Jason, depends where you live on this planet ? You did not reveal that.
2.1 x 5.5? or sometimes '5.5x2.1' is a de facto standard, zillions are around ;-)
Either you grab 'any' cheap power supply with such a plug and cut off the cable,
or look at Amazon and search for '5.5x2.1' They offer an endless variety of pig
tail cables with such plugs. Any electronic store will offer them too.
Well again, chances will be different deep down in Africa or near the North Pole :-)
73's de OE1MWW
Wolfgang
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My point was... Lack of the ideal tool doesn't have to mean you can't do something. Hans, Yes, I guess that most start like I did. Driven to the point that a piece of gear was simply scrap unless something was attempted I looked at various descriptions of how SMD work can be done with ordinary tools. Eventually I tried a method I thought I might just manage, suited my skills best, and succeeded. One thing you get to realise is just how tough modern components are. 73 Alan G4ZFQ
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Re: QDX Build Videos Thread
I forgot to mention that I have taken video for all of it, but it takes time to get it all edited. Soon! -- Ryan Flowers - W7RLF
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Re: QDX Build Videos Thread
Here's where I'm at with it as of midnight on 10/30. Having the inductors pre-wound sure was handy! The next things will be installing the LED, connectors, the electrolytic to stabilize the 5v voltage regulator, and then the inductors. I'll have this thing done tomorrow. Here's the pic: I'd have had it finished today but my daughter wanted to go look at? nature which was... amazing!? I wonder if an LC match could get a tune on that bridge... Hmmmm -- Ryan Flowers - W7RLF
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Hi Fred
I'm sure you are right and that I should get proper SMD tools.?
My point was... Lack of the ideal tool doesn't have to mean you can't do something. I have a long and questionable history of using the wrong tool for the job or as I sometimes prefer to consider it, using what I have on hand.?
In this case... No Flux. No soldering SMD rework station. No paste (I do have some paste somewhere but still in an unpacked box somewhere after the recent office move).
Buying a proper SMD rework station could also be a psychological admission of working a lot with SMD components? Maybe I secretly would prefer to subconsciously convince myself that I minimize the amount of SMD soldering I do. Let the factory do it where possible. Just prototypes and testing... I'd far rather be soldering an 807 holder. Or even an 803 holder.?
73 Hans G0UPL? http://qrp-labs.com?
P.S.
Someone commented about razor and the pins... Multiple gentle cuts to avoid damaging the PCBs. I prefer to make the cut horizontal to the PCB, along the vertical parts of the IC pins. They cut like cheese. When the knife inevitably slips at some point, you are pushing parallel to the board surface, so you don't hack up the traces.?
73 Hans G0UPL http://qrp-labs.com
-------- Original message -------- From: Fred Spinner <fred.spinner@...> Date: Sun, Oct 31, 2021, 2:04 AM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [QRPLabs] removing SM ICs Hans, if you don't have one, pick up a Chinese hot air station.? They are dirt cheap.? Useful for all sorts of things from actual hot air solder rework to heat shrink to arts and crafts even.? Just unplug them when not in use!?
As for the comment on the "rolling ball" solder... You do not need special solder.? What you need is liquid flux.? If you have a decent masked board then you can flux the pin row and just roll a ball of solder down the row and get results like you pasted and masked the board or even reflowed it.? The same flux technique can be used with hot air if it seems like you might have cold joints.? ?It works to clean up pads before placing new ICs as well.?
SMD work needs liquid flux and don't be shy about it. No you actually need more!??
Butane lighter fluid makes an okay clean up for any flux (since CFCs are now banned)... So don't be shy.
Happy to hear that you found some STMs Hans.? I was going to say that Newark is showing batches of a few hundred coming in over the next few months.? Mouser is saying 75 weeks! We live in interesting times.? ?I'm looking for you when I am on those sites for work.?
I like to develop with the ST ARM processors but I am wondering if I should not start learning some other manufacturers tools at this point.? They are about the worst hit of any manufacturer.?
Fred W0FMS?
On Sat, Oct 30, 2021, 3:39 PM Mike Perry, WA4MP < editor@...> wrote: Louis Rossmann repairs Macs and is one of the leaders in the right to repair movement. Many of the videos on his YouTube channel teach laptop repair to others. That includes working with SMDs. To see a list of all his videos on SMD replacement, you can go to his channel and search for ¡°replacing SMD¡±.
Here¡¯s one of those videos, "Replacing SMD components without burning neighboring connectors without hot tweezers."
Hope that¡¯s helpful. I have a lot of respect for those bold enough to do this level of repair. I fear I would fry everything.
¡ªMike Perry, WA4MP
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Re: New QDX complete - no work.
