Re: QDX - rig control error
Instead of WSJT-X, take a look at JTDX ( ).
I had much better luck with that than WSJT-X
Roger
8P6RX
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On 2021-11-10 14:01, Chris Wood via groups.io wrote:
Thank you Evan.?
Other than the version of WSJT-X, I have used the same settings as yours.? I'm satisfied that it's not likely to be an issue with the QDX and?I'm not inclined to waste any more of my time or that of those who have kindly offered suggestions here.? I enjoyed building the QDX but I am reaching the conclusion that it would be better off in a new home with someone who understands WSJT-X better than I do.? That would leave space for another QCX-mini unless, of course, QSX makes an appearance.
Thanks again.
73
Chris? G4CWS
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Just got an email saying that my order #50260 status has changed to shipped as of today.
Not sure if it has shipped from MO or Turkey, but it doesn't matter. It is on the way here and it will get here when it gets here :D?
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Re: QDX - rig control error
Thank you Evan.?
Other than the version of WSJT-X, I have used the same settings as yours.? I'm satisfied that it's not likely to be an issue with the QDX and?I'm not inclined to waste any more of my time or that of those who have kindly offered suggestions here.? I enjoyed building the QDX but I am reaching the conclusion that it would be better off in a new home with someone who understands WSJT-X better than I do.? That would leave space for another QCX-mini unless, of course, QSX makes an appearance.
Thanks again.
73
Chris? G4CWS
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Re: QDX Extremely Low Receive Volume
#qdx
Karl,
I found this link when searching for PuTTY on Mac:
Note that there is a terminal built into the Mac OS, so you do not really need to download PuTTY.? You will need to set the port, baud, and maybe other parameters.? I do not have a Mac OS device so cannot help beyond this.
I have not had good luck with the one Windows10 laptop that I tried, so not sure that going to a questionable Windows machine will help.
As Alan said, the adjustment process is in the manual and in the video that Hans has posted on the QDX page of QRP-Labs.com.
73
Evan
AC9TU
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Re: QDX issues: please include info:
#qdx
My current info:
1 - Raspbian Buster version 10 on Raspberry Pi 4?
2 - QDX version v1_01a
3 - Built for 12 volts
4 - 12 volt LitionIon
5 - Rev 1 board
6 - I have removed the 4 PA BS170 MOSFETs and IC5 as those were damaged in prior testing
Trying to find out how to adjust the Band Pass Filter to better align the RF sweeps.? I could not find it in the manual.? Is there a separate troubleshooting document?? This is related to a low signal input to the PC.? I wanted to rule out the filter before I start tearing into the audio chain starting with IC7.? I have already determined that IC4 and IC9 are working as expected, and the voltage to the input of the sampling mixer is at 1/2 Vcc as expected.? I have a very low I/Q signal at the outputs of IC7 (LM4562).
Further info:??I do get some stations detected in WSJT-X, though not as many as when I use the same antenna with my other digital mode capable radios.
I have already maxed out the Raspbian input level and have the audio gain set for 80000.? This seems to work, however, I am surprised that the gain had to be raised from 5000 to 80000 to get the input to WSJT-X version 2.0.0 up to 40 DB.
Filter Scans:
Again, I am trying to find out the best process to tweak the bandpass input filter.
73
Evan
AC9TU
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Re: A couple QDX questions: 60 meters? & 9v vs 12v
Just like with any other regulator design you want to use low ESR capacitors.? MLCCs usually are, tantalums usually are, and disk ceramics usually are.? Verify before whipping something together out of junk box parts.?
That schematic is fine for use with a low ripple input supply or battery.? ? If building an AC to DC linear supply much more capacitance is needed on the input and it doesn't hurt on the output.?
Fred W0FMS?
Hi Bill,
I just used the typical 78xx schematic and MLCC capacitors that I had on hand. E.g. Mouser 581-SA115E334ZAA or similar. I don't think the component choice is terribly critical, but MLCC is what I usually use and have available.
Cheers? Gregg W7GRM
I am building mine for 9V for the same reason, to use with batteries.? I have a couple of different switching converters and can always do a linear regulator for home use.
I also think that 9V will be better for the AMS1117 regulators over time than 12V will be.?
Fred W0FMS?
On Wed, Nov 10, 2021, 9:26 AM Bill Lamm < kd9mdl@...> wrote: Gregg W7GRM..? I have been thinking on the same lines.. possibly overthinking as I look at your picture.. I have some 3s LiFiPo surplus batteries that should power the QDX and Raspi for a weekend..
could you elaborate on you componeny choices? Looks like ceramic caps?
Thanks
KD9MDL
Bill
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Re: QDX - rig control error
I don't know exactly why, but when I've had issues getting rig control to work on MacOS or Linux I've found that FLRIG is more forgiving.??
Try setting up FLRIG to control it and then set WSJT-X to work with FLRIG.
