QMX+ SSB not keying from Mic/Paddle Port
9
Hello Bill here it is probably just a defective operator. My QMX works no problem Digital, CW and SSB (using digital). The Mic/Paddle port has no issue with CW but when the Microphone is used it does not key the QMX+. I insert the microphone and using the PTT button on the microphone I can get it to key and send very slow CW. Is there a setting that I am missing. I tried to key the QMX+ with just the Tip Sleeve to get the rig to key ( bare wire on the jack ) with no luck. When I run microphone diagnostics I see modulation. From what I am reading that when you insert the microphone it should sense that it is not a Paddle and use the microphone. Yes I am in USB and or LSB mode into a dummy load. The microphone I have is the Electret Mic from QRP Kits wired and tested as per instruction manual ( qrp-labs ) . https://qrpkits.com/microphone.html I have also tried to repurpose a microphone from a Baofeng with no joy. Any help would be appreciated Thanks in Advance Bill N3GTY
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microphone wiring.
16
When SSB is implemented on the QMX I want to be ready. I have a vintage in new condition RadioShack electric condenser microphone element. on the illustration for the mic I believe the middle wire which is number 2 would need a momentary switch for PTT, or would it be better to put it on #3 ground? I imagine as per the schematic that came with the microphone it will need a capacitor in the range specified. Any help here would be appreciated because I don¡¯t want to take a chance at wiring something wrong and damaging anything. Feel free to draw a full schematic just to confirm everything. thank you everyone.
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Updated Wiki Page: QMX QMX_plus Block Diagram
#wiki-notice
The wiki page QMX QMX_plus Block Diagram has been updated by @Ludwig_DH8WN <DH8WN@...>. Compare Revisions
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Mini Microphones for QMX SSB
13
Hi everyone. With the release of the SSB firmware out of beta, I thought I would make my offer to source K6ARKs wonderful little microphones, which can be found here: https://www.printables.com/model/320559-mini-microphone-for-qmx-trusdx-usdx-kx2-and-kx3, one more time. Adam (K6ARK) made a super fantastic little miniature mic case, and they work with the QMX quite nicely. I print the cases in PLA, and have the following colors available: Black, White, Grey, Navy Blue, Orange, Light Green, Red, Gold, Purple, Sand Stone, Light Blue Stone, Turquoise stone, and Marble Stone (The stone colors look like marble or granite - little flecks of darker color in them - The marble one winds up looking like bleached bone). The kit includes: 3D Printed case in PLA 3.5mm jack Electret Mic Element Microswitch for PTT For each mic, $10 for kit, $15 fully assembled and tested. This price includes shipping in the US. I am happy to make you more than one, some people want one for home and one for the go bag, that's great. You will need to provide your own AUX cable (3.5mm male to male) to go between the mic and the radio. I have had several ask what cord I am using, So I have included this link to one I am using and that I test all my assembled mics with; it seems to work quite well: https://a.co/d/36GDDXf (This is a shortened, non-affiliated link to Amazon.com page for the cable I use) If you are interested, send me a private email, and I will send you payment details. My email address is good on QRZ.
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QMX+ Build - No Power on Diagnostics screen (pressing T)
11
#power
#test
#troubleshooting
I have corrected all the issues with my enameled torroid soldering joints, so those look reasonable now on all bands. That said, I have no power whatsoever when pressing "T" on the diagnostics screen. I am using 3 cell LIPOs charged to 11.9vdc (checked after charging with multimeter) for power. T501 wound for 12v. - Initial startup was at 7v, just to be safe. No issues or magic smoke so slowly raised voltage to 12V with no issues. No pops or anything else. - Checked T507 by removing and testing, then reinstalling. - Removed and rewound T501, RWTST, to eliminate concerns of over twisting the wires. - Rewound T401 and checked for continuity on the 3 pairs, then installed it. - T502 has continuity and the correct amount of wraps. - The dummyload I am using is one I purchased along with the kit. Assembly was enjoyable and it measures 49.5 ohms. When I press "T" I get 0.0 power. I checked the SWR protection set it higher, and restarted the radio, but still get 0.0 on the diagnostics screen. I then turned the SWR protection completely, then restarted the radio and still 0.0. The power transistors DO get slightly warm, but not suddenly. From what I can tell, everything is as it should be, but I'm still getting no power to the dummyload. I have no actual antennas yet, but should have one completed in a couple hours. I checked several patch cords (between radio and dummyload) and they all are working correctly, but still no power. What should I be checking now? Is there a test procedure for this specific issue? There has to be others who have encountered this before... Thanks again, btw... Ahand59
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File /QMX-PC-Controller.html uploaded
7
#file-notice
The following items have been added to the Files area of the [email protected] group. /QMX-PC-Controller.html By: Paul Harrison <dj0cu@...> Description: Control the QMX via the PC. Instructions just save the File to your hard Disc, right click and Open with Chrome, Edge etc. Make sure your QMX is connected to the PC and click on Connect.
