I have an Elecraft K3, which normally is prone to quite a few birdies ... some strong enough to be troublesome at the S3 or even S4 level.? They are the natural result of having a very strong LO signal for the mixer in order to get good dynamic range.?? True internally generated birdies can be identified by the fact that they move more quickly as you tune across them.? Rearranging cables was an early minor help, but eventually Elecraft came up with a very clever software technique that they implemented with the "SIG RMV" menu function.?? If I remember correctly, it works by digitally shifting both the LO and the IF frequency for each birdie ... the birdie is still there but it gets shifted out of the audible passband.? It was necessary to find each birdie and manually set that shift (you set both the direction and amount of shift) for each birdie, but it works great.
I can't see an obvious reason why that wouldn't work for the V2.
73,
Dave?? AB7E
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 6/19/2023 12:30 PM, ajparent1/kb1gmx wrote: I had and still have on the DE version any frequency xxxx50.00khz (all bands) or so
depending on sideband.? Never found a solution.? Between birds RX was fine.
Still there after many mods including removing the switch mode 5V power for
analog one.
--
Allison
------------------
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Re: v2 hardware changes from model shipped on 4-17-23 and birdies on receive
I had and still have on the DE version any frequency xxxx50.00khz (all bands) or so
depending on sideband.? Never found a solution.? Between birds RX was fine.
Still there after many mods including removing the switch mode 5V power for
analog one.
--
Allison
------------------
Please use the forum, offline and private will go to bit bucket.
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Re: Preparation For new Sbitx v2
Thanks for the info.
Joe VE1BWV?
On Mon, Jun 19, 2023, 1:55 PM Richard < g7oed@...> wrote: Hi Joe
I got mine today (serial 245)
I started it up and without doing anything else i went into the main menu (click on the raspberry icon)
Accesories
SD card copier
copy from /dev/mmcblko
copy to /dev/sda
I had a my backup in a usb adapter
Once this was finished? I shut everything down and turned the power off, I then swapped the cards and put the original card in the packaging box so I always have the original settings.
I did this before any updates it was literally the first thing I did.
easiest way to check your upto date is on page 35 of the very good manual that comes with the radio, not a pdf a proper manual?
I? won't get to play for a few days radio wise but will be trying to learn how to run the thing .
Regards Richard G7OED
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Re: Preparation For new Sbitx v2
Hi Joe
I got mine today (serial 245)
I started it up and without doing anything else i went into the main menu (click on the raspberry icon)
Accesories
SD card copier
copy from /dev/mmcblko
copy to /dev/sda
I had a my backup in a usb adapter
Once this was finished? I shut everything down and turned the power off, I then swapped the cards and put the original card in the packaging box so I always have the original settings.
I did this before any updates it was literally the first thing I did.
easiest way to check your upto date is on page 35 of the very good manual that comes with the radio, not a pdf a proper manual?
I? won't get to play for a few days radio wise but will be trying to learn how to run the thing .
Regards Richard G7OED
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Re: v2 hardware changes from model shipped on 4-17-23 and birdies on receive
Are you seeing this with a dummy load attached?
I've noticed also that occasionally I get a bunch of garbage due to the IC2 bus not properly initiating.? A shutdown/reboot fixes that.
If you are using an antenna, DON'T use a simple whip or wire attached directly to the sBitx.? It will do nothing except pickup local noise.
73,
-- Dave, N8SBE
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Show quoted text
On 2023-06-17 08:55, stevegrass8@... wrote:
hello
I got a v2 model from a ham that was bought on 4-17-23 built..I am curious if any hardware changes were done to the v2 for the hamvention release..Mine seems to have a lot of birdies in the receiver across all bands regardless of different antennas tried..did the swr bridge calibration and rf calibration..any ideas or suggestions?
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Preparation For new Sbitx v2
My Sbitx v2 has been shipped.
Delivery 22 or 22 June.
In the interm, I have read thru most of the paperwork and viewed videos to help prepare for its arrival.
1.? When it arrives? how do I determine if I have latest image on the use card?
2. What is the best method or commands to update current image?
3. Once it has been updated can I take the new updated image ( on the card ) and just duplicate it with Rufus or similar pgm?.
4.? Before doing any updates I will backup the the usd? image just in case I have to revert back.
Looking forward to running ft8 remotely using browser. .. I did read somewhere that one can use a local address instead of the ip, just can't remember what it was.
Thanks for your assistance?
Joe
VE1BWV?
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Re: sBITX V2 serial # 001 Current Status and question
#sbitx_v2
Farhan,?
Using a Jetstream 25A switching supply. I made an adapter to Power Poles with 12GA wire.
