Hi, Colin
My QCX40 does the same thing. It takes longer to mess up if I
have the speed set exactly to what I'm receiving, but, eventually
garbage. Maybe the algorithm is a little too "clever". I find I
can restart mine by tapping a single "dit" on the key.
Jim W4JED
On 10/02/2018 11:00 AM, Colin Buckup
via Groups.Io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Hello Hans and the group!
I've been a very happy user of both my 20m and 40m QCXs. They work
like a charm and provided me with numerous contacts, even with the
light band conditions.
But now I found something odd, which I hadn't noticed before, so I
wanted to share this with the group.
Here is the scenario:
When I use the QCX for regular QSOs at home, I never use the CW
decoder (this explains why I didn't see this issue before), but
last night, while doing a demo to a local ham group here in
Dallas, TX I noticed an odd behavior concerning the decoder.?
We had my QCX 40m tuned to the CW code practices and bulletins
sent by W1AW ARRL Headquarters with a VERY STRONG signal on
7.047.500.
To demo the qualities for the QCX I activated the CW decoder and
the text started scrolling nicely and the group really started
enjoying the performance of the decoder, with very few errors, if
any.
But then after a while of text scrolling (remember that these code
bulletins run for a long time) the decoder started to show
garbage, although the signal strength and quality remained the
same.
To make the decoder work again I had to select the decoder
function via the main menu and without changing any settings, exit
out and it would decode nicely again.
After a few minutes, the same issue, the decoder goes from perfect
text to garbage, and the only way to fix it is to repeat the
procedure above.
This issue seems to be some sort of memory corruption or leak in
the code, since it recovers if you stop and start the process.
I've tried to canvas previous postings but couldn't find anything
relevant.
So, has anyone seen similar behavior?
If this is a known issue, my apologies since I didn't find it.
Please point me in the right direction.
73 de N5GG
Colin
Lewisville, TX
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Re: QCX and QZF (Zero-beat) indicator
#qcx
That would be nice.? I've been wishing for that since I started using my QCX.
--
Al KD4EO
|
Re: GPS/U3S generated Noise
Thanks a lot for your response and tips, Hans (and thanks, Andy, for your detailed follow-on).
I'm happy to report that inserting the 1K resistor in the data line (to be clear, the TxD/RxD line, not the
1pps line) seems to have solved the issue.? I've been using the VFO/SigGen as a "variable crystal" to
extend the general coverage capabilities of my vintage Drake R-4B.? Adding the 1K resistor has, at a first
listen, completely eliminated the formerly loud and pervasive serial data noise burst.
Will keep listening, but looks like the issue is solved.
Thanks!!
- Bruce K1FFX
|
We had my QCX 40m tuned to the CW code practices and bulletins sent by W1AW ARRL Headquarters Is this morse correctly formed or are the (e.g. elongated inter-character) spaces distorted ?
|
QCX and QZF (Zero-beat) indicator
#qcx
Hi,
just an idea - what about to add (optional) function of "zero beat indicator" to display - as some of us are not using S-meter it can be used instead of this on the same place.
Any supporters?
:-)
73
Lexa, OK1DST
|
Hallo Jim W4JED
The AGC circuit looks great and seems easy to duplicate, so I'd like to try it on my QCX. I need some guidance.
- From where exactly did you take the input, the drawing shows EAR
- what type of schottky diode did you use
- The 2K2 resistor goes from the pot wiper to the board, you mean ground?
73, Frank
PA7F
|
Chris Wilson 02 October 2018
I am about to try and increase the Q of my home brew BPF for RX on
2200 meters. Are polypropylene cacacitors good for this application? I
have been using film caps and wire ended miniature chokes, so I have
ordered some #26 mix cores in 1.3" OD hoping I can get enough turns on
them. I have the required caps in polyester film but am wondering if
polypropylene are both different and better. I need to achieve circa
616nF so have been using 47nF and 560nF in parallel. As physical size
doesn't really matter I was also wondering if part of the parallelling
could practically be done with multi gang air spaced variable caps so
I can trim the thing a useful amount to centre it where I want it. The
schematic is at
Thanks.
