Re: Retrofitting a QDX Rev 1 with PTT
#qdx
/g/QRPLabs/message/79479?p=%2C%2C%2C20%2C0%2C0%2C0%3A%3ACreated%2C%2Cqdx+ptt+ta1mhs%2C20%2C2%2C0%2C88702432
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Re: QDX for 40-10m - Should I wait?
#qdx
Hans -
Any idea when the new band version will be available?
Bill - N2OII
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Re: QDX, JTDX audio levels
Mitch,?
I know what you mean about "normal," I've had the same experience with WJST and having to boost levels in QDX, especially 20m.?
For now I'm just leaving QDX levels about at the default and ignoring JTDX's level meter.?
There are a lot of little adjustments to make in JTDX. I've sort of made it act similar to WSJT. I rely on JTAlert a lot and it seems to be working very well with JTDX.?
--Al
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Re: QDX, JTDX audio levels
That sounds like a normal change to me.? Remember, each "band" is a different audio level setting.? The ambient activity will raise the overall level in my experience, so if a lot of QRM/N and a lot of user activity, that meter will rise.
I cannot comment on JTDX, only WSJT and FLDIGI which behave as "normal" in my world at around a setting of 70-75 in QDX band configs.? I usually target FLDIGI's diamond to just turn green as the base audio level.? That seems to work fine for WSJT and by extension JS8Call.
------- Original Message -------
On Monday, November 14th, 2022 at 7:29 PM, Al Holt <grovekid2@...> wrote:
On Mon, Nov 14, 2022 at 07:08 PM, Mitch Winkle wrote:
Perhaps ensure that you have done that??
MItch,?
I just now tried that, going from 54 to 40 on 80 meters in QDX. After rebooting there's really not much change. I do notice some change in the waterfall background level. It goes to black and not light blue; signals are not as distinct.?
As a test I switched frequencies in JTDX to 3.585 MHz, a frequency with absolutely no activity on it and now the Rx Level showing in JTDX is ~120. That seems crazy.
Thanks for the suggestion!
--Al
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Re: QDX sound card question
It's a lot easier to just use the Sound Control Panel.
------- Original Message -------
On Tuesday, November 15th, 2022 at 1:27 AM, Fleet Senseman <kc1qhe@...> wrote:
You need to set up your sound devices, in Windows, so that your
default speakers are the ones you want to hear you PC sounds on.
Then, by going into "App volume and device preference"
(highlighted in some contrasting color depending on your color
scheme in Windows, and found on the Volume Settings page) and then
make sure everything is set to your default speakers (the ones you
want to hear PC sounds from) *except* WSJT-X. You want that app
set to play, and listen to/from the QDX.
73, Fleet KC1QHE
On 11/14/2022 7:54 PM, Bob W7DIT wrote:
Should I be able to hear sounds from PC applications while WSJT-X
is configured for the QDX? My PC is mute while the QDX is
running. If I change the PC sound card settings from "Digital
Audio Interface(3-QDX Transceiver" to my PC's sound card then I
hear FT8 signals through the speakers.
Finished assembling my QDX v4 today and made a bunch of FT8 QSOs!
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Re: My QDX and Hardrock-50 Experience
Thanks for the post and pic, Dan. I too have had great success with HR-50 and its antenna tuner.? I have experimented with lowering the voltage on my 12 v QDX to ~ 7 volts, and this results in a cool-running HR-50, at ~ 25 - 35 watts. They are both wonderful rigs and very satisfying builds. Of course the multi-band HR-50 with all its bells and whistles and antenna tuner is not comparable to the very fine and economical amps that Hans offers.? 73 Bruce
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Re: Retrofitting a QDX Rev 1 with PTT
#qdx
Nice, thanks for documenting (and sharing the stl file)!
73, Willie N1JBJ
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Nov 15, 2022, at 5:43 AM, Christoph Schw?rzler <ceschwaerzler@...> wrote:
? Attention: This modification applies to boards Rev1 and Rev2 only! If you happen to own a QDX Rev3 or newer you don't need to retrofit, since your QDX already offers PTT output.
