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Re: QCX - Modifications

David Latchum
 

Actually it is a problem because even if the files are judicially updated, sooner or later there will be some overlap and the remote file, so to speak, will be out of date.
This bit me once when the "same files" were kept in two places.
Caveats....

On Fri, Nov 3, 2017 at 7:43 PM, VK5EEE <vk5eee@...> wrote:
Hi Wes,

Just a suggestion that in the PDF files if not already done so, you refer to the URL to check for latest list, because perhaps the modifications get updated but your files don't? I'd think that would be the potential problem.

73


QCX WSPR Clock Speed

 

My clock puts on about 1 minute or more a day, so WSPR is only working for a few hours at most, and then only works with those who also have their timing way off...
Is there any way to correct this, would be good if the firmware had a way to compensate, but I see no such option?
Sorry for the ignorance about how the clock works... all I know is it gains time quite rapidly.
Interestingly I have a very cheap second or third hand old radio clock with digital time display that I use as my station UTC clock and it doesn't lose or gain a second a week!!! Not sure how it does that other than sheer luck. I check it against WWVH, and it is accurate within half a second. Digital progress is not all it is cut out to be!?
Of course some of the parts need to be cheap to keep this rig under $50, and the GPS module would fix this, but it'd be nice if I can try to improve the built in clock timing.
Re: QCX - Modifications

 

Hi Wes,

Just a suggestion that in the PDF files if not already done so, you refer to the URL to check for latest list, because perhaps the modifications get updated but your files don't? I'd think that would be the potential problem.

73
Re: QCX audio out during setup

 

In my case when I first had part of T1 connected wrongly, it was the same as I remember in audio set up. With that fixed the audio is now uniform gain, before I had it only slightly open and it would be loud and peaking the BPF a lot easier. Maybe worth checking you have the T1 connections OK too.
QCX - Modifications

 

I have taken the liberty of creating four pdf files containing extracted information from Hans' write-up on the QRP Labs site regarding suggested mods to the QCX. I have posted them to the Files folder in a new folder titled QCX - Modifications. I have the LibreOffice document files too, so can make any modifications necessary. If posting these to the group site is objectionable, I can remove them, no troubles, no offense.
--
Wes

AE6ZM

Hereford, AZ

?
Re: Fabricated QCX chassis

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Very nice, well done.

I have? been resisting getting a QCX but now I am going to have to get one so that I can try and duplicate this.

cheers, Graham ve3gtc


On 2017-11-03 16:49, Ken wa4mnt wrote:

The chassis shown below is homemade from double sided pcb FR4. Construction details are posted as the first item in the Misc. Files section of . If you see any typos, please let me know.

73,

ken - wa4mnt
Re: Fabricated QCX chassis

 

Ha, excellent. I agree, make your own...

Steve MW0KST
Re: QCX audio out during setup

 

Barry

Possibly a part is loose. It happened to me while installing into the case. With the test source on, touch various parts,? particularly around the op amps. The resistors standing up have a tendency to sometimes make a bad connection.? Maybe you will easily find it.

Curt
QCX audio out during setup

 

Hello group!

Just finished building the QCX transceiver and I have an issue.? First let me say that the rig fires up and things look normal.? But when I go in to set the Peak BPF,? the audio is not stable.? I can turn up the gain and be quite comfortably making the adjustment with 09 in the upper right corner, when the audio level and the reading will skyrocket, the just as quickly settle back to something less than when I started.? So the audio is erratic.? Now when I was installing components, I installed R27 incorrectly and had to desolder and reinstall.? It wasn't pretty, but I thought things looked okay.? Everything else, as far as construction seem to be okay.? When I look at audio ch .1 on the self test menu, - it too reflect unstable audio with values randomly going up and down.? I'm using firmware 1.00b

Any suggestions where I should look and would my reinstallation of r27 have any connection to this issue?

Thanks for any help!

Barry . VE3ZLB
Re: QCX Firmware Upgrade Problem With AVRDUDESS

 

I've just tried to run Zadig and install the drivers without a
device even plugged into my machine and it installed the WinUSB driver anyway.
James,

This sounds dangerous.
Zadig assigns drivers to the selected device.
One has to be very careful, only if the required device is plugged in can Zadig assign it a driver.
It will apply one of it's drivers to anything that is selected, this will make that device unusable and at the very least you will have to roll back to the previous one.

