Rotary encoder in place of pot
i intend to use rotary encoder in place of pot in raduino. Is it possible to implement? Anyone tried this?
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 I got my Bitx wired up today on my bench and it all appears to work. I have about 5 watts out on my watt-meter into a dummy load. It draws about 1.5 amps at 13.8 volts during transmit. I was surprised at the receive sensitivity. I measured it right at 0.3 micro-volts. I don't know what I expected but that's pretty good. The first thing I am going to change is the tuning method as soon as I get an encoder here, I just don't think that "taking off at the end of the pot travel" will ever work for me. Then to get an input attenuator and find out what will fix all the clicks during tuning. I tried some caps in various power supply places but they didn't seem to make a difference. I was using a small 3 in speaker then plugged in my bench eternal speaker and they went away so that will take some figuring out. Then to get rid of the loud pop when going into transmit. Overall I am impressed with the kit quality and function.
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Dale, I optimised the design further. Reducing the relays to just three. I added another cyrstal too as it really makes a difference. There should be a 4.7k resistor in series with the AGC diode too. I will update this in a few days. It has been hectic around here. - f
On 19 Mar 2017 1:30 a.m., "dvhammer_99" < DaleHammer@...> wrote: Farhan, Really looking forward to building the uBITX and am in the process of gathering together all of the components.? Also going to go SMD as you did.? I have a
few questions from studying your written description and the picture. ? 1.? ? ? ??1. ?The picture appears to show four relays and I
only count three in the schematic. 2.??????
?2. ?The picture appears to show seven crystals in
the 12 MHz filter and the schematic shows eight. 3.??????
?3. ?I can¡¯t figure out the function of the P2
connection that comes off of the K3 relay, pin 12 ? I know I am probably missing obvious answers but just can¡¯t
figure it out. ? Planning to use the K7QO ¡°Muppet¡± pcb technique for
construction, breaking the design into small modules (about 16 in all), and
place them on a 6¡± x 6¡± so pcb as you did.?
Going to go at it slow and test out each module as much as my knowledge
and test equipment will allow.? I have
the PHSNA (Poor Ham¡¯s SNA) to check out the filters and will work on a way to
test the amps. ? Thank you so much for your design ! ? 73,
Dale? K9NN
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Re: Troubleshooting new build
Larry,
By the two cross connected wires going to the middle of the board, I presume you are talking about the DDS. I'm an old Navy Chief and firmly believe you get what you inspect, not what you expect, so I just checked it again and brown goes to read, black goes to brown, as in the directions.?
Great story! I'm hoping I'm not in the same boat, but until I can get a coordinated net, I can't be sure.
regards, Richard
On Sat, Mar 18, 2017 at 4:59 PM, Larry Smith <815cpu@...> wrote: There is a pair of wires that are cross connected.? They go to the center of the main board.? You said you double checked the wire so just one other thing ..That pair from the display module is the 5 Mhz into the main board.? One side of the pair is grounded.? That wiring is uniquely wired as per the instructions. ?? On mine I have over head mag florescent lamp.? I can here the noise in the radio when I turn the lamp on and off.? The audio hiss shows the audio amp is working and when I connect a long piece of wire I then hear that antenna noise.
I've been in ham radio since 1961 when I got my novice.? I have made good friends and many even from H.S. still stay in touch. This hobby always has so many new technologies to use.? In H.S. I built from scratch a 450 MHz ATV.? Only problem no one else was on on the air (near by) HI! ? My DX was across the room to my own receiver Hi.? Used a flying spot scanner for vdeo. ?many of my parts came from garbage picked TV, Radios and military surplus..Gud'Ol Days! Good luck and good friends hang in there Larry ? ?WA9DOH
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Re: Using switching power supply....
That's where I put my 5ah, agm deep cycle battery. I added a charging port to the rear and a switched voltmeter to the front. Fun stuff
Sent from Mike's iPad WA1MAD
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Well I am happy with that contact 5/9 both ways using the bitx40 about 7 watts out and into a 10 meter long vertical. God I love this little rig. Mark 2w0jmk
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Re: Troubleshooting new build
There is a pair of wires that are cross connected.? They go to the center of the main board.? You said you double checked the wire so just one other thing ..That pair from the display module is the 5 Mhz into the main board.? One side of the pair is grounded.? That wiring is uniquely wired as per the instructions. ?? On mine I have over head mag florescent lamp.? I can here the noise in the radio when I turn the lamp on and off.? The audio hiss shows the audio amp is working and when I connect a long piece of wire I then hear that antenna noise.
