Re: Yet Another set of BitX40 Project Enclosure Template CAD files
The latest sketches are located here:
73s
Marco - KG5PRT?
On May 7, 2017 3:53 AM, "Dale Brooks KG7SSB" < kg7ssb@...> wrote: Where can I go to get the BITX40 sketches to down load and load to other controllers or keep as backup?
Thanks for the information::::Dale kg7ssb
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Re: Yet Another set of BitX40 Project Enclosure Template CAD files
Thanks Dave... ? I had thought about using 2 jacks.....thought you had used a pre-made piece...NICE JOB....walt K2CXP
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On May 3, 2017, at 1:39 PM, f1pfc < f1pfc@...> wrote:
Hello Dave,
I have not found the Kenwood-style connector, do you have an "address" ?
Thanks
On 30/04/2017 00:14, David Fannin wrote:
For making my ?BitX40 enclosure, I created a set of templates that were inspired by VU2XE's CAD templates.?
Since I was experimenting with a number of different options, including the box size and different style of openings, I created a python program that would generate the DXF CAD files, based on my desired configuration settings, with more or less
automatic resizing if the dimensions changed. ? ? The DXF files can be opened by any suitable CAD program (I used LibreCAD on Ubuntu), and can be modified and exported as needed. ?
I've uploaded the python program and created files to a github repository
( ) so others can download and create their own. ?There is also as generated set of DXF and PDF files from the
current program settings. ? The python program uses the dxfwrite library, which can be installed using pip. ?
I used the Kenwood-style 2 pin Mic/PTT/Speaker connector, which works very well for a compact design. ?Just remember to make sure the 3.5mm jack is not grounded to the case, as this would active the PTT switch. ?I also used the anderson polepower
connectors on the back. ?The enclosure is made from two 12"x12" sheets of ?5052 aluminum 0.040" thickness.?
Dave KK6DF
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Re: Yet Another set of BitX40 Project Enclosure Template CAD files
Where can I go to get the BITX40 sketches to down load and load to other controllers or keep as backup?
Thanks for the information::::Dale kg7ssb
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Re: Yet Another set of BitX40 Project Enclosure Template CAD files
the kenwood style connectors are the 2 pin connectors that are found on Kenwood, Baofeng and other radios.?
For the jack, I have not found a source that makes something like this: However, you can easily make them.? They are made from a 3.5mm stereo jack, and a 2.5mm stereo jack. ? Just place them 11.5mm apart (center to center). ? You'll have to mount them on a plastic sheet, like I did, so that you don't ground the sleeve - this will cause it to trigger the PTT.?
hope that helps,
Dave KK6DF
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Re: How to wire the PA-PWR1
Yes, that is why you are not making any contacts. You HAVE to supply power to the PA.
Plug in the provided wire and the Black is -ve (you need not connect this if you use the same power source) and the brown wire is +ve.
The electret MIC has two solder points, one is connected to the outer can - that is ground, connect black wire
and connect brown wire to the other contact.
Raj
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At 07/05/2017, you wrote: Okay, I have tried on multiple occasions and situations to make my first contact. I don't get a response. The thing is I do not have the PA-PWR1 connector connected. I guess I was never sure if I was to connect it.
Question: Do I connect the the POS(+) and NEG(-) of PA-PWR1 to the power source (in my case a battery)?
Question #2: Is this the reason why I don't make a contact? Is my signal getting out?
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Re: How to wire the PA-PWR1
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Okay, I have tried on multiple occasions and situations to make my first contact. I don't get a response. The thing is I do not have the PA-PWR1 connector connected. I guess I was never sure if I was to connect it.? Question: Do I connect the the POS(+) and NEG(-) of PA-PWR1 to the power source (in my case a battery)? Question #2: Is this the reason why I don't make a contact? Is my signal getting out? Question #3: I have the black mic cable to side of the mic that has the "little legs". The brown is connected to the other side. Is this correct??
Thanks a lot guys!
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Finished putting the bitx in the waterproof box. I'm terrible at cutting holes and fabricating stuff but at least it works.
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Re: Multiband bitX40 questions
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Good point on the short circuit and current draw. That would be a pain.? I'll try the 24v in the PA tomorrow and post some results. Thanks
VA3RLF?
On May 6, 2017 9:35 PM, "William R Maxwell" < wrmaxwell@...> wrote:
Hi Jamie
The issue with
current is probably better expressed as not how much the rig
can handle but how little it requires for operation. The rig
will only draw what it requires, so having more available than
the recommended 2 Amps is fine. The radio wont draw more than
2? Amps, unless ofcourse you get a shortcircuit somewhere,
particularly in the PA stage, at which point all bets are off
and you could expect your then dead radio to draw every
available sniff of current.
On the PA aspect,
the devfice in question is a voltage operated mosfet, rather
than a current operated transistor, so your 24 volts will do
the job and probably draw no more current than the 12 volt PA,
although I have yet to actually try it and measure the current
consumption.
Bill, VK7MX
On 7/05/2017 5:57 AM, Jamie Rolfe
wrote:
Hi Guys?
