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Re: zBITX ordering

Jack Glazko W9TNC
 

Please stop posting these requests here.

See Ragav's message from earlier today:


On February 24, 2025 2:45:16 AM EST, "Vu3vwr via groups.io" <Vu3vwr@...> wrote:
Friends,

We will be posting a message here on the group? when we open orders for the zBitx. Please shoot us an email (sales at hfsignals dot com) if you would like to be notified personally as it's difficult to keep track of the requests on groups.io.

73,
Ragav

Re: sbitx v3 issues

 

Hi Michael!!
?
I sincerely hope that you're able to figure out and fix your issues on the FIRST try -- it took me some MONTHS on a used unit; I probably CAUSED some of the failures, and Ashhar and others were a BIG help.??
?
No design is perfect.? ?I don't know how many or what percent of units fail due to some "gotchas" in the circuit.? ?It happened to me; Allison pointed it out; it may have happened to you, and I think there may have been another.? ?If our guess is correct, over time, there may be some more of these failures, and therefore some busted units showing up on EBAY until the word gets around how to fix 'em.? ?Unfortunately a lot of ham radio land needs to GROW A BIT in "fix it skills" so there will be some gnashing of teeth associated.? ? ?I had HEATHKITS to start off MY ham radio career, and THEY had design issues that both bedeviled me, AND GREW ME UP with a new skillset in electronics.??
?
OTHER THINGS TO FIX:? ?WHILE YOU ARE IN THERE (easy to fix some of this by adding a little SMT resistor tee-pee'd or otherwise in series -- there are some OTHER THINGS you may want to fix as well --?
?
====================================
SEE THIS NOTE: ? /g/BITX20/wiki/36110
====================================
?
?
There I tried to document all the busted diodes that likely *I* caused in my unit, but they still blew.? ?An errant probe can easily blow diodes that have no series resistance when they connect directly to +12!? ? I would encourage you to fixe those while you're there, because the diagnosing of problems in the complicated band-switching T/R circuit is truly difficult for people like me!!? ?When I finally understood what an amazing circuit Ashhar had created to do all that....well it took me a long while.??
?
I'm not a manufacturer or quality inspector guy and no one so far knows the prevalence or incidence of these issues.? HF SIGNALS may or may not decide to add a bit of protection; who knows?? ?They have all kinds of very complicating sourcing and manufacturing issues to solve, way way way beyond me or the vast majority of us.? ? ?I have a friend who accidentally hit the PTT button on a baofeng that didn't have an antenna on it and POOF-- no more transmitter.? ? Every design is a compromise; you cannot include protection against EVERYTHING.? ?
?
Hope you get that rig working great and have all kinds of fun with it!? ?I'm in the throes of trying to learn how to create a 64-bit disk and their new software and see if I like it, or need to add in some of the special features that I put into my 32-bit version.? ?This is part of the fun of the vast hobby.
?
73
Gordon KX4Z
?
?
Re: zBITX ordering

 

I would also like to get on the zbitx ordering list.
73
KE2CRL


On Monday, February 24, 2025 at 01:11:21 AM EST, Andreas Papadopoulos via groups.io <andreasp711@...> wrote:


Me three! I'd like to be on the zbitx list.


On Mon, 24 Feb 2025, 5:10?pm Juan ea4dat via , <ea4dat=[email protected]> wrote:

Add me to zBITX order list please.

Best Regards,

73

Juan EA4DAT

?

?
Re: Learning CW

 

Here is what I advise:
1. On the sbitx, tune to a cw net.
2. You will already know the net control's callsign. Send yours.
3. When and if the net control responds to you (you recognize your own call sign, right?) Just exchange 599. And say 73.
4. One QSO done.
5. If you hear someone calling CQ. Take time, noting one letter at a time. Write down the callsign. Look up .
6. Make a quick in and out. "599,599, tnx fer rpt.cya, 73"
Over a period of time, you will get better and faster.
This is the bicycle way of learning the code. Jump into the waters, throw out the book.


