Re: #sbitx disk image for software v2.1
#sBitx
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On Thu, May 18, 2023 at 6:09?AM Ashhar Farhan < farhanbox@...> wrote: Many have requested an sd card image as an alternative to upgrading the sbitx software.
Upgrading the software is the recommended way to go as it preserves the personal settings, logbook etc. Using a new image on the sd card is the equivalent of reformatting your hard drive. This? option is only for those who want to reset everything and start all over again.
Here goes:
The sbitx sd card image is available to download from:
1. Download by clicking it on the above link. 2. The image is zipped up to save download time, unzip it with your compression utility (on most operating systems, just trying to open it will automatically offer to unzip the file). 3. Follow the instructions to burn it to your sd card from:
4. You will need to calibrate the tx power again. Follow the instructions? on :
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Re: #sBitx SSB transmit problem and CW keyer
#sBitx
Possibly different thermal expansion rates between the two metals and heat cycling in use or in transit is enough to take out the swaging or press-fit.? ? I think I would consider a tiny drop of a metal-formulated epoxy glue to potentially ensure the continued integrity of the insert in the aluminum.? ?The insert is probably steel and has longer-lasting threads.? ??
Gordon KX4Z
On Thu, May 18, 2023 at 7:02?AM HA3HZ < gyula@...> wrote: Screws may loosen due to shipping. Although I have only experienced this with the FETs' fasteners.
As a precaution, I also wrote and added longer fixing screws so that the screw is not only held by the threaded insert pressed into the heatsink.
A thread or a hole must also be made in the cooling fin, and a longer screw provides better protection against loosening.
Those who occasionally read the forum did not notice this information.
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Gyula HA3HZ
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I agree, we need a program that will generate an adif file. Even better if it were generated automatically by the Sbitx software.?
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Bob AA4FJ
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Re: #sBitx SSB transmit problem and CW keyer
#sBitx
Screws may loosen due to shipping. Although I have only experienced this with the FETs' fasteners.
As a precaution, I also wrote and added longer fixing screws so that the screw is not only held by the threaded insert pressed into the heatsink.
A thread or a hole must also be made in the cooling fin, and a longer screw provides better protection against loosening.
Those who occasionally read the forum did not notice this information.
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Gyula HA3HZ
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Re: #sBitx SSB transmit problem and CW keyer
#sBitx
But Gyula is definitely right that his loosen screws and nut procedure is a must specially for early s/n units.
-P #5
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Re: #sBitx SSB transmit problem and CW keyer
#sBitx
Farhan,
thanks for info. I know it but if remember well there was reported finals blown even after update and txcal.
There are no more reports from users about reliability of finals after correct update and txcal so I am asking.
Also, the instability during txcal (even seen on your vid) was not commented or solved, I guess.
So many of us fear to TXing.
Thank you for attention.
-P #5
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Re: V1 DE Installing V2 software
Evan, There is code to clamp the output down if the power levels get out of hand. It is in sbitx.c, read_power(). - f
On Thu, May 18, 2023, 12:54 AM Evan Hand < elhandjr@...> wrote: Robert,
Sorry, I missed your email earlier.?
The V2 sbitx includes an SWR/Pwr sensor addition based on a Stockton two-core sensor.? That is used as part of the ALC for the finals and reporting if there is an SWR problem.? There may be code to limit power if the SWR gets too high, though I have not looked for that.? This sensor is not included in the V1 DE sbitx.? You would need to add it independently, as I plan to do.
To use the new code, you would need a way to measure power to adjust the drive.? It was stated that a manual process can bypass the code, though I have yet to see it.
With the problems that I have read on this 开云体育, I am waiting until I can have as close to a V2 as I can make the DE V1 to reduce the risks of damage.? I also plan to use the image that is supposed to be published soon.
73
Evan
AC9TU
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Re: #sBitx SSB transmit problem and CW keyer
#sBitx
We are checking not just the screws but also extended keydown on each radio. See our test processes documented on . I suspect that the threads are failing an loosening up the inserts enroute. That shouldn't happen either, we are checking this at our end. - f
On Thu, May 18, 2023, 6:11 AM HA3HZ < gyula@...> wrote: On Thu, May 18, 2023 at 11:02 AM, Petr Ourednik wrote:
Even more… finals blown reported even after latest software update if I remember well. For that reason many of owners put radio on shelf and QRX for “safe” software build version…
-P #5
I think they skipped checking the screws.
If so, the FETs may not have been able to transfer the generated heat to the heatsink.
