Re: Soldering gun or iron
I think I could be quite happy with a $20 pencil iron for SMD work.
A temperature control knob is not important, though having one suggests it has a thermostat which is important.
Otherwise you will burn the tip out when you leave it sit for a few minutes.
I usually fling the knob all the way to the upper stop so I have a nice hot iron, control heat by not applying it so long.
A relatively cold tip is quite common, and impossible to do good work with.
A clean tip is important, should see molten solder flow everywhere around the tip.
And when working with 0.5mm pin pitch SMD parts, it had better be a pretty darn small tip.
A $15 embossing gun and tweezers is probably all you need for removing SMD IC's (I don't have this one):
? ?
Cover nearby parts with tinfoil or paper tape.
Don't tug at the part before the solder is molten or you will lift the copper pads off of the board.
Consider some ChipQuik:? ?
Many of the solders available now have no lead, these melt at higher temps and are harder to work with.
I stick with traditional leaded solder for hobbyist work, most of it 1mm in dia, sometimes? go through maybe a pound per decade if that.
If buying liquid flux, read up first.? Some of it is extremely corrosive.
A semi-professional rework station with a dozen tips and solder sucker might be nice,
but hardly necessary for occasional use.
Jerry, KE7ER
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On Fri, Mar 16, 2018 at 08:42 am, Christopher Miller wrote:
Thats true, Farhan is correct that is the most important factor. Keeping the tip clean and tinned, as well as having the tip be quality is in my experience as well the most important as well. I believe the second should be temperature control. If you are going to buy a 100$ iron you might as well get a rework station? I checked again and tips and elements of the station are available. The PID loop cycles a couple times a second and works.
?
Its true I put through hole kits together with garbage but having a proper iron / station improved my work a lot.?
?
If a person will be doing work reasonably regularly paying 60-70 for a decent station with smd growing in popularity makes sense. You can salvage parts by using the hot air gun and tapping them to get the surface tension of the leaded solders surface tension to pull the part in to place.
?
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Re: uBitx low signals on the speaker
Thanks Ron for the info.
Here the audio circuit is finally ok, everything tested and working.
But ubitx continues with output level on the speaker very low. I have to increase the volume at maximum to receive medium and weak signals.
Now I suspect that it may be a problem in the detector, more precisely the level of the BFO that comes from the SI5351, or the other clock's.
Take the tests here.
?
73 from Junior
PY2ADA
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Re: Soldering gun or iron
Can't resist this story: I was at my rather remote shack in Alaska with limited tools.? The brand-new ICOM mic for my old 725 had a bad connection in the PTT circuit.? Of course I took it apart to fix, and, of course, the broken wire was that smaller-than-a-hair stuff.? With no soldering iron, I had to improvise.? Propane torch on the bench heating a #16 nail held by vise grips supported by the bench vise, using big plumbing-size solder.? Mic works to this day.? Lucky I didn't burn the shack down.....Those 3-in-1 rework stations look pretty tempting....Aloha, Steve WH6ST
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It's HERE ordered Feb 11 received Mar 16
Fantastic!
On ?Friday?, ?March? ?16?, ?2018? ?01?:?30?:?21? ?AM? ?CDT, Chuck, N1KGY <cwayers12@...> wrote:
>I got mine yesterday also,? ordered 2/17.
This is exciting news - I ordered mine on 2/19.
As for the 2822 chips, I've decided to put a regulator in their B+? line before ever powering them up.
Thanks!
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Re: Blew the irf510's up, substituted irfp260's in there place...
#ubitx-help
My finals blew due to a bad load and testing out the PA on higher voltage supply. My own fault here.
--
----------
N5WLF, Greggory (or my nickname, Ghericoan)
General Class, Digital Radio Hobbyist
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Re: Blew the irf510's up, substituted irfp260's in there place...
#ubitx-help
I keep seeing that many people seem to be having problems with the IRF510's in their uBITX radios, but that hasn't been my experience here at all.
I have 3 uBITX's, one from each of the first 3 batches. ?Of all 3 kits, only the one from the third batch has given me any grief and that was due to the WX branded audio chip. ?Fortunately I had some UTC branded ones on hand and since replacing it have had no problems whatever.
