Re: Strange drop in sensitivity on V6
#ubitxv6
On Fri, May 14, 2021 at 10:07 AM, Justin Bowser - KI5GKD wrote:
Evan - It is the board supplied by kit-projects based on the ND6T design.? Last evening I played with the AGC and verified that while listening to a QSO containing weak and strong if I turned off the AGC the "strong" signal blasted obnoxiously and the "weak" signal remained about the same.
Justin, I worked on a v6 for a friend and found that the S meter signal off of the ND6T design varied with fast and slow response settings, with no signal on-off.? I ultimately went to a separate feed off of the audio header with an LM358 amp, 2 resistors, and diode as KD8CEC built for the first one.? I used a perf board, 8 pin socket and a header soldered to the edge of the perf board.? Here is a picture of the prototype board: 
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All,
I am trying to upload the "reedbn" alternate firmware to my ubitx V6.
After downloading it from github, loading it into the Arduino IDE and successfully
compiling it, the upload fails with "stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding". Or it
just stops without displaying anything.
I believe I have the right serial port - the ubitx display redraws itself when the
upload attempt starts, or when I try the serial monitor.
Settings are "Board: Arduino Nano", "Processor: Atmega 328P( old bootloader )", "Programmer: AVR ISP".
Probably something simple...help? Thanks in advance,
- Jerry KF6VB
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On 2021-05-14 06:48, Robert DiPippo, k1wyc via groups.io wrote: How about doing what is as done in many Yaesu and Icom transceivers
put a 7808 in series with the 7805 that will set the voltage change at
4 volts then 3 volts which will make the regulators run cooler. Also
additional protection.
Thanks
Bob, k1wyc
On 5/14/21 8:26 AM, Rafael Pinto [PU1OWL] wrote:
Hi
I have a lot of regards about replacing the 7805 by a switching
module. If the 7805 is damaged, little or no output voltage would be
present, but if the active switch a switching module is damaged,
then the 12V would be connected straight to the 5V rail through the
inductor, potentially killing the raduino, and even a computer
connected to its USB port. Also, a step-down switching module
generates a lot of noise on the 12V rails in the RF range.
Remember: a step-down is constantly "shorting" the input, and a
step-up is constantly "shorting" the output. Unless you use a
coupled inductor ?uk design, there is no way to have no RF being
generated by a SMPS in one of its rails.
That said, on the other hand, the 7805 needs some kind of
protection, as pointed out by Gerard, and I believe it can be as
simple as a schottky diode.
Rafael - PU1OWL --
Connecting the classroom to the world via technology ??
Links:
------
[1] /g/BITX20/message/88320
[2] /mt/82803165/243852
[3] /g/BITX20/post
[4] /g/BITX20/editsub/243852
[5] /g/BITX20/leave/10189903/243852/952924773/xyzzy
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Re: Strange drop in sensitivity on V6
#ubitxv6
Ashhar -?Thanks for the suggestions, I will try them later today and report the results.? I hadn't considered the pot due to it's ability to vary the volume coupled with the lack of S-meter reading.
Evan - It is the board supplied by kit-projects based on the ND6T design.? Last evening I played with the AGC and verified that while listening to a QSO containing weak and strong if I turned off the AGC the "strong" signal blasted obnoxiously and the "weak" signal remained about the same.
73,
Justin B.
KI5GKD
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Re: Question about voltage regulator
How about doing what is as done in many Yaesu and Icom
transceivers put a 7808 in series with the 7805 that will set the
voltage change at 4 volts then 3 volts which will make the
regulators run cooler. Also additional protection.
Thanks
Bob, k1wyc
On 5/14/21 8:26 AM, Rafael Pinto
[PU1OWL] wrote:
Hi?
I have a lot of regards about replacing the 7805 by a switching
module. If the 7805 is damaged, little or no output voltage would
be present, but if the active switch a switching module is
damaged, then the 12V would be connected straight to the 5V rail
through the inductor, potentially killing the raduino, and even a
computer connected to its USB port. Also, a step-down switching
module generates a lot of noise on the 12V rails in the RF range.
Remember: a step-down is constantly "shorting" the input, and a
step-up is constantly "shorting" the output.?Unless you use a
coupled inductor???uk?design, there is no way to have no RF
being generated by a SMPS in one of its rails.
