Re: I was able to compile the BITX40 code
Interesting no one saw fit to warn the poor guy about the addictive nature of Arduinos... 8-)
Congrats on your successful compile!
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Re: Better heatsink for IRF510?
Yes, they are, Joel.
But I don't think it is a very good practice to give all that real estate to an RF device outside the antenna. It's far better IMHO to isolate the device from any heat-sink, except for the obvious physical connection.
john
AD5YE
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Re: Why 16x2 LCD instead of 20x4?
Dave:
It sound interesting and I can envision it. Still, I'll bet everyone here would like to see pictures.?
Jack, W8TEE
From: d p via Groups.Io <dave.g4ufs@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Saturday, January 21, 2017 6:24 PM
Subject: Re: [BITX20] Why 16x2 LCD instead of 20x4?
Jack,
The best way I found was to make the front from single sided fibreglass PCB.
Carefully cut a hole that the LCD will fit through. As close as possible to the outside dimensions of the LCD bezel.
Screw brass standoffs into the holes of the LCD and then fit the LCD into the hole. Now solder the standoffs to the PCB material. This will leave you with a mounted LCD and you won't see any screws on the front panel.
To get a really Pro. finish, print a bezel with all the labelling you want including a square surround slightly less than the dimensions of the PCB .Then with a scalpel or sharp blade, cut the printed surround so that when you mount it to the front panel, the surround covers any mistakes made while cutting the PCB.?
Once you have done that, laminate the printed bezel and then glue it to the front panel. The LCD will show through the window that's created by the hole you cut.
Hope that makes sense. If all that sounds interesting and I haven't explained it too well, let me know and I'll take some pictures:)
73 Dave G4UFS On 21 Jan 2017, at 16:43, Jack Purdum via Groups.Io < econjack@...> wrote: Dave:
How did you make/buy the bezel for your display? I'm having a hard time finding something.
Jack, W8TEE
From: d p via Groups.Io < dave.g4ufs@...> To: [email protected] Sent: Saturday, January 21, 2017 5:07 AM Subject: Re: [BITX20] Why 16x2 LCD instead of 20x4? My BiTX20 with 20x4 LCD.?
On 21 Jan 2017, at 06:31, John Backo via Groups.Io < iam74@...> wrote: As Jerry and Jack said, this is not exactly a cakewalk.
Yes,it is a trivial matter to drive the display; there is basically one library to handle many different displays. This is true no matter what the display chip, as long as one accounts for the right one. Of course, graphic displays have such things as fonts to help fill up space in the mcu.
The problem is having enough room for the other functions. There is enough flash ram to accomodate many functions, but it is easy to overflow the limited amount of sram and give very strange results. One easy way is to call nested subroutines. Another is to have too many successive interrupts. These are not easy to predict. Hence the suggestion for a larger more capable mcu (like the 2560 or the Teensy). Yeah, you gotta learn something more...so what else is new? Etc...
Yes, the Nano can handle some more functions. But one never knows until the event when one more is too many. And these are among the hardest things to troubleshoot in all computers.
john
AD5YE
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Re: Better heatsink for IRF510?
8-10 sq. in. isn't large if one measures the connection to a box or chassis. Remember these devices will heat up VERY FAST. One needs all the heat protection one can get.
There are TO-220 heat-sinks. I wonder though about one designed for one device. These MOSFETS are flaky when it comes to heat. It is because they are avalanche devices and have a very small linear area, hich is probably why they give so much trouble as RF devices. On the other hand, they are cheap...
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Re: I was able to compile the BITX40 code
Please update us if you upload the sketch to the Raduino!
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The Si5351 is also easily available from ADAFruit and off eBay:
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Re: Better heatsink for IRF510?
http://bitxhacks.blogspot.in/2017/01/nd6ts-approach-to-heat-sinking-irf-510.html
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Re: Better heatsink for IRF510?
JOHN,
IRF510's are mounted to chassis at all different frequencies with no ill effects as long as they are isolated from ground. I have built two of these with no problems and a few homebrew radios also, notice where the IRF510 was purposely located so as to bolt directly to the chassis. These are excellent radios with no RF problems.
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On Jan 21, 2017, at 6:02 PM, John Backo via Groups.Io < iam74@...> wrote: The drain of the IRF510 is connected to the tab. You must NOT ground it. Also it is a good idea to minimize its effect as there is RF on the tab.
