I managed to build my QMX successfully, and in two days of playing with it fried the receive function.? W1NC Jeff Moore diagnosed and returned the radio to full function:
IC402 was destroyed. ?I used to see this frequently in Rev 2 QMXs. ?But this is a first for a rev 4 unit. ?It’s hard to say why this happened. ?Usually it is from back EMF when switching from TX to RX mode. ?But there is a protection diode in place for that after Rev 2. ?I tested that and it seems ok. ?Your power out is high compared to many other QMX rigs. ?Maybe if you backed down the voltage to 11 volts or less, it might help prevent that in the future.
?
...
Here is what I found and did:
?
1) Disassembled all boards, cleaned with 99% IPA
2) Inspected under 10X stereo microscope
3) Tested on bench AF, image scan and rf scan functions - all found to be very poor
4) diagnosing on the bench found IC402 bad - replaced that chip
5) retested on the bench AF, image scan and rf scan functions - all found to be 100% now
6) Tested TX functions on all bands at 12V.? At 12V power out is 3.6 - 5 watts depending on band - no attempt was made to optimize beyond that
7) reassembled into case and retested everything one last time - now 100% RX, TX all modes, all bands
?
Total time spent - about 2 hours
I had fun this morning snooping on tons of FT8 on 17m using a z-matched random wire indoors.? Weather is a bit wet to string up my outdoor antenna just yet. Thank you Jeff. 72s?
|
Re: #qmx #firmware 1_00_020 released: minor stuff and bug fixes
#qmx
#firmware
On Thu, Jul 11, 2024 at 11:48 PM, Bojan Naglic wrote:
But again why would you like to listen to the jam of the Digi modes signals?
If I don't have a proof of time sync listen to the audio and watch the computer clock gives me a first impression of sync. And in the moment Digi is the only way to listen to SSB I think. 73, Ludwig
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Re: #qmx #firmware 1_00_020 released: minor stuff and bug fixes
#qmx
#firmware
... what I want to say is that the audio volume of one Continuous Wave signal in BW of 300 Hz is about equal to the SSB signal in the 3kHz BW. Considering the characteristics of a SSB signal.
But you are correct as you have done with this -20dB attenuation in the Digi mode, for instance FT-8, you can have 100 different carriers of a comparable power adding up in the 3 kHz BW (+20dB). But again why would you like to listen to the jam of the Digi modes signals?
--
73 Bojan S53DZ
|
Re: QMX + Backlight dimming
Yes, that is the way to do it. These display's backlight is really bright. I have even used greater resistor there.
--
73 Bojan S53DZ
|
Re: #qmx #firmware 1_00_020 released: minor stuff and bug fixes
#qmx
#firmware
On Thu, Jul 11, 2024 at 08:17 PM, Hans Summers wrote:
?
2. Add 20dB of attenuation in earphones when in Digi mode (equalize volume to CW)
Stops you being accidentally deafened if you change from CW mode to Digi by mistake. Surely there must be some way to calculate given a bandwidth difference, what the perceived volume difference would be... in the absence of having a sufficiently functional cerebral cortex I just found that 20dB sounds a lot better than nothing at all.?
?
Hi Hans, thanks for this FW release. A thought: I wonder why one would need to have audio on in Digi modes? Just mute it. And enable the audio in the third (not yet there) mode to have the choice of an RX broad band audio on to listen to SSB signals. ? -- 73 Bojan S53DZ
|
Re: QMX+ audio amp/speakers
Good stuff, Randy!
Those toroids really are self shielding!
--
73, Dan? NM3A
|
Re: QCX Mini WSPR Without a GPS
GA Bill,
I have used various WSPR units for 7 or more years without having a GPS until my U4B came. ?It’s such a joy to turn it on and walk away, the time, grid and so far load automatically and accurately.
I do still use my WSPRLITE and QCX-Mini but their only advantage now is more power.
Either way, WSPR is a great tool as long as you keep the power low.
John KK4ITX? ?Each mistake is a learning opportunity.?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Jul 11, 2024, at 2:35 PM, Bill Jobes via groups.io <jobes@...> wrote:
?While waiting for cables to arrive to hook up my QLG2 to my 30 meter QCX Mini, I tried WSPR absent a GPS in line to lock the clock.
I set the clock manually via the onboard QCX Mini menu by watching the seconds tick up to a minute on my Ham Clock.
