Re: Unresponsive ubitx V6
Dave, Here are the scope traces that I got on my v6 touch screen: TOUCH Clock pin 11  Pin 12 SDI no key and key touched:   SDO Pin 13 No Key and Key Touch   NOTE:? I did find that the display was erratic running from the computer USB port, so I powered it from my bench 12volt supply on pins 15 and 12 of the connector to the mainboard from the Raduino.? There was not an easy way for me to do the test in the v6 ?BITX as I needed hands to press the screen and press the save picture button on the scope. Hope this helps 73 Evan AC9TU
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This is what Jerry was referring to:
This is the picture of the one I put in the 49-er:
 With low power, molded inductors seem to work fine. If you want to wind your own toroids, KitsAndParts.com has a calculator.
Jack, W8TEE
On Saturday, April 17, 2021, 3:53:54 PM EDT, Jerry Gaffke via groups.io <jgaffke@...> wrote:
Can you identify the stations? Are they broadcasting with 10kW from a few miles away? If so, you probably need a high pass filter up front to knock out the AM broadcast band. A search for "BC Filter" in the forum on the groups.io website will find a number of discussions. Here's a design from Jack that apparently works well, there are follow up posts with more discussion. ? ?? /g/BITX20/message/87649Jerry, KE7ER
On Sat, Apr 17, 2021 at 12:41 PM, Daniel Lockhart wrote:
Hi all,
I¡¯m new here and excited about my recently built v6 uBITX!
When I connect my antenna and power it on, the uBITX starts up just fine. However, when I choose the band and spin the dial, I pick up local AM bands. It sounds terrible because it¡¯s AM, not SSB. And, the frequency just doesn¡¯t match.
It isn¡¯t the case of someone rebroadcasting a radio station to HF - I¡¯m picking up multiple stations. I am hearing American NPR on 40 meters.
Do I need to calibrate something? It sounds like the frequency is orders of magnitude off.
Thanks!
Daniel
-- Jack, W8TEE
|
Re: Homebrew is alive and well in Vienna Virginia
#homebrew
......I can't think of an actual use of bidi amps in ham gear prior to the uBitx, but otherwise, it's all pretty stock as you say. ......
And FWIW even solid state bidirectional transceiver amps go back at least into the late 60s in the Sideband Engineers SBE-33 and 34 rigs - kinda neat studies in early transistor rigs for a rainy, no sunspot day.
73 Scott Ka9p
Dean said:
>? Similarly the decision to use a commercial filter and mixers was a design decision to increase the likelihood of success for the first time builder.?
I get that.
I would probably use ADE-1's if I were to build such a thing.
>? As far as? citing sources -? most of the modules are pretty standard circuits that derive from many sources.?
>? The bi-directional IF module is decidedly not a ubitx derivative.? The bidirectional amplifiers
>? that comprise it are documented in EMRFD and were originally in a Plessey Manpack.?
I can't think of an actual use of bidi amps in ham gear prior to the uBitx, but otherwise, it's all pretty stock as you say.
Few construction articles bother to cite precedents, but I do encourage the practice.
Modules are good, and that has come up in the forum with regard to *Bitx* builds.
Several advantages, allows easy testing of individual modules, you can stack them like Legos
to build something different, an be individually shielded if necessary and have independent power supply filtering.
Though auto-inserting an entire Bitx40 or uBitx onto one board is simpler and cheaper.
>? There is no "complete schematic" by intent.? This is a project for for inexperienced builders and we take it one module at a time.
This I will argue with, sounds like a rationalization.
Describing each module separately does not preclude having a complete schematic.
I considered printing out the dozen or so pages of description, cutting out the schematic bits that mattered,
figuring out was was old history, then gluing the schematic bits together following the various block diagrams.
Concluded it was not worth the bother.
I can't imagine that process is any easier for inexperienced builders who aren't being mentored.
But tastes vary, perhaps some would find the big picture too overwhelming.
