Re: zBitx - red line in FT-8 spectrum display
Ashhar Farhan,
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It is my understanding that proper FT8/4 etiquette dictates first listening through both the first and second cycles of the protocol to verify a clear frequency, at least on your end.? WSJT-X software uses the "red line" to pick that frequency.??I agree that the receiving location could have a different set of station magnitudes being received and not be a clear frequency.
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The red line is a visual indicator to help us determine if we are on a clear frequency.
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73
Evan
AC9TU
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Re: zBitx - selecting in FT8 (responding to CQ)
Tap on the decodes, use the knob to move the selection around and press on the knob to start the QSO.
On Tue, 27 May, 2025, 7:44?am Neil K6NCX via , <neil.fullagar= [email protected]> wrote: Just got my new zbitx and I love it. Have only run FT8 so far. I have some questions.?
The manual says to answer a CQ, select that line and press the knob once. Doesn’t say HOW to select. From other discussions here, apparently tapping in the decode list then rotating the knob. OK, I did that then pressed the knob. Nothing.?
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What am I missing?
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Re: zBitx - red line in FT-8 spectrum display
I realized that the redline that allows us to position our own frequency in the congested FT8 passband is useless. This is because your signal must appear in a an empty slot at the receiving station. There is not much very little chance that what appears to be a clear frequency to you is also clear to the receiver unless both of you are within the line of sight with each other.
On Tue, 27 May, 2025, 7:49?am Neil K6NCX via , <neil.fullagar= [email protected]> wrote:
Just got my new zbitx and I love it. Have only run FT8 so far. I have some questions.?
Is the vertical red line in the FT-8 spectrum display not the TX tone? I select PITCH and turn the knob. The number in the box changes, but the red line doesn’t move. How then does one avoid being underneath the strongest signals?
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Cory,
I ordered some SI53511A-B-65's from Digikey.? Their part number is 336-2399-5-ND.? I paid $1.60 each.
73 Doyle KA6MAT
On Mon, May 26, 2025 at 06:17 PM, Cory Lytle KO4SWI wrote:
Thanks, the ms part is a bit harder to source in the US.
stocks the MS5351M
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Re: FT8 time differential - how to resolve?
hi Ken,
Exactly correct.
I will try Gyula's approach and rebuild from scratch.
73,
.Vince
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I can't seem to get split to work on my zBitx, I can't turn on split in the menu, What am I doing wrong?
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On Mon, May 26, 2025 at 06:17 PM, Cory Lytle KO4SWI wrote:
Thanks, the ms part is a bit harder to source in the US.
stocks the MS5351M
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https://kitsandparts.com/store2.php
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Why is the header from the Pi not in the schematics?? Really need to know what is on what pin.? I see the sbitx schematic, but that doesn't match up either.?
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I've been using the BasicVolt 45W Universal 15V 13.5V 12V 9V 7.5V 6V 5V DC Power Supply from Amazon, I like that for an adjustable supply instead of an easily bumped knob it has a recessed rotary dial switch with strong click detents. Also that when set to 9 volts (zBITX) or 12 volts QMX+ even no load that's what comes out, no higher. Also the slew of adapters it comes with will come in handy
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Re: Activate auto-hotspot on zBitx?
I connect mine to Ethernet via USB to Ethernet adapter.? In Linux most drivers are already in the kernel.? So my adapter I just plugged in and had Internet no setup required. You need the monitor and keyboard initially to verify setup is indeed working.
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Ryan
KK6DZB?
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I use this (designed by JJ of the 64bit sbitx team) with appropriate regulator.? The zbitx can pull more than 3 amps.? I use the 5 amp regulator.? I am set to 9.2v output.? I feed it with 12v-14v battery and my variable bench supply set to 13.8v.? this is nice and self contained for field use with larger batteries.
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Ryan
KK6DZB?
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Isn't the zBitx 'happier' with something closer to 7.5 volts, closer to the voltage of the batteries?
If that the case, this might be a better option than the 9 volt power supply Robert linked to below...
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I found out about this option (GST40A07-P1) by clicking-thru the Jameco link to the product datasheet:
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On May 22, 2025, at 12:40, Robert Fairbairn via groups.io <bobfa@...> wrote:
? I have been using the batteries and a 9v Mean Well GST40A09-P1. ?