Note also that QDX must have a working 25MHz clock (the TCXO module). If this is not the case then the microcontroller chip would use its own internal 8MHz oscillator. The microcontroller would work... But it would not correctly synthesize the correct internal 48 MHz oscillator needed for the USB peripheral. So that would result in no USB devices showing up.?
QDX has even tested on Linux (XUbuntu 18.04 and I have had reports of success with RPi and other Linux flavours), Apple Mac, and Windows 10. As described in the manual, earlier windows versions need a driver installation for the Virtual COM serial driver... Though not the Audio and the firmware update (USB Flash drive), which work on any Windows version without driver installations.?
73 Hans G0UPL http://qrp-labs.com
-------- Original message -------- From: Shirley Dulcey KE1L <mark@...> Date: Sun, Oct 31, 2021, 10:08 AM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [QRPLabs] New QDX complete - no work. The QDX is a composite USB device that contains two USB devices: a USB serial virtual port for CAT control, and an audio interface for the digital mode data. All of those should appear in their appropriate places in the Device Manager. It will also be recognized as multiple devices in Linux; check the system log when you plug it in and you should see them recognized.
If NO new USB devices appear when you plug in the QDX, your computer isn't seeing it at all. Make sure your USB cable is good; substitute another cable if you have one handy. Aside from that, it indicates?a problem somewhere in the QDX, which could be anything from a problem with the microcontroller to a badly soldered USB port. (The power light is turning on so at least you know the board is getting power.)
Windows 10 should automatically load all the necessary drivers if you are connected to the?internet. If you are running a really early build of Windows 10 that might not work. For earlier versions of Windows you need to download a driver from the ST Microelectronics website. If you see any new devices with an exclamation point next to them in Device Manager you have a driver issue. On the Linux side, any distro with a reasonably current Linux kernel should have support built in and recognize everything automatically.
On Sun, Oct 31, 2021 at 2:21 AM Alan G4ZFQ < alan4alan@...> wrote:
>? ? ?Anyone else having comms trouble?? Is there a special driver out
>? ? ?there that I can get?
Tony
Do you see it in Device Manager?
My QLG2 shows as COM 12 "USB Serial Device" it is the same processor as
the QDX so should be the same. See screenshot.
Windows should install the driver. Try all available USB ports, they are
often different even on the same computer.
If not follow the driver link in the manual and try installing that.
73 Alan G4ZFQ
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Re: How does PTT work in QCX mini?
Hi Mike?
This is not a change with QCX-mini Rev 3.?
All QCX-mini PCB revisions have the same PTT output jack connections with the positive-going PTT signal on the "ring". This is the same as on the 50W PA and a simple standard common stereo audio cable may be used (Dollarstore, Poundland, whatever).?
The explanatory text at page 80 of the manual is also not new and is found also in the manual for PCB Rev 1 and 2 QCX-mini.?
The only kit that had PTT tip and ring swapped, was QCX+ PCB Rev 1 and 2. Rather than live with my design error I chose to correct it in QCX+ PCB Rev 3 and all PCB revisions of QCX-mini.
Therefore other than QCX+ Rev 1 and Rev 2, all other QCX+ and all QCX-mini are the same as the 50W PA.?
73 Hans G0UPL http://qrp-labs.com
-------- Original message -------- From: "Mike Perry, WA4MP" <editor@...> Date: Sat, Oct 30, 2021, 11:54 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [QRPLabs] How does PTT work in QCX mini? The just-out Rev 3 manual has a good explanation on page 80. Notice the change that has come with Rev 3. It is an improvement and a simple rewiring will make early models consistent.
> PTT output
>
> The PTT output is at the ring of the 5V/PTT connector jack. This signal is 0V when the QCX-mini is in Receive mode, and +5V when the QCX-mini is in Transmit mode. If you are connecting the QCX-mini to the companion 50W PA kit, then this signal has to be connected to the 50W PA kit to cause it to switch to Transmit mode. A standard 3.5mm stereo audio cable can be used (having a 3.5mm stereo jack plug on each end).
>
> Note that the pinout of the 5V/PTT connector is not the same as the Rev1/2 QCX+ PCBs. In the QCX+, ring is +5V and tip is PTT. This has the disadvantage that plugging in a cable while the QCX+ is powered, can short the +5V to ground. Another disadvantage is that standard 3.5mm stereo audio cables can¡¯t be used. For this reason, complete compatibility was broken in this instance. If you wish to use a 50W PA kit with either QCX+ or QCX-mini, the QCX+ manual contains details of the very simple modification needed to swap the tip and ring connections in the QCX+.
