Re: #sbitx - an ugprade kit is on the way
#sBitx
I was eyeballing an upgrade myself just for the increased energy efficiency, but I will be happy to get the kit with a buck converter selected for compatibility - Finding one that doesn't produce noise in the receiver would be trial and error for me otherwise!
The sBitx is shaping up to be a great portable radio after this upgrade, sounds like rx current should be competitive with the Yaesu FT817 but with all the advantages of a pi-powered SDR and built in digital modes!
|
On Mon, Aug 15, 2022, at 10:24 PM, John wrote:
So I can see that I like the? Nextion display. I have many questions that I am sure have been addressed before.
1. Which? Nextion display should I purchase? There are so many options and features.
2. In the search for software I see listed for versions 3,4,5? but not ver 6.
I can guess that all these questions have been discussed before, just point me to the message number.
3. what version of KD8CEC software should I select?
John
Hi John, 1 - Many modders have used the Basic and Enhanced series in past builds.? I am not familiar with the other models available now that were not back when I was playing with them.? The best option, in my opinion, is the Enhanced series, though that will depend on what size and files match your purchases that you can find for the screen. 2 - Version 5 and v6 are the same as far as the RF and Nano program goes.? The significant change from v4 to v5 was the SSB filter changing from 12MHz to 11.059MHz that was kept in the v6.? The stock firmware did change calibration methods for the v5.? This was not copied in the KD8CEC firmware or the v6. 3 - The current KD8CEC firmware is 1.2 and is available here: The matching PC Memory Management program is here: There are instructions for moding a v6 with the case here: There are other sources for the v6 2.8" Nextion mod on the web. I would suggest you read the thread that contains a message from me: /g/BITX20/message/89893Several options do not require any hardware outlay, depending on what you want to do.? I have changed my opinion on the first step to take since that message.? I used the N8ME software update to the stock Nano and display and found it does most of what Hams want without adding cost.? The files to do that are on this server: /g/BITX20/files/uBITX_6_N8ME_2_VU3GAO_Mods.zipI have a v4 and v5 that have the Nextion screens, which look and perform well.? I have not added the Nextion screen to any of my 3 v6.? Two have the N8ME with mods software, and the other has a Teensy Raduino that uses the stock display. I have since moved on to the sBitx, so I no longer use any of the 6 uBitx I own. 73 Evan AC9TU
|
So I can see that I like the? Nextion display. I have many questions that I am sure have been addressed before.
1. Which? Nextion display should I purchase? There are so many options and features.
2. In the search for software I see listed for versions 3,4,5? but not ver 6.
I can guess that all these questions have been discussed before, just point me to the message number.
3. what version of KD8CEC software should I select?
John
|
Re: Adding additional digital modes to the sBitx
0. In sdr.h add a #define MY_MODE, bump up MAX_MODE by 1.
1. In sbitx_gtk.c, locate main_controls[], add the mode name to the r1:mode control as a short string.
2. mode_id(char *mode_str), add an entry to map the #define of step 0 to the short string in step 1.
Now, if you compile, the new mode should appear in the UI with no implementation. Next, we go to modems.c
The conceptually, in rx, you get the stream of audio to demodulate in the function modem_rx(). You will get a block of samples. Depending upon your mode, you branch off, do your processing and when you are ready with any text, you send it to the console by calling write_console().
When in transmit mode (lets say you pressed ctrl-t start txing), you poll to see how many characters are in the user text input buffer by polling get_tx_data_length() and generate the audio samples in a buffer. You do this polling in modem_poll().
The generated tx samples are returned in successive called to modem_next_sample(). We dont do polling of user text from inside the? modem_next_sample() as it is called from the the main signal processing loop. We poll from modem_poll() instead that is called about 10 times a second.
Hello everyone,
My sBitx just arrived today, SN 44, and if course I tore it open like a kid on Christmas!? I already made a contact from inside my apartment with a mag loop - No mean feat here with the QRM levels inside the apartment, so the radio gods must be smiling upon me, at least for now!
