¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Date

Re: #bitx40 #ubitx #bitx40 #ubitx

 

Real hardware does not lie....I need to do some testing with real hardware which has now arrived from Mouser.
?
73 Kees K5BCQ


---------- Original Message ----------
From: "Jerry Gaffke via Groups.Io" <jgaffke@...>
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [BITX20] #bitx40 #ubitx
Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2018 18:43:49 -0700

Page 3 of the Fairchild/OnSemi datasheet (page 4 in pdf reader), under Output Detector
says C4-6 is 15pf max, where pins 4 and 6 are source and drain of the output side optical FET they hide inside.

Could drive some other attenuator, we don't need to use the optical FET as the attenuator, if that's what you mean.
But at that point, I'm not sure why we don't just replace the H11F1M with a piece of wire.
Perhaps there's something special about the transfer characteristic?

On Wed, Mar 28, 2018 at 04:55 pm, Sandy T wrote:

I might add that the 15pF is due to the LED which does have to be driven by the audio section second amplifier (with a current limited maximum of about 30mA). The FET Output (attenuation) can be elsewhere.


Re: #bitx40 #ubitx #bitx40 #ubitx

 

Page 3 of the Fairchild/OnSemi datasheet (page 4 in pdf reader), under Output Detector
says C4-6 is 15pf max, where pins 4 and 6 are source and drain of the output side optical FET they hide inside.

Could drive some other attenuator, we don't need to use the optical FET as the attenuator, if that's what you mean.
But at that point, I'm not sure why we don't just replace the H11F1M with a piece of wire.
Perhaps there's something special about the transfer characteristic?


On Wed, Mar 28, 2018 at 04:55 pm, Sandy T wrote:
I might add that the 15pF is due to the LED which does have to be driven by the audio section second amplifier (with a current limited maximum of about 30mA). The FET Output (attenuation) can be elsewhere.


Re: #bitx40help Arduino Online Editor (IDE?) #bitx40help

 

I think I'm almost there.? After loading the CH340/341 driver I can see COM4 appear/disappear when I connect and disconnect the USB cable.? I've selected Nano board with ATmega328 on COM4.? As I peek at the LED's on the Raduino, I can see some flickering of a couple of them as the COM tries to sync.

But after ten retries with error of the form: avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 10 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x00

avrdude gives up.?

Searching " avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 10 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x00" produces voluminous results, but seemingly strange advice.

Have you seen this?

I'm running Arduino Online Editor and WIN10

Thanks/Dan
KM6GRV

On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 11:45 PM, M Garza <mgarza896@...> wrote:
Daniel,
You might need to install the CH340/341 driver for the NANO.? These are clones that seem to use that particular driver.
Once you install the driver, verify that the computer is communicating with the NANO.? It should show up in the Device Manager, under Ports.??
You will need to know that port number.? There should be an option to select NANO and the port# in the IDE.

The IDE does use the Verify and Upload buttons.? The Verify is the same as Compile.? The Upload button does a compile (verify) and then uploads it to the Arduino.

Post back if this doesn't help.

Marco - KG5PRT

On Tue, Mar 27, 2018 at 11:24 PM, Daniel Crane <danjamitch@...> wrote:
Thanks for all the help so far.? I am totally stoked to learn that USB on the Bitx40 is SMOS ("simply a matter of software").? I'm struggling trying to load Allard's sketch raduino_v1.27.7 via the Arduino Online Editor.? I get "Error Uploading.? Check if the selected board is currently available"

My Raduino is wired into my BitX, which is powered off.? I think I read here that that's OK.? When I plug in the USB cable, the Raduino fires up and Windows makes pleasant beeps.? When I unplug it, I see a momentary flag on the Online Editor stating that the board has been disconnected.? Windows does not mount the device as a drive letter, but that doesn't surprise me.

The IDE allowed me to include the pinchangeinterrupt library, via four includes it provided at the top of the sketch -

// PinChangeInterrupt - Version: Latest
#include <PinChangeInterrupt.h>
#include <PinChangeInterruptBoards.h>
#include <PinChangeInterruptPins.h>
#include <PinChangeInterruptSettings.h>

/**
?? Raduino_v1.27.7 for BITX40 - Allard Munters PE1NWL (pe1nwl@...)
..

