Yup -- they should not have collector voltage unless in transmit
I think I had Q101 get destroyed and then that causes a LOT of problems.? ?You may have to read around that message to understand it more.? ?Seems like I put in a protection resistor in my unit to prevent this damage.? ?I don't know if the same or similar issue has happened to YOU, but after you make some readings, you will figure out if that is what happened to you.....
Gordon KX4Z
On Sun, Feb 23, 2025 at 7:39?PM Gordon Gibby KX4Z via <docvacuumtubes= gmail.com@groups.io> wrote:
Well, first I would turn the power OFF and let them cool a bit.
Then I would find a copy of the SCHEMATIC, and locate a voltmeter and other diagnostic tools
From MEMORY, I don't think there is power applied to those transistors when in RECEIVE, so I'd start the sBitx and see if there was voltage on their collectors.? ?If there IS and they get hot again, then yhou can start to diagnose WHY there is power applied to them.? ?They do run HOT when in normal transmitter usage.
That might get you STARTED, but this is going to be some work dealing with the schematic.? ?It is a process of breaking things down in to modules, dissecting which portion is doing somethin you?don't expect, and then figureing out why, over and over and over again.
Gordon KX4Z
On Sun, Feb 23, 2025 at 7:29?PM Michael Bales via <mikebales73= msn.com@groups.io> wrote: So I have had the board running for about a week. However, today I noticed that my output power is reduced, and the 4 drivers are very hot, with just power on, sbitx not started.
?I see nothing obvious. I would like some suggestions as to where to begin, as I have made the mistake of getting the board only (which I disagree with having no recourse with HF Signals, regardless of cause).?
?Any help would be appreciated.?
--
Mike - K8MCB?
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Re: sBitx and zBitx with SCAMP mode and Fldigi
you can always load it yourself, right?
As far as I can see, PSKreporter does not include SCAMP on the list of modes being tracked, yet.
?
What are the advantages of SCAMP compared to js8call? Both are "conversational" low signal modes. There are already quite a few operators using js8 (although, far fewer than FT8). My primary digital mode is js8 on a uBitxV6. Although, I don't own an sBitx or zBitx, for me, it would be important to have js8call preloaded in the software bundle.
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Well, first I would turn the power OFF and let them cool a bit.
Then I would find a copy of the SCHEMATIC, and locate a voltmeter and other diagnostic tools
From MEMORY, I don't think there is power applied to those transistors when in RECEIVE, so I'd start the sBitx and see if there was voltage on their collectors.? ?If there IS and they get hot again, then yhou can start to diagnose WHY there is power applied to them.? ?They do run HOT when in normal transmitter usage.
That might get you STARTED, but this is going to be some work dealing with the schematic.? ?It is a process of breaking things down in to modules, dissecting which portion is doing somethin you?don't expect, and then figureing out why, over and over and over again.
Gordon KX4Z
On Sun, Feb 23, 2025 at 7:29?PM Michael Bales via <mikebales73= msn.com@groups.io> wrote: So I have had the board running for about a week. However, today I noticed that my output power is reduced, and the 4 drivers are very hot, with just power on, sbitx not started.
?I see nothing obvious. I would like some suggestions as to where to begin, as I have made the mistake of getting the board only (which I disagree with having no recourse with HF Signals, regardless of cause).?
?Any help would be appreciated.?
--
Mike - K8MCB?
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So I have had the board running for about a week. However, today I noticed that my output power is reduced, and the 4 drivers are very hot, with just power on, sbitx not started.
?I see nothing obvious. I would like some suggestions as to where to begin, as I have made the mistake of getting the board only (which I disagree with having no recourse with HF Signals, regardless of cause).?
?Any help would be appreciated.?
--
Mike - K8MCB?
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Re: sBitx and zBitx with SCAMP mode and Fldigi
As far as I can see, PSKreporter does not include SCAMP on the list of modes being tracked, yet.
?
What are the advantages of SCAMP compared to js8call? Both are "conversational" low signal modes. There are already quite a few operators using js8 (although, far fewer than FT8). My primary digital mode is js8 on a uBitxV6. Although, I don't own an sBitx or zBitx, for me, it would be important to have js8call preloaded in the software bundle.
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Please include me on the notification email message when zBITX can be ordered.
