Re: SDR dongle for spectrum analyzer with signal from Bitx40?
The really cheap SDR dongles (meant for DVB-T television reception, $10) can get down to 30mhz without a downconverter (as I recall).
They only have an 8bit A2D converter, so reception with the uBitx receiver would have much more dynamic range.
The uBitx has a 45mhz first IF which should be within reach for the DVB-T dongle for displaying a spectrum of what's in the band,
tap in the dongle just prior to the 45mhz crystal filter so you can see more than a few khz worth. ?Downside is this may inject a lot of hash
into the uBitx receiver, good luck getting rid of that. ?Maybe a buffer amp of the 45mhz IF inside the uBitx enclosure, a coax going out
to a separate box for?the dongle?
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On Wed, Dec 13, 2017 at 10:27 am, Arvo KD9HLC wrote:
What would be the advantages of using anything else for RX?? (I'm kinda new at all this.)
And if one is going to set up a spectrum analyzer that (from what I understand from the original post) picks off the incoming signal inside the BitX, why not just use the SDR for RX?
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Re: SDR dongle for spectrum analyzer with signal from Bitx40?
That's the reason for the additional horsepower. I will admit that I'm getting into an area of development that's new to me, but one that I'm very excited about. The goal is a 5" panadapter touch-screen display that's not tethered to a PC or laptop and still stay under a $200 price point, including the ?BITX. The good news is that I don't know enough EE stuff to not try, although Al's smart enough to rein me in where need be.
Jack, W8TEE
From: KN4GUY JOHN DEJARNETTE <KN4GUY@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, December 13, 2017 2:35 PM
Subject: Re: [BITX20] SDR dongle for spectrum analyzer with signal from Bitx40?
Jack
Any possibility of getting the waterfall display functionality into your next revision of W8TEE TFT? ?
It would make the uBitx a wonderful piece of kit for family outings.?
-John? On Dec 13, 2017, at 13:34, Jack Purdum via Groups.Io < jjpurdum@...> wrote: I also own an Elad SDR xcvr and really like it as I can use it without a PC (no fancy display) or with one (very fancy display). The only reason I can see for not using the BITX with one is the cost. The SDRPlay is fairly cheap, but still $100 for functionality that's (mostly) already in the BITX. I really like having the SDR display during FD or contests, since I tend to be a jump-and-pounce contester.
Jack, W8TEE
From: Arvo KD9HLC via Groups.Io < arvopl@...> To: [email protected] Sent: Wednesday, December 13, 2017 1:27 PM Subject: Re: [BITX20] SDR dongle for spectrum analyzer with signal from Bitx40? On Wed, Dec 13, 2017 at 10:20 am, Jack Purdum wrote:
I have an RSP1A...it's amazing!
What would be the advantages of using anything else for RX?? (I'm kinda new at all this.) And if one is going to set up a spectrum analyzer that (from what I understand from the original post) picks off the incoming signal inside the BitX, why not just use the SDR for RX?
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Re: SDR dongle for spectrum analyzer with signal from Bitx40?
Jack
Any possibility of getting the waterfall display functionality into your next revision of W8TEE TFT? ?
It would make the uBitx a wonderful piece of kit for family outings.?
-John?
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On Dec 13, 2017, at 13:34, Jack Purdum via Groups.Io < jjpurdum@...> wrote: I also own an Elad SDR xcvr and really like it as I can use it without a PC (no fancy display) or with one (very fancy display). The only reason I can see for not using the BITX with one is the cost. The SDRPlay is fairly cheap, but still $100 for functionality that's (mostly) already in the BITX. I really like having the SDR display during FD or contests, since I tend to be a jump-and-pounce contester.
Jack, W8TEE
From: Arvo KD9HLC via Groups.Io <arvopl@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, December 13, 2017 1:27 PM
Subject: Re: [BITX20] SDR dongle for spectrum analyzer with signal from Bitx40?
On Wed, Dec 13, 2017 at 10:20 am, Jack Purdum wrote:
I have an RSP1A...it's amazing!
What would be the advantages of using anything else for RX?? (I'm kinda new at all this.) And if one is going to set up a spectrum analyzer that (from what I understand from the original post) picks off the incoming signal inside the BitX, why not just use the SDR for RX?
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It's a mess, but I have my ?BITX working now. I wanted to get it working before I put it in a case which is why there's wires all over the place as I trimmed none yet. That will happen when I move it to a case, which will likely be the plastic case from Banggood. I just finished wiring it, so I haven't had a chance to really use it, but just tuning across the band it seems very sensitive. I'm using headphones so there's plenty of volume. The encoder appears to be optical (?) as there is  feel of detents when tuning. To all those who are waiting, it will be worth it!! Jack, W8TEE
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Programming (re-programming) the Arduino in your uBITX transceiver
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All sorts of ways to do this.