?--
Gyula HA3HZ
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Re: Death by calibration
#sBitx
Bob, 1.Is the 22 watts the reading on the sbitx meter or is it on an external power meter? If the sbitx meter is showing low, then you have to run the metercal once again. 2. As a part of our testing we test the PA for continuous, full cw output on 7mhz at 40 watts for a full minute. If the heatsink mounting is good, there is no reason for the PA transistor to blow up.? 3. The txcal routine should not be slowed down as it it pushes the transistors to beyond the rating and backs back to the last reading. - f
On Thu, May 18, 2023, 5:52 AM Petr Ourednik < indians@...> wrote: Any reaction for that topic in terms of instability during the cal please?
Also, if finals do not last a few more seconds... it sounds strange.
One to have the fear of sending a little longer like rag chewing or so. :)
It would be nice to hear?experiences from others or comment from Farhan please.
-P #5
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Farhan visits Northern Virginia en route to FDIM
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Re: #sBitx SSB transmit problem and CW keyer
#sBitx
On Thu, May 18, 2023 at 11:02 AM, Petr Ourednik wrote:
Even more… finals blown reported even after latest software update if I remember well. For that reason many of owners put radio on shelf and QRX for “safe” software build version…
-P #5
I think they skipped checking the screws. If so, the FETs may not have been able to transfer the generated heat to the heatsink. ?-- Gyula HA3HZ
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#sbitx disk image for software v2.1
#sBitx
Many have requested an sd card image as an alternative to upgrading the sbitx software.
Upgrading the software is the recommended way to go as it preserves the personal settings, logbook etc. Using a new image on the sd card is the equivalent of reformatting your hard drive. This? option is only for those who want to reset everything and start all over again.
Here goes:
The sbitx sd card image is available to download from:
1. Download by clicking it on the above link. 2. The image is zipped up to save download time, unzip it with your compression utility (on most operating systems, just trying to open it will automatically offer to unzip the file). 3. Follow the instructions to burn it to your sd card from:
4. You will need to calibrate the tx power again. Follow the instructions? on :
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Re: #sBitx SSB transmit problem and CW keyer
#sBitx
Petr, Just the software update will not prevent a blow out, unless the txcal routine has been run on it after the update. I have detailed these in the write up on dated May 11th, 2023. - f
On Thu, May 18, 2023, 5:02 AM Petr Ourednik < indians@...> wrote: Even more… finals blown reported even after latest software update if I remember well. For that reason many of owners put radio on shelf and QRX for “safe” software build version…
-P #5
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Re: Death by calibration
#sBitx
Any reaction for that topic in terms of instability during the cal please?
Also, if finals do not last a few more seconds... it sounds strange.
One to have the fear of sending a little longer like rag chewing or so. :)
It would be nice to hear?experiences from others or comment from Farhan please.
-P #5
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Re: #sbitx_v2 Further to loose clamping screws on P.A MosFETs
#sbitx_v2
Gyula did a very nice job! ??
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On May 18, 2023, at 05:43, Gordon Gibby via groups.io <docvacuumtubes@...> wrote:
? Rats. Then I would drill and tap. I’ve used those inserts before in my life and I don’t really like them.?
It should be aluminum. The problem of course is the threads are not going to be very strong. That’s why they use the insert I’m sure?
On May 18, 2023, at 01:51, HA3HZ <gyula@...> wrote:
?my solution can be read here:
-- Gyula HA3HZ
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Re: Check for loose screws and nuts
#sBitx
Bill, glad to be able to help on this topic.
You can use any kind of glue, its role is limited to drilling and screwing in the longer threaded shank.
In fact, you fix it against falling out again.
Because the M3x10 mm screw screwed into the aluminum heatsink can sufficiently secure the FETs to transfer the amount of heat they produce to the heatsink. The M3x10 mm screw may be sufficient for fixing, because this size screw is not visible from the back.
Since I had such a metric screw, I added this, but you can also use a so-called metal plate screw if you can find one in this size.
Then you don't have to drill a thread into the cooling fin, because it can be screwed directly into the D=2.5mm hole.
You can use any transparent foil adhesive and use a vacuum cleaner to remove the shavings from drilling.
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Gyula HA3HZ
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Re: #sbitx_v2 Further to loose clamping screws on P.A MosFETs
#sbitx_v2
Rats. Then I would drill and tap. I’ve used those inserts before in my life and I don’t really like them.?
It should be aluminum. The problem of course is the threads are not going to be very strong. That’s why they use the insert I’m sure?
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On May 18, 2023, at 01:51, HA3HZ <gyula@...> wrote:
?my solution can be read here:
-- Gyula HA3HZ
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Hi,
What is bitx23?
Ramon?
EA4GZI
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HA3HZ