After many happy QSOs with my QDX Rev1, I decided that a wanted some more power on TX and add my DIY PA for another 10 dB. For doing so, I had to retrofit my QDX with a PTT out signal. One of the most challenging tasks in this process was finding some area on the backplate to mount the PTT connector. There is absolutely no room (on the inside) for a speaker jack, so I went with a tiny 2 pole JST-XH connector, which at the same time holds the small additional PCB. I designed an alternative 3D printed backplate to mount this connector. After producing the PCB and soldering the 3 components (2 resistors and 1 transistors in SMT according to Hans' design), 2 connections to the QDX have to be soldered: GND and PTT-signal on pin 37 of the processor STM32F401RBT6. The latter is not for the fainthearted! Above average soldering tools and some soldering experience are required. If in doubt, you will be better off by buying and building a newer version QDX.
The following is a quick rundown on the retrofit, please check the attached pictures while reading through it:
1.) 3D print a new backplate with the opening for the JST-XH connector (picture). I attached some self adhesive copper foil to the inside, but this is not a must. You can download the 3D file here:
2.) Glue the JST-XH connector onto the new backplate, pins pointing north.
3.) Produce the PCB. Dimensions are 12 mm x 7 mm, single layer. I used the toner transfer method (picture), but you could use any other method as well.
4.) Solder the two resistors (470 ohm and 10 kohm) and the transistor (BSS123) to the PCB (figure schematics) and solder the PCB (copper side up) to the JST-XH connector.
5.) Put a thin, isolated wire through the hole in the QDX which is between the letters "R", "P" and "b" of the "QRP Labs" logo (picture).
6.) Solder the wire from point 5 above to pin 37 of the microprocessor (picture). The attached picture will help you to identify the correct pin, but be aware that this is a very error prone process. After soldering, I glued the wire to the PCB with a drop of epoxy resin. Disclaimer: There is a very high risk of killing your processors if done wrongly and I will take no responsibility ;)!
7.) Solder another wire to GND (I used the grounded leg of the "extra DC supply capacitor")
8.) Connect the wires from points 5 and 7 to the PTT PCB
Note: The above deals with the active GND version of a PTT as required by many amplifiers. In case your amplifier (like the QRP Labs 50 W PA) needs active high, an almost identical retrofit can be applied, with minor modifications: Pin 38 instead of 37, VCC in addition to GND connection and a new PCB layout as well as a different MOSFET. Consult Hans' manual for the Rev3 version.
Have fun and happy soldering,
Chris, OE1CGS <Solder Pin 37.jpg> <QDX top side.jpg> <QDX PTT schematic.JPG> <PCB Layout.png> <PCB and connections.jpg> <New backside.jpg>
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Retrofitting a QDX Rev 1 with PTT
#qdx
Attention: This modification applies to boards Rev1 and Rev2 only! If you happen to own a QDX Rev3 or newer you don't need to retrofit, since your QDX already offers PTT output.
After many happy QSOs with my QDX Rev1, I decided that a wanted some more power on TX and add my DIY PA for another 10 dB. For doing so, I had to retrofit my QDX with a PTT out signal. One of the most challenging tasks in this process was finding some area on the backplate to mount the PTT connector. There is absolutely no room (on the inside) for a speaker jack, so I went with a tiny 2 pole JST-XH connector, which at the same time holds the small additional PCB. I designed an alternative 3D printed backplate to mount this connector. After producing the PCB and soldering the 3 components (2 resistors and 1 transistors in SMT according to Hans' design), 2 connections to the QDX have to be soldered: GND and PTT-signal on pin 37 of the processor STM32F401RBT6. The latter is not for the fainthearted! Above average soldering tools and some soldering experience are required. If in doubt, you will be better off by buying and building a newer version QDX.
The following is a quick rundown on the retrofit, please check the attached pictures while reading through it:
1.) 3D print a new backplate with the opening for the JST-XH connector (picture). I attached some self adhesive copper foil to the inside, but this is not a must. You can download the 3D file here:
2.) Glue the JST-XH connector onto the new backplate, pins pointing north.
3.) Produce the PCB. Dimensions are 12 mm x 7 mm, single layer. I used the toner transfer method (picture), but you could use any other method as well.
4.) Solder the two resistors (470 ohm and 10 kohm) and the transistor (BSS123) to the PCB (figure schematics) and solder the PCB (copper side up) to the JST-XH connector.
5.) Put a thin, isolated wire through the hole in the QDX which is between the letters "R", "P" and "b" of the "QRP Labs" logo (picture).
6.) Solder the wire from point 5 above to pin 37 of the microprocessor (picture). The attached picture will help you to identify the correct pin, but be aware that this is a very error prone process. After soldering, I glued the wire to the PCB with a drop of epoxy resin. Disclaimer: There is a very high risk of killing your processors if done wrongly and I will take no responsibility ;)!