Jerry, KE7ER
On Sat, Apr 17, 2021 at 11:07 AM, Dean Souleles wrote:
Jerry -
You missed the point entirely.
20 hams, some whom had never built anything will soon have 100% scratch-built SSB transceivers on the air.? The design goal was a low part count, common component, easy to assemble rig that performs well on the air.? There is no "complete schematic" by intent.? This is a project for for inexperienced builders and we take it one module at a time.? I don't need the full rig on one piece of paper in order to build the audio amplifier stage. In fact, if I had had to start with a full schematic I would never have picked up a soldering iron.? ?But if you really want a full schematic, in the spirit of a community project go ahead and make one.
Similarly the decision to use a commercial filter and mixers was a design decision to increase the likelihood of success for the first time builder.? You could say the same about the SI-5351 and Arduino.? The decision to use relays for steering is also a design choice. Reliability has not been an issue to-date and if it is, they are easy to swap out.?
As far as? citing sources -? most of the modules are pretty standard circuits that derive from many sources.? The bi-directional IF module is decidedly not a ubitx derivative.? The bidirectional amplifiers that comprise it are documented in EMRFD and were originally in a Plessey Manpack.?
The result is a fine performing transceiver - I have worked much of the world SSB phone on 5 watts - and the whole world on WSPR.? I get great audio reports and the rig produces a very clean and compliant spectrum.?
It is also an experimenters platform.? The modular design makes it easy to try different design ideas - you don't like the relay steered IF - substitute your favorite circuit and share it.? ?Since my original build I have added CAT control via software, made it a two bander (I used relays for the BPF and LPF switches also),? Added and S-meter and audio derived gain control.? And the sketch now supports LCD's, color TFT's or Nextion displays.?
73,
Dean
KK4DAS
|
Can you identify the stations? Are they broadcasting with 10kW from a few miles away? If so, you probably need a high pass filter up front to knock out the AM broadcast band. A search for "BC Filter" in the forum on the groups.io website will find a number of discussions. Here's a design from Jack that apparently works well, there are follow up posts with more discussion. ? ?? /g/BITX20/message/87649Jerry, KE7ER
On Sat, Apr 17, 2021 at 12:41 PM, Daniel Lockhart wrote:
Hi all,
I¡¯m new here and excited about my recently built v6 uBITX!
When I connect my antenna and power it on, the uBITX starts up just fine. However, when I choose the band and spin the dial, I pick up local AM bands. It sounds terrible because it¡¯s AM, not SSB. And, the frequency just doesn¡¯t match.
It isn¡¯t the case of someone rebroadcasting a radio station to HF - I¡¯m picking up multiple stations. I am hearing American NPR on 40 meters.
Do I need to calibrate something? It sounds like the frequency is orders of magnitude off.
Thanks!
Daniel
|
Re: Homebrew is alive and well in Vienna Virginia
#homebrew
Dean said:
>? Similarly the decision to use a commercial filter and mixers was a design decision to increase the likelihood of success for the first time builder.?
I get that.
I would probably use ADE-1's if I were to build such a thing.
>? As far as? citing sources -? most of the modules are pretty standard circuits that derive from many sources.?
>? The bi-directional IF module is decidedly not a ubitx derivative.? The bidirectional amplifiers
>? that comprise it are documented in EMRFD and were originally in a Plessey Manpack.?
I can't think of an actual use of bidi amps in ham gear prior to the uBitx, but otherwise, it's all pretty stock as you say.
Few construction articles bother to cite precedents, but I do encourage the practice.
Modules are good, and that has come up in the forum with regard to *Bitx* builds.
Several advantages, allows easy testing of individual modules, you can stack them like Legos
to build something different, an be individually shielded if necessary and have independent power supply filtering.
Though auto-inserting an entire Bitx40 or uBitx onto one board is simpler and cheaper.
>? There is no "complete schematic" by intent.? This is a project for for inexperienced builders and we take it one module at a time.
This I will argue with, sounds like a rationalization.
