|
Did you apply Vcc to the final? The U2 requires a jumper so that the final will get volyage.
73
Gary
|
Yes Gary, I did catch that early on, but not the trouble. Finally, the no output went away with Reset, and re-doing the options. I think I didn't understand the editing of configuration. It looked like the options got saved, but maybe not. I now hear and see lots of output on the Kenwood. Total current when transmitting is about 140 ma. On another post, I asked about common setting for Frame and Start. Maybe you can chime in?
Don...W6RWN
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
--- In QRPLabs@..., Gary White <white512@...> wrote:
Did you apply Vcc to the final? The U2 requires a jumper so that the
final will get volyage.
73
Gary
|
Don,
The original problem was in the callsign - WSPR requires a 6 character call. Yours and mine are only 5, so you have to add a space at the end in the callsign field. Then the error "Message" will not appear and the output will work.
On the start and frame setting:
I put charts in the files section of the Yahoo group page which shows for which start minute and what frame setting, which minutes will be transmitted. If you are operating on 20 or 30 meters, there are LOTS of stations and I would recommend no more than a 20% to 30% transmission time in an hour. On the lower bands like 80 and 160, then you can use somewhat higher percentage of transmit and will likely interfere less with others.
Personally, I always use start at 00 and then vary the frame to suit the band I am on. On 80 meters, where I have done the most work, I normally use a frame of 6 or 8.
Paul KE7HR
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
--- In QRPLabs@..., "Don" <don1mh@...> wrote:
Yes Gary, I did catch that early on, but not the trouble. Finally, the no output went away with Reset, and re-doing the options. I think I didn't understand the editing of configuration. It looked like the options got saved, but maybe not. I now hear and see lots of output on the Kenwood. Total current when transmitting is about 140 ma. On another post, I asked about common setting for Frame and Start. Maybe you can chime in?
Don...W6RWN
--- In QRPLabs@..., Gary White <white512@> wrote:
Did you apply Vcc to the final? The U2 requires a jumper so that the
final will get volyage.
73
Gary
|
Paul,
The U2 is getting well! With the software I have (a few days ago), I was able to get my 5 character call in just fine. I think Reset helped a lot. And editing wasn't done right yesterday. Plus I had the LP filter unplugged while testing. I'm using a 3A commercial variable bench supply. I'm finding it's better to disconnect the + to shut down, rather than turn off the main switch. Same turning on the U2. I think turn on transients from supply might give chips some fright!
OK here are some readings and two questions:
RF out of LPF with 47 ohm load resistor
U2 current, not TX-ing = 130 ma
U2 current, TX-ing = 260 ma
P-P RF voltage on scope when transmitting = 12.5 volts
Question 1: Should I see my call on display when TX-ing?
Question 2: What do the numbers mean in middle of the display?
I see a pair of numbers advancing. One space over, I see
0 to 3 in no particular order.
Thanks...Don
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
--- In QRPLabs@..., "Paul KE7HR" <ke7hr@...> wrote:
Don,
The original problem was in the callsign - WSPR requires a 6 character call. Yours and mine are only 5, so you have to add a space at the end in the callsign field. Then the error "Message" will not appear and the output will work.
On the start and frame setting:
I put charts in the files section of the Yahoo group page which shows for which start minute and what frame setting, which minutes will be transmitted. If you are operating on 20 or 30 meters, there are LOTS of stations and I would recommend no more than a 20% to 30% transmission time in an hour. On the lower bands like 80 and 160, then you can use somewhat higher percentage of transmit and will likely interfere less with others.
Personally, I always use start at 00 and then vary the frame to suit the band I am on. On 80 meters, where I have done the most work, I normally use a frame of 6 or 8.
Paul KE7HR
--- In QRPLabs@..., "Don" <don1mh@> wrote:
Yes Gary, I did catch that early on, but not the trouble. Finally, the no output went away with Reset, and re-doing the options. I think I didn't understand the editing of configuration. It looked like the options got saved, but maybe not. I now hear and see lots of output on the Kenwood. Total current when transmitting is about 140 ma. On another post, I asked about common setting for Frame and Start. Maybe you can chime in?
Don...W6RWN
--- In QRPLabs@..., Gary White <white512@> wrote:
Did you apply Vcc to the final? The U2 requires a jumper so that the
final will get volyage.