--Neil
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Re: #sbitx_v2 Further to loose clamping screws on P.A MosFETs
#sbitx_v2
My solution was use a .3124 inch end mill bit in a drill press and do a
plunge cut to the base aluminum though the fins.? That clears the fins
and provides a flat base for the nut.? With that a screw and lock washer
and nut.
The mechanical designer should have used a T-nut from the finned side
as they can't pull? out.? A larger diameter screw with less fine thread directly
into threaded aluminum is fairly common way to do it.
--
Allison
------------------
Please use the forum, offline and private will go to bit bucket.
|
Re: sBITX V2 serial # 001 Current Status and question
#sbitx_v2
Neil, Next, with a dummy load connected, if ypu just run the txcal from webui, it should bring the power up. I hope the power supply is juicy enough. -f
Sorry, this is my V2.? The DE is waiting for a dose of ambition to perform the mods.
--Neil
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Re: sBITX V2 serial # 001 Current Status and question
#sbitx_v2
Sorry, this is my V2.? The DE is waiting for a dose of ambition to perform the mods.
--Neil
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Re: sBITX V2 serial # 001 Current Status and question
#sbitx_v2
Farhan,?
This is from a known good power meter. I ran the calibration routines back when you first discussed them so the sBITX power readout is pretty accurate up to 17M and a few Watts off on 15 - 10, but the numbers are from the external power meter.? On 80 and 40 I can bypass my tuner completely so those numbers are close to what I would see into a dummy load. On the rest of the bands as I said, I could be a couple of Watts low from actual power out from tuner loss.? Only a couple of Watts though since this antenna requires minimal tuning. SWR is better than 2.5:1 on all bands, and better than 1.5 on 80 and 40.
I'll try to find the dummy load today, or borrow one, but I don't expect a huge difference. Maybe a Watt or two.
Dave,?
Known good connectors, known good short cables, and power readout from a verified Daiwa meter.
I'm getting good signal reports from people. I had to back off the mic gain a little after the first couple of people said the audio was too hot.??
Again, I'm OK with these numbers, but I'm just concerned that something is off since I see others getting better power out at least on the lower bands.
Thanks for the responses.
--Neil
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Re: sBITX V2 serial # 001 Current Status and question
#sbitx_v2
Neil, Is this power output reading from your radio's display or is it from an external power meter? Can you remind us if you have a v2 or the de? - f
On Mon, Jun 19, 2023, 7:13 AM stone_ridge_road < AB7Echo@...> wrote:
I would strongly urge that you do your tests into a good dummy load
with known good connectors ... ideally with no cable ... before you
do anything significant inside the rig.? And make sure you verify
the power out with a decent external power meter instead of just
relying on the internal readout.
When troubleshooting you want to simplify as much as possible at
each step.
73,
Dave?? AB7E
On 6/18/2023 5:30 PM, Neil Goldstein
wrote:
Sorry to reply to my own post, but I was hoping someone could
advise me.
Is there something I should be doing (see below) or should I be
happy with these numbers?
Thanks!
--Neil, W2NDG
Hi all,?
After resolving my update woes (thanks Art N2AJO !!) I feel
things are pretty stable.
I know that the rig should be capable of upwards of 40 Watts
on the lower bands. I'm not seeing that at 100% drive.
Here is what I'm seeing, which I'm happy with, but would like
to know if I need to tweak anything or look for a problem:
(Into a fairly resonant antenna on most bands but tuned to
close to 1:1)
BAND? ? ? ? ? WATTS
80? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?15
40? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?18
30? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?20
20? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?21
17? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?12
15? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?12
12? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?10
10? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?11
I would say accuracy is + or - 2 Watts with this setup.
Sorry, I have misplaced my dummy load.
Anyway, is there anything I should be doing or looking at.?
Otherwise, I'm enjoying the rig.
|
All,
I had the same issue with my DE sbitx.? I had to reload the image on the microSD card, do the update, and then reboot.? After that, the mic worked again.
Before I did the above, I checked that QD1 was operating with about 0.6 volts between the emitter and base.? I then verified that I got an audio signal on my oscilloscope on the collector when providing sound into the mic.? Both tests confirmed that the mic preamp was working.
That was the 3rd time I had to reload the image and redo the software.? I had a fourth just the other day after I had not reset the current limit on my bench supply which caused a low power input to the sbitx.? If, after an unexpected or unclean shutdown, there is a significant chance that the microSD card has been corrupted.
The above are my experiences.? Others may be different.
73
Evan
AC9TU
73
Evan
AC9TU
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Re: sBITX V2 serial # 001 Current Status and question
#sbitx_v2
I would strongly urge that you do your tests into a good dummy load
with known good connectors ... ideally with no cable ... before you
do anything significant inside the rig.? And make sure you verify
the power out with a decent external power meter instead of just
relying on the internal readout.
