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Re: Request for QMX troubleshooting guidance

 

开云体育

John,

?

I think you’ve nailed it. On temporarily disabling SWR protection, Tx goes high on key-down. On re-enabling SWR protection Tx stays low.

?

Yes, a dummy load is connected to the BNC jack.

?

Now back to troubleshooting but from a different angle.

?

Thanks again,

-Lloyd (wa4efs)

?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of John Z
Sent: Monday, February 5, 2024 8:48 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [QRPLabs] Request for QMX troubleshooting guidance

?

Some additional thoughts. Perhaps your unit is simply trying to protect itself.

Are you running QMX into a dummy load?

Has SWR protection kicked in?

What do your diagnostic screens say about TX enabled?

?

JZ

?

On Mon, Feb 5, 2024, 8:29?AM John Z via <jdzbrozek=[email protected]> wrote:

Lloyd,

?

Thinking about this a bit more,? it is possible that CLK2 is also keyed. That might be necessary for full break-in operation.

Still, not seeing transitions on TX is a bad sign.

Previous recommendations still apply.

?

JZ

?

On Mon, Feb 5, 2024, 8:16?AM John Z via <jdzbrozek=[email protected]> wrote:

Lloyd,

?

"I should have noted that Tx is not shorted to ground (a little over 100K)"

?

- OK? that looks good!

?

"Per your suggestion I verified continuity between the MPU Tx pin and one of the 7408's Tx inputs. That is also good."

?

Yes, agreed!

?

"Maybe the end of the road. Unless, since RF is only present at the 7408 on key-down, could the gating inputs be jury-rigged to 3.3v —just a thought."

Now that is a puzzle! What you describe here does not sound correct to me. The TX line, as I understand it, should be what conveys the key-down/key-up modulation to the PA, not via CLK2.?

You might perform a factory reset and repeat the test. A reload of the FW and a factory reset might be next.

Finally, you might choose to send your unit to Jeff Moore for diagnosis and repair. If the problem is other than a damaged MCU or a PC board defect, he stands a very good chance of being able to find and fix it.

I would not recommend the mod you proposed due to potential unintended (possibly 'blue smoke') consequences.

JZ

?

?

?

On Mon, Feb 5, 2024, 7:45?AM Lloyd Milligan <himself@...> wrote:

Thanks John.

?

I should have noted that Tx is not shorted to ground (a little over 100K).

?

Per your suggestion I verified continuity between the MPU Tx pin and one of the 7408's Tx inputs. That is also good.

?

Maybe the end of the road. Unless, since RF is only present at the 7408 on key-down, could the gating inputs be jury-rigged to 3.3v —just a thought.

?

-Lloyd (wa4efs)

?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of John Z
Sent: Saturday, February 3, 2024 5:42 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [QRPLabs] Request for QMX troubleshooting guidance

?

Lloyd,

?

With power off, check the resistance from TX to ground. Is it low/shorted?

?

Check for continuity from the MCU TX pin to the '08 TX inputs. Is the solder joint at the MCU pin good?

?

JZ

?

On Sat, Feb 3, 2024, 3:35?PM Lloyd Milligan <himself@...> wrote:

Hello,

?

I have just completed assembly of the 20-to-10 meter QMX. Controls and inputs are good (firmware 1_00_014). Receive works very well—great sensitivity. However, no RF output on any band.

?

On key-down, CLK2 makes it through the XORs but not through the 7408. The latter’s Tx inputs (2, 3, 10, 13) do not change state on key-down (The IC has power and the CLK2 inputs have signal). Thus there is no RF input to the BS170s. I would be grateful for a suggestion as to where to check next.

?

Thank you,

Lloyd (wa4efs)
interesting problem

 

On my low band qmx, I was sending cq with a paddle and the internal keyer. ?several times the rig locked into transmit with the key down. ?I had to pull the power cord to get it to stop. ?Any ideas?
Re: Birdie on 7030.02 and 7030.47 QMX #qmx

 

That birdie has been there for years, all over the world.? I hear it here in KS whenever the band is open to wherever it comes from.? I suspect it's a military channel marker from Russia or someplace like that.

W0EB

------ Original Message ------
From "Simon G0FCU" <simon@...>
Date 2/5/2024 9:22:15 AM
Subject Re: [QRPLabs] Birdie on 7030.02 and 7030.47 QMX #qmx

Hi Adrian,

you make a good point but I thought Hans had designed the software so as to move SMPS birdies away from the band of operation. As I have not noticed the tone before I guess it could be from new interference. I shall take the QMX away from the house sometime and see if the tone is still audible.