73
Gary
|
Don, your numbers sound about right, though all of my testing has been at 80 meters. In the files and photo section you can see some screen shots of what I found there. On 80 meters I can get as much as 2.5 watts out with 12 volts to the final, but "throttle back" to 1 watt (20 vpp into 50 ohms) both for the challenge and better battery life for my portable operation.
On question 1: not in the latest version.
On question 2: The number counting up to 162 is the bit being sent. The number varying between 0 and 3 is the number of the tone being sent. WSPR sends 162 bits as four tones separated by about 1.4 Hz.
Have fun with it.
Paul KE7HR
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
--- In QRPLabs@..., "Don" <don1mh@...> wrote:
Paul,
The U2 is getting well! With the software I have (a few days ago), I was able to get my 5 character call in just fine. I think Reset helped a lot. And editing wasn't done right yesterday. Plus I had the LP filter unplugged while testing. I'm using a 3A commercial variable bench supply. I'm finding it's better to disconnect the + to shut down, rather than turn off the main switch. Same turning on the U2. I think turn on transients from supply might give chips some fright!
OK here are some readings and two questions:
RF out of LPF with 47 ohm load resistor
U2 current, not TX-ing = 130 ma
U2 current, TX-ing = 260 ma
P-P RF voltage on scope when transmitting = 12.5 volts
Question 1: Should I see my call on display when TX-ing?
Question 2: What do the numbers mean in middle of the display?
I see a pair of numbers advancing. One space over, I see
0 to 3 in no particular order.
Thanks...Don
|
Paul,
From what you said, a variable PS just for the final or finals might be interesting. Use a LM-317 and pot for regulator. Bad news yesterday. Was going th use my old FV-M8 for the GPS. Data out was good on scope, but no 1 pps output. Using it on other projects, I never needed this output. What a letdown! Checked it over and over. Nothing. Sparkfun shows FV-M8 retired, so went with the EM-406A. Guess WSPR will have to wait a few days. OK on questions. I should read the manual!
Don
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
--- In QRPLabs@..., "Paul KE7HR" <ke7hr@...> wrote:
Don, your numbers sound about right, though all of my testing has been at 80 meters. In the files and photo section you can see some screen shots of what I found there. On 80 meters I can get as much as 2.5 watts out with 12 volts to the final, but "throttle back" to 1 watt (20 vpp into 50 ohms) both for the challenge and better battery life for my portable operation.
On question 1: not in the latest version.
On question 2: The number counting up to 162 is the bit being sent. The number varying between 0 and 3 is the number of the tone being sent. WSPR sends 162 bits as four tones separated by about 1.4 Hz.
Have fun with it.
Paul KE7HR
--- In QRPLabs@..., "Don" <don1mh@> wrote:
Paul,
The U2 is getting well! With the software I have (a few days ago), I was able to get my 5 character call in just fine. I think Reset helped a lot. And editing wasn't done right yesterday. Plus I had the LP filter unplugged while testing. I'm using a 3A commercial variable bench supply. I'm finding it's better to disconnect the + to shut down, rather than turn off the main switch. Same turning on the U2. I think turn on transients from supply might give chips some fright!
OK here are some readings and two questions:
RF out of LPF with 47 ohm load resistor
U2 current, not TX-ing = 130 ma
U2 current, TX-ing = 260 ma
P-P RF voltage on scope when transmitting = 12.5 volts
Question 1: Should I see my call on display when TX-ing?
Question 2: What do the numbers mean in middle of the display?
I see a pair of numbers advancing. One space over, I see
0 to 3 in no particular order.
Thanks...Don
|
The GPS is not needed to make WSPR work. All of my U2 WSPR work has been without a GPS. A few iterations of setting the 20 MHz oscillator frequency are required, but mine has run for more than a week solid with less than 1 second drift after adjustment. Because one of my applications for WSPR will never have GPS, I may eventually build an accurate real time clock based on the ChronoDot module and an Arduino to simulate the GPS, but so far I have not seen the need.
For the final output power supply I used a cheap switching regulator from eBay. Similar to:
I use them because they are more efficient than the linear regulator. Less heat, and heatsinking, and the signal is not interfered with as far as I can tell.
There are versions of the LM2596 regulator with a voltmeter now attached that I see on eBay which might be nice for setup.
