Mike, RE your BITX40.
If you are using an Electret Mic.? Do you have voltage across the Mic element.? If no Mic BIAS, there will be no output.?? On the uBITX there is a 4.7K ohm resistor from 12V line to the Mic element Mic+ side (they are polarized), Mic- to Ground, as this powers the FET inside the Electret Mic.
Dave WI6R
On Mon, Jan 8, 2018 at 12:49 PM, Michael Davis <maddmd818@...> wrote: It seems like everyone is now focused on ubitx. I hope someone can assist me in getting my "old" bitx 40 up and running again. It has been down (receiving great, no transmit) for a few months. Today I decided to tackle it. Got a good light and a magnifier. I took voltage readings and compared them to Randy's voltage chart. Only 2 slight differences. Q15 gate reads .3vdc in receive normal in transmit and Q16 emitter reads .01 vdc in transmit normal in receive. When I check current in the PA power feed line all is normal but no increase in current drawn when I HALLOWWW. The PA bias setting is 120ma and I haven't messed with R136. Not sure how to set that anyway. I've checked continuity in my microphone line and temporarily changed mic elements. I've tried tracing the audio input circuit but dont have the right equipment to do an audio signal trace or inject an audio signal in the audio input circuit. Relay clicks sound normal upon PTT. Jerry Gaffke has published some nice troubleshooting information, but no luck so far. I think it may be something obvious. It worked when I last used it and didn't when I turned it on a month later. Help!? Thanks, Mike
|
Re: Chirp support for uBitx (was: Re: [BITX20] Implement a uBITX Memory Manager Program)
The current uBITX source does not have instructions to control memory yet. So I extended the CAT protocol to read and write memory for uBITX. uBITX can use 0 ~ 1023 EEPROM based on Arduino Nano.If uBITX is the only extension to the protocol, it does not matter what program it is.
Ham radio deluxe and hamlib all use memory access protocol.?The same is true of my program, and so is chirp.
uBITX can simply extend the protocol (very easy - Actually, I wrote 20 lines of code.), it will be accessible from many software.
The program I created will be one of them.
I think it's important to put an extension protocol in uBITX and I do not think it's important what programs use it. If you support uBITX in chirp, it is a good thing.
Ups... !!!
We are working on similar approaches, but I'm on the draft board
yet. Last night I was drafting a Chirp driver for the actual ubitx
code I found here:
The firmware mod is trivial, the Chirp diver kind of trivial as I
have a few years as an active Chirp's developer, some testing and
validation will be required and that takes time (a week or so).
What is the latest killing firmware repository for the uBitx?
Would you like to manage settings and memory channels from Chirp
for the bitx40 (v1 & v2) from Allard, and the latest killing
firmware for the ubitx?
For those how don't know Chirp (),
It's a cross platform (Linux, Windows, MacOS) python software with
the LoTR philosophy:
"One software to program all radios"
Currently supporting about 200+? radio models from 28 brands
()
and with an active developer and users community.
Cheers, Pavel CO7WT.
El 08/01/18 a las 09:18, Ian Lee
escribi¨®:
I wrote and tested
the Yaesu compatible CAT protocol. You can see it in the past
posting.
I will release the firmware I made tomorrow. The program will also
be release.
Currently, only the firmware I created can communicate, but the
protocol added for uBITX only is within 20 lines.
Adding about 20 lines to the original source will probably work.
How to modify the original source will be posted later.
My vacation is short and I am working very busy to release the
beta version of firmware I made so far tomorrow.
Most of the beta testers that we tested until last week reflected
the opinions, but I hope to make something that is not done yet.
--
Best 73
KD8CEC / Ph.D ian lee
kd8cec@...
(my blog)
--
73 CO7WT, Pavel.
-- Best 73 KD8CEC / Ph.D ian lee kd8cec@...
(my blog)
|
Re: Implement a uBITX Memory Manager Program
I was able to put memory control commands in a few lines of code simply. Anyone can easily control existing programs with uBITX.
#ubitx? ?I expect this may come in handy when I get my you biddix as I have an ft-897 and and ft991. ?Thanks for the hard work
-- Best 73 KD8CEC / Ph.D ian lee kd8cec@...
(my blog)
|
Re: Implement a uBITX Memory Manager Program
of course. Compatibility with wsjtx was completed two weeks ago. Those who have already done beta testing are still using my firmware and wsjtx together.
