Re: Split power for PA on uBITX v6
Did anyone confirm where to split the trace yet? Under P1 or the power connector itself?
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Re: Increase uBitx to 25 watts internal or external amp with 12v supply for portable use
Thanks! I was looking for information on how to separate the PA from the +12v input I will check that out? (I was having trouble tracing that down - I guess worth taking a look under the connector that shouldn't be too bad to desolder).? Thanks for the other DIY idea as well.? ? I like all these ideas.? I was thinking about trying something that seemed super simple... which makes me wonder if it's just not going to work..... a ready made step up transformer from 12 to 24v, cut that PA trace to separate that line and just feed the step up right from P1 connector and feed the 12v input to the step up transformer from the P1 connector and the 24v output to the center pin.? If it worked I could even throw in a simple DPDT switch that can switch between using standard 12v for low power and engaging the step up for high power.
I figure there is probably some reason folks aren't doing this..noise from the transformer maybe or doesn't work... I thought I've heard of someone on here trying it and it worked though.? Also I was trying to consider the safest board surgery options to avoid damaging the board and the most stable for portable operations that might survive getting banged around a bit.??
For that DIY amplifier does it need some sort of control line to detect when transmitting or just detects the power input on transmit to enable?
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On Mon, Oct 25, 2021 at 06:00 AM, Evan Hand wrote:
Dave,
Here is a link to the author's implementation of a DIY Kit that produces 50 watts with a 13.8volt power supply and 5 watts input:
You could try to modify the uBitx PA section to match this (as far as I can tell the DIY kit uses IRF520 MOSFETs).? The issue would be that the driver does not put out 5watts, so an intermediate drive would need to be added.? This was verified in a number of trials by others more skilled in RF design than am I.? If you just add the DIY amp after the uBitx amp, then you will need to reduce the output of the uBitx power amp to less than 5 watts.? This can be done with RV1.? You could do surgery on the board to use the built-in LPF, though I would add a second LPF assembly that is rated for greater than 50watts.? There are DIY kits on eBay for those filters.
As to separating the v6 PA supply from the rest of the radio, the 3 pin power connector is still provided, but you will need to cut a trace on the board to separate the supplies.? I HAVE NOT DONE THIS, so please verify for yourself!!? Tracing the runs on the PC board point to the jumper trace between the two power pins on P1 being on the top side of the board under the connector.? You would need to remove the connector, cut the trace, and then solder the connector back on the board.? Again, this is visual only, I have not removed the connector to verify.
Hope this is helpful.
73
Evan
AC9TU
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Re: Increase uBitx to 25 watts internal or external amp with 12v supply for portable use
Nice.? Thanks.
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On Mon, Oct 25, 2021 at 09:52 AM, Evan Hand wrote:
Dave,
I have built one and bought one assembled of this 100watt multiband LPF:
Works well for 3rd harmonic suppression, just OK for a second harmonic.? That means use it for a push-pull output amp like the 70 watt DIY amp, not a single transistor amp.? (My interpretation, if fed a clean signal a single transistor amp should be fine).
73
Evan
AC9TU
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Re: Increase uBitx to 25 watts internal or external amp with 12v supply for portable use
I saw the board for a linear amp not sure I saw the parts for it.? Also wondering what attenuator is needed to use to avoid overloading.
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On Mon, Oct 25, 2021 at 08:57 PM, Sunil Lakhani wrote:
One good way to increase power of ubitx without fiddling with ubitx is to use an external attenuator and an cost effective linear amp WA2EBY d sign which gives 40 watts .
We are about to begin sales very?soon for?
WA2EBY HF Amp with ready made low pass filter and an affordable attenuator.
All our products showing on our website may lead to our eBay store, reason being eBay offers a cheaper shipping with ebay global shipping.
DHL e-commerce is closing in November as they are in a loss . DHL express is becoming too expensive. So economic shipping options are becoming increasing hard to find We are still trying to see if we can find an alternative shipping company for our products sold on .
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Our website for dx hams?
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Our website for indian hams?
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Best regards
Sunil vu3sua
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Re: Increase uBitx to 25 watts internal or external amp with 12v supply for portable use
That's a lot of power.? Trying not to carry to big a battery so would have to figure out a way to get it to a lower output.? Do you have the wiring diagram for how that is put together?