Yes, the manual for Hans kit and the WSPR documentation makes good reading. Enjoy.
Paul KE7HR
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
--- In QRPLabs@..., "Don" <don1mh@...> wrote:
Paul,
From what you said, a variable PS just for the final or finals might be interesting. Use a LM-317 and pot for regulator. Bad news yesterday. Was going th use my old FV-M8 for the GPS. Data out was good on scope, but no 1 pps output. Using it on other projects, I never needed this output. What a letdown! Checked it over and over. Nothing. Sparkfun shows FV-M8 retired, so went with the EM-406A. Guess WSPR will have to wait a few days. OK on questions. I should read the manual!
Don
|
Paul "The GPS is not needed"
Good to know about WSPR can work without GPS. What's a good number to start with to nudge the 20 MHz oscillator? Anyway a new GPS should arrive in a couple of days, but I'll try your idea first.
I ordered 2 of the Mini-Red-Step-Down PS's you mentioned. Great find!
I managed to ordered them from a NY outfit, Noo Elec through Amazon, instead of from China. I'm sure NY gets them from China!
73...Don...W6RWN
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
--- In QRPLabs@..., "Paul KE7HR" <ke7hr@...> wrote:
The GPS is not needed to make WSPR work. All of my U2 WSPR work has been without a GPS. A few iterations of setting the 20 MHz oscillator frequency are required, but mine has run for more than a week solid with less than 1 second drift after adjustment. Because one of my applications for WSPR will never have GPS, I may eventually build an accurate real time clock based on the ChronoDot module and an Arduino to simulate the GPS, but so far I have not seen the need.
For the final output power supply I used a cheap switching regulator from eBay. Similar to:
I use them because they are more efficient than the linear regulator. Less heat, and heatsinking, and the signal is not interfered with as far as I can tell.
There are versions of the LM2596 regulator with a voltmeter now attached that I see on eBay which might be nice for setup.
Yes, the manual for Hans kit and the WSPR documentation makes good reading. Enjoy.
Paul KE7HR
--- In QRPLabs@..., "Don" <don1mh@> wrote:
Paul,
From what you said, a variable PS just for the final or finals might be interesting. Use a LM-317 and pot for regulator. Bad news yesterday. Was going th use my old FV-M8 for the GPS. Data out was good on scope, but no 1 pps output. Using it on other projects, I never needed this output. What a letdown! Checked it over and over. Nothing. Sparkfun shows FV-M8 retired, so went with the EM-406A. Guess WSPR will have to wait a few days. OK on questions. I should read the manual!
Don
|
Hi Don
That made me chuckle! A month or two ago I bought an AVR programmer (USB) from NoElec for $7.50. It arrived perfectly etc no problem. Later I found exactly the same one is available direct from China for $2.50...
Ah well, no problem, at least I've made some contribution to the American economy (as well as the Chinese) ?;-)
73 Hans G0UPL
?
Paul "The GPS is not needed"
Good to know about WSPR can work without GPS. What's a good number to start with to nudge the 20 MHz oscillator? Anyway a new GPS should arrive in a couple of days, but I'll try your idea first.
I ordered 2 of the Mini-Red-Step-Down PS's you mentioned. Great find!
I managed to ordered them from a NY outfit, Noo Elec through Amazon, instead of from China. I'm sure NY gets them from China!
73...Don...W6RWN
> The GPS is not needed to make WSPR work. All of my U2 WSPR work has been without a GPS. A few iterations of setting the 20 MHz oscillator frequency are required, but mine has run for more than a week solid with less than 1 second drift after adjustment. Because one of my applications for WSPR will never have GPS, I may eventually build an accurate real time clock based on the ChronoDot module and an Arduino to simulate the GPS, but so far I have not seen the need.
>
> For the final output power supply I used a cheap switching regulator from eBay. Similar to:
>
> I use them because they are more efficient than the linear regulator. Less heat, and heatsinking, and the signal is not interfered with as far as I can tell.
>
> There are versions of the LM2596 regulator with a voltmeter now attached that I see on eBay which might be nice for setup.
>
> Yes, the manual for Hans kit and the WSPR documentation makes good reading. Enjoy.
