Re: Faster tuning encoder
Thanks for the info Jack. ?I'm going to spend a few bucks and try them out.
Tom
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Re: I find This Shorted Circuit on Raduino, here the pics..plz Help?
#ubitx-help
Hi Fabien,
I watched your video, and it seemed to me that the only problem was that the SSB stations were not tuned in yet.? I would do this test:
1.? Set the BFO to 11.997.000
2.? Make sure your are in the correct mode for the band (LSB for 80m and 40m, USB for 20m and above)
3.? Set your tuning steps to 100 Hz
4.? Tune around to find a few good strong SSB signals and slowly try to tune one in so that the voices seem natural
5.? Don't worry about where your dial reads when the station voices sound natural -- not all operators have exact VFO display so the may operate on any fraction of a kHz (also your master calibration may not be done yet but that should only matter for your display, not for the rig's operation)
6.? Remember also, sometimes operators use the opposite sideband for some reason
Another test you can make it to set your rig on just band noise (no signal anywhere near).? Then record the signal on your computer.? The do a spectrogram of the recording and see where the "hump" appears.? It should appear between 300 Hz and 2700 Hz.? I can give you more details if you want to try this.? I think the Elecraft company also has a good description of how to do this in their manual for the K2, or just on their site.
73 and guten tag,
Mark.
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I don't see what might be the purpose of using an RTL dongle. It's 8bits ADC limits its dynamic range to a mere 48db or so. Otherwise tapping is a good idea. All the points you have identified might be good depending on the hardware between the uBitx and the PC. For instance if you would use just an opamp, an oscillator, a 7dbm passive mixer (no IQ, just to convert between 12 an 96khz depending on the soundcard) and an audio step up transformer the tap before the 12Mhz would perfectly make sense to me not only to have just a slightly bigger visual picture of the signals around but to use the PC as the main receiver.
Il 25/set/2018 04:07, "Joe Puma" < kd2nfc@...> ha scritto: I think I found a good tapping point. C215 before the filter and shield to ground. C216 seemed like there was a lot of noise, I don’t think it was more signal, just more noise. C214 looked ok but had the classic dip in the center that I even see on my commercial rig when I tapped the IF. Noise floor was also higher then 215 is that what we call “cruft”? ? Only thing is at c215 when my SDR is plugged in the audio and noise seems to drop a little. Cant say if it’s a attenuated signal but there is a difference when the sdr is plugged in. maybe I need something to buffer the connection?? I use this on my FT-840 ? I do have the full signal now and bot the IMD is messy. I see now why I hear AM stations everywhere on 80 and 40. ? ? Connected to 210, check the dip to the left. ? 
? Connected to C215 ? 
? ? Wider View IMD = Yuck, ??BCI filter is Next! ? 
? Joe ? ? Sent from for Windows 10 ? ? When used in matched pairs, the dots should be together.
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Re: Amplifier chain design - best practices
OK,
Just making sure the corrected version went out.
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Re: I find This Shorted Circuit on Raduino, here the pics..plz Help?
#ubitx-help
Whaaaooo! Super much thanks again at all HAM here which helping me with new comments, so very thankfull for all!!
I have made an little video yesterday late evening at 18.45utc (in germany 20.45uhr) because i want test this Signal from an near AM Radio station, and in germany was at 17-19UTC (19-21uhr in Germany) one Radio Station which was the closest i can find yesterday at the postet website which i can find, and again i would say thanks for this website info !! Nice really, that can be used for other test or even listen to Radio station in all Band and time..
So i have make this video here which should showing up the whole problem with the disordered SSB voice sounds like in 80m Band an the test with no finding AM Radio Station at the 3.765mhz at correct time.. and even the LSB/USB versus issue at 7.074 FT8 signal it show in the video..
I hope this is usefull - here is the link
please sorry my english in the video wasn't good i was a bit nervous and my first video a made ever upload to youtube..
i test the settings again which here postet and when anyone have new facts which shows up in my video please post here,too !
Thank you ALL and i want talk back in 2 hours when i'm at home
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Re: Ubitx version 4 speaker impedance?
?My bad, I was not paying enough attention when I ordered the speakers. And what I did order, and receive, are 40mm not 2"/52mm.
?No matter, they will still work reasonably well. ?Wayne WA2YNE
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Re: I find This Shorted Circuit on Raduino, here the pics..plz Help?