--
2E0ILY
Best regards,
Chris mailto:chris@...
--
Best regards, Chris Wilson (2E0ILY)
|
Re: Need a troubleshooter
#qcx
Would be good to find someone close to you but if not I could take a look at 'em. -- > I finally got it all together...now I can't remember where I put it< Wes
AE6ZM
ARRL Technical Specialist
Sierra Vista, AZ
?
|
Hello Hans and the group!
I've been a very happy user of both my 20m and 40m QCXs. They work like a charm and provided me with numerous contacts, even with the light band conditions.
But now I found something odd, which I hadn't noticed before, so I wanted to share this with the group.
Here is the scenario:
When I use the QCX for regular QSOs at home, I never use the CW decoder (this explains why I didn't see this issue before), but last night, while doing a demo to a local ham group here in Dallas, TX I noticed an odd behavior concerning the decoder.?
We had my QCX 40m tuned to the CW code practices and bulletins sent by W1AW ARRL Headquarters with a VERY STRONG signal on 7.047.500.
To demo the qualities for the QCX I activated the CW decoder and the text started scrolling nicely and the group really started enjoying the performance of the decoder, with very few errors, if any.
But then after a while of text scrolling (remember that these code bulletins run for a long time) the decoder started to show garbage, although the signal strength and quality remained the same.
To make the decoder work again I had to select the decoder function via the main menu and without changing any settings, exit out and it would decode nicely again.
After a few minutes, the same issue, the decoder goes from perfect text to garbage, and the only way to fix it is to repeat the procedure above.
This issue seems to be some sort of memory corruption or leak in the code, since it recovers if you stop and start the process. I've tried to canvas previous postings but couldn't find anything relevant.
So, has anyone seen similar behavior?
If this is a known issue, my apologies since I didn't find it. Please point me in the right direction.
73 de N5GG
Colin
Lewisville, TX
|
Greetings all;
? Well I have decided to set aside the QCX/30 for a bit and come back to it at a later date.? My thinking is that since I replaced IC9 and I didn't have this oscillation before I'm guessing I might have blown another trace that attaches to IC9.??
? When I dive back in I'll keep everyone informed.??
I want to thank all of those who have offered some really great suggestions.
73;
Kurt - W2MW
|
Re: Need a troubleshooter
#qcx
?I was going to go to their site and pull up the schematic and give you some ideas.? But for whatever reason I get an error with their site.? I'll check back later and respond if no one else does.
73, KM4OLT
Michael
|
Used to be an issue on good old CB gear, some of the Japanese Cybernet chassis stuff had a 'Japanese' SO-239 connector fitted which was usually covered in brass dust from cross threaded PL plugs.
Stumbled across an interesting bit of information.
I have bought some UHF? PL-259 / SO-239 connectors from Asia and found that they didn't quite fit (i.e. screw on properly) other connectors. Seems that there are two "standards" for these connectors - one metric and the other non-metric or imperial if you prefer. The two don't easily screw together.
However, what I stumbled across was a web page which describes a simple solution -?? being a threading die used to rethread the connector to the correct thread, that is at least to 'correct' a metric SO-239 to imperial.? The thread is 5/8" - 24 TPI and the dies are quite common but not at Canadian tire or Home depot. This thread is a common thread on gun barrels.? Lots of hits on eBay and Amazon for anyone so interested - prices from not too expensive to quite expensive, you get what you pay for with metal working cutting tools but these connectors are brass so the less expensive one would do quite nicely for re-threading a couple of handfuls of problem connectors.
Of course you could also re-thread the barrels of the PL-259 if that was the problem and of course there are matching 5/8" - 25 TPI taps as well.