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Dave,
i downloaded a program thats free for the arduino.
then i downloaded a driver thats needed for the computer.
i opened the file with the arduino program and clicked a few buttons and it loaded it for me via a usb cable.
?
Im not ,by a longshot a resident expert on any arduino stuff. Plenty of gurus here for that. Just ask for the program name etc. I think there is a link someone listed. After i uploaded new firmware to my ubitx v6.1, i deleted all the arduino programs,etc. since once i get it where i want,thats it.ashar has a video tutorial on this ,i believe,but lots of gurus here to discuss it step by step with you.I used his video and stopped it,do it,then view more video until i was successful.
?
glad ur pursuing the ubitx. Im having a ball with mine.Other fellows used other firmware listed in the files section,.I never tried them since i didnt want to replace my display.Only external mod ive done on my ubitx v6.1 is use a different mic with a variable mic amp to give me more mic drive.The mic that comes with the unit is ok,but seems a little weak on audio drive.Ive had good reports on my audio with the stock mic,but after i replaced it with a different mic with a homebrew mic amp. Not too fancy,just a couple of transistors,some caps ,some resistors and one potentiometer .made a chart for setting for each band so im not overdriving the radio and causing problems.
?
73
David
ac9xh
---------- Original Message ---------- From: "David Wilcox K8WPE via groups.io" <Djwilcox01@...> To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [BITX20] V6 strait key issue Date: Fri, 12 Nov 2021 14:38:30 -0500
Thank you for the suggestion to use the N8me software. I did get the files and printed the 9 page instructions, but is there an instruction file on how to implement it? ?I did go through an Eligoo Arduino tutorial a few years ago but don¡¯t want to go through all of it again. I just want to play with this neat radio without having to become an Arduino expert. I would like to know how to save the program that is in the v 6 uBitx Arduino also so I can go back if it doesn¡¯t work, and install the N8me files. ?Any step by step instructions for this particular situation? ?I know how to connect my laptop with the Arduino program to the uBitx, but what next? ?
?
Also another question re output power. ?How difficult is it to increase the output power on each band? On 80 m I have 9 w out but only 4 w on other bands. I have read many times that increasing to 6 or 8 w doesn¡¯t sound any stronger on the other end, but just wonder how difficult it is, maybe compared to a QCX. I just completed a QCX Classic and increasing the output on that radio is mostly adjusting the toroids and windings.?
?
Thank you.
?
Dave K8WPE
David J. Wilcox¡¯s iPad
On Nov 12, 2021, at 7:53 AM, ac9xh@... wrote:
Hello,
how about installing the n8me software? I have an ubitx v6.1 and had CW problems myself also. I would reset the ubitx and get it in straight key mode and would still take off with a sudden burst of keying but when trying to actually send something i had latency. a delay after keydown. I installed n8me software and it took care of this issue,plus the tuning was just like my big rig. you can change from seting to detting to make the tuning more precise or faster also. I would recommend installing n8me software and then see if you still have problems.
?
hope this helps,
73
David
ac9xh
good thru hamcall,and qrzcq.com,and FCC ---------- Original Message ---------- From: "R. Tyson via groups.io" <tysons2@...> To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [BITX20] V6 strait key issue Date: Thu, 11 Nov 2021 12:21:51 -0800 Just a guess but it seems you might have iambic keying still selected rather than a straight key. It makes me suspicious when you say a "burst of cw is sent when you press the key down". I haven't got the V6, mine is a V5 with CEC firmware and touch screen, so can't comment on menu settings. Reg??????????????????? G4NFR
?
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Paul,
Those output numbers look about right.? You could try increasing the RV1 drive to see if all go up in value.? The issue is to verify that you are not getting into distortion (compression) in any of the driver stages.? I would do a two-tone test and spectrum validation for spurious and harmonics if you do decide to up the drive.? Not sure it would be worth the potential issues for the watt or two that you might get.
I agree that Allison's fix is redoing most of the power stages, again not worth it to me for a watt or maybe two.? The exception would be for 10 meters where there is more gain.? I might need to go back and look again as the increasing sunspot cycle may make 10 meters interesting.
