¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

  1. BITX20
  2. Messages
Expanded Topics Messages Polls
Date
KD8CEC - Nextion Display - IAN questions

 

Ian (and the group)? In great anticipation of running the Nextion display on my uBitx, I purchased a 2.8¡±display on ebay and it arrived today.? I ordered the ¡°Enhanced¡± version and I found a lithium battery socket on the board.? Do I have to run a lithium battery for this board to work?? I figured it would be powered by the uBitx but was wondering if I had to have the battery installed for it to remember the settings I upload to it.? If the battery is required, does anyone know which battery it calls for?? Nothing on the board and no instructions came with the board so I¡¯m in the dark on this one.?

Also Ian,? would I use the GUI firmware ¡°ubtix_28_E.tft¡± file?? I was thinking that the ¡°E¡± was for the enhanced version of the Nextion board.?

Also, do you have any idea when the 1.09 firmware version is going to be available for download?? Can you tell I am really excited about this mod??!!!?

Thanks for all you do Ian, U-Da-Man!? I haven¡¯t had this much fun in years.?

73-Gary

KC6SWL
Re: Transmit indicator light.

 

Jerry

Beauty of the little toroid and LED trick is its simplicity and ease of use.





Of course if we were to build something like this inside a BITX it should probably be
a real SWR bridge with phase compensation and so on.

Arv
_._




On Mon, Jun 18, 2018 at 1:22 PM Jerry Gaffke via Groups.Io <jgaffke=[email protected]> wrote:
Phase is important, if you are measuring current and voltage at the antenna port
you will also want to measure the phase angle between the two.

A Tandem Match more or less measures voltage and current into the antenna.
This one is $12:? ? ??
T1 is a current transformer, T2 is a voltage transformer,
Actually, a Tandem Match adds the voltage and current readings in phase and out of phase
from which an SWR relative to 50 ohms can be calculated.
From those readings, can also calculate forward and reverse power in Watts..
Primary trick on a Tandem Match is that the voltage and current are scaled such that if driving a 50 ohm load,
the sum of the two when out of phase is zero.??
The Bruene and Monimatch designs do about the same as a Tandem Match.??

This 1959 Bruene article is a classic, recommended:??
Here's a full analysis of the Tandem Match:??
Another tutorial on SWR meters:??
There are others.


An advantage of the Tandem Match is that the transformer ratios pretty much calibrate it
for both absolute power into 50 ohms, and SWR.?
Unlike the resistive bridges typical of qrp swr meters, a Tandem Match (or Bruene or Monimatch and friends)
can remain inline to monitor correct antenna functioning while operating the transmitter.

If you really want to explore antenna impedances to 440mhz and maybe do two port measurements,
check out?Kee's AQRP Vector Impedance Analyzer near the bottom of this webpage:
? ??
That one really does measure voltage and current into the antenna, along with the phase angle.
And can do much much more.

Jerry, KE7ER

?
On Mon, Jun 18, 2018 at 11:10 am, Arv Evans wrote:
Probably could use a diode rectifier and filter cap at the toroid location and run
DC to the front panel LED.? I have never tried that because radiated RF inside
the chassis has never been a problem.
Using a rectifier and filter cap could also let you measure RF current on an ADC
input of the Arduino.? Interesting thought that if you measure RF current and RF
voltage at the antenna jack it might be possible to calculate antenna impedance.?
Re: No S-Meter nor callsign showing in KD8CEC #ubitx

 

Yes, the firmware I have in use is UBITX_CEC_V1.080_16P.hex - the standard display.
I did activate the S-Meter in the Memory Manager (I am using uBITX_MM_V1.081 here).

I have attached my configuration file. Maybe there is something what I am just overlooking.

The values which have added for S-Meter steps are fictional - i wanted to do the calibration later with my lab equipment.
But I can read out the ADC values of A7 and I get always changing values between 30 and 190 if i tune to an AM Broadcasting station.

As these values are withink the steps I defined, i think something should be shown. Or could it be that the values are changing too fast?

