|
sBitx v4
4
Before I spend any more time building out code modules for the sbitx, I¡¯d like to know - is that product ¡°never to be sold again¡± or simply delayed? While I enjoy spending days modifying my own radio, I need to know if it¡¯s going to around in the future. VA3CGF
|
|
#zbitx I am intereted in CAT control of the zBitx.
4
#zbitx
My radio does not arrive till Monday! I am interested in some modes that are not installed on the radio. I want to test with DigiPi too. (YES, adding another Pi) What radio does the CAT port respond to? For Hamlib as an example. 73 KE9A
|
|
A buddy reported to me that my zBitx was showing 1.8s of DT in his WSJT-X console, and I can verify same with my own copy locally. I have verified that the clock on the zBitx is to the instant correct with WWV, ie. when I hear start of the tone at the top of the minute, the minute switches over on my zBitx, as well as with my NTP synchronized devices around the shack. Yet, when I answer a call or start a CQ, I'm showing as 1.8 seconds out of sync with most other people. Also what 'app' or library or whatever is being used for FT8? 73, .Vince
|
|
To find the root cause of the spurs, I worked in 2 steps: 1. I took the front panel board out of the case and connected it with jumper wires to the main board. My objective was to eliminate possible EMI from the Pi Pico into the RF board. This did not make a difference for the spurs, as they just went down by 0.5dB which is the resolution of the TinySA. 2. In the si5351v2.c code I changed 8MA to 2MA. This results in approximately 5dBm less output power (33.5 vs 38.1dBm) but also a relative reduction of the spurs by approximately 7.5dB from -28.1dBc to -35.6dBc: Reduced output power is most probably due to the fact that the zBitx uses a diode ring mixer instead of the KISS-Mixer used in the sBitx and the oscillator power to the ring mixer is provided directly by the SI5351 CLK2 output (in reality an MS5351). Also, the IF diode ring mixer gets its oscillator signal directly from the SI5351 CLK1, whereas in the sBitx there is a buffer amplifier with two 2N3904. It could be that the much higher load on the SI5351 outputs, results in some intermodulation in the SI5351, which finally shows up as spurs. Given that these spurs are a showstopper, to transmit with the zBitx as the spurs are not at least 40dB suppressed, I am looking forward to further investigation and direction by hfsignals. On Mon, Apr 14, 2025 at 11:39 PM, Ron, N6YWU wrote: -- 73, Joerg - DB2OO
|
|
FS - SBITX V3
I have a mint SBITX V3 with 64 bit OS for sale. Used as receiver only. $300 plus PP fees and shipping. CONUS only. Jeff K2SDR jkelly at verizon.net
|
|
Availability?
6
Is there any estimate on when the sBitx v4 and the zBitx will be available for purchase?
|
|
ZBITX Receive issue.
2
So I recently received my Zbitx and I think I have a problem. The receive is terrible. I can¡¯t make out anything on it even trying the WWV freqs I can¡¯t hear anything but a sort of ¡°chuh chuh chuh¡± sound that¡¯s continuous. I¡¯ve adjusted the IF and volume as well as bandwidth but it makes no difference. If there something I¡¯m missing or did I receive a faulty unit? Any and all help is appreciated. Video attached to show sound being heard.
|
|
Today is 4 Weeks.....
Well today is 4 weeks so hopefully my zBitx will ship in the next few days....I've ordered all the support hardware (batteries, BNC coax, etc). I already have lots of other support since I own a KX2. Looking so forward to playing with this radio. I have a friend who has the sBitx (big brother) and I was quite impressed with it. -- "POWER, WE DON'T NEED NO STICKIN' POWER" - EVERY KX2 OWNER Always respect the airwaves, 73 de KI7PBR, Gary
|
|
sBitx v3, just installed new MOSFETS and no output
3
#sBITX_v3
Please disregard. Although no "wizz" at troubleshooting, it occurred to me that I'd been using a bench supply that is only 2A at 12V! Connected up a 4A one I had on a shelf behind me and RF out! Not the first time I've had a "duh" moment, nor will it be the last. 73 All, John N2LCX
|
|
ZBitx frequency deviation!
zBitx frequency deviation! Can the frequency deviation be corrected?
|
|
zBitX not reporting on pskreporter.info
2
After many QSO's on FT8, I do not see and reporting on pskreporter. I'm I missing some setting?
|
|
Build Instructions for ZBitx Front Panel Software?