Especially for wsjtx, we also tested raspberry as Linux with Windows based test.
Please click on the link below.
Windows :?
Linux (Raspberry pi) :
However, in order to communicate smoothly with a digital communication program, other parts must be modified with ubitx_cat.
This is because the current uBITX firmware is single thread. should use interrupts or simmilar Multi thread.
I have been in the field of microcomputing for a long time, but I've been using the arduino program for the first time.
Interrupts should understand the system because it considers the pending time and so on.
So I made it behave like a multithread, so I had no problem communicating with wsjtx, fldigi, etc.
DE KD8CEC
can you test this with wsjtx as well??
- f
-- Best 73 KD8CEC / Ph.D ian lee kd8cec@...
(my blog)
|
What would be the smallest reasonable volt spec for the 470uf cap parallel to C50?
|
So, re the uBitx, (& not Bitx40v3)
|
Re: Customisable panel cutout template for the EF01 project box
#bitx40
Yeah, the LED version isn't any better.
Vince.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 01/08/2018 02:50 PM, phraxoid wrote: Yes, sorry, I meant it was a shame that the LCD voltmeter module was
very noisy.
--
Michigan VHF Corp.
|
Ash:
Have you seen the solution of Small Wonder QRP?
The blog date is Novenber 3, 2017.
His is a solid state replacement for the relays, etc.
It is an interesting approach.
john
AD5YE
|
Does not look as if though the SCI-6 shows USB port pin outs.
Most modern laptops have only USB ports.
Sent from my iPad
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Jan 8, 2018, at 2:38 PM, B C <k9wis@...> wrote:
Yes...Isolate the radio from the computer using transformers and optos...bad things happen with rf and ac otherwise...
Check out this simple interface...Its the one I use..W9XT even shares the schematic
Brian K9WIS
|
Re: Chirp support for uBitx [kind of OT I need to answer]
El 08/01/18 a las 16:00, K9HZ escribi¨®:
Looks like that site has not added new drivers for radios in
years...
Excuse me but you are wrong...
In the last days of December I added the latest goodie from
Baofeng Factory, the BF-T1 (with a few sub sequent patches), about
that time the TYT TH-9800 got support
for a new band (222 Mhz), in early December A Retevis RT-26 was
added, in late November a milestone happened: A developer
added the Wouxun KG-UV8D Plus, that has a cryptographically
obfuscated serial protocol (He break the crypto code!), and
opening the door to more of the Wouxun family of radios (I'm
Working on the KG-UV8E/T models now, so far so good; also passed a
tip to the KG-UV950P developer about it being partially supported
by the crypto hack.)
And today I officially closed the Baofeng BF-T1 development
issue, see here:
(with a donation of that radio to me)
All the good things happening are reflected in the "Activity" tab
() take a peek,
a few thing are happening there right now. More or less twice a
month you get an update for bug fixed and from time to time a new
radio is added...
Chirp is far from a death project.
But as all Open Source & community driven projects has it's
problems, communication is maybe one of them.
A lot of people ask to support his radios, a lot of people, for just
~25 developers.
Here you can see a list of the recently requested
People don't realize that to get a radio supported you need to get
that radio in the hands of a developer that's willing to make the
work for free! And believe me, getting the radio in the hands of a
developer is the hard part, Chirp's developer is a great community,
that's why in the New Model request there is a "radio loan
available" check box.
The users can offer to loan their radios and even donate it to a
Chirp developer to get it supported (some OM also post bounty prices
for support for some radios). This has happened in the past with
some of the now supported radios, loans, donations and even from
Retailers or even Radio Manufacturers. (see
)
The best example of that is the B-TECH OEM, they established a very
good relationship with Chirp (aka with one Chirp's developer) and
their latest radios use EXCLUSIVELY Chirp as a programming
software!!!
See here for some details
() this is
not all the real list, as some devs don't update it (in fact I
realized that I have to update it with the BF-T1 donor... done, hi
hi hi)
and
the newest ones appear to be geared to VHF handhelds?
Yes, Chirp is prone to support VHF/UHF handheld, as they are cheap,
specially the Chinese ones.
Are you willing to donate a IC-7300 (~ $ 1100.00 USD) o even ship it
overseas as a loan to a developer? There is 90% chance you (or
others) are not willing to donate/risk a expensive/new radio; so it
takes time for a developer to get his hands on a radio to develop a
driver for it.