I participate in some digital nets using digital modes the sBitx does not natively support (Contestia and MFSK to be precise).? I would like to add them to the list of modes selectable with the dial.
I poked around in the modems.c and sBitx.c files with my rudimentary coding knowledge, but it appears adding an additional mode to the available options is a non-trivial task.
Can anyone offer some guidance on how thos might be done?
Thanks,
-N1EDC
|
|
|
Re: DAYLIGHT RADIO - PLASTIC TOROID MASTER
David, The inside of the toroid should be hollow and it not hollow it should have as little in-fill as possible. This is the key to high performance 3D printed toroids. PLA or ABS are lossy and they can lead to lossy filters. - f
would not a simple tubing do the same?? .. the "shielding" of a
coil wound on a ferrite core comes from the core material ... so i
guess a normal pastic tubing will work equally well if not better
(fewer loss cause fewer plastic inside the coil)
so ... what is the reason to print plastic toroids??
dg9bfc sigi
Am 15.08.2022 um 23:50 schrieb David R.
Hassall WA5DJJ:
Dear group,
I asked a friend of mine to build a master toroid stl file that
we can put in our 3D printer software and come up with the
plastic toroids almost any size we want.?? The Master was built
on the basic size of 1 inch in diameter with a height of 1/2
inch and a thickness of? 0.2 inches.?? I use the CURA program to
build my 3D printer files and it will allow me to scale all
three axes once the basic 25mm toroid.stl file is loaded into
the software.? It also allows you to print almost any number of
a basic design in one printing.?? Here are some examples that I
printed this morning:
I just used the scaling values of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% to get
the different sized plastic toroids pictured above.? So with the
master stl file anyone with a 3D printer should be able to print
almost any size plastic toroid form that you would need.?? I
have attached the master stl file to this Message and it should
enable anyone with a 3D printer to make the plastic Toroids that
they need for the Daylight Radio Project.
Take care and have fun.
73 Dave WA5DJJ
SUPER QRSS GRABBER
|
Adding additional digital modes to the sBitx
Hello everyone,
My sBitx just arrived today, SN 44, and if course I tore it open like a kid on Christmas!? I already made a contact from inside my apartment with a mag loop - No mean feat here with the QRM levels inside the apartment, so the radio gods must be smiling upon me, at least for now!
I participate in some digital nets using digital modes the sBitx does not natively support (Contestia and MFSK to be precise).? I would like to add them to the list of modes selectable with the dial.
I poked around in the modems.c and sBitx.c files with my rudimentary coding knowledge, but it appears adding an additional mode to the available options is a non-trivial task.
Can anyone offer some guidance on how thos might be done?
Thanks,
-N1EDC
|
Re: DAYLIGHT RADIO - PLASTIC TOROID MASTER
would not a simple tubing do the same?? .. the "shielding" of a
coil wound on a ferrite core comes from the core material ... so i
guess a normal pastic tubing will work equally well if not better
(fewer loss cause fewer plastic inside the coil)
so ... what is the reason to print plastic toroids??
dg9bfc sigi
Am 15.08.2022 um 23:50 schrieb David R.
Hassall WA5DJJ:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Dear group,
I asked a friend of mine to build a master toroid stl file that
we can put in our 3D printer software and come up with the
plastic toroids almost any size we want.?? The Master was built
on the basic size of 1 inch in diameter with a height of 1/2
inch and a thickness of? 0.2 inches.?? I use the CURA program to
build my 3D printer files and it will allow me to scale all
three axes once the basic 25mm toroid.stl file is loaded into
the software.? It also allows you to print almost any number of
a basic design in one printing.?? Here are some examples that I
printed this morning:
I just used the scaling values of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% to get
the different sized plastic toroids pictured above.? So with the
master stl file anyone with a 3D printer should be able to print
almost any size plastic toroid form that you would need.?? I
have attached the master stl file to this Message and it should
enable anyone with a 3D printer to make the plastic Toroids that
they need for the Daylight Radio Project.