7.) Solder another wire to GND (I used the grounded leg of the "extra DC supply capacitor")
8.) Connect the wires from points 5 and 7 to the PTT PCB
Note: The above deals with the active GND version of a PTT as required by many amplifiers. In case your amplifier (like the QRP Labs 50 W PA) needs active high, an almost identical retrofit can be applied, with minor modifications: Pin 38 instead of 37, VCC in addition to GND connection and a new PCB layout as well as a different MOSFET. Consult Hans' manual for the Rev3 version.
Have fun and happy soldering,
Chris, OE1CGS
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You will have an error if the synth board is inserted backwards, did you
follow the assembly instructions precisely?
Ensure that the Si5351A synthesiser module is inserted the correct
way round as shown in the photograph. The Low Pass Filter kit module should be plugged in
with the ¡°Out¡± legend aligned next to the RF Output connector of the main PCB (see photo).
page 15 of 22
Charles Brown
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On 14/11/2022 22:13, Nathan W wrote: To add a little extra info.? Synth board instructions say "pin 11 should be connected to +5V. The connection is provided separately (not connected to +5V internally)"
Pin 11 is not showing 5v on my board, though the there is 5v (well, 4.8v) between pin 20 and GND while it's on the U3S board.? I tried a 1k pull up between 11 and 20, but 11 was still grounded. Nathan, Is 5 volts present on the main board? I can not see how it could be missing because the 5 volt line goes to other places. Look for bad joints on pin 11 on both boards. Is pin 11 truly grounded? If it is then maybe a solder bridge. But a track would have to be broken (burnt) for anything to work. Pin 20 of the synth board is a clock output. Are you identifying the pins correctly? 73 Alan G4ZFQ
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Re: QDX + Raspberry 4 sound problem
Thank you, Cliff. I have corrected that, since Ken G4APB showed me how to set the audio level in the QDX.
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Thanks for sharing your measurements. I also have some thermal measurements (look after my previous messages on this group) that shows T1 and diodes as a principal heating source on transmit mode. On RX and TX the most heat generator is 7805 5V linear regulator. I replaced it with a SIP3 SMPS module with good result. On the other hand I highly appreciate you FSK tone generation analysis. I never though about this having in mind that there were no reported issues on the FSK quality except the one Hans fixed in the past. I'm interested what was the FW you used when you rung those measurements. I think Hans fix this issue in the last one (1.05 I believe). So please check.
Good luck with the little RIG!
73 de YO3FFF Cristi
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Re: QDX sound card question
You need to set up your sound devices, in Windows, so that your
default speakers are the ones you want to hear you PC sounds on.?
Then, by going into "App volume and device preference"
(highlighted in some contrasting color depending on your color
scheme in Windows, and found on the Volume Settings page) and then
make sure everything is set to your default speakers (the ones you
want to hear PC sounds from)? *except* WSJT-X.? You want that app
set to play, and listen to/from the QDX.
73, Fleet KC1QHE
On 11/14/2022 7:54 PM, Bob W7DIT wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Should I be able to hear sounds from PC applications while WSJT-X
is configured for the QDX?? My PC is mute while the QDX is
running.? If I change the PC sound card settings from "Digital
Audio Interface(3-QDX Transceiver" to my PC's sound card then I
hear FT8 signals through the speakers.
Finished assembling my QDX v4 today and made a bunch of FT8 QSOs!
|
On Tue, 15 Nov 2022 at 13:35, Donald S Brant Jr < dsbrantjr@...> wrote: I have the FLIR One Pro, which has a USB-C connector, for Android phones:??? I have had it since December 2019 and I have been satisfied with its performance.? It is sensitive enough to use to track down high-current paths/short circuits by following the warm PC board trace.
I became a little excited by the idea of a thermal imaging camera that I could just run with my android phone. "Wow," I thought, "the phone can supply power and processing and display, so this will be a really cheap way into a FLIR camera".
So the ~AUD400 asking price was a bit of a shock. I guess I was thinking more along the lines of other optical products and maybe something like a ~AUD100 cost which might almost make it an impulse purchase. Not this time.