I have also attached a picture of the wiring of my ND6T AGC_KIT Wiring. I think I connected it properly but maybe I am wrong.

However I think the mistake is somewhere within the software. Instead of the S-Meter in the right corner ?
I just get shown "ST" which i think is short for "XXX Hz Tuning STEP", right?
And somewhere my Callsign should also scroll within the screen with these configuration, or am I wrong?

DL5SMB_20180618.btx
DL5SMB_20180618.btx
20180618_213301.jpg

Re: Transmit indicator light.

 

Arv, so you have used this method in a QRP transceiver? Did you run the wire to the LED as a simple twisted pair or a piece of mini coax?

Roy
WA0YMH

On Mon, Jun 18, 2018, 1:11 PM Arv Evans <arvid.evans@...> wrote:
Roy WA0YMH

Probably could use a diode rectifier and filter cap at the toroid location and run
DC to the front panel LED.? I have never tried that because radiated RF inside
the chassis has never been a problem.

Using a rectifier and filter cap could also let you measure RF current on an ADC
input of the Arduino.? Interesting thought that if you measure RF current and RF
voltage at the antenna jack it might be possible to calculate antenna impedance.

Arv? K7HKL
_._


On Mon, Jun 18, 2018 at 11:48 AM Roy Appleton <twelveoclockhigh@...> wrote:
The following is a question not a statement.

Typically the ant lead is at the back of a radio case and the LED indicator would be on the front panel. Wouldn't running the wires feeding the LED that distance cause a potential of rf radiation into the radio?

Roy
WA0YMH

On Mon, Jun 18, 2018, 10:47 AM Arv Evans <arvid.evans@...> wrote:

_._

On Mon, Jun 18, 2018 at 8:07 AM Praba Karan <vu3dxr@...> wrote:
Circuit diagram to enable this idea?..

On Sat, Apr 21, 2018, 3:51 AM Don, ND6T via Groups.Io <nd6t_6=[email protected]> wrote:
In my opinion, the very best LED transmit indicator was the one that Derry Spittle (VE7QK [SK]) used in his Epiphyte QRP SSB series. That was just a 470 ohm quarter watt resistor through a small toroid and attached to a panel-mounted LED at each leg. The lead to the antenna passed through next to that resistor. That was it! When RF went to the antenna, it lit. You could easily tell if you were speaking loudly enough into the microphone, etc. Fast response, little panel space, and EASY. 73, Don
Re: BITX QSO Afternoon/Evening, Sunday, June 17, 3PM & 7PM Local Time, 7277 kHz in North America, 7177 kHz elsewhere.

William Cullison
 

QRM was pretty bad here in Orlando. I never did have any replies or hear anyone. So worked on getting digital working. Did hear a WSPR above my noise level on 30 so all wasn't dead
Re: Transmit indicator light.

 

very good explanations Jerry.
an another realisation


Gilles F1BFU / FR


2018-06-18 21:22 GMT+02:00 Jerry Gaffke via Groups.Io <jgaffke@...>:

Phase is important, if you are measuring current and voltage at the antenna port
you will also want to measure the phase angle between the two.

A Tandem Match more or less measures voltage and current into the antenna.
This one is $12:? ? ??
T1 is a current transformer, T2 is a voltage transformer,
Actually, a Tandem Match adds the voltage and current readings in phase and out of phase
from which an SWR relative to 50 ohms can be calculated.
From those readings, can also calculate forward and reverse power in Watts..
Primary trick on a Tandem Match is that the voltage and current are scaled such that if driving a 50 ohm load,
the sum of the two when out of phase is zero.??
The Bruene and Monimatch designs do about the same as a Tandem Match.??

This 1959 Bruene article is a classic, recommended:??
Here's a full analysis of the Tandem Match:??
Another tutorial on SWR meters:??
There are others.


An advantage of the Tandem Match is that the transformer ratios pretty much calibrate it
for both absolute power into 50 ohms, and SWR.?
Unlike the resistive bridges typical of qrp swr meters, a Tandem Match (or Bruene or Monimatch and friends)
can remain inline to monitor correct antenna functioning while operating the transmitter.

