Thanks, yes I did use the 4k7 resistor on the Tx rx mod.? I will troubleshoot the nano a little more tonight.? If I just power it on with USB - What would normally be on the display?? I assume if nothing or it misbehaves, then it is for sure the nano.? i did try another LCD that I had with an old arduino Kit.? Same exact behavior also, no receiving so I was sure it wasnt just the LCD. Thanks for the link - I ordered a nano without pins attached from Amazon.? It is a shame I have 2 nano's at home with the traditional pin arrangement.? THANK YOU!!!!? What about the straight Keyer connected to the Nano with a 1k resistor and the other wire to main ground?? Could that have done something?
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When powering the Raduino from a USB port, that right side MC7805CT pin should be whatever
the USB port is giving it, likely a quarter volt below 5v due to a protection diode on the Nano.
When powering the Raduino from the main Bitx40 (or uBitx) board, we have 12v going?
into the left side pin of the MC7805CT, and if that voltage regulator is doing its job
then the right side pin will again be around 5v, but this time the power is not from the USB port.
If you plug a powered USB cable into the Raduino while the Raduino is wired up?
to an unpowered BItx40 (or uBitx), the MC7805CT will allow some of that USB power
through to the radio, enough to allow the receiver to sort of work.?
Hasn't created a problem yet, though the load on that USB power source can be significant.
Especially if the rig then tries to transmit for some reason.
A 1n400* series diode (1n4007 or similar) in series with the 12v lead from the Bitx40/uBitx into the Raduino
would prevent this back-current when the Raduino's power is supplied from a USB port.
Such a diode would also protect the Raduino in the event that the 12v power supply is reversed,
and reduce the amount of power (slightly) that the MC7805CT must dissipate.? All good things.
I would mount that new diode on the Raduino board itself, after cutting the obvious trace?
between P3 pin 16 (on the end) and the MC7805CT pin 1 (on the left side).
Jerry, KE7ER
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On Wed, Apr 3, 2019 at 11:23 AM, Jerry Gaffke wrote:
Use the red lead of the voltmeter to measure the voltage of the right most pin
when holding the board such that "MC7805CT" is rightside up.? Should be around 5 volts.
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Re: I am a bitx addict.with a new toy.
Good for you Sir
I like the kind words about the Ubitx
73 and have fun
KB1HKO
Laurence
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On Wed, Apr 3, 2019 at 2:21 PM d balfour <davesters@...> wrote:
I have my 5th BITX radio.
Got it used like 3 others have been. And broken like two others have been.
This one was pre assembled but the owner was not able to make it work. Turns out the aftermaket volume control had a bad wiper in it. He did a beautiful job soldering in all new Axicom relays and SMD L5 and L7 replacements. Has a 3.5" Nextion display. For some reason he put on isolated but very small heatsinks and replaced the 2822 chip with an adapted SMD version. I am going to put in the original 2822 as this one is a bit microphonic. I also got some extra Axicom relays.
Today ordered this case.
One of my other radios has a blue and white Indian case but I never knew exactly where it came from.and want a case sooner than from India.
You don't need a picture of the radio as they all look alike but this one is mine.
I swear that if one of my ham friends says you could sell that gaggle of toys and buy a real radio I will strangle him!
73
Dave
k0mbt
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Brian,
Allard's suggested wiring for the TX-RX wiring looks pretty safe:
It provides a way for the D7 pin from the Nano (mounted on the Raduino board)?
to energize a relay coil.? Since D7 is isolated from everything else by a 4.7k resistor,
even if that NPN transistor was destroyed to where 12v was shorted to the transistor base,
the worst that the Nano would see is 12v/4.7k = 2.5ma, which the IO cell protection diodes
inside the processor should be able to easily handle.
You did at least have the 4.7k resistor wired up correctly, right?
I suspect the dead Nano is unrelated to the TX-RX mod.?
On a properly working Raduino (with the LCD display and Nano processor plugged into it),
just plugging the Raduino's USB port into a USB power supply (or a host computer USB port)
should power up the Raduino and put something on the display.? No other cables required,
no need to connect anything from Raduino to the main Bitx40 board
So I would debug this problem without the main Bitx40 board present.?
>? No display on LCD (Does light when PTT is pressed),?
This is weird.?
The LCD should be lit and show characters on the display whether or not PTT is pressed.
I suggest you use a voltmeter if you have one to look for 5v coming out of the
big MC7805CT three?pin voltage regulator hanging off the side of the Raduino.
