Adam,
The audio level is set correctly.
Transmit shows S???? 3 blinks then pause
PSK reporter shows reception reports up to 6000 miles on 3 bands. 80 is closed now.
Also, I opened PuTTy and checked all sub-headings. Everything looks good to me with the filters, transmit and audio levels. I did a factory reset while I was there.
Dean
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Hi Don
I keep on hand several ARRL reviews as reference for when I am trying to compare QRP Labs rig performance with others. In particular I have the ARRL reviews of the Elecraft KX2 and K3S. These are very well respected radios and of importance because unlike many big-name manufacturers, Elecraft are known to give high priority to good CW operational characteristics.?
The following are the ARRL measurements of delay from key-down to start of RF envelope:?
QCX-mini 1ms QCX 2ms KX2 13ms K3S 11ms
If QMX has 10ms delay isn't it already?beating Elecraft K3S and KX2, or am I misunderstanding something? What are your other rigs that have 1ms delays from key-down to RF starting?
Of course I want QMX to be as good as possibly?possible. So I can look to make it faster but I'd like to understand the complaint better first.?
I measured about 10 millisecond delay from key to beginning of transmitted element. Quite significant above 20 WPM, nearly impossible at 35. I didn't measure much difference between RF and the sidetone audio. The element has additional delay from the start of the transmission until it reaches maximum amplitude (for narrow bandwidth) so that delay is even more. I've noticed that on the early QCX as well and have gone to using an external keyer and using that sidetone instead. Most other rigs that I have have a 1 millisecond delay at most. You can get used to it after a while, re-training you reflexes. A bit like steering a big Caterpillar 966 loader: You need to start a maneuver considerably before you need it. I hear big ships are the same way.
It was initially more of a nightmare but Hans has cured the variable timing issue in the firmware now. Before that a lot of other operators were asking for my SKCC number although I was using a paddle. :-)
12 WPM or straight key works the best on the QMX.
GL,
Don
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Re: Dire need for a part!
Great idea Karl.? I just joined!
Bob WA1EDJ
I have started a group named "C509" right here on for parts. When my QMX was missing an SMD capacitor C509, Rick, NF6G sent me a few in an envelope. The intent of group C509 is for all of us to list what we have excess and are willing to send. Source should be indicated as well.
--
73
Karl
KI4ZUQ
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QMX Kit 76444 ordered Aug 14 has the short at Q103 / Q104.
Here is the irony. I knew that this was a problem, and I know I should have checked it first or spent the time setting up my regulated power supply, but in my excitement of finishing the kit, I did not and the smoke came out. I have pre-ordered a replacement power supply board, and now I would like to give a go at hot air reworking, something I have no experience with. In the past I made do with a fine tip iron with lots of paste and wick to get them off. However, I now have a board that I can learn with, so I am shopping for an inexpensive hot air rework station, kapton tape and flux pen on Amazon. I also bought an inexpensive Adonstar AD206 microscope and that is a game changer for my ageing eyes. Very pleased with it, and great for removing slivers from my fingers as well.
?Could some kind soul please provide a link to the suggest replacement part for D101 -?1N4148?on Digikey or Mouser?
Thank you,
Jim
VE3ULC
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It lives! Another QMX on the air!
I'm pleased to report after meticulous and painstaking care in following the (detailed and excellent) directions I have completed the construction of my QMX kit.
The troubleshooting steps in the manual were GREATLY appreciated - Having diagrams of where to check for continuity was very helpful, and helped me catch a solder joint with enameled wire that did not quite burn through.
I will say I had a somewhat tough time getting the LPF toroids to fit in between the caps and thru-hole inductors, and the controls board needed some finagling to get through the display board, but it did all work out in the end, to my surprise and relief.
I have confirmed acceptable power out levels on all bands in CW and it connects to my PC, but I have yet to truly put it through its paces.? I was able to get FT8CN on my android to decode, but there was no power out on TX windows and I was unable to figure out why.? I have yet to sort out how to get it to connect to AndFLMsg as well - If I can get those two to connect I will have a pretty fantastic vest pocket portable station.
Good luck to the other builders out there, I hope your luck holds as well as mine!
-N1EDC
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On 05/09/2023 13:30, Alan G4ZFQ via groups.io wrote: WSJT-X v 2.6.1 shows all 4 of my QDXs as Mono/Left/Right input. Your audio device looks like a Mono only input?
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I measured about 10 millisecond delay from key to beginning of transmitted element. Quite significant above 20 WPM, nearly impossible at 35. I didn't measure much difference between RF and the sidetone audio. The element has additional delay from the start of the transmission until it reaches maximum amplitude (for narrow bandwidth) so that delay is even more. I've noticed that on the early QCX as well and have gone to using an external keyer and using that sidetone instead. Most other rigs that I have have a 1 millisecond delay at most. You can get used to it after a while, re-training you reflexes. A bit like steering a big Caterpillar 966 loader: You need to start a maneuver considerably before you need it. I hear big ships are the same way.
It was initially more of a nightmare but Hans has cured the variable timing issue in the firmware now. Before that a lot of other operators were asking for my SKCC number although I was using a paddle. :-)
12 WPM or straight key works the best on the QMX.
GL,
Don
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On 05/09/2023 12:33, Dean, N2TNN wrote: when I click the right side drop down menu I can only put the input to "right" and the output to "both". Dean, What version of WSJT-X? Windows? Any VAC? My Windows/WSJT-X v 2.6.1 shows all 4 of my QDXs as Mono/Left/Right input. Mono/Left/Right/Both output. I have presumed that is set by what the OS tells WSJT-X and what WSJT-X needs. The default is Mono, I see no reason to change. 73 Alan G4ZFQ
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Re: Dire need for a part!
