Re: uBITX v6 Low Audio Update 11-23-24
Thanks Evan, I'll give it a go.
I know the original owner, my dear friend who went SK, did try to do an alignment but never could get it to work right. I'll try and let you know how it goes.
Interesting, so far you are the only person who has responded to my plea for help. Must not be many Hams around who know anything about this radio.
73, Richard AG5M
On Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 11:16:36 AM PST, Evan Hand via groups.io <elhandjr@...> wrote:
On Sat, Nov 23, 2024, at 01:00 PM, Richard AG5M wrote: So according to what you (Evan) said, that's right. Everything is right so far, but I have weak audio. Hi Richard, ? Yes, those readings at TP21 are good.? The problem is not with RX muting when not transmitting. ? The v6 uBiTx schematic is here: And here for the Raduino board: ? Both are from the HFSignals web page: ? The next step that I would try is the BFO calibration using an audio spectrum analyzer like this one: ? The process is in this video: ? You do not need to complete the entire calibration process; just check the last step, the BFO final adjustment at 9:40 into the video.? If the Raduino Si5351 has problems, you cannot tune in to the plateau peak.? If this test fails, break out the scope and/or frequency counter. ? 73 Evan AC9TU ? ? ?
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Re: uBITX v6 Low Audio Update 11-23-24
On Sat, Nov 23, 2024, at 01:00 PM, Richard AG5M wrote:
So according to what you (Evan) said, that's right. Everything is right so far, but I have weak audio.
Hi Richard,
?
Yes, those readings at TP21 are good.? The problem is not with RX muting when not transmitting.
?
The v6 uBiTx schematic is here:
And here for the Raduino board:
?
Both are from the HFSignals web page:
?
The next step that I would try is the BFO calibration using an audio spectrum analyzer like this one:
?
The process is in this video:
?
You do not need to complete the entire calibration process; just check the last step, the BFO final adjustment at 9:40 into the video.? If the Raduino Si5351 has problems, you cannot tune in to the plateau peak.? If this test fails, break out the scope and/or frequency counter.
?
73
Evan
AC9TU
?
?
?
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Re: uBITX v6 Low Audio Update 11-23-24
Tried again this morning, this time on the correct TP, TP21. I have 53.6K on RX, 2.1 ohm on TX. So according to what you (Evan) said, that's right. Everything is right so far, but I have weak audio.
Time to get out the O-Scope? I do not have a schematic, does anyone have one? I used it this morning to check into the Noon-Time-Net with CW so other than weak audio it appears to be working FB. BTW, is there a setting to reduce the sidetone level? It's really loud!
I'm surprised that other than through this Forum, HFsignals provides no support. Makes me a little hesitant to purchase a radio from them. Given this experience.
73, Richard AG5M
On Friday, November 22, 2024 at 02:55:55 PM PST, Richard AG5M via groups.io <ag5m@...> wrote:
Taking another run at this, I confirm I have Zero volts RX at the gate of Q74, if the gate pin is the one closest to D14. And I have 5 volts when in TX mode. Given this information and what's noted below, dos this tell anyone anything? Why I have virtually no audio?
73, Richard AG5M
On Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 11:03:28 AM PST, Richard AG5M via groups.io <ag5m@...> wrote:
Evan and others who may be following.
The TP1 and TP2 I mentioned below was a typo, they were TP20 and TP21. I did the same this morning. With volume control fully clockwise. Nice loud hum at Pin 3. Considerably lower hum at TP21, and almost no hum at TP21. Turning the volume control made difference.
This morning I checked the resistance measurements you mentioned at TP20. With radio on it measured 70 ohms RX, 2.36K TX. From what you mentioned then I guess Q74 is faulty? I did not make voltage measurement yet. Where exactly is Q74? I don't see it.
73, Richard AG5M
On Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at 05:09:11 PM PST, Evan Hand via groups.io <elhandjr@...> wrote:
On Tue, Nov 19, 2024, at 01:10 PM, Richard AG5M wrote: Evan
This morning I fired up the radio again. Very low volume, but after half a minute, the volume came blasting back. That lasted for some 10 seconds, then went low again. Stayed low.
I have touched TP1, TP2, and Pin 3 of the LM386. I hear a faint hum at TP1, slightly louder at TP2, and a very nice loud hum at Pin 3. So, it's not in the audio chain - would that be right? If right, where to look next? Time to bring out the freq counter and Oscope?
73, Richard AG5M ?