That said, on the other hand, the 7805 needs some kind of
protection, as pointed out by Gerard, and I believe it can be as
simple as a schottky diode.
Rafael - PU1OWL
--
Connecting the classroom to the world via technology ??
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Re: CNC encoder for ubitx
Thanks, Dennis...the pressure's on!! 
On Friday, May 14, 2021, 7:50:24 AM EDT, Dennis Zabawa <kg4rul@...> wrote:
Jack, your upcoming article was enough for me to go ahead subscribe to the digital edition of CQ.??
-- Jack, W8TEE
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Re: Question about voltage regulator
Hi?
I have a lot of regards about replacing the 7805 by a switching module. If the 7805 is damaged, little or no output voltage would be present, but if the active switch a switching module is damaged, then the 12V would be connected straight to the 5V rail through the inductor, potentially killing the raduino, and even a computer connected to its USB port. Also, a step-down switching module generates a lot of noise on the 12V rails in the RF range.
Remember: a step-down is constantly "shorting" the input, and a step-up is constantly "shorting" the output.?Unless you use a coupled inductor???uk?design, there is no way to have no RF being generated by a SMPS in one of its rails.
That said, on the other hand, the 7805 needs some kind of protection, as pointed out by Gerard, and I believe it can be as simple as a schottky diode.
Rafael - PU1OWL
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Re: Question about voltage regulator
Hi!
Based on assumptions on how many uBitX rigs that have been reprogrammed and how many of these that had their radiunos powered solely by USB 5v at the time, I'd say that as long as you don't try to transmit in this scenario You're fine. If this were to kill the 7805 we would surely heard about it by now.
If we could find a nice quiet DC/DC switching module, that would of course be a better option in terms of heat and current use. Maybe this could be used:?
Too bad it only comes in this package though... Den fre 14 maj 2021 kl 06:48 skrev Mark - N7EKU < n7eku@...>:
Hi,
If you read the datasheet for the regulator it's warned about there:
8.1.2 Raising the Output Voltage Above the Input Voltage? Because the output of the device does not sink current, forcing the output high can cause damage to internal low current paths... this diode, low current metal, and the regulator are destroyed.
I don't know how much current it can take, or how much current the rig would draw while connected, but a diode might not be a bad idea.? Just to be on the safe side.
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Re: CNC encoder for ubitx
Jack, your upcoming article was enough for me to go ahead subscribe to the digital edition of CQ.??
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Re: Strange drop in sensitivity on V6
#ubitxv6
On Thu, May 13, 2021, at 11:06 PM, Justin Bowser - KI5GKD wrote:
West Mountain Radio CLRdsp
Hi Justin, Can you provide a little more detail on the AGC used?? Also, what happens when you turn off the AGC? As to S readings, at best they are relative and very unique to any given radio.? There is not a true standard to "calibrate" to it.? There are tools in both the Nextion display and the Memory Manager software that do not require any other tools.? Here is a screenshot of the section of the ?BITX Memory Manager software.  You can use the "S Meter Assistant" to help in the setup.?  Note that the different "Samples" are different curves that the Assistant uses to set each of the 8 different S meter points.? To use it you find a clear frequency and press the Min Value Read from button, then find a strong signal and press the Max Value Read from button.? I then adjust the Max value to get what I think is correct based on another radio.? You can select the different Samples to get the curve you like.? I used the Sample3 setting. Do not forget to save your settings using the Memory Manager before and after each adjustment.? I always save what is in the radio first, adjust the settings, save the new settings to a new file, and then try them out. In case you do not have the Memory Manager SW it is here: Have fun in the Low Noise environment, I am jealous :-) 73 Evan AC9TU
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Re: Replacement for the original Raduino?
Look like he referred about early version of SMD bitx40 with analog VFO.?
On Fri 14 May, 2021, 9:15 AM Support HF Signal, < support@...> wrote: Hello Eric,
Could you please let us know the payment details for the order that was placed with us. As of now we dont have any pending orders and the delivery schedules are within a week.
However have you written to us that the Raduino was needed for a Bitx 40? Sometimes when the version is not stated then there is a chance the dispatch team would have withheld the dispatch and then written to you asking for clarification pertaining to the version for which the raduino is required.
Meanwhile we shall definitely?look into this and get back to you as soon as possible. Kindly do drop us a mail at support@... and we shall gladly assist you from there.
