Re: Source of small gauge shielded audio wire for a filter
#ubitx
Ethernet cable is also good. Unwind the bundle of wires in the cable and then roll each on a flat surface with a 2x4. It will "unkink" and leave you with nice small diameter wires. I think this was Chuck Adams' (K7QO) idea.
Jack, W8TEE
On Wednesday, March 28, 2018, 11:49:46 AM EDT, Jim Strohm <jim.strohm@...> wrote:
I get most of my small diam wire by stripping it out of old TV sets or radios.
Plenty of good stuff if you take the time to look.
73
Jim N6OTQ
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Re: Making front panel labels
I printed mine out on with an inkjet printer on regular photo paper and then put some clear tape over it to preserve it. Dan, W2DLC 
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Shytron
In order to provide help we would need to know a bit more about your problem. - Which model BITX do you have?
- What test equipment do you have available?
- What are the symptoms of the problem?
- How far have you already gone with testing?
The group is usually quite helpful but "something is broken" is just too little information to work with. Arv? K7HKL _._
On Wed, Mar 28, 2018 at 9:08 AM, shytron via Groups.Io <shytron@...> wrote: I have a BITX20 with some problems with the current measurements and cant seem to get any help with this group. I would have to say i am very discouraged. Ill just contact Ashar.
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A google for "w7zoi hycas" will show a well regarded AGC system. It gives nearly 60dB of gain when there's no AGC action, about 40 dB more than the uBitx 12mhz IF has. Lots of parts, but most are under a nickle. Could be a $10 board if autostuffed with surface mount parts. Henning mentions possible trouble due to filter delays if the AGC attenuator/gain-control is prior to the the IF filter?and the AGC detector is after the the filter, something to be aware of: ? ?? /g/BITX20/message/32090? Don's audio detect + FET rf attenuator is apparently not suffering any instability from this. I have no idea what Bill is doing, but if he plans to have an AGC detector before the 12mhz filter it will be interesting to see how he goes about making that work. I'm still thinking a PIN diode bridge in one of the IF amps as the attenuator plus an audio based AGC detector. Simple enough, and the uBitx doesn't need any more gain. Jerry
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Re: Source of small gauge shielded audio wire for a filter
#ubitx
I get most of my small diam wire by stripping it out of old TV sets or radios.
Plenty of good stuff if you take the time to look.
73
Jim N6OTQ
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Re: SUCCESS, uBITX pop reduction with ONE added component
I heard it called " it
is a new Feature"!
Mike, WA6ISP
On 3/28/2018 6:34 AM, Kai Nilakari
wrote:
Sorry, OM. I didn't
notice anything after installing this smd part. Still a pop when
starting and finishing tx, but I'll get used to it.
As Microsoft states "Windows have no bugs, they're properties".
Kai, OH3WE
--
Mike Hagen, WA6ISP
10917 Bryant Street
Yucaipa, Ca. 92399
(909) 918-0058
PayPal ID "MotDog@..."
Mike@...
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Oops! Forgot the attachment! tim ab0wr On Wed, 28 Mar 2018 10:08:24 -0500 "Tim Gorman" <tgorman2@...> wrote: Jerry,
Been going back thru my old notes. Attached is a schematic of an agc
amp I used on a single conversion receiver I built back in 2008. It
even provides for an S-meter. The AGC was designed to work with an
MC1550 IF Amp IC but I don't see why it couldn't be used to drive a
2n7002 as well. Might have to change values to provide the right gate
voltage, I'll have to do some calculations.
tim ab0wr
On Tue, 27 Mar 2018 18:40:29 -0700
"Jerry Gaffke via Groups.Io" <jgaffke@...> wrote:
Detecting RF for AGC would have to happen after the 12mhz crystal
filter.
Not really¡ it can happen anywhere in the chain.? The issue is the
bandwidth of:
? 1) the attenuator and 2) the detector used for the AGC.?
? With the right parts, anything is possible. AGC should detect what's in the passband of the receiver, nothing
more, nothing less. If RF into the AGC detector is wider, then any
QRO signal in the band will quiet the receiver. I can vaguely
imagine ways to make it work with the AGC detector in front of the
IF filter, but they aren't pretty.? ?I'm fine with just detecting
the audio on a $109 transceiver.
Let us know how your AGC scheme works once finished.
Though I'm more in Don's camp, agonizing about whether a $0.50 PIN
diode array is worth the expense when a $0.02 FET is almost good
enough.
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I have a BITX20 with some problems with the current measurements and cant seem to get any help with this group. I would have to say i am very discouraged. Ill just contact Ashar.
|
Jerry, Been going back thru my old notes. Attached is a schematic of an agc amp I used on a single conversion receiver I built back in 2008. It even provides for an S-meter. The AGC was designed to work with an MC1550 IF Amp IC but I don't see why it couldn't be used to drive a 2n7002 as well. Might have to change values to provide the right gate voltage, I'll have to do some calculations. tim ab0wr On Tue, 27 Mar 2018 18:40:29 -0700 "Jerry Gaffke via Groups.Io" <jgaffke@...> wrote: Detecting RF for AGC would have to happen after the 12mhz crystal
filter.