You can download a PDF here http://qrp-labs.com/qcxmini
¡ªMike Perry, WA4MP
> On Oct 30, 2021, at 3:42 pm, CW Morse <RadioPrinceGeorge@...> wrote:
>
> Searching for PTT in the QCX mini manual gets no hits.? It seems that you need to use a TRS plug, not just a TS plug.? The Ring seems to go from 0 to 5v on key down and follows keying.? Have I got it right?
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Re: New QDX complete - no work.
The QDX is a composite USB device that contains two USB devices: a USB serial virtual port for CAT control, and an audio interface for the digital mode data. All of those should appear in their appropriate places in the Device Manager. It will also be recognized as multiple devices in Linux; check the system log when you plug it in and you should see them recognized.
If NO new USB devices appear when you plug in the QDX, your computer isn't seeing it at all. Make sure your USB cable is good; substitute another cable if you have one handy. Aside from that, it indicates?a problem somewhere in the QDX, which could be anything from a problem with the microcontroller to a badly soldered USB port. (The power light is turning on so at least you know the board is getting power.)
Windows 10 should automatically load all the necessary drivers if you are connected to the?internet. If you are running a really early build of Windows 10 that might not work. For earlier versions of Windows you need to download a driver from the ST Microelectronics website. If you see any new devices with an exclamation point next to them in Device Manager you have a driver issue. On the Linux side, any distro with a reasonably current Linux kernel should have support built in and recognize everything automatically.
On Sun, Oct 31, 2021 at 2:21 AM Alan G4ZFQ < alan4alan@...> wrote:
>? ? ?Anyone else having comms trouble?? Is there a special driver out
>? ? ?there that I can get?
Tony
Do you see it in Device Manager?
My QLG2 shows as COM 12 "USB Serial Device" it is the same processor as
the QDX so should be the same. See screenshot.
Windows should install the driver. Try all available USB ports, they are
often different even on the same computer.
If not follow the driver link in the manual and try installing that.
73 Alan G4ZFQ
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Re: QDX Build Videos Thread
And now: Part 5: TCXO Installation! ? -- Ryan Flowers - W7RLF
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Re: QCX+ 40M Factory Assembled, TCXO
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Re: QCX+ 40M Factory Assembled, TCXO
Disregard my last message. I¡¯m blind and didn¡¯t see 40m in the title
Fred?
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My QDX arrived today and I've started the build!
Anyone have a recommendation on where to source a barrel DC power connector (2.1 x 5.5)? I made a bad assumption that the kit came with one and now I have a transceiver and no way to power it :)
73
Jason
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Re: New QDX complete - no work.
Anyone else having comms trouble?? Is there a special driver out
there that I can get? Tony Do you see it in Device Manager? My QLG2 shows as COM 12 "USB Serial Device" it is the same processor as the QDX so should be the same. See screenshot. Windows should install the driver. Try all available USB ports, they are often different even on the same computer. If not follow the driver link in the manual and try installing that. 73 Alan G4ZFQ
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Re: New QDX complete - no work.
If you go into device manager, what do you see for the driverless devices?? The fact that it showed up at all means that USB was talking on the unit.? Maybe not correctly but not dead.? ?But I expect that you might see information there about the devices that are missing drivers.? You might be able to find compatible ones at St Microelectronics.?
Do you have ANY sort of Linux?device?? Like a Raspberry?Pi perhaps?? Maybe try it over there.? It's easy from Linux to get the USB ID for a device. You could then compare it with what virtual devices are supposed to be there.?
I don't have mine done yet but am on the way.? I decided to build it for 9V though and still need to work out the details of what I am going to use for a supply still... So it may be a week?or two before I attempt to hook up to a Windows machine.
Did you try both USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports on the computer?? Through a hub?? Through different USB A-B cables?
Sometimes some USB 2 devices don't work correctly in a USB 3 port. Don't know if that is the case here but might be worth verifying.?
Just throwing out ideas.?
Good luck,?
Fred W0FMS?
On Sat, Oct 30, 2021, 10:29 PM Tony McUmber < 1tonymc@...> wrote: Lest anyone misunderstand, "no work" does not imply that there was no effort to construct this little jewel.? And it surely is cute, what with its little LED and all!? Got the package on the 29th (it shipped on the 28th!) of October and began working on it as soon as feasible.? Of course, I did everything right, incurred no solder bridges nor voids, every step went smoothly, all parts fit, the new grab-bag of toroid construction variety was thrilling and educational.? Just utter perfection!? Note: parts of the preceding might be fiction or fiction-related.
All did go smoothly, and all the checks along the way went as they should have, as far as my limited skills permitted.? The little red light did light up as hoped/expected.? Unfortunately, my Windows 10 computer tells me it does not recognize the new device and refuses to communicate with it.? Microsoft says I have all the drivers available and all my updates are complete, not to mention (thank goodness) that my machine is not eligible for upgrade to Win 11.