Julian,

I guess this is the page?
I've never used this but it does not mention Zadig, I assume it is not required.

73 Alan G4ZFQ
Re: QCX Firmware Upgrade Problem With AVRDUDESS

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

If you click on the "More information" button and select WinUSB (libusb) then this will take you to a website explaining a great deal.?

Interestingly it says "Older versions of the driver have a bug which prevents libusb from accessing devices"..!

Maybe you are running an older version.?

Which operating system did you say you were running??

Kind regards, James.?

On 3 Nov 2017, at 18:50, James Anderson <james21170@...> wrote:

Julian, I've just tried to run Zadig and install the drivers without a device even plugged into my machine and it installed the WinUSB driver anyway.?

So run Zadig, install the drivers one at a time and see if that makes any difference.?
WinUSB will be the default option to install first and written in the option window as WinUSB(v6.1.7600.16385)
This is the one that I think you need.!

Install this one first and give the AVRDUDESS and the arduino another go.?


All the best. James.?

On 3 Nov 2017, at 18:27, James Anderson <james21170@...> wrote:

Hi Julian.?

I'm pretty useless with computers too and most other things. But, I muddle through and want to help where I can.?

Zadig is a driver installation program that is very useful to install devices like the USBasp or USBtiny. Google them both.?

I've also found it very useful to install the drivers for a cheap dongle for receiving TV pictures that I use to use SDR#.

Instal Zadig and run it.?
It will show a window.?
At the top select Options.?
Then select List all devices.?
With a USBasp or USBtiny plugged into your PC laptop etc, it will show the device plugged in, in the small window below the Device Options Help menu. Click on this small window and it will show all the devices it's capable of installing if they are plugged in.?
Select the device and press the install driver button. You should then see the device in device manager in windows.?

This info is only relevant if you have these devices though admittedly.?
So as you're using the arduino method the write up you are following is excellent and I've also used this method too.?

AVRDUDESS does work on a 64bit windows 10 machine. I'm living proof of this as I'm sat in front of it right now and it is working.?
It also works in my XP machine that's some 13yrs old..!!!

I'm not using any sort of compatibility mode, just straight windows 10.

I've also read that the drivers need to be signed and you have to disable them...
I don't remember having to do this but if I had to and did, it's had no negative effect on my machine.?
On windows 10 I believe that if you do disable signing drivers to allow the drivers to install, then as soon as you reboot your machine it enables that option again by default.?

For the life of me though I can't remember doing this.!

If you haven't got a USBtiny then I'd personally start with this cheap device off the usual buying site and run Zadig to install it on your machine.?

What issues are you having with the arduino method in particular.?

I want you to make it work as it's an interesting part of the superb kit build and just completes the process making it easier to upgrade in future projects.?

Feel free to ask any more questions and the help will come and you will succeed.?

I've stuffed several Atmega328's up along the way but it's the only way to learn.?

Keep at it though.?

All the best for now and we look forward to hearing that you've managed to get it going.?

Cheers, James 2E0MUA.?

On 2 Nov 2017, at 23:01, Paul Schumacher via Groups.Io <wnpauls@...> wrote:

yes, it supposedly does, I tried it and it did not work.? The IT specialist at work
tried to fix it and could not.

Paul K0ZYV

From: Arv Evans <arvid.evans@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, November 2, 2017 2:52 PM
Subject: Re: [QRPLabs] QCX Firmware Upgrade Problem With AVRDUDESS

Doesn't Windows-10 have a "compatibility mode" where it can run specified programs
as Windows-7 even though the OS is really Windows-10?

_._


On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 11:21 AM, Paul Schumacher via Groups.Io <wnpauls@...> wrote:
I found I could not get the programmer to work in Windows 10, it does work
nicely in Windows 7.