Was that TP1 and TP2, or TP21 and TP20?? All are on the board.? TP1 tests the antenna input, TP20 tests the audio after the demodulator, and TP21 is the input to the audio amp with muting. ? ? With the volume control fully clockwise, the AC hum should be the same when touching pin 3 of the LM386 as TP21.? If not, then there may be an issue with the volume control.? Try turning it back and forth to see if there is a broken connection. ? Another test is to verify that the mute MOSFET (Q74) is switching correctly.? Measure the gate voltage of Q74.? It should be zero when receiving and 5 volts when transmitting.? Also, you can measure the resistance from TP20 to ground with the radio on.? It should be higher than 5kOhms while receiving and less than 200 Ohms when transmitting.? If not, then Q74 may be bad. ? Another problem I have seen with low signal strength is related to the Raduino board.? The Si5351 chip failed to lock at the right frequency, which would appear as a jittery signal on any of the three clocks to the mixers and demodulator.? In particular, the BFO seems to drop in and out of sync.? This could be the case for any of the three clock signals.? To test the Raduino, I removed it from the radio, powered it from a USB connection to my PC, and measured the outputs on the mainboard connection. ? 73 Evan AC9TU ?
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Ashhar,?
?
What about a headless trx and operate from phome/tablet/pc etc.
?
Juan
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?Bitx concept as a pure receiver
Can the concept of the ?Bitx be used with the SIS5351 as a
solo receiver.
I would like to build a receiver based on this concept. Either with 12MHZ or with 11Mhz crystals I have for both versions.
Has anyone used this before and is there any information about it?
?
Many Thanks Bernd DL3BLA
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Well, I wouldnt wager on that. Though, getting a display to survive a drop test will be tough. The rest of electronics will take knocks and bumps with ease.
2. Are you planning 'Drop Tests' as they do it for mobile phones? 5 V operation from a power bank would be an excellent idea. Zero has more than ample power to run all the core modems and more.
I would also add to the list, my own desireables:
1. 5v operation from a power bank
2. Ability to withstand knocks and drops.
3. Low cost. I cant afford a 1000 usd KH1.
A Zero might be too constrained. Better a B model - or a carrier board to support the compute modules - which might afford upgradability?
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2. Are you planning 'Drop Tests' as they do it for mobile phones? 5 V operation from a power bank would be an excellent idea.
Zero has more than ample power to run all the core modems and more.
I would also add to the list, my own desireables:
1. 5v operation from a power bank
2. Ability to withstand knocks and drops.
3. Low cost. I cant afford a 1000 usd KH1.
A Zero might be too constrained. Better a B model - or a carrier board to support the compute modules - which might afford upgradability?
|
Zero has more than ample power to run all the core modems and more.
I would also add to the list, my own desireables:
1. 5v operation from a power bank
2. Ability to withstand knocks and drops.
3. Low cost. I cant afford a 1000 usd KH1.
A Zero might be too constrained. Better a B model - or a carrier board to support the compute modules - which might afford upgradability?
|
A Zero might be too constrained. Better a B model - or a carrier board to support the compute modules - which might afford upgradability?
|
Re: uBITX v6 Low Audio Update 11-22-24
I just checked their webpage. Apparently the only support they offer is this forum here on bitx@Groups.io.
73, Richard AG5M
On Friday, November 22, 2024 at 05:30:28 PM PST, Evan Hand via groups.io <elhandjr@...> wrote:
Richard, ? I do not know about HFSignals support.? I would try again.? They have had server issues in the past. ? 73 Evan AC9TU ?
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Re: uBITX v6 Low Audio Update 11-22-24
Richard,
?
I do not know about HFSignals support.? I would try again.? They have had server issues in the past.
?
73
Evan
AC9TU
?
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Re: Using PI-5 with Sbitx-V3
BTW
There is a lot of good sBITX info on JJ's discord,
?
?
?including a thread on the Pi 5 in sBITX.
?
also search for Pi 5 in sbitx-early-adapters
?
--
73
??? Bob? KD8CGH
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Re: uBITX v6 Low Audio Update 11-22-24
Thanks Evan. I will measure resistance at TP21 and report. I do notice I have good volume (sidetone volume) in TX. Too much actually.
BTW, I sent a note to support@.... It bounced. Know anything about that?
73, Richard AG5M
On Friday, November 22, 2024 at 03:40:45 PM PST, Evan Hand via groups.io <elhandjr@...> wrote:
Richard, ? I apologize.? It is my turn for a typo.? The resistance measurement to ground is at TP21.? Q74 acts as a switch that grounds TP21 to mute the audio when transmitting. ? ? ? 73 Evan AC9TU ? ?
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Re: Using PI-5 with Sbitx-V3
Inf on using a Pi 5 in? the sBITX.
?
--
73
??? Bob? KD8CGH
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At our local Microcenter store the Pi4B, 8 GB is $64.99 and the Pi 5, 8 GB is $69.99. The Pi 5 is faster and it includes a RTC, eliminating the need for an extra module and its board real estate.
--
73
??? Bob? KD8CGH
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Re: uBITX v6 Low Audio Update 11-22-24
Richard,
?
I apologize.? It is my turn for a typo.? The resistance measurement to ground is at TP21.? Q74 acts as a switch that grounds TP21 to mute the audio when transmitting.
?
?
?
73
Evan
AC9TU
?
?
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That board is unusual - I had seen it but forgot about it - it has a USB3-connected SSD, with an NVMe interface built into the board. The USB interface really cuts into performance, but it is the best option for RPi 4.