If you really want to explore antenna impedances to 440mhz and maybe do two port measurements,
check out?Kee's AQRP Vector Impedance Analyzer near the bottom of this webpage:
? ??
That one really does measure voltage and current into the antenna, along with the phase angle.
And can do much much more.

Jerry, KE7ER

?
On Mon, Jun 18, 2018 at 11:10 am, Arv Evans wrote:
Probably could use a diode rectifier and filter cap at the toroid location and run
DC to the front panel LED.? I have never tried that because radiated RF inside
the chassis has never been a problem.
Using a rectifier and filter cap could also let you measure RF current on an ADC
input of the Arduino.? Interesting thought that if you measure RF current and RF
voltage at the antenna jack it might be possible to calculate antenna impedance.?


Re: Homebrew from scratch #ubitx

Richard Bennett
 

Very nice,
I much prefer the modular designs for anything.
I am thinking tho, when I take on an endeavor such as this, I would prefer to stack the boards in the box veetical? on their sides.
Could still pack it in a pretty small enclosure.
Just me thinking out loud.
73,
KD9BPY


On Sun, Jun 17, 2018 at 22:21, Richie Chambless
<rchambless7@...> wrote:
Hello Woolf,

I have Eagle layout files for the RF sections of the UbitX. I took a modular approach, so there are several circuit boards that you could make a UbitX or a single conversion design. I've been thinking about uploading them to the files section for some time but I just haven't done it. Here are a couple of pictures of the exciter section (single conversion). Let me know if you would like them and I get email them to you:
Re: LA4425a Audio power IC

 

Looks like a good choice.
Though?is now going obsolete (at least for ON Semi),
which is true of just about every audio amp that's ever existed except for the LM386.

Somehow, the LM386 just keeps chugging along.
?


On Mon, Jun 18, 2018 at 11:41 am, R. E. Klaus wrote:
Curious if anyone has tried the LA4425a IC for replacement of the TDA2282. The LA4425a is used by Yaesu in some of their radios and needs only 3 external components, 2 of which are already in place in the uBITX and they are good up to 16 volts. They can be bought for a little over a dollar (U.S.) from UT Source and other internet dealers.
73, Roxie K1AUS
Re: Transmit indicator light.

 

Phase is important, if you are measuring current and voltage at the antenna port
you will also want to measure the phase angle between the two.

A Tandem Match more or less measures voltage and current into the antenna.
This one is $12:? ? ??
T1 is a current transformer, T2 is a voltage transformer,
Actually, a Tandem Match adds the voltage and current readings in phase and out of phase
from which an SWR relative to 50 ohms can be calculated.
From those readings, can also calculate forward and reverse power in Watts..
Primary trick on a Tandem Match is that the voltage and current are scaled such that if driving a 50 ohm load,
the sum of the two when out of phase is zero.??
The Bruene and Monimatch designs do about the same as a Tandem Match.??

This 1959 Bruene article is a classic, recommended:??
Here's a full analysis of the Tandem Match:??
Another tutorial on SWR meters:??
There are others.


An advantage of the Tandem Match is that the transformer ratios pretty much calibrate it
for both absolute power into 50 ohms, and SWR.?
Unlike the resistive bridges typical of qrp swr meters, a Tandem Match (or Bruene or Monimatch and friends)
can remain inline to monitor correct antenna functioning while operating the transmitter.

If you really want to explore antenna impedances to 440mhz and maybe do two port measurements,
check out?Kee's AQRP Vector Impedance Analyzer near the bottom of this webpage:
? ??
That one really does measure voltage and current into the antenna, along with the phase angle.
And can do much much more.

Jerry, KE7ER

?
On Mon, Jun 18, 2018 at 11:10 am, Arv Evans wrote:
Probably could use a diode rectifier and filter cap at the toroid location and run
DC to the front panel LED.? I have never tried that because radiated RF inside
the chassis has never been a problem.
Using a rectifier and filter cap could also let you measure RF current on an ADC
input of the Arduino.? Interesting thought that if you measure RF current and RF
voltage at the antenna jack it might be possible to calculate antenna impedance.?
Re: Nextion Display vs 1602 LCD - Current Consumption #ubitx

Jack Purdum
 

Most TFT color displays will run more current. Out 5" display runs as high as 0.7A.