The holes in each corner are a safe ground to attach the black lead of the voltmeter.
Use the red lead of the voltmeter to measure the voltage of the right most pin
when holding the board such that "MC7805CT" is rightside up.? Should be around 5 volts.
Also curious that you can load firmware into the Nano, but the LCD display does not work.
It does seem that the Nano is mostly working.
If you get a new Nano, be sure to buy one that does not have the header pins already soldered in place.
The Raduino needs to have those pins soldered to the other side of the Nano than normal people have it.
Here's a possible source:
? ??? ??
A cheap voltmeter can be had at Harbor Freight if you don't already have one.
Sometimes free with a purchase of something else, often a dollar or two on sale,
regular price of maybe $5.
If you get stumped, perhaps find a local amateur radio club.? Bring your meter and Bitx40 schematic,
see if somebody there can be interested in looking the Raduino over with you.??
Jerry, KE7ER
?
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On Wed, Apr 3, 2019 at 09:01 AM, <hockeydad42@...> wrote:
Thanks for the reply Jerry!! I do not have a scope or really the in depth knowledge to use one.? I did try to upload the firmware back to the raduino and that was successful.I guess there is no harm in me trying to replace the arduino, I don't think I can break it any more than it already is.? I just wish I knew exactly what I did to cause the issue so I dont do it again.? would wiring the TX RX without the button have caused the problem?? I re wired that part with the button - Currently I have the black and brown wire from the PTT jack on the board going to the switch, then I have a black and brown wiring going to the outside pins of the transistor, the middle wire goes to a 4k7 resistor and to the raduino pin.? ?I was pretty happy that I pulled of the build without destorying it until the last step so I dont want to destroy another one LOL
|
I am a bitx addict.with a new toy.
I have my 5th BITX radio.
Got it used like 3 others have been. And broken like two others have been.
This one was pre assembled but the owner was not able to make it work. Turns out the aftermaket volume control had a bad wiper in it. He did a beautiful job soldering in all new Axicom relays and SMD L5 and L7 replacements. Has a 3.5" Nextion display. For some reason he put on isolated but very small heatsinks and replaced the 2822 chip with an adapted SMD version. I am going to put in the original 2822 as this one is a bit microphonic. I also got some extra Axicom relays.
Today ordered this case.
One of my other radios has a blue and white Indian case but I never knew exactly where it came from.and want a case sooner than from India.
You don't need a picture of the radio as they all look alike but this one is mine.
I swear that if one of my ham friends says you could sell that gaggle of toys and buy a real radio I will strangle him!
73
Dave
k0mbt
|
Re: New Arrivals Universal Case for uBitx- Nextion
Sure¡ except many of them say ¡°SOLD OUT¡± and have been that way for quite a while.? You might consider creating a pre-order list for those that want those ut of stock¡ so that you can judge the number you really need to make¡ ? ?
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From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Sunil Lakhani
Sent: Wednesday, April 3, 2019 10:26 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [BITX20] New Arrivals Universal Case for uBitx- Nextion ? We have been providing the uBitx case for Nextion 2.4 Inch And 2.8 Displays as well as 3.5 Inch And 5 Inch Displays Case.
New arrivals are for 3.2 Inch Nextion Display and 4.3 Inch Display colors Texture Black, Light Green with Black faceplates. And Blue and White.
3.2 Inch Nextion Display and 4.3 Inch Display case are not listed on our website as yet due to clearing of back log orders.
If any one requires the case not listed can email us.
Hope friends who purchased the 3.5 Inch And 5 Inch Display case have had a good experience building uBitx in our case.
Thanks to all and best regards
Sunil vu3sua -- ¡_. _._
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Re: Broke it like only a newbie can - Calibration problems
I had a problem like this. With alot of help it was the software manager has to be the latest and? software in the adrieno has to be the latest version. I am not sure with the better display how that would work but I think the :hip software? was Bata testing. Good luck and 73 john KG4VHV E Tenebris Lux
no act of kindness is ever wasted
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Re: Broke it like only a newbie can - Calibration problems
Thanks Ron, I will give it a shot when I get home. I also didn't do the CECv1.122 properly so I am working on fixing that. Actually I am enjoying this a lot. A month ago I knew absolutely nothing about any of this but now, well, I know a little bit. I bought this to learn on and I have definitely been doing that. I have used a Mac for 10 years and it seems like almost everything to do with these radios needs windows os so I have that bit of a curve ball as well. Thanks again for the reply. I will let you know if it works.
