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TSW has been busy switching to a new display font and reworking the firmware manual as well as improving several of the functions of the TSW T4.1 Raduino Clone firmware.? We believe this is complete and the very latest version has been posted to the TSW website's file section () for download by anyone that has the T4.1 Raduino Clone or is contemplating getting one.? We also included W2CTX's "TSWSETTIME" program in the zip file.? This allows setting the "Real Time Clock" more precisely and if the battery backup option is installed the RTC will keep decent time during the periods the uBITX V6 is turned off.??? -- NO, we have not provided for NEXTION screen usage with the Teensy 4.1 and will never do this as it is a known RFI generator so we refuse to support the NEXTION --
The firmware manual is attached here so you all can read it if you like - more info and ordering information for the T4.1 Raduino Clone is on the TSW website.
Thanks for your interest,
Jim - W0EB
TSW Engineer/Project Coordinator
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Jim,
Excellent work, kudos to all involved!
I have drifted away from the uBitx 'scene' for a while and find myself confused about what is involved in taking advantage of your work here, could you describe, at a high-level, what's involved is loading this software onto one's 'stock' uBitx v6?
From my reading of your attached manual it appears I need to secure a "teensy 4.1" and replace the stock raduino with the "teensy 4.1", and with your software installed I should be good to go.
There also appears to be an option to add external keyboard/mouse support to allow controlling the radio without touching the front panel.
Am I understanding the process correctly? Would a "simple" (my word) swap for the Teensy 4.1 suffice, or would I need something else to take advantage of what your updated software offers?
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Show quoted text
On Oct 10, 2021, at 11:53, Jim Sheldon <w0eb@...> wrote:
?TSW has been busy switching to a new display font and reworking the firmware manual as well as improving several of the functions of the TSW T4.1 Raduino Clone firmware.? We believe this is complete and the very latest version has been posted to the TSW website's file section () for download by anyone that has the T4.1 Raduino Clone or is contemplating getting one.? We also included W2CTX's "TSWSETTIME" program in the zip file.? This allows setting the "Real Time Clock" more precisely and if the battery backup option is installed the RTC will keep decent time during the periods the uBITX V6 is turned off.??? -- NO, we have not provided for NEXTION screen usage with the Teensy 4.1 and will never do this as it is a known RFI generator so we refuse to support the NEXTION --
The firmware manual is attached here so you all can read it if you like - more info and ordering information for the T4.1 Raduino Clone is on the TSW website.
Thanks for your interest,
Jim - W0EB
TSW Engineer/Project Coordinator
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Hi Ken, The TSW kit is a replacement for the factory Raduino that's included with a uBITX.? Our kit uses the original factory 2.8" TFT color touch display and you have to order a Teensy 4.1 from either PJRC.com or one of their distributors separately.? We can't sell the Teensy with the kit as we are not distributors for PJRC and we have to pay full retail for them ourselves.? If you do, order the Teensy without pins as it has to mount upside down on the back of the T4.1 Raduino PCB just like the NANO does on the factory PCB.
Once you build the kit, install the Teensy 4.1 and flash the firmware, it takes the place of the Factory's Raduino and VASTLY improves the operation.
The KB/Mouse option needs the addition of a USB type "A" female to 5 pin Dupont female cable for USB "Host" mode, available very inexpensively from PJRC.com and you will need to replace the original USB type B "Mini" with a type B "Micro" extension cable between the MPU and back panel.? These should be about 1 foot long and are available from various sources including Amazon.
Hope I've answered your questions.
Jim - W0EB
------ Original Message ------
Sent: 10/11/2021 9:59:18 AM
Subject: Re: [BITX20] TSW's remake of our Teensy 4.1 Raduino Clone firmware #ubitxv6
Jim,
Excellent work, kudos to all involved!
I have drifted away from the uBitx 'scene' for a while and find myself confused about what is involved in taking advantage of your work here, could you describe, at a high-level, what's involved is loading this software onto one's 'stock' uBitx v6?
From my reading of your attached manual it appears I need to secure a "teensy 4.1" and replace the stock raduino with the "teensy 4.1", and with your software installed I should be good to go.
There also appears to be an option to add external keyboard/mouse support to allow controlling the radio without touching the front panel.
Am I understanding the process correctly? Would a "simple" (my word) swap for the Teensy 4.1 suffice, or would I need something else to take advantage of what your updated software offers?
