Re: QMX+ settings for straight key. Wrong way round? #firmware

#126602

Mark,?

I noticed the same thing on my QMX a while ago - 019 or 020 firmware. I believe Hans knows about this.?

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73, Dan? NM3A

Re: Soldering QMX+

#126601

Hi,

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I am soldering with 350 C and a 65 Watt Iron with old lead solder. I noticed that I need to keep the heat on the ground pins for a few seconds. I use a big chisel tip and aim for having the flat side level on the pcb to maximise heat transfer.

I never had problems with bad solder joints, but I here I am worried I might overlook some.?

I haven’t finished mine yet. I’m working on torroids.?

Would i start again, I would make sure thecaps are a few mills off the pcb. But I am too proud to switch mounting position half way.?

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Re: #qmx #qmx+ Firmware 1_00_021: Bug fixes and enhancements #qmx

#126600

Hi Hans,

thanks for the quick response.

Steps in "ms" would of course be best.

You could use e.g. 50ms, 100ms, 150ms...500ms, in my opinion that would cover everything.

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73 de Frank DD2NU

Re: QMX + dead

#126599

I would have hoped for something directly referring to the QMX+. The only document referring to the QMX+ ist the assembly instruction. The operating Manual is for the QMX. And as it is a kit I had hoped tor a bit more guidance for trouble shooting. I am not an expert so actually a bit lost with my not working QMX+

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Martin

DK3UW

Re: #qmx #qmx+ Firmware 1_00_021: Bug fixes and enhancements #qmx

#126598

Hi all

OK, so it would be nice to add a configuration parameter to specify the Semi QSK time rather than hard-code it at 8 dit lengths. I have no problem doing this and it is extremely easy for me to add this to the firmware, almost trivially easy. Question is what is the best way to do this...?

I could make a separate parameter, which specifies the number of dits for the semi-QSK hold time. Is integer number of dits a fine enough resolution? Do people prefer to be able to set it finer than say, 5, 6, 7 dit lengths? If so, should I just modify the existing parameter so that it has a choice of say, OFF (full break-in) or 3, 3,5, 4, 4,5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8 dits? What would be the resolution?and range? Or should it instead just be a number of milliseconds, and let the op decide? What?do other radios do? And do they do it the best way?

73 Hans G0UPL

Show quoted text

On Fri, Jul 26, 2024 at 4:19?AM Richard Barnich via <k8bma.rick=gmail.com@groups.io> wrote:

As in most Engineering/Software projects, 90% done, 90% left to do.

Rick K8BMA?

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Re: QMX+ settings for straight key. Wrong way round? #firmware

#126597

Yes, I had the same problem.?

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Karl Heinz - K5KHK

Re: TX stops working after a while (serial port issue?) #mac #serial #usb #qdx

#126596

On 26/07/2024 09:44, Sander [VK6PI] via groups.io wrote:
"This is not too unusual" sounds a bit ominous.Sander,

If you look back in the posts you will see PA failure of QDX/QMX reported quite a few times with discussions of why, what to do to avoid.
Some, many? most? do not have problems. Hans has commented he has not had this happen with all his testing and has not supported any modification that is not in the manuals.

So fundamentally as you have a scope check the drive on the gate terminals before fitting the BS170s. Sometimes the IC gets damaged.
Then make sure SWR is always low, not more than 12 volts for a 12 volt build.

Best of luck!

73 Alan G4ZFQ

Re: TX stops working after a while (serial port issue?) #mac #serial #usb #qdx

#126595

Alan,

?

"This is not too unusual" sounds a bit ominous. ? Is this bit prone to errors during assembling or do these MOSFETs just get hot? Would a bit of thermal paste help?

?

I removed all four bs170s and measured the quiescent current, which was back at 155mA. So it was definitely the MOSFETs... I ordered a bunch of new ones, so hopefully they'll arrive soon.

?

I did notice that the 78LM05 get very hot as well, even at 155mA...

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Also did a few measurements with the oscilloscope and everything else seemed okay, AFAICT.

?

73

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Sander VK6PI

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Soldering QMX+

#126594

This is my 5th QCX/QMX kit and I'm "approaching with caution" so please excuse this somewhat obvious question!

I've noted that this ( QMX+ ) is a 6 layer board and requires longer soldering time and higher temperature in order to make good contact, particularly on the grounded components. My solder station will go up to 480 which is somewhat high ! I've soldered some of the capacitor's joints look more than suspect ! (mostly the grounded side ). My question is what is a safe temperature to solder without damaging any components ??

Thanks, in nervous anticipation !!!

Re: ProgRock as carrier oscillator replacement

#126593

On 26/07/2024 07:02, Alan G4ZFQ via groups.io wrote:
Type "Progrock" into the search box on the web interface."Progrock tube" is better eg /g/QRPLabs/message/32309

Re: ProgRock as carrier oscillator replacement

#126592

On 25/07/2024 22:36, KM4RP via groups.io wrote:
I have a Swan 500 that the carrier oscillator crystals have drifted. I am curious if your ProgRock wil replace them ?Craig,

Not sure about the Swan but it has been used on many old rigs. The exact way to accomplish this depends on the rig.