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T507 and SSB SWR
10
Hello everyone, I've seen in different topics that T507 solder joints should be checked & reflowed in the event of a high SWR spike on SSB transmit... a problem that several of us have mentioned, and in my case, makes the rig completely unusable on SSB. I do understand, looking at the schematic, how this could cause the protection circuit to trigger. What I do not (yet) understand is why this would be a problem that I see on SSB only, and not on CW. I have not witnessed this on CW. A theory I have is that maybe if the joint is just on the edge of continuity, then a higher duty cycle CW signal would temporarily "anneal" the bad joint, but that on SSB you don't have that effect. I am a skeptic about my theory...in any case, I do plan on trying reflowing T507 and associated circuitry. This was a factory assembled unit so I was hoping to avoid this, but I appreciate all that Hans is doing. I'm not complaining at all... just looking for guidance and thoughts so I can get this amazing rig on SSB. God bless, Joel W9JFK
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QLG2 GPS
2
The antenna connection was installed in line with the PCB, not at right angles to it. When outside within view of plenty of satellites, all LEDS are bright and not blinking. Inside, with no expectation of reception, all LEDS are bright and not blinking. The display always shows: 1_00b.QG2 Powered by STM32 There was no modification to the PCB other than adding a display, which works, and a 3.5mm jack. See photo. Any suggestions? Jim
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RE; Quirky SSB software behavior & Solution
QMX and QMX+ Installed SSB software then during testing they locked up, other than very slow incrementing of freq, no controls had any effect. After numerous re-install of 027 and factory resets. ( even a reset from terminal would usually say 'resetting' but hang - waited over 30 min. in one case. Possible Solution. I unplugged the USB to my computer and seemingly have regained control. NOTE no previos problems with my approach prior to 002 update. On a MAC M1 using Tabby (like putty on a mac) for conducting QMX testing terminal operations and also WSTJ for live reception and transmission checks. WSJT must be quit and restarted with almost any changes- this is a given. These programs will not run simultaneously - one OR the other. In the past Exit Terminal got me out of Terminal ops on Tabby, and I could open wsjtx all with complete control of the QMX. I had then been closing Tabby from the upper tool bar - on a mac this usually makes it non operative but leaves it open in the tool tray Maybe my lazy bad, but usual on a mac. The hang up would not occur in CW or Digi modes but only in SSB It would also start transmitting by itself VOX off and no mike plugged in (SWR and W meter show this) Driving me nuts! Hope this helps someone
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CW Practice / Rag Chew
On May 11 I had a CW practice / rag chew session on 17 meters. I worked two stations: Conditions were poor with heavy QSB. I heard several very weak stations calling but could not copy callsigns. If you were one of them maybe next time will be better. SSN = 70, SFI = 1134, A = 12, K = 2. I was using my Elecraft K3 at 100 watts with my 100 foot sloped doublet. Anyone and everyone is welcome. These practice sessions are intended for operators who are new to CW or they need some practice. IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW POOR YOUR CW IS. Mistakes are OK. Poor fists are OK. Slow speed is OK. Really slow speed is OK. This practice is meant for you to improve your CW. I will do my best to adjust to your skill level. Operate at any power level. If several stations show up, I will operate as a round-table control station. I will do it as a round-table so everyone gets a chance to transmit. Please listen to my directions. My next CW practice session will be TBD at TBD EDT / TBD UTC on TOD meters. I will be away attending FDIM and Hamvention. I will schedule the next session when I get back. I will be manning the Michigan QRP Club both at Club night. Please stop by and say Hi. Also we are offering a special FDIM discount for Michigan QRP Club memberships. Details: Date - TBD Time - TBD Band - TBD How to find me - I will find a clear frequency and call CQ. Go to the Reverse Beacon Network and search for my call sign AB8DF. That will tell you what frequency I am on. Tune your station to that frequency and if you hear me give me a call. If there is a QSO in progress, please wait for a break in the action. Then send your callsign. If I hear you, I will invite you to join the QSO and start a round-table QSO. Reply to this email if you have questions. IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW POOR CW IS Ed AB8DF
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QMX+ with ~1000 tone on 12M & 6M: solved
2