I have always operated my uBITX radios into antennas that had less than a 2:1 SWR but I wasn't particularly careful except that I always had an antenna of some sort or a dummy load connected to them when I first powered them up just in case they started transmitting due to a shorted key line or some other problem. ?I did not change the factory settings for PA Bias or the power controls, I just left them where they were set from the factory's final test.
Either I was just lucky, or maybe that due diligence (antenna or dummy load connected before powering up) has kept me from having problems with the PA transistors. ?I am getting 10 or more watts out of each of the radios on 80-20 meters and about 7 watts on 10 meters with all three radios which falls in line with statements on the HF Signals web page about the uBITX. ?
OH yes, the first thing I did on all three kits was use thermal insulators and insulated bushings to mount the IRF510's to their heat sinks. ?This way if something grounded contacts one or both heat sinks it doesn't blow the transistor. ?
Just my 2 cents on the subject.?
Jim Sheldon, W0EB?
------ Original Message ------
Sent: 3/16/2018 11:09:57 AM
Subject: Re: [BITX20] Blew the irf510's up, substituted irfp260's in there place... #ubitx-help
It seems that just blindly replacing blown IRF510 devices with more IRF510's
is an exercise in treating the symptom instead of fixing the problem.? There
are many ideas and myths about why the IRF510 devices sometimes fail but
only limited definitive information on what actually causes these failures.?
We have empirical information indicating that if the SWR is high they will fail,
but limited information on exactly why that is the case and what the mechanism
of failure really is.
These URLs may help, or may not:
Arv? K7HKL
_._
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Re: Ubitx audio debug question
Hi Tim,
The TDA2822M's I got from Gateway Electronics had SSS 88737 no FCI or WX.? The sales person said this was a manufacture date code?of 1988.
He stated that these IC's must be better than the newer?FCI or WX types. ?I removed the bad TDA2822M and installed an IC socket in U1 on the board.
I installed?one of these new IC's ?and the?Ubitx is?working great again.? I tried transmitting and only have 2 watts out on 30 meters. I may need to peak
the output power.
73, Rod
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Had some computer problems and the earlier files were corrupted. ?Only way to correct them is delete the file and re-upload them -- sorry for the confusion. ?New computer on-line now and the old one retired to the basement. ?Hopefully won't have any more crashes.
Jim Sheldon
------ Original Message ------
Sent: 3/16/2018 11:08:16 AM
I have now gotten this message 4 times.?? What is going on?
Ron W7HD
Hello,
This email message is a notification to let you know that a
file has been uploaded to the Files area of the [email protected]
group.
File: ubitx_I2C2L_V3_00R.zip
Uploaded By:
Jim Sheldon <w0eb@...>
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Re: Blew the irf510's up, substituted irfp260's in there place...
#ubitx-help
It seems that just blindly replacing blown IRF510 devices with more IRF510's
is an exercise in treating the symptom instead of fixing the problem.? There
are many ideas and myths about why the IRF510 devices sometimes fail but
only limited definitive information on what actually causes these failures.?
We have empirical information indicating that if the SWR is high they will fail,
but limited information on exactly why that is the case and what the mechanism
of failure really is.
These URLs may help, or may not:
Arv? K7HKL
_._
On Thu, Mar 15, 2018 at 10:59 PM, John Backo <jabac@...> wrote: These HEXFETS are rated for 200V and 50A. They will (sorta) work as you have shown.
But the gate input capacitance is 4000+ pF. That increases your standing wave in
the drive circuit and lowers your output considerably. You have 2 choices:
Either replace the finals with IRF510s (after you have figured out what blew them up),
or figure out how to lower the input capacitance to 180 pF. or so. You can also probably
safely use a drain voltage of 48v or so, but there would probably be oscillation which would
have to be accounted for. Incidentally, how do you know they are not oscillating now?
Since the potential drain amperage is so high, it is probably wise to provide a current limiter
if you have not already done so, especially using wspr or another more or less continuous
wave function.
