Marc,

I would run the RF and Audio sweeps in the Terminal program.? See if you are getting the upper and lower sideband separation in the audio sweep and what the RF sweep looks like on 40meters.

There is a gain setting for the audio in the Configuration function in the Terminal program.? See if increasing that raises the input meter on WSJT-X.

You can test IC5 with the Terminal transmitter test function and measure the voltage on the 4 gate pads of the BS170s without them installed.? It should be 2.5volts.

73
Evan
AC9TU

What are you using for timing the start a GPS?
Remember, WSPR "MUST" accurately start on the even minute.
--
Rob KB8RCO

On 16/08/2022 21:15, Darren KN4WML wrote:

Hello,.? ? On my QCX+ the display is always showing the top layer of blocks on the screen.

In the absence of a reply I'll start.
I guess you looked here if connections are correct the processor is not working. If voltages are OK then maybe the crystal is not working, listen for it on a radio?

. When I try to use the earlier chip, it seems to start to boot up- but then throws an error code.

What is this code? Might give a clue to someone.

Firmware is normally compatible, check
Did you try the new chip on the old QCX?

73 Alan G4ZFQ

I used a simple 7805 i(n a TO220 case) with an input and output capacitor built ?'ugly' style on a scrap of PCB. That's because I always use mine in the shack with the station power supply.?

I decided portable use was not practical as it uses too much power for any prolonged period of time.?
--
73, Dan? NM3A

Since the Ultimate 3 has a DB9 connector for the GPS input, it? would be nice if the case for the QCX+ (and indeed every piece of equipment which might eventually use a GPS) had a hole drilled for DB9 in the back. That would make it easy to unplug the the? GPS from one radio and plug it to another. One can certainly do the hole? manually, but it is quite a chore, and I do not seem able to get a good finish.

I have a problem with calibration, in items 8.11 and 8.12 of the menu.? When I plug a GPS (which I know to work well, as it is normally plugged to my Ultimate 3), it is detected all right, calibration starts as described in the manual and does steps 6 and 5, but stops at 4. What can be causing that?

Just completed a 20m unit, I have a 40m one to compare it to.?
Doesn't work like the 40. The select and exit buttons seem to work with the exception that you cannot exit out of different selections. You have to turn it off to reset it. Checked continuity of the buttons and resoldered all the IC2 connections. Resoldered JP3,4 and 5. Issue with programming? Performed a factory reset, didn't help. Unit has the AGC and TCXO installed.
Suggestions on where to go from here?

Hi Jim,

I heard US on 15 and 20 m almost all the time but best was after 20:00 UTC. After 22:00 UTC 7 Mhz was fine as well. In QRP I believe I only worked the big guns.

I use N1MM. Sometimes it stalls and is fine after restart.? For Cat I installed a Usb adapter inside the QCX and then use a normal USB cable.
Then I use the Winkeyer for the CW.

73s
Martin

Hi Don,

I would put getting the RF out of your power supply high on the priority list. First rule of troubleshooting is to fix what you know is wrong.

yes, I completely agree with you!

Now I will replace my old PSU with one that does not change the set parameters on it's own and look into either building a new antenna or an antenna tuner to be able to send without fear.

The PSU is the first thing I wanted to replace.
However, I have some trouble finding a lab PSU that gives me significant more confidence than the one I already own and does not cost way over 300 EUR.
So I guess I build a small PSU with a fixed output voltage specific for the QDX, which I need for portable use anyway.
Maybe a 78S10 / 78S09, some caps and a choke will do the tick.

Now that I think about it, filtering RF on the power cable with ferrite cores should have been my first step ... :facepalm:


73 Alexander DM8TE

I have a similar issue and getting about 1.5v on the gates of the BS170s.? I'll check with a scope as well, but I guess this points to IC5?? I have one on order, but before attempting my first 14 pin SMD replacement, it'd be good to know if that's the likely cause!

btw - I've already replaced the BS170s and C37, rewound T1 and reflowed T1 and L14 pads.

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John,

I used a Meanwell LRS-50-5 (50 watt 5 volt) power supply, and mounted it inside an enclosure with a 3-prong plug coming out.

Evan,
I just tried 40M on the antenna and only getting 11db on the meter and no decode. ?My KX3 was getting contacts on same antenna. ?What is next?
--
Marc
N8LO

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John...the small metal frame jobs that you can get on ebay. Also, a plastic cabinet, so the sat receiver works while inside it.

Just finished the clock last weekend.

Working great!!

....Dave

Gary,
I've tried both and normally closed works best for me.
73,
Bill, N4QA

Bill
Are you sure that it is a normally closed switch? I don’t think that is right.
Gary
W9TD

Thanks, Rob. That makes sense.

73, Mike KK7ER?

Marc,

Good news.? You do not need to put the BS170s in to test the receiver.? I would test the receive first in case of an issue with IC5.? The steps are to verify the receiver, test IC5, then install the BS170s and test the transmitter.

Good luck, and good job on testing the MOSFETs.
73
Evan
AC9TU

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I used a blackberry usb charger. ?I wired on the barrel connector on to the usb cable as well. ? My thought as that a simple usb battery pack could then be used in the field. ?