Re: PA voltage and RF output

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How did he get 96% efficiency?

?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Sasi Nayar
Sent: Tuesday, March 21, 2017 8:49 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [BITX20] PA voltage and RF output

?

Thanks John.?Usful to know you are getting around 24W RF output for 25V into the final. I am trying to ascertain the increment in RF power with an increase in Voltage in to the PA stage (someone has documented this somewhere but I just connot recollect where).??The objective here is to set the step-up voltage module for an RF output of around 20W without pushing it too far. I was planning on beefing up the heat sink and adding a little fan

73

Sasi

VK5SN

Re: Master file for Bitx40 Opinion by W8LM

#23808

I started a WIKI page for "Retrieving the Raduino Code"? so now I need to know the link to Farhan's code that is under his control.?

Mike

K5ESS

Re: Master file for Bitx40 Opinion by W8LM

#23807

> ?Farhan should have absolute control over the "official" Raduino code.

Should. ?But he seems to have other stuff on his plate. ?I don't think managing Raduino code is his thing. ?As I recall, he was previously asking somebody with a fix to just go ahead an push it up into github. ?Perhaps we need somebody else here to take over that job. ?(Hi Jack!)

?

> ? ?RaduinoSource-Ver02.ino

> ? ? ? ?/* This file adds to the Ver01 file by W8TEE by W6DQ, April 10, 2017. The major changes are: CW/SSB switch, keyer, and?

> ? ? ? ? ? ?AGC. */

> ? ? ? ?/* This file is based on the original Raduino source code with additions by W8TEE--March 21, 2017. The major changes?

> ? ? ? ? ? ?include: TFT display, Fast Tune, etc.

> ? ? ? ?*/?

> ?I'm sure others have ideas on the mechanics of how we should do this.

Yup. ?I suggest code get placed in the files section under your call. ?Give the file an arbitrary name, perhaps W8TEE/FixDualVfo00.ino

Note the final 00 there, that's the revision number. ?If Jack sees the inevitable bug, he creates a new file ?FixDualVfo01.ino, but leaves the rev 00 file as it was since somebody may have started with FixDualVfo00.ino when creating their code. ?Give the entire path name for the new file at the start of your comment that describes the file. ? ?If it's just a single file, then make it the ino file. ?If it's multiple files, give the directory name. ?So, to badly hack Jack's example:

// Files/KE7ER/FlutterFix00: ?March 21, 2017 ??Added code to reduce noise from tuning pot. ?

// Files/W8TEE/FixDualVfo00: ?Jan 31, 2017 ? ?Fixed Ashhar's original code to use function switch to select VFO A or B ?

// ?? ??Ashhar's original Raduino code as posted to github

I've never messed with git (but should). ?That final line should include some way of getting the correct version. ?If what you have to say needs more than one line, then indent lines or perhaps add a blank line. ?Use any valid comment scheme you are comfortable with.

I fully agree with Jack's suggestion that any library used should have a comment right there in the source code telling you where to find the library. ?And tell us the ?revision number of the library you used.?

> ?A small TXT file should be uploaded with the new file that explains what features/mods are in the file.?

Assuming most of these will be a single *.ino file, I'd tend to make that a comment at the top of the source code, just below the revision control stuff. ?If your code is multiple files, then make it a subdirectory under your call in the files section.

Jerry, KE7ER?

Show quoted text

On Tue, Mar 21, 2017 at 08:21 am, Jack Purdum wrote:

All:

I personally think Farhan should have absolute control over the "official" Raduino code. This could be placed somewhere (github?) where only he can alter the source code. Others can download it, but no uploads would be allowed other than by Farhan.?

Others who add features or otherwise modify the "official" code need to place their call somewhere in the modified file (e.g., RaduinoSourceW8TEE.ino) and then upload it to the Files section of the group web site. A small TXT file should be uploaded with the new file that explains what features/mods are in the file. A brief summary of those changes could also be in a comment within the file itself. I would further suggest that we adopt the convention of placing the download site (URL) for any required libraries that are not part of the standard Arduino IDE as part of the #include statement:

????#include <MCUFRIEND_kbv.h> ? ?// https://github.com/prenticedavid/MCUFRIEND_kbv

This would help avoid the problems associated with libraries that are not part of the IDE. It then becomes the responsibility of the user to locate those additional libraries and install them properly in the IDE. I have made a few posts on how new libraries should be installed. I have also uploaded a file that tells how to download, install, and test the IDE.