Also from experience, I've learned that I need to reboot between settings changes when things don't work on some systems.? It seems to lock up the I/O in some cases. In those cases port failure can be mistaken for wrong settings.
--Neil, W2NDG
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Re: A couple QDX questions: 60 meters? & 9v vs 12v
Hi Bill,
I just used the typical 78xx schematic and MLCC capacitors that I had on hand. E.g. Mouser 581-SA115E334ZAA or similar. I don't think the component choice is terribly critical, but MLCC is what I usually use and have available.
Cheers? Gregg W7GRM
I am building mine for 9V for the same reason, to use with batteries.? I have a couple of different switching converters and can always do a linear regulator for home use.
I also think that 9V will be better for the AMS1117 regulators over time than 12V will be.?
Fred W0FMS?
On Wed, Nov 10, 2021, 9:26 AM Bill Lamm < kd9mdl@...> wrote: Gregg W7GRM..? I have been thinking on the same lines.. possibly overthinking as I look at your picture.. I have some 3s LiFiPo surplus batteries that should power the QDX and Raspi for a weekend..
could you elaborate on you componeny choices? Looks like ceramic caps?
Thanks
KD9MDL
Bill
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Re: QDX Extremely Low Receive Volume
#qdx
This is on macOS 10.14.6 without any additional drivers installed Karl, You need to use a terminal program. Is there something on a MAC or a version of Putty? Look at the manual, the audio level needs adjusting. 73 Alan G4ZFQ
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Re: A couple QDX questions: 60 meters? & 9v vs 12v
I am building mine for 9V for the same reason, to use with batteries.? I have a couple of different switching converters and can always do a linear regulator for home use.
I also think that 9V will be better for the AMS1117 regulators over time than 12V will be.?
Fred W0FMS?
On Wed, Nov 10, 2021, 9:26 AM Bill Lamm < kd9mdl@...> wrote: Gregg W7GRM..? I have been thinking on the same lines.. possibly overthinking as I look at your picture.. I have some 3s LiFiPo surplus batteries that should power the QDX and Raspi for a weekend..
could you elaborate on you componeny choices? Looks like ceramic caps?
Thanks
KD9MDL
Bill
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Re: QDX issues: please include info:
#qdx
FWIW: JS8 is the mode and JS8Call is the application. So sayeth the 2nd line of the JS8Call.com website.
After fixing my clock problem, I fired up JS8Call and sent out a "testing QDX" message. Got a reply with a -15dB signal report and then realized that I'm going to have to learn how to use JS8Call (the software) before trying JS8 (the mode) again because I had no idea what to do next!
Anticipating most of your reporting tips scored me a quick answer and got my QDX on the air. Now I can see my filter sweep charts and have new problems to properly document.
¨CBrent WT4U
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Re: A couple QDX questions: 60 meters? & 9v vs 12v
Gregg W7GRM..? I have been thinking on the same lines.. possibly overthinking as I look at your picture.. I have some 3s LiFiPo surplus batteries that should power the QDX and Raspi for a weekend..
could you elaborate on you componeny choices? Looks like ceramic caps?
Thanks
KD9MDL
Bill
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Re: QDX Extremely Low Receive Volume
#qdx
Hi Evan,?
I just saw Hans' email with this request. Thanks for the reminder. And thank you for the link to the thread, I did search the groups.io repository, but did not find that thread.
Here is some more information:
This is on macOS 10.14.6 without any additional drivers installed
I upgraded to the latest firmware 1.01b
This is?the 12V version with the 3:2 transformer, and I am running from a LiFe battery. I've also tried my regular shack supply, which is a PowerWerx switching supply.?
I did not deviate knowingly from the assembly instructions.?
Thanks again,?
--
Karl Heinz - K5KHK
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Re: QDX - rig control error
Chris,
I am running the version that is available on the Add / Remove Software app in the Preferences menu of the default Raspian OS.? It is reported as v2.0.0 by K1JT.
Currently, I have the Radio settings set to None and VOX as I had issues with the transmitter and in probing let out the magic smoke.? Before that, I had selected the Kenwood TS480 with the serial port as /dev/ttyACM0, 9600 Baud, 8 Data Bits, 1 Stop Bit, Default Handshake, CAT PTT? Method, Front Mic, None for the PTT Mode, and None for the Split Operation.
The audio is alsa_input.usb-QRP_Labs_QDX_Transceiver-02.analog-stereo for input and alsa_output.usb-QRP_Labs_QDX_Transceiver-02.analog-stereo for the output.
Hope the above helps.