It's better to replace the finals.
john
AD5YE
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I have now gotten this message 4 times.?? What is going on?
Ron W7HD
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Show quoted text
Hello,
This email message is a notification to let you know that a
file has been uploaded to the Files area of the [email protected]
group.
File: ubitx_I2C2L_V3_00R.zip
Uploaded By:
Jim Sheldon
|
Hello,
This email message is a notification to let you know that a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the [email protected]
group.
File: ubitx_I2C4L_V3_00R.zip
Uploaded By:
Jim Sheldon
Description:
W0EB/W2CTX latest firmware release for I2C equipped uBITX transceivers. Had some computer problems and files got corrupted.
Bad files were deleted and uploaded again with corrections plus I added a compiled HEX file. This version works on ANY I2C enabled Raduino card with an I2C 2 line x 16 character display if you follow the instructions and works especially well on our "RadI2Cino" card (available from W0EB - email via the email listed on QRZ please, not on the group forum for details on the RadI2Cino) This is the FOUR line display version with fully implemented CAT and interrupt driven CW - swappable paddle selection, Iambic A and B keyer modes. Completely rewritten alignment mode that has proven to be quite accurate as well.
You can access this file at the URL:
/g/BITX20/files/ubitx_I2C4L_V3_00R.zip
Cheers,
The Groups.io Team
|
Hello,
This email message is a notification to let you know that a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the [email protected]
group.
File: ubitx_I2C2L_V3_00R.zip
Uploaded By:
Jim Sheldon
Description:
W0EB/W2CTX latest firmware release for I2C equipped uBITX transceivers. Had some computer problems and files got corrupted.
Bad files were deleted and uploaded again with corrections plus I added a compiled HEX file. This version works on ANY I2C enabled Raduino card with an I2C 2 line x 16 character display if you follow the instructions and works especially well on our "RadI2Cino" card (available from W0EB - email via the email listed on QRZ please, not on the group forum for details on the RadI2Cino) This is the TWO line display version with fully implemented CAT and interrupt driven CW - swappable paddle selection, Iambic A and B keyer modes. Completely rewritten alignment mode that has proven to be quite accurate as well.
You can access this file at the URL:
/g/BITX20/files/ubitx_I2C2L_V3_00R.zip
Cheers,
The Groups.io Team
|
Re: Soldering gun or iron
Nothing tongue in cheek about it. Jerry outlined his progression based on the task at hand. I just added one extra step that I use in that same progression - from a temp controlled pencil to a torch. Are you going to use a temp controlled iron to solder a #6 wire to a copper pipe or bar or are you going to use a torch? Are you going to use a temp controlled iron or a torch to solder a thru hole transistor to a pcb?
Vince.
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Show quoted text
On 03/16/2018 05:40 AM, David Wilcox via Groups.Io wrote: I think this was intended as a tongue in cheek joke. Don't even consider it for construction of todays small radios. It works great for soldering coax connectors to a coax or maybe to a circuit board in a non QRP project. I still use my 250 w Weller soldering GUN occasionally in working on big things as in the tube sets of yesteryear.
Dave K8WPE
On Mar 15, 2018, at 6:15 PM, Joe Puma <kd2nfc@...> wrote:
I used to watch my grandfather repair tube TV¡¯s with this one.
On Mar 15, 2018, at 4:48 PM, Vince Vielhaber <vev@...> wrote:
I have a small butane torch (harbor freight) that comes just before the propane torch.
Vince.
On 03/15/2018 01:59 PM, Jerry Gaffke via Groups.Io wrote:
Yes, a temperature controlled pencil iron with a fine tip would be a
good choice for working on these rigs.
That and some strong reading glasses and bright work light.
I still have the 140W gun that I built tube gear when in my teens.
Use it occasionally when soldering up large chunks of metal, perhaps
when using
12 gauge house wiring for an inductor. Beyond that, it's the propane torch.
Jerry
On Thu, Mar 15, 2018 at 10:47 am, Doug W wrote:
Kind of like asking what car you should buy or shovel or rifle or
whatever. We can be much more helpful if you know your goals. Are
you on a limited budget and this is the only thing you plan to ever
build and need the cheapest way to just get this done or do you have
so much spare cash you light Cuban cigars with $100 bills and want
the best tools that will last for generations?