After receiving this error and retrying several times, I noticed that there was an Arduino icon in my system tray (WIN10).? Clicking that revealed a number of buried instances of a dialogue that was asking me if it's OK to proceed loading drivers.? I clicked "yes" on one of them and dismissed the rest.

I notice the group uses terms like "compile" and "build".? The Online Editor doesn't have buttons for those.? It has a "Verify" button and an "Upload" (right arrow) button.? But with that and its library functionality, it seems to be pretty much an IDE.? But you have to believe that the "Upload" includes building.

What am I missing?

Thanks/Dan
KM6GRV




Re: #bitx40 #ubitx #bitx40 #ubitx

 

I think that's basically a current limitation so you can select the proper series resistor and not "cook" the diode. It would be nice to know what voltages were observed on the original uBITX units (which had AGC) at the C72/R73 output for loud/medium signals.

73 Kees K5BCQ??


Re: #bitx40 #ubitx #bitx40 #ubitx

 

I wonder what voltage levels Farhan saw on the original uBITX AGC amplifier output which fed C72 and R73 for loud/medium audio signals .....which in turn fed the 1N4148 and 2N7002.?
?
73 Kees K5BCQ


---------- Original Message ----------
From: "Tim Gorman" <tgorman2@...>
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [BITX20] #bitx40 #ubitx
Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2018 19:26:32 -0500

Kees,

The data sheet appears to show that the IR diode is current controlled
instead of voltage controlled. That makes it a little bit harder to
design in the AGC circuitry.

Got to think about that one.

tim ab0wr

On Wed, 28 Mar 2018 16:40:28 -0700
"Sandy T" <windy10605@...> wrote:

> Yes, this would only be used at Audio frequencies and that's where
> the "extra" uBITX amplifier is. Yes, it's more costly but the $2
> requires essentially no additional parts and will probably give a
> better dynamic range than the 20dB (at RF) of the 2N7002. Maybe
> locate the attenuation before the audio preamp.
>
> 73 Kees K5BCQ



Re: Ubitx sticks on transmit

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Just for debugging put a dummy load on it?

No radiating anything?

Just another guess that may lead to new info?

Mike, WA6ISP


On 3/28/2018 5:57 PM, Arv Evans wrote:
Scott

Just guessing here but maybe adding 0.01 mfd from pin-14 (TX) to ground would
assure that there is no RF on that lead.?

Arv? K7HKL
_._


On Wed, Mar 28, 2018 at 5:59 PM, Scott Docter <scott.docter@...> wrote:
Thanks for the suggestions. I am not using an amplifier. In the video that I linked in the last post I don't have anything hooked up to the radio except power and the Antenna. The front panel of the radio does not have the TX on the screen so it doesn't think that it is transmitting, but something in there is.

I wonder if as Jerry suggested that something in the Nano went bad?

On Wed, Mar 28, 2018 at 7:28 PM, M Garza <mgarza896@...> wrote:
Hi Scott,
Are you using an amplifier with this radio?
Have you tried putting rf bypass caps on the key wiring?? .1 or .01uf should be fine.? The rf can be getting into the wiring, in the enclosure.? If you have a USB extension cable attached to the nano, try putting a snap on ferrite choke on it.

Just suggestions.

Marco - KG5PRT?

On Wed, Mar 28, 2018, 6:15 PM Scott Docter <scott.docter@...> wrote:
I should have mentioned too that I have tried every firmware from the original .271 to 1.061 with same results. The firmware are the ones from KD8CEC.?

On Wed, Mar 28, 2018 at 7:10 PM, Scott Docter <scott.docter@...> wrote:
I removed all of the wires connected to the ubitx and it still sticks in transmit even when using just a keyer, so I don't think it is rf coming into it.?

I attached another link to a video showing the voltage on pin A3. The video shows the radio being turned on while it is stuck in transmit.?



The radio did work fine for about 10 minutes before getting stuck again.?

I don't know how to hack the sketch to monitor A3.?

