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Re: SHOULD BE REQUIRED MODS

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Hi Mike,

?

Well it sounds like you have a pretty good idea as to what your will be getting into with all of the issues that need to be address with the uBITX out of the box.

?

Last year I got a wild hair and decided to build my own 600 watt solid state linear amplifier with remote operation capabilities via my IC-7300. The PA itself is based on the Motorola EB-104 kit that CCI sells. I figured it would take 6 to 8 weeks over the winter months to put everything together and get it working. 7 months later (working on it every day) and a lot of hurtles overcome I got it on the air.

?

It has worked great and does everything that I designed it to do. Was it cheaper then buying a ALS-600? Not really but mine does more and in my option looks better.

?

Luckly, I have a well equipped electronics bench and sure did need the equipment especially a spectrum analyzer to tackle that project and see it through to completion.

?

Enjoy the journey

?

Ripley

?

Sent from for Windows 10

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From: mitchellmichaelh@...
Sent: Friday, December 14, 2018 11:12 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [BITX20] SHOULD BE REQUIRED MODS

?

My daughter wanted to do a go fund me but I could never allow that.
Of course all of you are right In the long run it is cheaper to get a used unit and a used ATU .

Thanks to all of you for your input.

?

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C210 and C216

 

Hi.
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I'm homebrewing a uBITX to go with the factory model, ultimately trying to add a few things Farhan has suggested. like the HYCAS IF strip.
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I am trying to breadboard the 45 MHz filter at the moment and have a couple of questions.
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The first is the value of C210 and C216 in the 45 MHz filter section. As I read the schematics on both V3 and V4 I only see a "0" for the capacitor value.? If anyone can tell me what that should be before I tear into my V3 and try to figure it out I'd be in your debt.
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Second, I bought a matched pair of the TMCF 45 MHz crystal filters from Ebay.? I breadboarded 1 by itself and it looked pretty good, but since I have the other is it worth trying to build from scratch with the 4 pole filter, and if so, has anyone seen an app sheet for that?? I can find the spec sheet but it doesn't show how the matched pair should be configured. I've seen a few other types of matched pairs that suggest for example that the filters should be in series, with the black dots connected, but nothing more than that.
?
Thanks for any clues or help.
?
Scott ka9p
Re: bitx40 displays version, hums, but does not receive #bitx40help #bitx40 #radiuno

 

There is no function button on the bitx40 unless you are using Allards software and have
added a function button.? Dave? kc2ipx

On Fri, Dec 14, 2018 at 11:21 AM Christopher <cmhobbs@...> wrote:
power on the radio while keeping the function button pressed

Pardon my ignorance but where exactly is the function button?? Are you referring to the reset button on the arduino nano itself?? The only button on my bitx40 (that I'm aware of) is the PTT switch.

Thanks for the responses!
cmh

Re: bitx40 displays version, hums, but does not receive #bitx40help #bitx40 #radiuno

 

Hi Christopher,

The function button is the pushbutton in the encoder - the control that is used for tuning and stepping through the menu.

73,

Bill KU8H

On 12/14/18 11:21 AM, Christopher wrote:
power on the radio while keeping the function button pressed
Pardon my ignorance but where exactly is the function button?? Are you referring to the reset button on the arduino nano itself?? The only button on my bitx40 (that I'm aware of) is the PTT switch.
Thanks for the responses!
cmh
--
bark less - wag more
Re: bitx40 displays version, hums, but does not receive #bitx40help #bitx40 #radiuno

Jack Purdum
 

On the Nano there's a small white button in the middle of its board, which is the reset button. Press that button and the code in flash memory restarts.

Inline image
It's marked RESET BUTTON in the image above.


Jack, W8TEE

On Friday, December 14, 2018, 11:21:38 AM EST, Christopher <cmhobbs@...> wrote:


power on the radio while keeping the function button pressed

Pardon my ignorance but where exactly is the function button?? Are you referring to the reset button on the arduino nano itself?? The only button on my bitx40 (that I'm aware of) is the PTT switch.

Thanks for the responses!
cmh

Re: PSK 31 not decoding

 

Another option is to use a web SDR receiver (e.g. from ) - just tune it to a PSK frequency (e.g. 7070 or 14070 USB) and then use that to test your decoder. I use?the macOS equivalent to virtual audio cables to hook up the browser to fldigi to decode digital modes.?This is also great to monitor your own signal.?

Karl Heinz - K5KHK


--
Karl Heinz - K5KHK
Re: PSK 31 not decoding

 

Ed,

Randy, K7AGE, has an audio PSK You Tube video that you could use just with your microphone. I've used it many times works good.

Randy
KG6WCA
Re: bitx40 displays version, hums, but does not receive #bitx40help #bitx40 #radiuno

Christopher
 

power on the radio while keeping the function button pressed

Pardon my ignorance but where exactly is the function button?? Are you referring to the reset button on the arduino nano itself?? The only button on my bitx40 (that I'm aware of) is the PTT switch.