Describing each module separately does not preclude having a complete schematic.
I considered printing out the dozen or so pages of description, cutting out the schematic bits that mattered,
figuring out was was old history, then gluing the schematic bits together following the various block diagrams.
Concluded it was not worth the bother.
I can't imagine that process is any easier for inexperienced builders who aren't being mentored.
But tastes vary, perhaps some would find the big picture too overwhelming.
Jerry, KE7ER
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Sat, Apr 17, 2021 at 11:07 AM, Dean Souleles wrote:
Jerry -
You missed the point entirely.
20 hams, some whom had never built anything will soon have 100% scratch-built SSB transceivers on the air.? The design goal was a low part count, common component, easy to assemble rig that performs well on the air.? There is no "complete schematic" by intent.? This is a project for for inexperienced builders and we take it one module at a time.? I don't need the full rig on one piece of paper in order to build the audio amplifier stage. In fact, if I had had to start with a full schematic I would never have picked up a soldering iron.? ?But if you really want a full schematic, in the spirit of a community project go ahead and make one.
Similarly the decision to use a commercial filter and mixers was a design decision to increase the likelihood of success for the first time builder.? You could say the same about the SI-5351 and Arduino.? The decision to use relays for steering is also a design choice. Reliability has not been an issue to-date and if it is, they are easy to swap out.?
As far as? citing sources -? most of the modules are pretty standard circuits that derive from many sources.? The bi-directional IF module is decidedly not a ubitx derivative.? The bidirectional amplifiers that comprise it are documented in EMRFD and were originally in a Plessey Manpack.?
The result is a fine performing transceiver - I have worked much of the world SSB phone on 5 watts - and the whole world on WSPR.? I get great audio reports and the rig produces a very clean and compliant spectrum.?
It is also an experimenters platform.? The modular design makes it easy to try different design ideas - you don't like the relay steered IF - substitute your favorite circuit and share it.? ?Since my original build I have added CAT control via software, made it a two bander (I used relays for the BPF and LPF switches also),? Added and S-meter and audio derived gain control.? And the sketch now supports LCD's, color TFT's or Nextion displays.?
73,
Dean
KK4DAS
|
Hi all,
I¡¯m new here and excited about my recently built v6 uBITX!
When I connect my antenna and power it on, the uBITX starts up just fine. However, when I choose the band and spin the dial, I pick up local AM bands. It sounds terrible because it¡¯s AM, not SSB. And, the frequency just doesn¡¯t match.
It isn¡¯t the case of someone rebroadcasting a radio station to HF - I¡¯m picking up multiple stations. I am hearing American NPR on 40 meters.
Do I need to calibrate something? It sounds like the frequency is orders of magnitude off.
Thanks!
Daniel
|
We wonder about an amplifier for a QRP radio but this is going a bit far...
Here¡¯s a guy making and selling 25 kW CB amplifiers!? ?
|
Re: Unresponsive ubitx V6
Hi Evan
Yes i have a scope and a scope probe to hand so I'll be able to look at signals on the display pec. As you say the nano looks ok from virtue of the graphics display.?
Regards
Dave G4HUM
Dave,
Probably not.? It could verify that the Nano is functioning, though we already know that as the display graphics are generated by the Nano.
My guess again is the display board touch screen is malfunctioning and locking up the Nano.? You could verify signals on the leads to the display if you have an oscilloscope.? In particular, looking for a pulse on the TOUCH line from the display to the Nano.
I will look into what the signals should look like on my v6.? Do you have an oscilloscope?
73
Evan
AC9TU
|
Re: Unresponsive ubitx V6
Dave,
Probably not.? It could verify that the Nano is functioning, though we already know that as the display graphics are generated by the Nano.
My guess again is the display board touch screen is malfunctioning and locking up the Nano.? You could verify signals on the leads to the display if you have an oscilloscope.? In particular, looking for a pulse on the TOUCH line from the display to the Nano.