On Mar 28, 2018 1:44 PM, "Karl Heinz Kremer, K5KHK" <khk@...> wrote:
You mentioned Winlink, so I assume you are using CAT control. Every time I've experienced this when using CAT, it was caused by RF getting into something. With my setup, whenever I run more than 2W on 30m I am ending up with TX not getting turned off. For other bands, the limits are a bit higher. I've added chokes to the USB cable from the computer to the serial adapter, and another one on?the cable from the serial adapter to?the radio, but so far this has not made any difference. I'll probably add a few more chokes on power supply and audio cables to see if I can fix this.?

You may want to try turning down TX power to see if that makes a difference.?
--
Karl Heinz - K5KHK





-- 
Mike Hagen, WA6ISP
10917 Bryant Street
Yucaipa, Ca. 92399
(909) 918-0058
PayPal ID  "MotDog@..."
Mike@...


Re: Ubitx sticks on transmit

 

Scott

Just guessing here but maybe adding 0.01 mfd from pin-14 (TX) to ground would
assure that there is no RF on that lead.?

Arv? K7HKL
_._


On Wed, Mar 28, 2018 at 5:59 PM, Scott Docter <scott.docter@...> wrote:
Thanks for the suggestions. I am not using an amplifier. In the video that I linked in the last post I don't have anything hooked up to the radio except power and the Antenna. The front panel of the radio does not have the TX on the screen so it doesn't think that it is transmitting, but something in there is.

I wonder if as Jerry suggested that something in the Nano went bad?

On Wed, Mar 28, 2018 at 7:28 PM, M Garza <mgarza896@...> wrote:
Hi Scott,
Are you using an amplifier with this radio?
Have you tried putting rf bypass caps on the key wiring?? .1 or .01uf should be fine.? The rf can be getting into the wiring, in the enclosure.? If you have a USB extension cable attached to the nano, try putting a snap on ferrite choke on it.

Just suggestions.

Marco - KG5PRT?

On Wed, Mar 28, 2018, 6:15 PM Scott Docter <scott.docter@...> wrote:
I should have mentioned too that I have tried every firmware from the original .271 to 1.061 with same results. The firmware are the ones from KD8CEC.?

On Wed, Mar 28, 2018 at 7:10 PM, Scott Docter <scott.docter@...> wrote:
I removed all of the wires connected to the ubitx and it still sticks in transmit even when using just a keyer, so I don't think it is rf coming into it.?

I attached another link to a video showing the voltage on pin A3. The video shows the radio being turned on while it is stuck in transmit.?



The radio did work fine for about 10 minutes before getting stuck again.?

I don't know how to hack the sketch to monitor A3.?

On Mar 28, 2018 1:44 PM, "Karl Heinz Kremer, K5KHK" <khk@...> wrote:
You mentioned Winlink, so I assume you are using CAT control. Every time I've experienced this when using CAT, it was caused by RF getting into something. With my setup, whenever I run more than 2W on 30m I am ending up with TX not getting turned off. For other bands, the limits are a bit higher. I've added chokes to the USB cable from the computer to the serial adapter, and another one on?the cable from the serial adapter to?the radio, but so far this has not made any difference. I'll probably add a few more chokes on power supply and audio cables to see if I can fix this.?

You may want to try turning down TX power to see if that makes a difference.?
--
Karl Heinz - K5KHK





Re: #bitx40 #ubitx #bitx40 #ubitx

 

Kees,

The data sheet appears to show that the IR diode is current controlled
instead of voltage controlled. That makes it a little bit harder to
design in the AGC circuitry.

Got to think about that one.

tim ab0wr

On Wed, 28 Mar 2018 16:40:28 -0700
"Sandy T" <windy10605@...> wrote:

Yes, this would only be used at Audio frequencies and that's where
the "extra" uBITX amplifier is. Yes, it's more costly but the $2
requires essentially no additional parts and will probably give a
better dynamic range than the 20dB (at RF) of the 2N7002. Maybe
locate the attenuation before the audio preamp.

