Re: Homebrew is alive and well in Vienna Virginia
#homebrew
As a uBITX devotee, I can report that the SSB home brew is "uBITX adjacent".? The SI5153, the arduino, dual purpose architecture,? IFR510 final, etc all parallel the uBITX.? And Dean's Furlough 40/20 has scored numerious QSO's with other uBITX operators.?
I'd like to think that is some way, the uBITX gave way to the F40/20. A more primal primitive offspring.?
The uBITX got me into the radio hobby. It was approachable, reasonable, wickedly capable,? and CAT-enabled.
But mostly, and I did not appreciate this when I started, it had a vigorous supporting ecosystem.? Having a group of smart and kind folks to answer the same questions with grace, and point out the obvious to a newbie, was actually the key secret ingredient. The uBITX and tribe was a perfect gateway drug.?
The SSB F40/20 is now helping me learn how these darn mystical miracle devices called radios work. It has the same (if much smaller) supporting environment.? And that makes it all work.?
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This is real similar to the unit that we have.?
Great for general construction and may work for slotting frp.?
I asked n6qw Pete, He said he uses a small cnc mill and suggested this:??as an alternative, to be used with a drill press.?
Obviously low tech razor knives can work as well. I am amazed at the work that can be done with ugly construction. Thanks for sharing.?
My wife n0bex and I made a regen radio out of parts we had at home last month. Used a 70x100 frp board and a ring drill to isolate components. I think using squares would make it a lot easier to make smd connections although most of what we have is leaded.
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73
Dave
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On Fri, Apr 16, 2021 at 03:39 PM, Clark Martin wrote:
I have saw like this:
?
?
It works quite well.
Yet another designated driver on the information super highway.
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?_Dave_ AD0B wrote:? "What kind of saw do you use cut squares. A table saw set very low?? Maybe an angle grinder?"
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Re: Waiting with Bated Breath
On Sat, Apr 17, 2021, at 04:53 AM, Vic WA4THR wrote:
I also just became aware of a Pi-zero competitor called the Banana Pi M2-zero which also includes built-in WiFi and BT and has the same form factor as the Pi-zero but with 4X the processing power (and 3X the price). Theoretically I could swap it into the same case as I am currently using, but I've heard there might be some issue with screen resolution, so I'll be watching that.
Vic, I tried the Banana Pi line of SBC and found all kinds of issues with compatibility with Linux versions.? There was not much support for the model that I had picked (do not remember which one and have since discarded it as a bad investment). Support was minimal, as it is not a widely used series. I would be curious to hear how it goes with you if you do decide to pursue the Banana Pi. Good luck and have fun with the experimentation! 73 Evan AC9TU
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Re: Waiting with Bated Breath
Bear in? mind I can only do digital modes remotely with the uBitX. My control is limited to frequency and PTT as provided in whatever program I run and what I effectively have is remote I/O (screen, mouse, and keyboard) for the programs I run that I can access through WiFi. Here's an article I wrote for a couple of club publications about the Pi-zero application:
I also just became aware of a Pi-zero competitor called the Banana Pi M2-zero which also includes built-in WiFi and BT and has the same form factor as the Pi-zero but with 4X the processing power (and 3X the price). Theoretically I could swap it into the same case as I am currently using, but I've heard there might be some issue with screen resolution, so I'll be watching that.
=Vic=
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In response to Arv,
Yes, soldering SMD (CMS) is feasible quite easily
On my Ubitx, I welded 400 without special equipment.
You need a little skill and a good magnifying glass.
This is much easier with 1206 than 0805.
The 0805s are too small for me.
cdt
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Re: Unresponsive ubitx V6
Hi Evan?
I will investigate the whole raduino assy later today and see what I can do.? It sounds like a poor/ dry solder joint or connection somewhere. I'm not totally convinced that the header pin connections to the main motherboard are that good.? I really appreciate all help on this!? ?Regards Dave
Dave,
That would suggest to me that the screen input has a wiring issue or a failure.? I would check the connection between the Raduino and the display.? The only other options are to replace the display or the Nano.? I would replace the display.? If that is not the problem you can send it back if you buy through Amazon Prime.
73
Evan
AC9TU
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Re: Unresponsive ubitx V6
Dave,
That would suggest to me that the screen input has a wiring issue or a failure.? I would check the connection between the Raduino and the display.? The only other options are to replace the display or the Nano.? I would replace the display.? If that is not the problem you can send it back if you buy through Amazon Prime.
73
Evan
AC9TU
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Thanks a lot Om Robert . I am very much of gratitude for your concern. I hope forum member will help increase my sales at amateur radio kits store. My deepest regards . De vu3sua Sunil?
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Re: Linear Amplifier Build
The old concern was -- "FCC certification for commercially sold products."
However, the FCC rule for amateur equipment made for personal use was (and is) "You are responsible for the lawful operation of your station."