Jack, W8TEE

On Monday, June 18, 2018, 2:51:26 PM EDT, Joe <joeman2116@...> wrote:


I have a 3.28 Enhanced version on my ubitx.

When I first installed it I noticed it ran warmer than with 4 line lcd display.

I have a heatsink on the raduino regulator so it was warm but not excessive.
However, with no display it was very cool.
Most of us agree it would be best to use 5v from another source like one of the small adjustable 5v 1amp units on ebay
Especially if your using the large display.


With the 5v regulator ebay module as source, the raduino regulator barely has any detectable heat.

Joe
VE1BWV


On Mon, Jun 18, 2018, 12:47 PM Michael Babineau <mbabineau.ve3wmb@...> wrote:
As it appears that the Nextion Display will be getting its +5V from the L7805CV regulator on the Raduino board, I started wondering
if this regulator is up to the task (it is rated at 1.5 A) and if so whether or not this might mean that adding a heatsink to the regulator
might now be a must (mine already runs pretty hot).?

First I took a peek at the datasheet for the existing 1602 Display. The VISHAY datasheet that I had previously downloaded shows that?
the Supply current (IDD) is only 3mA but it also lists LED forward current (IF) Array: 260mA Edge: 40mA (these are the Max values).
So I am assuming that this means that the worst case current draw for the existing uBITX display is 3mA + 260 mA + 40mA which would be 303 mA ??

If this assumption is correct then the average current would be around 152 mA for the existing 16x2 Display based on average numbers (1.2mA + 130mA + 20 mA).?

Looking at the specs for the Nextion 2.8 inch display () it claims that for a VCC of 5V and a Brightness of 100%? the?
typical current draw is 65mA !? This seems too good to be true.?

Unless I am missing something, this would mean using the Nextion would provide about 82mA current savings over the existing LCD display.??

Michael VE3WMB?
Re: Nextion Display vs 1602 LCD - Current Consumption #ubitx

 

I have a 3.28 Enhanced version on my ubitx.

When I first installed it I noticed it ran warmer than with 4 line lcd display.

I have a heatsink on the raduino regulator so it was warm but not excessive.
However, with no display it was very cool.
Most of us agree it would be best to use 5v from another source like one of the small adjustable 5v 1amp units on ebay
Especially if your using the large display.


With the 5v regulator ebay module as source, the raduino regulator barely has any detectable heat.

Joe
VE1BWV


On Mon, Jun 18, 2018, 12:47 PM Michael Babineau <mbabineau.ve3wmb@...> wrote:
As it appears that the Nextion Display will be getting its +5V from the L7805CV regulator on the Raduino board, I started wondering
if this regulator is up to the task (it is rated at 1.5 A) and if so whether or not this might mean that adding a heatsink to the regulator
might now be a must (mine already runs pretty hot).?

First I took a peek at the datasheet for the existing 1602 Display. The VISHAY datasheet that I had previously downloaded shows that?
the Supply current (IDD) is only 3mA but it also lists LED forward current (IF) Array: 260mA Edge: 40mA (these are the Max values).
So I am assuming that this means that the worst case current draw for the existing uBITX display is 3mA + 260 mA + 40mA which would be 303 mA ??

If this assumption is correct then the average current would be around 152 mA for the existing 16x2 Display based on average numbers (1.2mA + 130mA + 20 mA).?

Looking at the specs for the Nextion 2.8 inch display () it claims that for a VCC of 5V and a Brightness of 100%? the?
typical current draw is 65mA !? This seems too good to be true.?

Unless I am missing something, this would mean using the Nextion would provide about 82mA current savings over the existing LCD display.??