Really enjoying the group as well as my bitx40.?
Just received on Thursday in the mail and got it on the air
last night in its new box/home made from an old tv receiver
box. Using a random end fed antenna wire around 90 feet and a
homemade antenna tuner.? Made my first dx contact this morning
620km on 5w (Easton Pennsylvania, ?I'm in Hamilton Ontario) .
So my question: how many amps power supply for
the main board can this rig handle?? Hfsigs suggests 12v
2amp.? I've got a 12v 3amp handy so I'm using that.?
Plan on running 24v on a switch to the PA pins
to get the 20w :) ?what kind of amps can that part of the
board handle?
Happy dxing?
73
VA3RLF Jamie ?
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Re: BITX QSO Night, Sunday, May 7, 9pm Local Time, 7.179 MHz
The QSO parties did not overload the bands with signals this evening, so hopefully there will be no interference tomorrow night.? I was able to make a few contacts MI to MA, CT and IN.? I had to fight my way in through minor pileups to get the QSO's so I am proud of them.? I think they get extra points for QRP QSO's, so I made sure to report QRP.
I put up a 270 foot delta loop on my workshop radio a few days ago, and it seems to be working. Looking forward to tomorrow's QSO night.
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I have tested 20V on the PA, it got hot very fast.? I am now running 16V on one of my radios, it gets warm but not too hot and the meter peaks out at about 10W.? I have a larger heatsink, about twice the weight of the original.
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Re: Troubleshooting new build
One way you could verify everything is working is to take
advantage of having two bitx's.... You could connect one to your
antenna, and use that as the receiver.? The other one connect to a
dummy load (20 x 1k 1/2 watt metal film resistors connected in
parallel across a bnc plug makes a useful dummy load).? This will
be your transmitter.? Set it up a couple of meters away from the
other one, tune both to the same frequency and then give it a test
transmit.? The transmit strength, even into the dummy load, should
still be enough to be received by the other bitx.
Of course if you still don't receive anything then you don't know
which one is actually broken, so maybe not the most useful test...
You could also try using a field strength meter
()? to see if your
actually producing any signal at all...? A simple RF detector
probe should give a similar indication
()
73s,
Greg VK1VXG
On 07/05/17 09:29, richard kappler
wrote:
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I cannot knock together a dipole, if I could I
would have. I have the materials, but es it verboten here. I am
pushing it with the window mount. I also am aware that it is not
the optimum antenna, but we do with what we can. I am also
confident that the antenna is not the issue, I had it down to
1.5:1 last weekend and static was the same, and I have been told
overly frequently here and on other lists that swr should not /
does not matter on receive. You will mote that my voltages were
all rx, only current was measured on brief tx.
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Hi Jamie
The issue with
current is probably better expressed as not how much the rig
can handle but how little it requires for operation. The rig
will only draw what it requires, so having more available than
the recommended 2 Amps is fine. The radio wont draw more than
2? Amps, unless ofcourse you get a shortcircuit somewhere,
particularly in the PA stage, at which point all bets are off
and you could expect your then dead radio to draw every
available sniff of current.
On the PA aspect,
the devfice in question is a voltage operated mosfet, rather
than a current operated transistor, so your 24 volts will do
the job and probably draw no more current than the 12 volt PA,
although I have yet to actually try it and measure the current
consumption.
Bill, VK7MX
On 7/05/2017 5:57 AM, Jamie Rolfe
wrote:
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Show quoted text
Hi Guys?
Really enjoying the group as well as my bitx40.?
Just received on Thursday in the mail and got it on the air
last night in its new box/home made from an old tv receiver
box. Using a random end fed antenna wire around 90 feet and a
homemade antenna tuner.? Made my first dx contact this morning
620km on 5w (Easton Pennsylvania, ?I'm in Hamilton Ontario) .
So my question: how many amps power supply for
the main board can this rig handle?? Hfsigs suggests 12v
2amp.? I've got a 12v 3amp handy so I'm using that.?
Plan on running 24v on a switch to the PA pins
to get the 20w :) ?what kind of amps can that part of the
board handle?
Happy dxing?
73
VA3RLF Jamie ?
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Re: Troubleshooting new build
How much linear wall space do you have? My HF antenna, for the time being, is a folded dipole run around the edge of my bedroom ceiling. The legs are 21.5 feet each, and the feed line is about 5 feet long, all made of 300 ohm twin lead. That is connected to a 6:1 balun, to match the 50 ohms from the radio to the 300 ohms of the antenna. I run my QRP rig through my Elecraft T1 auto tuner, and the antenna tunes up just fine from 40m-10m (but not on 80m). All I can run right now, given my current living conditions, but it's better than nothing!
Rich KC8MWG
On Saturday, May 6, 2017 7:29 PM, richard kappler <richkappler@...> wrote:
I cannot knock together a dipole, if I could I would have. I have the materials, but es it verboten here. I am pushing it with the window mount. I also am aware that it is not the optimum antenna, but we do with what we can. I am also confident that the antenna is not the issue, I had it down to 1.5:1 last weekend and static was the same, and I have been told overly frequently here and on other lists that swr should not / does not matter on receive. You will mote that my voltages were all rx, only current was measured on brief tx.