>
> Paul KE7HR
>
> --- In QRPLabs@..., "Don" wrote:
> >
> > Paul,
> > From what you said, a variable PS just for the final or finals might be interesting. Use a LM-317 and pot for regulator. Bad news yesterday. Was going th use my old FV-M8 for the GPS. Data out was good on scope, but no 1 pps output. Using it on other projects, I never needed this output. What a letdown! Checked it over and over. Nothing. Sparkfun shows FV-M8 retired, so went with the EM-406A. Guess WSPR will have to wait a few days. OK on questions. I should read the manual!
> >
> > Don
>
|
Hans,
Yes, big variance in price from China. I saw one at 61 cents!
I bought 2 @ $2.59 ea. from NY. I hope it works!
What do you think? No GPS and WSPR works fine. So says Paul. But, what I have read, GPS would help get more spots. If his setup works, hats off Paul.
Don
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
--- In QRPLabs@..., Hans Summers <hans.summers@...> wrote:
Hi Don
That made me chuckle! A month or two ago I bought an AVR programmer (USB)
from NoElec for $7.50. It arrived perfectly etc no problem. Later I found
exactly the same one is available direct from China for $2.50...
Ah well, no problem, at least I've made some contribution to the American
economy (as well as the Chinese) ;-)
73 Hans G0UPL
On Tue, Jul 30, 2013 at 11:23 PM, Don <don1mh@...> wrote:
**
Paul "The GPS is not needed"
Good to know about WSPR can work without GPS. What's a good number to
start with to nudge the 20 MHz oscillator? Anyway a new GPS should arrive
in a couple of days, but I'll try your idea first.
I ordered 2 of the Mini-Red-Step-Down PS's you mentioned. Great find!
I managed to ordered them from a NY outfit, Noo Elec through Amazon,
instead of from China. I'm sure NY gets them from China!
73...Don...W6RWN
--- In QRPLabs@..., "Paul KE7HR" <ke7hr@> wrote:
The GPS is not needed to make WSPR work. All of my U2 WSPR work has been
without a GPS. A few iterations of setting the 20 MHz oscillator frequency
are required, but mine has run for more than a week solid with less than 1
second drift after adjustment. Because one of my applications for WSPR will
never have GPS, I may eventually build an accurate real time clock based on
the ChronoDot module and an Arduino to simulate the GPS, but so far I have
not seen the need.
For the final output power supply I used a cheap switching regulator
from eBay. Similar to:
I use them because they are more efficient than the linear regulator. Less heat, and heatsinking, and the signal is not interfered with as far as
I can tell.
There are versions of the LM2596 regulator with a voltmeter now attached
that I see on eBay which might be nice for setup.
Yes, the manual for Hans kit and the WSPR documentation makes good
reading. Enjoy.
Paul KE7HR
--- In QRPLabs@..., "Don" <don1mh@> wrote:
Paul,
From what you said, a variable PS just for the final or finals might
be interesting. Use a LM-317 and pot for regulator. Bad news yesterday. Was
going th use my old FV-M8 for the GPS. Data out was good on scope, but no 1
pps output. Using it on other projects, I never needed this output. What a
letdown! Checked it over and over. Nothing. Sparkfun shows FV-M8 retired,
so went with the EM-406A. Guess WSPR will have to wait a few days. OK on
questions. I should read the manual!
Don
|
Hi Don
WSPR works fine without GPS. You won't get more spots with GPS or without it. GPS will calibrate your transmission frequency, and it also will keep your realtime clock accurate. Without GPS, the time would drift slowly. WSPR decodes will stop once the drift exceeds a second or two.
However if you measure the drift, you can compensate for it in the 20MHz system clock configuration setting by setting the accurate value near to 20MHz. Once you have compensated for the system clock drift, you should be able to run the kit for a week without intervention, according to reports.?
73 Hans G0UPL
On Wed, Jul 31, 2013 at 1:34 AM, Don <don1mh@...> wrote:
?
Hans,
Yes, big variance in price from China. I saw one at 61 cents!
I bought 2 @ $2.59 ea. from NY. I hope it works!
What do you think? No GPS and WSPR works fine. So says Paul. But, what I have read, GPS would help get more spots. If his setup works, hats off Paul.
Don
--- In QRPLabs@..., Hans Summers wrote:
>
> Hi Don
>
> That made me chuckle! A month or two ago I bought an AVR programmer (USB)
> from NoElec for $7.50. It arrived perfectly etc no problem. Later I found
> exactly the same one is available direct from China for $2.50...