Thanks, Ken, N2VIP On Oct 10, 2021, at 11:53, Jim Sheldon <w0eb@...> wrote:
?TSW has been busy switching to a new display font and reworking the firmware manual as well as improving several of the functions of the TSW T4.1 Raduino Clone firmware.? We believe this is complete and the very latest version has been posted to the TSW website's file section () for download by anyone that has the T4.1 Raduino Clone or is contemplating getting one.? We also included W2CTX's "TSWSETTIME" program in the zip file.? This allows setting the "Real Time Clock" more precisely and if the battery backup option is installed the RTC will keep decent time during the periods the uBITX V6 is turned off.??? -- NO, we have not provided for NEXTION screen usage with the Teensy 4.1 and will never do this as it is a known RFI generator so we refuse to support the NEXTION --
The firmware manual is attached here so you all can read it if you like - more info and ordering information for the T4.1 Raduino Clone is on the TSW website.
Thanks for your interest,
Jim - W0EB
TSW Engineer/Project Coordinator
|
Hello I would like to order the TSW kit Can you share the link.
Regards Laurence KB1HKO
On Sun, Oct 10, 2021, 11:54 AM Jim Sheldon < w0eb@...> wrote: TSW has been busy switching to a new display font and reworking the firmware manual as well as improving several of the functions of the TSW T4.1 Raduino Clone firmware.? We believe this is complete and the very latest version has been posted to the TSW website's file section () for download by anyone that has the T4.1 Raduino Clone or is contemplating getting one.? We also included W2CTX's "TSWSETTIME" program in the zip file.? This allows setting the "Real Time Clock" more precisely and if the battery backup option is installed the RTC will keep decent time during the periods the uBITX V6 is turned off.??? -- NO, we have not provided for NEXTION screen usage with the Teensy 4.1 and will never do this as it is a known RFI generator so we refuse to support the NEXTION --
The firmware manual is attached here so you all can read it if you like - more info and ordering information for the T4.1 Raduino Clone is on the TSW website.
Thanks for your interest,
Jim - W0EB
TSW Engineer/Project Coordinator
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Jim,
Yes, you did - I appreciate the quick response, I'm in negotiations with a recent EE graduate to mentor me though the "1206" part soldering process - I'm good with thru-hole, but this will be something new (I'm at my best poking component leads into red plastic breadboards on archer (radio shack) kits!).
Thanks,
Ken, N2VIP
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Oct 11, 2021, at 12:03, Jim Sheldon <w0eb@...> wrote:
Hi Ken,
The TSW kit is a replacement for the factory Raduino that's included with a uBITX. Our kit uses the original factory 2.8" TFT color touch display and you have to order a Teensy 4.1 from either PJRC.com or one of their distributors separately. We can't sell the Teensy with the kit as we are not distributors for PJRC and we have to pay full retail for them ourselves. If you do, order the Teensy without pins as it has to mount upside down on the back of the T4.1 Raduino PCB just like the NANO does on the factory PCB.
Once you build the kit, install the Teensy 4.1 and flash the firmware, it takes the place of the Factory's Raduino and VASTLY improves the operation.
The KB/Mouse option needs the addition of a USB type "A" female to 5 pin Dupont female cable for USB "Host" mode, available very inexpensively from PJRC.com and you will need to replace the original USB type B "Mini" with a type B "Micro" extension cable between the MPU and back panel. These should be about 1 foot long and are available from various sources including Amazon.
Hope I've answered your questions.
Jim - W0EB
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Ken:
You're going to really like SMD parts...eventually. When that happens, think about investing in a hot air station:
This one costs less than $60. One of the features I always look for is an automatic shutoff of the air gun when returned to its cradle. Not all stations have that feature. You'll also find it makes removable of IC's much easier.
