Re: #zBitx timezone issue
#zbitx
Setting the timeThe zBitx, out of the box, has some time offset built into the software. Here is the procedure to get the time in sync. - Open file manager on the zBitx and navigate to the /home/pi folder. Right click and select the ¡°Show hidden¡± option.
- Open the ¡°.profile¡± file and scroll down to the last line. Comment out this line by adding a ¡°#¡± before the line.?
- If done correctly the line should read ¡°#TZ=America/Phoenix; export TZ¡±
- Save the file and open terminal by using Ctrl+Alt+T.
- In the Terminal program, enter the command ¡°sudo ntpdate -u ¡± and hit enter.
- If the command has been executed correctly, you will see a message indicating the current date and time and the offset in seconds.
- Once this is done, reboot the zBitx. When the zBitx reboots, the correct time should be displayed in the taskbar.
On Tue, Apr 15, 2025 at 8:41?PM Robert Fairbairn via <bobfa= [email protected]> wrote: i cannot seem to get the zBitx to have the correct time
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I run raspi-config and change the TZ to Chicago but the date command still says MST.
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pi@sbitx:~ $ sudo raspi-config
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Current default time zone: 'America/Chicago'
Local time is now:? ? ? Tue Apr 15 19:38:14 CDT 2025.
Universal Time is now:? Wed Apr 16 00:38:14 UTC 2025.
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pi@sbitx:~ $ date?
Tue 15 Apr 2025 05:38:31 PM MST
pi@sbitx:~ $?
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My zBitx came today. Popped in two batteries, hooked it up to an 80m EFHW and a mic, and made a QSO on 40m. Got a 55 signal report. I'm impressed.?
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Now to read the manual and really dig into it.
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de AC9KQ
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Re: Where is the line at for ZbitX's that are shipping.
My order #3498 was delivered yesterday, NC USA.
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i cannot seem to get the zBitx to have the correct time
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I run raspi-config and change the TZ to Chicago but the date command still says MST.
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pi@sbitx:~ $ sudo raspi-config
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Current default time zone: 'America/Chicago'
Local time is now:? ? ? Tue Apr 15 19:38:14 CDT 2025.
Universal Time is now:? Wed Apr 16 00:38:14 UTC 2025.
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pi@sbitx:~ $ date?
Tue 15 Apr 2025 05:38:31 PM MST
pi@sbitx:~ $?
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For any of us who might want to probe the circuit boards for noise sources, and/or possibly add bypass caps or clock buffers, are there any silkscreen images or PCB photos available so one might know where to look?
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Thanks, Ron, n6ywu
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Can we turn on HDMI audio on the
#zbitx
When i have the display attached it would be cool to have sound out of the monitor speakers. ?
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Re: zBitx +-2 MHz transmit spurs? --> SHOWSTOPPER for transmitting
Additionally loading the SI5351A output heavily pulls it out of its self-limiting range, degrading composite noise.
This can be seen in the work that Hans (QRP-Labs) has done on his Phase noise tests.?
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Re: #zbitx RX delay makes difficult CW unusable
#zbitx
Thanks, Gordon!
I'll try to learn and have your optimism!
El dt., 15 d¡¯abr. 2025, 23:10, Gordon Gibby KX4Z via <docvacuumtubes= [email protected]> va escriure:
No, I¡¯m sorry, I can¡¯t be more specific. The issues are difficult and lots of people are working on them. Eventually, they will come up with better and better solutions just as we did with the previous radios. ? I know it¡¯s disconcerting, but that¡¯s the way it is with bringing new radios to market. The flex people had egg on their face for a very long time!!
Gordon kx4z? ? Could you please be more specific to convince me??
El dt., 15 d¡¯abr. 2025, 22:43, Gordon Gibby KX4Z via <docvacuumtubes= [email protected]> va escriure: Don't worry -- it will get better!!
Gordon KX4Z
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Re: #zbitx RX delay makes difficult CW unusable
#zbitx
No, I¡¯m sorry, I can¡¯t be more specific. The issues are difficult and lots of people are working on them. Eventually, they will come up with better and better solutions just as we did with the previous radios. ? I know it¡¯s disconcerting, but that¡¯s the way it is with bringing new radios to market. The flex people had egg on their face for a very long time!!
Gordon kx4z?
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On Apr 15, 2025, at 17:00, Mikel EA5IYL via groups.io <mikel.forcada@...> wrote:
? Could you please be more specific to convince me??