Much to my surprise, it worked well, prompting me to wonder what may change once the GPS is connected.
Here's the map with results last evening, in case others wish to experiment.
73,??
Bill -- W3WJ
|
Re: QMX + Backlight dimming
Maybe you can replace R306 (33 ohm) on the front panel board with a small 100 ohm pot to adjust the brightness. I was thinking of doing it for my QMX (not plus) not necessarily for the brightness but for minimizing the current consumption from the backlight.
73,
Yoon KM6KJI
|
Re: QMX+ Power Increasing Question
Thanks Hans, a self calibration feature would be great. My QMX+ is just under 1W on 6m and I would like a bit more, that is quite a lot under spec..
Thanks for all your efforts..
73 Dave G4FAW?
|
Does anyone have an easy safe method of dimming the backlight on the QMX+
Perhaps changing/adding a resistor.
The bright backlight is fine in a well let room or outdoors but in my dimly lit
bat/ham cave it’s hard on the eyes.
Thanks, Dave
|
Re: #qmx #firmware 1_00_020 released: minor stuff and bug fixes
#qmx
#firmware
Thanks Geoff
I fixed it?
73 Hans G0UPL
On Thu, Jul 11, 2024, 22:29 Geoffrey E. Gallaway via <geoffeg= [email protected]> wrote: Thanks Hans,
Always love seeing new firmware releases. Just a note that the href link to the operating manual on the QMX page is still to the 1_00_018 PDF even though the link description says it points to the 1_00_020 PDF.
73s,
Geoff
KC8FDU
On Thu, Jul 11, 2024, at 13:17, Hans Summers wrote:
> Hi all
>
> I released firmware 1_00_020 for QMX and QMX+ which you can download at
> and there is also an updated operating manual for
> this version.
>
> Please note, this is a minor release, and I hope it will not draw too much
> criticism of what has and what has not been included; I just wanted to get
> the documentation up to date (1_00_019 was missing an operating manual) and
> clear up a few things that several people had identified as urgent or were
> very simple or I had done already in the last few weeks. The new "Test ADC
> I/Q" tool is also a useful diagnostic aid.
>
> As always: if it is not in this list, it has not been done; so no need to
> point out all the things that are wrong that are NOT in this list, if it
> has been mentioned on this forum already it means it is most likely already
> on my ToDo list. And I do know some bugs will be
> particularly bothering particular people... and aren't solved yet... and
> that will surely disappoint someone. So I have my asbestos on... But at
> least, let's tick off a few things and keep the ball rolling.
>
> And do please rest assured: SSB is the current main priority - and now
> Dayton and Friedrichshafen are out of the way, this will be my focus.
>
> *1. New Test ADC I/Q tool shows baseband I/Q samples, aiding diagnostics*
> Useful tool that shows a 750Hz sinewave cycle at baseband, and if it is
> correct, clean and shows correct 90-degree I Q phase, it verifies the
> receiver front end is working properly. If NOT, then it could give
> indications of other issues, in conjunction with other evidence; please see
> the operating manual at page 83 for a full description.
>
> *2. Add 20dB of attenuation in earphones when in Digi mode (equalize volume
> to CW)*
> Stops you being accidentally deafened if you change from CW mode to Digi by
> mistake. Surely there must be some way to calculate given a bandwidth
> difference, what the perceived volume difference would be... in the absence
> of having a sufficiently functional cerebral cortex I just found that 20dB
> sounds a lot better than nothing at all.
>
> *3. Remove the experimental "SuppressThump" setting which is now always on*
> I see no reason to not use SuppressThump, so the setting is now gone and
> the thing it did, is now always done.
>
> *4. Configure AGC defaults on factory reset (or new installation)*
> AGC (CW mode) is now on by default (after factory reset or on a fresh QMX)
> and the settings of the video set up by
> default, except for Sample Blocks which is set to 2.
>
> *5. Bug fix: Display leftovers on GPS display on LCD*
>
> *6. Bug fix: RF, AF and Image Sweep tools didn't work unless in VFO Mode A
> already*
>
> *7. Bug fix: Selecting a preset did not change the LPF selection, only the
> VFO*
> Now it selects the appropriate band and filters selection, so this should
> solve some danger, when using presets...
>
> *8. Bug fix: LPF and SWR sweep screens broke if not all bands were enabled*
> Now fixed...