>
> Ah well, no problem, at least I've made some contribution to the American
> economy (as well as the Chinese) ;-)
>
> 73 Hans G0UPL
>
>
> On Tue, Jul 30, 2013 at 11:23 PM, Don wrote:
>
> > **
> >
> >
> > Paul "The GPS is not needed"
> >
> > Good to know about WSPR can work without GPS. What's a good number to
> > start with to nudge the 20 MHz oscillator? Anyway a new GPS should arrive
> > in a couple of days, but I'll try your idea first.
> >
> > I ordered 2 of the Mini-Red-Step-Down PS's you mentioned. Great find!
> > I managed to ordered them from a NY outfit, Noo Elec through Amazon,
> > instead of from China. I'm sure NY gets them from China!
> >
> > 73...Don...W6RWN
> >
> >
> > --- In QRPLabs@..., "Paul KE7HR" wrote:
> > >
> > > The GPS is not needed to make WSPR work. All of my U2 WSPR work has been
> > without a GPS. A few iterations of setting the 20 MHz oscillator frequency
> > are required, but mine has run for more than a week solid with less than 1
> > second drift after adjustment. Because one of my applications for WSPR will
> > never have GPS, I may eventually build an accurate real time clock based on
> > the ChronoDot module and an Arduino to simulate the GPS, but so far I have
> > not seen the need.
> > >
> > > For the final output power supply I used a cheap switching regulator
> > from eBay. Similar to:
> > >
> >
> > > I use them because they are more efficient than the linear regulator.
> > Less heat, and heatsinking, and the signal is not interfered with as far as
> > I can tell.
> > >
> > > There are versions of the LM2596 regulator with a voltmeter now attached
> > that I see on eBay which might be nice for setup.
> > >
> > > Yes, the manual for Hans kit and the WSPR documentation makes good
> > reading. Enjoy.
> > >
> > > Paul KE7HR
> > >
> > > --- In QRPLabs@..., "Don" <don1mh@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Paul,
> > > > From what you said, a variable PS just for the final or finals might
> > be interesting. Use a LM-317 and pot for regulator. Bad news yesterday. Was
> > going th use my old FV-M8 for the GPS. Data out was good on scope, but no 1
> > pps output. Using it on other projects, I never needed this output. What a
> > letdown! Checked it over and over. Nothing. Sparkfun shows FV-M8 retired,
> > so went with the EM-406A. Guess WSPR will have to wait a few days. OK on
> > questions. I should read the manual!
> > > >
> > > > Don
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>
|
I am on holiday up in the state of Washington and my WSPR beacon is running on 80 meters with 1 watt to a dipole up in the trees. I have been copied over 100 times overnight. I really don't think that GPS will help get more spots... The only thing it will do for you is try and keep the clocks in line and automatically set the grid square.
The clocks can be zeroed in on with spreadsheets that are in the files section of the group. My "final" clock setting is 19,978,582
but yours WILL be different. My DDS clock is set to 125,001,739
but, again, yours WILL be different. Use the spreadsheets and do a few days into a dummy load to get things right before going on the air. Listen to WWV to set your clock, let it run for a day or so and note the offset. It only took me three days or so to zero in.
Have fun and explore the group site.
Paul (on the Olympic Peninsula) KE7HR
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
--- In QRPLabs@..., "Don" <don1mh@...> wrote:
Paul "The GPS is not needed"
Good to know about WSPR can work without GPS. What's a good number to start with to nudge the 20 MHz oscillator? Anyway a new GPS should arrive in a couple of days, but I'll try your idea first.
I ordered 2 of the Mini-Red-Step-Down PS's you mentioned. Great find!
I managed to ordered them from a NY outfit, Noo Elec through Amazon, instead of from China. I'm sure NY gets them from China!
73...Don...W6RWN
--- In QRPLabs@..., "Paul KE7HR" <ke7hr@> wrote:
The GPS is not needed to make WSPR work. All of my U2 WSPR work has been without a GPS. A few iterations of setting the 20 MHz oscillator frequency are required, but mine has run for more than a week solid with less than 1 second drift after adjustment. Because one of my applications for WSPR will never have GPS, I may eventually build an accurate real time clock based on the ChronoDot module and an Arduino to simulate the GPS, but so far I have not seen the need.