Hence, some heat-sink the device but without isolation from it, keeping the heat-sink ungrounded. I don't think this is a very good idea as it expands the area for RF radiation.
There must be a metal heat-sink of some kind for the IRF510 (and most if not all final RF transistors for that matter). For 20 watts or so, one of 8-10 sq. in. is probably enough. Mount the tab with a mica or other insulating shield between it and the metal, and a plastic or other insulating grommet for the screw. Use heat-sink grease underneath the mica (lithium auto bearing grease works well; don't overdo it!).
The RF MOSFETS like the RDxxHHF's have the tab connected to the source, and this is usually grounded anyway, so it is not an issue. But they still require metal heat-sinks.
john
AD5YE
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Re: Better heatsink for IRF510?
8-10 square inches makes for a HUGE heatsink, for just a single TO-220 FET! I take it there are no heatsinks made specifically for a TO-220 that would be adequate?
Rich KC8MWG
On Saturday, January 21, 2017 9:03 PM, John Backo via Groups.Io <iam74@...> wrote:
The drain of the IRF510 is connected to the tab. You must NOT ground it. Also it is a good idea to minimize its effect as there is RF on the tab.
Hence, some heat-sink the device but without isolation from it, keeping the heat-sink ungrounded. I don't think this is a very good idea as it expands the area for RF radiation.
There must be a metal heat-sink of some kind for the IRF510 (and most if not all final RF transistors for that matter). For 20 watts or so, one of 8-10 sq. in. is probably enough. Mount the tab with a mica or other insulating shield between it and the metal, and a plastic or other insulating grommet for the screw. Use heat-sink grease underneath the mica (lithium auto bearing grease works well; don't overdo it!).
The RF MOSFETS like the RDxxHHF's have the tab connected to the source, and this is usually grounded anyway, so it is not an issue. But they still require metal heat-sinks.
john
AD5YE
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Re: Better heatsink for IRF510?
Rich,
I bought my case on EBay, like this one as a example.? ?
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On Jan 21, 2017, at 5:18 PM, Richard Andrew Knack via Groups.Io < ihc73scout2@...> wrote: Where did you get your cases? And isn't there a problem with grounding the tab on the IRF510? I haven't looked too closely at the corners of my Bitx PCB yet, but most PCB's I have worked with have ground pads around the corner mounting holes, and I'm concerned that if I mount my PCB to a metal case with screws and the supplied standoffs, then heatsink the IRF510 to the case, I'll end up shorting something out. Please correct me if that ISN'T an issue here. I just don't want to accidentally blow something...
Rich KC8MWG
On Saturday, January 21, 2017 8:04 PM, Joel Caulkins <caulktel@...> wrote:
Rich,
I can't make very good cases at all, that's why I have to buy them:-( Joel? KB6QVI On Jan 21, 2017, at 4:59 PM, Richard Andrew Knack via Groups.Io < ihc73scout2@...> wrote: Only thing is, I will (hopefully) be using a 3D printed enclosure, rather than a metal one. I have a 3D printer, but I have absolutely ZERO experience making metal enclosures.
Rich KC8MWG
On Saturday, January 21, 2017 7:55 PM, Joel Caulkins <caulktel@...> wrote:
Rich,
What I have done on several of my rigs is to bolt the IRF510 to the rear panel of a metal enclosure with a TO-220 insulating kit to isolate it from ground. I find it runs stone cold at 7-8 watts for extended transmissions. Unfortunately the IRF510 on the BitX40 is not flush with the edge of the PCB, (something I would really like to see if there is ever a rev 2 board produced), so I had to cut a 1/16 inch aluminum spacer to bolt to rear chassis, and then mount the 510 to that, but I would guarantee it would stay plenty cool at 20 watts and you could even bolt a small heat sink on the back panel if additional cooling was needed.? On Jan 21, 2017, at 4:36 PM, Richard Andrew Knack via Groups.Io < ihc73scout2@...> wrote: I plan to build my Bitx40 with a DPDT toggle switch, so that I can switch between "low" (12v) and "high" (20v-24v) power input to the IRF510 (using a boost converter to get the higher voltage). What I an wondering, though, is how much more heat-sinking will I need for the IRF510, running it at higher power? Can anyone recommend a particular heatsink to use?