This is when shipping/donating a Baofeng BF-T1 handheld to a
developers (~16.00 USD) wins even with hands tied; also this the
answer to your question.
As Dan's words (Chirps father and project leader): "Chirp's developers work for radios"
Bottom notes:
- Chirp is far from a death project.
- Yes, Chirp is prone to support cheap radios (VHF/UHF
handhelds/mobiles) Cheap is the key word here.
- If you want one radio supported in Chirp offer it for donation
o take the leading role and organize a crowdfunding campaign to
buy and ship one to a developer. (Use the dev mailing list to
coordinate that effort.)
Sorry for the OT, but I need to answer.
I still my willingness to support the bitx40 and the uBitx in
Chirp, will do as time allows.
73 Pavel CO7WT
Dr.?William
J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ
PJ2/K9HZ
?
Owner -
Operator
Big Signal
Ranch ¨C K9ZC
Staunton,
Illinois
?
Owner ¨C
Operator
Villa
Grand Piton - J68HZ
Soufriere,
St. Lucia W.I.
Rent it:
email:??bill@...
?
On Jan 8, 2018, at 2:40 PM, Pavel Milanes Costa < pavelmc@...>
wrote:
Ups... !!!
We are working on similar approaches, but I'm on the draft
board yet. Last night I was drafting a Chirp driver for the
actual ubitx code I found here:
The firmware mod is trivial, the Chirp diver kind of
trivial as I have a few years as an active Chirp's
developer, some testing and validation will be required and
that takes time (a week or so).
What is the latest killing firmware repository for the
uBitx?
Would you like to manage settings and memory channels from
Chirp for the bitx40 (v1 & v2) from Allard, and the
latest killing firmware for the ubitx?
For those how don't know Chirp (),
It's a cross platform (Linux, Windows, MacOS) python
software with the LoTR philosophy:
"One software to program all radios"
Currently supporting about 200+? radio models from 28
brands ()
and with an active developer and users community.
Cheers, Pavel CO7WT.
El 08/01/18 a las 09:18, Ian Lee
escribi¨®:
I wrote and
tested the Yaesu compatible CAT protocol. You can see it in
the past posting.
I will release the firmware I made tomorrow. The program
will also be release.
Currently, only the firmware I created can communicate, but
the protocol added for uBITX only is within 20 lines.
Adding about 20 lines to the original source will probably
work.
How to modify the original source will be posted later.
My vacation is short and I am working very busy to release
the beta version of firmware I made so far tomorrow.
Most of the beta testers that we tested until last week
reflected the opinions, but I hope to make something that is
not done yet.
--
Best 73
KD8CEC / Ph.D ian lee
kd8cec@...
(my
blog)
--
73 CO7WT, Pavel.
--
73 CO7WT, Pavel.
|
I decided to hack around the issue with a little external phone/mic interface box, made from a "deluxe" AAA battery case:  This connects a conventional headset and mic input and provides a PTT button, which I needed anyway.? A little switch adds a potentiometer to the phone line, and it's a simple matter to flip the switch before I press PTT.? This also attenuates the keyer sidetone. If I were clever, I'd find a way to patch in the pot and trigger PTT with the same pushbutton, but better is the enemy of done. Thanks, Xcott K2CAJ
|
This sounds an awful lot like the problem the NORCAL guys had when they released the 38 Special transceiver kit many years ago...They nicknamed the issue 'The Thump" .Not sure they ever came up with a solution..try to track down old issues of QRPp..there was a lot of discussion about it in there. There maybe some folks on QRP-L that were around during that era.
Brian K9WIS
|
The schematic that someone showed earlier was ingenious because it used one of the transformers as a stepUP transformer to drive the rectification circuit....that makes it easier to turn the transistor on and key the rig. We went a little different in Alachua County with a 1-transistor simple audio amplifier before the rectification and we used a RELAY which DRAMATICALLY reduced our radio frequency interference impacts. I had 40 boards made and they are basically ALL GONE. Had to order three more recently. We had a lot of fun with this --- many of our members had never soldered before and knew nothing about resistors, capacitors and transistors....it was a lot of learning for everyone and benefitted our group tremendously. I also use Signalinks where forced to, but this was way way way cheaper. Some of them we boxed inside 4" electricla boxes (which are dirt cheap). Knowledge allows you to save oodles of $$$ as is obvious by the Farhan creation..... Gordon ________________________________________ From: [email protected] < [email protected]> on behalf of KC9SGV <kc9sgv@...> Sent: Monday, January 8, 2018 4:59 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [BITX20] Going digital? #ubitx The Signalink USB has it's own VOX circuit. An opto coupler. You will still have to make your own cables. Around $120. So the other options are cheaper. Bernie, KC9SGV Sent from my iPad On Jan 8, 2018, at 2:38 PM, B C <k9wis@...> wrote:
Yes...Isolate the radio from the computer using transformers and optos...bad things happen with rf and ac otherwise...