So as a ham, you basically get to build anything you want as long as you comply with all applicable FCC rules when operating what you built.? And -- the FCC cuts a lot of slack for some operators, because the FCC know what these ops are running, what frequencies they use, and whether the station is safe.? I won't name names, but if you dial down to CB channel 6, the so-called Superbowl, you'll hear some operators who happen to be beer-drinking buddies with a lot of FCC agents.?
How does this work?? They (the FCC) have a gentleman's agreement that those megawatt CBers will stay on 6 and won't be too abusive toward other operators.
The FCC also knows all the hams on the top of 75 who are obnoxious ... I won't say who or what they do.?? When those un-gentlemen get too unruly, the FCC will give them a time-out.? Darn, I miss Riley Hollingsworth.
And as a matter of fact, I met Riley on the parking lot one Saturday morning at the Dallas Summerfest in 1983 when I had a notorious CB amplifier on my tailgate table.? I didn't recognize him for who he was, but I recognized him for WHAT he was -- radio po-po -- and when he asked about what the amp could do, I pulled out "the station operator is always responsible for lawful operation..." and then said "this device is not certified for use in Class D CB operation, and such use would be unlawful, of course,"? He wasn't expecting to meet a lawyer look-alike in the swapfest parking lot.? :)
He went away empty-handed.? I wish I'd got his signature.
73 Jim N6OTQ
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My saw can make very fast cuts:
Jack, W8TEE
On Friday, April 16, 2021, 4:39:55 PM EDT, Clark Martin <kk6isp@...> wrote:
I have saw like this:
It works quite well. Yet another designated driver on the information super highway.
?_Dave_ AD0B wrote:? "What kind of saw do you use cut squares. A table saw set very low?? Maybe an angle grinder?"
--
Jack, W8TEE
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Agree with Arv,
Soldering surface mount is easy. It only gets hard when you have
really tiny chips with lots of pins... and even then it's not THAT hard. You basically run your iron and solder along the chip pins. Everything gets soldered together. Then you take solder wick along the chip and it sucks up all the excess solder.
In general, you don't depend on the flux in the solder - use a flux pen on the board first. Makes things easier.
I have a cheap Chinese hot air rework station and a stereo microscope. With those, I can solder pretty much anything except for giant BGA ( Ball Grid Array ) parts.
There's a reason why modern electronics is 90% surface mount.
- Jerry Kaidor
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On 2021-04-16 16:06, Arv Evans wrote: Al
It seems that many hams prefer to discourage the rest of us from
soldering to SMD components. In truth, after an hour or so of
practice it becomes rather easy. For connecting wires to an SMD
device I use small (AWG-20 or 22) coil winding wire. The laquer
coating serves as insulation and the small wire size makes it easy
to tack-solder to the IC pins, and resistor, or capacitor ends. SMD
standardized component size makes it easy to stack components
vertically or horizontally. Farhan laid his components flat on the
substrate, but it is interesting, and maybe easier, to place resistors
and capacitors on-edge.
Arv
_._
On Fri, Apr 16, 2021 at 3:46 PM Al - WA1CZG <alminer@...>
wrote:
On Fri, Apr 16, 2021 at 01:31 PM, Ashhar Farhan wrote:
Just to impress you people, this is on my bench. A ugly build of
Si5351 using a low noise 25 mhz oscillator. All hand soldered. I
bend alternate pins up and down and solder the ground and vcc to
the square pads.
- f How in the world were you able to solder the SI5351 ?
I am very very impressed! Links:
------
[1] /g/BITX20/message/87700
[2] /mt/82079455/243852
[3] /g/BITX20/post
[4] /g/BITX20/editsub/243852
[5] /g/BITX20/leave/10189903/243852/952924773/xyzzy
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Re: uBitx v6 kit to amateur radio kits.in case upgrade
Hi Sal,
it¡¯s funny that I came across your post. I just received a uBitx v6 and I just now (Literally 2 minutes ago) received an email saying my Universal case for the 5¡± Nextion, from amateurradiokits.in, will be here April 26th. I¡¯ve read a couple of articles and was just searching on this forum for info on installing a Nextion 5¡± display with the uBitx v6, that¡¯s how I came across your post. The only thing that I¡¯ve seen online, so far, is that you should install an additional 5v voltage regulator in the uBitx because you may damage the Nextion dislay if you only use the factory onboard 5v regulator, in case it can¡¯t produce the 5v needed. Also the volume control will have to be removed from the PCB to fit into the case. I¡¯m planning on installing an AGC circuit and place a potentiometer in the case for the rf control. I¡¯m also going to try and place a QRP ATU in the case along with building a circuit for the S-meter sensor. I have all these plans, I just hope I can find the and they all work out. If I find any more information out I¡¯ll keep you informed.
Take Care, 73
Robert, AG6LK
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Re: Waiting with Bated Breath
Hi Vic,
I¡¯m curious. How do you have your uBitx set up for remote operations with a Raspberry pi 0? I just received a V6 and I¡¯ve been wanting to set it up for remote operating, But I don¡¯t have the slightest idea how to do it. It sounds like you have the perfect set up. Can you fill me in on the details? Thanks in advance.
