Re: looking for non-US keyer chip
Back when I built mine, they were board only (no case available).
One of our group put the board in an Altoids tin and used it with his MFJ QRP CW radios (he had a 40m and 20m) without issue.
We tried it on his Drake TR3 and had to remove it from the Altiods tin and make a special cable, but it handled it after that.
Also used one on a HeathKit HW100 - no Altoids tin.
I assume the schematic has changed since those days. Website says Discontinued with a manual version of 3.6/3.8.
I remember upgrading to V3.2.? Still use the one with AA batteries and a speaker for code practice.
-------
Robert Giuliano
KB8RCO
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Doug, I'm surprised Ron didn't suggest this, but some of the QCX minis benefit from a capacitor across the audio output and capacitors from each side of the key jack to ground. Here's one if the discussions, but I think there are more. I believe Hans confirmed it too.? /g/QRPLabs/message/85781-- 73, Dan - W2DLC
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Unless I missed a posting of his, Eric stated he got these off eBay rather than Amazon.
This means there's a very good chance these are sold out.
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John,
I agree with Colin that we should follow the manual. The key is to pay attention to how you install the through-hole components. Ensure that the width does not infringe on the toroid outline. This may mean installing with the other end close to the board. Be careful with the diodes so that you do not get the banded ends wrong. If I remember correctly, a couple needed to be installed with the banded end close to the board.
73
Evan
AC9TU
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Pierre,
That works great. So simple. Thanks for the tip.
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On Mar 6, 2024, at 10:44, Pierre Robillard via < probillard@...> wrote:
I use Terminal, works great....
Connecting using Terminal
?
Select from Shell menu:
New Window/Pro
?
To enable Control-S and Control-Q?
(you need Control-Q to exit menus):
stty -ixon -ixoff
?
To show connected ports:
ls /dev/cu.*
?
To connect:
screen /dev/cu.usbmodem1101
?
Then press enter to get Diagnostics menu.
And away you go. Works great.
Pierre
VE3HQZ
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I found the order in the manual worked well.
--
Colin - K6JTH?
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Will it be easier to install the toroids first then the surrounding parts? I know things are pretty tight, just wondering.?
Thanks and 73.
John W9QP?
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Re: QCX mini Firmware ? and sidetone issue
Hi Ron. I've used an Arduino Nano and a Pro Micro and they both worked?fine for firmware updates. What version are you currently at? An upgrade?was required to turn AGC on and off, but I don't remember when that happened.
Serial numbers are not printed on the boards and are not in firmware. If all you need that for is to determine what age of rig you have, refer to the Rev # printed on top of both the main and the display/control boards. That and the firmware version it came loaded with should narrow down what you have, referring to QRPLabs firmware update history reports on the website.?
A Firmware?update will not fix the loud sidetone issue. If it's?that loud, it sounds to me like you may have an issue with proper operation of the audio muting circuit consisting of R60, C52, D5 and Q7. A signal from pin 11 of IC3 causes Q7 to short the wiper of the volume control to ground during transmit, greatly attenuating the sidetone being applied to the input of the 700 Hz CW filter. Check that circuit for proper operation. If ?it's working?right, look at R59 (3.3K) which connects the sidetone output from pin 15 of IC2 to the input of the CW filter.
Good luck .. .73 ... Ron
Hello, Ron K6CPR here.? I am new to this group and I am a new owner of a used QCX-mini-20. This mini-20 has the AGC installed, but the firmware needs updating to take advantage of the AGC. The instructions say to use an Ardiuno?IDE or Uno.? I am not an Arduino user. Heck, I don't even?know how to pronounce Arduino, hihi. Anyways, a friend of mine has a Nano Every and he thinks it should do the job. Will it?
2nd Question: The side tone?was blasting me out set to 099.? It is still loud at 017, and if I set it any lower, it starts sounding?chirpy.? Will the firmware update fix that?
While I have your attention, is my serial number anywhere on/in this rig? Is it buried in the firmware? I see the serial numbers listed by sale order numbers, but I bought this used, so I really don't have a clue about the age or version of this QCX-mini-20.
Thank you & 73 all, Ron K6CPR
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Re: QCX mini Firmware ? and sidetone issue
Ron: there is no firmware update for the AGC board in a QCX Mini. The AGC is an analog one and does not require firmware. The small pot though, does need adjusting. See the documentation.