Now, the complications that I envision. Someone likes some of the features in a new file (e.g., RaduinoSourceW8TEE.ino) but then wants to add their own feature set to that file. How do we show the lineage of the code? One way is to append the current person's call to the base file being modified (e.g., RaduinoSourceW8TEE-W6DQ.ino). That will quickly get out of hand and make for unwieldy file names. Instead, how about adding a new comment line at the top of the source file that can be added to, and change the Version number in the file name:

? ? RaduinoSource-Ver01.ino
? ? ? ? /* This file is based on the original Raduino source code with additions by W8TEE--March 21, 2017. The major changes?
? ? ? ? ? ? include: TFT display, Fast Tune, etc.
? ? ? ? */?

Now Dennis comes along and modifies that file:

? ? RaduinoSource-Ver02.ino
? ? ? ? /* This file adds to the Ver01 file by W8TEE by W6DQ, April 10, 2017. The major changes are: CW/SSB switch, keyer, and?
? ? ? ? ? ? AGC. */
? ? ? ? /* This file is based on the original Raduino source code with additions by W8TEE--March 21, 2017. The major changes?
? ? ? ? ? ? include: TFT display, Fast Tune, etc.
? ? ? ? */?

This makes it easy to see the lineage of the source file without extending the name. If we preserve each source file (e.g., Ver01 even if a later version exists), it would allow anyone to "backup" to an earlier version if they wish. This would also make it possible to run a file compare program to see exactly what the differences are between two files.

I'm sure others have ideas on the mechanics of how we should do this. Right now, I think the important thing is that we agree there needs to be some simple form of source code control.

Jack, W8TEE

?

Re: Order has not yet arrived

#23806

it will arrive!?

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On Mar 21, 2017 6:58 PM, "N7PXY" <hickspj467@...> wrote:

Wow Alan,
It took a while but at least you found it. I and the Tacoma guys plus Wayne are having a blast playing with the BitX40. And learning some Arduino as well. Very glad you found it.

Peter,
There is a very active group of BitX hackers down here in Tacoma. About 6 of us plus Wayne McFee and a few others from the pQRP group are making mods and improvements almost daily. It's really caught on. If you get a chance come on down to the Radio Club of Tacoma on any Saturday from about 09:30 to 2:00 and there is always a bunch of BitX enthusiasts hanging out and talking mods and code. We also have an active email list that keeps everyone up to speed.

PJH, N7PXY

Re: Order has not yet arrived

N7PXY

#23805

Wow Alan,

It took a while but at least you found it. I and the Tacoma guys plus Wayne are having a blast playing with the BitX40. And learning some Arduino as well. Very glad you found it.

Peter,

There is a very active group of BitX hackers down here in Tacoma. About 6 of us plus Wayne McFee and a few others from the pQRP group are making mods and improvements almost daily. It's really caught on. If you get a chance come on down to the Radio Club of Tacoma on any Saturday from about 09:30 to 2:00 and there is always a bunch of BitX enthusiasts hanging out and talking mods and code. We also have an active email list that keeps everyone up to speed.

PJH, N7PXY

Re: PA voltage and RF output

#23804

It kinda sounds like you are going to use a boost converter to increase voltage from the 12V input from the main board to power the PA. If that is the case you will have a lot of noise in the audio from both the boost converter and the fan. it's best to keep them separate if you step up, or down voltage and, or use a fan too. Is that what you mean by step-up voltage module?

I think it's better to have 12V 1A for the main board and Raduino. And use a higher voltage supply, (mine it 31V 1.6A) and step it down for the PA, then step down again for the fan. This will keep switching, and induction noise out of the radio audio. Keep the PA current draw at or under 1 amp, and under 25V, you will not push it too far. Adjust R136 for current draw which will also affect RF watts output.