73 Simon
G0FCU

Re: QCX Firmware Update

 

Hello Howard,

You don't have to unplug the display. As soon as the programming software has finished the verify procedure, the QCX re-starts with the new firmware. With a display you can folliw wha happens. I've done this multiple times. GL!
Re: Birdie on 7030.02 and 7030.47 QMX #qmx

 

Hi Adrian,

you make a good point but I thought Hans had designed the software so as to move SMPS birdies away from the band of operation. As I have not noticed the tone before I guess it could be from new interference. I shall take the QMX away from the house sometime and see if the tone is still audible.

73 Simon
G0FCU
Re: QMX on a stick - a minimalistic SOTA activation #qmx

 

Matt,
A friend of mine was on cover of qst with a similar back pack setup.? I emailed him and asked about that.? he connects his antenna directly to the radio and said that since there was no coax to radiate he did not use a choke. he uses a drag wire for counter poise and points it toward the station by walking away.?

Ill have fun playing with mine.
--
regards,
Bryan, N0LUF
Re: Birdie on 7030.02 and 7030.47 QMX #qmx

 

Hello Simon,

Rev. 2 board with 015 alpha here, powered from 3x 18650 and with a dummy load connected. Shut down the UPS, PC and display, disconnected the USB cable. I can hear two "big ones" at 7029.32 and 7029.77 respectively, on digimode, USB.
I can also hear one on 10108.40 and another on 14011.50. In 80m, I found one around 3605. I guess it's bound to be one or two in each band, possibly from the SMPS modules.

But, with all the RF garbage floating around nowadays, I guess you cannot tell 100% unless you go to a RF lab with one of those special chambers :-)

If one would live alone in the country, you could try switching the house main breaker off and power the QMX from batteries (no PD bricks or buck/boost converters), connect a dummy load and see if you can still hear them. But if you dwell in a block of flats in the middle of the city (like me) there's only so much you can do :-)

Regards,
YO3GFH
op. Adrian
Re: best option for remote WSPR beacon?

 

If you want simultaneous multiband transmitter operation you might be interested in the WSPRSONDE, an eight-channel, 1W? WSPR / FST4W-120/300 transmitter I am developing.? This is an evolution of the "Beacon Blaster 6", a six-channel unit that has been successfully used for ionospheric research during last October's solar eclipse.? The WSPRSONDE has improved RF performance and simplified mechanical construction, and I plan to have this ready well in time for the upcoming April eclipse.? These units are designed for the community, but they can of course be used as a normal ham beacon.? Here's a link:?

I really like my several QDXs, but for WSPR and FST4W operation you might want to stabilize the internal clock.? The frequency drift (caused mainly by transmitter heating) can be a problem.? WSPR is somewhat tolerant of frequency drift, but if you are measuring ionospheric Doppler shift then the transmitter drift completely masks this.? FST4W does not tolerate drift, so transmit and receive) stability is critical.? I have developed an external reference clock adaptor for the QDX, and many of these are in use:??and?


--
Paul Elliott - WB6CXC
Birdie on 7030.02 and 7030.47 QMX #qmx

 

I updated the firmware of my QMX to the alpha version .015 that Hans posted last week. Before I got into checking it out I noticed a birdie/constant tone on 7030.02 kHz, I've not noticed this before but that doesn't mean it was not there. 7030.01 and 7030.03 are clear so it is obviously generated within the QMX. Thinking it was a .015 issue I reinstalled .014 but the issue remains. I also notice a similar but weaker tone on 7030.47.

Anyone else got a similar tone on these frequencies or any suggestions (because now I've noticed it I cannot un-notice it!)

73 Simon
G0FCU.
Re: Request for QMX troubleshooting guidance

 

Some additional thoughts. Perhaps your unit is simply trying to protect itself.
Are you running QMX into a dummy load?
Has SWR protection kicked in?
What do your diagnostic screens say about TX enabled?

JZ

On Mon, Feb 5, 2024, 8:29?AM John Z via <jdzbrozek=[email protected]> wrote:
Lloyd,

Thinking about this a bit more,? it is possible that CLK2 is also keyed. That might be necessary for full break-in operation.
Still, not seeing transitions on TX is a bad sign.
Previous recommendations still apply.