My sidetone level is about 10 or so IIRC and I did not notice any chirp. Does it still have that chirp when you use practise mode? Do you perhaps have RF in the shack?
No serial #, except what might be inscribed on the actual circuit board.
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On Wed, Mar 6, 2024 at 01:02 PM, Lasse wrote:
between 5 and 6 watts on all bands, so probably have to consider lowering the voltage a little so as not to "blow" the BS170s
What is your current consumption while transmitting, before and after the change?? If the gain in output power is due to improved efficiency there is no additional stress (maybe even less) on the finals.?? 73, Don N2VGU
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Re: HELP - Broken SMD Capacitor
#qmx
I use Blue Tac to hold components in place before soldering.??
I cannot keep smd parts in place with a tooth pick.
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QCX mini Firmware ? and sidetone issue
Hello, Ron K6CPR here.? I am new to this group and I am a new owner of a used QCX-mini-20. This mini-20 has the AGC installed, but the firmware needs updating to take advantage of the AGC. The instructions say to use an Ardiuno?IDE or Uno.? I am not an Arduino user. Heck, I don't even?know how to pronounce Arduino, hihi. Anyways, a friend of mine has a Nano Every and he thinks it should do the job. Will it?
2nd Question: The side tone?was blasting me out set to 099.? It is still loud at 017, and if I set it any lower, it starts sounding?chirpy.? Will the firmware update fix that?
While I have your attention, is my serial number anywhere on/in this rig? Is it buried in the firmware? I see the serial numbers listed by sale order numbers, but I bought this used, so I really don't have a clue about the age or version of this QCX-mini-20.
Thank you & 73 all, Ron K6CPR
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Hi Eric,
Can you provide ordering info for the Amazon unit you bought.? Sounds like a real value at $20 bucks !
Thank You !
Jim WB4ILP?
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Re: looking for non-US keyer chip
Mel, That's very strange. The UPK works perfectly with my TS-440S and I have heard that the G90 works too. I believe the TS-940/930 have similar inputs and I see no reason why the FT-707 wouldn't work, either. I would check your work. Test it with an ohmmeter.? -- 73, Dan? NM3A There are moments when everything turns out right .... Don't let them alarm you; they pass.?
-Jules Renard
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After experimenting quite a bit with one of my QDX HB Rev. 5 where I haven't gotten anything above ~3 watts with a 12V setup I decided to rewound T1 to what is described as RWTST.
I am aware that 3 watts goes a long way, I have had several contacts with Austalia from Norway, but since I have 2, I could test a bit on one.
Wrapped around T1 to RWTST and then there was more power, 12.9V = between 5 and 6 watts on all bands, so probably have to consider lowering the voltage a little so as not to "blow" the BS170s
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Re: QMX and iPhone for digital modes
I agree about the flaws including one where it sends multiple 73 messages, but compared to lugging a tablet or laptop up a?mountain to make a few FT8 SOTA contacts for the fun of it, it is plenty adequate. Especially since i have the phone always and there is no time sync issues. Just gotta remember the cables.?
Jay
On Wednesday, March 6, 2024, 7:24 AM, Roger KF9D via groups.io <hamkf9d@...> wrote: Joan,? Just to clarify, I have experienced the same issues that Kevin, K3OX mentioned below.? The app is able to make contacts, with the exceptions Kevin noted.? The logging definitely has some issues that need resolving.
Roger KF9D
--
Jginaz
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Re: HELP - Broken SMD Capacitor
#qmx
I agree now too JZ.
I like Rowan's suggestion for the temporary holder too.
Going to experiment with holding and putting the busted one in place while I wait for my DigiKey order to arrive with fresh ones.
On Wed, Mar 6, 2024 at 11:24 AM, John Z <jdzbrozek@...> wrote: Greg, I think that is a garden variety 100nF X7R 50v capacitor.
?Yes, you can replace it with a leaded capacitor, but with caution.
?The adhesion of the pad traces to the board can easily fail when attaching a leaded component where an SMD should be. Any attempt to form or bend one lead after the other has already been soldered may result in damage. You might lift the pad and trace up off the board.
Replacing the damaged capacitor with another SMD is the better solution IMO.
JZ KJ4A? Good morning Group,
?