#ubitx-help
Fabian, The factory c code sets the USB calibration to?11997000 if out of range (as would be the case if not yet calibrated), so this would be a good first choice. For another reference point on variations, my ubitx's factory EEPROM settings:?
EEPROM_HEX_DUMP:
? ? |? ?0? 1? 2? 3? 4? 5? 6? 7? 8? 9? A? B? C? D? E? F
----------------------------------------------------------
0? ?|? EC 9D 02 00 FF FF FF FF 72 08 B7 00 FF FF FF FF
10? |? FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF
?
#else // use values
? ?#define MASTER_CAL 171500 // 0x00029DEC
? ?#define LSB_CAL 0? ? ? ? ?// ?not used?
? ?#define USB_CAL 11995250? // 0x00B70872 (would be set by code if out of range to 11997000)
? ?#define SIDE_TONE 0? ? ? ?// ?not used?
? ?#define VFO_A 7150000? ? ?// default value from orig code
? ?#define VFO_B 14200000? ? // default value from orig code
? ?#define CW_SIDETONE 800? ?// default value from orig code
? ?#define CW_SPEED 100? ? ? // default value from orig code
#endif
Regards, Gary
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Re: Ubitx version 4 speaker impedance?
?Speakers arrived the other day.
?Supposed 2" speakers are more like 1.5", 40MM. 4Cm. ?Have not tried one out for sound yet. ?Wayne WA2YNE
Hi,
This all seems to be off topic so let me get it on track. When my club
ordered the uBitX as the main door prize for our annual picnic they had
it sent to my address because I was hosting the picnic this year. We had
to argue with somebody (DHL?) about the PO Box. It came to the PO Box.
Then. I ordered one for myself. They said "we can't ship to a PO Box". I
shot right back about how they just did. They did again. My own kit
arrived at the very same PO Box:)
There are very few problems if that street address is hyphenated with
the PO Box. However, there are still a very few who still refuse. Like
the rest of you in the same boat, I cross them off my list and spend my
money somewhere else. Postal regulations say the mail has to be returned
to the sender if that PO Box is not included. However, the postal
workers here all have the same level of intelligence as the rest of us
(for better or for worse) and they *know* where it goes so they deliver
it. Sometimes my mail is even addressed to the wrong post office! it
still gets here:) Just a day or two delayed.
This list is for, by, and about people who make things. We order kits,
parts, and goodies via the mail (and UPS, FedEx, etc) so shipping
problems affect *all* of us.
73,
Bill? KU8H
On 09/06/2018 10:31 PM, Wayne Leake wrote:
>? I watch who? buy from, and see that one will? while the next will not.
>? I have seen absurd shipping charges, an sellers like that i skip past.
>? part of the problem is that my paypal is tied to my PO box address. We
> have NO home delivery, or mailbox along the road here.
>? Once in a while something was sent to my street address, and I still
> got it, though the PO workers sometimes mumble? about it.
>? Others knew what box it was anyway.
>? I swear that some of the postal workers are lazy.
>? I have also had Amazon claim that my street address did not exist.
>? It sometimes takes a while to find a seller who will ship, but I
> usually do.
>
--
bark less - wag more
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Re: Faster tuning encoder
Cheap way to have slow and faster tuning with an encoder is to have a two-size knob.? Smaller part tunes faster and larger part does fine tuning.? Those with a metal turning lathe can make a two-speed knob in a few minutes.? Others might be able to make something similar by gluing a larger knob behind a smaller one.
Arv k7hkl _-_
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
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-------- Original message -------- From: "Jack Purdum via Groups.Io" <jjpurdum@...> Date: 9/24/18 4:50 PM (GMT-08:00) Subject: Re: [BITX20] Faster tuning encoder
Tom:
In many cases, the steps/rev is a function of cost. Also, mechanical encoders are less expensive than optical encoders and optical encoders usually don't have the feel of "detents" as you turn them. In most tuning circuits, the frequency increment is adjusted to 1 increment unit/detent. For example, our encoder normally sits at 1KHz per detent, but the ALS Tuning encoder is set to 1/10 of the main encoder. That way, you can move quickly from one frequency to the next using the main encoder, but use the ALS Tuning encoder to "fine tune" the signal without having to change the increment step. If you double the steps/rev and the increment step stays the same, one revolution "moves" twice as far in the spectrum. The software likely allows you to adjust this step ratio to something you like.
