Re: V1 DE Installing V2 software
Hi Scott,
I read your email thread and learned about the SWR/Pwr sensor installation process.? I am waiting for the parts to be delivered and working on other projects.? It is not a priority for me as the 150+ made are the extent of that model.? I have other radios that I can use to make contacts.? My go-to radio is an Icom 7300, so I do not need it.
There is an issue with the WM8731 codec not always starting correctly.? That has been an issue since the beginning with the original DE software.? I was planning to try to hunt that down before the V2 was announced, and the details are shown to be significantly different to make it a moot point for any V2 sbitx owners.? To make it relevant to the current V2, I need to have the hardware and software as close to the V2 as possible or invest another $500 in a V2.
Regardless, the sbitx DE V1 will be on the shelf to see where the V2 goes.? The same thing happened with the uBitx line until it stabilized on the v6.? Spending $210 on the uBitx was reasonable to see the differences and play with the hardware.? $500 is just too high.? A G90 costs just a little more.? The one thing that the sbitx does have going for it is that it is open source, so you can dabble with both the hardware and the software.
The above are my opinions based on my observations.? I am always open to new information that might change my thinking.
73
Evan
AC9TU
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Hi Nanak - I am having a very similar problem with the sBitx_v2. I can see some noise in the waterfall display if I raise the rf gain but no stations at all. Even very strong ones.
The noise level doesn't even raise or fall if I plug or unplug the antenna. So far I haven't found a solution. Let us know if you find something. Maybe it's related to my problem.
73
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Re: V1 DE Installing V2 software
Hi Evan,
I think you may be referring to my experience in adding the 60dnm.com 100W SWR bridge to my V1.? I would say 90% of my issues were self induced.? If you were to add the sensor to your V1 (self rolled or 60dbm version) you would easily install it.? The calibration is a snap.
Good luck, Scott
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Re: #sbitx disk image for software v2.1
#sBitx
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On Thu, May 18, 2023 at 6:09?AM Ashhar Farhan < farhanbox@...> wrote: Many have requested an sd card image as an alternative to upgrading the sbitx software.
Upgrading the software is the recommended way to go as it preserves the personal settings, logbook etc. Using a new image on the sd card is the equivalent of reformatting your hard drive. This? option is only for those who want to reset everything and start all over again.
Here goes:
The sbitx sd card image is available to download from:
1. Download by clicking it on the above link. 2. The image is zipped up to save download time, unzip it with your compression utility (on most operating systems, just trying to open it will automatically offer to unzip the file). 3. Follow the instructions to burn it to your sd card from:
4. You will need to calibrate the tx power again. Follow the instructions? on :
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Re: #sBitx SSB transmit problem and CW keyer
#sBitx
Possibly different thermal expansion rates between the two metals and heat cycling in use or in transit is enough to take out the swaging or press-fit.? ? I think I would consider a tiny drop of a metal-formulated epoxy glue to potentially ensure the continued integrity of the insert in the aluminum.? ?The insert is probably steel and has longer-lasting threads.? ??
Gordon KX4Z
On Thu, May 18, 2023 at 7:02?AM HA3HZ < gyula@...> wrote: Screws may loosen due to shipping. Although I have only experienced this with the FETs' fasteners.
As a precaution, I also wrote and added longer fixing screws so that the screw is not only held by the threaded insert pressed into the heatsink.
A thread or a hole must also be made in the cooling fin, and a longer screw provides better protection against loosening.
Those who occasionally read the forum did not notice this information.
--
Gyula HA3HZ
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I agree, we need a program that will generate an adif file. Even better if it were generated automatically by the Sbitx software.?
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Bob AA4FJ
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Re: #sBitx SSB transmit problem and CW keyer
#sBitx
Screws may loosen due to shipping. Although I have only experienced this with the FETs' fasteners.
As a precaution, I also wrote and added longer fixing screws so that the screw is not only held by the threaded insert pressed into the heatsink.
A thread or a hole must also be made in the cooling fin, and a longer screw provides better protection against loosening.
Those who occasionally read the forum did not notice this information.
--
Gyula HA3HZ
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Re: #sBitx SSB transmit problem and CW keyer
#sBitx
But Gyula is definitely right that his loosen screws and nut procedure is a must specially for early s/n units.
-P #5
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Re: #sBitx SSB transmit problem and CW keyer
#sBitx
Farhan,
thanks for info. I know it but if remember well there was reported finals blown even after update and txcal.
There are no more reports from users about reliability of finals after correct update and txcal so I am asking.
Also, the instability during txcal (even seen on your vid) was not commented or solved, I guess.
So many of us fear to TXing.
Thank you for attention.
-P #5
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Re: V1 DE Installing V2 software
Evan, There is code to clamp the output down if the power levels get out of hand. It is in sbitx.c, read_power(). - f
On Thu, May 18, 2023, 12:54 AM Evan Hand < elhandjr@...> wrote: Robert,
Sorry, I missed your email earlier.?