Not really¡ it can happen anywhere in the chain.? The issue is the
bandwidth of:
? 1) the attenuator and 2) the detector used for the AGC.?
? With the right parts, anything is possible. AGC should detect what's in the passband of the receiver, nothing
more, nothing less. If RF into the AGC detector is wider, then any
QRO signal in the band will quiet the receiver. I can vaguely imagine
ways to make it work with the AGC detector in front of the IF filter,
but they aren't pretty.? ?I'm fine with just detecting the audio on a
$109 transceiver.
Let us know how your AGC scheme works once finished.
Though I'm more in Don's camp, agonizing about whether a $0.50 PIN
diode array is worth the expense when a $0.02 FET is almost good
enough.
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Re: uBitx on teensy with JT/FSQ and WSPR beacons
Tim? AB0WR and Stephen? KD2NDR
An alternative approach for current monitoring might be available.? As part of
a workbench system I built a dual-port DC voltmeter using an Arduino NANO.
By using two ADC inputs I can measure voltage on both ends of a resistor and
the use the NANO software to calculate difference voltage.? This lets me
manually calculate the current from resistance and voltage.?
In a captive system this approach would work because the software would know
the resistance value and thus be able to measure differential voltage and from
that calculate current flow through that known resistance.?
Differential voltage measuring is necessary in cases where both ends of the device
being measured are at some potential above ground, because the Arduino ADC can
only measure relative to a ground reference.?
Arv
_._
On Wed, Mar 28, 2018 at 8:40 AM, Tim Gorman <tgorman2@...> wrote: If you are going to do a voltage/current monitor you might want to
consider using a 5a hall effect current sensor module. They are only
about $2 on ebay and they work well. I am using one with a beaglebone
black to monitor my backup battery charging current from my solar panel.
You could actually use two, one to monitor main board draw and one to
monitor PA current draw!
tim ab0wr
On Wed, 28 Mar 2018 09:02:30 -0400
"Steve P" <mosteveo@...> wrote:
> I¡¯ve been working on porting the uBitx code to teensy, which now
> works well. In addition I¡¯ve added a few other things with the new
> expanded memory capability.
>
> Changes:
> - I2C 4x20 display, leaving many pins for other uses
> - digital beacon modes supporting all JT modes, WSPR and FSQ;
> transmission is triggered by timer interval set through main menu.
> - setting of teensy real time clock through GPS (will add option to
> set manually and through serial later.
> - dynamic setting of maidenhead locator (4 or 6 character) based on
> GPS
>
> Planned:
> - sd card use to store custom messages and logs for digital mode
> operations.
> - numeric keypad support to enter text and directly enter frequency.
> - voltage/ amp monitor for battery operation.
> - swr meter
> - and more...
>
> I¡¯ll make it publicly available when I get more time to test
> everything more in-depth. I¡¯m very short on time lately though.
>
> Stephen
> KD2NDR
>
>
>
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Re: uBitx on teensy with JT/FSQ and WSPR beacons
If you are going to do a voltage/current monitor you might want to consider using a 5a hall effect current sensor module. They are only about $2 on ebay and they work well. I am using one with a beaglebone black to monitor my backup battery charging current from my solar panel. You could actually use two, one to monitor main board draw and one to monitor PA current draw! tim ab0wr On Wed, 28 Mar 2018 09:02:30 -0400 "Steve P" <mosteveo@...> wrote: I¡¯ve been working on porting the uBitx code to teensy, which now
works well. In addition I¡¯ve added a few other things with the new
expanded memory capability.
Changes:
- I2C 4x20 display, leaving many pins for other uses
- digital beacon modes supporting all JT modes, WSPR and FSQ;
transmission is triggered by timer interval set through main menu.
- setting of teensy real time clock through GPS (will add option to
set manually and through serial later.
- dynamic setting of maidenhead locator (4 or 6 character) based on
GPS
Planned:
- sd card use to store custom messages and logs for digital mode
operations.
- numeric keypad support to enter text and directly enter frequency.
- voltage/ amp monitor for battery operation.
- swr meter
- and more...
I¡¯ll make it publicly available when I get more time to test
everything more in-depth. I¡¯m very short on time lately though.
Stephen
KD2NDR
|
Then you should probably pay more than $109 for your radio. There isn't anything wrong with you developing a professional level agc for the ubitx. But not many people paying $109 for their radio are going to be willing to spend a huge amount to butcher their radio in order to get the ultimate in performance. A few might but the vast majority won't. That's just the way it goes. Sorry. tim ab0wr On Wed, 28 Mar 2018 00:26:12 -0500 "K9HZ" <bill@...> wrote:
I think you may get what you pay for.