From: Julian Forsey <julian_forsey@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, November 2, 2017 10:20 AM
Subject: Re: [QRPLabs] QCX Firmware Upgrade Problem With AVRDUDESS

Thanks everyone for trying to help, but I'm going to give in gracefully now, after spending several very frustrating hours trying to get AVERDUDESS to run. I've been renaming libus DLLs right left and centre but to no avail. Perhaps one day I'll get around to learning how to flash Atmel chips, but at the moment I hate computers!
I'll leave it for a while and then buy a pre-programmed chip from the QRP Labs shop.
Best wishes to all.
Julian
G4ETS





Re: QCX Firmware Upgrade Problem With AVRDUDESS

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Julian, I've just tried to run Zadig and install the drivers without a device even plugged into my machine and it installed the WinUSB driver anyway.?

So run Zadig, install the drivers one at a time and see if that makes any difference.?
WinUSB will be the default option to install first and written in the option window as WinUSB(v6.1.7600.16385)
This is the one that I think you need.!

Install this one first and give the AVRDUDESS and the arduino another go.?


All the best. James.?

On 3 Nov 2017, at 18:27, James Anderson <james21170@...> wrote:

Hi Julian.?

I'm pretty useless with computers too and most other things. But, I muddle through and want to help where I can.?

Zadig is a driver installation program that is very useful to install devices like the USBasp or USBtiny. Google them both.?

I've also found it very useful to install the drivers for a cheap dongle for receiving TV pictures that I use to use SDR#.

Instal Zadig and run it.?
It will show a window.?
At the top select Options.?
Then select List all devices.?
With a USBasp or USBtiny plugged into your PC laptop etc, it will show the device plugged in, in the small window below the Device Options Help menu. Click on this small window and it will show all the devices it's capable of installing if they are plugged in.?
Select the device and press the install driver button. You should then see the device in device manager in windows.?

This info is only relevant if you have these devices though admittedly.?
So as you're using the arduino method the write up you are following is excellent and I've also used this method too.?

AVRDUDESS does work on a 64bit windows 10 machine. I'm living proof of this as I'm sat in front of it right now and it is working.?
It also works in my XP machine that's some 13yrs old..!!!

I'm not using any sort of compatibility mode, just straight windows 10.

I've also read that the drivers need to be signed and you have to disable them...
I don't remember having to do this but if I had to and did, it's had no negative effect on my machine.?
On windows 10 I believe that if you do disable signing drivers to allow the drivers to install, then as soon as you reboot your machine it enables that option again by default.?

For the life of me though I can't remember doing this.!

If you haven't got a USBtiny then I'd personally start with this cheap device off the usual buying site and run Zadig to install it on your machine.?

What issues are you having with the arduino method in particular.?

I want you to make it work as it's an interesting part of the superb kit build and just completes the process making it easier to upgrade in future projects.?

Feel free to ask any more questions and the help will come and you will succeed.?

I've stuffed several Atmega328's up along the way but it's the only way to learn.?

Keep at it though.?

All the best for now and we look forward to hearing that you've managed to get it going.?

Cheers, James 2E0MUA.?

On 2 Nov 2017, at 23:01, Paul Schumacher via Groups.Io <wnpauls@...> wrote:

yes, it supposedly does, I tried it and it did not work.? The IT specialist at work
tried to fix it and could not.

Paul K0ZYV

From: Arv Evans <arvid.evans@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, November 2, 2017 2:52 PM
Subject: Re: [QRPLabs] QCX Firmware Upgrade Problem With AVRDUDESS

Doesn't Windows-10 have a "compatibility mode" where it can run specified programs
as Windows-7 even though the OS is really Windows-10?

_._


On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 11:21 AM, Paul Schumacher via Groups.Io <wnpauls@...> wrote:
I found I could not get the programmer to work in Windows 10, it does work
nicely in Windows 7.


From: Julian Forsey <julian_forsey@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, November 2, 2017 10:20 AM
Subject: Re: [QRPLabs] QCX Firmware Upgrade Problem With AVRDUDESS

Thanks everyone for trying to help, but I'm going to give in gracefully now, after spending several very frustrating hours trying to get AVERDUDESS to run. I've been renaming libus DLLs right left and centre but to no avail. Perhaps one day I'll get around to learning how to flash Atmel chips, but at the moment I hate computers!
I'll leave it for a while and then buy a pre-programmed chip from the QRP Labs shop.
Best wishes to all.
Julian
G4ETS





Re: QCX Firmware Upgrade Problem With AVRDUDESS

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Hi Julian.?