I will look into what the signals should look like on my v6.? Do you have an oscilloscope?
73
Evan
AC9TU
|
Re: Unresponsive ubitx V6
Hi Evan . Fault appears to be on the raduino as I removed it from the main pec after removing all front panel screws and powered it up via 5v usb connection to the arduino nano pec. Still no responses to any key pressed.? Rotation of the encoder control knob and clicking it in has no effect either.? Would appear to be the display itself but not sure.? Would reflashing the nano via usb rectify the issue?
Cheers
Dave? ?G4HUM
|
Re: Homebrew is alive and well in Vienna Virginia
#homebrew
Jerry -
You missed the point entirely.
20 hams, some whom had never built anything will soon have 100% scratch-built SSB transceivers on the air.? The design goal was a low part count, common component, easy to assemble rig that performs well on the air.? There is no "complete schematic" by intent.? This is a project for for inexperienced builders and we take it one module at a time.? I don't need the full rig on one piece of paper in order to build the audio amplifier stage. In fact, if I had had to start with a full schematic I would never have picked up a soldering iron.? ?But if you really want a full schematic, in the spirit of a community project go ahead and make one.
Similarly the decision to use a commercial filter and mixers was a design decision to increase the likelihood of success for the first time builder.? You could say the same about the SI-5351 and Arduino.? The decision to use relays for steering is also a design choice. Reliability has not been an issue to-date and if it is, they are easy to swap out.?
As far as? citing sources -? most of the modules are pretty standard circuits that derive from many sources.? The bi-directional IF module is decidedly not a ubitx derivative.? The bidirectional amplifiers that comprise it are documented in EMRFD and were originally in a Plessey Manpack.?
The result is a fine performing transceiver - I have worked much of the world SSB phone on 5 watts - and the whole world on WSPR.? I get great audio reports and the rig produces a very clean and compliant spectrum.?
It is also an experimenters platform.? The modular design makes it easy to try different design ideas - you don't like the relay steered IF - substitute your favorite circuit and share it.? ?Since my original build I have added CAT control via software, made it a two bander (I used relays for the BPF and LPF switches also),? Added and S-meter and audio derived gain control.? And the sketch now supports LCD's, color TFT's or Nextion displays.?
73,
Dean
KK4DAS
|
Glad you got over it Sunil Good luck
On Sat, Apr 17, 2021 at 1:19 AM Robert AG6LK < amrmedic@...> wrote: Sunil,
Thank you very much for being so quick at shipping. I didn¡¯t initially know that you were sick. I am happy to see that your feeling better. Now we need to drum up more business for you. We¡¯ll all have to work on that. Again, I¡¯m glad to see your feeling better.
Take care and be safe, 73,
Robert, AG6LK?
|
Here is the codec board that I did. The WM8731 codec is a 28 pin SMD part. The pins are 1mm apart. 1. I used an ordinary, pointed tweezer to pull alternate pins apart. The four corner pins were bent all the way up. I inspected the chip with a handheld magnifier. I wear glasses and my prescription is +2, and my sight needs cylinderically corrected glasses. I am mentioning this to say that it can be done. I cool white led lamp inches away from the board. I cant overstate this, you need all the light you can get. 2.The chip is laid upside down on the square cut board and the four corner pins are soldered onto four pads cut on the copper clad. 3. As the pins were 1 mm across, alternate pins are 2mm across. I use 28 swg enamelled that is already tinned on both ends. First solder one end to a pad on the board, bent it around to exactly top of the pin to be soldered, view it with the magnifying glass, and then apply the soldering iron just enough for the solder on the wire to melt and catch the IC pin. Visually check the solder again with the magnifier.
My saw can make very fast cuts:
![Inline image]( "Inline image")
Jack, W8TEE
On Friday, April 16, 2021, 4:39:55 PM EDT, Clark Martin < kk6isp@...> wrote:
I have saw like this:
It works quite well. Yet another designated driver on the information super highway.