Take Care, 73
Robert, AG6LK?
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Sunil,
Thank you very much for being so quick at shipping. I didn¡¯t initially know that you were sick. I am happy to see that your feeling better. Now we need to drum up more business for you. We¡¯ll all have to work on that. Again, I¡¯m glad to see your feeling better.
Take care and be safe, 73,
Robert, AG6LK?
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Al
It seems that many hams prefer to discourage the rest of us from
soldering to SMD components.? In truth, after an hour or so of
practice it becomes rather easy.? For connecting wires to an SMD
device I use small (AWG-20 or 22) coil winding wire.? The laquer
coating serves as insulation and the small wire size makes it easy
to tack-solder to the IC pins, and resistor, or capacitor ends.? SMD
standardized component size makes it easy to stack components
vertically or horizontally.? Farhan laid his components flat on the
substrate, but it is interesting, and maybe easier, to place resistors
and capacitors on-edge.
Arv _._
On Fri, Apr 16, 2021 at 3:46 PM Al - WA1CZG < alminer@...> wrote: On Fri, Apr 16, 2021 at 01:31 PM, Ashhar Farhan wrote:
Just to impress you people, this is on my bench. A ugly build of Si5351 using a low noise 25 mhz oscillator. All hand soldered. I bend alternate pins up and down and solder the ground and vcc to the square pads.
- f
How in the world were you able to solder the SI5351 ?
I am very very impressed!
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Re: Unresponsive ubitx V6
I tried this.?
The result was that the screen says "Click on the cross" but nothing happens when you click on the cross indicated on the top left of the screen.?
Dave G4HUM
Jason,
Have you tried to recalibrate the touch screen?? I believe that is done by holding in the encoder when the power is turned on.? Should take you into the screen calibrations.
73
Evan
AC9TU
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On Fri, Apr 16, 2021 at 01:31 PM, Ashhar Farhan wrote:
Just to impress you people, this is on my bench. A ugly build of Si5351 using a low noise 25 mhz oscillator. All hand soldered. I bend alternate pins up and down and solder the ground and vcc to the square pads.
- f
How in the world were you able to solder the SI5351 ? I am very very impressed!
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On Fri, Apr 16, 2021 at 04:31 PM, Ashhar Farhan wrote:
Just to impress you people, this is on my bench. A ugly build of Si5351 using a low noise 25 mhz oscillator. All hand soldered. I bend alternate pins up and down and solder the ground and vcc to the square pads.
Now you are just being mean!? I can't even see those pins.? Fantastic work as always. 73, Dean KK4DAS
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Farhan
Looks great.? I am impressed.
Arv _._
On Fri, Apr 16, 2021 at 2:32 PM Ashhar Farhan < farhanbox@...> wrote: Just to impress you people, this is on my bench. A ugly build of Si5351 using a low noise 25 mhz oscillator. All hand soldered. I bend alternate pins up and down and solder the ground and vcc to the square pads. - f
I assume you have an acrylic cutter similar to this:
? ??
And that you make two parallel cuts into the copper layer, then pick at that copper somehow
to remove it.
I've done that sort of thing with an exacto knife, but the hook in the acrylic cutter
looks better suited for the task.
?_Dave_ AD0B wrote:? "What kind of saw do you use cut squares. A table saw set very low?? Maybe an angle grinder?"
For a regular pattern of squares cut only into the copper, keeping the board intact,
seems a table saw with a the blade set low would work quite well, especially if you have the right blade.
Clamping that angle grinder or a Dremmel tool somehow so the blade is just above
the surface of your work table could work about the same.
Use strips of wood of varying width to position the pcb as you slide it under the blade.
To get the height just right, add pieces of pcb and sheets of paper under the work surface
that you slide the board over.
A "spot weld drill bit" can also be used to create islands of copper,?
or to cut all the way through and make a manhatten pad.
I use CEM-1 board material instead of FR4 fiberglass-epoxy when messing around.
Easier on the tools, easier for me to work with, cheap.
? ? /g/BITX20/message/84912
Vector type prototyping boards can also work, but you have to figure out how to give it a solid ground plane.
? ??
?
Jerry, KE7ER
On Fri, Apr 16, 2021 at 08:38 AM, Ashhar Farhan wrote:
I use an acrylic cutter blade. It cuts very easily
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Re: Linear Amplifier Build
Hi Jerry,
I remember the rule was that they couldn't work on 11m.? It can be complicated for a manufacturer to make an amp that will work on all HF bands except 11m, so it was simpler just to cut them off above 15m.
I think the large gain restriction was because that is typically the max needed to go from your average rig's ouput to the maximum allowed power.
73.
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_Dave_ AD0B
Vic WA4THR
Gerard
Sunil Lakhani