JZ

On Mon, Feb 5, 2024, 8:16?AM John Z via <jdzbrozek=[email protected]> wrote:
Lloyd,

"I should have noted that Tx is not shorted to ground (a little over 100K)"

- OK? that looks good!

"Per your suggestion I verified continuity between the MPU Tx pin and one of the 7408's Tx inputs. That is also good."

Yes, agreed!

"Maybe the end of the road. Unless, since RF is only present at the 7408 on key-down, could the gating inputs be jury-rigged to 3.3v —just a thought."

Now that is a puzzle! What you describe here does not sound correct to me. The TX line, as I understand it, should be what conveys the key-down/key-up modulation to the PA, not via CLK2.?

You might perform a factory reset and repeat the test. A reload of the FW and a factory reset might be next.

Finally, you might choose to send your unit to Jeff Moore for diagnosis and repair. If the problem is other than a damaged MCU or a PC board defect, he stands a very good chance of being able to find and fix it.

I would not recommend the mod you proposed due to potential unintended (possibly 'blue smoke') consequences.

JZ


?


On Mon, Feb 5, 2024, 7:45?AM Lloyd Milligan <himself@...> wrote:

Thanks John.

?

I should have noted that Tx is not shorted to ground (a little over 100K).

?

Per your suggestion I verified continuity between the MPU Tx pin and one of the 7408's Tx inputs. That is also good.

?

Maybe the end of the road. Unless, since RF is only present at the 7408 on key-down, could the gating inputs be jury-rigged to 3.3v —just a thought.

?

-Lloyd (wa4efs)

?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of John Z
Sent: Saturday, February 3, 2024 5:42 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [QRPLabs] Request for QMX troubleshooting guidance

?

Lloyd,

?

With power off, check the resistance from TX to ground. Is it low/shorted?

?

Check for continuity from the MCU TX pin to the '08 TX inputs. Is the solder joint at the MCU pin good?

?

JZ

?

On Sat, Feb 3, 2024, 3:35?PM Lloyd Milligan <himself@...> wrote:

Hello,

?

I have just completed assembly of the 20-to-10 meter QMX. Controls and inputs are good (firmware 1_00_014). Receive works very well—great sensitivity. However, no RF output on any band.

?

On key-down, CLK2 makes it through the XORs but not through the 7408. The latter’s Tx inputs (2, 3, 10, 13) do not change state on key-down (The IC has power and the CLK2 inputs have signal). Thus there is no RF input to the BS170s. I would be grateful for a suggestion as to where to check next.

?

Thank you,

Lloyd (wa4efs)
Re: Request for QMX troubleshooting guidance

 

Lloyd,

Thinking about this a bit more,? it is possible that CLK2 is also keyed. That might be necessary for full break-in operation.
Still, not seeing transitions on TX is a bad sign.
Previous recommendations still apply.

JZ

On Mon, Feb 5, 2024, 8:16?AM John Z via <jdzbrozek=[email protected]> wrote:
Lloyd,

"I should have noted that Tx is not shorted to ground (a little over 100K)"

- OK? that looks good!

"Per your suggestion I verified continuity between the MPU Tx pin and one of the 7408's Tx inputs. That is also good."

Yes, agreed!

"Maybe the end of the road. Unless, since RF is only present at the 7408 on key-down, could the gating inputs be jury-rigged to 3.3v —just a thought."

Now that is a puzzle! What you describe here does not sound correct to me. The TX line, as I understand it, should be what conveys the key-down/key-up modulation to the PA, not via CLK2.?

You might perform a factory reset and repeat the test. A reload of the FW and a factory reset might be next.

Finally, you might choose to send your unit to Jeff Moore for diagnosis and repair. If the problem is other than a damaged MCU or a PC board defect, he stands a very good chance of being able to find and fix it.

I would not recommend the mod you proposed due to potential unintended (possibly 'blue smoke') consequences.

JZ


?


On Mon, Feb 5, 2024, 7:45?AM Lloyd Milligan <himself@...> wrote:

Thanks John.

?

I should have noted that Tx is not shorted to ground (a little over 100K).

?

Per your suggestion I verified continuity between the MPU Tx pin and one of the 7408's Tx inputs. That is also good.

?

Maybe the end of the road. Unless, since RF is only present at the 7408 on key-down, could the gating inputs be jury-rigged to 3.3v —just a thought.

?

-Lloyd (wa4efs)

?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of John Z
Sent: Saturday, February 3, 2024 5:42 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [QRPLabs] Request for QMX troubleshooting guidance

?

Lloyd,

?