I'm pretty useless with computers too and most other things. But, I muddle through and want to help where I can.?

Zadig is a driver installation program that is very useful to install devices like the USBasp or USBtiny. Google them both.?

I've also found it very useful to install the drivers for a cheap dongle for receiving TV pictures that I use to use SDR#.

Instal Zadig and run it.?
It will show a window.?
At the top select Options.?
Then select List all devices.?
With a USBasp or USBtiny plugged into your PC laptop etc, it will show the device plugged in, in the small window below the Device Options Help menu. Click on this small window and it will show all the devices it's capable of installing if they are plugged in.?
Select the device and press the install driver button. You should then see the device in device manager in windows.?

This info is only relevant if you have these devices though admittedly.?
So as you're using the arduino method the write up you are following is excellent and I've also used this method too.?

AVRDUDESS does work on a 64bit windows 10 machine. I'm living proof of this as I'm sat in front of it right now and it is working.?
It also works in my XP machine that's some 13yrs old..!!!

I'm not using any sort of compatibility mode, just straight windows 10.

I've also read that the drivers need to be signed and you have to disable them...
I don't remember having to do this but if I had to and did, it's had no negative effect on my machine.?
On windows 10 I believe that if you do disable signing drivers to allow the drivers to install, then as soon as you reboot your machine it enables that option again by default.?

For the life of me though I can't remember doing this.!

If you haven't got a USBtiny then I'd personally start with this cheap device off the usual buying site and run Zadig to install it on your machine.?

What issues are you having with the arduino method in particular.?

I want you to make it work as it's an interesting part of the superb kit build and just completes the process making it easier to upgrade in future projects.?

Feel free to ask any more questions and the help will come and you will succeed.?

I've stuffed several Atmega328's up along the way but it's the only way to learn.?

Keep at it though.?

All the best for now and we look forward to hearing that you've managed to get it going.?

Cheers, James 2E0MUA.?

On 2 Nov 2017, at 23:01, Paul Schumacher via Groups.Io <wnpauls@...> wrote:

yes, it supposedly does, I tried it and it did not work.? The IT specialist at work
tried to fix it and could not.

Paul K0ZYV

From: Arv Evans <arvid.evans@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, November 2, 2017 2:52 PM
Subject: Re: [QRPLabs] QCX Firmware Upgrade Problem With AVRDUDESS

Doesn't Windows-10 have a "compatibility mode" where it can run specified programs
as Windows-7 even though the OS is really Windows-10?

_._


On Thu, Nov 2, 2017 at 11:21 AM, Paul Schumacher via Groups.Io <wnpauls@...> wrote:
I found I could not get the programmer to work in Windows 10, it does work
nicely in Windows 7.


From: Julian Forsey <julian_forsey@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, November 2, 2017 10:20 AM
Subject: Re: [QRPLabs] QCX Firmware Upgrade Problem With AVRDUDESS

Thanks everyone for trying to help, but I'm going to give in gracefully now, after spending several very frustrating hours trying to get AVERDUDESS to run. I've been renaming libus DLLs right left and centre but to no avail. Perhaps one day I'll get around to learning how to flash Atmel chips, but at the moment I hate computers!
I'll leave it for a while and then buy a pre-programmed chip from the QRP Labs shop.
Best wishes to all.
Julian
G4ETS





Re: QCX Firmware Upgrade Problem With AVRDUDESS

 

"What programming dongle are you using.?"
Hi James. I'm following the How To document from the QCX page of the QRP Labs site. It's written by Simon, VK3ELH.
It uses an Arduino Uno as the programmer, with AVRDUDESS. The Arduino IDE works fine, I've programmed quite a few Arduino boards with it, so it's connecting to my PC okay. I've made up the jumper leads to go from the Uno to the QCX Trx as per the How To sheet.
I'm afraid I'm not very good with computers. I don't have a computer with Windows 7 on it.
I'll look at Zadig, but I've no idea what it is!
Thanks for the encouragement.
Best wishes,
Julian
G4ETS
?
Re: Fabricated QCX chassis

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Nice job Ken!