73
Evan
AC9TU
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On Fri, Nov 12, 2021 at 11:38 AM, David Wilcox K8WPE wrote:
Also another question re output power. ?How difficult is it to increase the output power on each band? On 80 m I have 9 w out but only 4 w on other bands.
Got a ubitx 6 a month ago.? Here are my power output measurements using a dummy load with a LP-100a digital wattmeter.? If you key the mic (when in the cw mode), it will act as a straight key. Frequency?? Power ------------?? -------- 3.77 mhz:??? 9.73 w 7.03 mhz:??? 5.73 w 10.1 mhz:??? 8.49 w 14.0 mhz: ?? 7.28 w 18.08 mhz:? 5.11 w 21.02 mhz:? 6.92 w 28.02 mhz:? 3.71 w Another quirk is when first transmitting, the power output jumps way up.? For example, on 80 meters it will peak at 15.9 watts, then settle down to 9.7 watts.? From reading the forum, this can be fixed by putting a diode in series with R52 (cathode toward C52). I've looked at Allison's fix.? It is fairly involved.? Holding off for now....
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On Fri, Nov 12, 2021 at 01:25 PM, ac9xh@... wrote:
I own the v3 ,the bitx40,and the ubitx 6.1. All were designed primarily for SSB if you read ashars comments from the past. He is primarily a SSB op.
But the problems with CW, i had them with the v3 also until i changed software that other fellow hams published. The units are probably not bad ,since ashar tests each board. Im thinking its probably the software being used. Since i uploade n8me software onto my ubitx, it has even became a better transceiver.
I only use CW and fitted a very good filter that makes the uBitX very good on CW receive. When I first built my uBitX, which is a version 5, I installed a Nextion screen and the CEC firmware and had no problems with CW. I gather from comments made by others that there were problems with the original firmware and CW, I never encountered? these as I installed the CEC firmware right at the beginning. Reg??????????????????????? G4NFR
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Evan,
I figured you would pop up here. Thank you so much. ?I will probably have to upgrade the Arduino sketch as mine is 3 years old. ?Will have to go through Jacks books and maybe my Eligoo course again if I decide to change the files. The Bitx V6 is much better than the earlier two I had so will have some fun just tinkering¡. just what Farhan designed it for.
Thanks so much.
Dave K8WPE ? David J. Wilcox¡¯s iPad
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On Nov 12, 2021, at 3:03 PM, Evan Hand <elhandjr@...> wrote:
?Hello David,
to answer your last question first, the power issues with the uBitx are not the same as the QCX.? It is not being lost in the low pass filters, rather it is caused by the difference in the gain of the power amplifier stages.? The is a very long discussion about this that involved some of the original contributors to the design, as well some professional RF engineers that brought their experience to the issue.? I believe the best solution was put forward by Allison Parent KB1GMX.? You could search the past emails for her and find the thread on balancing power across the bands.? There is also a quick mode to the Q90 stage that worked for some rigs.? All of these are in one thread or another.? BTW: there is significant difference between power out measured with CW versus a constant tone using CW.? The process for generating the CW has peculiarities on some of the bands like 40 meters.
As to instructions on how to change the firmware in the v6 uBitx, Ashhar Farhan has a video with a set by step process:
You will still need to load the Arduino IDE in order to follow the instructions.
There is also a process to load precompiled Hex files using XLoader software that does not require the Arduino IDE.? You do need access to the hex file.
The last point, there is no way to save the program that is in the Nano other than to buy a new Nano and swap the new for the old, keeping the old Nano as a quick replacement to switch back.? There are issues with this approach in that all of the calibration parameters are stored on the Nano and go with the old one.? In addition to swapping and loading the program, you will need to recalibrate the rig once you have changed the firmware.
I need to run now, you may have more questions than answers as a result of this email.? I will try to answer any by tomorrow.? I have not done the N8ME upgrade as CW is not of much interest to me.? ?I have other radios for CW IF I ever learn how to be proficient with Morse.
