开云体育

ctrl + shift + ? for shortcuts
© 2025 开云体育
  1. QRPLabs
  2. Topics

1_04.QDX Firmware Upgrade Problems #firmware

 

I recently built two QDX rev 3 transceivers with version 1_03 firmware already installed. Both transceivers were working fine although one needs a little "tweaking" of the low pass filters to maximize the power output. As soon as firmware version 1_04 became available I decided to upgrade so that I could test the QDXs with my two 50 watt amplifiers. I upgraded QDX #1 and all is well...the output power is normal and it keys the amplifiers fine. I then upgraded QDX #2, connected it to an amplifier and was disappointed to see no power output (the PTT LED on the amp activated on transmit). I then removed the connection to the amplifier and measured the power output directly and it was also zero. I assumed that I had done something to QDX #2 in? my testing, but I could not imagine that I had done anything "bad". I have a number of BS170 devices here and decided to just install a new set before I did any serious troubleshooting. Well, sure enough with a fresh set of BS170s, the power output was still zero. I was afraid that I must had somehow destroyed some other device on the QDX #2 board.

On a "whim" I decided to reinstall firmware version 1_03 since QDX #2 had been working fine before the upgrade. To my surprise, the power output returned to normal! I then tried to upgrade to version 1_04 again and again, no power output.I did notice that a file called 1_04 showed up in the "virtual drive" rather than 1_04.QDX. I hope that I am just doing something wrong this time, since I did successfully upgrade the firmware on QDX #1 and it works fine.

Any suggestions would be welcome!

Ed, K0KC
 

Ed,

I would go into the terminal application and verify that the appropriate bands are enabled.? Please read the operating manual for version 1_04 to see how the configuration settings are set and used.

73
Evan
AC9TU
 

Ed,
I noticed something similar after I upgraded my QDXv3 to 1_04.?
I was not getting any power output using a Windows application, WSJT-X, but I did get output in the terminal application.

The problem got fixed when I noticed the audio levels in Windows were not both at 100%. Not sure how one of them got changed. I think when the QDX is connected it becomes the default input and output audio device and I may have bumped the output level control.?

Hope it helps!

--Al
WD4AH
 

Thanks for the suggestions Evan and Al!

I should have mentioned in my first post that I am running under Windows 10.

Evan, I have checked the configuration in the terminal application and all bands have transmit enabled (except the un-named band).

Al, I checked the audio levels in Windows 10 settings and both were set to 100%. I also enabled transmit in the terminal application with no output power.

The COM port is correct since the QDX responds to CAT commands and, of course, I can communicate with the QDX using the terminal application and JTDX and WSJT-X.

I did? mention in my first post that the "virtual drive" showed 1_04 rather than 1_04.QDX but when I went back and checked the QDX unit that is working, it shows the same, so that must be inherent in the design of the firmware.

The same firmware update file was used to update both QDX units and the first one works fine, so I do not think it is a problem with a corrupt download. Just in case, I downloaded the firmware update again but still no output power. I also did a reset from the terminal app just in case that would fix things, but it did not help.

This QDX is usable under 1_03, but I would like the features available in 1_04 so I am still open to suggestions.

Thanks,

Ed, K0KC
 

On Fri, Jul 22, 2022, at 06:00 AM, Ed Wilson wrote:
I also enabled transmit in the terminal application with no output power.
Ed,

When using the terminal transmit test feature, are you getting the proper LED flash sequence?

I have noted that with the version 1_04 firmware, sometimes on power up, the QDX will not start correctly and has a high current draw on receive.? It seems to be related to having an antenna or dummy load connected to the QDX when started.? It may have nothing to do with the antenna other than the ground connection through the shield and the boost buck converter I use to drop the shack 13.8volts to 9volts.? It happens less when I use a battery to power the converter.

I suggest starting the QDX on a battery with a dummy load connected and trying the transmit test again.

73
Evan
AC9TU
 

Evan,

Yes, the flash sequence is normal for the transmit condition, but the inline power meter shows zero power output. I have been running the QDX from a 12 volt battery this week. My Siglent bench power supply which I normally use is away from home getting some warranty service. The power is zero whether I try to transmit into an antenna or into a 50 ohm dummy load. As I mentioned previously, the QDX operates normally with 1_03 and the receive function looks normal with 1_04.