If the case is metal, I'd attach the IRF510's directly to the metal case using standard TO220
insulating washers and heat transfer compound. ?The case is the heatsink.
If case is plastic, I'd insulate the IRF510's from the heatsink(s), have the heatsink protrude out the back
where it can catch some airflow and you can easily determine how hot it's getting.
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On Wed, Dec 13, 2017 at 11:10 am, ekelley wrote:
The heatsink needs to be insulated from the case. Probably best to leave
a little space behind it!
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There have been many posts over the years that talked about making or purchasing
suitable cases for various BITX rigs.? All involve some amount of measuring and
cutting appropriate holes.?
Simplest case might be just a wooden board with aluminium or plastic panels fastened
to front and back with screws.? This is interesting because it lets you play with placement
of components at relatively little expense.
This simplest approach was beneficial to me in housing my uBITX because it let me
know that the PCB mounted 8-pin connector is close enough to the front panel that I
needed to allow more width for mounting some front panel controls.? It also let me
play with rear panel design for using larger heat sinks on the IRF510 MOSFETs.?
A slightly more complex chassis might be the clam-shell type with lower shell holding
the transceiver and the top shell fastened in place with small angle-brackets of even
just square pieces of wood.?
In the US we have companies marketing replica 30-caliber ammunition boxes.? These
are plastic or metal and seem almost perfect for making your BITX portable and rugged
enough for transport.? A recessed front panel can be fabricated from plastic or metal
and fastened in place with small L-brackets or plastic or wooden blocks that have screw
holes at right angles to each other.? A second one of these ammo-can boxes could be
used to house a suitable size battery or a lot of 18650 size LIPO cells and charger.
???
In addition there are "found" boxes that might be suitable for housing your BITX, and
commercial cases that are made specifically as electronics housings.
Arv? K7HKL
_._
On Wed, Dec 13, 2017 at 8:16 AM, Jeff (NT1K) <yccc@...> wrote: Hello all,?
I'm new to the group. I was sent here from a where they were talking about a case. I work as engineer/drafter at sheet metal fabrication company. We design, manufacture and powdercoat all sorts electronic enclosures for customers.
If I made the cut-off, I will hopefully be receiving a ubitx soon and I will be designing a case to fit the ubitx. There is a possibility of mass producing cases. It could something along the lines of but designed with stand offs for the board and screen, speaker cutout (we would have to agree on a speaker) and powdercoated mini texture black. Once I get a design I could get it properly quoted and let you all know the price. Of course it would have to be on a pre-order basis.
Price will obviously be effected by demand, the more that can be made, the cheaper it can be. Other cost savings would be the removal of press fittings and coatings.
Let me know what you think
- Jeff (NT1K)
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The heatsink needs to be insulated from the case. Probably best to
leave
a little space behind it!
On 12/13/2017 1:00 PM, Jeff (NT1K)
wrote:
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Thanks for the input everyone
I spent a couple minutes just sketching up something really
quick based on some of the dimensions. This is a really really
rough draft/sketch. Everything will change
once I get my hands on the board. Once I get the kit, I will
reverse engineer the shape of the board(s). Another thing I see
is the heatsinks from the PA, If the case was aluminum, there is
a chance that the PA's could attach to the case but then the
size would be constrained to the board w/ options.?
?
I understand the kit comes with a BNC so I guess I will stick
with that. As for stand offs, I will change things as I get more
information and the unit.
When it comes to the speaker, I will make sure to specify what I
exactly went with. Or I can possibly incorporate multiple choice
of round speakers.?
Since I didn't build a bitx40, I am not sure what to expect
that the moment.
- Jeff (NT1K)
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Thanks for the input everyone
I spent a couple minutes just sketching up something really quick based on some of the dimensions. This is a really really rough draft/sketch. Everything will change once I get my hands on the board. Once I get the kit, I will reverse engineer the shape of the board(s). Another thing I see is the heatsinks from the PA, If the case was aluminum, there is a chance that the PA's could attach to the case but then the size would be constrained to the board w/ options.?
?
I understand the kit comes with a BNC so I guess I will stick with that. As for stand offs, I will change things as I get more information and the unit.
When it comes to the speaker, I will make sure to specify what I exactly went with. Or I can possibly incorporate multiple choice of round speakers.?
Since I didn't build a bitx40, I am not sure what to expect that the moment.
- Jeff (NT1K)
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I like what i hear!
Dr.?William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ ? Owner - Operator Big Signal Ranch ¨C K9ZC Staunton, Illinois ? Owner ¨C Operator Villa Grand Piton - J68HZ Soufriere, St. Lucia W.I. Rent it:
email:??bill@... ?
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On Dec 13, 2017, at 9:16 AM, Jeff (NT1K) < yccc@...> wrote: Hello all,?