--
Glen, WB4KTF, Austin, TX
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I learned it with code quick. It uses words and phrases to help it stick. I highly recommend it and it's pretty inexpensive.
Another great resource is the Long Island CW Club ().? They have developed a complete curriculum for learning CW and how to use it on the air, with lots of classes offered via Zoom every day of the week at all levels. For software, another one to try is PCW Fistcheck.? It will decode what you send, and also show you graphically how your sending compares to its computer-generated CW. 73 de W0ZF
On Sun, Feb 23, 2025 at 12:38?PM Shawn Rutledge K7IHZ / LB2JK via <social= ecloud.org@groups.io> wrote: I guess it’s about time I get back to that.? I tried more than 30 years ago, with some DOS morse tutor program, got maybe to the point of recognizing half the alphabet or so, and stopped putting time into it.? But I got a code practice oscillator, and I enjoyed practicing sending more than decoding back then.
So I wonder if there’s some software for the sbitx for that: a morse code tutor that exercises you both ways, sending and receiving?
I just got my first paddle, a Putikeeg from AE. So of course I had to have a shot at reading the gpio pins for that last night.? I got it debounced too.? So I could keep going and write yet another code practice program, but I suspect it’s quite redundant.? There are several packages on the pi already (apt-get search morse or so will find them) and I guess they are all the type that play tones for me to decode.? And there are CW decoders of course, which take audio input.? But measuring timing to detect what I’m trying to send with my key could be done directly, rather than generating audio and treating that as the input.
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Another great resource is the Long Island CW Club ().? They have developed a complete curriculum for learning CW and how to use it on the air, with lots of classes offered via Zoom every day of the week at all levels. For software, another one to try is PCW Fistcheck.? It will decode what you send, and also show you graphically how your sending compares to its computer-generated CW. 73 de W0ZF On Sun, Feb 23, 2025 at 12:38?PM Shawn Rutledge K7IHZ / LB2JK via <social= ecloud.org@groups.io> wrote:
I guess it’s about time I get back to that.? I tried more than 30 years ago, with some DOS morse tutor program, got maybe to the point of recognizing half the alphabet or so, and stopped putting time into it.? But I got a code practice oscillator, and I enjoyed practicing sending more than decoding back then.
So I wonder if there’s some software for the sbitx for that: a morse code tutor that exercises you both ways, sending and receiving?
I just got my first paddle, a Putikeeg from AE. So of course I had to have a shot at reading the gpio pins for that last night.? I got it debounced too.? So I could keep going and write yet another code practice program, but I suspect it’s quite redundant.? There are several packages on the pi already (apt-get search morse or so will find them) and I guess they are all the type that play tones for me to decode.? And there are CW decoders of course, which take audio input.? But measuring timing to detect what I’m trying to send with my key could be done directly, rather than generating audio and treating that as the input.
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Sorry some of my key stick
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my call is AC9XH
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73s
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Im a CW man Myself so here are some tips i give others.
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If you have a way to decode it, go to the ARRL website and search for code practice. they have archives of practice sessions and qualifying sessions plus the text to go along with the sessions. then pick the fastest code you can possibly receive and go from there.
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Arrl has it from 5wpm up to 40 wpm.
Good practice material as you relearn the CW. Try to push yourself to go faster on the code and when you get it down again, you will soon find you will be able to copy a few charactiers here and there on a faster setting, then keep going even as you learn it. each character should be learned being sent fast like 15,20wpm but spaced out for the speed you can copy. that way you know what the characters sound like at a faster speed and you are not trying to count dits and dahs.
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This is my own opinon of it. if you can learn the character sound at a faster speed and know what it sounds like when you hear it, it will be easier when you decrease the spacing of the charactors. example the word bat at 5wpm:
B ? ??? A???????? T? but the characters or letters are being sent as a faster rate at 15 to 20 wpm. now at 10: B? A? T now at 15 B A T now at 20wpm : BAT
then when you progress and practice on the practice logs ARRL has, you will find you can start picking out the characters even if the actual code speed is 15 to 20 wpm.
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I taught my Son this and he way surpasses me on CW. He is now hitting about 35 wpm and copies behind about 3 to 4 words.. this was started on a code practice oscillator i built for him and using one of my rigs for receiving real time transmissions in the Extra class sections.And listening to the ARRL bulletin broadcasts .