Jack, W8TEE
On Tuesday, October 12, 2021, 08:58:59 AM EDT, Ken Hansen <ken@...> wrote:
Jim, Yes, you did - I appreciate the quick response, I'm in negotiations with a recent EE graduate to mentor me though the "1206" part soldering process - I'm good with thru-hole, but this will be something new (I'm at my best poking component leads into red plastic breadboards on archer (radio shack) kits!). Thanks, Ken, N2VIP > On Oct 11, 2021, at 12:03, Jim Sheldon < w0eb@...> wrote: > > Hi Ken, > The TSW kit is a replacement for the factory Raduino that's included with a uBITX.? Our kit uses the original factory 2.8" TFT color touch display and you have to order a Teensy 4.1 from either PJRC.com or one of their distributors separately.? We can't sell the Teensy with the kit as we are not distributors for PJRC and we have to pay full retail for them ourselves.? If you do, order the Teensy without pins as it has to mount upside down on the back of the T4.1 Raduino PCB just like the NANO does on the factory PCB. > > Once you build the kit, install the Teensy 4.1 and flash the firmware, it takes the place of the Factory's Raduino and VASTLY improves the operation. > > The KB/Mouse option needs the addition of a USB type "A" female to 5 pin Dupont female cable for USB "Host" mode, available very inexpensively from PJRC.com and you will need to replace the original USB type B "Mini" with a type B "Micro" extension cable between the MPU and back panel.? These should be about 1 foot long and are available from various sources including Amazon. > > Hope I've answered your questions. > > Jim - W0EB
-- Jack, W8TEE
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Jack,
That would have come in handy this past weekend - I went to a Vintage Computer Festival in Wall, NJ and assembled two boards that comprise a mini CP/M computer & storage system on two boards. For reasons I don't quite understand I inserted and soldered the first IC in the wrong socket on BOTH boards - thankfully the maker space organizers had a desoldering station to quickly reverse my mistake!
The way building with the comparatively larger "1206" size parts is described on the TSW webpage sounds easy enough, but picturing myself working with tweezers and a magnifying glass just seems very "next level".
Thanks for the suggestion, I think I will give it a try - it may be time for this old dog to learn a new trick!
For those interested, here's a link to the hot air/solder station Jack discussed:
And an overview video:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Oct 12, 2021, at 09:38, Jack, W8TEE via groups.io <jjpurdum@...> wrote:
?
Ken:
You're going to really like SMD parts...eventually. When that happens, think about investing in a hot air station:
This one costs less than $60. One of the features I always look for is an automatic shutoff of the air gun when returned to its cradle. Not all stations have that feature. You'll also find it makes removable of IC's much easier.
Jack, W8TEE
On Tuesday, October 12, 2021, 08:58:59 AM EDT, Ken Hansen <ken@...> wrote:
Jim, Yes, you did - I appreciate the quick response, I'm in negotiations with a recent EE graduate to mentor me though the "1206" part soldering process - I'm good with thru-hole, but this will be something new (I'm at my best poking component leads into red plastic breadboards on archer (radio shack) kits!). Thanks, Ken, N2VIP > On Oct 11, 2021, at 12:03, Jim Sheldon < w0eb@...> wrote: > > Hi Ken, > The TSW kit is a replacement for the factory Raduino that's included with a uBITX.? Our kit uses the original factory 2.8" TFT color touch display and you have to order a Teensy 4.1 from either PJRC.com or one of their distributors separately.? We can't sell the Teensy with the kit as we are not distributors for PJRC and we have to pay full retail for them ourselves.? If you do, order the Teensy without pins as it has to mount upside down on the back of the T4.1 Raduino PCB just like the NANO does on the factory PCB. > > Once you build the kit, install the Teensy 4.1 and flash the firmware, it takes the place of the Factory's Raduino and VASTLY improves the operation. > > The KB/Mouse option needs the addition of a USB type "A" female to 5 pin Dupont female cable for USB "Host" mode, available very inexpensively from PJRC.com and you will need to replace the original USB type B "Mini" with a type B "Micro" extension cable between the MPU and back panel.? These should be about 1 foot long and are available from various sources including Amazon. > > Hope I've answered your questions. > > Jim - W0EB
-- Jack, W8TEE
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Be careful with those sub $60 rework stations--cheap shutoff circuitry might not shut off power as thoroughly as expected:? ? https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/is-there-any-knock-off-2-in-1-solderreflow-station-that-is-not-a-fire-hazard/
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Ken:
Our T41-EP uses 1206 SMDs on all boards. After doing a few, you'll see just how easy it is to mount these guys. Given that I'm two years younger than dirt, I find a magnifying headset very useful, and I find this type tweezer works well for SMDs:
I find them much easier to use than the "straight" tweezers.
Jack, W8TEE
On Tuesday, October 12, 2021, 09:58:43 AM EDT, Ken Hansen <ken@...> wrote:
Jack,
That would have come in handy this past weekend - I went to a Vintage Computer Festival in Wall, NJ and assembled two boards that comprise a mini CP/M computer & storage system on two boards. For reasons I don't quite understand I inserted and soldered the first IC in the wrong socket on BOTH boards - thankfully the maker space organizers had a desoldering station to quickly reverse my mistake!