I'm new to the group. I was sent here from a where they were talking about a case. I work as engineer/drafter at sheet metal fabrication company. We design, manufacture and powdercoat all sorts electronic enclosures for customers.
If I made the cut-off, I will hopefully be receiving a ubitx soon and I will be designing a case to fit the ubitx. There is a possibility of mass producing cases. It could something along the lines of but designed with stand offs for the board and screen, speaker cutout (we would have to agree on a speaker) and powdercoated mini texture black. Once I get a design I could get it properly quoted and let you all know the price. Of course it would have to be on a pre-order basis.
Price will obviously be effected by demand, the more that can be made, the cheaper it can be. Other cost savings would be the removal of press fittings and coatings.
Let me know what you think
- Jeff (NT1K)
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I guess from the comments that a pre-punched case sounds really
good. To solve the
problem of the antenna connector, don't punch it, leave it for us to
pick which one to use
I like BNC but all my antenna's are 239 so I will use 239 - no more
adapters. My BitX40
has a built in switching power supply (very small) 3 amps. But to
keep it small I will
go outboard with the PS.
Looking forward to seeing what you come up with
Ed
On 12/13/2017 9:16 AM, Jeff (NT1K)
wrote:
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Show quoted text
Hello all,?
I'm new to the group. I was sent here from a where they were
talking about a case. I work as engineer/drafter at sheet metal
fabrication company. We design, manufacture and powdercoat all
sorts electronic enclosures for customers.
If I made the cut-off, I will hopefully be receiving a ubitx
soon and I will be designing a case to fit the ubitx. There is a
possibility of mass producing cases. It could something along
the lines of
but designed with stand offs for the board and screen, speaker
cutout (we would have to agree on a speaker) and powdercoated
mini texture black. Once I get a design I could get it properly
quoted and let you all know the price. Of course it would have
to be on a pre-order basis.
Price will obviously be effected by demand, the more that can be
made, the cheaper it can be. Other cost savings would be the
removal of press fittings and coatings.
Let me know what you think
- Jeff (NT1K)
|
Jeff,
Since both the uBitx and Bitx40 kits come with a BNC, that's what you should specify.
Anyone who absolutely has to have a UHF connector can easily and quickly enlarge the RF connector opening with a $10 set of Harbor Freight step-drill bits.
Step-drill bits work great for chassis work, as they can be held in the hand and don't require a drill when used on thin aluminum or plastic.
Working slowly and carefully will prevent oblong holes or tear-outs as is common with other types of common bits.
As for a speaker, a common 2"-3" diameter, 2 Watt, 8 ohm speaker from ebay should be more than adequate in a small rig like this. The TDA2822 Audio Amplifier's max power dissipation is 1.4W.
Farhan appears to be using one of that size in his prototype video, and the audio amp seems to handle the load adequately.
Whatever one you chose be sure to specify the proper mounting holes and hardware.
Another point to keep in mind is that the kit includes 8 ea. 0.5" long standoffs for mounting the PCB and the LCD display. Don't forget to specify the mounting hole size and locations.
For me, the simple satisfaction of building by hand and having a professional looking result to show for it is more important than all the bells and whistles or bragging rights of having the latest new rig.
Good Luck and Best Wishes,
Tom N8TPN
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Re: SDR dongle for spectrum analyzer with signal from Bitx40?
I also own an Elad SDR xcvr and really like it as I can use it without a PC (no fancy display) or with one (very fancy display). The only reason I can see for not using the BITX with one is the cost. The SDRPlay is fairly cheap, but still $100 for functionality that's (mostly) already in the BITX. I really like having the SDR display during FD or contests, since I tend to be a jump-and-pounce contester.
Jack, W8TEE
From: Arvo KD9HLC via Groups.Io <arvopl@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, December 13, 2017 1:27 PM
Subject: Re: [BITX20] SDR dongle for spectrum analyzer with signal from Bitx40?
On Wed, Dec 13, 2017 at 10:20 am, Jack Purdum wrote:
I have an RSP1A...it's amazing!
What would be the advantages of using anything else for RX?? (I'm kinda new at all this.) And if one is going to set up a spectrum analyzer that (from what I understand from the original post) picks off the incoming signal inside the BitX, why not just use the SDR for RX?
|
Re: SDR dongle for spectrum analyzer with signal from Bitx40?
On Wed, Dec 13, 2017 at 10:20 am, Jack Purdum wrote:
I have an RSP1A...it's amazing!
What would be the advantages of using anything else for RX?? (I'm kinda new at all this.) And if one is going to set up a spectrum analyzer that (from what I understand from the original post) picks off the incoming signal inside the BitX, why not just use the SDR for RX?
|
Re: SDR dongle for spectrum analyzer with signal from Bitx40?