My other QDX rev 3 works fine with the firmware upgrade (also running from the battery).

Thanks again for your suggestions!

Ed, K0KC
 

Ed,
Did? you try either of the beta versions of 1_04? Same result?
As a grasping a straws suggestion, a very close inspection of the PC board or clean up with alcohol & toothbrush. Maybe a physical bridge causing a logical bridge in the processor??
Not sure what else to suggest.

--Al
WD4AH
 

Al,

I did try the beta versions but I think that I only tried them on the QDX that does not have the output power problem. I did do an inspection and cleanup of the board when I (prematurely) replaced the BS170 devices, but I will take another look.

Thanks,

Ed, K0KC
 

Just for "fun", I went back an installed the two beta builds on the QDX with no power output and sure enough...no power output.

Ed, K0KC
 

Ed,

I have been reading this thread:
/g/QRPLabs/message/89487

It describes how to back up the configuration file on the QDX.? That suggests taking the configuration file from the working QDX and transferring it to the nonworking QDX.? Of course, back up the original files and keep track of which one is which.

73
Evan
AC9TU
 

That was an interesting suggestion, Evan...I tried it, but it did not work!

Thanks anyway,

Ed, K0KC
 

Ed,

It was worth a try.? Since this is only on one QDX, and the QDX is functional on the prior release, I think your only option is to open a ticket with the support email on the QRP-Labs webpage.? There is not enough information on how the software is checking hardware to give more guidance, at least as far as I know.

It would be interesting to know the solution if you get one.

73
Evan
AC9TU
 

Hi Evan, Ed

There is absolutely nothing in the new software release that looks at or checks the hardware and does something differently.?

This is a real mystery as nobody else has reported such a thing.?

Ed... Apologies if any of this has already been mentioned - please can you confirm which PCB revision this is. And when the 1_04 firmware is installed and transmit from the transmitter test screen is not working, please can you send a screenshot of both the Configuration screen and the Band Configuration screen.?

73 Hans G0UPL
http://qrp-labs.com
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/g0upl


-------- Original message --------
From: Evan Hand <elhandjr@...>
Date: Fri, Jul 22, 2022, 8:49 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [QRPLabs] 1_04.QDX Firmware Upgrade Problems #firmware
Ed,

It was worth a try.? Since this is only on one QDX, and the QDX is functional on the prior release, I think your only option is to open a ticket with the support email on the QRP-Labs webpage.? There is not enough information on how the software is checking hardware to give more guidance, at least as far as I know.

It would be interesting to know the solution if you get one.

73
Evan
AC9TU

 

Ok, Hans, here is what I have done this morning (my time):

  • Took the top off of the case of the QDX and verified that it was rev. 3

  • Applied power to the QDX (which was running firmware 1_03 from yesterday)

  • Opened Putty to access the terminal

  • Scrolled down to "Transmit", selected that option and pressed "t"...noted 5 watts output on 40 meters

  • Exited Transmit and moved down to the "Update firmware" option and selected it...the terminal closed and the virtual drive appeared

  • I dragged the 1_04.QDX file to the virtual drive and closed the virtual drive window after it was copied

  • I then powered down the QDX

  • I then powered-up the QDX, opened the terminal in Putty, scrolled down to "Transmit", pressed "t" and noted NO power out on the meter, yet the LED was flashing normally

  • I exited Transmit and then selected "Configuration" and did a screen capture and saved as a jpg file (attached)

  • I exited Configuration and then selected "Band Configuration" and did a screen capture and saved as a jpg file (attached)

  • I then exited Band Configuration, selected "Update firmware", noted that I was running 1_04 and then returned to 1_03 so that I could use the QDX

    I hope that this procedure will give you a clue to solve this "mystery"

Ed, K0KC

P.S. This test was done on 40 meters, but I have checked the other bands and no power out there either.
 

Definitely not an expert - I am still building my QDX - but what happens if you enable VOX in configuration? This should bypass CAT control and eliminate any issues there...
Good luck!
73 - Eric
DL1ECN
 

Eric,

Thanks for the suggestion, but CAT seems to be working fine...I just do not get any power out using 1_04 firmware.

I think you will enjoy using your new QDX when you get it finished...I have made over 3000 contacts using my QDX units!

Ed, K0KC

1 - 16 of 16