Bill
KE8EYM
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Thanks for the reply Jerry!! I do not have a scope or really the in depth knowledge to use one.? I did try to upload the firmware back to the raduino and that was successful.I guess there is no harm in me trying to replace the arduino, I don't think I can break it any more than it already is.? I just wish I knew exactly what I did to cause the issue so I dont do it again.? would wiring the TX RX without the button have caused the problem?? I re wired that part with the button - Currently I have the black and brown wire from the PTT jack on the board going to the switch, then I have a black and brown wiring going to the outside pins of the transistor, the middle wire goes to a 4k7 resistor and to the raduino pin.? ?I was pretty happy that I pulled of the build without destorying it until the last step so I dont want to destroy another one LOL
Brian
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Re: Broke it like only a newbie can - Calibration problems
and lastly -- sorry to not get this all into one message, hopefully it makes sense -- my BFO setting is 11.055.500.? The boards may vary some in production but if you put my numbers in for your master cal and BFO you should start hearing something, it should be close.
--Ron
K0EIA
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Re: Broke it like only a newbie can - Calibration problems
Aha, I missed that you already have the uBitx manager.? It really simplifies your calibration work.? You can put in a number like 131630 for master calibration and that should get you close (that's what my master calibration is set at).
--Ron
K0EIA
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Re: Broke it like only a newbie can - Calibration problems
Welcome to the world of fixing your own radio!? I had a very similar problem when I first loaded the CEC v1.122, I was confused by the calibration and BFO settings.? You probably lost your calibration when you loaded the new CEC firmware, so you need to recalibrate, and the calibration method is not the same as the stock firmware.??
Likewise your firmware load lost your BFO setting.? I also was confused by the default BFO setting of 11.997.000 in the CEC firmware.? That's just a default number, and it belongs with the older crystal filter (which was 12MHz).? Your v5 has the 11.059MHz crystals -- you can verify this by looking at the number on the cans, the ladder filter is the line of little oval shiny stainless steel crystals.? Put your 11.053.400 number in for BFO.
Good luck!
--Ron
K0EIA
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Brian,
I'd guess the Arduino Nano died.
Can you still upload new firmware to the Nano?
The good news is that they cost as little as 3 dollars, and are socketed on the Raduino to be easily replaced (since mid 2018).
Do you have a scope?
You might check to see if CLK2 into the DDS1 connector has a proper VFO signal, should be around 4.8mhz.
Alternately, listen for a 4.8mhz carrier on a nearby shortwave receiver.
(Could be off by a couple hundred khz, depends on the operating freq saved to EEPROM.)
If the 4.8mhz VFO is there, then the Nano is at least doing something.
The wiring harnesses on the Bitx40 have a bunch of wires flying around loose.
Some of those wires are quite dangerous, such as the loose wire from the Raduino that has 12v on it.
If the end of such a wire touches the wrong thing, it can destroy the Nano (or something else).
Best to either tape over the ends of those wires, or remove the wire from the connector
by pressing the retaining clip at the connector with a sharp tool while tugging lightly at the wire.
The Nano clones being so cheap, some simply fail due to poor quality control.
For example, some of the Nano's work, but draw 10x the supply current that they should.?
For a while.
The wiring instructions and diagrams that Allard provides
? ??
are pretty good.? I don't think I could describe that wiring any better.
Jerry, KE7ER
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On Wed, Apr 3, 2019 at 08:03 AM, <hockeydad42@...> wrote:
Something happened when adding RX-TX or the straight key and my radio no longer receives.? If I press the PTT button, it sounds like it is transmitting so my uneducated guess is that the Raduino is broken.? No display on LCD (Does light when PTT is pressed), no? tuning clicks no receive audio other than a hiss.?
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Re: Broke it like only a newbie can - Calibration problems
I gave that a try and it doesn't give me the option to reset it. It opens up with the "Set Tune Step" menu.
|
Hi Adrian
Delivery to Estonia $15. Payment with Paypal
Gilles F1BFU /FR
Hi, Do you have an estimate of delivery to Estonia? Adrian
Hello
UHF Connectors.
Gilles F1BFU /FR
Yes, interested, BNC or UHF connectors?