Take care and have fun.
73 Dave WA5DJJ
SUPER QRSS GRABBER
|
DAYLIGHT RADIO - PLASTIC TOROID MASTER
Dear group,
I asked a friend of mine to build a master toroid stl file that
we can put in our 3D printer software and come up with the plastic
toroids almost any size we want.?? The Master was built on the
basic size of 1 inch in diameter with a height of 1/2 inch and a
thickness of? 0.2 inches.?? I use the CURA program to build my 3D
printer files and it will allow me to scale all three axes once
the basic 25mm toroid.stl file is loaded into the software.? It
also allows you to print almost any number of a basic design in
one printing.?? Here are some examples that I printed this
morning:
I just used the scaling values of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% to get
the different sized plastic toroids pictured above.? So with the
master stl file anyone with a 3D printer should be able to print
almost any size plastic toroid form that you would need.?? I have
attached the master stl file to this Message and it should enable
anyone with a 3D printer to make the plastic Toroids that they
need for the Daylight Radio Project.
Take care and have fun.
73 Dave WA5DJJ
SUPER QRSS GRABBER
|
Re: #sbitx: Raspberry Pi Heatsink?
To add to Shirley's great response:
When first released, the RPi 4 had heat issues, but shortly after the RPi 4 was released, updated firmware was released that corrected the issue.
Firmware updates happen in the background when you run a recent OS image from the Raspberry Pi Organization.
You shouldn't have an issues with heat, the RPi in the sBitx is 'floating' over the digital board with ample air-flow in my opinion.
Ken, N2VIP
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Aug 15, 2022, at 12:29, Shirley Dulcey KE1L <mark@...> wrote:
The Raspberry Pi in the sBitx does not work especially hard. The processor gets warm but is well within specs. Mine has small paste-on heat sinks, but that's because I had already installed them when I was using that Pi for other purposes; I bought the basic kit. (I have switched to an RPi Model 400 for what the one in my sBitx used to do.) If you want to install heat sinks similar to mine they won't do any harm, and might help if you operate your sBitx in very hot conditions (say, on a picnic table in the sun); they are readily available for a couple of dollars. A more substantial heat sink like one of the tall tower ones (with or without fan) should never be necessary, and might cause a problem fitting the Pi into the sBitx case.
|
Re: Funtronics uBitx digi interface installation in V6
I just finished installing the board...
I found the patchy opinions/instructions difficult, and therefore am not entirely sure I have connected it correctly. No smoke, but I am also unable to get WSJTX to recognise its presence. I am using a Mac with osx 12, which may be part of the problem, but I wanted to try since I had so much trouble keeping audio stability on Win10.
It is also frustrating that there are no writeups suggesting WSJTX settings for the CAT control of this board, so I am assuming it still wants the Yaesu 817 that the CEC firmware should recognize.
|
Re: #sbitx: Raspberry Pi Heatsink?
Hi Shirley, thanks a lot for your answer. I checked the temperature of the Raspberry and that supports your opinion: 56c (133F) to 61c (142F) after running for about two hours seems ok Vy 73
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Am 15.08.2022 um 19:29 schrieb Shirley Dulcey KE1L <mark@...>:
? The Raspberry Pi in the sBitx does not work especially hard. The processor gets warm but is well within specs. Mine has small paste-on heat sinks, but that's because I had already installed them when I was using that Pi for other purposes; I bought the basic kit. (I have switched to an RPi Model 400 for what the one in my sBitx used to do.) If you want to install heat sinks similar to mine they won't do any harm, and might help if you operate your sBitx in very hot conditions (say, on a picnic table in the sun); they are readily available for a couple of dollars. A more substantial heat sink like one of the tall tower ones (with or without fan) should never be necessary, and might cause a problem fitting the Pi into the sBitx case. On Mon, Aug 15, 2022 at 3:39 AM Rolf Schroeder < rolf@...> wrote: From what I read it should not be necessary to install heatsinks on the chips but what have others done? The Raspberry Pi becomes quite warm.
