Re: #sbitx upgrade kit 2 is on the way
#sBitx
My notes on how my upgrade went, some suggestions for potentially making it easier, including links to Farhan's excellent instructions for the TR upgrade, and link for the switching regulator upgrade (which I hadn't yet done) are:
73,
Gordon KX4Z
|
Re: #sbitx upgrade kit 2 is on the way
#sBitx
Got both the switching regulator and the T/R switch upgrades done.? ?Discovered a few items along the way.? ?
Broke the pad on the switching regulator output while reassembling -- no power to the PI.? ?Ran the Pi from separate supply until dissassembled the entire thing AGAIN and found the broken connection, effected a repair.? ?First time I have pushed the PTT on this fantastic rig.? ?I had great fun tuning the lower and upper filter points while listening to CW on 80 meters!? ?
Soon I'll list some hints and notes on goofs I made, photos.? ?
The upgrade two instructions:? ?
I would have to admit considerable trepidation on the SMD parts!!!? ? Delighted that it is all back together and apparently working.? ?Fantastic learning tool.
Gordon KX4Z
|
Re: V5 Locks up on CW transmit 17m and above
Interesting. I had a similar problem with my uBitx v6 and a Nextion screen. Mine is 5¡±, and the upper bands would lock up in transmit with no side tone. It would stop only by cycling the power. I must have fixed it by simply moving around some of the cables because it resolved without doing anything else, and I never found the cause. Along similar lines I solved the Nextion noise whine from suggestions here. It¡¯s audible even when the audio is turned way down. Apparently it¡¯s from the Nextion backlight which is minimized by increasing the brightness to 100% but is still annoying. The noise was completely eliminated by putting a 2.5 mH choke in series with the red Vcc power line to the Nextion. I used a FT-114-43 toroid. 70 turns of #22 gauge wire was recommended but I was able to wind a few more turns than that, and my meter showed 3.5 mH. I also put a small 1000 ¦ÌF 16 V electrolytic across to ground for good measure. I also used RG178 in the audio lines.
|
Re: V5 Locks up on CW transmit 17m and above
After a lot of experimenting I have figured the rf is coming from the Nextion display.? If I tune to the band I want, then disconnect the display I can key the radio and I have a side tone.? I have shortened the leads from the display to the arduino and added ft50-43 toroids to the tx and rx lines of the display.? It has helped some, I can get it to work properly on 17m and occasionally on 15m.? 12m and 10m are still a write off as far as cw. I'll have to figure that out yet.
Spencer VA3SPN
?
|
Re: #sbitx Little Transmit RF After Mod Kit
#sBitx
Anthony, You need a tweaked version of the sbitx. I am pushing it out in 12 hours. This new year business is very distracting :-D - f
I've performed the mod and I'm somewhat baffled as I cannot get much RF output power.
Here are the results of a test with the rig in CW mode, power set to 15 watts.? All measurements are taken from ground, with RF measurements done using an oscilloscope and DC measurements done with a voltmeter:
Q11 collector: 1.2 V pk-pk
Q12 & Q13 Collectors: 12.4 V pk-pk
Q14 & Q15 Collectors: 11.2 V pk-pk
Q18 Pin 1: 3.6 V DC? & 7.2 Vpk-pk RF
Q18 Pin 2: 12 V
Q19 Pin 1: 3.6 V DC & 6.8 V pk-pk RF
Q19 Pin 2:?12 V
PA-OUT (T8 Output) 12.4 V pk-pk? (About 0.37 W)
The rig has been dormant for quite awhile as I was waiting for the mod kit to arrive.? ?I couldn't recall if Q18 and Q19 were blown from testing months ago, so I went ahead and replaced them with the transistors from the mod kits, so these are new components.? This is unlikely?to be relevant but I'm using the stock sbitx code from GitHub, and the transmit sequencing mod was removed so the Q9 / Q10 circuit is back to its original state (I obviously have?+12V on R10, R49, and R77 at transmit).
Any ideas?? It's like Q18 and Q19 just don't want to work....
73 Goody K3NG
|
#sbitx Little Transmit RF After Mod Kit
#sBitx
I've performed the mod and I'm somewhat baffled as I cannot get much RF output power.
Here are the results of a test with the rig in CW mode, power set to 15 watts.? All measurements are taken from ground, with RF measurements done using an oscilloscope and DC measurements done with a voltmeter:
Q11 collector: 1.2 V pk-pk
Q12 & Q13 Collectors: 12.4 V pk-pk
Q14 & Q15 Collectors: 11.2 V pk-pk
Q18 Pin 1: 3.6 V DC? & 7.2 Vpk-pk RF
Q18 Pin 2: 12 V
Q19 Pin 1: 3.6 V DC & 6.8 V pk-pk RF
Q19 Pin 2:?12 V
PA-OUT (T8 Output) 12.4 V pk-pk? (About 0.37 W)
The rig has been dormant for quite awhile as I was waiting for the mod kit to arrive.? ?I couldn't recall if Q18 and Q19 were blown from testing months ago, so I went ahead and replaced them with the transistors from the mod kits, so these are new components.? This is unlikely?to be relevant but I'm using the stock sbitx code from GitHub, and the transmit sequencing mod was removed so the Q9 / Q10 circuit is back to its original state (I obviously have?+12V on R10, R49, and R77 at transmit).