Adrian
For ale a Antenna?tuner QRP ZM-2 ATU EMTEC bought October 2018. Little served. 90 dollards. Preferably Europe.
F1BFU /FR
--
Adrian Blake, VK2ALF 101 Mulach St Cooma, NSW, 2630 Australia Mobile +61 407232978
P?rna tn 3 Otep?? Valga Estonia Mobile +372 51971441
--
Adrian
VK2ALF
Cooma, Australia & Otep??, Estonia
--
Adrian Blake, VK2ALF 101 Mulach St Cooma, NSW, 2630 Australia Mobile +61 407232978
P?rna tn 3 Otep?? Valga Estonia Mobile +372 51971441
--
Adrian
VK2ALF
Cooma, Australia & Otep??, Estonia
|
Hi, Do you have an estimate of delivery to Estonia? Adrian
Hello
UHF Connectors.
Gilles F1BFU /FR
Yes, interested, BNC or UHF connectors?
Adrian
For ale a Antenna?tuner QRP ZM-2 ATU EMTEC bought October 2018. Little served. 90 dollards. Preferably Europe.
F1BFU /FR
--
Adrian Blake, VK2ALF 101 Mulach St Cooma, NSW, 2630 Australia Mobile +61 407232978
P?rna tn 3 Otep?? Valga Estonia Mobile +372 51971441
--
Adrian
VK2ALF
Cooma, Australia & Otep??, Estonia
-- Adrian Blake, VK2ALF 101 Mulach St Cooma, NSW, 2630 Australia Mobile +61 407232978
P?rna tn 3 Otep?? Valga Estonia Mobile +372 51971441
--
Adrian
VK2ALF
Cooma, Australia & Otep??, Estonia
|
New Arrivals Universal Case for uBitx- Nextion
We have been providing the uBitx case for Nextion 2.4 Inch And 2.8 Displays as well as 3.5 Inch And 5 Inch Displays Case.
New arrivals are for 3.2 Inch Nextion Display and 4.3 Inch Display colors Texture Black, Light Green with Black faceplates. And Blue and White.
3.2 Inch Nextion Display and 4.3 Inch Display case are not listed on our website as yet due to clearing of back log orders.
If any one requires the case not listed can email us.
Hope friends who purchased the 3.5 Inch And 5 Inch Display case have had a good experience building uBitx in our case.
Thanks to all and best regards
Sunil vu3sua
|
Re: Broke it like only a newbie can - Calibration problems
press the encoder and hold it pressed, Power on,
choose factory defaults
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On Wed, Apr 3, 2019 at 11:14 AM Wiley1 <whoward962@...> wrote:
I am a complete newbie so it was only a matter of time before I broke something good. I have a V5 uBitx running CEC 1.22 software with a 3.5" Nextion screen. I had everything working fairly well. I heard a CQ from Norway last weekend and I am in Michigan. Anyway I kept trying to tune it a little better. The next time I turned the radio on I was way out of adjustment. I cannot get it to tune back in. I downloaded the CEC1.22 and now my BFO reads 11.997.000. when everything was working it was at 11.053.400. Better late than never I am now using uBitx manager and when I read from the radio it shows the BFO as 11.053.400. Is there a way to work out of this? I do have the uBitx file if it helps.
Thanks
KE8EYM
|
Hello
UHF Connectors.
Gilles F1BFU /FR
Yes, interested, BNC or UHF connectors?
Adrian
For ale a Antenna?tuner QRP ZM-2 ATU EMTEC bought October 2018. Little served. 90 dollards. Preferably Europe.
F1BFU /FR
--
Adrian Blake, VK2ALF 101 Mulach St Cooma, NSW, 2630 Australia Mobile +61 407232978
P?rna tn 3 Otep?? Valga Estonia Mobile +372 51971441
--
Adrian
VK2ALF
Cooma, Australia & Otep??, Estonia
|
Yes, interested, BNC or UHF connectors?
Adrian
For ale a Antenna?tuner QRP ZM-2 ATU EMTEC bought October 2018. Little served. 90 dollards. Preferably Europe.
F1BFU /FR
-- Adrian Blake, VK2ALF 101 Mulach St Cooma, NSW, 2630 Australia Mobile +61 407232978
P?rna tn 3 Otep?? Valga Estonia Mobile +372 51971441
--
Adrian
VK2ALF
Cooma, Australia & Otep??, Estonia
|
_Dave_ AD0B
MadRadioModder
Adrian
Sunil Lakhani