#qmx #troubleshooting
10
#troubleshooting
#qmx
Hello everyone. My name is Jesus. I recently purchased a QMX multi-band multi-mode transceiver with the 80/60/40/30/20 version. I assembled the radio and made sure to perform checks to ensure there was no shorts to ground. I proceeded to power up the radio and the radio did not power up. There was no power consumption. A quick inspection showed the D103 on one of the SMPS boards was sheared off possibly during shipping, maybe on assembly? Regardless I ordered 2 sets just to be safe. I installed the new set of SMPS and attempted to power the QMX on again. The transceiver still does not show signs of life. No power consumption showed on the meter. I did some checks with my limited knowledge. Power seems to be getting to the SMPS. Ground is in tact. There is no 3v or 5v output from the SMPS. The board does not power on or register as a device via my PC. I wanted to reach out for some guidance on any additional checks I can perform? I double checked all the solder joints with a microscope and can¡¯t see any bridging that could short anything out. So I¡¯m suspecting there¡¯s an open somewhere I¡¯m not seeing.
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QCX Mini Displaying //???/??/
7
New QCX Mini (20m) build and everything seems to be working except for the screen will go blank and/or display a mix of /'s and ?'s after the initial boot screen. Boot screen always displays both lines of text and then roughly half the time I get the random mix of ?//? on just the top line or a single black character on the top right. The other half of the time the screen displays the frequency on the top line and I'll get a few button presses before it again falls back to the ?/???? junk. Pushing any of the buttons updates the line but never goes back to anything other than a single black box or the junk characters. I've inspected the board pretty closely, re soldered pretty much everything on the board at this point, and checked continuity between the screen and IC2 pins which all seems to check out. I've also checked the voltage on all the screen pins with a multimeter and while they aren't exactly what is in the build guide they seem to be within the expected operating range. That about hits the limit of what I know to do for troubleshooting, any advice would be more than welcome.
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QMX control widget ( FLRIG accessory)
4
A completely different approach to the HTML console published on this forum but as I use Flrig to control my rigs and flrig does not support Hans' excellent recent additions to the CAT codes, I am developing a widget which supplements flrig. Currently, this allows for the selection of new modes, indicates the LCD contents on your PC, and has meters for signal, SWR, and power. This can be seen in operation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lr-OomSTS7U Anyone wishing to try this out, then it can be found here: https://github.com/sipsmi/qmxwidget It's just proof of concept at the moment, and I will get around to tidying it up, but it works and I find it useful. 73 Simon G0FOZ
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Jeff Moore
2
Another QMX quickly repaired by Jeff. It is a mid-band version. always good to know that if you build one of these and it doesn¡¯t work there¡¯s support from this group and hands on support from Jeff. thanks Hans, Jeff and all those on line helpers. phil K3UT
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Errata for Rev 3 QMX+ Assembly Manual
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Not intended as a prompt for actual updates to the excellent manual, more for information purposes in case someone is compiling a list for when Hans accidentally falls into a cloning machine and can spend time updating manuals instead of the important stuff like bug fixing and adding new features. Also, apologies if this has already been posted but the search facility doesn't work well for me unless I guess exactly the right search terms. The warning at the bottom of page 54 about power supplies is duplicated at the bottom of page 55 and then again on page 56. Given the critical nature of this warning, and that 99% of us would assume that the device would work safely on a standard bench supply or battery, repeating the warning may not actually be a bad thing so maybe it would be better not to fix it! On second thoughts, given the humorous writing style of the instructions, this may be actually be a deliberate ploy on the part of Hans to make sure we get how critical this is. In which case, well played sir - you got me!
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QMX+ Build - No Power on Diagnostics screen (pressing T)
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#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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#QMX Glitchy encoders? Not any more ?
