Re: ProgRock2 programming??
?Hi Alan,
I measured the voltage on the HC6 socket and found negative .1 volts on one side and zero on the other. All the sockets measure the same negative voltage in the instrument. This obviously isn’t an over voltage issue for the PR2 and maybe the negative voltage killed the one I configured for the frequency I needed. Like I said, it appeared to work for a minute or so, then stopped.
I’m not sure what I can do here other than pull filament voltage (tube equipment) rectify it and then put a 5 volt regulator on the rectified voltage. I would do that only on the three crystals I planned to use the PR2. I’ve got plenty of room under the chassis for the extra components but the time needed to get the 5v regulator (I don’t know if I have one handy) just adds time to my solution and in hindsight I may have been better off just ordering the crystals.
Thanks,
Tom N5AMA
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Apr 2, 2025, at 7:12?PM, Tom Smith <n5ama@...> wrote:
?Thanks Alan, I’ll measure the xtal socket and see what’s on each pin. I’ll have to be careful to put the voltage pin on a socket with 5v regulated voltage.
73 Tom
On Apr 2, 2025, at 1:50?PM, Alan G4ZFQ via groups.io <alan4alan@...> wrote:
?On 02/04/2025 14:59, cct314159 via groups.io wrote:
- Even though they are "rated" for "12 volts" *don't even think about running one at that voltage:* I'd avoid going above 10.0 volts. Yes, that reminds me. I tested with 12 volts and it certainly got a lot hotter than I expected.
The ones I use are fed from 5 volts and keep cool.
73 Alan G4ZFQ
|
Hi Chris,
?
Stan had mentioned about Vbat but I didn’t know where to look. The QMX+ was assembled and the GPS module came already installed. Vdd is linked to VBat which I assume is the pre-assembled default. ?With the rig powered off a probe on Batt and the other on the Gnd (on top of the GPS module) there is no voltage - the battery is installed and shows 3.17V (via the battery connections to the pcb). With power VBat shows 3.27V.
Paul, G8MAD
|
QMX output is always 2W on all bands
Hi everyone,
I built the QMX kit configured for 12V operation (the kit was ordered on 13/04/2024), and while everything appears to be functioning correctly, I'm only seeing about 2W of output power across all bands.
Here are some data points and measurements I’ve taken:
-
Input voltage to QMX: 11.2V (measured with a Fluke DMM), very stable with minimal drop during TX.
-
Antenna/dummy load: SWR monitor seems to be functional and correspond to nanoVNA measurments.
-
Power display: Only 1 bar (4–5 dots) shows on the PWR display while connected to QRPLabs' 20W dummy load.
-
Measured voltage: The DMM reads ~11V across the dummy load during TX.
-
QMX Console app: Shows 9.5V and between 1.8W to 2W output during TX across all bands.
I’m not sure where to start troubleshooting this issue. What would be the best way to begin isolating the cause?
For context, I have the following test equipment available: oscilloscope, multimeter, bench power supply and another working QRP radio for reference/testing.
Please let me know if there’s any other information I can provide to help identify the problem. I’d be very grateful for any suggestions or guidance you can offer.
?
Thanks in advance for your help!
?
Best regards,
Igor — W6ETA
73
|
Re: Qmx plus rev 2 not powering up
The controller was not powering up from the beginning only when I bypassed the q102 it started. Than my idea was (thanks Stan :)) to trace why I need to do it and found the the micro was probably pulling down the signal probably from the beguining. Probably There was never a blown q102 and sure not a via or track issue. For me was just disappointing because it never worked properly from the first moment because a controller issue.?
I wanted to know why, other wise would be cheaper just order other board, I just spent time, plus parts, shipments, etc. at the end I still don’t know why this pin 88 on the controller was defect, specifically when the power is supplied the rest of the controller seams to work, this puzzles me.
Anyway I live in Germany (Nuernberg) so probably should get a chip from turkey.
73 Azgael
?
|
QMX+ new build AGC does not work.
Everything else seems to work, but no AGC. As a result, there is distortion on loud CW sigs. Yes, it is enabled in the Audio menu. 027 firmware.
Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks, Dick, K5AND
|
Alas, the Radtel Speaker-Mic does not appear to be available in the USA from Amazon.
?
73, Dave K3DX
|
Re: shorted PA on TX, dead SMPSU?
On Fri, Apr 4, 2025 at 09:49 PM, Damon wrote:
with IC204 CLK2 into IC501 is 100% @ 3.3V on pin 4. Not sure yet if IC204 or the main mCPU are faulted,
Damon, I wouldn't enjoy the RX. I wouldn't switch on the QMX in this state. Maybe voltage at IC204 is wrong because of IC503 died together with the PA. Best way is to remove IC503 and check output of IC501 and IC502.