And for the curious,the thread on SMA connectors is 1/4" - 36 tpi and taps and dies are easily available for this thread as well.
cheers, Graham ve3gtc
-- Clint. M0UAW IO83
No trees were harmed in the sending of this mail. However, a large number of electrons were greatly inconvenienced.
|
i fear i have blown the pa as i was getting 1,8 w now only .1 can the pa be replaced with something a little more robust !!!
|
Stumbled across an interesting bit of information.
I have bought some UHF? PL-259 / SO-239 connectors from Asia and found that they didn't quite fit (i.e. screw on properly) other connectors. Seems that there are two "standards" for these connectors - one metric and the other non-metric or imperial if you prefer. The two don't easily screw together.
However, what I stumbled across was a web page which describes a simple solution -?? being a threading die used to rethread the connector to the correct thread, that is at least to 'correct' a metric SO-239 to imperial.? The thread is 5/8" - 24 TPI and the dies are quite common but not at Canadian tire or Home depot. This thread is a common thread on gun barrels.? Lots of hits on eBay and Amazon for anyone so interested - prices from not too expensive to quite expensive, you get what you pay for with metal working cutting tools but these connectors are brass so the less expensive one would do quite nicely for re-threading a couple of handfuls of problem connectors.
Of course you could also re-thread the barrels of the PL-259 if that was the problem and of course there are matching 5/8" - 25 TPI taps as well.
And for the curious,the thread on SMA connectors is 1/4" - 36 tpi and taps and dies are easily available for this thread as well.
cheers, Graham ve3gtc
|
Re: GPS/U3S generated Noise
Hi Bruce.
Both qlg1's were built identically, the u3s one takes its power from the u3s, which is battery powered, the progrock one is fed from an ac psu which feeds a 7805. The progrock and receiver use the same psu but have a separate 7805 and 12v from psu. All grounds feed back to psu.
The receiver, with no antenna connected hears the progrock gps but not the u3s one. If I remove power to the progrock gps the noise stops.
Both gps have 4 core shielded cable, u3s gps has shield connected to u3s case and GPS case. Progrock gps has two shielded cables, one for power, one for 1pps connection to progrock. Both shields connected to progrock gps case and then to gps ground,?both use identical active antenna.?
Only way I can remove serial burst noise from receiver is power down progrock gps and ground 1pps connection to gps through a switch to progrock ground. I just switch gps on now and then to calibrate.
Incidentally, if I remove wired connection from gps to progrock and power both from separate power sources noise is still heard.
The only major difference between both gps is the initial power supply. I'm not well at the moment but hopefully by the weekend I'll be able to swop the GPS'S over and use both a battery supply and ac supply to see if that makes any difference or whether the second gps is simply radiating more than the first, I built the first gps board over a year ago and it has been fine, I do have another on order but it hasn't arrived yet, be interesting to see how that one behaves when built.
Andy
|
Re: Power Supply For Ultimate 6 & Clock Kit
Defunct ADSL routers often have a nice but unregulated 'big iron' transformer based PSU, of course they need a regulator but it's a small price to pay for a noiseless PSU.
Curt
Another source of inexpensive 5V wall warts is the popular cell phone chargers.?
They usually have good regulation and put out 1A.? Local Dollar Stores have them
for US$1.00 plus tax.
Arv
_._
On Mon, Oct 1, 2018 at 3:36 PM Al Sines < sasines@...> wrote: Curt,
This is a photo of the one I got from Jameco. I think it was about $10.00. I¡¯ve had it running my clock for about a year with no issues. It¡¯s is a linear and not a switching supply.?
![image1.jpeg]() Hope this is helpful.?
73, Alan, W3AL On Oct 1, 2018, at 12:18, Curt M. < Kc3hjp@...> wrote: I have an Ultimate 6 kit ?and Clock Kit on the way.? Can anyone recommend a decent wall wart power supply for these, preferably from Amazon.? I know wall warts aren't always the greatest so I figured maybe someone has had some success with one that they have had up and running for a while.