The way building with the comparatively larger "1206" size parts is described on the TSW webpage sounds easy enough, but picturing myself working with tweezers and a magnifying glass just seems very "next level".
Thanks for the suggestion, I think I will give it a try - it may be time for this old dog to learn a new trick!
For those interested, here's a link to the hot air/solder station Jack discussed:
And an overview video:
On Oct 12, 2021, at 09:38, Jack, W8TEE via groups.io <jjpurdum@...> wrote:
?
Ken:
You're going to really like SMD parts...eventually. When that happens, think about investing in a hot air station:
This one costs less than $60. One of the features I always look for is an automatic shutoff of the air gun when returned to its cradle. Not all stations have that feature. You'll also find it makes removable of IC's much easier.
Jack, W8TEE
On Tuesday, October 12, 2021, 08:58:59 AM EDT, Ken Hansen <ken@...> wrote:
Jim, Yes, you did - I appreciate the quick response, I'm in negotiations with a recent EE graduate to mentor me though the "1206" part soldering process - I'm good with thru-hole, but this will be something new (I'm at my best poking component leads into red plastic breadboards on archer (radio shack) kits!). Thanks, Ken, N2VIP > On Oct 11, 2021, at 12:03, Jim Sheldon < w0eb@...> wrote: > > Hi Ken, > The TSW kit is a replacement for the factory Raduino that's included with a uBITX.? Our kit uses the original factory 2.8" TFT color touch display and you have to order a Teensy 4.1 from either PJRC.com or one of their distributors separately.? We can't sell the Teensy with the kit as we are not distributors for PJRC and we have to pay full retail for them ourselves.? If you do, order the Teensy without pins as it has to mount upside down on the back of the T4.1 Raduino PCB just like the NANO does on the factory PCB. > > Once you build the kit, install the Teensy 4.1 and flash the firmware, it takes the place of the Factory's Raduino and VASTLY improves the operation. > > The KB/Mouse option needs the addition of a USB type "A" female to 5 pin Dupont female cable for USB "Host" mode, available very inexpensively from PJRC.com and you will need to replace the original USB type B "Mini" with a type B "Micro" extension cable between the MPU and back panel.? These should be about 1 foot long and are available from various sources including Amazon. > > Hope I've answered your questions. > > Jim - W0EB
-- Jack, W8TEE
--
Jack, W8TEE
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On Tue, Oct 12, 2021 at 07:51 AM, Jack, W8TEE wrote:
Our T41-EP uses 1206 SMDs on all boards.
What is the best temperature to use for soldering these 1206 SMD parts?? I have a temperature controlled solder station and set it exactly. Just got the TSW board a few days ago and soldered the first SMD capacitor on the board.
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I use 750 degrees F and 63/37 solder with excellent results.
Jim, W0EB
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On Oct 12, 2021, at 8:33 PM, Paul Jensen via groups.io <wkend_traveler@...> wrote:
?On Tue, Oct 12, 2021 at 07:51 AM, Jack, W8TEE wrote:
Our T41-EP uses 1206 SMDs on all boards.
What is the best temperature to use for soldering these 1206 SMD parts?? I have a temperature controlled solder station and set it exactly. Just got the TSW board a few days ago and soldered the first SMD capacitor on the board.
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Hi Paul:
In part, it might vary according to the soldering being used. I have some 0.015" solder that literally evaporates with the temp as low as 325. I regularly use 0.022" 62/36/2 solder from Radio Shack.
When I use it, my iron is around 385. If I'm using solder paste, I run the air gun a little hotter than that. I also find a magnifying headset invaluable, as well as an "elbow" set of tweezers.
For resistors and caps, I lightly tin one pad, move the SMD onto the pads, touch the tinned pad with the iron, using the elbow tweezers to hold it in place. A second or two later, I solder the other pad. Piece of cake even for an old person.
Jack, W8
On Tuesday, October 12, 2021, 09:30:29 PM EDT, Paul Jensen via groups.io <wkend_traveler@...> wrote:
On Tue, Oct 12, 2021 at 07:51 AM, Jack, W8TEE wrote:
Our T41-EP uses 1206 SMDs on all boards.
What is the best temperature to use for soldering these 1206 SMD parts?? I have a temperature controlled solder station and set it exactly. Just got the TSW board a few days ago and soldered the first SMD capacitor on the board.