73
Evan
AC9TU
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Hello David,
to answer your last question first, the power issues with the uBitx are not the same as the QCX.? It is not being lost in the low pass filters, rather it is caused by the difference in the gain of the power amplifier stages.? The is a very long discussion about this that involved some of the original contributors to the design, as well some professional RF engineers that brought their experience to the issue.? I believe the best solution was put forward by Allison Parent KB1GMX.? You could search the past emails for her and find the thread on balancing power across the bands.? There is also a quick mode to the Q90 stage that worked for some rigs.? All of these are in one thread or another.? BTW: there is significant difference between power out measured with CW versus a constant tone using CW.? The process for generating the CW has peculiarities on some of the bands like 40 meters.
As to instructions on how to change the firmware in the v6 uBitx, Ashhar Farhan has a video with a set by step process:
You will still need to load the Arduino IDE in order to follow the instructions.
There is also a process to load precompiled Hex files using XLoader software that does not require the Arduino IDE.? You do need access to the hex file.
The last point, there is no way to save the program that is in the Nano other than to buy a new Nano and swap the new for the old, keeping the old Nano as a quick replacement to switch back.? There are issues with this approach in that all of the calibration parameters are stored on the Nano and go with the old one.? In addition to swapping and loading the program, you will need to recalibrate the rig once you have changed the firmware.
I need to run now, you may have more questions than answers as a result of this email.? I will try to answer any by tomorrow.? I have not done the N8ME upgrade as CW is not of much interest to me.? ?I have other radios for CW IF I ever learn how to be proficient with Morse.
73
Evan
AC9TU
|
Thank you for the suggestion to use the N8me software. I did get the files and printed the 9 page instructions, but is there an instruction file on how to implement it? ?I did go through an Eligoo Arduino tutorial a few years ago but don¡¯t want to go through all of it again. I just want to play with this neat radio without having to become an Arduino expert. I would like to know how to save the program that is in the v 6 uBitx Arduino also so I can go back if it doesn¡¯t work, and install the N8me files. ?Any step by step instructions for this particular situation? ?I know how to connect my laptop with the Arduino program to the uBitx, but what next? ?
Also another question re output power. ?How difficult is it to increase the output power on each band? On 80 m I have 9 w out but only 4 w on other bands. I have read many times that increasing to 6 or 8 w doesn¡¯t sound any stronger on the other end, but just wonder how difficult it is, maybe compared to a QCX. I just completed a QCX Classic and increasing the output on that radio is mostly adjusting the toroids and windings.?
Thank you.
Dave K8WPE David J. Wilcox¡¯s iPad
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On Nov 12, 2021, at 7:53 AM, ac9xh@... wrote:
? Hello,
how about installing the n8me software? I have an ubitx v6.1 and had CW problems myself also. I would reset the ubitx and get it in straight key mode and would still take off with a sudden burst of keying but when trying to actually send something i had latency. a delay after keydown. I installed n8me software and it took care of this issue,plus the tuning was just like my big rig. you can change from seting to detting to make the tuning more precise or faster also. I would recommend installing n8me software and then see if you still have problems.
?
hope this helps,
73
David
ac9xh
good thru hamcall,and qrzcq.com,and FCC ---------- Original Message ---------- From: "R. Tyson via groups.io" <tysons2@...> To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [BITX20] V6 strait key issue Date: Thu, 11 Nov 2021 12:21:51 -0800 Just a guess but it seems you might have iambic keying still selected rather than a straight key. It makes me suspicious when you say a "burst of cw is sent when you press the key down". I haven't got the V6, mine is a V5 with CEC firmware and touch screen, so can't comment on menu settings. Reg??????????????????? G4NFR
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HI, DAVID !
beautiful post, but I don't agree with the sentence:
"This transceiver is designed to be hacked and modified"
It is certainly suitable for software hacking and the replacement of some peripheral parts such as the microcontroller, but it is decidedly difficult for the "modifications" to the RX-TX part, especially for its construction in SMD which, while facilitating production, is not certainly a practical system for making changes to the reception or transmission circuits; even just inserting an "automatic attenuator" in reception involves cutting some tracks ... which does not facilitate the possible restoration in the original version ...
However I agree with you that the ?BITX-V6 is an excellent QRP rig that does not look bad even in front of much more "noble" rivals!
-- 73 de IW4AJR Loris
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Amen,
good post. Ive used the firmware also and has cured alot of my problems with my ubitx also.