There are mechanical encoders that don't have the detent feel, just like the optical encoders, but are significantly less expensive. Personally, I like the detent feel, as it allows me to park on a frequency with ease. I use my FT1200 often to check into a net that meets at 7.197MHz and it takes me about 30 seconds to hit that exact frequency because the FT1200 encoder "slides" and is really sensitive to the touch. My ?BITX just zips right to the frequency no problem.
That's the long answer, which is "yes" to the first question, and my $2 detent encoder is my preference. You should try both if you have a chance and then decide.
Jack, W8TEE
On Monday, September 24, 2018, 5:01:54 PM EDT, Tom Cooper via Groups.Io <w1eat@...> wrote:
Is it possible to replace the stock encoder with one which tunes more steps per revolution? ?If so, any recommendations?
73,
Tom ?W1EAT
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I think I found a good tapping point. C215 before the filter and shield to ground. C216 seemed like there was a lot of noise, I don’t think it was more signal, just more noise. C214 looked ok but had the classic dip in the center that I even see on my commercial rig when I tapped the IF. Noise floor was also higher then 215 is that what we call “cruft”? ? Only thing is at c215 when my SDR is plugged in the audio and noise seems to drop a little. Cant say if it’s a attenuated signal but there is a difference when the sdr is plugged in. maybe I need something to buffer the connection?? I use this on my FT-840 ? I do have the full signal now and bot the IMD is messy. I see now why I hear AM stations everywhere on 80 and 40. ? ? Connected to 210, check the dip to the left. ? 
? Connected to C215 ? 
? ? Wider View IMD = Yuck, ??BCI filter is Next! ? 
? Joe ? ? Sent from for Windows 10 ?
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From: GlennSent: Monday, September 24, 2018 9:41 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [BITX20] IF OUT ? When used in matched pairs, the dots should be together.
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When used in matched pairs, the dots should be together.
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I bought a new tank. I only use ammonium persulfate.
glenn
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Arghghh..Glenn? Jaycar or Tricky Dicky strikes again.?
I saw some very nice tanks built by a guy called Adam Seychell in Melb for personal use.
you use ordinary glass say 4 mm think for all the walls . Joints are done with acrylic cure cement as in stuff in gun tubes from Bunnings . They seem to last forever ;? even acidified Ferric Cl does not seem to attack the cement.?You can fit them in a plywood encasing holder case with? a viewing port x 2? for extra security.? The bottom is done as a rect plate just a bit larger than the outline of the framing in members. BTW he found that if you used cold ferric in normal conditions you DO NOT have to use heating. You use a fish tank bubbler for stirring and that is enough, even in winter weather.? Does not apply to other etchants like persulphate which are useless below about 55 C.
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No.? The dot is likely for matching or grading.
Allison
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Re: I find This Shorted Circuit on Raduino, here the pics..plz Help?
#ubitx-help
Hi Fabian, I think for sure your BFO is set wrong.? From reading other people's posts on this forum, it seems like the BFO is not always set correctly at the factory.? And also it seems like it is very easy for it to end up being set far from where it should be. Search the messages on this forum for "V3 uBitx Very Shrill Audio" and read those messages.? One message there from Raj says:
Raj vu2zap
Sep 21?? #59822?
Yes, check BFO freq. 11.9965 or 11.9972 range. It comes set 11.995 I think..
So maybe try setting it somewhere between 11.9965 and 11.9972 MHz. It seems like what can happen is that when one tries to do a master frequency calibration, the code resets the master calibration to zero, but not the BFO.? So when you change the master calibration, it starts moving the BFO frequency farther and farther away. So just to confirm that your radio works OK, first I would just reset the master calibration to "0" then turn the rig off and back on and set the BFO to the frequency range shown above.? After that, you should be able to hear AM and SSB stations much better. 73, Mark.
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Re: Faster tuning encoder
Tom:
In many cases, the steps/rev is a function of cost. Also, mechanical encoders are less expensive than optical encoders and optical encoders usually don't have the feel of "detents" as you turn them. In most tuning circuits, the frequency increment is adjusted to 1 increment unit/detent. For example, our encoder normally sits at 1KHz per detent, but the ALS Tuning encoder is set to 1/10 of the main encoder. That way, you can move quickly from one frequency to the next using the main encoder, but use the ALS Tuning encoder to "fine tune" the signal without having to change the increment step. If you double the steps/rev and the increment step stays the same, one revolution "moves" twice as far in the spectrum. The software likely allows you to adjust this step ratio to something you like.