73 Kees K5BCQ


Re: #bitx40 #ubitx #bitx40 #ubitx

 

Yes, it will take a little time (ms ?) to generate the AGC control voltage but since the application shows it for some musical AGC use, I would hardly believe it has an objectionable pop. I would definitely reduce the value of that AGC input cap. Only a test will tell, .......may look really clean on the board.

73 Kees K5BCQ


Re: Ubitx sticks on transmit

Scott Docter
 

Thanks for the suggestions. I am not using an amplifier. In the video that I linked in the last post I don't have anything hooked up to the radio except power and the Antenna. The front panel of the radio does not have the TX on the screen so it doesn't think that it is transmitting, but something in there is.

I wonder if as Jerry suggested that something in the Nano went bad?

On Wed, Mar 28, 2018 at 7:28 PM, M Garza <mgarza896@...> wrote:
Hi Scott,
Are you using an amplifier with this radio?
Have you tried putting rf bypass caps on the key wiring?? .1 or .01uf should be fine.? The rf can be getting into the wiring, in the enclosure.? If you have a USB extension cable attached to the nano, try putting a snap on ferrite choke on it.

Just suggestions.

Marco - KG5PRT?

On Wed, Mar 28, 2018, 6:15 PM Scott Docter <scott.docter@...> wrote:
I should have mentioned too that I have tried every firmware from the original .271 to 1.061 with same results. The firmware are the ones from KD8CEC.?

On Wed, Mar 28, 2018 at 7:10 PM, Scott Docter <scott.docter@...> wrote:
I removed all of the wires connected to the ubitx and it still sticks in transmit even when using just a keyer, so I don't think it is rf coming into it.?

I attached another link to a video showing the voltage on pin A3. The video shows the radio being turned on while it is stuck in transmit.?



The radio did work fine for about 10 minutes before getting stuck again.?

I don't know how to hack the sketch to monitor A3.?

On Mar 28, 2018 1:44 PM, "Karl Heinz Kremer, K5KHK" <khk@...> wrote:
You mentioned Winlink, so I assume you are using CAT control. Every time I've experienced this when using CAT, it was caused by RF getting into something. With my setup, whenever I run more than 2W on 30m I am ending up with TX not getting turned off. For other bands, the limits are a bit higher. I've added chokes to the USB cable from the computer to the serial adapter, and another one on?the cable from the serial adapter to?the radio, but so far this has not made any difference. I'll probably add a few more chokes on power supply and audio cables to see if I can fix this.?

You may want to try turning down TX power to see if that makes a difference.?
--
Karl Heinz - K5KHK




Re: #bitx40 #ubitx #bitx40 #ubitx

 

I might add that the 15pF is due to the LED which does have to be driven by the audio section second amplifier (with a current limited maximum of about 30mA). The FET Output (attenuation) can be elsewhere.

73 Kees K5BCQ?


Re: #bitx40 #ubitx #bitx40 #ubitx

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Have a look at the AD8367¡­? The circuit shown in the AP section I¡¯ve built and it works well into the VHF range.? Sorry, a whole $6

?

?

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 ¨C J68HZ

Soufriere, St. Lucia W.I.

Rent it:

Like us on Facebook!

?

Moderator ¨C North American QRO Yahoo Group.

?

email:? bill@...

?

?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Jerry Gaffke via Groups.Io
Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2018 6:44 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [BITX20] #bitx40 #ubitx

?

The hycas scheme looks pretty elaborate to me, I'm more inclined toward less.
But nothing obsolete about using a whole bunch of $0.02 parts.
If I was interested in "advanced", I wouldn't have a bitx.?

Though I am interested in better.? Maybe even faster.?
Let us know what that would be.
Especially if you can approach the price point of $0.02*100.

Jerry, KE7ER

On Wed, Mar 28, 2018 at 03:48 pm, K9HZ wrote:

I¡¯ve used the modified Hycas AGC in several receiver designs.? It works quite well and I would not hesitate to use it in an HF radio.? With that said, there are new/same cost/better acting/ faster single device AGC systems that are far more advanced today.

?


Virus-free.


Re: #bitx40 #ubitx #bitx40 #ubitx

 

The hycas scheme looks pretty elaborate to me, I'm more inclined toward less.
But nothing obsolete about using a whole bunch of $0.02 parts.
If I was interested in "advanced", I wouldn't have a bitx.?