I've been in ham radio since 1961 when I got my novice.? I have made good friends and many even from H.S. still stay in touch. This hobby always has so many new technologies to use.? In H.S. I built from scratch a 450 MHz ATV.? Only problem no one else was on on the air (near by) HI! ? My DX was across the room to my own receiver Hi.? Used a flying spot scanner for vdeo. ?many of my parts came from garbage picked TV, Radios and military surplus..Gud'Ol Days! Good luck and good friends hang in there Larry ? ?WA9DOH
On Sat, Mar 18, 2017 at 12:48 PM, richard kappler <richkappler@...> wrote: Larry,
The display is working and showing freq change, I do hear audio hiss with no antenna, much antenna noise when it's connected. I'm fairly certain wither the antenna is improperly tuned or the BX needs calibrating.?
One of the things I love about this community, I received an email about 20 minutes ago from a fellow who lives about an hour from here, offered to drive down and lend me an SWR meter if I don't hear back from my local. I wish I'd got started in ham years ago.
regards, Richard - W2KAP 
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Farhan, Really looking forward to building the uBITX and am in the process of gathering together all of the components.? Also going to go SMD as you did. ?I have a
few questions from studying your written description and the picture. ? 1.? ? ? ??1. ?The picture appears to show four relays and I
only count three in the schematic. 2.??????
?2. ?The picture appears to show seven crystals in
the 12 MHz filter and the schematic shows eight. 3.??????
?3. ?I can¡¯t figure out the function of the P2
connection that comes off of the K3 relay, pin 12 ? I know I am probably missing obvious answers but just can¡¯t
figure it out. ? Planning to use the K7QO ¡°Muppet¡± pcb technique for
construction, breaking the design into small modules (about 16 in all), and
place them on a 6¡± x 6¡± so pcb as you did.?
Going to go at it slow and test out each module as much as my knowledge
and test equipment will allow.? I have
the PHSNA (Poor Ham¡¯s SNA) to check out the filters and will work on a way to
test the amps. ? Thank you so much for your design ! ? 73,
Dale? K9NN
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Re: Fixing the galloping VFO problem
Yep, don't know how that got in there, but indeed that was the problem. Thanks!
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Re: QRP Labs Low Pass Filters
They were measured between Port A and Port B of a VNA2180 2-port
VNA; they were also checked between a TG and SA. Both sets of
equipment have well-controlled 50 Ohm source and load impedances.
Steve G3TXQ
On 18/03/2017 18:17, Ashhar Farhan
wrote:
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kees,?
these filters are very fickle about the exact impedances at
both ends. i hope you measured them with strong 50 ohms source
and termination
- f
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Re: Rotary Encoder and latest sketch
I¡¯ve heard of software patches but I didn¡¯t know they used duct tape.? ;-) Mike K5ESS ?
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From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of AndyH
Sent: Saturday, March 18, 2017 12:23 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [BITX20] Rotary Encoder and latest sketch ? PJH, ? Many of us made our own Arduino/Si5351-based VFOs prior to the introduction of the Raduino concept earlier this year. ?Which way to go depends on how you want to tune. ?There are different types of Arduino boards and they may use different pins for some functions. ?I had an Arduino Micro in the drawer so used that. ?The Micro/Leonardo needed to be wired differently than the Uno, and the interrupt code had to be changed. ?For my Micro, I used digital pins 2 and 3 for the I2C interface (Si5351 and LCD), connected the encoder to digital 10 and digital 11, and the switch to analog 4. ?Most of the code I found for the more-used Uno attached the encoder to D2 and D3. ? I found the following sites to be useful when I was trying to understand Arduino interrupts and encoders (and the differences between devices): ?I used this code to scan the I2C bus to positively identify the addresses for the Si5351 and LCD backpack: ?The code I'm using is an amateur 'mangle' of Tom Hall/AK2B's VFO. ?His page and code are here: ?? and the 'working yet ugly' code for my BITX40 is here:?/g/BITX20/files/KG5RKP%20BITX40 ? Rely on Dr. Purdum's advice if you want to 'do it right'. ?Use my example solely as proof that an Arduino noob can get something working with a bit of reading, trial and error(s), and duct tape. :) ? ?Good hunting, ?Andy
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Re: QRP Labs Low Pass Filters
kees,? these filters are very fickle about the exact impedances at both ends. i hope you measured them with strong 50 ohms source and termination
- f
On Sat, Mar 18, 2017 at 5:17 PM, Steve Hunt <steve@...> wrote:
Mike,
I did the same using RFSim99, so the shift in the measured frequency
response must be down to capacitor tolerances, inductor values being
out, or, conceivably, stray capacitance added by the PCB.
