Re: share your BITX success stories
I got the bitx40 as an interm radio while by ubitx was still over in India.?
Between the two I have made contacts with SSB in 40 US states as well as Ontario. A couple of weeks ago I put in the firmware for ft8 and have made numerous contacts in Eastern europe over 5000 miles distant.?
When on the air I get good audio reports including some 5-9+10 over 1000 miles away. God has to be with us on the atmospherics of course. These radios are my first HF rigs and I am told just wait till propagation gets decent again. ?My antennas are dipoles made from steel electric fence wire with weed eater nylon line tied to the ends for insulators. The lead in is RG6 75 ohm used cable TV coax that I have scrounged over the years. I am sure ?I've made many mistakes but it does work and has not cost me much.?
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Re: Newbie instructions for loading software in Raduino
#firmware
Rogier,
I just went though that with a box of Arduino Pro Minis I just got. It drove me nuts
until I tried programming it using the Demilove, finally the IDE recognized it and
the trivial blink the on board led program would work.? Then I had to sort out
examples as many canned ones out there were for the Uno?so the code was
wrong for the pins...? And this stuff is not new to me.? Once sorted it worked
and I moved on to doing what I'd intended.
If the various inputs are not working It suggests something like a missing ground
or that 4.7K resistor.? Reason I say that as all of them are very unlikely to be blown.
That is a suggestion to review your work.? Its easy to forget a wire,? put one end
or the other in the wrong place or forget a critical part.
Allison
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Re: uBitx diagnostic document from Facebook group
#ubitx
Very nice indeed. Thanks for posting.
Joel
N6ALT
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Re: Newbie instructions for loading software in Raduino
#firmware
Rogier
The Raduino uses an Arduino NANO as the processor.? This means that you can
use a suitable USB cable and all the Arduino NANO programming tools to write
and install firmware to the Raduino/Arduino.
There are lots of on-line tutorials for using the Arduino IDE and the NANO board.
There are other ways and other IDE's for writing Arduino code, but the above URL's
should get you started.
Arv? K7HKL
_._
On Thu, May 17, 2018 at 7:30 AM, kj6etl <pa1zz@...> wrote: I am finding instructions mentioning compiling etc. I visited the KD8CEC website and I am confused with the instructions given.
Is the Raduino the same as the Arduino so I can use the help recourses available for that platform?
Where can I find help for dummies showing step by step where exactly what to do without assuming one knows the fist steps?
Thank you!
Rogier
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Re: Newbie instructions for loading software in Raduino
#firmware
Thanks, meantime I figured out that I needed a special USB driver for the Mac in order to connect to the arduino and now its showing.
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Mr David Todd,Yes, I agree 100% with you and I can add to that. I operate 80% CW and 20% otherwise.?I do a U turn regarding Bickering.?I enjoy the educational aspect regarding a few Forums here at?.?I enjoy Technical and Construction topics - which does include SMD and through hole techniques. Muppet Tech for Boards!!!I have pretty much designed, built/repaired Gear on a weekly basis since 1960. That¡¯s a few years of Solder Smoke! ?Well it¡¯s nice to be well retired now.?I typically refrain from commenting on the Forums due to the fact that my test gear is Ancient BUT accurate enough of empirical work. Having cutting edge test gear is certainly an asset; but not a substitute for Experience.?My point is that I can¡¯t Measure to one tenth of a Hz or quantify/report results like others.?I¡¯ve been Flamed in the past for not being Precise and well Documented. Opinionated Flamers are ready and armed?24/7.?It is easier to remain Silent, Learn and Elmer the appreciative Experimenters Locally.?This is a Great Hobby - and a Hobby it is.?Not A Profession.?Peace Out,-Bob. kQ2Q
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Ludo
It is done.
Arv? K7HKL
_._
On Thu, May 17, 2018 at 8:17 AM, ludo schoofs <ludoschoofs@...> wrote: Hi, ? Can You remove this email adres: ludoschoofs@... ? With the transition to from Yahoo to Groups.io I changed an adres. This, the old one, ?kept receiving mails. ? Thanks, ? Regards ? Ludo ON7JW ? Van: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Namens Richie Chambless
Verzonden: donderdag 17 mei 2018 15:47
Aan: [email protected]
Onderwerp: Re: [BITX20] Using IRF530 outputs and 2N3553 drivers in ubitx ? I have used the Minipa 70 in my scratch built BitX. While I can get 70 Watts out (13.8v supply), it is short lived as a final will blow within a few seconds and short closed. 50 Watts will work for short QSOs, but taking for more than four or five seconds will destroy the IRF530s. My heat sink is 6¡±x4¡± with 2¡± fins, so I don¡¯t think heat dissipation is the issue. 25 Watts gives me no issues, however.?
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Re: Newbie instructions for loading software in Raduino
#firmware
Easiest to just clip all the pins to remove the old nano, then extract the pins one by one
using a soldering iron and needle nose pliers.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Thu, May 17, 2018 at 09:40 am, Ralph Mowery wrote:
The Arduino board is soldered to the other board.? I used? a hot air gun on the pins connected to the other board.? Then one of the solder sucking guns out clean out the holes.If you get an Arduino board make sure you install the pins on the correct side or the board will not fit.