Sorry for the inconvenience this may have caused.
Thanks and Regards,
Thomas
HI All,
When I got my Bitx40 a few years ago, it did not come with the raduino. Tried to buy one from HFSignals, but nothing delivered since February. Does anybody else make a replacement or clone?
Thank you,
Eric / ke6mlf
--
--
Support@...
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Re: Strange drop in sensitivity on V6
#ubitxv6
If you can make contacts, the. Digital board, the RF coils and crystal filter etc are all working perfectly. I would think the volume control is busted. What happens if you touch the detector diode with a screw driver. It should be an uncomfortably loud sound. If not, check around the audio preamp. Next touch pin 2 of the LM386. Loud noise? - f
Hey all!
I am having a rather strange drop in sensitivity on my V6 after carrying it up to the cabin.? The unit was well padded in a cardboard box riding in the cab of the truck so it wasn't bounced around a lot.? After hooking it up I noted that the background noise was all but gone and there was no reading on the S-meter.? When a very strong signal was received I would get an S2-S3 reading and I am having to turn up the volume control much higher.? I compared some signal levels against my Yaesu FT-707 and today the background noise on 40M was at S9 and 0 on the BITX S-meter (from the AGC board) using the Nextion with Ian's 1.2 firmware.? I also compared some signals that were about S7 on the BITX and they measured +20 on the Yaesu.? Radios are using the same antenna with a switch so I can immediately switch and compare signal levels.? I feel the AGC board is still working since a very strong signal would be overwhelming if switched off.
I am up here in the middle of nowhere with only an antique 30 MHz analog scope and a meter so I'm looking for suggestions as to where to look or if I should just re-calibrate the S-meter.? I have removed the cover and checked for anything that might have jarred loose during the trip and lightly flexed the PCB and found nothing. I can still make contacts and carry on QSOs but the "quietness" disturbs me...? I have bought a used West Mountain Radio CLRdsp (should be here Monday) in my quest to kill/fight the "birdies" produced by my solar charge controllers and it also contains an amplifier so that will get my volume back up but it is more of a band-aid.
73,
Justin B.
KI5GKD
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Re: Question about voltage regulator
Hi,
If you read the datasheet for the regulator it's warned about there:
8.1.2 Raising the Output Voltage Above the Input Voltage? Because the output of the device does not sink current, forcing the output high can cause damage to internal low current paths... this diode, low current metal, and the regulator are destroyed.
I don't know how much current it can take, or how much current the rig would draw while connected, but a diode might not be a bad idea.? Just to be on the safe side.
73.
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Strange drop in sensitivity on V6
#ubitxv6
Hey all!
I am having a rather strange drop in sensitivity on my V6 after carrying it up to the cabin.? The unit was well padded in a cardboard box riding in the cab of the truck so it wasn't bounced around a lot.? After hooking it up I noted that the background noise was all but gone and there was no reading on the S-meter.? When a very strong signal was received I would get an S2-S3 reading and I am having to turn up the volume control much higher.? I compared some signal levels against my Yaesu FT-707 and today the background noise on 40M was at S9 and 0 on the BITX S-meter (from the AGC board) using the Nextion with Ian's 1.2 firmware.? I also compared some signals that were about S7 on the BITX and they measured +20 on the Yaesu.? Radios are using the same antenna with a switch so I can immediately switch and compare signal levels.? I feel the AGC board is still working since a very strong signal would be overwhelming if switched off.
I am up here in the middle of nowhere with only an antique 30 MHz analog scope and a meter so I'm looking for suggestions as to where to look or if I should just re-calibrate the S-meter.? I have removed the cover and checked for anything that might have jarred loose during the trip and lightly flexed the PCB and found nothing. I can still make contacts and carry on QSOs but the "quietness" disturbs me...? I have bought a used West Mountain Radio CLRdsp (should be here Monday) in my quest to kill/fight the "birdies" produced by my solar charge controllers and it also contains an amplifier so that will get my volume back up but it is more of a band-aid.
73,
Justin B.
KI5GKD
|
Re: Replacement for the original Raduino?
Hello Eric,
Could you please let us know the payment details for the order that was placed with us. As of now we dont have any pending orders and the delivery schedules are within a week.