For the final output power supply I used a cheap switching regulator from eBay. Similar to:
I use them because they are more efficient than the linear regulator. Less heat, and heatsinking, and the signal is not interfered with as far as I can tell.
There are versions of the LM2596 regulator with a voltmeter now attached that I see on eBay which might be nice for setup.
Yes, the manual for Hans kit and the WSPR documentation makes good reading. Enjoy.
Paul KE7HR
--- In QRPLabs@..., "Don" <don1mh@> wrote:
Paul,
From what you said, a variable PS just for the final or finals might be interesting. Use a LM-317 and pot for regulator. Bad news yesterday. Was going th use my old FV-M8 for the GPS. Data out was good on scope, but no 1 pps output. Using it on other projects, I never needed this output. What a letdown! Checked it over and over. Nothing. Sparkfun shows FV-M8 retired, so went with the EM-406A. Guess WSPR will have to wait a few days. OK on questions. I should read the manual!
Don
|
Paul and others,
You know, I think a newbie like me can easily take points out of context. I do remember seeing somewhere, probably not here, WSPR is the one mode a GPS module is "very important". But, now I see a bit differently. Off frequency can be dealt with by nudging crystals. And drift can be stopped just by a tiny heat sink on the DDS chip, which I've done. I'm expecting a module in next day, so I'll see what it does for me.
Actually, I've tried WSPR a year ago with a Softrock RX/TX running about a watt, and trying to recall what all I did!
Don
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
--- In QRPLabs@..., "Paul KE7HR" <ke7hr@...> wrote:
I am on holiday up in the state of Washington and my WSPR beacon is running on 80 meters with 1 watt to a dipole up in the trees. I have been copied over 100 times overnight. I really don't think that GPS will help get more spots... The only thing it will do for you is try and keep the clocks in line and automatically set the grid square.
The clocks can be zeroed in on with spreadsheets that are in the files section of the group. My "final" clock setting is 19,978,582
but yours WILL be different. My DDS clock is set to 125,001,739
but, again, yours WILL be different. Use the spreadsheets and do a few days into a dummy load to get things right before going on the air. Listen to WWV to set your clock, let it run for a day or so and note the offset. It only took me three days or so to zero in.
Have fun and explore the group site.
Paul (on the Olympic Peninsula) KE7HR
--- In QRPLabs@..., "Don" <don1mh@> wrote:
Paul "The GPS is not needed"
Good to know about WSPR can work without GPS. What's a good number to start with to nudge the 20 MHz oscillator? Anyway a new GPS should arrive in a couple of days, but I'll try your idea first.
I ordered 2 of the Mini-Red-Step-Down PS's you mentioned. Great find!
I managed to ordered them from a NY outfit, Noo Elec through Amazon, instead of from China. I'm sure NY gets them from China!
73...Don...W6RWN
--- In QRPLabs@..., "Paul KE7HR" <ke7hr@> wrote:
The GPS is not needed to make WSPR work. All of my U2 WSPR work has been without a GPS. A few iterations of setting the 20 MHz oscillator frequency are required, but mine has run for more than a week solid with less than 1 second drift after adjustment. Because one of my applications for WSPR will never have GPS, I may eventually build an accurate real time clock based on the ChronoDot module and an Arduino to simulate the GPS, but so far I have not seen the need.
For the final output power supply I used a cheap switching regulator from eBay. Similar to:
I use them because they are more efficient than the linear regulator. Less heat, and heatsinking, and the signal is not interfered with as far as I can tell.
There are versions of the LM2596 regulator with a voltmeter now attached that I see on eBay which might be nice for setup.
Yes, the manual for Hans kit and the WSPR documentation makes good reading. Enjoy.
Paul KE7HR
--- In QRPLabs@..., "Don" <don1mh@> wrote:
Paul,
From what you said, a variable PS just for the final or finals might be interesting. Use a LM-317 and pot for regulator. Bad news yesterday. Was going th use my old FV-M8 for the GPS. Data out was good on scope, but no 1 pps output. Using it on other projects, I never needed this output. What a letdown! Checked it over and over. Nothing. Sparkfun shows FV-M8 retired, so went with the EM-406A. Guess WSPR will have to wait a few days. OK on questions. I should read the manual!
