work Paul and others have done on the libraries. The libraries alone are worth the $14 cost of the board.
Jack, W8TEE
On Tuesday, September 18, 2018, 12:28:20 PM EDT, Dr. Flywheel <Dr.Flywheel@...> wrote:
Hi Jim,
Since you referenced a video demonstrating audio DSP capabilities, I wonder if you guys have experimented with the internal A/D-D/A capabilities of the Teensy, rather than the add-on PJRC Audio Codec.? In addition, do you have plans for future release of a board that will include an integrated Audio Codec in order to remove the need for PJRC audio module. This would simplify the wiring complexity and probably save some $$ too.
Thanks for your diligent work.
--Ron? ? ?N7FTZ
On Tue, Sep 18, 2018 at 9:06 AM Jim Sheldon < w0eb@...> wrote: You might add the "Triumvirate Skonk Worx" group's website where we have lots of info, software and alternate stuff for the uBITX as well. ???
W0EB
------ Original Message ------
Sent: 9/18/2018 10:12:20 AM
Subject: [BITX20] Latest list of ubitx sources for newbies and for not so newbies. If you have any additions please let me know.
Latest list of ubitx sources for newbies and for not so newbies.?
Not complete by any means. If you have any additions please let me know.
Sept. 18 2018
?
Websites
?
Where it all begins
?
Absolute gold mine of info and mods
?
KD8CEC's Fantastic firmware and mods
?
Where we cuss and discuss
?
And of course Ye olde Facebook
?
?
?
Downloadable Firmware & Nextion Screens
?
Latest Dr. Ian Lee KD8CEC's firmware?
Raduino Source & Hex, MM EXE & HMI's for Nextion
?
Hex for I2C dspmeter
?
Source for I2C dspmeter
?
Rich Neese KB3VGW's Custom Nextion Screens from 2.4 to 7.0 inch. TFT's and HMI's
?
BJ Pasteuning PD5DJ's 4.3 custom version. TFT only for 4.3 Nextion.
?
Allen Merrell KB4UD's 3.2 and 3.5 TFT's and HMI's for enhanced and basic Nextion
--
N5KBP
|
Re: Latest list of ubitx sources for newbies and for not so newbies. If you have any additions please let me know.
Hi Jim,
Since you referenced a video demonstrating audio DSP capabilities, I wonder if you guys have experimented with the internal A/D-D/A capabilities of the Teensy, rather than the add-on PJRC Audio Codec.? In addition, do you have plans for future release of a board that will include an integrated Audio Codec in order to remove the need for PJRC audio module. This would simplify the wiring complexity and probably save some $$ too.
Thanks for your diligent work.
--Ron? ? ?N7FTZ
On Tue, Sep 18, 2018 at 9:06 AM Jim Sheldon < w0eb@...> wrote: You might add the "Triumvirate Skonk Worx" group's website where we have lots of info, software and alternate stuff for the uBITX as well. ???
W0EB
------ Original Message ------
Sent: 9/18/2018 10:12:20 AM
Subject: [BITX20] Latest list of ubitx sources for newbies and for not so newbies. If you have any additions please let me know.
Latest list of ubitx sources for newbies and for not so newbies.?
Not complete by any means. If you have any additions please let me know.
Sept. 18 2018
?
Websites
?
Where it all begins
?
Absolute gold mine of info and mods
?
KD8CEC's Fantastic firmware and mods
?
Where we cuss and discuss
?
And of course Ye olde Facebook
?
?
?
Downloadable Firmware & Nextion Screens
?
Latest Dr. Ian Lee KD8CEC's firmware?
Raduino Source & Hex, MM EXE & HMI's for Nextion
?
Hex for I2C dspmeter
?
Source for I2C dspmeter
?
Rich Neese KB3VGW's Custom Nextion Screens from 2.4 to 7.0 inch. TFT's and HMI's
?
BJ Pasteuning PD5DJ's 4.3 custom version. TFT only for 4.3 Nextion.
?
Allen Merrell KB4UD's 3.2 and 3.5 TFT's and HMI's for enhanced and basic Nextion
--
N5KBP
|
Jack Wilker
Lee