?
And if the main mCPU would be faulted you couldn't switch on the QMX.
?
73 Ludwig
|
$75 shipped in the Con US
?
-Nate
N8BTR
|
Re: shorted PA on TX, dead SMPSU?
Dan, its a bit risky but I did it with success. You may do it on your own risk!!!
Set the supply to 3.0 V and current limit to 200 mA. Remove all subboards and connect the bench power supply direct to Vdd and GND. I guess the voltage will drop. Check all IC connected to Vdd for temperature. If you find one hot or significant warm, his should be the culprit. If no IC is hot increase the current to 300 mA, maybe later 400 mA but not more. But be sure while increasing the current the voltage is not going over 3.0 V.
?
2 Ohm and 0.4 A will produce 320 mW heat, enough to feel it.
?
73 Ludwig
|
Re: Qmx plus rev 2 not powering up
One question, reading older posts in this thread the QMX+ was running. But when and why died the controller now?
?
73 Ludwig
|
Re: Qmx plus rev 2 not powering up
On Fri, Apr 4, 2025 at 06:33 PM, Azgael wrote:
SO.... now the hard part... disconnect the SPM32 Pin 88 from the LIN_REG_EN! Done.
Good job but bad outcome.
?
To replace the STM32 you need one prepared by QRP Labs. If you are located in W you may contact Jeff Moore or else QRP Labs direct.
?
73 Ludwig
|
Re: QMX and power bank PD
Nice!
?
I'm using an Anker 10000mah power bank and a 9V trigger cable for a QDX. Runs for hours on it, and the power bank gets dual use when traveling.? Been flawless for me, very clean way to power in the field.
?
-Nate
N8BTR
|
Re: shorted PA on TX, dead SMPSU?
My QMX+ died the same way on first start-up smoke test. Perhaps what I have found below may help. You might also want to kill the PA voltage by lifting a wire on L502. ?I did find the known, early manufacturing solder fault on the 5V board. My PA is now crowbarred with IC204 CLK2 into IC501 is 100% @ 3.3V on pin 4. Not sure yet if IC204 or the main mCPU are faulted, more investigation in a couple days. For now, I have the 12v bias on TX turned off in the advanced settings and enjoying the RX.
|
I should add, I've built 3 this way now. 2 run at reduced voltage (7.5v) feeding my Hardrock 50, and the other is a 40-15m "travel" rig that I run at 9V all the time. No known issues with any of them so far, and I've gotten the travel one pretty warm, and run it pretty hard.
?
-Nate
N8BTR
|
I agree with Tony, I did the grease, too. All good so far, running 9V on a 9V build, no fan.?
Here's a link to a few pictures,? the uploads here get overwritten eventually:
?
-Nate
N8BTR
|
Re: Another QMX+ became SSB capable
Hi Jack
I see your ICOM microphone has 2 buttons on top !
Would that be an option to wire them in to the 2 on front of QMX+ ??
Or not useful.....
?
Cheers
Gert
|
Hello Everyone, been a while.
?
Moderator, If this is against the list rules please delete it.
?
The other day I got a message requesting one of those cases I used to sell for the original QCX.
?
Normally I just say that I don't make them anymore.? But it got me to thinking, I have an 80 meter QCX kit sitting in a drawer and I'm going to need a case for it.? So I told the gentleman that I would pull out the original files and print one for him.
?
So it seems that I am back in the business of making that particular case.? If you have one of the original kit radios maybe it is time to pull it out of the drawer and build it ;)
?
Anyway here are links to the videos which I used to send anyone that asked about the case.? I'm still using the original files.
https://www.freeantennas.com/QCX/QCX-3_0.mp4
?
?
So that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
?
w4mhz
Mike
|
Re: shorted PA on TX, dead SMPSU?
Hi Ludwig
?
Yes i now have variable voltage and current supply. Resolution of current limit is 100mA.
?
Yes a different result, i was surprised, too. This was measured after trying the new SMPSUs. I haven't knowingly changed anything else?
?
Dan
?
|
Re: shorted PA on TX, dead SMPSU?
On Fri, Apr 4, 2025 at 06:57 PM, Dan G7NNZ wrote:
2Ohm (two ohms) gnd->Vdd
Dan, different to Mar 23 (2.3 k) but why? Some element connected to Vdd maybe broken, in the worst case the controller. I will you more info later.
One question; do you have access to a good bench power supply (variable voltage and current limit)?
?
73 Ludwig
|
Re: Another QMX+ became SSB capable
Hi Jack,
I also have a Heil ProSet Elite iC headset. Would you be willing to provide your adapter wiring details?
Thanks
Errick
N9DWD
?
|
Igor
Dick Hanson
W4Mhz