73
David
ac9xh
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R.Tyson,
I own the v3 ,the bitx40,and the ubitx 6.1. All were designed primarily for SSB if you read ashars comments from the past. He is primarily a SSB op.
But the problems with CW, i had them with the v3 also until i changed software that other fellow hams published. The units are probably not bad ,since ashar tests each board. Im thinking its probably the software being used. Since i uploade n8me software onto my ubitx, it has even became a better transceiver.
This transceiver is designed to be hacked and modified. Thats the idea that ashar has put forth to everyone,hence this forum,which i believe he participates in.
where can you go to buy an all band transceiver that puts out SSB,CW,and does DIGITAL, and is Almost built for you with minimal construction for 160 for the basic kit and $200 for the full kit?And puts out about 10 watts.
This is a very stable rig. I had problems with each of mine but was fixable with a change in software. I use my bitx40 on CW,the v3 ubitx on qrp SSB and the current ubitx v6.1,I use it alot on CW and FT8. I just hook up the usb cable to computer and the two cables from rig to computer and its good all day and night.
with my ubitx v6.1 i use an emtech zm-2 tuner and that goes to a vertical.I can load from 80 to 6 meters with it. I also use a 6 meter transverter with the ubitx on 28.313 and it puts me on 6 meters 50.313 ft8 frequency.Have contacted many on 6 meters ft8 and also tried CW and SSB on 6 with this setup and made plenty of contacts.
Just remember, Its made to be modified,and hacked. Plenty of fellows here are experts in coding,modding,etc. you will find loads of fellow ops who use their ubitx to the max,and have extensively modded their ubitx also.
I love my ubitx and ,forgot ,i use the qrp labs filters on mine. i made some inline filters for each band i operate on for the my ubitx just to make sure of cleaniness.
After all,thats what we took our exams for,to experiment ,build and practice good RF techniques, and contact other like minded individuals around the world.
Anyway dont give up on ur ubitx. try changing out ur software.
Also if you are wiggling it and it might act up, you might have a wire that might be broke inside the insulation.Happens when strain is introduced to wires without strain relief and also when you are dealing with small conductor wire.could be inside the connector of your key cable too.
Hats off to ashar and his group for producing a magnificent piece of equipment for the ham community.
by the way ,some hams,the ubitx is the only rig they can afford to get on the air with.
73
David
ac9xh
good thru hamcall,qrzcq.com,FCC
I Dont do qrz.com
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forgot,
his software is listed on this website in the files section
73
David
ac9xh
good thru hamcall,qrzcq.com and FCC
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Hello,
how about installing the n8me software? I have an ubitx v6.1 and had CW problems myself also. I would reset the ubitx and get it in straight key mode and would still take off with a sudden burst of keying but when trying to actually send something i had latency. a delay after keydown. I installed n8me software and it took care of this issue,plus the tuning was just like my big rig. you can change from seting to detting to make the tuning more precise or faster also. I would recommend installing n8me software and then see if you still have problems.
?
hope this helps,
73
David
ac9xh
good thru hamcall,and qrzcq.com,and FCC
---------- Original Message ---------- From: "R. Tyson via groups.io" <tysons2@...> To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [BITX20] V6 strait key issue Date: Thu, 11 Nov 2021 12:21:51 -0800 Just a guess but it seems you might have iambic keying still selected rather than a straight key. It makes me suspicious when you say a "burst of cw is sent when you press the key down". I haven't got the V6, mine is a V5 with CEC firmware and touch screen, so can't comment on menu settings. Reg??????????????????? G4NFR
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Dear Ramon,
???? Good Day.
?? Thanks for immediate reply. I will wait for? further details from you.
????????? 73
MUTHU? VU2LMN
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Thank you but in my query I stated I used the ¡°setup¡± to change to straight key. ?Sorry. David J. Wilcox¡¯s iPad
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On Nov 11, 2021, at 3:21 PM, R. Tyson via groups.io <tysons2@...> wrote:
?Just a guess but it seems you might have iambic keying still selected rather than a straight key. It makes me suspicious when you say a "burst of cw is sent when you press the key down".
I haven't got the V6, mine is a V5 with CEC firmware and touch screen, so can't comment on menu settings.
Reg??????????????????? G4NFR
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David Wilcox K8WPE
Loris Bollina