Re: PA voltage and RF output

#23803

Thanks John.?Usful to know you are getting around 24W RF output for 25V into the final. I am trying to ascertain the increment in RF power with an increase in Voltage in to the PA stage (someone has documented this somewhere but I just connot recollect where).??The objective here is to set the step-up voltage module for an RF output of around 20W without pushing it too far. I was planning on beefing up the heat sink and adding a little fan

73

Sasi

VK5SN

Package on at my Front Door!

#23802

I ordered the BITX40 on March 2, 2017. I received it today 3/21/2017. SN: N3-554c...maybe its an L?

Re: PA voltage and RF output

#23801

Amps X Volts = Watts. I supply 25V into final, draw 1 Amp, MFJ-9213 meter indicates 24 watts output with 1khz tone into mic for tuning. This is with a tuned 40M dipole and not a dummy load. Plus a much bigger heatsink and fan powered by buck converter from 25V input stepped down to about 7V for 12V 60MM computer fan without noise, including TX. Using main board 12V induces a lot of noise into audio from switching circuitry in brushless fan. Use final PA power for fans.

Does that help?

low output and beep bitx40

#23800

Hello,

The rf output is just 1 watt and there is a loud beep, even when i disconnect the mic.

Is there anybody who knows this problem?

Paul Brookhuis? PD2PB

Re: Order has not yet arrived

#23799

I had my local post office research the shipment and they found it!  It seems that it arrived in our town on February 17.  So the actual shipping time was about 19 days.

73

Alan K6ZY

Re: Order has not yet arrived

#23798

PJ,

I've just unboxed my BITX40 and am in Redmond... perhaps we need to have a Puget Sound BITX meetup? ?

Peter, K3OG

Re: Order has not yet arrived

#23797

Peter,

What is the serial number of your BITX?

Randy, K7AGE

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On Tue, Mar 21, 2017 at 10:05 AM, <peter.fahringer@...> wrote:

Randy,
Just left the post office with my BITX40 and came into the office...? The parts are scattered everywhere but the plastic case is intact so hopefully work and family commitments allow me to assemble and test this weekend. ?
You can add my order to your database:
Ordered 2/16/17, shipped 2/28/17, received @ zip 98074 3/21/17 (actually 3/20 but I wasn't home to sign for it).
Peter, K3OG

_._,

Re: Master file for Bitx40 Opinion by W8LM

Michael Davis

#23796

One member's advice to take your time, evidently is not being heeded by many. The old adage "measure twice, cut once" sure applies here. Read five times solder once, if you are lucky. The potentiometer, for example, is shown in a photo, in place, with the correctly colored wires attached. The other drawing of the tuning pot is depicted from the shaft end, but not obvious. I'm not sure if the "wire it" section has been changed at all recently. The directions lead one to believe that the Bitx can be built using only the first photo/drawing page. Maybe on your second build or with much luck or experience, but not most of us. Many of us remember checking the little block on a Heathkit or Eico kit, as we connected each wire or component, but not soldering until the directions said so. The Bitx requires more reading ahead 5 times, to get the jist of what is next. Then there is the color codes...what color codes?

Sent from Mike's iPad WA1MAD

Re: uBITX Questions

#23795

For VHF we use RD15...

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On Mar 21, 2017 2:10 PM, "Richard Andrew Knack via Groups.Io" <ihc73scout2=[email protected]> wrote:

Here's a link to an article on how to avoid fake RD16HHF1's...

Rich
KC8MWG

On Monday, March 20, 2017 11:29 PM, Mvs Sarma <mvssarma@...> wrote:

members trying for RD16 on ebay are mostly landing at fakes. I had a lot of 10 (supposedly re printed stuff using IRF5** series.
?
After a long search i could find only one seller who sold genuine stuff on ebay. But he charges more.
?On the item description you clearly find that item is generic, or unbranded , or NEW.
?they are all fake

On Tue, Mar 21, 2017 at 5:00 AM, Trent Trent <vk7hrs@...> wrote:
Irf530 would be better HF power and cheaper than the rd16 but a rf16vhf would b nice