?_Dave_ AD0B wrote:? "What kind of saw do you use cut squares. A table saw set very low?? Maybe an angle grinder?"
-- Jack, W8TEE
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Re: Unresponsive ubitx V6
Cheers Gary
I hadn't thought along those lines of investigation yet but I will persue them along the way. I've been out shopping with my other half most of the day and since last night I haven't had a chance to get back to fault finding the rig yet. Soon I hope!
Many Thanks for your help :0)
Regards
Dave G4HUM?
Let's look at the problem.
Screen displays. Touch screen and encoder are 'not responsive' as defined by updating the display.
How would the connection from main board to the raduino play in?? Why go there?
I would first remove the screws from the front panel to the display.
(Wishful SWAG that there might be stress / flex on the display if the alignment was somehow off)
If not resolved, then it's off to changing code.? e.g. don't call?checkTouch(); in loop();? ( I haven't verified this, just a quick look at the code)
brute force disable of touch screen.? Should be able to run with just the encoder as touch screen is not required for functionality.
You can step into the code further and use some of the debug print statements that are commented out, but kindly left in.
I'm guessing the problem will be isolated to the touch portion of the screen.
Best wishes on your debug,
Gary
|
Re: Unresponsive ubitx V6
Let's look at the problem.
Screen displays. Touch screen and encoder are 'not responsive' as defined by updating the display.
How would the connection from main board to the raduino play in?? Why go there?
I would first remove the screws from the front panel to the display.
(Wishful SWAG that there might be stress / flex on the display if the alignment was somehow off)
If not resolved, then it's off to changing code.? e.g. don't call?checkTouch(); in loop();? ( I haven't verified this, just a quick look at the code)
brute force disable of touch screen.? Should be able to run with just the encoder as touch screen is not required for functionality.
You can step into the code further and use some of the debug print statements that are commented out, but kindly left in.
I'm guessing the problem will be isolated to the touch portion of the screen.
Best wishes on your debug,
Gary
|
Re: Unresponsive ubitx V6
Many Thanks for your reply,? Evan!
I'll definitely check this out once I get home this eve.? It's a good easy test to do.?
Cheers
Regards
Dave G4HUM?
Dave,
A real simple test to determine if the problem is the mainboard to Raduino connection is to remove the Raduino from the mainboard and power it through the Nano USB port.? You do not need the encoder connected for this test.? If the Raduino and scree function properly, then the connection to the mainboard is the issue.? If the screen is still unresponsive, then you know where to look.
73
Evan
AC9TU
|
Re: Homebrew is alive and well in Vienna Virginia
#homebrew
The N6QW rig is worth looking over.
I am a little bit frustrated that there is no complete and current schematic presented.
If somebody has a complete schematic, would be nice if you could post it.
No mention of previous work, but does look like a Bitx20 derivative.
It is almost as old:
? ??/g/BITX20/topic/fw_first_qso_with_the_bitx20/4100707
The N6QW rig is simple in part because of all the relays.
At this power level I'd prefer zero relays for better reliability.
When evaluating how simple it is, keep in mind that it has ready made
ADE-1 mixers and a purchased crystal filter, which does make construction easier.
The BItx rigs keep costs to a minimum by using 3904's almost everywhere,
discrete mixers, and a scratch built crystal filter.
I've been thinking a good way to reverse an IF?with mixers at each end plus an amp and a crystal filter
is to have have RC low pass and high pass filters at each end to separate audio and rf,
the tx/rx switch is done solely by programming? different Si5351 frequencies for the mixers.
Seems better and cheaper than using relays.
Jerry, KE7ER
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Fri, Apr 16, 2021 at 06:35 AM, Dean Souleles wrote:
Hi all -
Some exciting news to share...
20 members of the??Maker's Group are building a 100% scratch-built SSB transceiver based on , which I completed last year.? Not a bitX, but a close relative.? Pete's design using only 10 transistors combined with an Arduino/SI5351 controller.? I've extended to include CAT control, a Nextion touch screen, and made it a dual bander for 20 and and 40.? Since completing the rig last year I've worked stations on phone and digital all over the world.? This is a fun project for anyone wanting to build a transceiver from scratch.