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Re: uBitx on teensy with JT/FSQ and WSPR beacons
I¡¯m also toying around the idea of a headless uBitx radio. It would be controlled over cat through a ras pi and 5¡± touch screen loaded with various bits for digi modes and so on. All of which could be packed in the same case. No external switches other than a power switch.
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Re: uBitx on teensy with JT/FSQ and WSPR beacons
This looks pretty spectacular. I might build mine out if the box using this.
-Fred KC3HMS
I¡¯ve been working on porting the uBitx code to teensy, which now works well. In addition I¡¯ve added a few other things with the new expanded memory capability.
Changes:
- I2C 4x20 display, leaving many pins for other uses
- digital beacon modes supporting all JT modes, WSPR and FSQ; transmission is triggered by timer interval set through main menu.
- setting of teensy real time clock through GPS (will add option to set manually and through serial later.
- dynamic setting of maidenhead locator (4 or 6 character) based on GPS
Planned:
- sd card use to store custom messages and logs for digital mode operations.
- numeric keypad support to enter text and directly enter frequency.
- voltage/ amp monitor for battery operation.
- swr meter
- and more...
I¡¯ll make it publicly available when I get more time to test everything more in-depth. I¡¯m very short on time lately though.
Stephen
KD2NDR
|
Re: SUCCESS, uBITX pop reduction with ONE added component
Sorry, OM. I didn't notice anything after installing this smd part. Still a pop when starting and finishing tx, but I'll get used to it.
As Microsoft states "Windows have no bugs, they're properties".
Kai, OH3WE
|
uBitx on teensy with JT/FSQ and WSPR beacons
I¡¯ve been working on porting the uBitx code to teensy, which now works well. In addition I¡¯ve added a few other things with the new expanded memory capability.
Changes:
- I2C 4x20 display, leaving many pins for other uses
- digital beacon modes supporting all JT modes, WSPR and FSQ; transmission is triggered by timer interval set through main menu.
- setting of teensy real time clock through GPS (will add option to set manually and through serial later.
- dynamic setting of maidenhead locator (4 or 6 character) based on GPS
Planned:
- sd card use to store custom messages and logs for digital mode operations.
- numeric keypad support to enter text and directly enter frequency.
- voltage/ amp monitor for battery operation.
- swr meter
- and more...
I¡¯ll make it publicly available when I get more time to test everything more in-depth. I¡¯m very short on time lately though.
Stephen
KD2NDR
|
Re: ubitx wavy gravy when copying FT8
On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 09:11 pm, Jerry Gaffke wrote:
We don't need Ben and Jerry to bring Wavy Gravy back.
 ?  I do see a resemblance though! -- John - WA2FZW
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Re: #bitx40help Arduino Online Editor (IDE?)
#bitx40help
There is a brief guide for the uBITx on
the site here:?
It is the same instruction set for the BITx40 (except for links to
files to load).?? This may help you?
Mike ZL1AXG
On 28/03/18 7:45 PM, M Garza wrote:
Daniel,
You might need to install the CH340/341 driver for the
NANO.? These are clones that seem to use that particular
driver.
Once you install the driver, verify that the computer is
communicating with the NANO.? It should show up in the Device
Manager, under Ports.??
You will need to know that port number.? There should be an
option to select NANO and the port# in the IDE.
The IDE does use the Verify and Upload buttons.? The Verify
is the same as Compile.? The Upload button does a compile
(verify) and then uploads it to the Arduino.
Post back if this doesn't help.
Marco - KG5PRT
|
Re: #bitx40help Arduino Online Editor (IDE?)
#bitx40help
Daniel, You might need to install the CH340/341 driver for the NANO.? These are clones that seem to use that particular driver. Once you install the driver, verify that the computer is communicating with the NANO.? It should show up in the Device Manager, under Ports.?? You will need to know that port number.? There should be an option to select NANO and the port# in the IDE.
The IDE does use the Verify and Upload buttons.? The Verify is the same as Compile.? The Upload button does a compile (verify) and then uploads it to the Arduino.
Post back if this doesn't help.
Marco - KG5PRT
On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 11:24 PM, Daniel Crane <danjamitch@...> wrote: Thanks for all the help so far.? I am totally stoked to learn that USB on the Bitx40 is SMOS ("simply a matter of software").? I'm struggling trying to load Allard's sketch raduino_v1.27.7 via the Arduino Online Editor.? I get "Error Uploading.? Check if the selected board is currently available"
My Raduino is wired into my BitX, which is powered off.? I think I read here that that's OK.? When I plug in the USB cable, the Raduino fires up and Windows makes pleasant beeps.? When I unplug it, I see a momentary flag on the Online Editor stating that the board has been disconnected.? Windows does not mount the device as a drive letter, but that doesn't surprise me.