?
As mentioned before you should be able to connect to the nano board and download programs into it with the power off the ubitx.
?
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Re: A friendly suggestion for Farhan.
You know, I¡¯d love to see the uBITx as a kit.? In fact, I¡¯d take it as just a bag of parts and a circuit board¡ skip the assembly and testing.? I¡¯d do that myself.? What that would do is allow those of us that want to take the challenge¡ to swap out some parts during the build to customize the thing a little more without doing surgery on a completed board.
?
Something to think about.
?
?
Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ ?
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ken Hansen
Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2018 9:36 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [BITX20] A friendly suggestion for Farhan.
?
To be honest, the ubitx represents approx. $80-100 in parts, with labor and shipping determining the final cost. A profit-motivated manufacturer couldn't sell $80-100 worth of parts for $200 - it would more likely sell for $300 or so, once retailers mark-up, profit, support, etc are factored in.
On May 16, 2018, at 12:08 AM, Mvs Sarma <mvssarma@...> wrote:
Perhaps with graphic display and a brand sticker if sold at say at $200/-
?people would still love it.
?
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Re: Core for Output Transformer
No the power transformer T11. The ?BN61-002 shows lower loss than the BN43 equivalent.? ?It¡¯s 1:2.? I¡¯m gonna try to cap couple it so it doesn¡¯t carry the DC as soon as my iron heats up.? I¡¯m also playing with different chokes now to feed power to the FETs.? I¡¯m sure I can come up with something better than what¡¯s there.? I¡¯m thinking a wound choke with a center tap. One or two turns on a BN43-202 should be enough.
?
?
Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Glenn
Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2018 10:14 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [BITX20] Core for Output Transformer
?
Bill
do you mean you fitted it for the power feed to the finals instead of the Chokes?
glenn
On Wed, May 16, 2018 at 07:34 pm, K9HZ wrote:
Actually I just tried/ wound a BN61-002 and it seems to be the winner so far.? Doesn¡¯t heat up at full power and is extremely wide banded¡
?
?
Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ
?
?
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Nick VK4PLN
Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2018 8:09 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [BITX20] Core for Output Transformer
?
THanks GLen.
I was about to suggest using dual bn43-202 for the output and power feeding... should be easy enough to fit in the existing board...
Wonder if it will be better to do this or a bifilar wound 10T FT50-43 for feeding in the power?
73 Nick VK4PLN
?
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Re: Core for Output Transformer
Think of it this way¡ if you spent $9 US on a pair of RD16HHF1 FETS¡ then what¡¯s another $6.50 US to bring them to full life?? Save the 202 for the choke.
?
?
Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ
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Re: Core for Output Transformer
I use RD16HHF1s¡ I think you will find that the BN61-002 wound 1:2 runs cool.
?
?
Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ
?
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Skip Davis via Groups.Io
Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2018 7:22 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [BITX20] Core for Output Transformer
?
Bill, are you still using the IRF510¡¯s and if so how many turns for the primary and secondary windings? While experimenting last night I noticed that T11 was heating up and power out would drop somewhat.?
On May 16, 2018, at 22:03, K9HZ <bill@...> wrote:
Actually I just tried/ wound a BN61-002 and it seems to be the winner so far.? Doesn¡¯t heat up at full power and is extremely wide banded¡
?
?
Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ
?
?
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Nick VK4PLN
Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2018 8:09 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [BITX20] Core for Output Transformer
?
THanks GLen.
I was about to suggest using dual bn43-202 for the output and power feeding... should be easy enough to fit in the existing board...
Wonder if it will be better to do this or a bifilar wound 10T FT50-43 for feeding in the power?
73 Nick VK4PLN
?
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Re: Core for Output Transformer
Excellent !? Additional Data is always good!?
?
I will be at Dayton starting today.? Spot 7533 for those who want to stop by and say Hi (although you may be talking to my beautiful wife, while I¡¯m running around buying numerous things I don¡¯t need).
?
?
Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ ?
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Nick VK4PLN
Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2018 5:45 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [BITX20] Core for Output Transformer
?
Getting there, I reckon do the mpsh10 before the RD16hhf1. I can do the rd16RD16 first, and we can get 2 sets of data..
I have tomorrow off work, and plan to play radio all day.
73 Nick VK4PLN
?
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Joe,
Thanks as I also have one of those encoders and planned to use it.? My plan was to make the changes you have done.
Saves me a bit of testing.
The STM will make doing color display easier and faster to update as I've used it for another project that had a color screen.
I haven't seen board images and have to hunt and trace for palaces to cut for mods.
Allison
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Re: Newbie instructions for loading software in Raduino
#firmware
The Arduino board is soldered to the other board.? I used? a hot air gun on the pins connected to the other board.? Then one of the solder sucking guns out clean out the holes.If you get an Arduino board make sure you install the pins on the correct side or the board will not fit.
As mentioned before you should be able to connect to the nano board and download programs into it with the power off the ubitx.
On Thu, May 17, 2018 at 11:53 AM, kj6etl <pa1zz@...> wrote: Thanks these instructions will get me going.