However have you written to us that the Raduino was needed for a Bitx 40? Sometimes when the version is not stated then there is a chance the dispatch team would have withheld the dispatch and then written to you asking for clarification pertaining to the version for which the raduino is required.
Meanwhile we shall definitely?look into this and get back to you as soon as possible. Kindly do drop us a mail at support@... and we shall gladly assist you from there.
Sorry for the inconvenience this may have caused.
Thanks and Regards,
Thomas
HI All,
When I got my Bitx40 a few years ago, it did not come with the raduino. Tried to buy one from HFSignals, but nothing delivered since February. Does anybody else make a replacement or clone?
Thank you,
Eric / ke6mlf
--
--
Support@...
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Scott,
Take it from PIN 1 of relay K1 and PIN 3 is RX (12v)
Raj
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At 14/05/2021, you wrote: Is there a simple location to grab +5 to +12V when the uBITX (v.6) enters transmit mode? I saw a method from N6QW but was hoping for something simpler.
Thanks!
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Re: CNC encoder for ubitx
All:
I have an article coming out in (I think) the June issue of CQ that talks a little bit about software. The article is an experiment to see if there is any interest in a quarterly column about software "stuff". There will be an email address at the end of that article where readers can write in and say Yay (I'd like to see more) or Nay (I've seen enough). Rich will take a look at the responses and decide if a column is a good idea. You already know how I feel about it. This encoder thing would be the type of theme for a column. Generally, each column would state a problem (How can I control 16 switches with 1 I/O pin?) and then the article would discuss one solution to it. (There is no such thing as "THE" answer in software, as it's always likely that someone can provide a better answer.)
I know some of you will be interested, but I also know that some of you would rather watch something rust. My goal is to help those who are interested and trick those who don't yet know their interested into giving it a try. After all, you can get started for less than your morning latte, but you may find an exciting new aspect of this hobby we all enjoy so much.
Regardless of the outcome, I sure appreciate Rich at least giving the idea a try.
Jack, W8TEE
On Thursday, May 13, 2021, 7:35:18 PM EDT, barry halterman <kthreebo@...> wrote:
Good information, if you know programming. I am just a dabbler and have limited skills in this area. Although, thanks for the info. Barry
On Thu, May 13, 2021, 12:06 PM Dennis Zabawa < kg4rul@...> wrote: This was just an example to show that the 100PPR encoders can be made to work.? Anyone who cares to can feel free to incorporate Jack's suggestion and make the code into a library.
--
Jack, W8TEE
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Replacement for the original Raduino?
HI All,
When I got my Bitx40 a few years ago, it did not come with the raduino. Tried to buy one from HFSignals, but nothing delivered since February. Does anybody else make a replacement or clone?
Thank you,
Eric / ke6mlf
|
Re: uBITX V6 Specifications.
Evan: I think I will definitely use a heatsink for the 7805. Thank you for your help, once again. Jerry,
The display I¡¯m using uses (about) 500ma. The 7805 that I'm using can handle 1a. My thought for using the resistors is to bring down the voltage to 8v and to help dissipate the heat from the 7805.?
I¡¯m new to electronics so i¡¯m confused about you answer. Aren¡¯t the purpose of resistors to increase the resistance and thus drop the voltage? I don't understand The purpose of using diodes, in this circuit. Doesn't each diode drop the voltage by ?0.7v? If I used 6 or or 7 diodes, wouldn¡¯t that drop the voltage from 4.2v - 4.9v? Wouldn't it be better to use the resistors to also help to dissipate the heat. As I said, i¡¯m new to electronics so any time I can learn something new i¡¯m all for it. Can you explain you train of thought for me.
Thanks, 73 Robert, AG6LK
?
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Re: CNC encoder for ubitx
Good information, if you know programming. I am just a dabbler and have limited skills in this area. Although, thanks for the info. Barry
On Thu, May 13, 2021, 12:06 PM Dennis Zabawa < kg4rul@...> wrote: This was just an example to show that the 100PPR encoders can be made to work.? Anyone who cares to can feel free to incorporate Jack's suggestion and make the code into a library.
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Is there a simple location to grab +5 to +12V when the uBITX (v.6) enters transmit mode?? ? ?I saw a? method from?N6QW but was hoping for something simpler.
Thanks!
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Rafael Pinto [PU1OWL]
Raj vu2zap
Eric Oberg