Thanks for the responses!
cmh
Re: SHOULD BE REQUIRED MODS

[email protected]
 

My daughter wanted to do a go fund me but I could never allow that.
Of course all of you are right In the long run it is cheaper to get a used unit and a used ATU .

Thanks to all of you for your input.
Re: SHOULD BE REQUIRED MODS

[email protected]
 

I have to admit that I too am looking forward to the build challenge and indeed that was part of my rational for going the ubitx route. And I have to admit the fact it is qrp is also an attraction. The PA part is because I may just get bored not making many contacts.The fact that it is open source software is also an attraction.
I have about 150 dollars invested but I can add to the radio for a little dollar amount spread over time where as 400-800 all at once is impossible since I am on S.S. (saving that amount is impossible )
All of my antennas are down and will have to be redone (hurricane Michael) but I have all the materials to do that.
Re: SHOULD BE REQUIRED MODS

[email protected]
 

I actually sent the Icom off for repair it was sent back saying the cost of repairs exceed the value of the radio. Another $$$ wasted. I used to repair business, marine and CB radios for a living but I do not have the test gear to accomplish any repair other than "Poke and hope".
Re: SHOULD BE REQUIRED MODS

[email protected]
 

In my early days I bought a couple of transceivers used. Both were advertised as working perfectly. Neither worked at all. Ilost a lot of money buying used. I wont do it again.
Re: PSK 31 not decoding

 

Thanks for getting back to me.

I tried out your suggestion.? The PSK signals are? so weak because of band conditions.? My Ft450d won't even copy them.
?I am going to try to download a PSK audio signal if I can find? some on the Internet.

Thanks again

Ed ??
Re: SHOULD BE REQUIRED MODS

 

Sorry to hear of your calamity. If you are unable to fix your ICOM, you might see about getting it fixed professionally. I use a fellow named Scott Malcolm. He is extremely well versed on ICOM as that is about all he does. He is very reasonable on his fees as well. You might give him a look and maybe send him an email.?
http://mts-icom.wixsite.com/hamradiorepair
--
72 and God bless
KD4EPG
Re: SHOULD BE REQUIRED MODS

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Hello Mike,

?

I have similar plans for my uBITX but I am doing it for the challenge. Between the uBITX kit, the cost of the parts for the many mods that I have done, the 140 watt PA kit from Communication Concepts, and there LPF kits for 80 thru 10 meters my investment is bumping up against the $400.00 mark. Plus I¡¯m not done yet.

?

On the other hand I have a IC-751A sitting here, very clean, and in excellent working condition. It even has the internal power supply option. I have more radios then a place to put them so this 751A is looking for a new home. The price that I have on it is $450.00

?

Compared to the uBITX one would have to spend a lot more time and money to match the performance of this classic rig.

?

Ripley

?

?

Sent from for Windows 10

?

From: Bill Cromwell
Sent: Friday, December 14, 2018 8:15 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [BITX20] SHOULD BE REQUIRED MODS

?

Hi Mike,

?

I agree with others that you would get to your 100 watt HF radio goal

for a lot less money if you shop for a used, working HF rig. Obviously a

*new* Icom, Yaesu, Kenwood, Elecraft, etc radio is going to cost much more.

?

In the 80s, when two meter FM repeaters were heavily used I built a four

watt, xtal controlled, mobile transceiver and used it daily in my truck.

Some of the younger hams hearing "home made" translated that to "free"

or "cheap". By the time I bought just the xtals for 5 frequencies I had

spent more than the price of a good, used, 10 watt, programmable

transceiver and the overall cost of building the radio was higher than a

good, used, programmable fifty watt transceiver. I did not build that

radio for "cheap". I built it for the experience and the satisfaction. I

advised those other hams of the actual cost and none of them chose to

roll their own.

?

If your uBitx has not been damaged you might be able to recover most of

your money by selling it and then buy a radio that already gives you the

HF bands with CW and SSB and maybe AM and FM at 100 watts.

?

In my book "mods" are never *required*. Only repairs are required. I

have modded some radios only to add features that were not even

available when the those radios were made.

?

Have you tried to repair your Icom? What do you have to lose by trying?

?

73,

?

Bill? KU8H

?

On 12/13/18 7:30 PM, mitchellmichaelh@... wrote:

> Is there a single source list that describes mods necessary to make

> Ubitx version 4 FCC legal.

> Is there a single source listing of additional features that can be made

> for the ver 4 ubitx eg, AGC, color displays, running digital, SDR

> addition.,power leveling on all bands.etc.

>

> My final goal will be to add 100 W (or more) amp and want a stable rig

> before that happens.The reason I bought the radio is that I cannot

> afford to replace or repair my ICOM that took a lightning strike via

> telephone lines (also took out the PC, wireless modem ,dish network

> receiver. and auto tuner that was attached to the radio. The antennas

> were not connected when the strike occurred.