I also required him to do the traditional CW key instead of a paddle or bug. He now has switched to a more advanced key
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There are loads of practice material online,and software that can be found for FREE and some which i recommend to a beginner that has been created by many talanted hams for a very very low cost. and also the best thing after refreshing your code and getting up to at least 5-10wpm is on the air copying real time code.
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If you learn the code being sent at a faster rate for the characters, then shortening the spacing will be easy. You will find that after learning the code characters at a faster rate, you wont usually have the traditional speed limit compared to someone who was trained with characters being actually sent at 5wpm.
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Once you learn it , use it. make hour long tapes so you can listen to them while you are putting around the yard on the mower,etc. see how many words and such you can decode in your head.try to visualize letters coming across your mind like a ticker tape machine.
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Some hams use a typewriter or now, the pc? to type the letters and such as they come out from the speaker. Or headphones.
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hope this helps. just my take of it all and im sure there are loads of hams here who probably have better advice. Liten to them all.
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Good luck on your beginnings of a neat and fantastic venture in the world of ham radio with CW.
?
73
David
acxh
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Hi Shawn,
You can use FLDIGI to decode what you are keying, I think that is a good way to practice.
For decoding practice, I really like qrq. It's a terminal program similar to MorseRunner. By default it gives you callsigns to practice decoding, but you can load lists of anything, like common words etc.
Another excellent resource is - Kurt has developed many resources for learning. I am also a fan of the CWOps CW Academy. This is how I learned - they host classes via Zoom that will take you from 0 to 30 wpm.
73 and hope to catch you on the air sometime - KE8BWA
On Sun, Feb 23, 2025 at 1:38?PM Shawn Rutledge K7IHZ / LB2JK via <social= ecloud.org@groups.io> wrote:
I guess it’s about time I get back to that.? I tried more than 30 years ago, with some DOS morse tutor program, got maybe to the point of recognizing half the alphabet or so, and stopped putting time into it.? But I got a code practice oscillator, and I enjoyed practicing sending more than decoding back then.
So I wonder if there’s some software for the sbitx for that: a morse code tutor that exercises you both ways, sending and receiving?
I just got my first paddle, a Putikeeg from AE. So of course I had to have a shot at reading the gpio pins for that last night.? I got it debounced too.? So I could keep going and write yet another code practice program, but I suspect it’s quite redundant.? There are several packages on the pi already (apt-get search morse or so will find them) and I guess they are all the type that play tones for me to decode.? And there are CW decoders of course, which take audio input.? But measuring timing to detect what I’m trying to send with my key could be done directly, rather than generating audio and treating that as the input.
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I guess it’s about time I get back to that. I tried more than 30 years ago, with some DOS morse tutor program, got maybe to the point of recognizing half the alphabet or so, and stopped putting time into it. But I got a code practice oscillator, and I enjoyed practicing sending more than decoding back then.
So I wonder if there’s some software for the sbitx for that: a morse code tutor that exercises you both ways, sending and receiving?
I just got my first paddle, a Putikeeg from AE. So of course I had to have a shot at reading the gpio pins for that last night. I got it debounced too. So I could keep going and write yet another code practice program, but I suspect it’s quite redundant. There are several packages on the pi already (apt-get search morse or so will find them) and I guess they are all the type that play tones for me to decode. And there are CW decoders of course, which take audio input. But measuring timing to detect what I’m trying to send with my key could be done directly, rather than generating audio and treating that as the input.
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Re: sBitx V4 on Gigaparts
On Feb 23, 2025, at 00:34, Ashhar Farhan via groups.io <farhanbox@...> wrote:
There is going to be? a V4. It has a number of much needed changes including a different power chain,
Does “power chain” include reverse polarity protection, working with a wider range of input voltages, and a beefy enough 5V converter to avoid getting “low voltage” warnings on the pi (even if some low-power USB accessories are attached)? ?I hope so.
Or is it just about making the final amplifier more efficient?
As someone else said, a bit more power wouldn’t hurt, while you’re at it. display 2 from raspberry pi instead of the older display, and a few morr tweaks (external pa key). The price point is going to be the same as v3. We are just moving the needle.
Sounds exciting. But I’ve had the v3 for less than a year, and hopefully have a zbitx on the way, so I guess I’m not likely to upgrade very soon unless it’s really compelling somehow.