>
> *9. Bug fix: CAT bug, remove \0 character in AG; command response*
>
> *10. Bug fix: CAT bug, in IF command (1 character too long)*
>
> *11. Bug fix: CAT bug, remove \0 character in TM; command response*
>
> *12. Bug fix: Change minimum frequency from 3.2 MHz to 1.5 MHz*
> So now 160m receive should work BUT - note that I have not fixed up the
> correct 90-degree phase on 160m, and this means that there isn't any image
> rejection on 160m and also sensitivity will be a bit lower than it should
> be.
>
> Note also the description of the CPU Utilisation monitor is now also in the
> operating manual, at page 102.
>
> 73 Hans G0UPL
>
>
>
>
>
--
Sent from my email client.
|
Re: #qmx #firmware 1_00_020 released: minor stuff and bug fixes
#qmx
#firmware
Just tried this. After update, CW sidetone clicks like crazy. I had to set "S9 sounds like" to 9. It was at zero.
Tony
AD0VC
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Hi all
I released firmware 1_00_020 for QMX and QMX+ which you can download at and there is also an updated operating manual for this version.?
Please note, this is a minor release, and I hope it will not draw too much criticism of what has and what has not been included; I just wanted to get the documentation up to date (1_00_019 was missing an operating manual) and clear up a few things that
several people had identified as urgent or were very simple or I had done already in the last few weeks. The new "Test ADC I/Q" tool is also a useful diagnostic aid.?
As always: if it is not in this list, it has not been done; so no need to point out all the things that are wrong that are NOT in this list, if it has been mentioned on this forum already it means it is most likely already on my ToDo list. And I do know
some bugs will be particularly?bothering?particular people... and aren't solved yet... and that will surely disappoint someone. So I have my asbestos on... But at least, let's tick off a few things and keep the ball rolling.?
And do please rest assured: SSB is the current main priority - and now Dayton and Friedrichshafen are out of the way, this will be my focus.?
1. New Test ADC I/Q tool shows baseband I/Q samples, aiding diagnostics
Useful tool that shows a 750Hz sinewave cycle at baseband, and if it is correct, clean and shows correct 90-degree I Q phase, it verifies the receiver front end is working properly. If NOT, then it could give indications of other issues, in conjunction
with other evidence; please see the operating manual at page 83 for a full description.?
2. Add 20dB of attenuation in earphones when in Digi mode (equalize volume to CW)
Stops you being accidentally deafened if you change from CW mode to Digi by mistake. Surely there must be some way to calculate given a bandwidth difference, what the perceived volume difference would be... in the absence of having a sufficiently functional
cerebral cortex I just found that 20dB sounds a lot better than nothing at all.?
3. Remove the experimental "SuppressThump" setting which is now always on
I see no reason to not use SuppressThump, so the setting is now gone and the thing it did, is now always done.?
4. Configure AGC defaults on factory reset (or new installation)
AGC (CW mode) is now on by default (after factory reset or on a fresh QMX) and the settings of the video?
set up by default, except for Sample Blocks which is set to 2.?
5. Bug fix: Display leftovers on GPS display on LCD
6. Bug fix: RF, AF and Image Sweep tools didn't work unless in VFO Mode A already
7. Bug fix: Selecting a preset did not change the LPF selection, only the VFO
Now it selects the appropriate band and filters selection, so this should solve some danger, when using presets...?
8. Bug fix: LPF and SWR sweep screens broke if not all bands were enabled
Now fixed...?
9. Bug fix: CAT bug, remove \0 character in AG; command response
10. Bug fix: CAT bug, in IF command (1 character too long)
11. Bug fix: CAT bug, remove \0 character in TM; command response
12. Bug fix: Change minimum frequency from 3.2 MHz to 1.5 MHz
So now 160m receive should work BUT - note that I have not fixed up the correct 90-degree phase on 160m, and this means that there isn't any image rejection on 160m and also sensitivity will be a bit lower than it should be.?
Note also the description of the CPU Utilisation monitor is now also in the operating manual, at page 102.
73 Hans G0UPL
|
Re: #qmx #firmware 1_00_020 released: minor stuff and bug fixes
#qmx
#firmware
Thanks Hans,
Always love seeing new firmware releases. Just a note that the href link to the operating manual on the QMX page is still to the 1_00_018 PDF even though the link description says it points to the 1_00_020 PDF.