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Re: sBitx V3 64 bit has new noise problem
I could post a similar picture, and there are evil human reasons for this. It is especially visible on 7 and 14 MHz at times when they want to interfere.
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Gyula HA3HZ
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Re: zBitx doesn't start up
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From: HA3HZ
Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 1:22 PM
Subject: Re: [BITX20] zBitx doesn't start up
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Dave,
some PC monitors have an HDMI connector, you can use that, you
just need to get a cable. In most cases, you need an HDMI to HDMI mini cable,
check the option.
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Gyula HA3HZ
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Here's some great information on USB-C PD - spoiler alert, higher current at 9v is possible, but it depends on the source, the device being powered and the cable.
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For example, Anker (a company that produces quality products, IMHO) sells "high power" USB-C cables (up to 240w):
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On May 23, 2025, at 00:18, Chris Hoffman via groups.io <chris.hoffman.3@...> wrote:
? If I recall correctly, the USB-C PD standard is 9V at 3 A max. I suspect when the zBitx transmits, the current draw exceeds 3 amps and the PD adaptor shuts down and then restarts. ?
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Re: zBitx doesn't start up
Menü -> Preferences -> Raspberry Pi Configuration ?-> Display -> Headless Resolution
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Gyula HA3HZ
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Re: zBitx doesn't start up
Gyula ,
one question about HDMI :
Where and how can in PI the HDMI-monitor resolution change/adjust ??
Or is that not possible ?
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73 , Jens / HB9JOI
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From: HA3HZ
Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 1:22 PM
Subject: Re: [BITX20] zBitx doesn't start up
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Dave,
some PC monitors have an HDMI connector, you can use that, you
just need to get a cable. In most cases, you need an HDMI to HDMI mini cable,
check the option.
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Gyula HA3HZ
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I just purchased ?12-24v to 9v buck converter. I am using power tool batteries (Ridgid in my case) to power the zBitx. It is a 5A, which should be plenty of power for the device. I have many 5AH and 6AH batteries already for my tools. Gonna mount in one of the Harbor Freight Apache cases. Am just going to connect the 9V side to a DC jack. Then I can just make up a cable with a DC plug on each end.?
On Mon, May 26, 2025 at 8:11?PM David T-- VE3TOS via <digiital= [email protected]> wrote: That would indicate that there isn't enough amps provided in the PD cable.? That is a common issue when there isn't enough power/amps to provide the tx and the raspberry pi's
I’m using a PD power supply that comes with my MacBook computer along with a 9v trigger cable rated at 5 amps. But I cannot set Drive beyond 60 with FT8 on 20 meters. If is over 60, the zBitx restarts when transmitting . I don’t know it’s the trigger cable or the PD voltage drop.
Li KQ4EXQ? ? I have been using the batteries and a 9v Mean Well GST40A09-P1. ?
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Re: zBitx doesn't start up
Dave,
some PC monitors have an HDMI connector, you can use that, you just need to get a cable. Most of the time you need an HDMI to HDMI micro cable, check that option.
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Gyula HA3HZ
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Re: zBitx doesn't start up
Folks ,
Please excuse my ignorance but I just read a comment that inferred that one doesn’t need a monitor/keyboard to connect the zBitX to my WiFi. ?How do I connect mine to my WiFi without a screen? ?Or even to my iPhone as a hotspot? ?I need to see what the Pi is thinking don’t I? I am raspberry pi ignorant (played with one years ago but had a screen) but that experience is a long forgotten memory. The on board screen probably is something to use but how??
I do have a monitor and keyboard on order but was just wondering. This little radio appears to be a fun tool when someone fixes the timing on CW. ?
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On May 26, 2025, at 5:21?PM, David Newcombe via groups.io <nuke1015@...> wrote:
? My zBitx is now running!? I followed Frank's procedure, after a brief delay for amazon to deliver a new SD card.?
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Now I just have to learn how to use it :-)
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thanks to all
Dave, VE3WI
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Cory Lytle KO4SWI
HA3HZ
Jens/HB9JOI
Jay Bremner
David Wilcox K8WPE