With power off, check the resistance from TX to ground. Is it low/shorted?

?

Check for continuity from the MCU TX pin to the '08 TX inputs. Is the solder joint at the MCU pin good?

?

JZ

?

On Sat, Feb 3, 2024, 3:35?PM Lloyd Milligan <himself@...> wrote:

Hello,

?

I have just completed assembly of the 20-to-10 meter QMX. Controls and inputs are good (firmware 1_00_014). Receive works very well—great sensitivity. However, no RF output on any band.

?

On key-down, CLK2 makes it through the XORs but not through the 7408. The latter’s Tx inputs (2, 3, 10, 13) do not change state on key-down (The IC has power and the CLK2 inputs have signal). Thus there is no RF input to the BS170s. I would be grateful for a suggestion as to where to check next.

?

Thank you,

Lloyd (wa4efs)
Re: Request for QMX troubleshooting guidance

 

Lloyd,

"I should have noted that Tx is not shorted to ground (a little over 100K)"

- OK? that looks good!

"Per your suggestion I verified continuity between the MPU Tx pin and one of the 7408's Tx inputs. That is also good."

Yes, agreed!

"Maybe the end of the road. Unless, since RF is only present at the 7408 on key-down, could the gating inputs be jury-rigged to 3.3v —just a thought."

Now that is a puzzle! What you describe here does not sound correct to me. The TX line, as I understand it, should be what conveys the key-down/key-up modulation to the PA, not via CLK2.?

You might perform a factory reset and repeat the test. A reload of the FW and a factory reset might be next.

Finally, you might choose to send your unit to Jeff Moore for diagnosis and repair. If the problem is other than a damaged MCU or a PC board defect, he stands a very good chance of being able to find and fix it.

I would not recommend the mod you proposed due to potential unintended (possibly 'blue smoke') consequences.

JZ


?


On Mon, Feb 5, 2024, 7:45?AM Lloyd Milligan <himself@...> wrote:

Thanks John.

?

I should have noted that Tx is not shorted to ground (a little over 100K).

?

Per your suggestion I verified continuity between the MPU Tx pin and one of the 7408's Tx inputs. That is also good.

?

Maybe the end of the road. Unless, since RF is only present at the 7408 on key-down, could the gating inputs be jury-rigged to 3.3v —just a thought.

?

-Lloyd (wa4efs)

?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of John Z
Sent: Saturday, February 3, 2024 5:42 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [QRPLabs] Request for QMX troubleshooting guidance

?

Lloyd,

?

With power off, check the resistance from TX to ground. Is it low/shorted?

?

Check for continuity from the MCU TX pin to the '08 TX inputs. Is the solder joint at the MCU pin good?

?

JZ

?

On Sat, Feb 3, 2024, 3:35?PM Lloyd Milligan <himself@...> wrote:

Hello,

?

I have just completed assembly of the 20-to-10 meter QMX. Controls and inputs are good (firmware 1_00_014). Receive works very well—great sensitivity. However, no RF output on any band.

?

On key-down, CLK2 makes it through the XORs but not through the 7408. The latter’s Tx inputs (2, 3, 10, 13) do not change state on key-down (The IC has power and the CLK2 inputs have signal). Thus there is no RF input to the BS170s. I would be grateful for a suggestion as to where to check next.

?

Thank you,

Lloyd (wa4efs)
Re: Need help with QMX issue.

 

Have you tried a factory reset?
--
73, Dan? NM3A
There are moments when everything turns out right .... Don't let them alarm you; they pass.?

-Jules Renard
Re: Request for QMX troubleshooting guidance

 

开云体育

Thanks John.

?

I should have noted that Tx is not shorted to ground (a little over 100K).

?

Per your suggestion I verified continuity between the MPU Tx pin and one of the 7408's Tx inputs. That is also good.

?

Maybe the end of the road. Unless, since RF is only present at the 7408 on key-down, could the gating inputs be jury-rigged to 3.3v —just a thought.

?

-Lloyd (wa4efs)

?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of John Z
Sent: Saturday, February 3, 2024 5:42 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [QRPLabs] Request for QMX troubleshooting guidance

?

Lloyd,

?

With power off, check the resistance from TX to ground. Is it low/shorted?

?

Check for continuity from the MCU TX pin to the '08 TX inputs. Is the solder joint at the MCU pin good?

?

JZ

?

On Sat, Feb 3, 2024, 3:35?PM Lloyd Milligan <himself@...> wrote:

Hello,

?

