If you want to get started experimenting with an Arduino, the kit Randy mentions is one alternative. For about the same price you can get this starter kit:
The reason I like it is because the Robo Red uC is completely compatible with the Uno, but it brings out the I/O pins to a header that allows you to easily attach Dupont wire to those pins which can then easily make those pins available for any breadboard circuit. Also, you get a 16x2 LCD that uses the I2C interface which only eats 2 I/O lines rather than 8. Finally, the kit has parts that I think might be of more interest to hams.
That said, since hams rarely use Arduino shields, I would buy a couple of Nanos for $2.50 each, then buy an expansion shield (see pix) for about $5, and finally the Yourduino I2C LCD display for $6 and be done with it. Most of the starter kit parts will go unused anyway. Note how the expansion board has the pins, GND, and Vcc brought out for easy experimenting. The Nano plugs into the header socket in the middle of the board.
If you need a good book to learn about programming the Arduino, I have a suggestion for that, too. Personally, I think buying the Nano and expansion board is the way to go for us hams. It will save you about $40 yet still give you a base to use the same uC as the Raduino but making it easier to tie in external circuits.
Jack, W8TEE
From: Jim Schliestett <aekjrs@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Friday, February 3, 2017 10:35 AM
Subject: Re: [BITX20] Raduino RIT ?
Hey Randy, thanks. Yes, I saw the article in QST. I will definitely check out Paul¡¯s videos ¡. Good stuff. ? 73, Jim ¨C K4AEK ? ? Jim Paul Whorter?has a whole series of videos on the Arduino. Paul is a ham and a high school teacher in engineering and computers. His students build high altitude?balloon projects. If you are an ARRL member, you may have read about his students in the Februruay issue. His students are scheduled for another launch this month. The article was written by one of the students. Please vote on the article so that they can win a QST Cover Plaque Award. Paul's Arduino videos are a series of lessons for his students. The pace is slow and is easy to follow.? There are hundreds of other Arduino videos on youtube. Adafruit and Sparkfun also have lots of educational material and Arduino boards with supporting software libraries.? If you want to kick start your Arduino learning I would recommend getting an Arduino kit package that has the Uno board, breadboard, lots of parts, and a lesson manual. I have a kit from Vilros, it was around $55. There are many other kits around. This one comes with a book and link to the sketches. The Uno and Nano boards are very similar?but packaged differently. Have fun learning the Arduino, we all started with blinking LEDs, reading a pot & switch, writing to the PC screen and so on. ? On Thu, Feb 2, 2017 at 7:13 PM, Jim Schliestett < aekjrs@...> wrote: Rob, Thanks for the info. I am an ¡°Arduino Dummy¡± but I do know basically what you are talking about. I have a friend who can help with the programming. It guess it¡¯s time for me to get educated in Arduino. ? Jim, K4AEK ? ? Jim, It's already in the code but commented out in the loop.? You need to uncomment them and reprogram the Nano. It uses a pushbutton on A3 pin to select using tap, press, double tap method.
Rob G4NQX
?
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Thanks Jerry!
--
73,
Paulo
CS7AGH
A.R.L.A. #100 / A.R.L.C. #100 / DMC #08386 / EPC #25379 / Field Radio Operator #IFR212 / Portuguese QRP Radio Club #079 / QRP Respect #295 / SKCC #12615
On 03/02/2017 15:35, Jerry Gaffke via
Groups.Io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Any business ends correspondence goes to
? ? hfsignals at gmail dot com
I am words for @ and . because posts here won't show a complete
email address.
That email address really needs to be up on the hsigs home
webpage, this keeps coming up.
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Any business ends correspondence goes to ? ? hfsignals at gmail dot com I am words for @ and . because posts here won't show a complete email address. That email address really needs to be up on the hsigs home webpage, this keeps coming up.
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Hey Randy, thanks. Yes, I saw the article in QST. I will definitely check out Paul¡¯s videos ¡. Good stuff. ? 73, Jim ¨C K4AEK ?