Though I am interested in better.? Maybe even faster.?
Let us know what that would be.
Especially if you can approach the price point of $0.02*100.

Jerry, KE7ER


On Wed, Mar 28, 2018 at 03:48 pm, K9HZ wrote:

I¡¯ve used the modified Hycas AGC in several receiver designs.? It works quite well and I would not hesitate to use it in an HF radio.? With that said, there are new/same cost/better acting/ faster single device AGC systems that are far more advanced today.

?


Re: #bitx40 #ubitx #bitx40 #ubitx

 

Yes, this would only be used at Audio frequencies and that's where the "extra" uBITX amplifier is. Yes, it's more costly but the $2 requires essentially no additional parts and will probably give a better dynamic range than the 20dB (at RF) of the 2N7002.
Maybe locate the attenuation before the audio preamp.

73 Kees K5BCQ


Re: Making front panel labels

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Wow!? Spiffy, Nice!

I keep hearing about water slides?? I only got B/W Inkjet.

Mike, WA6ISP


On 3/28/2018 11:10 AM, Jose Silva wrote:
Fantastic Dan, congratulations!.

73
Saulo
PY7EG

2018-03-28 13:26 GMT-03:00 Daniel Conklin <danconklin2@...>:
I printed mine out on with an inkjet printer on regular photo paper and then put some clear tape over it to preserve it.
Dan, W2DLC


-- 
Mike Hagen, WA6ISP
10917 Bryant Street
Yucaipa, Ca. 92399
(909) 918-0058
PayPal ID  "MotDog@..."
Mike@...


Re: Ubitx sticks on transmit

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Hey Scott,

Mine stuck in transmit as well.? I finally tracked it down to the 1/4¡± jack I used for my straight key.? There was absolutely no continuity between the tip and sleeve, ?but when I lifted the wire off the tip, it stopped transmitting.? I replaced the 1/4¡± jack with a new one and all is well.? Go figure huh..? ??

?

Good luck

Gary

?

?

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Scott Docter
Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2018 4:10 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [BITX20] Ubitx sticks on transmit

?

I removed all of the wires connected to the ubitx and it still sticks in transmit even when using just a keyer, so I don't think it is rf coming into it.?

?

I attached another link to a video showing the voltage on pin A3. The video shows the radio being turned on while it is stuck in transmit.?

?

?

The radio did work fine for about 10 minutes before getting stuck again.?

?

I don't know how to hack the sketch to monitor A3.?

?

On Mar 28, 2018 1:44 PM, "Karl Heinz Kremer, K5KHK" <khk@...> wrote:

You mentioned Winlink, so I assume you are using CAT control. Every time I've experienced this when using CAT, it was caused by RF getting into something. With my setup, whenever I run more than 2W on 30m I am ending up with TX not getting turned off. For other bands, the limits are a bit higher. I've added chokes to the USB cable from the computer to the serial adapter, and another one on?the cable from the serial adapter to?the radio, but so far this has not made any difference. I'll probably add a few more chokes on power supply and audio cables to see if I can fix this.?

You may want to try turning down TX power to see if that makes a difference.?
--
Karl Heinz - K5KHK

?


Re: Ubitx sticks on transmit

M Garza
 

Hi Scott,
Are you using an amplifier with this radio?
Have you tried putting rf bypass caps on the key wiring?? .1 or .01uf should be fine.? The rf can be getting into the wiring, in the enclosure.? If you have a USB extension cable attached to the nano, try putting a snap on ferrite choke on it.

Just suggestions.

Marco - KG5PRT?

On Wed, Mar 28, 2018, 6:15 PM Scott Docter <scott.docter@...> wrote:
I should have mentioned too that I have tried every firmware from the original .271 to 1.061 with same results. The firmware are the ones from KD8CEC.?

On Wed, Mar 28, 2018 at 7:10 PM, Scott Docter <scott.docter@...> wrote:
I removed all of the wires connected to the ubitx and it still sticks in transmit even when using just a keyer, so I don't think it is rf coming into it.?