Michael VE3WMB?
LA4425a Audio power IC

R. E. Klaus
 

Curious if anyone has tried the LA4425a IC for replacement of the TDA2282. The LA4425a is used by Yaesu in some of their radios and needs only 3 external components, 2 of which are already in place in the uBITX and they are good up to 16 volts. They can be bought for a little over a dollar (U.S.) from UT Source and other internet dealers.
73, Roxie K1AUS
Re: Transmit indicator light.

 

I bet that someone? could come up with a circuit of a diode, capacitor and resistor to feed into the same analog pin as the s-meter in the modified software so you could see about how much power was going out.

Seems simple enough to me, but I do not have the coding skills to do that.


On Mon, Jun 18, 2018 at 2:10 PM, Arv Evans <arvid.evans@...> wrote:
Roy WA0YMH

Probably could use a diode rectifier and filter cap at the toroid location and run
DC to the front panel LED.? I have never tried that because radiated RF inside
the chassis has never been a problem.

Using a rectifier and filter cap could also let you measure RF current on an ADC
input of the Arduino.? Interesting thought that if you measure RF current and RF
voltage at the antenna jack it might be possible to calculate antenna impedance.

Arv? K7HKL
_._


On Mon, Jun 18, 2018 at 11:48 AM Roy Appleton <twelveoclockhigh@...> wrote:
The following is a question not a statement.

Typically the ant lead is at the back of a radio case and the LED indicator would be on the front panel. Wouldn't running the wires feeding the LED that distance cause a potential of rf radiation into the radio?

Roy
WA0YMH

On Mon, Jun 18, 2018, 10:47 AM Arv Evans <arvid.evans@...> wrote:

_._

On Mon, Jun 18, 2018 at 8:07 AM Praba Karan <vu3dxr@...> wrote:
Circuit diagram to enable this idea?..

On Sat, Apr 21, 2018, 3:51 AM Don, ND6T via Groups.Io <nd6t_6=[email protected]> wrote:
In my opinion, the very best LED transmit indicator was the one that Derry Spittle (VE7QK [SK]) used in his Epiphyte QRP SSB series. That was just a 470 ohm quarter watt resistor through a small toroid and attached to a panel-mounted LED at each leg. The lead to the antenna passed through next to that resistor. That was it! When RF went to the antenna, it lit. You could easily tell if you were speaking loudly enough into the microphone, etc. Fast response, little panel space, and EASY. 73, Don
Re: Transmit indicator light.

 

Roy WA0YMH

Probably could use a diode rectifier and filter cap at the toroid location and run
DC to the front panel LED.? I have never tried that because radiated RF inside
the chassis has never been a problem.

Using a rectifier and filter cap could also let you measure RF current on an ADC
input of the Arduino.? Interesting thought that if you measure RF current and RF
voltage at the antenna jack it might be possible to calculate antenna impedance.

Arv? K7HKL
_._


On Mon, Jun 18, 2018 at 11:48 AM Roy Appleton <twelveoclockhigh@...> wrote:
The following is a question not a statement.

Typically the ant lead is at the back of a radio case and the LED indicator would be on the front panel. Wouldn't running the wires feeding the LED that distance cause a potential of rf radiation into the radio?

Roy
WA0YMH

On Mon, Jun 18, 2018, 10:47 AM Arv Evans <arvid.evans@...> wrote:

_._

On Mon, Jun 18, 2018 at 8:07 AM Praba Karan <vu3dxr@...> wrote:
Circuit diagram to enable this idea?..

On Sat, Apr 21, 2018, 3:51 AM Don, ND6T via Groups.Io <nd6t_6=[email protected]> wrote:
In my opinion, the very best LED transmit indicator was the one that Derry Spittle (VE7QK [SK]) used in his Epiphyte QRP SSB series. That was just a 470 ohm quarter watt resistor through a small toroid and attached to a panel-mounted LED at each leg. The lead to the antenna passed through next to that resistor. That was it! When RF went to the antenna, it lit. You could easily tell if you were speaking loudly enough into the microphone, etc. Fast response, little panel space, and EASY. 73, Don
Re: VOM Advice?