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Show quoted text
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Randy Hall
Sent: Friday, February 03, 2017 10:00 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [BITX20] Raduino RIT ? ? Jim Paul Whorter?has a whole series of videos on the Arduino. Paul is a ham and a high school teacher in engineering and computers. His students build high altitude?balloon projects. If you are an ARRL member, you may have read about his students in the Februruay issue. His students are scheduled for another launch this month. The article was written by one of the students. Please vote on the article so that they can win a QST Cover Plaque Award. Paul's Arduino videos are a series of lessons for his students. The pace is slow and is easy to follow.? There are hundreds of other Arduino videos on youtube. Adafruit and Sparkfun also have lots of educational material and Arduino boards with supporting software libraries.? If you want to kick start your Arduino learning I would recommend getting an Arduino kit package that has the Uno board, breadboard, lots of parts, and a lesson manual. I have a kit from Vilros, it was around $55. There are many other kits around. This one comes with a book and link to the sketches. The Uno and Nano boards are very similar?but packaged differently. Have fun learning the Arduino, we all started with blinking LEDs, reading a pot & switch, writing to the PC screen and so on. ? On Thu, Feb 2, 2017 at 7:13 PM, Jim Schliestett <aekjrs@...> wrote: Rob, Thanks for the info. I am an ¡°Arduino Dummy¡± but I do know basically what you are talking about. I have a friend who can help with the programming. It guess it¡¯s time for me to get educated in Arduino. ? Jim, K4AEK ? From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of G4NQX
Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2017 4:03 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [BITX20] Raduino RIT ? ? Jim, It's already in the code but commented out in the loop.? You need to uncomment them and reprogram the Nano. It uses a pushbutton on A3 pin to select using tap, press, double tap method.
Rob G4NQX
?
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Jim
Paul Whorter?has a whole series of videos on the Arduino. Paul is a ham and a high school teacher in engineering and computers. His students build high altitude?balloon projects. If you are an ARRL member, you may have read about his students in the Februruay issue. His students are scheduled for another launch this month. The article was written by one of the students. Please vote on the article so that they can win a QST Cover Plaque Award.
Paul's Arduino videos are a series of lessons for his students. The pace is slow and is easy to follow.?
There are hundreds of other Arduino videos on youtube. Adafruit and Sparkfun also have lots of educational material and Arduino boards with supporting software libraries.?
If you want to kick start your Arduino learning I would recommend getting an Arduino kit package that has the Uno board, breadboard, lots of parts, and a lesson manual. I have a kit from Vilros, it was around $55. There are many other kits around. This one comes with a book and link to the sketches. The Uno and Nano boards are very similar?but packaged differently.
Have fun learning the Arduino, we all started with blinking LEDs, reading a pot & switch, writing to the PC screen and so on.
Randy, K7AGE
On Thu, Feb 2, 2017 at 7:13 PM, Jim Schliestett <aekjrs@...> wrote: Rob, Thanks for the info. I am an ¡°Arduino Dummy¡± but I do know basically what you are talking about. I have a friend who can help with the programming. It guess it¡¯s time for me to get educated in Arduino. ? Jim, K4AEK ? From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of G4NQX
Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2017 4:03 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [BITX20] Raduino RIT ? ? Jim, It's already in the code but commented out in the loop.? You need to uncomment them and reprogram the Nano. It uses a pushbutton on A3 pin to select using tap, press, double tap method.
Rob G4NQX
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Re: Creating a Metal Enclosure using LibreCAD.org drawing, 6 x 6 x 3
I, for one, would like to see a basic "minimalist" enclosure, big enough for the parts included in the kit but not TOO crowded, both in metal and in 3D printable format. This would make for a nice, compact rig for portable use...
Might want to leave a large square opening for air circulation at the heat-sink, too, especially for the 3D printed enclosure. Make it about 41mm x 41mm to allow for a slightly larger heat sink, even.
Rich KC8MWG
On Friday, February 3, 2017 9:38 AM, Fred Finster via Groups.Io <wb7odyfred@...> wrote:
What size would you like to see for an Metal Box enclosure??? I started drawing with a 6" wide x 6" depth x 3" height?? So the front and back panel is 3" high, the flat bottom is 6" wide by 6" in depth.?? If you made it a little bigger, maybe include that small QRP chinese antenna tuner???? Space for a PSK31 Audio interface?? Or another Arduino Nano board to generate the PSK31 transmit audio from a USB interface??? Lets here ideas for what size to make a box and why it should be that size??? When files can be uploaded again,? I will put my first rough draft CAD file? here:? /g/BITX20/files/Enclosures_Metal_or_Plastic/Metal_Box_files
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Re: Creating a Metal Enclosure using LibreCAD.org drawing, output file Autocad 2007 .DXF file
For the parts that come with the kit (these are actual, measured part diameters - adjust your holes for clearance):
Volume potentiometer: 6.80 mm
Tuning potentiometer: 9.65 mm
Stereo jacks (for mic and headphones): 5.86 mm
Power jack: 12.31 mm
BNC connector: 9.2 mm
Hope this helps!