Check out this simple interface...Its the one I use..W9XT even shares the schematic
Brian K9WIS
|
The Signalink USB has it's own VOX circuit.
An opto coupler.
You will still have to make your own cables.
Around $120.
So the other options are cheaper.
Bernie,
KC9SGV
Sent from my iPad
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Jan 8, 2018, at 2:38 PM, B C <k9wis@...> wrote:
Yes...Isolate the radio from the computer using transformers and optos...bad things happen with rf and ac otherwise...
Check out this simple interface...Its the one I use..W9XT even shares the schematic
Brian K9WIS
|
Re: Questions about uBitX
And keep in mind that on the B40 the cap across the PA Power pins is only a 25 volt electrolytic.
Vince.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 01/08/2018 02:16 PM, Jack Purdum via Groups.Io wrote: /Many people have done this on their Bitx40s with around 20 watts out at
24-28V supplying the final output transistors..../
...and with appropriate additions to the heat sinks on the finals.
Jack, W8TEE
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*From:* Neil Martinsen-Burrell <neilmartinsenburrell@...>
*To:* [email protected]
*Sent:* Monday, January 8, 2018 2:09 PM
*Subject:* Re: [BITX20] Questions about uBitX
On Mon, Jan 8, 2018 at 12:09 PM, Albert Woodhull <n1aw@...
<mailto:n1aw@...>> wrote:
Also would like know about total weight - obviously I would want a
lightweight enclosure, and would appreciate
ideas on ideas for that.
I just weighed the whole kit in the plastic box that it came in at 15
ounces. It's hard to imagine a much lighter enclosure.
The documentation on line has suggestions about adding a narrower
filter for CW; has anyone done this? And
does the main circuit board provide for adding an alternate filter
without having to cut traces on the board?
There are two easy options for doing this. One is to use a narrow audio
filter essentially at the headphone jack. There are kits from SOTABeams,
4SQRP and many others. Since the uBitx doesn't have AGC, there aren't
any issues from strong signals in the RF passband that don't appear in
the narrower audio passband. The other approach is to use M0XPD's
dual-IF setup where a second 4 MHz crystal filter is paralleled with the
existing 12MHz crystal filter that serves for SSB. Then since the BFO is
software controllable, a firmware could be written where the the IF
moves to 4MHz in CW mode.
I think IRF510s can probably be used at voltages higher than 12V.
Has anyone experimented with using a higher
voltage for the final amplifier to get more than 10 watts out? That
would maybe not be useful for SOTA, but perhaps
for home station or mobile use?
Many people have done this on their Bitx40s with around 20 watts out at
24-28V supplying the final output transistors.
-Neil N0FN
--
Michigan VHF Corp.
|
Re: Chirp support for uBitx (was: Re: [BITX20] Implement a uBITX Memory Manager Program)
Looks like that site has not added new drivers for radios in years... and the newest ones appear to be geared to VHF handhelds?
Dr.?William J. Schmidt - K9HZ J68HZ 8P6HK ZF2HZ PJ4/K9HZ VP5/K9HZ PJ2/K9HZ ? Owner - Operator Big Signal Ranch ¨C K9ZC Staunton, Illinois ? Owner ¨C Operator Villa Grand Piton - J68HZ Soufriere, St. Lucia W.I. Rent it:
email:??bill@... ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Jan 8, 2018, at 2:40 PM, Pavel Milanes Costa < pavelmc@...> wrote:
Ups... !!!
We are working on similar approaches, but I'm on the draft board
yet. Last night I was drafting a Chirp driver for the actual ubitx
code I found here:
The firmware mod is trivial, the Chirp diver kind of trivial as I
have a few years as an active Chirp's developer, some testing and
validation will be required and that takes time (a week or so).
What is the latest killing firmware repository for the uBitx?
Would you like to manage settings and memory channels from Chirp
for the bitx40 (v1 & v2) from Allard, and the latest killing
firmware for the ubitx?