Vy73 de
Rolf, DL8BAG
|
Re: Sbitx finals replacement
So my problem I suspect is in the transmit section of the Sbitx. I got out the schematic and measured dc voltage on the source and gate of Q9 IRF4905. They are both the same 13.79 volts. So perhaps the PAs I bought are suspect. My thought is that when q10 turns on to allow Q9 to switch something is still grounded at the PAs. ? If someone here has their open I would like to get a voltage reading off Q9 and the PAs. ? ? Art N2AJO If I am not learning I am not having fun ? ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: olson339@... <olson339@...> Sent: Monday, August 15, 2022 12:33 PM To: 'Art Olson' <olson339@...> Subject: RE: [BITX20] Sbitx finals replacement ? Farhan ? Ok I got my amp meter out rather then look at the one on the power supply Initial power up .603 amps Sbitx operating in receive .0709 Call CQ via FT8 no sudden spike current drops to zero and then after bootup back to .603. ? I am going to try another rpi ¨C not sure it that make a difference. Will let you know ? Art
N2AJO ? ? Farhan The Sbitx draws about 2 amps the shuts down N2AJO? ?Farhan Will check current and get back to you.? Screen doesn¡¯t go weird. It just goes blank.? Yes it reboots as if power is reapplied I have the basic kit - minus lcd and rpi Art ? Art,? 4 questions. can you monitor the current at shutdown? Does the screen go weird before it shuts down?? Does it try rebooting or does it just goes inti a shutdown? Are you using the full kit ? ? On Mon, Aug 15, 2022, 2:23 AM Art N2AJO <olson339@...> wrote: Farhan ? Ok have installed a LM2596 and preadjusted it for 5.4 before I installed it. I still have the same problem with the Sbitx shutdown within 1 or 2 seconds, reboots with the main display screen again.? tT receives great but can¡¯t transmit at all. Not sure what is next top look at. When I first? got it and ran FT8 I got about a 6 to 7 second output and then it shutdown ¨C blown regulator and finals. ? art ? ? I had this problem with fake LM338s. Most of them are simply relabelled LM317 that give up on current peaks. We, unfortunately, wiped the LM338s cleab from Mouser for our own production. The switching regulators that I mentioned in a earlier email work best. - f On Sun, Aug 14, 2022, 2:15 AM Art N2AJO <olson339@...> wrote: back again. Replaced the LM338 and the 2-IRFZ24N finals. checked to ensure the final and the LM338 tabs to ensure no ground connectivity and in contact with the heat sink. Measured the DC voltage of the LM388 tab 5,4 volts. Final tabs 13.8 volts. Put it all back together and receive works fine. Tried FT8 and within a second or 2 the rig shuts down and reboots. I also updated the firmware. So any suggestions on what next to check.?
I did order the voltage regulator Farhan suggested awaiting their arrival.
Art
N2AJO
|
Re: #sbitx - an ugprade kit is on the way
#sBitx
Well done.? Thank you
Jim
K5KKB?
sBitx 0016
|
Re: #sbitx: Raspberry Pi Heatsink?
The Raspberry Pi in the sBitx does not work especially hard. The processor gets warm but is well within specs. Mine has small paste-on heat sinks, but that's because I had already installed them when I was using that Pi for other purposes; I bought the basic kit. (I have switched to an RPi Model 400 for what the one in my sBitx used to do.) If you want to install heat sinks similar to mine they won't do any harm, and might help if you operate your sBitx in very hot conditions (say, on a picnic table in the sun); they are readily available for a couple of dollars. A more substantial heat sink like one of the tall tower ones (with or without fan) should never be necessary, and might cause a problem fitting the Pi into the sBitx case.