I stand corrected, thanks,
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Nov 22, 2024, at 17:26, Evan Hand via groups.io <elhandjr@...> wrote:
? Hi Ken,
?
My terms may be wrong, but NVME drive interfaces are listed with USB 3.0 interfaces for the RPi4.? I own 2 of them.?
?
?
I agree that the RPi5 NVME interface will be faster.? The most significant advantage is the number of writes that the NVME technology supports vs a microSD card.
?
The RPi4 and RPi5 devices require more space above or below the board to mount the NVME drive.
?
73
Evan
AC9TU
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Hi Ken,
?
My terms may be wrong, but NVME drive interfaces are listed with USB 3.0 interfaces for the RPi4.? I own 2 of them.?
?
?
I agree that the RPi5 NVME interface will be faster.? The most significant advantage is the number of writes that the NVME technology supports vs a microSD card.
?
The RPi4 and RPi5 devices require more space above or below the board to mount the NVME drive.
?
73
Evan
AC9TU
|
Sorry to be "that guy", but the RPi can only use a USB3-connected SATA SSD, the RPi 5 has on-board PCIe interface that supports NVMe SSD.
Some people confuse the form factor of the SSD, m.2, with one of the technologies that uses that form-factor, NVMe.
PCIe NVMe SSDs are "wicked fast", USB-connected SATA drives are very, very fast.
The official RPi foundation NVMe SSD hat can be installed onto/over the official RPi foundation Active Cooler, and the combination of RPi, Active Cooler, and NVMe all fits inside official RPi 5 case, just extending a very little bit over the top of the RJ45 connector housing.
A redesign incorporating the RPi 5 and official cooler/NVMe SSD would only have to make minor adjustments. Another option is a back plate PCIe NVMe board that installs UNDER the RPi, which would require different accommodations, but maybe more flexible...
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Nov 22, 2024, at 15:37, Evan Hand via groups.io <elhandjr@...> wrote:
? I like the increased screen size.? I suggest the Ham choose the RPi4 or RPi5, as some would rather keep the cost low.? The NVME upgrade could be for either the Pi4 or Pi5.? Extra space between the front and back of the case would be required.
?
73
Evan
AC9TU
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Re: uBITX v6 Low Audio Update 11-22-24
Taking another run at this, I confirm I have Zero volts RX at the gate of Q74, if the gate pin is the one closest to D14. And I have 5 volts when in TX mode. Given this information and what's noted below, dos this tell anyone anything? Why I have virtually no audio?
73, Richard AG5M
On Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 11:03:28 AM PST, Richard AG5M via groups.io <ag5m@...> wrote:
Evan and others who may be following.
The TP1 and TP2 I mentioned below was a typo, they were TP20 and TP21. I did the same this morning. With volume control fully clockwise. Nice loud hum at Pin 3. Considerably lower hum at TP21, and almost no hum at TP21. Turning the volume control made difference.
This morning I checked the resistance measurements you mentioned at TP20. With radio on it measured 70 ohms RX, 2.36K TX. From what you mentioned then I guess Q74 is faulty? I did not make voltage measurement yet. Where exactly is Q74? I don't see it.
73, Richard AG5M
On Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at 05:09:11 PM PST, Evan Hand via groups.io <elhandjr@...> wrote:
On Tue, Nov 19, 2024, at 01:10 PM, Richard AG5M wrote: Evan
This morning I fired up the radio again. Very low volume, but after half a minute, the volume came blasting back. That lasted for some 10 seconds, then went low again. Stayed low.
I have touched TP1, TP2, and Pin 3 of the LM386. I hear a faint hum at TP1, slightly louder at TP2, and a very nice loud hum at Pin 3. So, it's not in the audio chain - would that be right? If right, where to look next? Time to bring out the freq counter and Oscope?
73, Richard AG5M ?
Was that TP1 and TP2, or TP21 and TP20?? All are on the board.? TP1 tests the antenna input, TP20 tests the audio after the demodulator, and TP21 is the input to the audio amp with muting. ? ? With the volume control fully clockwise, the AC hum should be the same when touching pin 3 of the LM386 as TP21.? If not, then there may be an issue with the volume control.? Try turning it back and forth to see if there is a broken connection. ? Another test is to verify that the mute MOSFET (Q74) is switching correctly.? Measure the gate voltage of Q74.? It should be zero when receiving and 5 volts when transmitting.? Also, you can measure the resistance from TP20 to ground with the radio on.? It should be higher than 5kOhms while receiving and less than 200 Ohms when transmitting.? If not, then Q74 may be bad. ? Another problem I have seen with low signal strength is related to the Raduino board.? The Si5351 chip failed to lock at the right frequency, which would appear as a jittery signal on any of the three clocks to the mixers and demodulator.? In particular, the BFO seems to drop in and out of sync.? This could be the case for any of the three clock signals.? To test the Raduino, I removed it from the radio, powered it from a USB connection to my PC, and measured the outputs on the mainboard connection. ? 73 Evan AC9TU ?
|
Richard AG5M
4Z4DR
Bob Benedict, KD8CGH