Rich KC8MWG
On Friday, February 3, 2017 9:20 AM, Fred Finster via Groups.Io <wb7odyfred@...> wrote:
Creating a Metal Enclosure? using LibreCAD.org drawing, output file Autocad 2007 .DXF file. For the moment,Feb 3, I can't upload any files to [email protected] ? Uploading the .DXF file and a README.TXT file would allow some one else to download and modify the CAD file for their needs. Free Software for Windows / Linux / MAC / FreeBSD?? I made one folder for Metal Boxes that would use a CNC Plasma cutter from a .DXF file and a 2nd folder for Plastic Boxes, that you might use 3D printing to make. Make, Hack, Modify and share around the world.
I plan to build a rectangle box enclosure with the holes already cut out.?? These boxes I make would be for sale. I made this test CAD file using? 3/8 inch size holes.? If I could get some assistance in a very short message note, passing the diameter size of the hole back to me. Then I can modify the drawing to match the parts that would be placed in that hole.?? Like MIC plug connector,? Head Phones connector,? Tuning Rotary hole, On the back panel,? the power connector, the RF connector to the Antenna.?? Any extra holes for spare switches. Give me a little hand or point me to the URLs on the web.?? I have the specs for the 16x2 LCD displaly.
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Re: Creating a Metal Enclosure using LibreCAD.org drawing, 6 x 6 x 3
What size would you like to see for an Metal Box enclosure??? I started drawing with a 6" wide x 6" depth x 3" height?? So the front and back panel is 3" high, the flat bottom is 6" wide by 6" in depth.?? If you made it a little bigger, maybe include that small QRP chinese antenna tuner???? Space for a PSK31 Audio interface?? Or another Arduino Nano board to generate the PSK31 transmit audio from a USB interface??? Lets here ideas for what size to make a box and why it should be that size??? When files can be uploaded again,? I will put my first rough draft CAD file? here:? /g/BITX20/files/Enclosures_Metal_or_Plastic/Metal_Box_files
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Creating a Metal Enclosure using LibreCAD.org drawing, output file Autocad 2007 .DXF file
Creating a Metal Enclosure? using LibreCAD.org drawing, output file Autocad 2007 .DXF file. For the moment,Feb 3, I can't upload any files to [email protected] ? Uploading the .DXF file and a README.TXT file would allow some one else to download and modify the CAD file for their needs. Free Software for Windows / Linux / MAC / FreeBSD?? I made one folder for Metal Boxes that would use a CNC Plasma cutter from a .DXF file and a 2nd folder for Plastic Boxes, that you might use 3D printing to make. Make, Hack, Modify and share around the world.
I plan to build a rectangle box enclosure with the holes already cut out.?? These boxes I make would be for sale. I made this test CAD file using? 3/8 inch size holes.? If I could get some assistance in a very short message note, passing the diameter size of the hole back to me. Then I can modify the drawing to match the parts that would be placed in that hole.?? Like MIC plug connector,? Head Phones connector,? Tuning Rotary hole, On the back panel,? the power connector, the RF connector to the Antenna.?? Any extra holes for spare switches. Give me a little hand or point me to the URLs on the web.?? I have the specs for the 16x2 LCD displaly.
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Re: dds vfo tunning clicks
Out of the junkbox came 33uf @25V radials..(5 for $1 @ALLELECTRONICS.COM)? I twisted the negatives together and made a 3 legged device, Tacked soldered it on the 3 legs of the 5v regulator. Center pin ground. minor key clicking can be heard when antenna disconnected. No key clicks while listening on my Windom @ 33ft. I also noticed tuning is "smoother". I am running Raduino v1.01. FYI---? I also considered a 1N4001 in series with the 12V to the DDS at the power switch on the back of the volume control to decouple DDS from main board. de W8LM..KANSAS
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Re: Using a DC booster ...