For those how don't know Chirp (),
It's a cross platform (Linux, Windows, MacOS) python software with
the LoTR philosophy:
"One software to program all radios"
Currently supporting about 200+? radio models from 28 brands
()
and with an active developer and users community.
Cheers, Pavel CO7WT.
El 08/01/18 a las 09:18, Ian Lee
escribi¨®:
I wrote and tested
the Yaesu compatible CAT protocol. You can see it in the past
posting.
I will release the firmware I made tomorrow. The program will also
be release.
Currently, only the firmware I created can communicate, but the
protocol added for uBITX only is within 20 lines.
Adding about 20 lines to the original source will probably work.
How to modify the original source will be posted later.
My vacation is short and I am working very busy to release the
beta version of firmware I made so far tomorrow.
Most of the beta testers that we tested until last week reflected
the opinions, but I hope to make something that is not done yet.
--
Best 73
KD8CEC / Ph.D ian lee
kd8cec@...
(my blog)
--
73 CO7WT, Pavel.
|
It seems like everyone is now focused on ubitx. I hope someone can assist me in getting my "old" bitx 40 up and running again. It has been down (receiving great, no transmit) for a few months. Today I decided to tackle it. Got a good light and a magnifier. I took voltage readings and compared them to Randy's voltage chart. Only 2 slight differences. Q15 gate reads .3vdc in receive normal in transmit and Q16 emitter reads .01 vdc in transmit normal in receive. When I check current in the PA power feed line all is normal but no increase in current drawn when I HALLOWWW. The PA bias setting is 120ma and I haven't messed with R136. Not sure how to set that anyway. I've checked continuity in my microphone line and temporarily changed mic elements. I've tried tracing the audio input circuit but dont have the right equipment to do an audio signal trace or inject an audio signal in the audio input circuit. Relay clicks sound normal upon PTT. Jerry Gaffke has published some nice troubleshooting information, but no luck so far. I think it may be something obvious. It worked when I last used it and didn't when I turned it on a month later. Help! ?Thanks, Mike
|
Chirp support for uBitx (was: Re: [BITX20] Implement a uBITX Memory Manager Program)
Ups... !!!
We are working on similar approaches, but I'm on the draft board
yet. Last night I was drafting a Chirp driver for the actual ubitx
code I found here:
The firmware mod is trivial, the Chirp diver kind of trivial as I
have a few years as an active Chirp's developer, some testing and
validation will be required and that takes time (a week or so).
What is the latest killing firmware repository for the uBitx?
Would you like to manage settings and memory channels from Chirp
for the bitx40 (v1 & v2) from Allard, and the latest killing
firmware for the ubitx?
For those how don't know Chirp (),
It's a cross platform (Linux, Windows, MacOS) python software with
the LoTR philosophy:
"One software to program all radios"
Currently supporting about 200+? radio models from 28 brands
()
and with an active developer and users community.
Cheers, Pavel CO7WT.
El 08/01/18 a las 09:18, Ian Lee
escribi¨®:
I wrote and tested
the Yaesu compatible CAT protocol. You can see it in the past
posting.
I will release the firmware I made tomorrow. The program will also
be release.
Currently, only the firmware I created can communicate, but the
protocol added for uBITX only is within 20 lines.
Adding about 20 lines to the original source will probably work.
How to modify the original source will be posted later.
My vacation is short and I am working very busy to release the
beta version of firmware I made so far tomorrow.
Most of the beta testers that we tested until last week reflected
the opinions, but I hope to make something that is not done yet.
--
Best 73
KD8CEC / Ph.D ian lee
kd8cec@...
(my blog)
--
73 CO7WT, Pavel.
|
Yes...Isolate the radio from the computer using transformers and optos...bad things happen with rf and ac otherwise...
Check out this simple interface...Its the one I use..W9XT even shares the schematic
Brian K9WIS
|
i have been trying to hack out the tx pop. it is a far more intricate problem than it does seem at first. to cut a very long and painful story short, i am not yet there. but i have a partial solution.
add a 470uf (or a 220uf) capacitor in parallel to C50. The C50 is the 1uf capacitor that feeds the detector signal to the audio pre-amp. Increasing this to 470uf, prolongs the 'switch on' time of the audio preamp just enough to not hear the TX-to-RX thump.
can someone else too try this out?
i call it a partial solution because it doesn't suppress the rx-to-tx pop (which is not as bad as the tx-to-rx pop).
- f
|
K9HZ