El dt., 15 d¡¯abr. 2025, 22:43, Gordon Gibby KX4Z via <docvacuumtubes= [email protected]> va escriure: Don't worry -- it will get better!!
Gordon KX4Z
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Re: Fixed: cw latency and wsjtx/flidigi sidetone
As a followup, I put some scope probes on my keys, a ubiquitous Bencher and a Code Warrior.? The 2nd has magnetic return which seems very slow.?? It was very difficult to get a contact that was less than 10 ms.??? 10 ms was in the range of contact bouncing.??? With most key contracts were in the range of 50 ms it makes me wonder how anyone can send fast.? Perhaps some of the high quality keys are faster than mine.
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It may be a matter of sending style.? Of the zbitx keying demo's I have watched, the op's are using the dual paddle like a single paddle and not using a squeeze technique.?? Dit and Dah memories are a feature of most keyers and they are helpful for the single paddle style.? ( see the article I posted a link to earlier in one of these CW threads ).
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Re: Homebrew satellite control system that can run on sBitx
Thanks, Juan, that's great advice!
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Today I finally solved a mystery -- the "buttons" that I put on the board for manual control of Elevation were not working correctly.? ?Everything else worked!? ?Computer control was excellent.? ?Buttons?? All screwed up.
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TURNS OUT that A6 and A7 cannot be used as DIGITAL INPUTS (the others can) -- and I had used A6 and A7..... so I had to rewrite a tiny portion of K3NG's lower-level read routine to properly read ANALOG inputs from these buttons, convert to "HIGH" or "LOW" -- and now even the buttons work correctly.
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HOORAY!? ? Now I have to learn all the OTHER stuff about how to use the ICOM 820H and control it properly and maybe I'll actually be able to make a contact -- and now I think (at least receiving on 2 meters) I have the transverter/sBitx option ALSO reaching workability state.? ?
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Everything is a series of steps.? ?You build something, find an "issue", fix it, and then move further.? ?The same with the zBitx.? ??
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Gordon KX4Z
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Re: #zbitx RX delay makes difficult CW unusable
#zbitx
Don't worry -- it will get better!!
Gordon KX4Z
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Re: zBitx +-2 MHz transmit spurs? --> SHOWSTOPPER for transmitting
The fact that reducing the drive current to 2mA made an improvement argues in your favor zl1uig.
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Perhaps some enteprising soul can put a transistor buffer or other buffer in between and tell us if the spurs decrease?
Gordon KX4Z
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Yes sir,
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That is the fix for my problem. I put the 30 amp supply in line and now get 20 watts on 20 meters. I was planning for the worst case and total relief. I put the Drive at 25 and keep under the QRP limit.
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Oh, and I noticed that the max draw was 6 amps.
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Thanks again and can't wait for the encoder board to arrive.
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73,
Dean/ N2TNN
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I'm on a V3, but when I TX using the test tone on 40M it's pulling ~7.5A at 13.6V.? Normal use case (like FT8) will be closer to the 6.5A number you are seeing.? Best to get a supply with some head room so you don't stress it too much.
Jeff
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On Tue, Apr 15, 2025 at 02:12 PM, Jeff Duce wrote:
My radio at full power draws nearly 8A.
Jeff,
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Is your radio a V2 that is still capable of 40 watts? My V3 uses less than 6.5 amps for 25 watts, the max for a V3.
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73
Evan
AC9TU
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Re: zBitx +-2 MHz transmit spurs? --> SHOWSTOPPER for transmitting
The Si5351a is primarily made to drive logic (relatively high Z). Driving low Z loads will pull the output levels out of their saturated 3.3v output which causes further non linearites. At high loads there are common internal current paths which cause further non linearites.
A high Z load is preferred. Something like a high? value resistor 470 driving a MMIC and 3 dB pad, or a logic gate suitable for driving mixer?
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Dean,
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I should have mentioned that you can operate the sBitx with your power supply. I suggest setting the transmit drive so the voltage starts declining and backing down a little on the drive. That is the maximum that you can get with your current power supply.
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73
Evan
AC9TU
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On Tue, Apr 15, 2025 at 02:12 PM, Jeff Duce wrote:
My radio at full power draws nearly 8A.
Jeff,
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Is your radio a V2 that is still capable of 40 watts? My V3 uses less than 6.5 amps for 25 watts, the max for a V3.
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73
Evan
AC9TU
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Sam Hanie
Dennis A
Robert Fairbairn