Curt
-- Clint. M0UAW IO83
No trees were harmed in the sending of this mail. However, a large number of electrons were greatly inconvenienced.
|
Re: GPS/U3S generated Noise
Hi Bruce
A digital signal changing at a rate of 9600 baud will generate noise. Whether or not that noise is radiated enough to be troublesome, or conducted through power supply lines or ground enough to be troublesome, depends on a lot of different factors. Shielding, grounding, location, both for the GPS and for the receiver. And how sensitive your receiver antenna system?is to local noise. So tends to be different every time.?
Two things you can try (and I have heard helped) to make it better:
1) Disconnect the yellow LED. The easiest way to try it, is to left one end of the series resistor R4.?
2) Put a 1K resistor in series with the data line between QLG1 and GPS
73 Hans G0UPL
Hi, Andy -
Thanks for the reply.? I was interested to see that you have the noise problem with one QLG1 and not with the other.? Assuming that your two GPS units are pretty much identical, I'm wondering what's different on the other end of the line.
I've opened up the VFO/SigGen and tried (1) pulling the serial data line off on the VFO end (still heard noise) so then (2) tried wrapping various leads in the VFO case through a toroid, on the assumption that the serial data line noise was being picked up in the case ... but no luck.
Since Hans has apparently not seen this behavior, and there were just a few respondents to your post (or this one), either QLG1 users have been ignoring it or there is some tweak I can do to clean it up, i.e., something on the VFO end.
Best -
Bruce K1FFX
|
Re: GPS/U3S generated Noise
Hi, Andy -
Thanks for the reply.? I was interested to see that you have the noise problem with one QLG1 and not with the other.? Assuming that your two GPS units are pretty much identical, I'm wondering what's different on the other end of the line.
I've opened up the VFO/SigGen and tried (1) pulling the serial data line off on the VFO end (still heard noise) so then (2) tried wrapping various leads in the VFO case through a toroid, on the assumption that the serial data line noise was being picked up in the case ... but no luck.
Since Hans has apparently not seen this behavior, and there were just a few respondents to your post (or this one), either QLG1 users have been ignoring it or there is some tweak I can do to clean it up, i.e., something on the VFO end.
Best -
Bruce K1FFX
|
Re: Power Supply For Ultimate 6 & Clock Kit
Curt
Another source of inexpensive 5V wall warts is the popular cell phone chargers.?
They usually have good regulation and put out 1A.? Local Dollar Stores have them
for US$1.00 plus tax.
Arv
_._
On Mon, Oct 1, 2018 at 3:36 PM Al Sines < sasines@...> wrote: Curt,
This is a photo of the one I got from Jameco. I think it was about $10.00. I¡¯ve had it running my clock for about a year with no issues. It¡¯s is a linear and not a switching supply.?
Hope this is helpful.?
73, Alan, W3AL On Oct 1, 2018, at 12:18, Curt M. < Kc3hjp@...> wrote: I have an Ultimate 6 kit ?and Clock Kit on the way.? Can anyone recommend a decent wall wart power supply for these, preferably from Amazon.? I know wall warts aren't always the greatest so I figured maybe someone has had some success with one that they have had up and running for a while.
Curt
|
Re: Power Supply For Ultimate 6 & Clock Kit
Curt,
This is a photo of the one I got from Jameco. I think it was about $10.00. I¡¯ve had it running my clock for about a year with no issues. It¡¯s is a linear and not a switching supply.?
Hope this is helpful.?
73, Alan, W3AL
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Oct 1, 2018, at 12:18, Curt M. < Kc3hjp@...> wrote: I have an Ultimate 6 kit ?and Clock Kit on the way. ?Can anyone recommend a decent wall wart power supply for these, preferably from Amazon. ?I know wall warts aren't always the greatest so I figured maybe someone has had some success with one that they have had up and running for a while.
Curt
|
James Daldry W4JED
Al Clark
Lexa, OK1DST
Frank PA7F
Wes WB7BR
Colin Buckup
Kurt Zimmerman
Michael Monteith
M0RON