Any ideas?? It's like Q18 and Q19 just don't want to work....
73 Goody K3NG
|
Hello
We at HFSignals are working to get the next version of the sBitx released soon. However with the testing going on we will be making the announcement once we have successfully tested sBitx V2. Do write to us at sales@... and we will include your name in our mailing list.
Regards,
Thomas
hello, i have seen people ask when the sbitx will be available again without any definite answers .I would be interested in a kit myself as i have a pi and a display
--
--
Support@...
|
Re: sBitx - I just got an envelope of parts...
The address I gave is older the manal has been updated many times
so keep an eye there for improvements.
Use the one Lou Ki5Fty gave for the most current.
Also if you want the history and look back use the web interface as
then you can see what was missed.
--
Allison
------------------
Please use the forum, offline and private will go to bit bucket.
|
Re: sBitx - I just got an envelope of parts...
Obviously you have not paid attention to what going on and why.
At this point have you even tried to do anything with your Sbitx?
The manual is at:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jWkgISG9JqwB1tDC3_ONAGIGfjSqxmNEtBxnI8Dyjyg/edit
Allison
------------------
Please use the forum, offline and private will go to bit bucket.
|
Re: sBitx - I just got an envelope of parts...
Yes, that is the second upgrade to the developers edition to fix oscillations?on the PA, change tr switching to diodes and add a realtime clock for the pi.? Here are the instructions:
On Sat, Dec 31, 2022 at 4:52 PM Ken N2VIP < ken@...> wrote: I was driving home from a ham breakfast gathering, and something got me to thinking about my sBitx. When I got home, I saw I got an envelope full of various components, with no explanation or instructions.
What are the parts for? Where is the info on what to do with them? A quick review of hfsignals website didn't give me any answers.
Thanks in advance, if there was an email thread on this I missed it...
Ken, N2VIP
|
Re: Modified sBitx received, ???
Got my upgrade kit today - great way to start the new year tomorrow, modifying a radio!? Thanks Ashhar and HFSignals,? great customer service!? And thanks to everyone in the group that diagnosed the problems, engineered the fixes and explained everything along the way. I have learned a lot from?y'all!
73 and Happy New Year!
Oh.? I didn't know fully modded new units were being shipped.? Sorry.
For all those installing the mod, it appears that the previous TX sequencing mod or the original unmodified Q10 circuit needs to be in place.? I'm not getting final PA bias with the TX sequencing mod out and the Q10 back to stock, however I'm still not getting RF.? Still troubleshooting....
On Sat, Dec 31, 2022 at 5:56 PM Joel Caulkins/N6ALT < caulktel@...> wrote: Anthony,
I don't know, all I do know is the radio that just arrived is what will be the final release to the public, (not the developers addition). It's very clean inside and doesn't looked hacked up or anything, I can see where the driver MOSFETs were supposed to go but have never been supplied on mine. There is new daughter card that is sticking up on the left front side of the PCB, I'm guessing it's the diode switching board, I just don't know because I never looked into the inside until today. Farhan would know better what it shipped with.
Joel
N6ALT
|
Re: Modified sBitx received, ???
Oh.? I didn't know fully modded new units were being shipped.? Sorry.
For all those installing the mod, it appears that the previous TX sequencing mod or the original unmodified Q10 circuit needs to be in place.? I'm not getting final PA bias with the TX sequencing mod out and the Q10 back to stock, however I'm still not getting RF.? Still troubleshooting....
On Sat, Dec 31, 2022 at 5:56 PM Joel Caulkins/N6ALT < caulktel@...> wrote: Anthony,
I don't know, all I do know is the radio that just arrived is what will be the final release to the public, (not the developers addition). It's very clean inside and doesn't looked hacked up or anything, I can see where the driver MOSFETs were supposed to go but have never been supplied on mine. There is new daughter card that is sticking up on the left front side of the PCB, I'm guessing it's the diode switching board, I just don't know because I never looked into the inside until today. Farhan would know better what it shipped with.
Joel
N6ALT
|
Re: Modified sBitx received, ???
Anthony,
I don't know, all I do know is the radio that just arrived is what will be the final release to the public, (not the developers addition). It's very clean inside and doesn't looked hacked up or anything, I can see where the driver MOSFETs were supposed to go but have never been supplied on mine. There is new daughter card that is sticking up on the left front side of the PCB, I'm guessing it's the diode switching board, I just don't know because I never looked into the inside until today. Farhan would know better what it shipped with.
Joel
N6ALT
|
sBitx - I just got an envelope of parts...
I was driving home from a ham breakfast gathering, and something got me to thinking about my sBitx. When I got home, I saw I got an envelope full of various components, with no explanation or instructions.