The IDE allowed me to include the pinchangeinterrupt library, via four includes it provided at the top of the sketch -
// PinChangeInterrupt - Version: Latest
#include <PinChangeInterrupt.h>
#include <PinChangeInterruptBoards.h>
#include <PinChangeInterruptPins.h>
#include <PinChangeInterruptSettings.h>
/**
?? Raduino_v1.27.7 for BITX40 - Allard Munters PE1NWL (pe1nwl@...)
..
After receiving this error and retrying several times, I noticed that there was an Arduino icon in my system tray (WIN10).? Clicking that revealed a number of buried instances of a dialogue that was asking me if it's OK to proceed loading drivers.? I clicked "yes" on one of them and dismissed the rest.
I notice the group uses terms like "compile" and "build".? The Online Editor doesn't have buttons for those.? It has a "Verify" button and an "Upload" (right arrow) button.? But with that and its library functionality, it seems to be pretty much an IDE.? But you have to believe that the "Upload" includes building.
What am I missing?
Thanks/Dan
KM6GRV
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A solution for every passband (my bandwidth):
... audio range passband...
Benefit: saves your ears, $0.02 diode, trivially easy to implement.
Bad: only protects your ears... not RF sections from excessive signal and overload. Not a true AGC signal for "s" meter, only an audio strength.
Comment: Save the $0.02 diode, turn the damn volume down and live with the IF overload.
... IF range passband...
Benefit: Saves ears, prevents IF overload, AGC signal for "s" meter (can be calibrated to real signal strength by reference).
Bad: More complicated/ more parts, RF level attenuator and AGC response, more expensive than the $0.02 diode,
Comment: can be triggered by anything in the passband and that can be good and bad.
... Full range integrated Passband (front end through audio section)...
Benefit: True AGC on all levels, no overload or distortion of any stage. AGC signal for "s" meter (can be calibrated to real signal strength by reference).
Bad: Very complicated, impacts every RF/IF/Audio stage. Lots of mods and parts.
Comment: A CW ops dream.
I think you may get what you pay for.
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 ¨C J68HZ
Soufriere, St. Lucia W.I.
Rent it: www.VillaGrandPiton.com
Like us on Facebook!
Moderator ¨C North American QRO Yahoo Group.
email: bill@...
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto: [email protected]] On Behalf Of Tim Gorman Sent: Tuesday, March 27, 2018 10:40 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [BITX20] #bitx40 #ubitx Jerry, You pretty much nailed it. While hi-tech solutions are of course important to develop, the target audience for the ubitx are probably more interested in simple modifications that anyone can implement which provide some increased functionality. tim ab0wr On Tue, 27 Mar 2018 18:40:29 -0700 "Jerry Gaffke via Groups.Io" <jgaffke@...> wrote: Detecting RF for AGC would have to happen after the 12mhz crystal
filter.
Not really¡ it can happen anywhere in the chain. The issue is the
bandwidth of:
1) the attenuator and 2) the detector used for the AGC.
With the right parts, anything is possible. AGC should detect what's in the passband of the receiver, nothing
more, nothing less. If RF into the AGC detector is wider, then any QRO
signal in the band will quiet the receiver. I can vaguely imagine ways
to make it work with the AGC detector in front of the IF filter, but
they aren't pretty. I'm fine with just detecting the audio on a
$109 transceiver.
Let us know how your AGC scheme works once finished.
Though I'm more in Don's camp, agonizing about whether a $0.50 PIN
diode array is worth the expense when a $0.02 FET is almost good
enough.
On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 06:03 pm, K9HZ wrote:
Detecting RF for AGC would have to happen after the 12mhz crystal
filter.
Not really¡ it can happen anywhere in the chain. The issue is the
bandwidth of: 1) the attenuator and 2) the detector used for the
AGC. With the right parts, anything is possible.
Would be tough to do on a uBitx without having that detector get
swamped by 12mhz BFO energy given the total lack of shielding.
I would certainly not argue with this¡specially with one that is
wide banded and sensitive.
Nobody has tried.
Um¡ no. I currently am using a AD8367 ultra wide band variable gain
amplifier with a AD8361 true RMS detector fed back to the VGA via an
AD820 high speed Op Amp configured as a combination LP filter and
integrator with a ¡°voltage¡± offset (RF Gain control). Using a few
components, I¡¯m able adjust the time constants in the integrator for
different AGC reaction speeds (basically a pot for continuous
slow-medium-fast-none). I think this sort of scheme is used in some
VHF receiver applications. Not finished yet¡ (not ready for prime
time- looks like a mess), but is very promising as a true RF AGC
that rivals the AGC circuits used in some of the world¡¯s best
receivers. Stand by.
--- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
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K9HZ