It's surprising just how much variation there can be in the inductor
values. In addition to the Al tolerance of +/-10%, the winding
spacing makes a big difference. In Micrometals application note they
show the inductance of 10 turns of #20 wire on a T50-17 varying
between 0.22uH and 0.39uH depending on how the turns are spaced!
Also I note in the QRP labs table that at least two different
required inductor values are realised with the same number
of turns on the same core, so that introduces another
"approximation factor".
Steve G3TXQ
On 17/03/2017 22:25, K5ESS wrote:
Steve,
I just entered the L and C values
that QRP Labs lists for the 20 meter LPF into AADE filter
Design.? The analysis shows only a .03 dB loss at 14.5 MHz
and doesn¡¯t exceed 1.5 dB until above 15.5 MHz.? I suspect
you¡¯ll have to measure and tweek your toroids to get close
to the values that QRP Labs calls out for their 20 meter
filter.
Mike
K5ESS
?
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Re: Troubleshooting new build
Larry,
The display is working and showing freq change, I do hear audio hiss with no antenna, much antenna noise when it's connected. I'm fairly certain wither the antenna is improperly tuned or the BX needs calibrating.?
One of the things I love about this community, I received an email about 20 minutes ago from a fellow who lives about an hour from here, offered to drive down and lend me an SWR meter if I don't hear back from my local. I wish I'd got started in ham years ago.
regards, Richard - W2KAP
On Sat, Mar 18, 2017 at 1:40 PM, Larry Smith <815cpu@...> wrote: Is the display working and showing a change in freq.?? When U connect and disconnect the antenna do you hear the ant. noise vs audio hiss? Regards Larry WA9DOH
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Re: Troubleshooting new build
Is the display working and showing a change in freq.?? When U connect and disconnect the antenna do you hear the ant. noise vs audio hiss? Regards Larry WA9DOH
On Sat, Mar 18, 2017 at 9:44 AM, richard kappler <richkappler@...> wrote: My BX is complete and running, I get sound from the speaker/headphones, when I transmit I get measurable power out to the antenna. I do not have a SWR meter at the moment, trying to borrow one until I have some disposable income.
I have done all the checks called for in initial setup, measured amperage, etc, all nominal.
I am receiving nothing but static and when I transmit I get no responses. I figure it's one of two things:
1. Antenna improperly tuned (MFJ-1622 with a 33ft counterpoise, coil shorted to #25, whip fully extended). 2. 40M is dead in my area. Trying to get in touch with somebody in the local club to set up a test time, but so far no responses.
Is there anything else I should do/adjust/test?
regards, Richard - W2KAP 
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Re: Rotary Encoder and latest sketch
PJH, ? Many of us made our own Arduino/Si5351-based VFOs prior to the introduction of the Raduino concept earlier this year. ?Which way to go depends on how you want to tune. ?There are different types of Arduino boards and they may use different pins for some functions. ?I had an Arduino Micro in the drawer so used that. ?The Micro/Leonardo needed to be wired differently than the Uno, and the interrupt code had to be changed. ?For my Micro, I used digital pins 2 and 3 for the I2C interface (Si5351 and LCD), connected the encoder to digital 10 and digital 11, and the switch to analog 4. ?Most of the code I found for the more-used Uno attached the encoder to D2 and D3. ? I found the following sites to be useful when I was trying to understand Arduino interrupts and encoders (and the differences between devices): ?I used this code to scan the I2C bus to positively identify the addresses for the Si5351 and LCD backpack: ?The code I'm using is an amateur 'mangle' of Tom Hall/AK2B's VFO. ?His page and code are here: ?? and the 'working yet ugly' code for my BITX40 is here:?/g/BITX20/files/KG5RKP%20BITX40 ? Rely on Dr. Purdum's advice if you want to 'do it right'. ?Use my example solely as proof that an Arduino noob can get something working with a bit of reading, trial and error(s), and duct tape. :) ? ?Good hunting, ?Andy
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Re: Baofeng microphone mod for BITX
This is exactly what I was looking for! You did a nice job. Does this actually work? Does it key up when you press the PTT?