What are the parts for? Where is the info on what to do with them? A quick review of hfsignals website didn't give me any answers.
Thanks in advance, if there was an email thread on this I missed it...
Ken, N2VIP
|
Re: Modified sBitx received, ???
Upgrade kit arrived in Florida, soldering commences tomorrow, the instructions look good! ?Excited!! ? Gordon KX4Z
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Dec 31, 2022, at 17:33, Anthony Good <anthony.good@...> wrote:
? Joel, do you have the TX sequencing mod in place, removed, or was your unit never modified for the TX sequencing mod? On Sat, Dec 31, 2022 at 5:21 PM Joel Caulkins/N6ALT < caulktel@...> wrote: Well, got it all put together and the PA bias set and it's working great. I'm not sure how much power it's supposed to make after modifications but with it set at 10 watts it's doing every bit of that and then some. The receiver sounds good and my TX audio sound good also, so far I'm happy. Now to figure out how to use it. Thanks for your help Mike.
Joel
N6ALT
|
Re: Modified sBitx received, ???
Joel, do you have the TX sequencing mod in place, removed, or was your unit never modified for the TX sequencing mod?
On Sat, Dec 31, 2022 at 5:21 PM Joel Caulkins/N6ALT < caulktel@...> wrote: Well, got it all put together and the PA bias set and it's working great. I'm not sure how much power it's supposed to make after modifications but with it set at 10 watts it's doing every bit of that and then some. The receiver sounds good and my TX audio sound good also, so far I'm happy. Now to figure out how to use it. Thanks for your help Mike.
Joel
N6ALT
|
Re: Modified sBitx received, ???
Well, got it all put together and the PA bias set and it's working great. I'm not sure how much power it's supposed to make after modifications but with it set at 10 watts it's doing every bit of that and then some. The receiver sounds good and my TX audio sound good also, so far I'm happy. Now to figure out how to use it. Thanks for your help Mike.
Joel
N6ALT
|
Re: upgrade kit installation questions
#sBitx
BTW, you can use your CW paddle in the mic jack to serve as PTT in USB?mode, no mic required.
Since I had my sbitx all apart on my bench I decided to take my dremel tool and take the paint off at all the connection points on the case.? My ohm meter shows the case is now all connected.?
After connecting the wires going to the new clock module, I could see I should provide strain relief to keep from pulling those tiny attachments off.? I picked a point on the main board where I could use a couple of drops of glue to keep things from coming apart.?
I did decide to take the IRF510 s off as well. I saved them if they need to go back on for some future mod, but I don't think they are ever going back in ...
I'm a CW guy - I don't own a microphone - so I haven't followed the adjustment instructions to set PA_BIAS.? Is there a CW only method for setting PA_BIAS?? ?Where do you measure that current?
--
Mike - kb2ml
|
Re: upgrade kit installation questions
#sBitx
That should have read no RF out...
I took my 510s off along with T7 to make more room.? I was thinking the exact same thing as you about strain release for the RTC wires.
I just got my unit back together and?the PA BIAS adjustment isn't working and I'm getting on RF out.? (A receiver nearby confirms there is RF being produced in the?unit.)? I'm not seeing any voltage on R73, R74, or R77 on transmit.? I had backed out the TX sequencing modification that we did a few months ago around Q10.? The instructions were silent about this, but the instruction pictures showed no wire for the TX sequencing mod, so I assumed that should be removed.? That may have been a bad assumption.? I'm wondering if I should re-run the wire to the Pi daughtercard, or just bridge the cut trace near Q10.....
73 Goody K3NG
Since I had my sbitx all apart on my bench I decided to take my dremel tool and take the paint off at all the connection points on the case.? My ohm meter shows the case is now all connected.?
After connecting the wires going to the new clock module, I could see I should provide strain relief to keep from pulling those tiny attachments off.? I picked a point on the main board where I could use a couple of drops of glue to keep things from coming apart.?
I did decide to take the IRF510 s off as well. I saved them if they need to go back on for some future mod, but I don't think they are ever going back in ...
I'm a CW guy - I don't own a microphone - so I haven't followed the adjustment instructions to set PA_BIAS.? Is there a CW only method for setting PA_BIAS?? ?Where do you measure that current?
--
Mike - kb2ml
|
Re: Modified sBitx received, ???
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Sat, Dec 31, 2022 at 4:08 PM Joel Caulkins/N6ALT < caulktel@...> wrote: Hi All,
Today I received my belated sBitx DE basic transceiver kit with mods done, (serial number 175). I have the Raspi 4B 8GB all ready and the Raspi display. Is there any instructions pertaining to this situation? The drive bias pot is turned all the way down which makes sense being as they are no longer any drive MOSFETs on the board. At the front of the radio is a 4 conductor cable with a plug on the end coming from the main PCB, where does it plug in? A RTC module was included and it appears that the cable can plug into the module but then where does the module itself plug into? If there are some instructions that pertain to this please direct me to them.
Joel
N6ALT
|
John Terrell, N6LN
Joel Caulkins/N6ALT