Hello, starting from strange LO signal I de-solder one wire of trifilar T401 to IC408 pin 9. To verify I touch every pin of IC 403 and IC402 with the Ohm-meter. Power -on: LO-Signal at BNC vanished and wistles get weaker. Connecting wire of T401 again: Noisefloor at 6m reduces from 25 dB to 5 dB and wistles are reduced. Side-Band of LO at BNC vanished, only LO Signal is detectable. My conclusions: Either I have a fine closure in T401 or a cold soldering point at IC 403. I guess one pin of IC 403 was not connected properly, touching with the Ohm meter established connection. All pins of IC403 will be soldered in case wistles are remainig. vy 73 Michael
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QCX Classic Case WANTED
5
I post a message like this every 6months or so in hope... I'm looking for someone who has an original QCX Classic case they no longer want. This is the BaMa Tech case that was sold by QRP Labs for sometime. The case is not available new any more. If you have such a case or maybe a cased QCX Classic that is fried and dead and you want to sell, please contact me andy.mm0fmf AT gmail.com. I'm in the UK and Brexit etc. has made shipping to and from the UK much more "fun and challenging" now. But if you are in the EU or in the US I have friends/relatives in either that will handle shipping to me making it simple for you :-) Here's hoping. Thanks Andy, MM0FMF
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qmx|+
2
what are the connection to front panel i have lost track of the +12volts
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New QMX Build
2
Just finished my QMX Midband V4 build. I built it for 12 volts. The audio and RF sweeps are almost exactly as in the manual. Battery was at 11.2V Power from diagnostics as follows: 60 meter 5.3w 40 meter 4.3w 30 meter 4.3w 20 meter 4.2w 17 meter 3.8w 15 meter 4.9w I was using my QRPoMeter as the dummy load. Am I at risk if I run it at 12v. My pack is 3 cell Liion 5000mah (12.6 charged) with inline diode to bring it back to 12.0v. Thanks John KY4WW
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qmx+
5
i had a short between the two left front of jp110 i can't wait to see output of tx on a spectrum analzer im 84 this year an so be cool.
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QMX+ Morreitized
Big thank you to Jeff Moore. Fixed and set up my QMX Plus. Works great. Super-fast service. He's a tribute to the ham radio community. You're the best. Gary W0CKI -- Gary W0CKI
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Onboard mic timeline?
4
Hey all! I¡¯m not saying it would be an ideal situation or anything, but does anyone know if/when we will be able to use the onboard mic for ssb operations? I really love the portable nature of my kit and don¡¯t mind using the onboard mic. Thanks! 73 Jeff KB3TVP
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QCX-mini LCD backlight not coming on
10
Just completed troubleshooting a couple of items on the QMX-mini build and the unit now up and appears in good shape except the backlight doesn't turn on. I've rotated the LCD pot all the way which changes character brightness but without the backlight illuminating. I have the backlight set to 'on' in the menu system. Is these somewhere obvious I can trace the issue ? I imagine the signal from the processor to the LCD to turn on the backlight is not getting through but I'm not sure where to start looking, which pin on the LCD is connected to which pin on the processor (IC2). Any help is appreciated.
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#qmx Don¡¯t Use USB-C PD to power your QMX?!
78
#qmx
My QMX released the magic smoke yesterday and I quickly traced the smoke to a crater in D108, the 5.6V zener on the 5V PSU board. Having recently read Hans¡¯ excellent SMPS analysis (http://qrp-labs.com/qmx/smpsstep.html ) it got me wondering what could have caused the fault. I had been powering my QMX from a USB-C battery and this 12v cable (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09ZL1WZ4G). I then remembered that USB-C PD adapters typically start with the output at 5V and then shortly afterwards increase the voltage to that negotiated by the device (in this case 12V). This would generate exactly the voltage pattern Hans has told us to AVOID. I took a trace of the voltage power-up sequence, and this is the result (no QMX¡¯s were harmed in creating this trace). Output power starts at 5V for 120ms before increasing to 12V, perfectly creating Hans¡¯ disaster scenario and causing D108 to sacrifice itself to protect the rest of the QMX. Thankfully the rest of my QMX appears to have survived unharmed, thanks to D108. Conclusion: don¡¯t use a USB-C battery to power your QMX, unless you¡¯ve confirmed your adapter behaves differently! Cheers, Dave M0JTS
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QMX current too high
5
#troubleshooting
#qmx
Hi, I recently finished building my qmx and after checking for shorts and not finding any I plugged it in but it draws too much current (200mA when applying 7V (which drop to 3.7V)). I can connect to the device via the serial console where it outputs the following data: Supply Voltage: 3.7 V 5V SMPS Status: Error Voltage: 3.34 V Duty max: 85 % Duty cycle: 85 % The 3V3 SMPS is working fine. When testing the 5V SMPS board it seemed to work. Any ideas where I should start looking? Cheers Lieven DF1CN
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