On 21 Mar 2017 4:27 AM, "Jerry Gaffke via Groups.Io" <jgaffke=[email protected]> wrote:
Easy enough to twist the gate and drain leads on the RD16HHF1 such that they fit into a board drilled out for the IRF510.? Maybe put a bit of heat shrink on them to ensure they don't touch where they cross over.? Allison reports the IRF510 works as well as the RD16* parts at HF through 50mhz, ?primary reasons to move to the RD16HHF1 is heat: ?avoids need for mica insulators at the heatsink, and gives better heat transfer from die to package tab.? Otherwise the IRF510 is an excellent choice for a minimum cost rig.? Good luck with hacking the uBitx PA to work smoothly from 160 through 2 meters, I'm fine with a good solid simple easy cheap 80/40/20 SSB/CW rig.
Jerry, KE7ER
On Mon, Mar 20, 2017 at 08:24 am, Lawrence Galea wrote:
I suggest that when you do the pcb design for the μBITX make pads for the PA so that people can either use the IRF510 or whatever you are going to finally use and an RD16HHF1 or RD16HVF1.
This would allow people to use the much sturdier RD if they want to and use only 12v for the supply and more so if they are going to use it up to 30MHz or even higher, perhaps on 50MHz and 70MHz with the RD higher efficiency.
The RD16HHF1 works well in the Ukranian transverter at 70MHz.
So perhaps you will remember these points and why not, 144MHz perhaps?
?

--
Regards
Sarma
?

Re: Raduino Si5351 board

#23794

now I understand that I am a welsh man and just a mere intermediate licence holder in sunny Wales but is it at all possible

to be able to buy or even directed to someone that would sell the complete raduino si5351 LCD unit as mine has gone totally.

PLEASE AND THANK YOU.

Mark 2w0jmk? ?

Re: Order has not yet arrived

[email protected]

#23793

开云体育

My call is VE7SXS. Sorry I didn’t provide it earlier.

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On Mar 20, 2017, at 6:51 AM, Randy Hall <listk7age@...> wrote:

Thanks
Randy, K7AGE

BITX40 Deliveries – Randy, K7AGE 3/20/17

Farhan says:
Number is like this :AB-xyz The xyz is the serial number within the batch B. A is not a number, it is the initial of the tester. 'F' is for Farhan, 'U' is Uma, etc

SN Ordered Shipped Arrived Num of Days
VE3MIC 412 10/24/16
11/17/16 24
KK6JTL 826 11/30/16 12/2/16 12/23/16 23
K7BYI 953 11/30/16 12/2/16 12/28/16 28
K7AGE 02-139 12/23/16 12/29/16 1/9/17 17
4X4LF 02-213 12/12/16
1/23/17 42
VE6KBI 02-229

K4RJJ 234

KC9LIF 280

Ralph Mills N2-414

KC8MWG
12/25/16
1/17/17 23
VE6GPO N2-586 1/9/17 1/16/17 2/7/17 29
KE0OG 02-607 1/11/17
2/7/17 27
Chris Homer 708 11/8/16 11/11/16 12/10/16 32
DM1VA 02-734 1/13/17
2/6/17 24
KF4FGI 02-782

2/3/17
AG7CT 2-875 1/22/17 1/31/17 2/23/17 32
KC9LIF 2-790

AndyH 02-869 11/19/16 11/22/16 12/19/16 30
W1PJE 2-883 1/25/17 1/30/16 2/6/17 12
W7DKO 02-925 About two weeks 02/22/22
KI6SSI 2-929 02/03/17
02/21/17 18
Richard 02-945

2/13/17
AG7CT 02-953 1/22/17

K3RLL 02-970 1/26/17
2/9/17 14
K6PFG F3-141 2/9/17
3/8/17 27
Bill Uebele F3-171 2/8/17
3/4/17 24
KD2BBW R3-185
2/14/17

KD2BBW R3-192
2/14/17

WB2GXM F3-194

3/8/17
KC5WA F3-203 2/13/17 2/23/17 3/11/17 26
KM4WII 43-228 2/12/17
3/7/17 23
W2KAP N3-253 2/15/17 2/28/17 3/10/17 23
Simon Thompson N3-263

