I'm starting to learn the idiosyncrasies of the zBitx.
It appears to be running very hot (while not transmitting).
The Pi Zero is reporting a core temp of 72 C.? That seems too
hot, ...and not even while transmitting.
(I have a PI5 with a cooler HAT that runs around 50 C)
Will external heat sinks on the back cool the Pi Zero
sufficiently??? Am I cooking it to a slow death?
Don in Austin N5CID
|
Zbitx FT8 - Some wishes and Observations
I have been doing a fair amount of playing with the Zbitx.
FT8-?
Is there a way to clear the screen area where the decodes are displayed?
With so many decodes it can be difficult to sort through them.
How about? a button to turn off/on waterfall?
?
WSJT-X:
I have made contacts in FT8
In the settings, cat test did not work,? however? when actually running the software it controls the zbitx fine. Rig Rx Band control works fine
Tx enable works and tune also.
?
Remote mode:,
A method to turn off the zbitx screen from the remote.. It might help reduce the the processing load?
?
Screen timeout?
I leave my zbitx running for days. Would be great if a timer could be in the settings to blank screen.
Maybe just touching the screen would turn it back on.
?
TX:
When the radio goes from rx to tx I here noise thru speaker just before tx actually is on
Maybe just a split second in timing to silence rx? before tx goes on?
?
Just a thought of a few things.
I am very pleased so far and know there are plenty of things to add and or polish up,? but overall a great first run so far.
?
Thanks !
Joe
VE1BWV?
?
?
?
|
I purchased V2 a while ago and never really used it until a few days ago. I just wanted to say that I am impressed and would recommend it highly!? In 2 days I was able to make contacts all over the world on 10 watts or less with FT8 and already hit 25 states out of 50 in the USA.? ?So easy to use!? Excellent work to all involved!??
?
I did have a few software crashes which I haven't looked into yet. (The software just closes).? Is there a log or anything that I can look at to find out what may have happened?? Something where I can submit a bug over???
?
I would like to add to the software and make it better. I have some ideas that could increase productivity. But maybe it is just something I would like to see.??
?
Thanks again for an amazing product!
?
73
KC2NDA/Aaron
|
Sorry to hear about the food poisoning Farhan, that sounds awful, I hope you recover quickly.?
i did make a pull request, HOWEVER, it's draft one and you should consider the changes carefully. I’m just someone who spent less than an hour looking at your work, twiddling a few things to make the radio do what I wanted. I may have broken other things.
As I mentioned, a side effect of my change is that the waterfall and decoder are updated less frequently, I’m ok with that, but you may not.? I’m sure some fine tuning is possible to find a better balance.?
Some in this thread have suggested different ways to fix this, not sure they have been tested, but they could be more appropriate than changing timing loop like I did.?
The fix for IambicB Ron Carr suggested (dash/dot mixup) in modem_cw.c is also included, that one you should definitely take as is.?
CW keying is possible on the zbitx, let’s wait for the right fix, I’m sure it’s around the corner…
?
|
Re: xBitX Product Question
Gordon, I hear you. ?I remember the v3 and v4 and still have lots of parts from that area. ?
I actually ran a uBitx net in the Midwest on 40 SSB for about a year or so, had lots of fun. Had a v6 for just a few months before hopping on the 6100/6200 bandwagon.
Really liking the zBitz on FT8 and have had many QSOs on 20 with it. ?Just the radio and a tiny mag loop. Can’t wait for the next updates.
? ? ?Frank Krozel ? ? ? ? ? ?KG9H Life Member, ARRL ? ? (630) 924-1600 kg9hfrank@...
-- ?
?
?
de KG9H
Life member, ARRL
|
Re: xBitX Product Question
I don’t have the radio, so I can’t really tell you exactly what it’s doing
I can tell you that with my sBitx I couldn’t send it all at the beginning. At least not with a paddle or an external keyer or a straight key. ? ?Then Mike Johnshoy pointed out a fix, and now I can go as fast as I can, 25 words per minute or so, without any issue at all. ?Much more fun than my 7300!! ??So you may need to be a tiny bit patient, but this will get fixed perfectly in the long run if my experience with the other radio is any guide.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Apr 9, 2025, at 15:36, Frank KG9H via groups.io <kg9hfrank@...> wrote:
? Gordon, thanks for responding. My normal (with a crappy portable paddle) is about 15-25. At my base, 25-40 or so. ?I have a nice brass racer there.
Yes I do believe the others may be doing higher in speed, that might be a challenge but for me and on a crappy paddle 15 is fine. I would assume it is scale-able so if the guys at 30 are happy, I guess I would be happier, LOL
Still is it not a 705 or KX3 and the price shows it.