On Mon, Feb 24, 2025, 8:38 AM Pierre - FK8IH via <jb.gallauziaux=[email protected]> wrote:
G4FON morse trainer is excellent.
73 - Pierre - FK8IH
Re: sbitx v3 issues

 

Michael,

Although HFsignals doesn't offer warranty on the V3 board-only kits, we do offer technical support to help you diagnose and fix any problems you may encounter. Please send us an email at support at hfsignals dot com and we will do our best to help.?

73
--
Support@...
Re: zBITX ordering

 

Friends,?
?
We will be posting a message here on the group? when we open orders for the zBitx. Please shoot us an email (sales at hfsignals dot com) if you would like to be notified personally as it's difficult to keep track of the requests on groups.io.?

73,
Ragav
Re: sbitx v3 issues

 

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Yes, in this respect, you're correct that it's easier to diagnose, repair, improve, etc. Had I read the support group materials in its ENTIRETY, which isn't reasonable, I might have known to look out for this particular known problem and avoided it.?
?I do appreciate having a responsive support group to not only help solve the problem, but to also verify that the problem was inherent in the design and not something I caused.?
?Thanks again!








-------- Original message --------
From: "Gordon Gibby KX4Z via groups.io" <docvacuumtubes@...>
Date: 2/24/25 12:52 AM (GMT-05:00)
Subject: Re: [BITX20] sbitx v3 issues

If you found the problem for real, hooray!

There is no guarantee the v4 will have protection for this. ? But YOU can put protection in on YOUR unit while doing the repairs. ? Allison had one solution; I think I picked a SIMPLE fix; read a bit before jumping in!!

This is much more like REAL “ham radio” part 97.1 than buying pricey perfect radios that are impossible to fix by yourself.?

Good luck!!

Gordon kx4z?



On Feb 23, 2025, at 23:26, Michael Bales via groups.io <mikebales73@...> wrote:

?
After checking the voltages at the points you described, it does seem to be the same issue with power delivery. Ironically, my week old v3 dies on the day I read about the v4, with the power issue addressed, being announced, and since I went with board only, I have to eat it. Live and learn I guess!
--
Mike - K8MCB?

--
Mike - K8MCB?
Re: zBITX ordering

 

Me three! I'd like to be on the zbitx list.


On Mon, 24 Feb 2025, 5:10?pm Juan ea4dat via , <ea4dat=[email protected]> wrote:

Add me to zBITX order list please.

Best Regards,

73

Juan EA4DAT

?

?
Re: zBITX ordering

 

Add me to zBITX order list please.

Best Regards,

73

Juan EA4DAT

?

?
Re: sbitx v3 issues

 

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If you found the problem for real, hooray!

There is no guarantee the v4 will have protection for this. ? But YOU can put protection in on YOUR unit while doing the repairs. ? Allison had one solution; I think I picked a SIMPLE fix; read a bit before jumping in!!

This is much more like REAL “ham radio” part 97.1 than buying pricey perfect radios that are impossible to fix by yourself.?

Good luck!!

Gordon kx4z?



On Feb 23, 2025, at 23:26, Michael Bales via groups.io <mikebales73@...> wrote:

?
After checking the voltages at the points you described, it does seem to be the same issue with power delivery. Ironically, my week old v3 dies on the day I read about the v4, with the power issue addressed, being announced, and since I went with board only, I have to eat it. Live and learn I guess!
--
Mike - K8MCB?
Re: sBitx and zBitx with SCAMP mode and Fldigi

 

Gordon, I'm sure you are right, that js8call can be loaded by the user. Mostly, I'm just curious as to the advantage (if any) of one mode over the other.
Re: sbitx v3 issues

 

After checking the voltages at the points you described, it does seem to be the same issue with power delivery. Ironically, my week old v3 dies on the day I read about the v4, with the power issue addressed, being announced, and since I went with board only, I have to eat it. Live and learn I guess!
--
Mike - K8MCB?
Re: sbitx v3 issues

 

"As far as being a "random ham" goes, I spent weeks researching the product before ordering"

The "Random Ham" comment wasn't directed at you personally, it was a generalization of any potential buyer of the board-only product, sorry if my inartful statement rubbed you wrong - it wasn't my intention.
?
Ken, N2VIP
Re: Learning CW

Pierre - FK8IH
 

G4FON morse trainer is excellent.
73 - Pierre - FK8IH
Re: sbitx v3 issues

 

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Gordon,?
?So it would appear that the scenario you have experienced is precisely what has occurred in my unit. It's great that there is a fix. However I find it very disheartening that it happened in a brand new board and I am simply left to fix it myself.?
?Thank you for pointing me the right direction.?