The V2 sbitx includes an SWR/Pwr sensor addition based on a Stockton two-core sensor.? That is used as part of the ALC for the finals and reporting if there is an SWR problem.? There may be code to limit power if the SWR gets too high, though I have not looked for that.? This sensor is not included in the V1 DE sbitx.? You would need to add it independently, as I plan to do.
To use the new code, you would need a way to measure power to adjust the drive.? It was stated that a manual process can bypass the code, though I have yet to see it.
With the problems that I have read on this Groups.io, I am waiting until I can have as close to a V2 as I can make the DE V1 to reduce the risks of damage.? I also plan to use the image that is supposed to be published soon.
73
Evan
AC9TU
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Re: #sBitx SSB transmit problem and CW keyer
#sBitx
We are checking not just the screws but also extended keydown on each radio. See our test processes documented on . I suspect that the threads are failing an loosening up the inserts enroute. That shouldn't happen either, we are checking this at our end. - f
On Thu, May 18, 2023, 6:11 AM HA3HZ < gyula@...> wrote: On Thu, May 18, 2023 at 11:02 AM, Petr Ourednik wrote:
Even more¡ finals blown reported even after latest software update if I remember well. For that reason many of owners put radio on shelf and QRX for ¡°safe¡± software build version¡
-P #5
I think they skipped checking the screws.
If so, the FETs may not have been able to transfer the generated heat to the heatsink.
?--
Gyula HA3HZ
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Re: Death by calibration
#sBitx
Bob, 1.Is the 22 watts the reading on the sbitx meter or is it on an external power meter? If the sbitx meter is showing low, then you have to run the metercal once again. 2. As a part of our testing we test the PA for continuous, full cw output on 7mhz at 40 watts for a full minute. If the heatsink mounting is good, there is no reason for the PA transistor to blow up.? 3. The txcal routine should not be slowed down as it it pushes the transistors to beyond the rating and backs back to the last reading. - f
On Thu, May 18, 2023, 5:52 AM Petr Ourednik < indians@...> wrote: Any reaction for that topic in terms of instability during the cal please?
Also, if finals do not last a few more seconds... it sounds strange.
One to have the fear of sending a little longer like rag chewing or so. :)
It would be nice to hear?experiences from others or comment from Farhan please.
-P #5
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Farhan visits Northern Virginia en route to FDIM
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Re: #sBitx SSB transmit problem and CW keyer
#sBitx
On Thu, May 18, 2023 at 11:02 AM, Petr Ourednik wrote:
Even more¡ finals blown reported even after latest software update if I remember well. For that reason many of owners put radio on shelf and QRX for ¡°safe¡± software build version¡
-P #5
I think they skipped checking the screws. If so, the FETs may not have been able to transfer the generated heat to the heatsink. ?-- Gyula HA3HZ
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#sbitx disk image for software v2.1
#sBitx
Many have requested an sd card image as an alternative to upgrading the sbitx software.
Upgrading the software is the recommended way to go as it preserves the personal settings, logbook etc. Using a new image on the sd card is the equivalent of reformatting your hard drive. This? option is only for those who want to reset everything and start all over again.
Here goes:
The sbitx sd card image is available to download from:
1. Download by clicking it on the above link. 2. The image is zipped up to save download time, unzip it with your compression utility (on most operating systems, just trying to open it will automatically offer to unzip the file). 3. Follow the instructions to burn it to your sd card from:
4. You will need to calibrate the tx power again. Follow the instructions? on :
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Re: #sBitx SSB transmit problem and CW keyer
#sBitx
Petr, Just the software update will not prevent a blow out, unless the txcal routine has been run on it after the update. I have detailed these in the write up on dated May 11th, 2023. - f
On Thu, May 18, 2023, 5:02 AM Petr Ourednik < indians@...> wrote: Even more¡ finals blown reported even after latest software update if I remember well. For that reason many of owners put radio on shelf and QRX for ¡°safe¡± software build version¡
-P #5
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Re: Death by calibration
#sBitx
Any reaction for that topic in terms of instability during the cal please?
Also, if finals do not last a few more seconds... it sounds strange.
One to have the fear of sending a little longer like rag chewing or so. :)
It would be nice to hear?experiences from others or comment from Farhan please.
-P #5
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Re: #sbitx_v2 Further to loose clamping screws on P.A MosFETs
#sbitx_v2
Gyula did a very nice job! ??
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On May 18, 2023, at 05:43, Gordon Gibby via groups.io <docvacuumtubes@...> wrote:
? Rats. Then I would drill and tap. I¡¯ve used those inserts before in my life and I don¡¯t really like them.?
It should be aluminum. The problem of course is the threads are not going to be very strong. That¡¯s why they use the insert I¡¯m sure?
On May 18, 2023, at 01:51, HA3HZ <gyula@...> wrote:
?my solution can be read here:
-- Gyula HA3HZ
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Stefan Beck
HA3HZ