When I started to tinker with usdx pcb designs I got all my parts from sources like aliexpress etc. And learned the hard way that nothing is what is advertised spec wise.?
I spent days to figure out what is wrong with my pcb circuit!?
Then a friend of mine working for motorola rf design dept helped me to find out what was wrong. It was the out of spec parts that I procured from all over the world from non reputable sources.
I put together the very same pcb with parts from digikey and mouser and voila it worked in first try!?
Trust me it is not worth to risk all for a shipment cost.
73
Barb WB2CBA
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Re: Dire need for a part!
Dear Karl,
You can put me down as a member of the C509 Group.?? I have a Large stash of parts and a lot of QRP Labs kit parts. Especially for U3S, QCX, and now some for QDX. and I don't mind sharing.
Dave Hassall WA5DJJ?? EMAIL ADDRESS and SNAILMAIL ADDRESS GOOD ON QRZ.
73 Dave WA5DJJ
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Re: Dire need for a part!
I believe Walmart just allows other vendors to advertise on there website.? Similar to what Amazon does.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:14
On Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at 07:14:36 AM EDT, Karl via groups.io <karlshumaker@...> wrote:
I have started a group named "C509" right here on groups.io for parts. When my QMX was missing an SMD capacitor C509, Rick, NF6G sent me a few in an envelope. The intent of group C509 is for all of us to list what we have excess and are willing to send. Source should be indicated as well.
--
73
Karl
KI4ZUQ
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Adam,
Concerning the audio question...
In WSJT when setting up the radio under the AUDIO tab I see QDX for input and output. But, when I click the right side drop down menu I can only put the input to "right" and the output to "both".
Why is that and is that correct?
Dean
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Allison,
Thanks for the reply. My set up is a 60 something foot wire up about 35 feet. It is connected to a ceramic thru-hull fitting. The 100 watt UNUN is in the building, grounded to a 8 foot ground rod and the coax is inside out of the weather. Now, my old setup was all outdoors which is where the loss in performance started a few months ago. New antenna and same lousy results.
I just built a high band kit yesterday and will get it on the air this morning. I know it's different frequencies but I'll report if there is improvement..
Thanks again,
Dean
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Dick,
That is very interesting concerning the computer processor speed. It is a fairly new machine running Windows 11 and does constant computing. I will shut down all processes and only use WSJT and Logview to see if there is improvement.
I also have to get back to Adam to answer his questions but I also like his description of the Microprocessor duties.
I might have to fire up PuTTy and check the settings.......
Thank you!
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Re: Easy Linux access to QMX via PuTTY
mike/w1mt <w1mt.qrp@...> wrote: I use something like:
history | grep putty In bash, you could also use Ctrl-R and type putty. I just added QMX profile to PuTTY and use: putty -load qmx I also have an udev rule so it always symlinks appropriate tty to /dev/ttyQMX.
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Re: Dire need for a part!
I have started a group named "C509" right here on groups.io for parts. When my QMX was missing an SMD capacitor C509, Rick, NF6G sent me a few in an envelope. The intent of group C509 is for all of us to list what we have excess and are willing to send. Source should be indicated as well.
--
73
Karl
KI4ZUQ
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Re: #qmx Don’t Use USB-C PD to power your QMX?!
#qmx
Don,
I assumed the added current limiting resistance. ?It’s just that I had not seen this as a recommendation to protect the QMX and control the ?usable voltage to the advised 12 volts. A friend recently recommended that I use a 12 volt Zener in my supply line from my batteries because fully charged they are over 13 volts…… versus the “standard” diodes in series and having to short them out as the battery voltage dropped.?
Thanks for your thoughts. ?I am still learning after 63 years in this wonderful hobby.
Dave David J. Wilcox’s iPad
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Sep 4, 2023, at 11:21 AM, Donald S Brant Jr <dsbrantjr@...> wrote:
?On Mon, Sep 4, 2023 at 05:31 AM, David Wilcox K8WPE wrote:
?I have not seen the advice to use a 12 v zener diode to just limit the voltage to 12 volts for the QMX, etc
You cannot just connect a Zener diode across the DC input without something to limit the current or it will just blow up as soon as the voltage exceeds the breakdown voltage. 73, Don N2VGU
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Over my recent use with QMX I think I have noticed a very small delay between keying and sidetone, which at 20wpm causesnme some sending errors.
I thought it may have been me having a bad day, but don't thin so and yesterday someone else mentioned it on Facebook.
It seems to have a "hair's breadth" delay. Anyone else spotted this? A search here revealed nothing.
Cheers
Daimon?
G4USI
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Re: Easy Linux access to QMX via PuTTY
Nick,
I use something like:
history | grep putty
This finds all the previous command that contained the string putty
then I can choose the one I want to enter again. Works on most shells.
-mike/w1mt
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Re: Easy Linux access to QMX via PuTTY
Hi Mike,
Thanks for making that clear. I'm running default Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and not being a power-user I hadn't appreciated the Linux/shell distinction. I guess another option is to edit the bash.rc file to create a permanent alias for the required command.
- Nick.
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Don, ND6T
Barb WB2CBA
Karl
David Wilcox K8WPE