I look for many changes in the future, this is a great radio.
? ? ?Frank Krozel ? ? ? ? ? ?KG9H Life Member, ARRL ? ? (630) 924-1600 kg9hfrank@...
On Apr 9, 2025, at 3:27?PM, Gordon Gibby KX4Z via groups.io <docvacuumtubes@...> wrote:
“ ?Thank you.? I feel much better.? We have several of us from our BE-HIP (Hams In Parks) group here in Chandler that are buying this radio.? It's the perfect radio for what we do.? I do 95% CW but loved the idea of FT8 already installed.? I haven't used it much in the last 5 years but our group had a 60m Challenge last mon”
Frank, how fast do you send CW normally? That makes a big difference. If you are in the 10 to 15 words per minute range, I think you’re going to be very happy with this, as delivered
If you’re in the 35 word per minute range, I think the small improvements that have been suggested by several of us and already successfully tested by Eric May make you far happier!
Gordon kx4z?
-- ?
?
?
de KG9H
Life member, ARRL
|
Re: xBitX Product Question
Gordon, thanks for responding. My normal (with a crappy portable paddle) is about 15-25. At my base, 25-40 or so. ?I have a nice brass racer there.
Yes I do believe the others may be doing higher in speed, that might be a challenge but for me and on a crappy paddle 15 is fine. I would assume it is scale-able so if the guys at 30 are happy, I guess I would be happier, LOL
Still is it not a 705 or KX3 and the price shows it.
I look for many changes in the future, this is a great radio.
? ? ?Frank Krozel ? ? ? ? ? ?KG9H Life Member, ARRL ? ? (630) 924-1600 kg9hfrank@...
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Apr 9, 2025, at 3:27?PM, Gordon Gibby KX4Z via groups.io <docvacuumtubes@...> wrote:
“ ?Thank you.? I feel much better.? We have several of us from our BE-HIP (Hams In Parks) group here in Chandler that are buying this radio.? It's the perfect radio for what we do.? I do 95% CW but loved the idea of FT8 already installed.? I haven't used it much in the last 5 years but our group had a 60m Challenge last mon”
Frank, how fast do you send CW normally? That makes a big difference. If you are in the 10 to 15 words per minute range, I think you’re going to be very happy with this, as delivered
If you’re in the 35 word per minute range, I think the small improvements that have been suggested by several of us and already successfully tested by Eric May make you far happier!
Gordon kx4z?
-- ?
?
?
de KG9H
Life member, ARRL
|
Re: xBitX Product Question
“ ?Thank you.? I feel much better.? We have several of us from our BE-HIP (Hams In Parks) group here in Chandler that are buying this radio.? It's the perfect radio for what we do.? I do 95% CW but loved the idea of FT8 already installed.? I haven't used it much in the last 5 years but our group had a 60m Challenge last mon”
Frank, how fast do you send CW normally? That makes a big difference. If you are in the 10 to 15 words per minute range, I think you’re going to be very happy with this, as delivered
If you’re in the 35 word per minute range, I think the small improvements that have been suggested by several of us and already successfully tested by Eric May make you far happier!
Gordon kx4z?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Apr 9, 2025, at 14:36, Jens/HB9JOI via groups.io <hb9joi@...> wrote:
?
?
I disagree too...
CW works ONLY correct if You use it with keyboard , but not with paddles or
straight-key and/or external keyer in this case.
Also the last , newest update solved the big CW problems not.
Lots of people are disapointed...
At least please tell the truth here: the device does not (yet?) deliver
what the advertising promises...
It is something for software/firmware tinkerers and those who can't do
that... well, I think I don't need to elaborate... -
Sorry... about the really truth .
?
?
From: John AE5X via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 7:31 PM
Subject: Re: [BITX20] xBitX Product Question
?
On Wed, Apr 9, 2025 at 12:06 PM, Frank KG9H wrote:
right out of the box it will do CW
I disagree.
|
Trying to cancel an order
Due to unforeseen circumstances I have to cancel an order I made for a ZBitx.
?
I have e-mailed HF Signals asking them to cancel and re-fund the cost.
?
However, 1st email sent 4th April, another asking if they had received the first email on the 8th of April and to the present time no response from HF Signals.
?
If anyone from the company is reading this or if anyone else has had a similar problem can they contact me please.
73
?
Regards
Ian G4GIR
|
Re: xBitX Product Question
?
I disagree too...
CW works ONLY correct if You use it with keyboard , but not with paddles or
straight-key and/or external keyer in this case.