Rich KC8MWG
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Re: Better heatsink for IRF510?
Rich, you're right, you have to insolate the IRF510 from the chassis with a TO-220 insulation kit.?
It's done all the time.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Jan 21, 2017, at 5:18 PM, Richard Andrew Knack via Groups.Io < ihc73scout2@...> wrote: Where did you get your cases? And isn't there a problem with grounding the tab on the IRF510? I haven't looked too closely at the corners of my Bitx PCB yet, but most PCB's I have worked with have ground pads around the corner mounting holes, and I'm concerned that if I mount my PCB to a metal case with screws and the supplied standoffs, then heatsink the IRF510 to the case, I'll end up shorting something out. Please correct me if that ISN'T an issue here. I just don't want to accidentally blow something...
Rich KC8MWG
On Saturday, January 21, 2017 8:04 PM, Joel Caulkins <caulktel@...> wrote:
Rich,
I can't make very good cases at all, that's why I have to buy them:-( Joel? KB6QVI On Jan 21, 2017, at 4:59 PM, Richard Andrew Knack via Groups.Io < ihc73scout2@...> wrote: Only thing is, I will (hopefully) be using a 3D printed enclosure, rather than a metal one. I have a 3D printer, but I have absolutely ZERO experience making metal enclosures.
Rich KC8MWG
On Saturday, January 21, 2017 7:55 PM, Joel Caulkins <caulktel@...> wrote:
Rich,
What I have done on several of my rigs is to bolt the IRF510 to the rear panel of a metal enclosure with a TO-220 insulating kit to isolate it from ground. I find it runs stone cold at 7-8 watts for extended transmissions. Unfortunately the IRF510 on the BitX40 is not flush with the edge of the PCB, (something I would really like to see if there is ever a rev 2 board produced), so I had to cut a 1/16 inch aluminum spacer to bolt to rear chassis, and then mount the 510 to that, but I would guarantee it would stay plenty cool at 20 watts and you could even bolt a small heat sink on the back panel if additional cooling was needed.? On Jan 21, 2017, at 4:36 PM, Richard Andrew Knack via Groups.Io < ihc73scout2@...> wrote: I plan to build my Bitx40 with a DPDT toggle switch, so that I can switch between "low" (12v) and "high" (20v-24v) power input to the IRF510 (using a boost converter to get the higher voltage). What I an wondering, though, is how much more heat-sinking will I need for the IRF510, running it at higher power? Can anyone recommend a particular heatsink to use?
Rich KC8MWG
|
Re: Better heatsink for IRF510?
The drain of the IRF510 is connected to the tab. You must NOT ground it. Also it is a good idea to minimize its effect as there is RF on the tab.
Hence, some heat-sink the device but without isolation from it, keeping the heat-sink ungrounded. I don't think this is a very good idea as it expands the area for RF radiation.
There must be a metal heat-sink of some kind for the IRF510 (and most if not all final RF transistors for that matter). For 20 watts or so, one of 8-10 sq. in. is probably enough. Mount the tab with a mica or other insulating shield between it and the metal, and a plastic or other insulating grommet for the screw. Use heat-sink grease underneath the mica (lithium auto bearing grease works well; don't overdo it!).
The RF MOSFETS like the RDxxHHF's have the tab connected to the source, and this is usually grounded anyway, so it is not an issue. But they still require metal heat-sinks.
john
AD5YE
|
Re: Better heatsink for IRF510?
Where did you get your cases? And isn't there a problem with grounding the tab on the IRF510? I haven't looked too closely at the corners of my Bitx PCB yet, but most PCB's I have worked with have ground pads around the corner mounting holes, and I'm concerned that if I mount my PCB to a metal case with screws and the supplied standoffs, then heatsink the IRF510 to the case, I'll end up shorting something out. Please correct me if that ISN'T an issue here. I just don't want to accidentally blow something...
Rich KC8MWG
On Saturday, January 21, 2017 8:04 PM, Joel Caulkins <caulktel@...> wrote:
Rich,
I can't make very good cases at all, that's why I have to buy them:-( Joel? KB6QVI On Jan 21, 2017, at 4:59 PM, Richard Andrew Knack via Groups.Io < ihc73scout2@...> wrote: Only thing is, I will (hopefully) be using a 3D printed enclosure, rather than a metal one. I have a 3D printer, but I have absolutely ZERO experience making metal enclosures.