Type "Progrock" into the search box on the web interface. Scrolling down I see a Motorola tube rig discussed, probably others.

73 Alan G4ZFQ

Re: New Project?

#126591

开云体育

Licenced amateurs in NZ can apply for a licence to import the cheap Baofeng handheld radios (and other non approved radios) for personal use.??? From memory it didn’t cost anything for the licence but it does have conditions attached.????? I have imported 2 so far and they came thru customs with no issue (but I have heard that others have had issues so customs may have a record of those with a customs import licence)

?

73

Graham

ZL1CE

Re: QMX SWR measurement frequency

#126590

Matthew,

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many thanks for your suggestion, that does in deed work for me. I did not find that in the manual, but it is exactly what I was looking for.

Again, many thanks!

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Christian - DK5CH

ProgRock as carrier oscillator replacement

#126589

I have a Swan 500 that the carrier oscillator crystals have drifted. I am curious if your ProgRock wil replace them ? Has anyone on here done this ?

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Sorry if this has already been discussed but my search turned up nothing.

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Thank you,

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Craig

Re: QDX Transmit LED #10m #12v #qdx #troubleshoot

#126588

Yep, 2 flashes is normal.?

I use PSKReporter as my echo, generally. Not sure why going to PSK reporter would do anything in WJST-X? Are you going to the website to check if you've been heard??

?

-Nate

N8BTR

Re: TX stops working after a while (serial port issue?) #mac #serial #usb #qdx

#126587

I missed a few messages. It’s a MacBook Air M2 so quite modern. ??

Thanks for all the responses! ?

73

Sander VK6PI?

Show quoted text

On Fri, 26 Jul 2024 at 02:53, skip_osborn via <skip=osbornville.com@groups.io> wrote:

Yup, he didn’t say how old his Mac is so this information might be something to try. There have been other reports of Mac problems that this solution might solve.? I went through the RFI issues and was ready to give up on my laptop.?

Thanks again.?

On Jul 25, 2024, at 2:42?PM, Zhenxing Han N6HAN <spica.han@...> wrote:

I wonder if the QDX problem has the same solution?

Oh I didn't notice Sander's original question was about QDX on Mac. The answer is it depends. If it's an old Mac (2010-ish), yes, changing to 44.1kHz might fix it. However, like Alan pointed out, losing QDX's USB audio device (that's why you hear the audio on Mac) can also happen if the USB cable is bad and/or there are excessive common mode current - this is not specific to old Macs. My guess is Sander's situation is more like the latter because

I have tried with a different USB cable and the results were definitely better.

Re: #qmx #qmx+ Firmware 1_00_021: Bug fixes and enhancements #qmx

#126586

As in most Engineering/Software projects, 90% done, 90% left to do.

Rick K8BMA?

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Re: SWR Tune Mode #qmx

#126585

I presume we’re talking about the Tune Mode that automatically cuts the power to a low level preset in Hardware Test. Yes, it would be wonderful to access it with one click! JS6TMW?

Re: #qmx #qmx+ Firmware 1_00_021: Bug fixes and enhancements #qmx

#126584

Hi Hans and all. In Firmware _0021, As a CW op, the semi QSK works great and was one of the important features (to me) that I was waiting for in contests.? I just had a nice QSO from Norwalk CT with a ham in Rocksville MD for about 20 minutes on 40 with my Rev 1 QMX.? The semi QSK is smooth as silk and works well.? For my own taste in contest use, I like the delay? shorter to keep it in transmit for a typical exchange and then have it switch back to receive with a relatively small delay after the sent message is completed.? A configuration parameter would be very useful here and most of the newest big 3 rigs have it. I can wait for it to appear in a future software release as available as a low priority.? It is more than fine as currently set.? Thanks!!!

-Steve K1RF

Show quoted text

------ Original Message ------

From "Hans Summers" <hans.summers@...>

To "QRPLabs@groups.io Notification" <qrplabs@groups.io>

Date 7/25/2024 8:19:31 AM

Subject [QRPLabs] #qmx #qmx+ Firmware 1_00_021: Bug fixes and enhancements

Hi all

Not SSB yet - but some more bug fixes and enhancements. Full list is below. As usual you can download it from and easily install it following the manual instructions. This?firmware update does not require or automatically effect a factory reset because the EEPROM memory mapping is unchanged.?