> thanks WM4MM

> Mike

>

?

--

bark less - wag more

?

?

?
Re: SHOULD BE REQUIRED MODS

 

Hi Mike,

I agree with others that you would get to your 100 watt HF radio goal for a lot less money if you shop for a used, working HF rig. Obviously a *new* Icom, Yaesu, Kenwood, Elecraft, etc radio is going to cost much more.

In the 80s, when two meter FM repeaters were heavily used I built a four watt, xtal controlled, mobile transceiver and used it daily in my truck. Some of the younger hams hearing "home made" translated that to "free" or "cheap". By the time I bought just the xtals for 5 frequencies I had spent more than the price of a good, used, 10 watt, programmable transceiver and the overall cost of building the radio was higher than a good, used, programmable fifty watt transceiver. I did not build that radio for "cheap". I built it for the experience and the satisfaction. I advised those other hams of the actual cost and none of them chose to roll their own.

If your uBitx has not been damaged you might be able to recover most of your money by selling it and then buy a radio that already gives you the HF bands with CW and SSB and maybe AM and FM at 100 watts.

In my book "mods" are never *required*. Only repairs are required. I have modded some radios only to add features that were not even available when the those radios were made.

Have you tried to repair your Icom? What do you have to lose by trying?

73,

Bill KU8H

On 12/13/18 7:30 PM, mitchellmichaelh@... wrote:
Is there a single source list that describes mods necessary to make Ubitx version 4 FCC legal.
Is there a single source listing of additional features that can be made for the ver 4 ubitx eg, AGC, color displays, running digital, SDR addition.,power leveling on all bands.etc.
My final goal will be to add 100 W (or more) amp and want a stable rig before that happens.The reason I bought the radio is that I cannot afford to replace or repair my ICOM that took a lightning strike via telephone lines (also took out the PC, wireless modem ,dish network receiver. and auto tuner that was attached to the radio. The antennas were not connected when the strike occurred.
thanks WM4MM
Mike
--
bark less - wag more
Re: Nextion 2.4" display,,, Neat

 

Sure copy and paste this:
New file uploaded to [email protected]

[email protected] Notification
 

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the [email protected] group.

File: TRANSCEIVER SSB EASY V4-1 1 ¨¤ 30 MHz Partie 1.pdf

Uploaded By: Bernard MOUROT

Description:

You can access this file at the URL:
/g/BITX20/files/EASY%20V4-1/TRANSCEIVER%20SSB%20EASY%20V4-1%201%20%C3%A0%2030%20MHz%20Partie%201.pdf

Cheers,
The Groups.io Team
Re: SHOULD BE REQUIRED MODS

 

Hi Mike, sorry to hear that. Usually one thinks to disconnect the AC and the antennas and forgets a strike may eventually come the telephone lines. I will keep that in mind too although I usually disconnect the entire station from everything.

Supposed you will be able to have a clean ubitx, you would need to make or buy a clean well filtered PA, and in both cases it will cost maybe 300 bucks or more unless you already have the toroids and other parts. I have purchased used rigs for less than that. Keep in mind that some argue that it will not be a good idea to use a PA with the ubitx unless you find a way to actually measure the spurs and harmonics on the whole RF spectrum and then you are certain the whole system is complaint.


Il 14/dic/2018 01:30, <mitchellmichaelh@...> ha scritto:
Is there a single source list that describes mods necessary to make Ubitx version 4 FCC legal.
Is there a single source listing of additional features that can be made for the ver 4 ubitx eg, AGC, color displays, running digital, SDR addition.,power leveling on all bands.etc.

My final goal will be to add 100 W (or more) amp and want a stable rig before that happens.The reason I bought the radio is that I cannot afford to replace or repair my ICOM that took a lightning strike via telephone lines (also took out the PC, wireless modem ,dish network receiver. and auto tuner that was attached to the radio. The antennas were not connected when the strike occurred.
thanks WM4MM
Mike

Re: SHOULD BE REQUIRED MODS

 

Mike

While there is no clear concensus on details, there seem to be 2 key elements. First, reducing leakage around the low pass filter relays. One method is adding a set of relays on a daughter board so the input and output of a filter does not pass through the same relay. Second, added rejection at the 45 MHz filter stage, such as adding a crystal stage. In my local club we are doing a group build, and currently have supplied the materials for these mods. We should have sound data on a reproducible fix that hopefully some merchant will kit.

The transmit chain isn't ideal but we don't see urgent need to repair it.

Other basic mods need not be elaborate. see nd6t agc circuits for example.

I also doubt this is a cheap path to an all band 50 to 100 watt rig, but perhaps a few band PA might he reasonable. I hope a reasonable HF rig opportunity comes your way.

Curt
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