Rich KC8MWG
On Saturday, January 21, 2017 7:55 PM, Joel Caulkins <caulktel@...> wrote:
Rich,
What I have done on several of my rigs is to bolt the IRF510 to the rear panel of a metal enclosure with a TO-220 insulating kit to isolate it from ground. I find it runs stone cold at 7-8 watts for extended transmissions. Unfortunately the IRF510 on the BitX40 is not flush with the edge of the PCB, (something I would really like to see if there is ever a rev 2 board produced), so I had to cut a 1/16 inch aluminum spacer to bolt to rear chassis, and then mount the 510 to that, but I would guarantee it would stay plenty cool at 20 watts and you could even bolt a small heat sink on the back panel if additional cooling was needed.? On Jan 21, 2017, at 4:36 PM, Richard Andrew Knack via Groups.Io < ihc73scout2@...> wrote: I plan to build my Bitx40 with a DPDT toggle switch, so that I can switch between "low" (12v) and "high" (20v-24v) power input to the IRF510 (using a boost converter to get the higher voltage). What I an wondering, though, is how much more heat-sinking will I need for the IRF510, running it at higher power? Can anyone recommend a particular heatsink to use?
Rich KC8MWG
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Re: Why 16x2 LCD instead of 20x4?
Jack, sounds great, some photos or even a simple video would really help me understand. I understand if you don't have time.
Roy WA0YMH
On Jan 21, 2017 5:24 PM, "d p via Groups.Io" <dave.g4ufs= [email protected]> wrote: Jack,
The best way I found was to make the front from single sided fibreglass PCB.
Carefully cut a hole that the LCD will fit through. As close as possible to the outside dimensions of the LCD bezel.
Screw brass standoffs into the holes of the LCD and then fit the LCD into the hole. Now solder the standoffs to the PCB material. This will leave you with a mounted LCD and you won't see any screws on the front panel.
To get a really Pro. finish, print a bezel with all the labelling you want including a square surround slightly less than the dimensions of the PCB .Then with a scalpel or sharp blade, cut the printed surround so that when you mount it to the front panel, the surround covers any mistakes made while cutting the PCB.?
Once you have done that, laminate the printed bezel and then glue it to the front panel. The LCD will show through the window that's created by the hole you cut.
Hope that makes sense. If all that sounds interesting and I haven't explained it too well, let me know and I'll take some pictures:)
73 Dave G4UFS On 21 Jan 2017, at 16:43, Jack Purdum via Groups.Io < econjack@...> wrote: Dave:
How did you make/buy the bezel for your display? I'm having a hard time finding something.
Jack, W8TEE
My BiTX20 with 20x4 LCD.?
As Jerry and Jack said, this is not exactly a cakewalk.
Yes,it is a trivial matter to drive the display; there is basically one library to handle many different displays. This is true no matter what the display chip, as long as one accounts for the right one. Of course, graphic displays have such things as fonts to help fill up space in the mcu.
The problem is having enough room for the other functions. There is enough flash ram to accomodate many functions, but it is easy to overflow the limited amount of sram and give very strange results. One easy way is to call nested subroutines. Another is to have too many successive interrupts. These are not easy to predict. Hence the suggestion for a larger more capable mcu (like the 2560 or the Teensy). Yeah, you gotta learn something more...so what else is new? Etc...
Yes, the Nano can handle some more functions. But one never knows until the event when one more is too many. And these are among the hardest things to troubleshoot in all computers.
john
AD5YE
|
Re: Better heatsink for IRF510?
Rich,
I can't make very good cases at all, that's why I have to buy them:-( Joel? KB6QVI
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Jan 21, 2017, at 4:59 PM, Richard Andrew Knack via Groups.Io < ihc73scout2@...> wrote: Only thing is, I will (hopefully) be using a 3D printed enclosure, rather than a metal one. I have a 3D printer, but I have absolutely ZERO experience making metal enclosures.