26
#qmx
My V1 80-20m QMX has had issues with a glitchy VFO encoder. It would often skip in the opposite direction to which it was being turned which made tuning a bit awkward and menu selection even more so. After taking the encoder out, dismantling it and cleaning the contacts, the issue was much better but still not great. I tried replacing the encoder with an AliExpress part that was linked in another thread but the A/B switch contacts were reversed on that one, requiring short jumpers to be run from the two outside encoder pins to the pads on the opposite side. Even then, those encoders were a bit pants (I tried a couple). On a hunch, I re-fitted the original encoder and soldered a 10nF SM capacitor from each of the two outer pins to the common ground pin. This has now completely cured the glitches and the encoder works smoothly and accurately. I can now tune accurately and step through menus in the order they're meant to appear. Happy Days ?? I've attached a photo of the bodge in case anyone else is having similar issues and wants to give it a try. If the photo doesn't appear, here's a link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/RT9evC3BRUaaDSKe6 Cheers, Ronan MM0IVR
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Newly assembled QMX+ for sale
Hi, I received my QMX+ kit two weeks ago. I carefully constructed and tested it. It works perfectly on CW, on all bands. I don't operate digital modes or SSB so I haven't tested those modes. I've been building homemade, KD1JV and Elecraft QRP radios for decades so I am an experienced builder. This was a build project for me as I already have an earlier QMX. I just enjoy building projects. Price is $175 + shipping. The total I spent for it. I accept a personal check, or money order. Contact me at my QRZ email address for more info. Tnx, Thomas - ac7a
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#firmware #qmx
3
#qmx
#firmware
Greetings all, So yes a firmware upgrade issue. But I have not seen this particular issue or this process described. Fully updated windows 10 Tried all 6 USB ports on my PC Rebooted multiple times. Win10 either see QMX as an audio device or says the did not give a proper driver ID and win10 disabled the device. Now wait! With everything connected and QMX NOT recognized by Win10 I went: QMX, Menu/firmware/sure?/ yes And THEN a popup window on my PC came up, QMX shut itself down and the Popup (in my case i:/) was QMX with firmware 1.00.027. I opened the folder on my D:/ containing the new 1.02.000, dragged it into i:/ immediately that popup window closed itself and a second later QMX came back alive, on its own, with the new firmware installed. Yeah! But... With that done QMX has again disappeared from my win10 PC? Is that the way it is suppose to be? Should I be able to see QMX whenever I plug it in my PC or does it just briefly appears during the firmware update process? Cheers, a.
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Internal battery for QMX+
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Has anyone installed a rechargeable battery in the QMX+? If so, would you share the details, such as what brand of battery and how you wired it inside the QMX+ case? Thanks. Hiroki AH6CY
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QMX Speaker Stand
I designed and printed a small stand for my QMX mid-band TRX. It has a built in Li-Ion battery powered amplifier and speaker with a charging unit and USB-C port on the back. Sounds very good and the battery lasts 12+ hours (I never ran it until it died). A short video can bee seen here: QMX Speaker Stand I also made a small 3D printed enclosure for the DROK 3-15VDC adjustable Buck/Boost converter (very RF-quiet) and used Anderson Power Poles for the connections. The Anderson PPs fit into small chassis mount holders I designed and 3D printed. I've used these on many other projects. I set the DROK to 12.0VDC. I've used these DROK devices in several projects and they work very well indeed. Now, just waiting for the small hand mic which Erik (AD7OV) is kitting and I'm all set for POTA/SOTA... Great little rig and the new FW seems to work very well. 73, Robert VE7ZN PS: If anyone wants the .stl or .f3d files send me an email (good on QRZ)
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USB C on QDX
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Has anyone tried replacing the USB B connector on the QDX (or any of the other Q*X radios) with A USB C breakout board like this one: https://www.adafruit.com/product/5807 Either with or without using the USB C for power delivery? Thanks, Nate KV4RD *** Nathaniel Drexler
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QMX Won't Transmit in SSB
11
I'm the proud owner of 2 QMX's. One I built myself (s/n136) and one that was built by QRP-Labs (s/n 1137). I installed the PTT mod in both units, and I installed 1_02_000 firmware on both QMX's. As soon as the SSB (beta) firmware came out, I built K6ARK's mini-mic and both the mic gain test and PTT diagnostic tested fine when plugged into the Paddle jack. I checked the mic wiring with an ohm meter and everything was correct. My problem is that I cannot get either QMX to transmit in USB or LSB mode by pressing the mic PTT button. When I press the button the audio blanks out but there is no RF output. However, if I switch to CW mode and press the mic button, it transmits a tone perfectly with RF output. I tried resetting the QMX's to factory settings and recalibrating them. I also verified that the SSB configuration is set to External Mic. Granted, I'm a newbie and I probably missed some setting or something else trivial, but I can't seem to figure it out. I have tried searching the QRP-Labs and QMX forums, but I haven't found a solution. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 73 Chris - KE8VOD
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Weller WS51?
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I noticed in a video I watched last night that Hans recommends a 60W soldering iron for building the QMX for quicker heat transfer. I have a Weller WS 51 that I have had for a long time. I am using Kester 63/37 usually at 325F. So is this set up good enough as I start a QMX+ build or should I get a higher wattage soldering ?? 73 Paul w2eck
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Microphone problems
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QMX I have built two microphones. The Radtel one described in the Wiki and the Adam Kimmerly (printables one). PTT is tip to sleeve and the mic is ring to sleeve. In SSB, Input is set to Ext. mic When I push PTT on either microphone, nothing changes on the display. Checked for continuity, tip to sleeve has continuity when button is pressed. When I run the microphone test and talk into the microphone, there doesn't appear to be any modulation. Mic gain is set to the default 50. Obvious I am doing something wrong.