There are mechanical encoders that don't have the detent feel, just like the optical encoders, but are significantly less expensive. Personally, I like the detent feel, as it allows me to park on a frequency with ease. I use my FT1200 often to check into a net that meets at 7.197MHz and it takes me about 30 seconds to hit that exact frequency because the FT1200 encoder "slides" and is really sensitive to the touch. My ?BITX just zips right to the frequency no problem.
That's the long answer, which is "yes" to the first question, and my $2 detent encoder is my preference. You should try both if you have a chance and then decide.
Jack, W8TEE
On Monday, September 24, 2018, 5:01:54 PM EDT, Tom Cooper via Groups.Io <w1eat@...> wrote:
Is it possible to replace the stock encoder with one which tunes more steps per revolution? ?If so, any recommendations?
73,
Tom ?W1EAT
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Buffer board for Si5351 now etched and assembled.? Fitting to come. The sharp eye among you will see the left side buffer chip has a short between two pins, now cleared. Parts are all 'small', caps are 0603 except for the 1uF cap. Had a bit of a disaster doing it, went to etch the PCB, switched on the tank heater to warm the etchant beforehand, then started exposing the board and not noticed the etchant had run low due to syphon action from the pump overnight.? The heater then melted the tank in just a few minutes. The pump was destroyed also..... oh what fun. Good for a laugh though.Glenn vk3pe  
On Sun, Sep 23, 2018 at 09:10 AM, Glenn wrote:
Lyn
Just to clarify. My uBITX still has the original Raduino in it. The DIY pcb I made was fitted to a VK4PLN Raduino just fopr testing? but is not in the rig itself.
The new 'buffer' board will fit directly onto the main uBITX board as shown? further down this thread. Once i actually make it.
glenn
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Alison ? Since youre probably the right one to ask, ?I also added the 45mhz filter to remedy the spurs issue. There is a black dot on the top of the filter housing. Is there a polarity or orientation I need to install the filter over R27? ? Joe ? Sent from for Windows 10 ?
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From: Joe PumaSent: Monday, September 24, 2018 6:58 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [BITX20] IF OUT ? Would tapping across c212 do the trick or maybe c210 so I’m not connecting directly to filter. ?This looks a lot like my commercial rig except there is variable inductors? Tuning cans before the filter and mixer. I’m still learning but I wouldn’t poke around so telling me somewhere near the antenna is a dangerous suggestion to me, lol. ? Joe ? ? ? ? Sent from for Windows 10 ? ? >>I noticed it only shows you a small amount of the bandwidth 15khz roughly. I was wondering if there is a tap point I can use before this filter. Is this filtering coming from the 45mhz crystal (roofing filter) ??
Yes, the filter is working.
I always thought it odd to put the tap there.? The RTLSDR does not need the gain and
its just the wrong spot.
It would be better closer to the antenna but then gain the RTL-SDR could be the radio for RX.
The likely issue of taping before the 45mhz filter is you may see a lot of the cruft.? But you
could try it and report.
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Would tapping across c212 do the trick or maybe c210 so I’m not connecting directly to filter. ?This looks a lot like my commercial rig except there is variable inductors? Tuning cans before the filter and mixer. I’m still learning but I wouldn’t poke around so telling me somewhere near the antenna is a dangerous suggestion to me, lol. ? Joe ? ? ? 
? Sent from for Windows 10 ?
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From: ajparent1/KB1GMXSent: Monday, September 24, 2018 6:30 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [BITX20] IF OUT >>I noticed it only shows you a small amount of the bandwidth 15khz roughly. I was wondering if there is a tap point I can use before this filter. Is this filtering coming from the 45mhz crystal (roofing filter) ??
Yes, the filter is working.
I always thought it odd to put the tap there.? The RTLSDR does not need the gain and
its just the wrong spot.
It would be better closer to the antenna but then gain the RTL-SDR could be the radio for RX.
The likely issue of taping before the 45mhz filter is you may see a lot of the cruft.? But you
could try it and report.
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sdr freak
