Re: ubitx and I2C LCD noise
One solution to this problem is filtering the DC power input with an RC lowpass filter and tapping the raduino power upstream of the filter. Worked great for me
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On Mon, Jan 22, 2018 at 8:34 AM Rod Self < km6sn@...> wrote: Hi All,
Be aware on the projects where I have used an I2C LCD I get a burst of
noise in the receiver at display-update-time. While
the display is not being updated, the noise is low enough that 0.1 uV
signals can be copied.
I suggest it would be worthwhile to use one of the freed-up digital pins
to control an audio mute during the display update period.
Rod KM6SN
--
David K4DBZ
Unofficial bitx chatroom:?https://discord.gg/CrHvWFc
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On 1/22/2018 7:43 AM, César EA3IAV
wrote:
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I have receiver the
bix but it is so tight that the heat sink provided in the ubitx
exceed the size just a little. I could bent them or something but
i guess i can just screw the transitor on the box itself right? I
guess I need insulation
 
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I have receiver the bix but it is so tight that the heat sink provided in the ubitx exceed the size just a little. I could bent them or something but i guess i can just screw the transitor on the box itself right? I guess I need insulation  
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Hi All,
Be aware on the projects where I have used an I2C LCD I get a burst of noise in the receiver at display-update-time. While
the display is not being updated, the noise is low enough that 0.1 uV signals can be copied.
I suggest it would be worthwhile to use one of the freed-up digital pins to control an audio mute during the display update period.
Rod KM6SN
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ubitx no need for I2C level shifters
Jim and All,
There is no need for level shifters on the I2C lines.
An I2C 1602 LCD runs just fine with 3.3v levels on the I2C lines, because the 3.3v is well above the 2.5V logic 1 threshold.
I have used this technique on over 6 projects, and it works like a charm.
Be aware: on the FTDI board with the 1602 LCD, it is necessary to remove the pullups to 5v on the I2C lines. It is easy to
locate the pullups; they are close to the far end of the board away from the board-edge connector. You can ring them out
with an ohmmeter.
All you need is a hardware mod on the Raduino to bring the I2C lines to the LCD connector.
Regards,
Rod KM6SN
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Re: #ubitx new Alternate software for the uBITX
#ubitx
Raj,
In the documentation for "wiring up" on the HF Signals page the A7 (violet wire) is listed as a SPARE and the original code doesn't read the paddles properly. It was/is very difficult to send proper CW with the original. I figured that in a $120 radio I did not need an S meter or a power meter so until digital lines can be freed up to allow for other uses for both A6 and A7 our code, as written will be made available for those who chose to use it. It's too bad the designer of the Raduino card didn't use a "level shifter" on the I2C bus to feed the Si5351A as then I2C could have been used to drive the Display, freeing up 6 digital I/O lines and the keyer could have been properly implemented in the first place.
Not arguing with you Raj, just telling why we used the "SPARE" A7 line - Farhan jee said in the documentation it was a spare and we should coil it out of the way OR find a use for it. We found a use for it.
Jim - W0EB
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------ Original Message ------ From: "Raj vu2zap" <rajendrakumargg@...> To: [email protected]Sent: 1/22/2018 12:10:34 AM Subject: Re: [BITX20] #ubitx new Alternate software for the uBITX The uBitx A7 was left for S-Meter and Power meter inputs. That is why the original sketch uses one input to sense
3 different states - straight key, Dit and Dah.
Raj
At 22-01-2018, you wrote:
Hi gang,
Ron, W2CTX and I (W0EB) have been steadily working on fixing some of the CW problems with the uBITX software and also changing the tuning over from the accelerated tuning for band change, etc. We found that this method, while liked by some was difficult for some of us to tune to the frequency we wanted so we set it up with a cursor under the digit to be tuned using the encoder button to step the cursor position. We also used the spare (A7) line as the dash input for the keyer (you have to add another 4.7K pullup resistor, this time to the A7 input). The zipfile complete with all files for compiling and uploading to the uBITX with the Arduino IDE (version 1.8.5 or later on the IDE). If you have your IDE set up right, it should compile without errors and upload to the uBITX just fine.
The CW Keyer module uses code that came from the open source Ten-Tec Patriot and Rebel code and the timing has been corrected so that the paddles work properly and all the available speeds from real slooooow to 50 wpm. I've been using this code on the air for over a week without a problem.
We also re-ordered the menu(s) and added a few items that are all explained in the manual included in the zip file.
Ron and I sincerely hope this program version will allow you to work CW much better and it addresses some of the requests for features that are different from what was supplied in the initial version that came loaded in the factory uBITX.
Jim Sheldon, W0EB for Ron, W2CTX and myself
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Re: Reverse polarity diode circuit
The Polyfuse resets itself in just a few seconds, as soon as it cools down. I have been using the Jameco #199938 for most of my QRP builds for several years without issue. Built into the FT817 adapter, too. Use like any fuse, before reverse-protection diode and filters. They look like a flat ceramic disk capacitor. Cheaper than regular fuses and holders and you never find yourself searching for a replacement! -ND6T
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none from hfsigs. they make and assemble things in batches. i hope someone steps in to fill this gap. rahul has been working on a single side board. he has had a bit of an accident that has put his hand-over-mouse out of action. i hope he recovers and finishes it too.