Hoping for information and validation of a proposed repair for a problem I created while assembling my new QMX kit.
?
I cracked SMD 0603 capacitor C513 (its in the TXBias input area of the Low Pass Filters section).
It looks like a typical by-pass capacitor to me, BUT I am not an EE or talented RF designer.
I was able to float it off and cleaned up the solder pads.
?
I wanted to see if anyone could give me the basic specs (tolerance and V rating)
AND . . .
Get opinions/advice on whether I could replace that component with a small, regular 0.1uf ceramic capacitor with lead wires. I ordered a 10 pack from AdaFruit of common, 0.1uf bypass capacitors (+/- 20% - 50V), I'd preform the leads, insulate with quality shrink tubing, tape the component down and then tack and solder the leads to the pads. Figured I'd add a drop of hot glue to the 'face' of the component to make sure it stays flat on the board during the rest of the kit assembly, and getting everything in the enclosure.?
I'm almost certain I can solder the leaded component onto the pads and have it lay flat in a nearby empty area, rising above the board at no more than 2 - 2.5 mm.
I'm not so sure I can successfully solder in a replacement? 0603.? 74 year old eyes, hands and fingers aren't what they used to be. I do have a good soldering irons and a magnifying headlamp (up to 15X) and can still assemble, modify and repair tiny through-hole component 'stuff' pretty well.?
All info, opinions and suggestions are welcome.
73?
Greg - KI4NVX
|
I use Terminal, works great....
Connecting using Terminal
?
Select from Shell menu:
New Window/Pro
?
To enable Control-S and Control-Q?
(you need Control-Q to exit menus):
stty -ixon -ixoff
?
To show connected ports:
ls /dev/cu.*
?
To connect:
screen /dev/cu.usbmodem1101
?
Then press enter to get Diagnostics menu.
And away you go. Works great.
Pierre
VE3HQZ
|
Re: HELP - Broken SMD Capacitor
#qmx
Greg, I think that is a garden variety 100nF X7R 50v capacitor.
?Yes, you can replace it with a leaded capacitor, but with caution.
?The adhesion of the pad traces to the board can easily fail when attaching a leaded component where an SMD should be. Any attempt to form or bend one lead after the other has already been soldered may result in damage. You might lift the pad and trace up off the board.
Replacing the damaged capacitor with another SMD is the better solution IMO.
JZ KJ4A?
Good morning Group,
?
Hoping for information and validation of a proposed repair for a problem I created while assembling my new QMX kit.
?
I cracked SMD 0603 capacitor C513 (its in the TXBias input area of the Low Pass Filters section).
It looks like a typical by-pass capacitor to me, BUT I am not an EE or talented RF designer.
I was able to float it off and cleaned up the solder pads.
?
I wanted to see if anyone could give me the basic specs (tolerance and V rating)
AND . . .
Get opinions/advice on whether I could replace that component with a small, regular 0.1uf ceramic capacitor with lead wires. I ordered a 10 pack from AdaFruit of common, 0.1uf bypass capacitors (+/- 20% - 50V), I'd preform the leads, insulate with quality shrink tubing, tape the component down and then tack and solder the leads to the pads. Figured I'd add a drop of hot glue to the 'face' of the component to make sure it stays flat on the board during the rest of the kit assembly, and getting everything in the enclosure.?
I'm almost certain I can solder the leaded component onto the pads and have it lay flat in a nearby empty area, rising above the board at no more than 2 - 2.5 mm.
I'm not so sure I can successfully solder in a replacement? 0603.? 74 year old eyes, hands and fingers aren't what they used to be. I do have a good soldering irons and a magnifying headlamp (up to 15X) and can still assemble, modify and repair tiny through-hole component 'stuff' pretty well.?
All info, opinions and suggestions are welcome.
73?
Greg - KI4NVX
|
Re: HELP - Broken SMD Capacitor
#qmx
Hi,
I’ve found that a wooden cocktail stick works well for placing and holding tiny smd caps etc. Just a little touch of glue on the end. I use “Prit Stick”, which is a lip balm dispenser type used for kids paper modelling etc, but just about anything a bit sticky will do. Not anything permanent like superglue!!
73.
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Daniel Conklin
Colin Kaminski
Ronald Taylor
Donald S Brant Jr
K6CPR - Ron
Pierre Robillard VE3HQZ