On May 6, 2017 5:55 PM, "greg (vk1vxg)" < vk1vxg@...> wrote:
Based on the SWR reading the antenna may be the problem.? I'm
over simplifying things, but ideally you'd want to present the
transceiver with a swr of less than 1.5:1.? The high SWR may be
indicating an impedance mismatch or just that it isn't a good
antenna at 40m. An antenna tuner may help, but if the antenna
isn't efficient for 40m you'll need a really strong signal to hear
much.
Can you knock together a quick dipole and sling it up? With your
MFJ-259C it shouldn't be too hard to get it dialed in to a
reasonable SWR
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Re: Troubleshooting new build
I cannot knock together a dipole, if I could I would have. I have the materials, but es it verboten here. I am pushing it with the window mount. I also am aware that it is not the optimum antenna, but we do with what we can. I am also confident that the antenna is not the issue, I had it down to 1.5:1 last weekend and static was the same, and I have been told overly frequently here and on other lists that swr should not / does not matter on receive. You will mote that my voltages were all rx, only current was measured on brief tx.
On May 6, 2017 5:55 PM, "greg (vk1vxg)" < vk1vxg@...> wrote:
Based on the SWR reading the antenna may be the problem.? I'm
over simplifying things, but ideally you'd want to present the
transceiver with a swr of less than 1.5:1.? The high SWR may be
indicating an impedance mismatch or just that it isn't a good
antenna at 40m. An antenna tuner may help, but if the antenna
isn't efficient for 40m you'll need a really strong signal to hear
much.
Can you knock together a quick dipole and sling it up? With your
MFJ-259C it shouldn't be too hard to get it dialed in to a
reasonable SWR
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Bad magic smoke.? Lol, ?seriously I think hfsigs instructions specify you can safely use 24v on the PA power line with extra heatsink on the irf510.? It would be nice to see 20w(without smoke)?
73 VA3RLF?
On May 6, 2017 6:47 PM, "KC8WBK via Groups.Io" <cruisenewsnet= [email protected]> wrote: Let us know what happens at 24 volts to the PA. I suspect the magic smoke will appear.
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Let us know what happens at 24 volts to the PA. I suspect the magic smoke will appear.
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Hi Thomas
Thanks very much for explaining.? Great to know. I have very basic electronics knowledge. Enough to build simple circuits from schematics but very little theory.? This makes sense now, lol ??
73
VA3RLF?
On May 6, 2017 5:56 PM, "Thomas Noel" < tnoel@...> wrote: Jamie,
The amps of current drawn is determined by the load connected. The power supply must be able to supply the max load presented by the radio, and the recommendation is 2 or more. You can happily connect to a 20A or 30A supply, and the radio will only draw what it needs. The problem is when you use a power supply that is UNDER-rated - the supplied voltage will sag and many board components will not perform as desired.
On May 6, 2017, at 12:57 PM, Jamie Rolfe < j.rolfe8@...> wrote:
Hi Guys?
Really enjoying the group as well as my bitx40.? Just received on Thursday in the mail and got it on the air last night in its new box/home made from an old tv receiver box. Using a random end fed antenna wire around 90 feet and a homemade antenna tuner.? Made my first dx contact this morning 620km on 5w (Easton Pennsylvania, ?I'm in Hamilton Ontario) .
So my question: how many amps power supply for the main board can this rig handle?? Hfsigs suggests 12v 2amp.? I've got a 12v 3amp handy so I'm using that.?
Plan on running 24v on a switch to the PA pins to get the 20w :) ?what kind of amps can that part of the board handle?
Happy dxing?
73
VA3RLF Jamie ?
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Jamie,
The amps of current drawn is determined by the load connected. The power supply must be able to supply the max load presented by the radio, and the recommendation is 2 or more. You can happily connect to a 20A or 30A supply, and the radio will only draw what it needs. The problem is when you use a power supply that is UNDER-rated - the supplied voltage will sag and many board components will not perform as desired.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On May 6, 2017, at 12:57 PM, Jamie Rolfe < j.rolfe8@...> wrote:
Hi Guys?
Really enjoying the group as well as my bitx40.? Just received on Thursday in the mail and got it on the air last night in its new box/home made from an old tv receiver box. Using a random end fed antenna wire around 90 feet and a homemade antenna tuner.? Made my first dx contact this morning 620km on 5w (Easton Pennsylvania, ?I'm in Hamilton Ontario) .
So my question: how many amps power supply for the main board can this rig handle?? Hfsigs suggests 12v 2amp.? I've got a 12v 3amp handy so I'm using that.?
Plan on running 24v on a switch to the PA pins to get the 20w :) ?what kind of amps can that part of the board handle?
Happy dxing?
73
VA3RLF Jamie ?
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Dave F
Raj vu2zap
Stephen Stocker