Rich KC8MWG
On Saturday, January 21, 2017 7:55 PM, Joel Caulkins <caulktel@...> wrote:
Rich,
What I have done on several of my rigs is to bolt the IRF510 to the rear panel of a metal enclosure with a TO-220 insulating kit to isolate it from ground. I find it runs stone cold at 7-8 watts for extended transmissions. Unfortunately the IRF510 on the BitX40 is not flush with the edge of the PCB, (something I would really like to see if there is ever a rev 2 board produced), so I had to cut a 1/16 inch aluminum spacer to bolt to rear chassis, and then mount the 510 to that, but I would guarantee it would stay plenty cool at 20 watts and you could even bolt a small heat sink on the back panel if additional cooling was needed.? On Jan 21, 2017, at 4:36 PM, Richard Andrew Knack via Groups.Io < ihc73scout2@...> wrote: I plan to build my Bitx40 with a DPDT toggle switch, so that I can switch between "low" (12v) and "high" (20v-24v) power input to the IRF510 (using a boost converter to get the higher voltage). What I an wondering, though, is how much more heat-sinking will I need for the IRF510, running it at higher power? Can anyone recommend a particular heatsink to use?
Rich KC8MWG
|
Re: Better heatsink for IRF510?
Only thing is, I will (hopefully) be using a 3D printed enclosure, rather than a metal one. I have a 3D printer, but I have absolutely ZERO experience making metal enclosures.
Rich KC8MWG
On Saturday, January 21, 2017 7:55 PM, Joel Caulkins <caulktel@...> wrote:
Rich,
What I have done on several of my rigs is to bolt the IRF510 to the rear panel of a metal enclosure with a TO-220 insulating kit to isolate it from ground. I find it runs stone cold at 7-8 watts for extended transmissions. Unfortunately the IRF510 on the BitX40 is not flush with the edge of the PCB, (something I would really like to see if there is ever a rev 2 board produced), so I had to cut a 1/16 inch aluminum spacer to bolt to rear chassis, and then mount the 510 to that, but I would guarantee it would stay plenty cool at 20 watts and you could even bolt a small heat sink on the back panel if additional cooling was needed.? On Jan 21, 2017, at 4:36 PM, Richard Andrew Knack via Groups.Io < ihc73scout2@...> wrote: I plan to build my Bitx40 with a DPDT toggle switch, so that I can switch between "low" (12v) and "high" (20v-24v) power input to the IRF510 (using a boost converter to get the higher voltage). What I an wondering, though, is how much more heat-sinking will I need for the IRF510, running it at higher power? Can anyone recommend a particular heatsink to use?
Rich KC8MWG
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Re: (Raduino) A Duhhh.... Moment
Yep, that's all I did. Some people say you need to remove C92 and C93 also, but it didn't make any difference on mine when I did. Joel? KB6QVI
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On Jan 21, 2017, at 4:41 PM, KC8WBK via Groups.Io < cruisenewsnet@...> wrote: How do you disable the on-board VFO? Remove L4?
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Re: (Raduino) A Duhhh.... Moment
Yes - L4 is right next to the plug where you connect the DDS. ?Remove L4 and the on-board VFO no longer works. ?I have been advised that the new boards shipped with the Raduino include a yellow core with 50 turns so folks that want to try the VFO instead of the DDS can do so. ?
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Re: Better heatsink for IRF510?
Rich,
What I have done on several of my rigs is to bolt the IRF510 to the rear panel of a metal enclosure with a TO-220 insulating kit to isolate it from ground. I find it runs stone cold at 7-8 watts for extended transmissions. Unfortunately the IRF510 on the BitX40 is not flush with the edge of the PCB, (something I would really like to see if there is ever a rev 2 board produced), so I had to cut a 1/16 inch aluminum spacer to bolt to rear chassis, and then mount the 510 to that, but I would guarantee it would stay plenty cool at 20 watts and you could even bolt a small heat sink on the back panel if additional cooling was needed.?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Jan 21, 2017, at 4:36 PM, Richard Andrew Knack via Groups.Io < ihc73scout2@...> wrote: I plan to build my Bitx40 with a DPDT toggle switch, so that I can switch between "low" (12v) and "high" (20v-24v) power input to the IRF510 (using a boost converter to get the higher voltage). What I an wondering, though, is how much more heat-sinking will I need for the IRF510, running it at higher power? Can anyone recommend a particular heatsink to use?
Rich KC8MWG
|
Just as an FYI, there are several different 3D printable bezels for 16 x 3 LCD's available on Thingiverse. This is the one I like, and will most likely use, as it has built-in standoffs to screw the electronics to:
Rich KC8MWG
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Joel Caulkins/N6ALT
Tom Clifton