I have just completed assembly of the 20-to-10 meter QMX. Controls and inputs are good (firmware 1_00_014). Receive works very well—great sensitivity. However, no RF output on any band.

?

On key-down, CLK2 makes it through the XORs but not through the 7408. The latter’s Tx inputs (2, 3, 10, 13) do not change state on key-down (The IC has power and the CLK2 inputs have signal). Thus there is no RF input to the BS170s. I would be grateful for a suggestion as to where to check next.

?

Thank you,

Lloyd (wa4efs)
Re: #QMX - #JTDX drops on TX, WSJT-X works fine #JTDX #qmx

 

Hello Roy and Rudi
I had the same problem with my qdx, that JTDX was spontaneously ending the TX before the end of the 15s.
The solution for this problem for me was setting the 2s poll interval to a longer period. For example 50s. You can find this setting under the tab radio behind the Kenwood 440s setting.
This will probably make it possible to use JTDX with the qmx.

73 Ron
PD7RON

Op vr 10 nov. 2023 17:07 schreef Roy - KI0ER via <ki0er=[email protected]>:

I gave JTDX a try with my QMX this morning with all the same settings I use for WSJT-X. But like I've seen reported for FLDigi and the Android JT8 software, JTDX goes into transmit for a second or so, then drops out of TX mode. I do have the output audio, PWR slider all the way up to the top in JTDX (like I do in WSJT-X). I'm using Kenwood 440s for the Radio setting in both programs.

Seems like others are using JTDX with their QMX just fine based on a search for JTDX on this forum.

Any suggestions on what I should do to get JTDX working with my QMX?

73!

Roy - KI0ER
Littleton, Colorado USA
Re: Need help with QMX issue.

 

开云体育

Look at picture No.1, count to pins 6 and 7 from the bottom, now go to the right, could be a solder splash across to tracks.

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of Larry Christensen <ncelarry@...>
Sent: Sunday, February 4, 2024 6:07 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: [QRPLabs] Need help with QMX issue.
?

I just finished my QMX this morning. Inspected the boards and solder joints. Loaded the FW#14 all went well until I restarted the QMX. The display had miscellaneous numbers etc. I posted on the FB site the pin for the display board were questioned so I resoldered these pins and all headers and pins. I still have the same issue. All the buttons and switches work as they should. I try to post pictures for example. I have deleted and reload FW#14 twice no change.?

Any help would be appreciated.

Larry NA0F ??
Re: Need help with QMX issue.

 

开云体育

Larry Christensen kirjoitti 5.2.2024 klo 4.07:

I just finished my QMX this morning. Inspected the boards and solder joints. Loaded the FW#14 all went well until I restarted the QMX. The display had miscellaneous numbers etc. I posted on the FB site the pin for the display board were questioned so I resoldered these pins and all headers and pins. I still have the same issue. All the buttons and switches work as they should. I try to post pictures for example. I have deleted and reload FW#14 twice no change.?

Any help would be appreciated.

Has there been too much tin? Short circuit to grounding points possible.

- ERkki oh6nmy



??
Re: Need help with QMX issue.

 

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The repetition of characters makes me think that some data lines are shorted together... notice that every character repeats? I don't know how the display is addressed, so I can't be more specific--Sorry!

73, Paul -- AI7JR

On 2/4/24 19:33, Sandy wrote:

I looks like all your pixels are lighting up ok so the display pins should be conducting (???). Have you checked the hardware diagnostic from putty? Also a factory reset from putty might help. Sandy KB3EOF

On 2/4/24 21:07, Larry Christensen wrote:

I just finished my QMX this morning. Inspected the boards and solder joints. Loaded the FW#14 all went well until I restarted the QMX. The display had miscellaneous numbers etc. I posted on the FB site the pin for the display board were questioned so I resoldered these pins and all headers and pins. I still have the same issue. All the buttons and switches work as they should. I try to post pictures for example. I have deleted and reload FW#14 twice no change.?

Any help would be appreciated.

Larry NA0F ??

-- 
Paul -- AI7JR
Re: BS170 pinout

 

Upon ordering one of each radio kit from Hans, I promptly grabbed 20 of the BS170s from Digikey, PRIOR to seeing this post. ?Ugh—I got the ONSEMIs. Will need to check them.
Re: Need help with QMX issue.

 

Sandy
Thank you, I never thought a out Putty I’ll give that a check in the morning. I sure hope that works.?

Larry NA0F?
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