-------- Original message --------
From: "Gordon Gibby KX4Z via groups.io" <docvacuumtubes@...>
Date: 2/23/25 8:04 PM (GMT-05:00)
Subject: Re: [BITX20] sbitx v3 issues

Also look at this message:? ?/g/BITX20/message/107307

If you have continuous 12V on the collectors of the drivers (which I think are also the case) then a pretty good chance you have toasted Q101 and or the 4905 or both.? ? That will give you continuous?+12.? ?There is a specific reason WHY this failure occurs, and some specific ways to prevent it.? ?You'll understand after studying those parts, if that was actually your problem.? ?it happened?to me.

gordon Kx4z


On Sun, Feb 23, 2025 at 7:53?PM Ken N2VIP via <ken=[email protected]> wrote:
Mike,
?
I am not familiar with the board-only product, I assume the on-board finals, the 4x drivers you mention, are attached to some sort of heatsink or other means of dissipating heat in some manner, correct? I note the sBitx instructions for wiring up the board-only sBitx make no mention of adding/arranging for a heat sink or other such device, correct?
?
You say you had the board running for a week - I assume it worked fine, until it didn't, is that correct? Did you measure the output when you first used the board? How do those measurements compare with current output?
?
I assume your antenna system is unchanged, have you tested output into a dummy load?
?
As for the comment about HF Signals not providing a warranty/support for the board-only product, well, it makes sense to me, because there are so many possible issues when a random ham takes the board and starts adding to it to make it a complete, functional radio. The discount price reflects the lack of support, and HF Signals is very clear about not supporting the board-only product. I understand where you are coming from, but I understand their side too.
?
Sorry, I don't have any specific checks to make, hope this is helpful.
?
Ken, N2VIP


--
Mike - K8MCB?
Re: zBITX ordering

 

Please add me to the zbitx list.? I would like to place an order.
Thank You !
Jim WB4ILP?
Re: sbitx v3 issues

 

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I will take a look. Thank you!






-------- Original message --------
From: "Gordon Gibby KX4Z via groups.io" <docvacuumtubes@...>
Date: 2/23/25 8:04 PM (GMT-05:00)
Subject: Re: [BITX20] sbitx v3 issues

Also look at this message:? ?/g/BITX20/message/107307

If you have continuous 12V on the collectors of the drivers (which I think are also the case) then a pretty good chance you have toasted Q101 and or the 4905 or both.? ? That will give you continuous?+12.? ?There is a specific reason WHY this failure occurs, and some specific ways to prevent it.? ?You'll understand after studying those parts, if that was actually your problem.? ?it happened?to me.

gordon Kx4z


On Sun, Feb 23, 2025 at 7:53?PM Ken N2VIP via <ken=[email protected]> wrote:
Mike,
?
I am not familiar with the board-only product, I assume the on-board finals, the 4x drivers you mention, are attached to some sort of heatsink or other means of dissipating heat in some manner, correct? I note the sBitx instructions for wiring up the board-only sBitx make no mention of adding/arranging for a heat sink or other such device, correct?
?
You say you had the board running for a week - I assume it worked fine, until it didn't, is that correct? Did you measure the output when you first used the board? How do those measurements compare with current output?
?
I assume your antenna system is unchanged, have you tested output into a dummy load?
?
As for the comment about HF Signals not providing a warranty/support for the board-only product, well, it makes sense to me, because there are so many possible issues when a random ham takes the board and starts adding to it to make it a complete, functional radio. The discount price reflects the lack of support, and HF Signals is very clear about not supporting the board-only product. I understand where you are coming from, but I understand their side too.
?
Sorry, I don't have any specific checks to make, hope this is helpful.
?
Ken, N2VIP


--
Mike - K8MCB?
Re: sbitx v3 issues

 