Personally my go to iron is a supposedly 60w adjustable pencil type
iron that I keep planning to upgrade but I like it and it gets the
job done. I have this one
that was around $15.
It isn't available anymore but there are tons of similar Chinese
ones on Amazon. While you're at it I would suggest picking up one
of the copper scrubby looking tip cleaners. --
Michigan VHF Corp.
<image1.jpeg>
--
Michigan VHF Corp.
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Re: Soldering gun or iron
Thats true, Farhan is correct that is the most important factor. Keeping the tip clean and tinned, as well as having the tip be quality is in my experience as well the most important as well. I believe the second should be temperature control. If you are going to buy a 100$ iron you might as well get a rework station? I checked again and tips and elements of the station are available. The PID loop cycles a couple times a second and works.
Its true I put through hole kits together with garbage but having a proper iron / station improved my work a lot.?
If a person will be doing work reasonably regularly paying 60-70 for a decent station with smd growing in popularity makes sense. You can salvage parts by using the hot air gun and tapping them to get the surface tension of the leaded solders surface tension to pull the part in to place.
Chris
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Re: Officially done with my uBITX!
Thank you Joel,
I just placed an order.? Yes, I saw the wonderful design and simple way to have everything attached and secure. Thanks again for your help and kindness. 73, Jeff K9JP
On Fri, Mar 16, 2018 at 10:06 AM, Joel Caulkins <caulktel@...> wrote: Hi Jeff,
After three attempts at different enclosures, I settled on this one from China. It is built very well and super light. Only 4 screws hold the whole thing together yet it is very strong and rigid. Very ingenious.
Joel
N6ALT
-- Not all of me will die - - - The good I do will live forever.? <><
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When mine blew it took R75 out at the same time.? You might check surrounding components under magnification.?
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Re: Raduino oscilators. 33mhz and 57mhz. Documentation says one thinng, but this is what I measured.
And yes Don, looking forward to our next 80 meter QSO. Its so much fun to see just how well this radio does. Conversations on Sunday AM with folks in Portland, Reno, the bay area, all over the west , crystal clear, barefoot, and amazing !
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Re: The issues of the TDA2822
Hi All,
I have blow TDA2822 WX version also during press CW key. I find another replacement from local and can get only TDA2822L version.? now I have replace it and use without any problem.
73 E29AHU Choke
On Wed, Mar 14, 2018 at 1:19 AM, Rahul Srivastava via Groups.Io <vu3wjm@...> wrote: Hi!
Farhan already knows this story of mine regarding 2822's. Recently I made a simple? low noise receiver. Seeing the specs and after a nice discussion with Farhan I used this chip. Bought 10 pcs of them ie 5 each from 2 different shops locally, read as typical far east device manufacturer unheard of.
2 created virtual short and the holy smoke, 2 of them had lot of hiss, 1 was very peaceful silent , dead silence, rest of them had low gain AF level whatever. I had an old original St chip about 10 years old in my junk box I installed it and everything became fine..
Moral of the story :? Lot of sub standard stuff is out there these days.
73
Rahul VU3WJM
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Re: Raduino oscilators. 33mhz and 57mhz. Documentation says one thinng, but this is what I measured.
Very happy with the way this question was handled by our group. Thanks again to Jerry (and others) , taking their time to make available? elaborate explanations which hopefully make sense to programmers and non programmers alike. I must say that a non programmer might not ever know that the 33 and 57 MHz oscillators had been switched (at least some of the explanations would lead you to believe that) except by hands on measurement of the actual radio. Hands on is a good thing. Thanks guys. ?
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Re: Officially done with my uBITX!
Hi Jeff,
After three attempts at different enclosures, I settled on this one from China. It is built very well and super light. Only 4 screws hold the whole thing together yet it is very strong and rigid. Very ingenious.
Joel
N6ALT
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J¨²nior PY2ADA
Steve
Ghericoan
Jim Sheldon
Michael Shreeve
Joel Caulkins/N6ALT