You might have seen that I have been strugling to get my uBitx to work and I am now certain that I have a failed Raduino board since it doesn't even want to connect to my compuer.
Thank you for confirming that the Raduino is the same board as an Arduino. I was assuming it was but "assume" is a very dangerous word so I rather confirmed :-)
I asked Farhan about how to obtain a new board but rather then waiting for his reply and mail from India I might as well buy an Arduino board locally.
New question:
The blue (r)arduino board is firmly connecthe to the larger green board. Before I continue and apply more force is this indeed a part that can be unplugged or does it need to be unsoldered?
_._,_
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Re: Using IRF530 outputs and 2N3553 drivers in ubitx
Don't know enough about the minipa 70 to comment.? Is there a circuit out there to look at?
The Wa2EBY I have has run at 65W (40M) brick on key mode for nearly 20M before I called it
good.? Only slightly larger heatsink but the real factor was stability. and avoiding overdrive.
I used a 4DB pad on the amp as almost of the radios I have are about 4W to both protect
the amp from overdrive, provide a stable load for the radio and input to the amp.? Also
everyone that reported killing that amp was running more than 28V.? FYI that used IRF510s.
I built it back in 2006 its still running the second set of transistors and has been run into shorted
coax, opens (no antenna or no coax!), wrong lowpass filter (on 10M with 80m filter...oops).
What happened to the fist set of IRF510s?? Testing to see what they could take, they failed
at 85W out on 40M (190W DC input) and 36V and the likely failure mode was overvoltage
on the gates (needed 5W drive for that power) with bias set to 200ma per device.? Previous
test at 80W ran for 5 minutes without issues?though the heat sink did hit 55C and the case
of the device nearly 80C.? Backing off to 28V and keeping drive under 1.2W has proven?
blast proof.
I have encountered enough IRF5xx mosfet amp designs and most a at best conditionally
stable and if they go unstable they will oscillate and, overheat and die. Some do not like the
driver (what ever radio used) and many are even less tolerant of bad SWR usually due to high?
reactance of the antenna not tuned out.? At least one case it was built so open
(no screening at all) that RF from the antenna was getting to the input causing
oscillation.? ?Another case the conclusion was the amp was ok but the QRP rig was?
unstable with a reactive load and would go into oscillation, over drive the amp and
kill the IRF520s used .? I helped him build in a TX only input attenuator(3DB) into
the amp and problems went away.
I've seen this sort of failure and misbehaviour in bipolar and LDmosfet?and even
vacuum tube amps as well.??
Allison
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Re: Newbie instructions for loading software in Raduino
#firmware
The Mac can have trouble talking to the CH340 USB chip on the Nano clones requires a special driver.? Here's on possible solution plucked from a very long thread: ? ?? /g/BITX20/message/47747Your USB cable may have been built with only two wires, suitable to supply power but no data wires. Try the USB cable out on some other equipment, see if it really transfers data. Lots of other things could go wrong here, it can be frustrating. But if you keep plugging away and asking questions, it will most likely come to life. Jerry
On Thu, May 17, 2018 at 09:14 am, kj6etl wrote:
It powers on but its unresponsive to any input from the rotary controller or the funktion button.
When pressing the reset button it blinks for s second showing the version of the sofware thats it. This also happens with the board removed and only powered by USB.
After connecting it directly to my iMac and using the Arduino application its not showing under the available ports in the Tools menu.
When I check the USB ports in the System report its not showing there either.
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Hey Joe, good to see you taking on the uBitx! I don't think Farhan has not released mechanical data, but here's gerbers for a Raduino replacement that Nik may have gotten right through careful measurements.? Perhaps you could contact him on how these dimensions were arrived at. ? ?? /g/BITX20/message/42237You've got a busy website:?? The improvement to the biasing of Q70 at the audio preamp seems like something easy to do and well worth trying. I've been playing with Blue Pills also, was thinking perhaps putting just the processor chip? down on a new Raduion PCB would be worth the trouble, gives far more IO than available from the Nano form factor.? The STM32F has pin compatible processor chips through a wide range of capability, here's a selection of LQFP 48 and 64 pin parts: ? ?? Top end parts such as the? 511-STM32F405RGT6TR?include an FPU. Jerry, KE7ER ? ? ?
On Thu, May 17, 2018 at 06:12 am, W3JDR wrote:
I want to make a substitute Raduino using a "Blue Pill" STM32F103 board. Does anyone know where I can get a quick start on the CAD by finding an Eagle or KiCAD file set that already has the critical connector dimensions on it?
Joe
W3JDR
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Re: Newbie instructions for loading software in Raduino
#firmware
Hi Allison,
It powers on but its unresponsive to any input from the rotary controller or the funktion button.
When pressing the reset button it blinks for s second showing the version of the sofware thats it. This also happens with the board removed and only powered by USB.
After connecting it directly to my iMac and using the Arduino application its not showing under the available ports in the Tools menu.
When I check the USB ports in the System report its not showing there either.
Smiles across the wires,
Rogier
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_Dave_ AD0B
Joel Caulkins/N6ALT
kj6etl
K9HZ