Also the last , newest update solved the big CW problems not.
Lots of people are disapointed...
At least please tell the truth here: the device does not (yet?) deliver
what the advertising promises...
It is something for software/firmware tinkerers and those who can't do
that... well, I think I don't need to elaborate... -
Sorry... about the really truth .
?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: John AE5X via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 7:31 PM
Subject: Re: [BITX20] xBitX Product Question
?
On Wed, Apr 9, 2025 at 12:06 PM, Frank KG9H wrote:
right out of the box it will do CW
I disagree.
|
Re: xBitX Product Question
My experience was; I opened the box, added batteries, applied both updates (easy), rebooted and made contacts on ssb and ft8. Highly suggest you watch Farhans videos on the Z on YouTube. Short, helpful and explains everything. Others may be trying to extend capabilities whereas I just want to do radio. For the price of one nice meal out, I've had days of fun in the outdoors with my Z YMMV 73
zBitx group,
??? I ordered my unit on Thursday
last week based on what I read on the internet and the videos I
watched.? However since joining this group I have some
concerns.? My understanding was this is an "out of the box"
ready to go radio.? The comments I'm seeing here about setting
up WSJT-X and recompiling code has me worried.?
Bottom line, is this unit a "READY
TO ROCK" out of the box unit or not?? I dont mind having to
config WSJT-X but this groups is making look like you lucky if
it even works on the radio you get.
--
"POWER, WE DON'T NEED NO STICKIN' POWER" - EVERY KX2 OWNER
Always respect the airwaves,
73 de KI7PBR, Gary
|
Re: xBitX Product Question
Interesting, mind did and worked well for that. I used a straight key as I only know Iambic-B Maybe yours is broken.
? ? ?Frank Krozel ? ? ? ? ? ?KG9H Life Member, ARRL ? ? (630) 924-1600 kg9hfrank@...
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Apr 9, 2025, at 1:31?PM, John AE5X via groups.io <ae5x@...> wrote:
On Wed, Apr 9, 2025 at 12:06 PM, Frank KG9H wrote:
right out of the box it will do CW
I disagree.?
-- ?
?
?
de KG9H
Life member, ARRL
|
Re: xBitX Product Question
On Wed, Apr 9, 2025 at 12:06 PM, Frank KG9H wrote:
right out of the box it will do CW
I disagree.?
|
Re: xBitX Product Question
Gary hi again,
The zbitz group keeps adding things to the radio. The on-board keyboard is now available for CW as well. Iambic-B made it better.
Oh, to upgrade, you simply plug in an HDMI monitor, plug in keyboard and mouse and connect to your WIFI at home. The radio upgrades itself! ? - Yes itself.
You do have to do a little Windows stuff to upgrade the front panel but that is painless. ?email me to chat about the radio. ?I love it and it keeps getting better. ?? BUT if you have an antenna to deploy and 2 charged batteries, I can expect you to be on the air in your yard on FT-8 in 5 minutes after you enter your credentials into it.
Oh, it has a built-in log and comes with the stylus to key in things if your fingers are like mine.
? ? ?Frank Krozel ? ? ? ? ? ?KG9H Life Member, ARRL ? ? (630) 924-1600 kg9hfrank@...
-- ?
?
?
de KG9H
Life member, ARRL
|
Re: xBitX Product Question
Frank,
?? Thank you.? I feel much better.?
We have several of us from our BE-HIP (Hams In Parks) group here
in Chandler that are buying this radio.? It's the perfect radio
for what we do.? I do 95% CW but loved the idea of FT8 already
installed.? I haven't used it much in the last 5 years but our
group had a 60m Challenge last month and 99% of the QSOs were
FT8.? lol...
??? Thanks for the 12v warning,
good thing to remind all new buyers of.? I do already have the
18650 batteries and I am buying a Buck Boost module to attach to
the Bioenno 1203A 12v to step it down to <9v.?
"POWER, WE DON'T NEED NO STICKIN' POWER" - EVERY KX2 OWNER
Always respect the airwaves,
73 de KI7PBR, Gary
|
Re: xBitX Product Question
Gary right out of the box it will do CW, SSB, FT-8, AM, etc.
You may want to upgrade the F/W but I got mine and was immediately on FT-8 in about 60 seconds.
WSJT-X is not what it was released for although many folks are tinkering with it to do so. The first upgrade was for Iambic-B and a few more things but there you have it.
Here is the URL you purchased off of.
Oh, if you dont want it, there are hundreds of folks that will buy it from you. Oh dont plug it into 12VDC is is a?6V to 9V radio.