Don
|
Hi Don, Four of the main causes for drift are heat, power supply voltage change and crystal aging. 1) Heat generated by chips can play havoc on crystals and cause them to drift up or down more so than they would naturally. 2) Unstable supply voltages also vary the voltage on the crystal causing it to drift. 3) Low quality crystals or ones with a high PPM number, will allow the crystals to? drift more than one's with a low PPM number 4) Component quality In digi modes, some modes require a high stability because of the data rate being generated. Ofcourse circuit designers should take this all into account and use high quality components in critical areas. The higher one goes in frequency ie micrwaves, the more critical it becomes. All facinating
stuff. 73 John
? Digitally signed mail - M0ELS
From: Don
To: QRPLabs@...
Sent: Wednesday, 31 July 2013, 18:54
Subject: [QRPLabs] Re: Ultimate 2 QRSS no work
?
Paul and others,
You know, I think a newbie like me can easily take points out of context. I do remember seeing somewhere, probably not here, WSPR is the one mode a GPS module is "very important". But, now I see a bit differently. Off frequency can be dealt with by nudging crystals. And drift can be stopped just by a tiny heat sink on the DDS chip, which I've done. I'm expecting a module in next day, so I'll see what it does for me.
Actually, I've tried WSPR a year ago with a Softrock RX/TX running about a watt, and trying to recall what all I did!
Don
--- In QRPLabs@..., "Paul KE7HR"
>
> I am on holiday up in the state of Washington and my WSPR beacon is running on 80 meters with 1 watt to a dipole up in the trees. I have been copied over 100 times overnight. I really don't think that GPS will help get more spots... The only thing it will do for you is try and keep the clocks in line and automatically set the grid square.
>
> The clocks can be zeroed in on with spreadsheets that are in the files section of the group. My "final" clock setting is 19,978,582
> but yours WILL be different. My DDS clock is set to 125,001,739
> but, again, yours WILL be different. Use the spreadsheets and do a few days into a dummy load to get things right before going on the air. Listen to WWV to set your clock, let it run for a day or so and note the offset. It only took me three days or so to zero in.
>
> Have fun and explore the group site.
>
> Paul (on the Olympic Peninsula) KE7HR
>
> --- In QRPLabs@..., "Don" wrote:
> >
> > Paul "The GPS is not needed"
> >
> > Good to know about WSPR can work without GPS. What's a good number to start with to nudge the 20 MHz oscillator? Anyway a new GPS should arrive in a couple of days, but I'll try your idea first.
> >
> > I ordered 2 of the Mini-Red-Step-Down PS's you mentioned. Great find!
> > I managed to ordered them from a NY outfit, Noo Elec through Amazon, instead of from China. I'm sure NY gets them from China!
> >
> > 73...Don...W6RWN
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In QRPLabs@..., "Paul KE7HR" wrote:
> > >
> > > The GPS is not needed to make WSPR work. All of my U2 WSPR work has been without a GPS. A few iterations of setting the 20 MHz oscillator frequency are required, but mine has run for more than a week solid with less than 1 second drift after adjustment. Because one of my applications for WSPR will never have GPS, I may eventually build an accurate real time clock based on the ChronoDot module and an Arduino to simulate the GPS, but so far I have not seen the need.
> > >
> > > For the final output power supply I used a cheap switching regulator from eBay. Similar to:
> > >
> > > I use them because they are more efficient than the linear regulator. Less heat, and heatsinking, and the signal is not interfered with as far as I can tell.
> > >
> > > There are versions of the LM2596 regulator with a voltmeter now attached that I see on eBay which might be nice for setup.
> > >
> > > Yes, the manual for Hans kit and the WSPR documentation makes good reading. Enjoy.
> > >
> > > Paul KE7HR
> > >
> > > --- In QRPLabs@..., "Don" wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Paul,
> > > > From what you said, a variable PS just for the final or finals might be interesting. Use a LM-317 and pot for regulator. Bad news yesterday. Was going th use my old FV-M8 for the GPS. Data out was good on scope, but no 1 pps output. Using it on other projects, I never needed this output. What a letdown! Checked it over and over. Nothing. Sparkfun shows FV-M8 retired, so went with the EM-406A. Guess WSPR will have to wait a few days. OK on questions. I should read the manual!