Mark M
 

Thanks for all the input. I didn't expect to get so many replies! Looks like there are lots of alternatives out there. Now to chase them down & decide which way to go.

Thanks & 73...? ? ?Mark? ? AA7TA
Re: Transmit indicator light.

 

The following is a question not a statement.

Typically the ant lead is at the back of a radio case and the LED indicator would be on the front panel. Wouldn't running the wires feeding the LED that distance cause a potential of rf radiation into the radio?

Roy
WA0YMH

On Mon, Jun 18, 2018, 10:47 AM Arv Evans <arvid.evans@...> wrote:

_._

On Mon, Jun 18, 2018 at 8:07 AM Praba Karan <vu3dxr@...> wrote:
Circuit diagram to enable this idea?..

On Sat, Apr 21, 2018, 3:51 AM Don, ND6T via Groups.Io <nd6t_6=[email protected]> wrote:
In my opinion, the very best LED transmit indicator was the one that Derry Spittle (VE7QK [SK]) used in his Epiphyte QRP SSB series. That was just a 470 ohm quarter watt resistor through a small toroid and attached to a panel-mounted LED at each leg. The lead to the antenna passed through next to that resistor. That was it! When RF went to the antenna, it lit. You could easily tell if you were speaking loudly enough into the microphone, etc. Fast response, little panel space, and EASY. 73, Don
Re: Damage to uBITX from nearby QRO transmitter (no power out on TX) ? #ubitx

 

Jerry, thanks for the heads up on msg #37380. Somehow I missed that discussion late last year.?

I don't recall anyone postings about problems with Q90 on the uBITX and given the number of
"blown" Q13s in the BITX40, either people have become more cautious (unlikely), or as
Farhan suggests, the first diode ring mixer is offering enough protection.

As they say, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" !

Cheers

Michael VE3WMB?
Re: Low RX Audio #ubitx

 

Have a usb oscilloscope with built in dds. Will check today. Thanks for the idea.
Re: Damage to uBITX from nearby QRO transmitter (no power out on TX) ? #ubitx

 

The incandescent lamp is good because resistance of the filament increases by 10x as it heats up.
Here's an old thread on that:? ?/g/BITX20/message/31352

The back to back diodes on the uBitx may not be a good idea however,
as they could introduce spurs as stated in my previous post.

Jerry, KE7ER


On Mon, Jun 18, 2018 at 09:28 am, iz oos wrote:

You can put a very small lamp in series before the back to back diodes, to increase protection. Consider however that diodes would add some overload.

?
Re: Damage to uBITX from nearby QRO transmitter (no power out on TX) ? #ubitx

 

A fix was earlier suggested for this. let us check

Regards
MVS Sarma
?

On Mon, Jun 18, 2018 at 10:03 PM, Jerry Gaffke via Groups.Io <jgaffke@...> wrote:
Very few reports here of Q90 on the uBitx getting blown.
Q13 was getting fried quite often on the Bitx40.

Farhan figures that front end protection diodes will create lots of extra spurs,
and that the first diode ring mixer offers adequate protection.
? ??/g/BITX20/message/37380

Worth experimenting with.?

Jerry




On Mon, Jun 18, 2018 at 07:05 am, Michael Babineau wrote:
Has anyone reported damage to their uBITX (little or no power out on TX) caused by previously keying a QRO rig nearby ??

This was a common problem with the BITX40 as high voltages present on the antenna input during RX,
caused by transmitting with a QRO rig close by, was frying Q13.

The?solution was to put a pair of parallel 1N4148 diodes to ground (each with opposite orientation) at relay K1 PIN12.
This is well documented in message # 25062.?

Looking at the corresponding part of the uBITX (v3) schematic it looks virtually identical to the BITX40 except the transistor in question is labelled Q90.
It seems that there is the potential for the same issue as with the BITX40 to occur (unless I am missing something).?

The solution appears to be the same, a pair of parallel diodes (opposite orientation) from relay K1 PIN 12 to ground.?

Cheers

Michael VE3WMB?
64221 - 64240 of 116273