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All has been tested through a dummy load, and transmitted into an antenna with no more than a 1.8:1 swr. Original output was within 5% of specified power. Now the output is down to roughly 60%( on most bands), it's slightly better on 80-40, at about 80%.?
?As far as being a "random ham" goes, I spent weeks researching the product before ordering, and have been extremely careful to stay as close to the recommended configuration as possible ( well regulated power supply, using a new pi 4 unit, use the supplied sd card and image, etc.). I understand the risk with open source and "hackable" hardware and software, but when it fails in its "intended" configuration, and you don't even get to start "hacking", something is amiss. I love the idea, but I feel that there should be a bit more backing by the manufacturer. Imo.






-------- Original message --------
From: Ken N2VIP <ken@...>
Date: 2/23/25 7:53 PM (GMT-05:00)
Subject: Re: [BITX20] sbitx v3 issues

Mike,
?
I am not familiar with the board-only product, I assume the on-board finals, the 4x drivers you mention, are attached to some sort of heatsink or other means of dissipating heat in some manner, correct? I note the sBitx instructions for wiring up the board-only sBitx make no mention of adding/arranging for a heat sink or other such device, correct?
?
You say you had the board running for a week - I assume it worked fine, until it didn't, is that correct? Did you measure the output when you first used the board? How do those measurements compare with current output?
?
I assume your antenna system is unchanged, have you tested output into a dummy load?
?
As for the comment about HF Signals not providing a warranty/support for the board-only product, well, it makes sense to me, because there are so many possible issues when a random ham takes the board and starts adding to it to make it a complete, functional radio. The discount price reflects the lack of support, and HF Signals is very clear about not supporting the board-only product. I understand where you are coming from, but I understand their side too.
?
Sorry, I don't have any specific checks to make, hope this is helpful.
?
Ken, N2VIP

--
Mike - K8MCB?
Re: sbitx v3 issues

 

Also look at this message:? ?/g/BITX20/message/107307

If you have continuous 12V on the collectors of the drivers (which I think are also the case) then a pretty good chance you have toasted Q101 and or the 4905 or both.? ? That will give you continuous?+12.? ?There is a specific reason WHY this failure occurs, and some specific ways to prevent it.? ?You'll understand after studying those parts, if that was actually your problem.? ?it happened?to me.

gordon Kx4z


On Sun, Feb 23, 2025 at 7:53?PM Ken N2VIP via <ken=[email protected]> wrote:
Mike,
?
I am not familiar with the board-only product, I assume the on-board finals, the 4x drivers you mention, are attached to some sort of heatsink or other means of dissipating heat in some manner, correct? I note the sBitx instructions for wiring up the board-only sBitx make no mention of adding/arranging for a heat sink or other such device, correct?
?
You say you had the board running for a week - I assume it worked fine, until it didn't, is that correct? Did you measure the output when you first used the board? How do those measurements compare with current output?
?
I assume your antenna system is unchanged, have you tested output into a dummy load?
?
As for the comment about HF Signals not providing a warranty/support for the board-only product, well, it makes sense to me, because there are so many possible issues when a random ham takes the board and starts adding to it to make it a complete, functional radio. The discount price reflects the lack of support, and HF Signals is very clear about not supporting the board-only product. I understand where you are coming from, but I understand their side too.
?
Sorry, I don't have any specific checks to make, hope this is helpful.
?
Ken, N2VIP
Re: Learning CW

 

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David, your suggestions are spot on.? I know from my?experience that your suggestions work.? It has been 20 + years since I worked on my code, so love your ideas and refreshed my faded memory.? Once I get finished with XTra class study and test will get back to it!

Bill
K9YEQ
Scottsdale, AZ

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of Christopher Miller via groups.io <djmalak2k6@...>
Sent: Sunday, February 23, 2025 1:48:10 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [BITX20] Learning CW
?

I learned it with code quick. It uses words and phrases to help it stick. I highly recommend it and it's pretty inexpensive.


On Sun, Feb 23, 2025, 1:22?PM Dave Fugleberg via <dave.w0zf=[email protected]> wrote:
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=[email protected]> 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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