When troubleshooting you want to simplify as much as possible at
each step.
73,
Dave?? AB7E
On 6/18/2023 5:30 PM, Neil Goldstein
wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Sorry to reply to my own post, but I was hoping someone could
advise me.
Is there something I should be doing (see below) or should I be
happy with these numbers?
Thanks!
--Neil, W2NDG
Hi all,?
After resolving my update woes (thanks Art N2AJO !!) I feel
things are pretty stable.
I know that the rig should be capable of upwards of 40 Watts
on the lower bands. I'm not seeing that at 100% drive.
Here is what I'm seeing, which I'm happy with, but would like
to know if I need to tweak anything or look for a problem:
(Into a fairly resonant antenna on most bands but tuned to
close to 1:1)
BAND? ? ? ? ? WATTS
80? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?15
40? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?18
30? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?20
20? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?21
17? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?12
15? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?12
12? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?10
10? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?11
I would say accuracy is + or - 2 Watts with this setup.
Sorry, I have misplaced my dummy load.
Anyway, is there anything I should be doing or looking at.?
Otherwise, I'm enjoying the rig.
|
Re: sBitx DE (and also V2) notes and hints
Thanks Evan. I finally got around to doing that calibration. The number I settled on was 24999450. There doesn't seem to be any audible change unless the number is stepped up or down by more than 100. That gets me to within about 10Hz.
Jack, N6LN
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Re: sBITX V2 serial # 001 Current Status and question
#sbitx_v2
Sorry to reply to my own post, but I was hoping someone could advise me.
Is there something I should be doing (see below) or should I be happy with these numbers?
Thanks!
--Neil, W2NDG
Hi all,?
After resolving my update woes (thanks Art N2AJO !!) I feel things are pretty stable.
I know that the rig should be capable of upwards of 40 Watts on the lower bands. I'm not seeing that at 100% drive.
Here is what I'm seeing, which I'm happy with, but would like to know if I need to tweak anything or look for a problem:
(Into a fairly resonant antenna on most bands but tuned to close to 1:1)
BAND? ? ? ? ? WATTS
80? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?15
40? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?18
30? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?20
20? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?21
17? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?12
15? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?12
12? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?10
10? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?11
I would say accuracy is + or - 2 Watts with this setup.
Sorry, I have misplaced my dummy load.
Anyway, is there anything I should be doing or looking at.? Otherwise, I'm enjoying the rig.
|
Re: sBitx Issue After Upgrade
#sBitx
John, This update is for both editions, DE as well as V2.? When I had pushed out the update, there was a problem noted in coming back to receive from transmit. I fixed that too, I recommend pulling in these changes to everyone. - f
On Mon, Jun 19, 2023, 4:58 AM John Terrell, N6LN < N6LN@...> wrote: Hi Ashhar, let me ask, just to be clear, the latest ./update is for the V2, which has no physical LPF relays. It seems to be working on my V2. What about the DE (which has upgrade #2, and the T/R board)? Is the V2 software with the latest update appropriate for the DE?
Thanks,
Jack, N6LN
|
Re: sBitx Issue After Upgrade
#sBitx
Hi Ashhar, let me ask, just to be clear, the latest ./update is for the V2, which has no physical LPF relays. It seems to be working on my V2. What about the DE (which has upgrade #2, and the T/R board)? Is the V2 software with the latest update appropriate for the DE?
Thanks,
Jack, N6LN
|
mine is the same..Minimal rf output on SSB with normal output on cw and 2 tone.. on cw and 2Tone about 22 watts on 17 meters and 2.1 watts at best on SSB.. software issue most likely..
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Re: #sbitx_v2 Further to loose clamping screws on P.A MosFETs
#sbitx_v2
Unfortunately I just experienced what you all have been talking about. One of my inserts came loose (V2 #89). My quick solution was to put back the stud but secure it from behind with a M3 30 mm screw and a nut at the outside back of the heat sink. It's not elegant and it took some difficult fin grinding with a Dremel, but it works. If the other insert comes out I'll try drilling and tapping for a 3 mm screw. My tapping set is only for SAE--time to get another metric set.
So far the heat sink seems to work. Some of my PA MOSFET failures may have been from overheating but every time I've replaced them the clamp was on tight--it only came loose when tightening the last replacements. I now also add heat conducting grease on both sides of the mica insulator--that may have been the weak spot.
By the way a recent failure occurred just during the PA_BIAS potentiometer adjustment and I know the bias voltage was below 4 volts--and one of the finals shorted after only about 1 second so it couldn't have been from thermal stress. These IRFZ24Ns from Mouser. Perhaps it is a bad batch.
Jack, N6LN
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Neil Goldstein
John Terrell, N6LN