I tried this thing: Connect the 12V from the power input to the module input, adjust the pot for 20V to 24V at the output and connect your PA power connector to the output of the module. There is an "Enable" pin which I did not use. The data sheet says it should be connected to GND in order to shut down the converter:
Did not measure the volatge drop when disabled, or if the module passes the input voltage to the output when disabled. You will need about 1A at output so almost 2A at the input, which adds to your regular 0.5A currect draw of the rest of the board, so a 12V/3A power supply is required. Good luck,
-- Ion VA3NOI
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On Fri, 3 Feb, 2017 at 7:11 pm, Ion Petroianu <ion.petroianu@...> wrote: Disconnect the red wire coming to your Volume pot and connect it to AUDIO IN. Connect a wire from AUDIO OUT to your Volume pot where the red wire was before.
--
Ion VA3NOI
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To get a higher PA voltage using a DC booster what sort of power supply do you use? Can you use an AC to DC plug pack? ?Say 16VDC at 3A or whatever? Thanks - Noel
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Re: wiring up the 3.5 mm jack
Frank
Single cable
73 Art
Sent from my iPhone
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On Feb 3, 2017, at 6:14 AM, Frank Dinger,GM0CSZ < gm0csz@...> wrote: Your headset has 1 cable ,but has it also a single plug for both headphones and microphone ......or is the cable? partly split with separate plugs for headphones(green) and microphone (pink) ?
Frank , GM0CSZ / KN6WH
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Stereo sockets I received with my 2 kits
Hello Using my multimeter I worked out the pins on the stereo sockets I received. Now when I plug in my stereo 3.5mm headphones in, the speaker shuts off. I use a PC headset with mic and phones. Each socket is exactly the same Cheers - Noel
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Re: wiring up the 3.5 mm jack
Your headset has 1 cable ,but has it also a single plug for both headphones and microphone ......or is the cable? partly split with separate plugs for headphones(green) and microphone (pink) ?
Frank , GM0CSZ / KN6WH
On Thu, Feb 2, 2017 at 11:04 PM, Art Olson via Groups.Io <olsonaj6927@...> wrote: Hello
looking for some help on how to wire up mic and earphone/speaker to Bitx40 using the 3.5 mm audio jacks it comes with. Do I use one for mic and the other earphone(headset)/speaker. I have a headset that has earphones and mic on one cable. Appreciate anyone response and help.
73 art N2AJO
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Disconnect the red wire coming to your Volume pot and connect it to AUDIO IN. Connect a wire from AUDIO OUT to your Volume pot where the red wire was before.
--
Ion VA3NOI
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Re: Files upload problem.
Yes, I have the same problem and it was present even before of the last night maintenence. I created a folder but I cannot upload any file there. I was planning to upload some documentation for components used in the design.
--
Ion VA3NOI
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Re: increase frequency coverage
Ricardo, To calculate the frequency of a Clapp oscillator you should use the information found here: Now, BitX is using a VFO that oscillates between, roughly 4.5 MHz to 5 MHz. The C0 in the formula above is the combination of C96 in series with MV209 and those two in parallel with C93, C94 and C95. The equivalent capacitance of a series of capacitors is calculated as follow: C eq series = (C1 x C2)/(C1+C2) The equivalent capacitance of a parallel group of capacitors is calculated as follow: Ceq parallel = C1+C2+C3+C4 For our circuit C1=C93, C2=C94, C3=C95 and C4=(C96x MV209)/(C96+MV209) The nominal value of the inductance is stated on the schematic: L4=9 uH, but with the capacitors as per schematic I am expecting more like a 6 uH inductance. I used that value for may calculations. In my calculation, for the minimum VFO frequency, using the nominal values in the schematic, I ended up with a frequency range of 4.7MHz to 5 MHz, which looks consistent with a band coverage of 7 MHz to 7.3 MHz. With all those in mind, I think the best option for you is to place a second varactor diode in parallel, add another NPO capacitor of 220 pF or 300 pF in parallel with C96 and verify the new frequency range of your VFO. It calculates as 4.35 MHz to 4.85 MHz, or a band coverage of 7.65 MHz to 7.15 MHz for 220 pF. Good luck, --?
Ion VA3NOI
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Hi
I've been reading the group for a while waiting for my BITX40.
It has now arrived and i have some complains. Since i can't find any address and all links send us to support here, to who i can talk about a complaint in the process/shipment?
Best regards,
--
73,
Paulo
CS7AGH
A.R.L.A. #100 / DMC #08386 / EPC #25379 / Field Radio Operator #IFR212 / Portuguese QRP Radio Club #079 / QRP Respect #295 / SKCC #12615
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Fred Finster
Ion Petroianu, VA3NOI