- f
On 22 Jan 2018 3:01 pm, "Mike" < msmith@...> wrote: Is there any plan to offer the uBitX, less the Raduino? Or maybe just the bare uBitX PC board?
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Re: #ubitx new Alternate software for the uBITX
#ubitx
Congratulations on a wonderful job! You beat me by a mile. My replacement, though working, is far from complete. Unless someone tries such a project, they cannot appreciate the effort involved. Your documentation, too, is worthy of a reward! Bravo!
Don, ND6T
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Re: #ubitx new Alternate software for the uBITX
#ubitx
It might be time to look at sensing PTT and the encoder switch by an analog input to free up lines. Neither of these inputs requires the fast response of CW keying so you could carefully debounce the switches. I also wouldn't expect both to be pressed at once.
Frankly, if it comes down to a choice I'd rather have functioning CW than an S meter.
??? Bob?? KD8CGH
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Re: Release beta version of CAT support uBITX firmware.
#ubitx
Ian
? First thanks for the great work. Everything in the CAT and memory area worked well. I also could not use CW as it was originally programed and slightly modified your code by removing the intermediate paddle value lines in getPaddle to get clean straight keying. I was then able to actually use my uBitx for CW QSOs.
?I also tried Jim and Ron's code. The CW straight keying is fine with that version (didn't connect A7 yet) and I appreciated the finer tuning and offset frequency taking the sidetone into account.
?I look forward to these two strings of code being merged.
???? Bob
???? KD8CGH
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I will attribute it to "spontaneous combustion"!
Likely the component failed due to manufacturing defect..
Raj
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At 22-01-2018, you wrote: But in my case polarity was OK ;-)
and D7 was blown ;-)
MAc
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But in my case polarity was OK ;-)
and D7 was blown ;-)
?
MAc
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Re: Mica Cap replacements for WA2EBY Filter?
You can use glossy photo paper and other glossy paper. When you use the clothes iron just press it on the paper. If it does not cover the whole pcb lift it up and place place it on the part that was not covered. If you move it as if you are pressing clothes you may smudge the traces. If when you remove the paper with water you see that part of the traces did not stick (because the toner will still be attached to the paper) just press it again with the iron. You have to strike a balance between having good toner transfer and smudging thin lines because if you leave it too long the toner will spread which also results in a thinner coating the etchant eating away part of the trace. Regards Lawrence
On Sun, Jan 21, 2018 at 10:33 PM, Mark Baldridge <marktbaldridge@...> wrote: I used this paper.??
You print the image in reverse to scale on that stuff, iron it to the copper clad, and then soak in ferric chloride. Getting a good etching mask is where all the trickiness is. I think lots of iron pressure and heat really help.
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Is there any plan to offer the uBitX, less the Raduino? Or maybe just the bare uBitX PC board?
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Re: Release beta version of CAT support uBITX firmware.
#ubitx
Ian, Jim and Ron,
Ian, I see you have are also looking at Jim's and Ron's work on the revised Keyer and Tuning Steps.? ?These should definitely be merged at some point along with your other fixes.? ? This is going to be an awesome radio with the combination of all of the work you folks have done these past few weeks.
Fantastic work all!
With these behind us I want to work on getting consistent power output across 80-10M.? I have an old PA with a pair of IRF520 or 30's can't remember which and it puts out between 35W and 22W (80-10M) running off a standard 13.8VDC Astron supply.? If the driver stages are OK I will try the Mitsubishi RD16HHF1 MOSFETs.
I only have Sundays generally to work on this unless I sneak in a few minutes once and a while and I will be away for nearly one month so I will be anxious to see all of the firmware mods ready to upload to the uBITX when I get back.
Dave WI6R
On Sun, Jan 21, 2018 at 9:48 PM, Ian Lee <kd8cec@...> wrote: Dave
Thank you for your important information. I think about setting a range of values.?I wanted to make this firmware available to users who have not modified the hardware.
If set the range of the ADC value, both the unmodified and modified users will be able to use it.
I had planned a separate firmware to work with hardware modifications.
(CW Key, Multi function keys, Graphic LCD, 4 * 20 LCD, isolation between uBITX and computer circuit...)
When uBITX, which is ordered in December, arrives, I am going to try hardware hacking in earnest.
I will upload the firmware with the function to set the CW Key value range soon.
DE Ian KD8CEC
kd8cec@...
(my blog)
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For reverse polarity protection, I use a diode and a small relay. the same type as used in the LPF.
My uBitx has a battery pack included and the same relay switches over from battery to external power supply (if correctly connected) and activates the battery charger circuitry.?
I plan to use the same relay as an over-voltage protection. In case of more than 15 volts externally supplied, the relay will not activate and the rig will drop back to batteries. The extra milliamps drawn when externally supplied aren't a problem.?
73, Alex
PA1FOX
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Re: Release beta version of CAT support uBITX firmware.