3/14/17
KE4MIQ N3-268 2/15/17 2/27/17 3/13/17 26
W5MCU
2/18/17 3/3/17 3/14/17 24
Dave
2/23/17 3/6/17

Jeff 3-306 2/16/17 3/2/17 3/15/17 27
AA0MS O3-321 2/2/17
3/15/17 41
W8EIR N3-398 2/23/17 3/6/17 3/16/17 21
MI0VAX N3-448 03/05/17 3/9/17 3/17/17 12
NZ1L
3/8/17 3/18/17

On Mon, Mar 20, 2017 at 5:01 AM, Jacob Farnes via Groups.Io?<kk6jtl@...>?wrote:
Randy,
I'd like to give you all the data I have.
The first two boards- ordered in November, delivered December- do not have a leading dash in the serial. They have 3 digit serial numbers. I can send you pictures if you wish.
(Callsign) Serial No.? | Ordered | Shipped | Arrived
(KK6JTL) U #826? | 30 Nov 2016 | 2 Dec 2016 | 23 Dec 2016 | 21 days
(K7BYI) U #953? | 30 Nov 2016 | 2 Dec 2016 | 28 Dec 2016 | 26 days
Raduino upgrades? | 22 Jan 2017 | 30 Jan 2017 | 21 Feb 2017 | 22 days [Two kits in one package]
(AG7CT) U #2-875? | 22 Jan 2017 | 31 Jan 2017 | 23 Feb 2017 | 24 days

I hope that's helpful.
73 de Jacob AG7CT

Re: Order has not yet arrived

#23792

Randy,

Just left the post office with my BITX40 and came into the office... ?The parts are scattered everywhere but the plastic case is intact so hopefully work and family commitments allow me to assemble and test this weekend. ?

You can add my order to your database:

Ordered 2/16/17, shipped 2/28/17, received @ zip 98074 3/21/17 (actually 3/20 but I wasn't home to sign for it).

Peter, K3OG

PA voltage and RF output

#23791

Hi all

I?am not sure if this has been asked before,?although my search of the archives?came up with nothing.

I understand that the BITX40 Ver3 PA stage can be supplied with 12-24VDC. Has some one actually measured the current drawn and RF output across the voltage range?of 12 to 24V? I do recollect seeing somewhere an RF output of 17W at 20V (current drawn = 1.8A) - not sure where. Any leads would be appreciated.

73

Sasi

VK5SN

Re: Master file for Bitx40 Opinion by W8LM

[email protected]

#23790

Deja Vu all over again... The Ten Tec Rebel forum had the same issues...

My two cents... Here's the header I use on my Arduino/C/Perl/etc source files...

/*
?* Name:??????????????? RaduinoSSB.ino
?* Author:?? ??? ??? ? ? Ashhar Farhan, VU2ESE, et. al.
?* Version:???????????? 1.0.2
?* Created:???????????? March 10, 2017 from post #23016 by Allard PE1NWL [email protected]
?* Modified By:?? ??? ?James M. Lynes, Jr.(KE4MIQ), jmlynesjr@...
?* Last Modified:?? ? March 14, 2017
?* Environment?? ??? Arduino Nano w/ATmega328
?* Change Log:?? ??? 3/10/17?? - Installed Allard's file
?*?? ??? ??? ???????????????????????????????? - Fixes Calibration Routine
?*??????????????????????????????????????????? - Fixes Subrouting calls to V2 of si5351 library
?*??????????????????????????????????????????? - Fixes Tuning Flutter
?*??????????????????????????????????????????? - Add this header block
?*??????????????????????????????????????????? - Clean compile
?*???????????????????????????? 3/12/17?? - Create SSB only version
?*???????????????????????????? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?? - Begin by removing unused code, like CW mode, button processing
?*??????????????????????????????????????????? - Rename printLine to lcdprintLine, reduce confusion vs Serial.print()
?*??????????????????????????????????????????? - Updated LCD & Serial messages
?*???????????????????? ? ? ??? 3/13/17?? - Update various comments
?*???????????????????????????? 3/14/17?? - Update more comments, remove more unused code
?* Description:???????? Operating code for the BITX40, 40M Transceiver Kit from HFSIGS.COM
?* Notes:?? ??? ?
?*