73s,
Geoff
KC8FDU
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Thu, Jul 11, 2024, at 13:17, Hans Summers wrote: Hi all
I released firmware 1_00_020 for QMX and QMX+ which you can download at
and there is also an updated operating manual for
this version.
Please note, this is a minor release, and I hope it will not draw too much
criticism of what has and what has not been included; I just wanted to get
the documentation up to date (1_00_019 was missing an operating manual) and
clear up a few things that several people had identified as urgent or were
very simple or I had done already in the last few weeks. The new "Test ADC
I/Q" tool is also a useful diagnostic aid.
As always: if it is not in this list, it has not been done; so no need to
point out all the things that are wrong that are NOT in this list, if it
has been mentioned on this forum already it means it is most likely already
on my ToDo list. And I do know some bugs will be
particularly bothering particular people... and aren't solved yet... and
that will surely disappoint someone. So I have my asbestos on... But at
least, let's tick off a few things and keep the ball rolling.
And do please rest assured: SSB is the current main priority - and now
Dayton and Friedrichshafen are out of the way, this will be my focus.
*1. New Test ADC I/Q tool shows baseband I/Q samples, aiding diagnostics*
Useful tool that shows a 750Hz sinewave cycle at baseband, and if it is
correct, clean and shows correct 90-degree I Q phase, it verifies the
receiver front end is working properly. If NOT, then it could give
indications of other issues, in conjunction with other evidence; please see
the operating manual at page 83 for a full description.
*2. Add 20dB of attenuation in earphones when in Digi mode (equalize volume
to CW)*
Stops you being accidentally deafened if you change from CW mode to Digi by
mistake. Surely there must be some way to calculate given a bandwidth
difference, what the perceived volume difference would be... in the absence
of having a sufficiently functional cerebral cortex I just found that 20dB
sounds a lot better than nothing at all.
*3. Remove the experimental "SuppressThump" setting which is now always on*
I see no reason to not use SuppressThump, so the setting is now gone and
the thing it did, is now always done.
*4. Configure AGC defaults on factory reset (or new installation)*
AGC (CW mode) is now on by default (after factory reset or on a fresh QMX)
and the settings of the video set up by
default, except for Sample Blocks which is set to 2.
*5. Bug fix: Display leftovers on GPS display on LCD*
*6. Bug fix: RF, AF and Image Sweep tools didn't work unless in VFO Mode A
already*
*7. Bug fix: Selecting a preset did not change the LPF selection, only the
VFO*
Now it selects the appropriate band and filters selection, so this should
solve some danger, when using presets...
*8. Bug fix: LPF and SWR sweep screens broke if not all bands were enabled*
Now fixed...
*9. Bug fix: CAT bug, remove \0 character in AG; command response*
*10. Bug fix: CAT bug, in IF command (1 character too long)*
*11. Bug fix: CAT bug, remove \0 character in TM; command response*
*12. Bug fix: Change minimum frequency from 3.2 MHz to 1.5 MHz*
So now 160m receive should work BUT - note that I have not fixed up the
correct 90-degree phase on 160m, and this means that there isn't any image
rejection on 160m and also sensitivity will be a bit lower than it should
be.
Note also the description of the CPU Utilisation monitor is now also in the
operating manual, at page 102.
73 Hans G0UPL
--
Sent from my email client.
|
Re: RSGB Tonight at 8 video - going for record?
|
My only concern about using a drill is with multi-layer circuit boards, it might be possible to disconnect the through hole connections.
Dean - KC9REN
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Wed, Jul 10, 2024 at 06:18 AM, David Wilcox K8WPE wrote:
Bill,
?
I have had some criticism for drilling out the left over solder in a through hole opening but I have done it for years (not too many times though). I am just an old Osteopathic family doctor but have used a finger drill and the very fine bits with success. ?I was warned about drilling out the through hole plating but just added a little solder on both sides of the board. ?The few times I had to do that it did work…. So go drill! ?I would like to see what a “half” bit looks like…. Have had one root canal done but wasn't interested in the tools that day. Ha!
Be the REASON someone smiles today.
?
Dave K8WPE
?
|
QCX Mini WSPR Without a GPS
While waiting for cables to arrive to hook up my QLG2 to my 30 meter QCX Mini, I tried WSPR absent a GPS in line to lock the clock.