-- Jack, W8TEE
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On Tue, Oct 12, 2021 at 07:20 PM, Jack, W8TEE wrote:
In part, it might vary according to the soldering being used. I have some 0.015" solder that literally evaporates with the temp as low as 325. I regularly use 0.022" 62/36/2 solder from Radio Shack.
Haha that is exactly the solder I am using - 0.015" silver bearing from RS.? Works great.? Got several from a store that was closing.? Also have the 0.022" size solder. I've got 15 capacitors done.? Taking a break.? Not hard, just a bit tedious.? :) I'm using a 90 degree tweezers (only good one I have).? And a 9" magnifier light positioned a foot above the board.? Plus a foil pan under the board which helped already to save a cap. Not fun but not horrible either.? Probably get a lot easier with practice.
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Also, a reminder about 1206 devices — if you are doing a “dead bug” project and need a passive component across two adjacent pins of a 0.1” spaced DIP IC, a 1206 device fits perfectly. They’re also easy to solder if you first clamp one side of the 1206 with spring tweezers and solder the other side.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy this is and perhaps more importantly, how much space it saves.
73
Jim N6OTQ
Sent from my quenched-gap spark transmitter.
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Hi Jim,
I've got everything completed, the TSW board and the teensy headers soldered on.?
Now how to program the teensy with your program?? Do I use the add-on for the arduino IDE?
Also I noticed on your website there are needed.? Where do these files go?
Sorry if this is detailed somewhere....? Newbie here.
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YES - if you read the instructions on the website that's what it tells you - LOL.
Jim
------ Original Message ------
Sent: 10/13/2021 1:53:05 PM
Subject: Re: [BITX20] TSW's remake of our Teensy 4.1 Raduino Clone firmware #ubitxv6
Hi Jim,
I've got everything completed, the TSW board and the teensy headers soldered on.?
Now how to program the teensy with your program?? Do I use the add-on for the arduino IDE?
Also I noticed on your website there are needed.? Where do these files go?
Sorry if this is detailed somewhere....? Newbie here.
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The mandatory files were needed for another version - try programming it with the Teensyduino add on as is and if it doesn't work, then those files need to go in the "hardware/teensy/avr/libraries/" directory.? I think PJRC has included them in the latest "Teensyduino" add on.? You should also download and install (In it's own directory, don't use windows installer) it before you install the Teensyduino.? Tell the Teensyduino's installer which directory you installed Arduino 1.8.16 in and that should take care of it.
Jim
------ Original Message ------
Sent: 10/13/2021 1:53:05 PM
Subject: Re: [BITX20] TSW's remake of our Teensy 4.1 Raduino Clone firmware #ubitxv6
Hi Jim,
I've got everything completed, the TSW board and the teensy headers soldered on.?
Now how to program the teensy with your program?? Do I use the add-on for the arduino IDE?
Also I noticed on your website there are needed.? Where do these files go?
Sorry if this is detailed somewhere....? Newbie here.
|
On Wed, Oct 13, 2021 at 02:10 PM, Jim Sheldon wrote:
The mandatory files were needed for another version - try programming it with the Teensyduino add on as is and if it doesn't work, then those files need to go in the "hardware/teensy/avr/libraries/" directory.?
Ok I compiled the TSW program and uploaded it the teensy.? No compile errors.? Teensy tested good with the blink program before the upload. Cut the trace on the teensy board and then install the board in the radio.? Turned it on and the screen comes up.? No sound (of course, since it is not calibrated yet).? I can turn the dial and the frequency changes. Tried to calibrate the touch screen (push in the encoder knob and power on).? Got 3 "X"s? on the left side of the screen (in sequence.? Guess it needs a library installed...
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On Wed, Oct 13, 2021 at 04:54 PM, Paul Jensen wrote:
Guess it needs a library installed...
Added all the zip files (from the TSW mandatory directory) and re-compiled.? No errors. Soldered a bridge on the power traces (5v - 3.3V0 so the usb upload would work.? Uploaded the new compile.? Removed the solder bridge and re-installed the teensy processor in the radio.? Same problem - touch screen calibration puts "X"s on the left side of the screen like this:? Top X shows first, touch with stylus, second X shows, touch with stylus, third X shows, touch with stylus, then normal screen appears.? Touch screen doesn't work. ------------------------ X ? X X ------------------------- Just to be sure, I put back the original processor board (using the same touch screen).? Works perfectly.? Receives and transmits, stylus works on all buttons. I'm sure I am doing something wrong.? Just don't know what.
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Jim Sheldon