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Please include me in any announcements.
Thanks in advance for your help
AE1GO
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Re: sBitx V4 on Gigaparts
Hi David!
?
You asked for more descriptive information.? ?I think the text by Ashhar might be the most useful: /g/BITX20/message/115784?
I'm hoping to work out getting the 64-bit stuff going soon here, having looked through some of the code and improvements to CW latency and t/r delays appear included.? ?However, specific filter compensations that I've done specific to my unit are unlikely to be included, so I'll probably have to do a bit of code-updating for MY specific unit(s)? still.
?
In the end, these things are RADIOS.? ?Even if one doesn't have the "latest greatest" software, it is still a RADIO and if it worked for your communications back then, it will still work today.? ? Not everyone will need every whizbang improvement!? ? So when you get something that suits your needs, my suggestion would be to dampen down a bit the constant "update! update! update!" chorus!?
?
To each, his own!
73
Gordon KX4Z
??
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Re: sBitx V4 on Gigaparts
Is there an updated description tor the V4 of the SBitX it would really be nice to know what it does or at least what is does better.
From where I am sitting trying to keep up with the development is difficult to understand When, How, What has changed.
the Software updating at least from what I am reading can be overwhelming for someone just trying to wrap their head around the SDR as a reality not the Concept but the Nut and Bolts of Using and Maintaining the Software to the latest and greatest.
Reading of the multiple software projects all contained within the framework of the SBitX must be a challenge to manage.
Reading the reviews a person really has to understand what version of the Software Build they are reviewing as it does make a huge difference. Some versions are like trying to compare totally different radios. This is not only the beauty but also the curse of SDR. The Software IS the RADIO
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Re: sBitx V4 on Gigaparts
To clarify, there will be a V4 sbitx order window opening soon?? I've been wanting to purchase a second unit and it would be great if that coincides with an upgraded version.? A 'digital modes in a box' fully contained transceiver is really handy.?
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Re: CW Mode Macro Issue - Version 4.301 64 Bit
Interesting. I have not used a straight key at all nor have I slowed down below 17WPM to see this crop up. I have used it from 17 thru 25 with perfect operation. Thank you for the intel on how to get the slow speeds to work until JJ and the team roll out the revision. I am a lite extra BTW (that is what the older Extra class ops called me when I upgraded with only 5WPM code). HIHI. I just fell in love with CW and built my speed from on air use over the years. It is honestly the hardest way to learn from what I have found. If I could do it over, I would definitely have done many things differently to be honest.?
13WPM is nothing to sneeze at! Your doing great. Maybe we can work each other soon on the air. ? I always try to match speeds with the caller when I am out working POTA ops so if you hear me running 21 and call me at 13, expect to hear me slow down the keyer for you. I dont mind a bit to match speeds.?
David - WK4DS? 73
I find at 13 WPM I have to turn my delay up to 700, Yep I'm slow..... But I'm an original "Coded General" HIHI Just never have gotten good at copying.?
KB?QBT?
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Hi Friends.
On deman from members we have a new lot of Enclosure for Nextion Display using Micro Bitx kits version 3 to 6 .We are working on 5 inch and 3.5 inch Displays Enclosure.
Choosing colors is a confusing task .
Since you all will be using the product, so I thought to place this choice before you all.
So kindly suggest a suitable color .
Any other feedback is welcome .
Best of 73
Sunil Lakhani vu3sua
https://amateurradiokits.in?
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Re: sBitx V4 on Gigaparts
JJ,
The 10 inch display supply and quality was erratic. This set us back by a month.
The display 2 is actually equally useful due to its much higher resolution. You can run and use wsjtx and other software on it.
It also has much lower current draw compared to the 10 inch display.
On Sat, Feb 22, 2025 at 05:34 PM, Ashhar Farhan wrote:
There is going to be? a V4. It has a number of much needed changes including a different power chain, display 2 from raspberry pi instead of the older display, and a few morr tweaks (external pa key). The price point is going to be the same as v3. We are just moving the needle.
The JJ distribution of 64 bit sbitx will be the standard to work on the V4. We will open it for orders in a week or so.
Did you decide against the 10 inch display?
?
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Glen Jenkins WB4KTF
VE6LX
Kevin
WK4DS
Sunil Lakhani