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Re: Troubleshooting new build
Jonathon,
I suspect it is the antenna, I have moved it from inside the apartment to out on the windowsill, but it's still not a prime location, it's only about 3 feet off the ground, 1st story window in a 2 story complex, surrounded by brick buildings. I have asked on my local club reflector for both an SWR meter to borrow and a 40 meter net, but no response as of yet. They will, great group of folks, I'm just, well, a 57 year old noob that's a bit impatient! I'm thinking of moving the antenna up to a second story window, and will get set up for calibration as well, as soon as I can get someone on a net.
As always, thanks for the guidance.
regards, Richard - W2KAP 
On Sat, Mar 18, 2017 at 11:13 AM, Jonathan Peakall <jpeakall@...> wrote:
Richard,
Most likely you aren't receiving anything due to your antenna
location. I take it that you are in an apartment or similar
situation. It may be coupling to local objects. Is there a lot of
noise? Try moving the antenna for one thing. Those antennas are a
compromise for when you can't get wire in the air and while much
better than nothing they aren't the best. When are you listening?
During the day you should find some signal in your area. It is
unlikely the receive section of your bitx isn't working but
possible.
I know disposible income is an issue, but a cheap SDR dongle would
let you see what your antenna is receiving, Or perhaps ask if
someone in your club has receiver you can borrow. Ask around for a
net on 40 that is active and listen at that time and frequency.
Remember the bitx may be off frequency until calibrated.
Good luck!
On 3/18/2017 7:44 AM, richard kappler wrote:
My BX is complete and running, I get sound from the
speaker/headphones, when I transmit I get measurable power out
to the antenna. I do not have a SWR meter at the moment, trying
to borrow one until I have some disposable income.
I have done all the checks called for in initial setup,
measured amperage, etc, all nominal.
I am receiving nothing but static and when I transmit I get
no responses. I figure it's one of two things:
1. Antenna improperly tuned (MFJ-1622 with a 33ft
counterpoise, coil shorted to #25, whip fully extended).
2. 40M is dead in my area. Trying to get in touch with
somebody in the local club to set up a test time, but so far
no responses.
Is there anything else I should do/adjust/test?
regards, Richard - W2KAP
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Re: Troubleshooting new build
Richard,
Most likely you aren't receiving anything due to your antenna
location. I take it that you are in an apartment or similar
situation. It may be coupling to local objects. Is there a lot of
noise? Try moving the antenna for one thing. Those antennas are a
compromise for when you can't get wire in the air and while much
better than nothing they aren't the best. When are you listening?
During the day you should find some signal in your area. It is
unlikely the receive section of your bitx isn't working but
possible.
I know disposible income is an issue, but a cheap SDR dongle would
let you see what your antenna is receiving, Or perhaps ask if
someone in your club has receiver you can borrow. Ask around for a
net on 40 that is active and listen at that time and frequency.
Remember the bitx may be off frequency until calibrated.
Good luck!
On 3/18/2017 7:44 AM, richard kappler wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
My BX is complete and running, I get sound from the
speaker/headphones, when I transmit I get measurable power out
to the antenna. I do not have a SWR meter at the moment, trying
to borrow one until I have some disposable income.
I have done all the checks called for in initial setup,
measured amperage, etc, all nominal.
I am receiving nothing but static and when I transmit I get
no responses. I figure it's one of two things:
1. Antenna improperly tuned (MFJ-1622 with a 33ft
counterpoise, coil shorted to #25, whip fully extended).
2. 40M is dead in my area. Trying to get in touch with
somebody in the local club to set up a test time, but so far
no responses.
Is there anything else I should do/adjust/test?
regards, Richard - W2KAP
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Troubleshooting new build
My BX is complete and running, I get sound from the speaker/headphones, when I transmit I get measurable power out to the antenna. I do not have a SWR meter at the moment, trying to borrow one until I have some disposable income.
I have done all the checks called for in initial setup, measured amperage, etc, all nominal.
I am receiving nothing but static and when I transmit I get no responses. I figure it's one of two things:
1. Antenna improperly tuned (MFJ-1622 with a 33ft counterpoise, coil shorted to #25, whip fully extended). 2. 40M is dead in my area. Trying to get in touch with somebody in the local club to set up a test time, but so far no responses.
Is there anything else I should do/adjust/test?
regards, Richard - W2KAP
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Baofeng microphone mod for BITX
All,? This is a work in progress document for modifying a Baofeng microphone for the BITX40. It uses the element included in the kit. Feedback is appreciated. 73's John KF6EFG
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Jeff
Mark