Joel?
N6ALT

On Nov 3, 2017, at 9:49 AM, Ken wa4mnt <wa4mnt@...> wrote:

The chassis shown below is homemade from double sided pcb FR4. Construction details are posted as the first item in the Misc. Files section of . If you see any typos, please let me know.

73,

ken - wa4mnt

<IMG_3584b.jpg>

Re: Fabricated QCX chassis

 

**Very** neat !!
--
Regards/73,

Enno, PF5X
Re: Fabricated QCX chassis

 

That is absolute beautiful

73
KB3CUF?

On Fri, Nov 3, 2017 at 12:49 PM, Ken wa4mnt <wa4mnt@...> wrote:
The chassis shown below is homemade from double sided pcb FR4. Construction details are posted as the first item in the Misc. Files section of . If you see any typos, please let me know.

73,

ken - wa4mnt
Fabricated QCX chassis

 

The chassis shown below is homemade from double sided pcb FR4. Construction details are posted as the first item in the Misc. Files section of . If you see any typos, please let me know.

73,

ken - wa4mnt
Re: soldering SMD TXCO

 

Hello Chris,


I posted this reply earlier today to an unrelated post, for sure, you
need liquid flux and don't even think about unleaded solder!

"Perhaps consider getting one of the cheap Fox TCXO's? I use them in
U3S and they work great with GPS from a QLG1. They are a bit fiddly to
solder until you realize they aren't as delicate as they look and you
put four solder blobs on the PCB pads and on the pads of the Fox, then
fuse them together with a hot iron going around all four in
succession very rapidly. I have even used a crude hot air pen (gas
soldering pencil torch with the hot air tip on it) to remove and re-use
one from a dead board. I was amazed it survived the experience but it
was just as good as a new one!" 2E0ILY



Friday, November 3, 2017

Hi All,

Sorry if this question has been addressed before.

Has anyone soldered the FOX924B-27.000 TXCO to the Synth board
using a standard soldering iron? From the datasheet, the TXCO pads
are under the chip and appear to require a hot air gun...but there
are small dimples in the corners of the chip. Can those be used to access the pins with an iron?

Best,
Chris, VO1CKD_._,_._,_




--

2E0ILY
Best regards,
Chris mailto:chris@...
--
Best regards, Chris Wilson (2E0ILY)
Re: soldering SMD TXCO

 

All good!? Eutectic solder just melts at a lower temp.? Lead free is a PITA.? Any liquid flux (rosin based is what I use) will do,? Flux makes it work.? As long as the part wets with flux, the solder will follow along.? No Flux wont work well.? I avoid the water wash versions, and use 91% alcohol and a toothbrush to clean up.

Larry?

On Fri, Nov 3, 2017 at 10:33 AM, Chris Dunnett via Groups.Io <chris_dunnett@...> wrote:
Thanks Larry. I'm looking forward to trying this.

I'm using kester 44 - 63/37, 0.8mm. Is there a noticeable difference between mine and 60/40?

Any recommendations for liquid flux? I've been looking at Quik-Chip's Tack Flux (digi-key SMD291ST2CC6-ND).

Best,
Chris, VO1CKD



On Friday, November 3, 2017, 11:41:23 AM NDT, Larry Acklin <acklin@...> wrote:


Liquid Flux is key here.? 60/40 lead solder helps also.?
Place a bit of flux on each pad of the PCB.? Use a very small amount of solder and tin one pad.? Re-apply flux to that pad.? Place the part, hold down, and apply heat to the tinned pad perimeter.? When the solder wets, the part will settle on.? Apply solder and heat to the remaining pads at the margin.? Go back and touch up with a bit of extra flux and solder so that the pad appears to be "wet".

The tiny tracks on the side of the chip may or may not be needed.? On an SI570 the ends are critical.

I've had 100% success with this method.

73
Larry
KB3CUF

On Fri, Nov 3, 2017 at 10:02 AM, Chris Dunnett via Groups.Io <chris_dunnett=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:
Hi All,

Sorry if this question has been addressed before.

Has anyone soldered the FOX924B-27.000 TXCO to the Synth board using a standard soldering iron? From the datasheet, the TXCO pads are under the chip and appear to require a hot air gun...but there are small dimples in the corners of the chip. Can those be used to access the pins with an iron?

Best,
Chris, VO1CKD
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