Highlights of this version:
Due to an ARRL request I implemented band limits for ITU Region 2, this prevents QMX transmitting outside the amateur band allocations. It is also the default?(after a factory reset or fresh new QMX power-up). So the "Japan limits" setting was renamed "Band Limits" and now has choices "ITU Region 2" (default), "Japan" (the old Japan limits enabled setting) and "None" (no transmit restrictions). In the event a transmit frequency is chosen which is outside the amateur allocation, a 'B' ('B' is for Band, 'B' is for Breached, whatever) appears just to the right of the frequency, where the 'P' would be shown in practice mode.?
Semi-QSK is now working; the delay on key-up is 8 dit lengths like on QCX. If it would be useful of course I could make a configuration? parameter for that.?
Implemented new CAT commands KS (Keyer Speed) and KY (CW message sending); the same as in QCX
Implemented new CAT command RC (RIT cancel) and the other RIT command changes and bug fixes discussed in a recent thread.?
I could not find any major issues with the operation of the PTT output; both the positive-going and grounded PTT outputs were enabled in version 1_00_015, so I'm not sure if I have misunderstood or if people really have had issues since; I did find one bug with PTT which is that any changes in the Band Configuration table didn't take effect until the key was pressed, so I fixed that.?
The Test ADC I/Q screen now no longer requires pressing R to re-run it due to corrupt results on first running it. Furthermore I enhanced it to have a band selection so you can now run it on any band not just on band index 4. It defaults to band 0 (QMX) or band 1 (QMX+). Note also that the screen shows increasing noise on top of the sinewaves?as the frequency goes up beyond 20m band, this is found to be normal and does not indicate any defects.?
The Hardware diagnostics now shows the REASON why there is no RF produced, if there is no RF produced. It had caught me out several times, when I pressed 'T' and nothing happened. If it can have me scratching my head and I'm the one that wrote the code, it could happen to you too. So now it shows the reason such as: SWR protection, Supply voltage range protection, IQ mode is enabled, Band limits breach etc.?
Various bug fixes for things people have mentioned?
Full list of changes:
The "Japan limits" setting was renamed "Band Limits" with the choice of "ITU Region 2" (default), "Japan", or "None". Breaching band limits prevents transmission.?
CAT: Implement KS command to Get/Set CW keyer speed.
CAT: Implement KY command to send text via CW transmission.
CAT: Implemented Set command for RT: RT1; to enable RIT mode, RT0; to disable it.
CAT: Implemented RC (RIT Clear) command RT; to disable RIT mode.
Click "Tune" rotary encoder knob in RIT mode to move RIT cursor one character right, the same as the normal VFO tuning cursor.?
Test ADC I/Q screen now has band +/- so can run for all bands.
Force display of battery icon, if TX is disabled due to supply voltage being out of range.
The Diagnostic screen now shows the REASON for not transmitting, if it produces no RF.
I2C bus speed increased from 400kHz to 1MHz.
Bug fix: Implemented semi-QSK properly (8 dit lengths delay like in QCX).
Bug fix: CAT: RD0; and RDU; Set commands made RIT zero but this wasn't displayed.
Bug fix: CAT: Now calling RD or RU CAT Set commands causes the UI to enter RIT mode.
Bug fix: CAT: Proper behaviour when CAT RIT commands are called and LCD is in menu mode.
Bug fix: If RIT is non zero when leaving the menu, RIT mode wasn't re-entered.
Bug fix: Incorrect characters on LCD in SWR tool, when changing band 160 -> 80m etc.
Bug fix: Preset number was missing on the display, when selecting a preset frequency - now it matches the manual description.?
Bug fix: Settings reload was only done on exiting?the configuration menu (some sub-menus can be accessed elsewhere).
Bug fix: Power supply range TX disabling didn't work (didn't stop transmission!). .
Bug fix: Battery icon froze when CW decoder enabled.?
Bug fix: RX PTT was not activated after Band Config edit until keyed.
Bug fix: Test ADC I/Q screen was corrupt on first opening, needed R to refresh.

73 Hans G0UPL

Re: RIT: Select button doesn't return to OP mode #qmx

#126583

Thanks for the feedback and explanations, Peter

I will make it OPTIMAL.?

73 Hans G0UPL

Show quoted text

On Fri, Jul 26, 2024 at 1:10?AM Peter Jacobi via <peter.c.w.jacobi=gmail.com@groups.io> wrote:

Hi Hans,

?

you are right.

I tried it out on QMX and QCX with this conclusion:

QCX Rit:
- good: you can adjust keyer speed + send stored MSGs...

- good: more space for decoded CW text because of no "RIT" string

- bad: no quick exit of RIT by exit. (you don't need the function to switch VFOs during usage of RIT)

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QMX Rit:?

?- good: quick exit by right key

?- bad: no possibility adjust keyer speed + send stored MSGs...
?- bad: less space for decoded CW text because of "RIT" string

?

Optimal RIT:

?- "EXIT" exits RIT (implemented)

?- Access to keyer speed + stored MSGs (to do)

?- no "RIT" text on display (to do)

?

In general these are very small improvements.

My personal highlight would be the switchable CW filter bandwith accessable by an easy click (e.g. rotate pressed Mode switch).

I've never done do so many QSOs (274) with any other rig in such a small period of time and so much fun!

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Vy 73 de Peter, DL4PJ

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