I set the clock manually via the onboard QCX Mini menu by watching the seconds tick up to a minute on my Ham Clock.
Much to my surprise, it worked well, prompting me to wonder what may change once the GPS is connected.
Here's the map with results last evening, in case others wish to experiment.
73,??
Bill -- W3WJ
|
Re: #qmx #firmware 1_00_020 released: minor stuff and bug fixes
#qmx
#firmware
Thank you Hans!? I've been greatly enjoying my QMX+!? :-)
|
#qmx #firmware 1_00_020 released: minor stuff and bug fixes
#qmx
#firmware
Hi all
I released firmware 1_00_020 for QMX and QMX+ which you can download at and there is also an updated operating manual for this version.?
Please note, this is a minor release, and I hope it will not draw too much criticism of what has and what has not been included; I just wanted to get the documentation up to date (1_00_019 was missing an operating manual) and clear up a few things that several people had identified as urgent or were very simple or I had done already in the last few weeks. The new "Test ADC I/Q" tool is also a useful diagnostic aid.?
As always: if it is not in this list, it has not been done; so no need to point out all the things that are wrong that are NOT in this list, if it has been mentioned on this forum already it means it is most likely already on my ToDo list. And I do know some bugs will be particularly?bothering?particular people... and aren't solved yet... and that will surely disappoint someone. So I have my asbestos on... But at least, let's tick off a few things and keep the ball rolling.? And do please rest assured: SSB is the current main priority - and now Dayton and Friedrichshafen are out of the way, this will be my focus.?
1. New Test ADC I/Q tool shows baseband I/Q samples, aiding diagnostics
Useful tool that shows a 750Hz sinewave cycle at baseband, and if it is correct, clean and shows correct 90-degree I Q phase, it verifies the receiver front end is working properly. If NOT, then it could give indications of other issues, in conjunction with other evidence; please see the operating manual at page 83 for a full description.?
2. Add 20dB of attenuation in earphones when in Digi mode (equalize volume to CW) Stops you being accidentally deafened if you change from CW mode to Digi by mistake. Surely there must be some way to calculate given a bandwidth difference, what the perceived volume difference would be... in the absence of having a sufficiently functional cerebral cortex I just found that 20dB sounds a lot better than nothing at all.?
3. Remove the experimental "SuppressThump" setting which is now always on
I see no reason to not use SuppressThump, so the setting is now gone and the thing it did, is now always done.?
4. Configure AGC defaults on factory reset (or new installation)
AGC (CW mode) is now on by default (after factory reset or on a fresh QMX) and the settings of the video? set up by default, except for Sample Blocks which is set to 2.?
5. Bug fix: Display leftovers on GPS display on LCD
6. Bug fix: RF, AF and Image Sweep tools didn't work unless in VFO Mode A already
7. Bug fix: Selecting a preset did not change the LPF selection, only the VFO
Now it selects the appropriate band and filters selection, so this should solve some danger, when using presets...?
8. Bug fix: LPF and SWR sweep screens broke if not all bands were enabled
Now fixed...?
9. Bug fix: CAT bug, remove \0 character in AG; command response
10. Bug fix: CAT bug, in IF command (1 character too long)
11. Bug fix: CAT bug, remove \0 character in TM; command response
12. Bug fix: Change minimum frequency from 3.2 MHz to 1.5 MHzSo now 160m receive should work BUT - note that I have not fixed up the correct 90-degree phase on 160m, and this means that there isn't any image rejection on 160m and also sensitivity will be a bit lower than it should be.?
Note also the description of the CPU Utilisation monitor is now also in the operating manual, at page 102.
73 Hans G0UPL
|
I agree 100%. It's a ton of fun and surprising the amount of DX that is possible given the conditions and the power of FT8. Since mid-May I have worked 23 countries and completed the 13 Colonies clean sweep (plus UK, but missed FR) - all on a 20m/17m homemade fan dipole.
Amazing little radio and I am looking forward to expanded functionality through firmware.
Thanks Hans!
|
Re: Special considerations when sourcing replacement capacitors?
#qmx
I also had a bundle of caps in my drawer, but I decided it was best to buy the right ones, Look at
See comment in this thread /g/QRPLabs/message/123779 from Hans
Mark
W8GU
|
WB0ZJJ-Alan
KK4ITX John
Dj Merrill