-- MC VK1MC
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Re: My QDX and Hardrock-50 Experience
Thanks for sharing the photo Dan. I do like the way that the itty-bitty QDX is dwarfed by everything else and I can only admire your excellent-looking matching network. I feel like a roller inductor is a beautiful piece of radio kit that I have never laid a hand on.
-- MC VK1MC
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On Mon, Nov 14, 2022 at 04:54 PM, Al Sines wrote:
your FLIR camera that plugs into your Android phone
I also have the FLIR One Pro, and like Donald I am satisfied with the performance.? It has (I think) two ranges, the shot I posted is using the lower-temp range and it is extremely sensitive.? I originally talked my wife into letting me get mine so we could troubleshoot our in-floor heating system that had some stuck valves -- even small temperature differences show up quite clearly.? The higher-temp range is useful for looking at reflow soldering ovens, etc.? There may be newer / better / cheaper versions now available, but the one I have serves me well. ? -- Paul Elliott - WB6CXC
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Re: Question about accuracy of RF watt indication at QRP levels?
I use the single-cycle RMS measurement feature in my Siglent scope to calculate the power =? Vrms^2 / 50.
If your scope doesn't measure Vrms, but does measure Vpp, then your formula of Vpp^2 / 400 is what you should use.
I prefer using the RMS measurement because Vpp is affected by noise and transients. The RMS measurement averages that stuff out.
--
Dan? W6AZI
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My QDX and Hardrock-50 Experience
Hello all,
I've been using my QDX on FT-8 very regularly for a number of months, and somehow managed to rack up 90 DXCC entities in my log. But as expected, those enticing CQs from new DXCC entities were getting harder and harder to complete QSOs with. Soooo......
I decided to spring for a Hardrock-50 external amplifier kit a week ago to hopefully start completing those difficult QSOs. I know, I know.... The challenge is to go as far as possible on QRP, and adding a power amp borders on heresy. But I've never had a transceiver that went beyond QRP power. And besides, I was itching to build a kit.
I'm very glad I went ahead with the Hardrock-50. It was a really fun build (I perversely like winding coils and transformers), easy to align, and it works like a champ. I measured the power gain to be about +14dB on 40, 30, and 10 meters. For some reason, the gain on 20 meters is about 2dB less, not a big deal. I don't run the amp to its full 50 watts, more like 30 - 35 watts, which seems more sporting ;)
The manufacturer, Hobby PCB, has excellent technical support. I emailed the designer Jim Veatch WA2EUJ directly with a couple technical questions and he always returned my queries within a day.
In my setup, I enabled the PTT to ground on transmit using the QDX putty utility, and likewise enabled PTT mode on the Hardrock-50. I connected the two with a simple RCA to 3.5mm audio cable. The Hardrock-50 has COR mode, but I thought using PTT might be more solid and reliable.
Since firing up the Hardrock-50, I've added 2 new DXCC entities to my log in just 3 days, so I have reasonable hopes for hitting 100.
I just wanted to share, and apologies if I've offended any purist sensibilities.
Here's a picture of my current rig. The monstrosity on top is my homebrew LC matching network. The black box on the right is the power supply (Amazon) for the Hardrock-50.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
--
73s and all that,
Dan? W6AZI
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Question about accuracy of RF watt indication at QRP levels?
Is the formula Peak to Peak voltage squared divided by 400 an accurate indicator of RF watts output? I have an accurate digital scope and want to calibrate an Elecraft W1 watt meter I just finished putting together. I have a QCX plus 5 for 40 meters, a QCX mini for 20 meters and a QDX rev4. I would like to know an accurate way to measure output. I also have the QRP Labs dummy load with the ground and RF taps that I use to measure peak to peak voltage. I believe using peak to peak voltage is an accurate method but wanted to make sure?
Thanks,
Glenn WA7SPY
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#qdx #80m Are there pictures of the RF Filter Sweep anyplace?
#qdx
#80m
Are there RF Filter Sweep screen shots for 80-20m posted some place?
I just completed building my QDX and it seems to be working, mainly. But I'm puzzled by results I'm getting for the RF Filter Sweeps--
The sweep for 80m shows the center frequency down quite a bit, and the filter peak is way to the right on the page. 60m shows similarly.
40-20m all seem to show the center frequency at least in the filter's pass band, which is what I expected!
The screen shot in the 1.05 operating manual is for 20m though the manual refers to 40m. And there are no screen shots for other bands...
Have I missed something?
Thanks,
Paul
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Mitch Winkle
Dan W6AZI
Paul - AI7JR