I started the group build about six weeks ago and the first of our maker's got the receiver chain working just this week.? Read all about it and see videos and pictures of the in-progress build on my blog?
73,
Dean
KK4DAS
|
Re: Unresponsive ubitx V6
Dave,
A real simple test to determine if the problem is the mainboard to Raduino connection is to remove the Raduino from the mainboard and power it through the Nano USB port.? You do not need the encoder connected for this test.? If the Raduino and scree function properly, then the connection to the mainboard is the issue.? If the screen is still unresponsive, then you know where to look.
73
Evan
AC9TU
|
Re: Unresponsive ubitx V6
Cheers Jerry
I'll check that too,? I'm still out doing some shopping with my other half. I did take the display front panel screws out list night and rechecked operation of the display.? Basic fault remains however some keys appeared to work but in a weird intermittent way.? Still appears like a poor connection somewhere
Regards
Dave G4HUM?
On 2021-04-17 01:15, Dave Hazzard wrote:
> Hi Evan
>
> I will investigate the whole raduino assy later today and see what I
> can do.? It sounds like a poor/ dry solder joint or connection
> somewhere.
*** When I put together the kit, I plugged in the Radiuno.? It plugged
in
nicely, but could not screw into the front panel.? I had to
LIFT IT OUT somewhat to get the screw holes to match.? It was
barely plugged in.? I would look at that before worrying about solder
joints.? Just take out the screws at the front panel, push the raduino
all the way into the main board, and see if things get better.
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?- Jerry KF6VB
I'm not totally convinced that the header pin connections
> to the main motherboard are that good.? I really appreciate all help
> on this!? ?Regards Dave
>
> On Sat, 17 Apr 2021, 04:50 Evan Hand, <elhandjr@...> wrote:
>
>> Dave,
>>
>> That would suggest to me that the screen input has a wiring issue or
>> a failure.? I would check the connection between the Raduino and the
>> display.? The only other options are to replace the display or the
>> Nano.? I would replace the display.? If that is not the problem you
>> can send it back if you buy through Amazon Prime.
>>
>>
>
>>
>> 73
>> Evan
>> AC9TU
>
>
>
> Links:
> ------
> [1] /g/BITX20/message/87709
> [2] /mt/82046069/243852
> [3] /g/BITX20/post
> [4] /g/BITX20/editsub/243852
> [5] /g/BITX20/leave/10189903/243852/952924773/xyzzy
|
Re: Unresponsive ubitx V6
On 2021-04-17 01:15, Dave Hazzard wrote: Hi Evan
I will investigate the whole raduino assy later today and see what I
can do. It sounds like a poor/ dry solder joint or connection
somewhere. *** When I put together the kit, I plugged in the Radiuno. It plugged in nicely, but could not screw into the front panel. I had to LIFT IT OUT somewhat to get the screw holes to match. It was barely plugged in. I would look at that before worrying about solder joints. Just take out the screws at the front panel, push the raduino all the way into the main board, and see if things get better. - Jerry KF6VB I'm not totally convinced that the header pin connections to the main motherboard are that good. I really appreciate all help
on this! Regards Dave
On Sat, 17 Apr 2021, 04:50 Evan Hand, <elhandjr@...> wrote:
Dave,
That would suggest to me that the screen input has a wiring issue or
a failure. I would check the connection between the Raduino and the
display. The only other options are to replace the display or the
Nano. I would replace the display. If that is not the problem you
can send it back if you buy through Amazon Prime.
73
Evan
AC9TU Links:
------
[1] /g/BITX20/message/87709
[2] /mt/82046069/243852
[3] /g/BITX20/post
[4] /g/BITX20/editsub/243852
[5] /g/BITX20/leave/10189903/243852/952924773/xyzzy
|
Bob Lunsford