I attached another link to a video showing the voltage on pin A3. The video shows the radio being turned on while it is stuck in transmit.?



The radio did work fine for about 10 minutes before getting stuck again.?

I don't know how to hack the sketch to monitor A3.?

On Mar 28, 2018 1:44 PM, "Karl Heinz Kremer, K5KHK" <khk@...> wrote:
You mentioned Winlink, so I assume you are using CAT control. Every time I've experienced this when using CAT, it was caused by RF getting into something. With my setup, whenever I run more than 2W on 30m I am ending up with TX not getting turned off. For other bands, the limits are a bit higher. I've added chokes to the USB cable from the computer to the serial adapter, and another one on?the cable from the serial adapter to?the radio, but so far this has not made any difference. I'll probably add a few more chokes on power supply and audio cables to see if I can fix this.?

You may want to try turning down TX power to see if that makes a difference.?
--
Karl Heinz - K5KHK



Re: uBitx on teensy with JT/FSQ and WSPR beacons

 

The BTS660P is obsolete.? A few on ebay yet.

Google "high side current sense", lots of parts from lots of vendors.

Here's one:? ?
Simple, can give a voltage gain of 100 over what it sees in a sense resistor
while generating a ground referenced signal into our ADC.
Would be much more accurate than trying to read voltages
across a sense resistor using two ADC's on the Nano and resistive dividers..

A hall effect device would not need a sense resistor at all.
I doubt that's needed here.?

Jerry, KE7ER


On Wed, Mar 28, 2018 at 03:16 pm, K9HZ wrote:
BTS660P is a better part to use. Includes current/ voltage monitoring and switching at about $2.50.


Re: Ubitx sticks on transmit

Scott Docter
 

I should have mentioned too that I have tried every firmware from the original .271 to 1.061 with same results. The firmware are the ones from KD8CEC.?

On Wed, Mar 28, 2018 at 7:10 PM, Scott Docter <scott.docter@...> wrote:
I removed all of the wires connected to the ubitx and it still sticks in transmit even when using just a keyer, so I don't think it is rf coming into it.?

I attached another link to a video showing the voltage on pin A3. The video shows the radio being turned on while it is stuck in transmit.?



The radio did work fine for about 10 minutes before getting stuck again.?

I don't know how to hack the sketch to monitor A3.?

On Mar 28, 2018 1:44 PM, "Karl Heinz Kremer, K5KHK" <khk@...> wrote:
You mentioned Winlink, so I assume you are using CAT control. Every time I've experienced this when using CAT, it was caused by RF getting into something. With my setup, whenever I run more than 2W on 30m I am ending up with TX not getting turned off. For other bands, the limits are a bit higher. I've added chokes to the USB cable from the computer to the serial adapter, and another one on?the cable from the serial adapter to?the radio, but so far this has not made any difference. I'll probably add a few more chokes on power supply and audio cables to see if I can fix this.?

You may want to try turning down TX power to see if that makes a difference.?
--
Karl Heinz - K5KHK



Re: Ubitx sticks on transmit

Scott Docter
 

I removed all of the wires connected to the ubitx and it still sticks in transmit even when using just a keyer, so I don't think it is rf coming into it.?

I attached another link to a video showing the voltage on pin A3. The video shows the radio being turned on while it is stuck in transmit.?



The radio did work fine for about 10 minutes before getting stuck again.?

I don't know how to hack the sketch to monitor A3.?

On Mar 28, 2018 1:44 PM, "Karl Heinz Kremer, K5KHK" <khk@...> wrote:
You mentioned Winlink, so I assume you are using CAT control. Every time I've experienced this when using CAT, it was caused by RF getting into something. With my setup, whenever I run more than 2W on 30m I am ending up with TX not getting turned off. For other bands, the limits are a bit higher. I've added chokes to the USB cable from the computer to the serial adapter, and another one on?the cable from the serial adapter to?the radio, but so far this has not made any difference. I'll probably add a few more chokes on power supply and audio cables to see if I can fix this.?

You may want to try turning down TX power to see if that makes a difference.?
--
Karl Heinz - K5KHK