73
Evan
AC9TU
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Re: QDX Extremely Low Receive Volume
#qdx
Hello Karl, I am having similar performance running on a 12volt LiIon battery, Raspberry Pi 4, it is built for 12 volts, and version 1_01a (have not yet done the most recent upgrade).? Because of issues with the transmitter, I do not have IC5 nor the 4 BS170 MOSFETs installed.? I am waiting for replacement parts. In another thread, there is a discussion on CAT control that I asked about the Audio Gain setting in the configuration option of the terminal application in the QDX.? The section of the manual starts on page 82 or thereabouts depending on revision. The thread is: /g/QRPLabs/message/74336With all of the above, I had to adjust the Audio Gain to 80000 to get it into a range around 47 DB.? This was after making sure the mic input setting was close to the maximum (95 out of 100) in the Raspian OS. In the future, Hans has requested that requests for help include the following information (copied from message #74319):
- What?OS you are running, including what version of MS Windows, or what flavor of Linux. Remember?that Linux, Mac and MS Windows 10 users do not need any driver installs, but earlier MS Windows users will need to install a Virtual COM Port driver as described in the QDX manual.?
- What QDX firmware version you are running; preferably if you have any issue, it would be best to make sure you are using the latest firmware at??and see if the problem persists.?
- Whether you built the QDX for 12V operation (output transformer 3:2) or for 9V operation (output transformer 3:3).
- What power supply you are using: voltage, current capability, and whether it is? a Linear or Switched Mode type.
- Now everyone has Rev 1 PCBs, but in future when Rev 2 comes along, please also state what PCB revision you have.?
- Also state any deviations you intentionally made from the manual. We may need to know about your deviations? :-/?
Have fun with your QDX! 73 Evan AC9TU
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Re: QDX - rig control error
Evan
Thank you.? Which version of WSJT-X are you using?? I have selected the port which shows as 'QDX transceiver', baud rate, polling, other settings all as recommended by Hans.? No joy.
Changed handshake to 'none'.? No joy.? Loaded WSJTX 2.5.2 onto W10 laptop - that won't even work with my IC-7300 let alone the QDX.??
I hope to have an hour or so this afternoon to try ..? I don't know what to try ...? maybe I'll just click on things a bit and hope.??
I think I begin to see which way the software gods are pointing me.
Thanks to all for suggestions.??
Chris? G4CWS
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Re: OT: Congratulation JackW8TEE
Thank, Phil. I've been a Life Member of the ARRL since 1972--cost me $125; can't even figure out how profitable that's been! I hope the CQ column turns into a good resource for those hams who want to mess around with software a bit. I think the first column comes out next month.
Jack, W8TEE
On Tuesday, November 9, 2021, 11:19:02 PM EST, wa8yan.radio via groups.io <wa8yan.radio@...> wrote:
Congratulations Jack.... I may have to subscribe.? I've always liked CQ Magazine but usually had to choose between ARRL or CQ.? maybe now is the time in my life i should do both.? Now, gotta run that logic past the finance director (wife).? But anyhow, it's cool to know you here in the QRP Labs group, and I look forward to reading your contributions to CQ. 73 Phil WA8YAN
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
-------- Original message -------- From: "jjpurdum via groups.io" <jjpurdum@...> Date: 11/9/21 3:18 PM (GMT-05:00) Subject: Re: [QRPLabs] OT: Congratulation JackW8TEE
Thanks Jeff. I think the first column will be out next month.
Jack, W8TEE
On Tuesday, November 9, 2021, 12:52:14 PM EST, Jeff | VA2SS via groups.io <jeff@...> wrote:
Hi,
I would like to congratulate Jack W8TEE for his nomination as? Microcontrollers Editor for CQ Magazine.
Like many excellent contributors we already have in this group, we are grateful to all who like to share their knowledge.
Best regards and 73.
--
Jeff | VA2SS
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Re: QDX , Lost my TX power
Hi I was testing mine, and had a lot of spurious, when the power was 5 watts, all of a sudden the power dropped to 2 watts ( I am in FT8 mode) and used the tune button to check power. I initially set up using 3:2 and 12V, so changed to 3:3 and 9 Volts, I still get the same power. Current drawn is 320mA. So not sure why I have lost power. I am not familiar with the WSJT software, and have not been able to make sense of the frequency cal process, I do have a 10MHz GPS rubidium oscillator, so do not need to the off-air transmissions.
M.W. Transmitters can not be relied on for frequency accuracy, some are free running, (I know as I maintain them.)
I have enclosed a plot of IC5C pin 3 and 8, this may help:
73
Andrew
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QDX Extremely Low Receive Volume
#qdx
I just finished my first successful FT8 QSO with?the QDX, so I know it's working, I am getting out and I can receive.?However, the RX level is very low:
On the 20m band, with a lot of very strong stations, it goes up to 30dB, on 40m it usually overs around 6dB, and on 30m I get maybe 2dB. Before I go digging into this, what levels are others seeing??
Thanks!
--
Karl Heinz - K5KHK
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Re: QDX issues: please include info:
#qdx
Hans, I have long expected there may be a few deviants lurking hereabout! ?BTW, received my QDX 50165 11/8, assembly went well. ?Still looking my work over, so no power applied yet.
73, Ben ?K0IKR
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Fred Spinner
Neil Goldstein
Bill Lamm
jjpurdum
Andrew Lenton