> > > >
> > > > Don
> > >
> >
>
|
Paul, Don and co
Note that a heatsink doesn't prevent drift. It just slows it down...?
To get the U2 on frequency requires adjustment of the configuration setting for the 125MHz oscillator, and to get it keeping accurate time requires adjustment of the configuration setting for the 20MHz system clock crystal. In both cases you'll still have temperature related drift. But it is reasonably small. To get rid of that, you need an oven!
Now yet another future enhancement, which would require a fair amount of cleverness from me, would be to use the microprocessors temperature sensor (yes it does have one internally!) to measure the temperature and apply an automatic correction to the system clock and 125MHz reference clock settings. Now how nice would THAT be ;-)
73 Hans G0UPL
On Wed, Jul 31, 2013 at 6:54 PM, Don <don1mh@...> wrote:
?
Paul and others,
You know, I think a newbie like me can easily take points out of context. I do remember seeing somewhere, probably not here, WSPR is the one mode a GPS module is "very important". But, now I see a bit differently. Off frequency can be dealt with by nudging crystals. And drift can be stopped just by a tiny heat sink on the DDS chip, which I've done. I'm expecting a module in next day, so I'll see what it does for me.
Actually, I've tried WSPR a year ago with a Softrock RX/TX running about a watt, and trying to recall what all I did!
Don
--- In QRPLabs@..., "Paul KE7HR" wrote:
>
> I am on holiday up in the state of Washington and my WSPR beacon is running on 80 meters with 1 watt to a dipole up in the trees. I have been copied over 100 times overnight. I really don't think that GPS will help get more spots... The only thing it will do for you is try and keep the clocks in line and automatically set the grid square.
>
> The clocks can be zeroed in on with spreadsheets that are in the files section of the group. My "final" clock setting is 19,978,582
> but yours WILL be different. My DDS clock is set to 125,001,739
> but, again, yours WILL be different. Use the spreadsheets and do a few days into a dummy load to get things right before going on the air. Listen to WWV to set your clock, let it run for a day or so and note the offset. It only took me three days or so to zero in.
>
> Have fun and explore the group site.
>
> Paul (on the Olympic Peninsula) KE7HR
>
> --- In QRPLabs@..., "Don" wrote:
> >
> > Paul "The GPS is not needed"
> >
> > Good to know about WSPR can work without GPS. What's a good number to start with to nudge the 20 MHz oscillator? Anyway a new GPS should arrive in a couple of days, but I'll try your idea first.
> >
> > I ordered 2 of the Mini-Red-Step-Down PS's you mentioned. Great find!
> > I managed to ordered them from a NY outfit, Noo Elec through Amazon, instead of from China. I'm sure NY gets them from China!
> >
> > 73...Don...W6RWN
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In QRPLabs@..., "Paul KE7HR" wrote:
> > >
> > > The GPS is not needed to make WSPR work. All of my U2 WSPR work has been without a GPS. A few iterations of setting the 20 MHz oscillator frequency are required, but mine has run for more than a week solid with less than 1 second drift after adjustment. Because one of my applications for WSPR will never have GPS, I may eventually build an accurate real time clock based on the ChronoDot module and an Arduino to simulate the GPS, but so far I have not seen the need.
> > >
> > > For the final output power supply I used a cheap switching regulator from eBay. Similar to:
> > >
> > > I use them because they are more efficient than the linear regulator. Less heat, and heatsinking, and the signal is not interfered with as far as I can tell.
> > >
> > > There are versions of the LM2596 regulator with a voltmeter now attached that I see on eBay which might be nice for setup.
> > >
> > > Yes, the manual for Hans kit and the WSPR documentation makes good reading. Enjoy.
> > >
> > > Paul KE7HR
> > >
> > > --- In QRPLabs@..., "Don" wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Paul,
> > > > From what you said, a variable PS just for the final or finals might be interesting. Use a LM-317 and pot for regulator. Bad news yesterday. Was going th use my old FV-M8 for the GPS. Data out was good on scope, but no 1 pps output. Using it on other projects, I never needed this output. What a letdown! Checked it over and over. Nothing. Sparkfun shows FV-M8 retired, so went with the EM-406A. Guess WSPR will have to wait a few days. OK on questions. I should read the manual!
> > > >
> > > > Don
> > >
> >
>
|