On Mon, Aug 15, 2022 at 3:39 AM Rolf Schroeder < rolf@...> wrote: From what I read it should not be necessary to install heatsinks on the chips but what have others done? The Raspberry Pi becomes quite warm.
Vy73 de
Rolf, DL8BAG
|
Re: #sbitx - an ugprade kit is on the way
#sBitx
Thank you so much, Farhan.? This is great!? I just received my Basic Kit. I'll wait for the upgrade before I put it together.? But I'll check out the boards visually :-)? If you can send an image of how you will be installing the new regulator, that would be helpful. I've seen a couple of images that folks have sent in which were great, but we just want to see how you were doing it. Thanks again!
|
Re: #sbitx - an ugprade kit is on the way
#sBitx
Thank you!
sBitx #39 73 Goody K3NG
On Mon, Aug 15, 2022 at 12:21 PM Lou KI5FTY < lscalpati@...> wrote: Thank you Ashhar - quite the gesture of support for your customers!
On Mon, Aug 15, 2022 at 5:51 AM Art N2AJO < olson339@...> wrote: The upgrade kit is great news and continued support to the early adopters?
Art N2AJO? ? peeps,
The recent availability of the small DC buck converter boards based on the MP1584 and M2338 came a little too late to make it to the sbitx production. However, given the unusually large number of PA failures due to the LM338 mounting issues, HF Signals will be posting a Free upgrade kit to all the existing owners of sbitx (full and basic kits). We are trying to work out the logistics of doing this. It will involve removing the heatsink clamp, cutting out the LM338, reclamping the IRFs and installing the new regulator by soldering three wires. The new regulator will not need a heatsink. The upgrade kit will also contain a spare pair of IRFZ24Ns.? These will go out by Thursday if all is well. These parts are costly in one-offs and HF Signals will be able to buy them cheaply, test and send them across in an envelope.?
For those kits and radios that are not yet shipped they will come with the new regulator installed.
- f
|
Re: #sbitx - an ugprade kit is on the way
#sBitx
Thank you Ashhar - quite the gesture of support for your customers!
On Mon, Aug 15, 2022 at 5:51 AM Art N2AJO < olson339@...> wrote: The upgrade kit is great news and continued support to the early adopters?
Art N2AJO? ? peeps,
The recent availability of the small DC buck converter boards based on the MP1584 and M2338 came a little too late to make it to the sbitx production. However, given the unusually large number of PA failures due to the LM338 mounting issues, HF Signals will be posting a Free upgrade kit to all the existing owners of sbitx (full and basic kits). We are trying to work out the logistics of doing this. It will involve removing the heatsink clamp, cutting out the LM338, reclamping the IRFs and installing the new regulator by soldering three wires. The new regulator will not need a heatsink. The upgrade kit will also contain a spare pair of IRFZ24Ns.? These will go out by Thursday if all is well. These parts are costly in one-offs and HF Signals will be able to buy them cheaply, test and send them across in an envelope.?
For those kits and radios that are not yet shipped they will come with the new regulator installed.
- f
|
Where can I find parts placement diagrams for the main and digital boards, top and bottom?
Or a photo of both bare boards?
-Paul? K9MV
sBITX #59
|
File /3.2 & 3.5 for Nextion and CEC 1.095/ubitx_35D7.HMI uploaded
#file-notice
The following files and folders have been uploaded to
the Files area of the [email protected] group.
By: KK7BCO/2M0TFF <feltusfecit1@...>
Description:
I "updated" the 35B7 files for use with the Nextion Discovery 3.5" screen, and Nextion Editor 1.63.3 - I believe it is all working correctly, radio is still on the bench and not on the air. 73 KK7BCO
|
Tobias KK7BCO/2M0TFF
Rolf Schroeder
Jim K5KKB Steeb
Shirley Dulcey KE1L