5
I tried to build the software for the Raspberry Pi Pico. There are a couple of things missing: The TFT_eSPI library needs a User_Setup.h file that describes the interface and the type of display that's used and the folder with the code has a file called Read_Me.ino that references a file called platform_local.txt which does not exist in the sketch folder. Are there official build instructions for the front panel software? If not, anybody willing to share their unofficial build instructions? Thanks, Karl Heinz - K5KHK
|
|
zBITX CW Mode - Proof of Concept
8
NOTE ¨C This is focused on zBITX CW using a Straight Key. Scenario Straight Key CW is not really possible unless you send at 20+ WPM. Even then is troublesome, causing sending errors. Background - zBITX runs sBitx in a full RasPi OS install ¨C it is not a stripped down version - A sBitx GUI is always running on the RasPi Desktop - zBITX adds and manages a second GUI running on a Touch Screen LCD - Two GUIs with dynamic Spectrum and Waterfall features require processing time - The sBitx CW is Semi Break-in, not Full Break-In - A Key-Down GPIO Input being detected switches the sBitx to Transmit Mode - No Key Down for ¡®x milliseconds¡¯ switches the sBitx back in to Receive Mode - The Back-To-Receive Mode delay time is currently settable from 0-1000 milliseconds - The Key-Down GPIO Input does not come from a GPIO IRQ (Interrupt) ¨C it is polled. - The frequency of polling for a Key-Down GPIO Input is inconsistent. - The frequency of polling is theoretically every millisecond. But that does not happen. Concept Once in Transmit Mode, all else (except audio which runs in a separate thread), needs to be inhibited in order to allow the device to just manage CW sending . Problem Detail A GLib g_timeout_add() is used to call a ui_tick() function in sbitx_gtk,c every one millisecond (1ms). Polling for a Key-Down GPIO Input is done in this ui_tick() function. The ui_tick() function is very busy as it does a lot of other things, some of which look like they require a lot of time to process. So, it may take much more than 1ms for ui_tick() to complete. If a GLib timeout function is called again before its previous execution has completed, it does not cause any errors or unexpected behavior. The function is simply re-scheduled for the next timeout interval. This will behavior will delay the Polling for a Key-Down GPIO Input. Solution The ui_tick() function was revised to (1) Move the polling for a Key-Down GPIO Input to the top of the function, and (2) after having done that Key-Down GPIO polling, do a Return to get out of that function if we are in Transmit Mode. Result This change allows Straight Key use at very slow speeds. This change also helps with slow speed paddle keying. (however, it is just like the days of old, with nothing to look at while you are sending) This change proved my concept. BUT there are still some glitches, which are probably caused by ui_tick() getting past my ¡°are we in transmit mode?¡± test and proceeding to get caught up in handling all of the other time consuming processing that takes place in the ui_tick() function. So it can be not looking whenever a Key Down occurs. So, it is not the complete answer. A copy of my revised sbitx_gtk,c is attached. Search on k3jzd to find my changes. Next Steps - Look at extending the Semi Break-In Hang Time (called ¡°delay¡± in zBITX). The current limit of 1000ms (1 second) is often not enough - we pause to think a little from time to time. I¡¯m still looking for where this 1000ms limit has been established so that I can change it to 5000 which will let the user set it to suit his style. - Look at using GPIO Pin IRQs (interrupts). I need to sort out how this works with a GPIO Input for DASH, but none that I have found for DOT. 72, Jody ¨C K3JZD
|
|
Has anyone used the batteries like on the SbitX that use the XT60 connection. Yes I know its different but they do have adapters or I can make one to change from XT60 to 5.5/2.1. I know the ones I looked at are 7.4V and around 5000ma. Thank you Jim KE0VVu
|
|
zBitx restarting when doing FT8, at Transmit time
5
I have tried different power supplies, all capable of more than 3 amp. Same results. Tried reducing Drive down to 65, that appears to work, but at 70 it resets the Pi consistently. It does it very quickly, so not temperature related. Any suggestions? Software updated as of April 29th 2025
|
|
The modified ft8_lib available at https://github.com/gdyuldin/ft8_lib , and it offers a better handling of nonstandard callsigns . However, I wasn't able to simply use it as a replacement of the original ft8_lib sources in the sBitx or zBitx firmwares. It looks like certain non-trivial integration work is needed. Unfortunately, I won't be able to take a look at that before the half of July. Has somebody else succeeded to replace the original ft8_lib in [s/z]Bitx with that improved version? 73, Wojtek SP5DAA
|
|
sBitx-v4301-PiZero-SD-IMG
6
Hello, when I follow the link via wiki and git, proton says no file avaliable. Did I follow wrong link or is the img not more to download? Please advice. 73, Michael
|
|
Access zBitx like a HL2
6
Hi Is it possible to use the zbitx as if it was a Hermes Lite 2 (HL2)? I've searched and maybe It can, and maybe my search terms not correct as I'm a new HAM. Thanks
|
|
Anyone else have their order to the US held in East Midlands, UK, with this message? The shipment is being held due to known restrictions at destination and additional processing is required prior to export. If so, what did you have to do to get it released? I'm waiting to hear from DHL whether I need to do anything to get it moving again. I suspect it is something tariff related. Grumble.....
|
|
Recommendation/specifications for a hi-z electret element for the zbitx. Also cant find the specifications for the element online for my other bitx or ubitx.
|
Image Name
Sat 8:39am
Sat 8:39am