? ? ?Frank Krozel ? ? ? ? ? ?KG9H Life Member, ARRL ? ? (630) 924-1600 kg9hfrank@...
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Apr 9, 2025, at 12:57?PM, Gary-KI7PBR via groups.io <ki7pbr@...> wrote:
zBitx group, ??? I ordered my unit on Thursday
last week based on what I read on the internet and the videos I
watched.? However since joining this group I have some
concerns.? My understanding was this is an "out of the box"
ready to go radio.? The comments I'm seeing here about setting
up WSJT-X and recompiling code has me worried.?
Bottom line, is this unit a "READY
TO ROCK" out of the box unit or not?? I dont mind having to
config WSJT-X but this groups is making look like you lucky if
it even works on the radio you get.
--
"POWER, WE DON'T NEED NO STICKIN' POWER" - EVERY KX2 OWNER
Always respect the airwaves,
73 de KI7PBR, Gary
-- ?
?
?
de KG9H
Life member, ARRL
|
zBitx group,
??? I ordered my unit on Thursday
last week based on what I read on the internet and the videos I
watched.? However since joining this group I have some
concerns.? My understanding was this is an "out of the box"
ready to go radio.? The comments I'm seeing here about setting
up WSJT-X and recompiling code has me worried.?
Bottom line, is this unit a "READY
TO ROCK" out of the box unit or not?? I dont mind having to
config WSJT-X but this groups is making look like you lucky if
it even works on the radio you get.
--
"POWER, WE DON'T NEED NO STICKIN' POWER" - EVERY KX2 OWNER
Always respect the airwaves,
73 de KI7PBR, Gary
|
Could modem_poll, or whatever calls it, be made a C function pointer to a routine dedicated to CW generation with no lookup or decision logic for any other modes? ?Then the decision logic could be put in the UI handler, which can switch in the dedicated code for CW. ?Or has anyone profiled this code to see what's actually taking up the time? ?It may not be the decision logic, but something else. ?73, Ron, N6YWU
|
?
... I can't compile or program or make such changes myself , sorry... never
done such things.
?
73, Jens / HB9JOI
?
?
+++
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: Gordon Gibby KX4Z via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 1:41 PM
Subject: Re: [BITX20] CW on zbitx
?
Thank you
for asking!? While it isn't yet in the formal release, Erik has now
verified what Johnshoy proposed (again) as the solution.?? So a
working set of code is now known.??? The status of the paddles is
now being updated at a fantastic rate, and the rate of converting that to actual
transmission has been corrected by Erik employing Johnshoy's
idea.??? You can make the change yourself and recompile.
?
73
Gordon
KX4Z
?
?
On Wed, Apr 9, 2025 at 7:29?AM Jens/HB9JOI via <hb9joi@...>
wrote:
When will there be an update regarding the solution to the poor CW TX
functionality...?
As it is now - despite the last update - you can't work in CW, it's
almost impossible to key cleanly...
not even with an external keyer because Straight-Key doesn't even work
clean and correct.
?
73, Jens / HB9JOI
?
+++
?
?
开云体育 Links:
You receive all messages sent to this group.
View/Reply Online (#117031) | Reply to Group |
Reply to Sender | Mute This Topic | New Topic
The original BITX BITX40 by
HFSignals uBITX by
HFSignals BITX Store by Sunil BITX Web Site of
Mike ZL1AXG /g/BITX20/wiki/home Wiki
Your
Subscription | Contact Group Owner | Unsubscribe [ hb9joi@...]
|
Re: #zBitx Tilt Stand for zBitx anyone?
#zbitx
I did something similar with my zBitx.? I have attached a PDF of the pictures so they are not lost during the purge required to maintain the maximum group size.
?
The heatsinks are adhesive-backed from Amazon:
?
I bought 4 to cover most of the back of the zBitx.? Three are required.
?
To get the required holes in the heatsink, I positioned it with the glue cover still attached and pressed on it to make an impression in the foam/cover.? After I had made a pilot hole, I used a 3/8" drill to drill out the holes.? I started with the heatsink over the two MOSFETS, drilled and placed the first, added the undrilled heatsink in the center, and used the pressure measuring process to get the hole for the last heatsink.?
?
The last step is to add the stand.? I used one I had left from another project where I only needed one.? They were bought on Amazon:
?
I do not know how long the kickstand will stick.? Time will tell.
?
The above is provided as a suggestion, with no guarantees.
?
73
Evan
AC9TU
?
|
Aaron Weed
Jens/HB9JOI
Gary-KI7PBR