I have an RSP1A...it's amazing!
Jack, W8TEE
From: Arvo KD9HLC via Groups.Io <arvopl@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, December 13, 2017 12:21 PM
Subject: Re: [BITX20] SDR dongle for spectrum analyzer with signal from Bitx40?
I am not sure if you need a up-converter with the other RTL dongles as David stated some have a hard time with tuning that low.
The newest SDRPlay RSP1A tunes from 1kHz to 2GHz.
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Re: uBITX Case mic connector
A hole for a 4 pin mic in front removes the need for a 3.5mm mic connection on the front.
As a compromise, I could easily support a couple 'unassigned' 3.5mm jack holes in the back to allow for add-ons, hacks, they could also serve as ventilation if unused.
That raises the question of suitable ventilation for the chassis - passive will require a lot of holes, active (fan) might reduce that need... would the heat sink on the finals float or be bonded to the chassis?
Ken, N2VIP
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On Dec 13, 2017, at 11:58 AM, Rod Self <km6sn@...> wrote:
I fully support the request for a round 4 pin mic connector hole, front panel. There are so many 4pin mics out there. Additional 3.5mm mic hole, front panel sounds good, too.
Too many holes?
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Re: uBITX Case mic connector
I fully support the request for a round 4 pin mic connector hole,
front panel. There are so many 4pin mics out there. Additional 3.5mm
mic hole, front panel sounds good, too.
Too many holes?
On 12/13/2017 09:36 AM, Ken Hansen
wrote:
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I quite like the idea of a professional-looking case for the
uBitx, and would be interested in a case pre-drilled and with
cut-outs for the stock radio as shipped.
I have no thoughts on BNC vs SO-239, except to acknowledge
that most QRP operators seem to prefer BNC.
I would like to see a 4 pin round mic connector and headphone
jack on front panel, on the back I'd like to have the antenna
and power connection. Thoughts on power connector type? I'd like
power pole connectors, but I'll defer to others.
I'd like a top-firing 2-3" speaker, but I have no specific
recommendation.?
As for price, I know it's early in the process, but I
assume/hope the price will be less than half the price of the
uBitx radio.
Thanks,
Ken, N2VIP
On Dec 13, 2017, at 10:13 AM, Jeff (NT1K) < yccc@...>
wrote:
Thank you for your input Gordon, Rod, Arvo and others
Gordon, the point of the case is to have all the holes
cutout. Otherwise it would be much cheaper to purchase a
prefab case on banggood, hammond or whever and layout the
cutouts yourself. I will have it quoted using 0.060 Alum
(1.5mm) or 18ga Steel (0.048"/1.2mm). Currently the cost
of aluminum per pound is 3x more than steel. I would
consider galvannealed as well.?
Of course I will be posting 3d models and drawings for
everyone to look over. However, person wants their unique
case built to the way they want it but that is next to
impossible unless you want to pay heavily for it which I
don't think is beneficial for a $120 radio. I will
consider everyone's input as well
Only questions I would have at the moment is a specific
speaker that would be used and if they would be using a
BNC or SO-239 chassis mount.?
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Re: Seperate group for uBITX ?
Either a separate group or the hashtag if it works well...
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I quite like the idea of a professional-looking case for the uBitx, and would be interested in a case pre-drilled and with cut-outs for the stock radio as shipped.
I have no thoughts on BNC vs SO-239, except to acknowledge that most QRP operators seem to prefer BNC.
I would like to see a 4 pin round mic connector and headphone jack on front panel, on the back I'd like to have the antenna and power connection. Thoughts on power connector type? I'd like power pole connectors, but I'll defer to others.
I'd like a top-firing 2-3" speaker, but I have no specific recommendation.?
As for price, I know it's early in the process, but I assume/hope the price will be less than half the price of the uBitx radio.
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On Dec 13, 2017, at 10:13 AM, Jeff (NT1K) < yccc@...> wrote: Thank you for your input Gordon, Rod, Arvo and others
Gordon, the point of the case is to have all the holes cutout. Otherwise it would be much cheaper to purchase a prefab case on banggood, hammond or whever and layout the cutouts yourself. I will have it quoted using 0.060 Alum (1.5mm) or 18ga Steel (0.048"/1.2mm). Currently the cost of aluminum per pound is 3x more than steel. I would consider galvannealed as well.?
Of course I will be posting 3d models and drawings for everyone to look over. However, person wants their unique case built to the way they want it but that is next to impossible unless you want to pay heavily for it which I don't think is beneficial for a $120 radio. I will consider everyone's input as well
Only questions I would have at the moment is a specific speaker that would be used and if they would be using a BNC or SO-239 chassis mount.?
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ekelley
Jeff (NT1K)
K9HZ
Arvo W0VRA
Dan Reynolds