#ubitx
Ian,
Thanks for the update.? ?I was running at 26 WPM, but didn't change the speed as that didn't make any difference before adding the CW Keyer circuit.? Although tough to get through an exchange on CW I did work 6Y6J in Jamaica, 2950 Miles with 2W to a dipole on 20M around Noon with a 559 report.? First call he came right back.? Not too bad considering he was giving that report to a lot of other stations.? He was 599 with some QSB but he was almost the only strong signal on the band.? A group of JA Ops on A DX Vacation to Jamaica there for the week.
Since the CW Keying circuit didn't make any difference, I'm questioning whether it's needed as much as I thought - that it was purely varying resistance through the key contacts that was effecting keying.? Now I'm not so sure that was the problem.? I'm thinking after fixing the current issue the CW Keying circuit may not be needed?
BTW - The CAT interface works great.? I'm thinking about using CAT to band-switch my ICOM Linear Amplifier and key it..? So I guess it will be a conversion from Yaesu Band Data to a level converter to provide the different voltage levels that auto-switch the linear to the correct band, then pass PTT to the the linear amp.
Dave WI6R
On Sun, Jan 21, 2018 at 9:48 PM, Ian Lee <kd8cec@...> wrote: Dave
Thank you for your important information. I think about setting a range of values.?I wanted to make this firmware available to users who have not modified the hardware.
If set the range of the ADC value, both the unmodified and modified users will be able to use it.
I had planned a separate firmware to work with hardware modifications.
(CW Key, Multi function keys, Graphic LCD, 4 * 20 LCD, isolation between uBITX and computer circuit...)
When uBITX, which is ordered in December, arrives, I am going to try hardware hacking in earnest.
I will upload the firmware with the function to set the CW Key value range soon.
DE Ian KD8CEC
kd8cec@...
(my blog)
|
Re: #ubitx new Alternate software for the uBITX
#ubitx
The uBitx A7 was left for S-Meter and Power meter inputs. That is why the original sketch uses one input to sense
3 different states - straight key, Dit and Dah.
Raj
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
At 22-01-2018, you wrote: Hi gang,
Ron, W2CTX and I (W0EB) have been steadily working on fixing some of the CW problems with the uBITX software and also changing the tuning over from the accelerated tuning for band change, etc. We found that this method, while liked by some was difficult for some of us to tune to the frequency we wanted so we set it up with a cursor under the digit to be tuned using the encoder button to step the cursor position. We also used the spare (A7) line as the dash input for the keyer (you have to add another 4.7K pullup resistor, this time to the A7 input). The zipfile complete with all files for compiling and uploading to the uBITX with the Arduino IDE (version 1.8.5 or later on the IDE). If you have your IDE set up right, it should compile without errors and upload to the uBITX just fine.
The CW Keyer module uses code that came from the open source Ten-Tec Patriot and Rebel code and the timing has been corrected so that the paddles work properly and all the available speeds from real slooooow to 50 wpm. I've been using this code on the air for over a week without a problem.
We also re-ordered the menu(s) and added a few items that are all explained in the manual included in the zip file.
Ron and I sincerely hope this program version will allow you to work CW much better and it addresses some of the requests for features that are different from what was supplied in the initial version that came loaded in the factory uBITX.
Jim Sheldon, W0EB for Ron, W2CTX and myself
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Re: #ubitx new Alternate software for the uBITX
#ubitx
Great work!!!
I have heard from Ron via email. applaud your efforts.
I learned a lot from your code.?
When the new uBITX arrives(I ordered another one in December for a hardware modified version),?I will upload and use this firmware.
This variety of firmware and code sharing makes uBITX even more fun.
Ian KD8CEC
Hi gang,
Ron, W2CTX and I (W0EB) have been steadily working on fixing some of the CW problems with the uBITX software and also changing the tuning over from the accelerated tuning for band change, etc.? We found that this method, while liked by some was difficult for some of us to tune to the frequency we wanted so we set it up with a cursor under the digit to be tuned using the encoder button to step the cursor position.? We also used the spare (A7) line as the dash input for the keyer (you have to add another 4.7K pullup resistor, this time to the A7 input).? The zipfile complete with all files for compiling and uploading to the uBITX with the Arduino IDE (version 1.8.5 or later on the IDE). If you have your IDE set up right, it should compile without errors and upload to the uBITX just fine.
The CW Keyer module uses code that came from the open source Ten-Tec Patriot and Rebel code and the timing has been corrected so that the paddles work properly and all the available speeds from real slooooow to 50 wpm.? I've been using this code on the air for over a week without a problem.
We also re-ordered the menu(s) and added a few items that are all explained in the manual included in the zip file.
Ron and I sincerely hope this program version will allow you to work CW much better and it addresses some of the requests for features that are different from what was supplied in the initial version that came loaded in the factory uBITX.
Jim Sheldon, W0EB for Ron, W2CTX and myself
-- Best 73 KD8CEC / Ph.D ian lee kd8cec@...
(my blog)
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Jim Sheldon
Don, ND6T
Bob Benedict, KD8CGH
Raj vu2zap