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QMX Manual Nomenclature Suggestion
2
Hello, While performing an inventory of my QMX kit (60m - 15m version), I had some trouble identifying the inductors I received. I believe the following two edits would make the manual's inventory section easier for the reader to understand. On Page 20, the FT37-43 inventory item should have "(dull black)" after it. On page 23, the T37-10 inventory item should have "(shiny black)" after it, instead of just "black". With some help, I was able to figure this out using info on page 38. Again, having these additional comments in the inventory section would be helpful. Cordially, Rob, AH6X
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QMX or QMX+ Which to go for?
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Is there any performance difference between the QMX and QMX+? I'm about to hit the button and order a QMX+ but, since I will be using it pretty much exclusively for portable working (POTA, SOTA, etc) the smaller size of the QMX does appeal. Although having to pick a band set definitely does not. 10m and 40m are both bands that would be useful to me but 60m isn't since I currently only have a UK intermediate license (and 60m regulations are pretty inconsistent around the world) Anyone got any recommendations based on experience of building and using either? Thanks Mark 2E0OIW
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QMX+ with ~1000 tone on 12M & 6M
67
The radio is a Ver. 1 QMX plus that in general performs exactly like I expect. It does not have the GPS option installed, and there is no battery in the clock battery slot. The radio is used for CW only. As the title suggests, I have an approximate 1000 tone on only 12M and 6M bands. It is internal, in that I can remove antenna and it's still there. It does not change in level or tone while tuning around the band. It appears to de-sense the receiver a bit, as a signal must be pretty strong for me to be able to copy it on 12M. There is normally a 'beat' frequency between the received signal and the tone when I can copy someone. I have run the I/Q sweeps in Putty, using a raspberry pi computer. The tone is present with or without the computer attached. The I/Q sweeps look very nice on the lower bands, and begin to deteriorate as the frequency goes up. They are still showing the two sine waves, but are a bit distorted( not a perfect line of x's ). This deterioration is also noted on 10M and 15M ( to some extent ) and the sweeps for 12M and 6M are not suspiciously worse than others. 10M works flawlessly, as do the other bands. The remaining filter sweeps look good, with some tweaking needed possibly, but totally functional as is. I have a set of QMX HB and LB radios to compare symptoms, and the HB QMX does not have the 'tone' on 12M when swapped into the system. I am curious what path to take troubleshooting this issue. I did not find anything in the archives that addressed this strange behavior. Thanks & 73 Dick W4PID
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File /QMX-PC-Controller6A.html uploaded
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#file-notice
The following items have been added to the Files area of the [email protected] group. /QMX-PC-Controller6A.html By: Paul Harrison <dj0cu@...> Description: QMX PC Cat Controller with 100KHZ Bandscanner including Morse Decoder. Experimental. No installation necessary. Save to HDD and run in a browser.
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QMX Standalone PSK31
4
One more possible PSK31 feature: Allow text input using a CW paddle instead of a keyboard. Note that the QMX UART might be tied to some Bluetooth thingie, allowing use of a cellphone. I'm creating an approprate new thread, conversation started by hijacking this other thread /g/QRPLabs/topic/113046586#msg145208 Conversation thus far is summarized below: On Tue, May 13, 2025 at 08:10 AM, Jerry Gaffke wrote: Making PSK31 easy to use on the QMX with just a keyboard jacked into one of the UART ports would make it a killer PSK31 machine for portable use, displaying received text on the LCD. Send that text out on the UART TX line to be displayed on an optional larger LCD and/or possible logging. Optionally append a 32bit CRC at the end of each transmission so correct reception can be verified, this might be a critical feature for serious use in emergency communications. With thousands out there, the QMX could single handedly revive PSK31 activity on the bands. There are better digital modes these days, but PSK31 is good enough, simple, and easy to implement. On Tue, May 13, 2025 at 09:12 AM, Daniel Walter wrote: Jerry, I really like the idea of reinvigorating PSK31 by making the QMX do stand-alone PSK31. It is a great mode for kybd to kybd QSOs. I know you can do that with JS8, but at a very significant time cost compared to PSK31. I would welcome that development. There's also this old post about my attempt 20 yrs ago at implementing PSK31: /g/QRPLabs/message/139336 Ideas from the file /g/ATSprint/files/Archive/KE7ER/pskuc.c may be useful for Varicode encoding/decoding, but the method of converting received audio into a stream of bits is best ignored if your processor has multiply in hardware. Jerry, KE7ER
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