So, here I sit, unable to continue or to troubleshoot.
Anyone else having comms trouble?? Is there a special driver out there that I can get?
I noted that my cheap bench power supply failed at some time since last use and could only offer me about .2V out.? Time to get a new one, I reckon.? I'll check its internal fuse first, of course.? My backup-battery provided a solid 12.8 V for my testing but my computer refused to cooperate.
I hope others are having better results, although I must say that this was in fact the best construction job I have done.? It remains to be seen where I screwed things up.
Thanks for all help, as usual.
73, Tony N0BPA
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New QDX complete - no work.
Lest anyone misunderstand, "no work" does not imply that there was no effort to construct this little jewel.? And it surely is cute, what with its little LED and all!? Got the package on the 29th (it shipped on the 28th!) of October and began working on it as soon as feasible.? Of course, I did everything right, incurred no solder bridges nor voids, every step went smoothly, all parts fit, the new grab-bag of toroid construction variety was thrilling and educational.? Just utter perfection!? Note: parts of the preceding might be fiction or fiction-related.
All did go smoothly, and all the checks along the way went as they should have, as far as my limited skills permitted.? The little red light did light up as hoped/expected.? Unfortunately, my Windows 10 computer tells me it does not recognize the new device and refuses to communicate with it.? Microsoft says I have all the drivers available and all my updates are complete, not to mention (thank goodness) that my machine is not eligible for upgrade to Win 11.
So, here I sit, unable to continue or to troubleshoot.
Anyone else having comms trouble?? Is there a special driver out there that I can get?
I noted that my cheap bench power supply failed at some time since last use and could only offer me about .2V out.? Time to get a new one, I reckon.? I'll check its internal fuse first, of course.? My backup-battery provided a solid 12.8 V for my testing but my computer refused to cooperate.
I hope others are having better results, although I must say that this was in fact the best construction job I have done.? It remains to be seen where I screwed things up.
Thanks for all help, as usual.
73, Tony N0BPA
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Re: QDX Build Videos Thread
And as promised Part 4: PA Transistors:? This one took longer to edit than it did to do install the PA transistors ;)? -- Ryan Flowers - W7RLF
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Re: QDX Build Videos Thread
Whoo hoo!? Still ahead of you!? :). OK teasing.? I had another unexpected block of time tonight.? It will be it for awhile though.?
Videos look good.? At least you are having fun with it.? :)
It's not going together badly at all.? The tapped toroids always give me fits.? My fine motor skills apparently are not up to making those look perfect.? But except for that smooth sailing and going faster than planned.?
Fred W0FMS?
Part 3: Diodes, is up! Part 4P PA Transistors will be coming tonight too.
--
Ryan Flowers - W7RLF
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Pen of course is acceptable but more expensive.? The stuff lasts a long?time, probably a couple years after expiration and a bottle goes a long way.? So I use a QTIP or one of my insulin syringes (which in most of the US you can buy over the counter at a pharmacy) instead of a pen.? When you mess it up, throw it away.? No cleanup needed.?
I prefer paste for leaded devices when needed but it makes a mess with SMT unless the pads are huge like on voltage regulators and power transistors.? But the liquid works fine on leaded parts too.? Just harder to use.?
If you have not tried it on SMT parts you should.? It's amazing the first time you roll that ball of solder and it works.?
Really once you get it down, you loosely tack a lead in one corner, straighten out the part, loosely tack the other corner and then roll the ball from the opposite?side from the tack towards the tack on all sides with the iron.? You can make it look like a pick and place that way...
Fred W0FMS?
On Sat, Oct 30, 2021, 6:43 PM Glenn < glennp@...> wrote: Totally agree with Fred.
Working with smd without liquid flux either as a liquid or in a flux pen is making things hard on yourself.
And a Hot air station , ditto.
glenn
vk3pe
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Re: QDX Build Videos Thread
Part 3: Diodes, is up! Part 4P PA Transistors will be coming tonight too. -- Ryan Flowers - W7RLF
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Re: QDX Build Videos Thread
On Sat, Oct 30, 2021 at 05:47 PM, w2eck wrote:
What power magnifier is your lamp? Where did u get it?
73 Paul W2ECK?
Hi Paul, the magnifier is 5X according to the manufacturer. Links are on my site:? There are links to where I got it, banggood.com, but they're selling the same thing on Amazon I think. Links to both are in the blog post :)? ? -- Ryan Flowers - W7RLF
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Shirley Dulcey KE1L
Fred McIntire
Fred Spinner