SSB Cal problems with QMX (not +)
4
I have been running firmware 1_02_000 on my QMX+ with good results on CW and SSB (haven't tried Digi yet) since the release of that firmware. So yesterday, I updated my original QMX with 1_02. The update went fine, and operation on CW was great, but I can't get all the SSB calibration procedures to look right. This is an 80, 60, 40, 30, 20 QMX, built for 12v (same voltage as my QMX+). The cals failed to complete on 80, 60, and 30. On 80 and 30, I get an error message saying "Change over 30 degrees" from the phase error cal and it stops at about dac=~1100 to 1300. I got a similar error on 60m, but this cal ran successfully on 3 subsequent runs. On the USB IMD sync, the final table in the upper right says 80m:15, 60m:74, 40m:23, 30m:62, 20m:26. In addition, 80m and 40m responses were almost flat - 80m ~140, 40m~100. On the LSB IMD sync, the final table in the upper right says 80m:74, 60m:74, 40m:29, 30m:15, 20m:26. In addition, 40m and 30m were almost flat - 40m ~280, 20m ~ 250. Also, for whatever reason, the y-axis max on 80m was ~7000000, and the y-axis max on 60m was ~1000000, both 1000 times higher than all other bands. On the ADC I/Q tests, the curves looked about the right shape (compared to samples in the oper. manual), but the upper left and lower left numbers were not very symmetrical. 80m 42183/-42067 60m 52338/-52457 40m 55808/-56412 30m 53881/-54284 20m 36459/-35947 Mic test works fine. PA Mod test looks good. Diagnostics look good on all bands with the following RF outputs. 80m 4.0w 60m 4.3w 40m 4.4w 30m 3.7w 20m 5.4w All tests with dummy load with Diagnostics showing SWR around 1.1:1 Any comments or suggestions are welcome. 73, Randy, KS4L
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I made a protective cover for the QMX+ which also doubles as a stand and storage!
6
Hello everyone! I think this is my first post in the forums and I wanted it to be a good one. I've been thinking about a good cover for the QMX+ since i pack very compact, but don't want my QMX+ frontpanel to be destroyed. So i came up with the 3D-model below. I'd love if you like the model and come with suggestions. I am open to modify or add versions as needed! https://www.printables.com/model/1300629-qmx-frontcover-stand-and-storage The panels are all dual-sided and can be put on the front or back of the QMX+. Below are some photos:
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QMX control widget ( FLRIG accessory)
5
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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CW Filters
31
I just upgraded to the 027 firmware on my QMX, from 018. Being able to select the CW filter is very nice, but I don't understand how to enable cascading or compounding of two CW filters. The manual says there are two CW filters - 300 and 500 Hz, yet the submenu shows 8 filters, ranging from 50 Hz to 500 Hz. Thanks and 73, Steve, N2IC
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QMX+ and DTR/RTS like CW keyering
4
Hello dear all and devs, Several hams on our side have equipped themselves with the QMX+. Some would like to know if it would be possible to add a few lines of code to the firmware so that when PTT is triggered¡ªeither via CAT or through DTR/RTS emulation¡ªand the QMX+ is in CW mode, it would transmit a carrier. From our tests, this already works in Digi mode, where a tone is sent through the sound card emulation. However, in CW mode, when PTT is sent via CAT, the radio does switch to transmit, but no signal is actually emitted. It might work if the software sent a tone via the sound card, but most CW software assumes that PTT alone is sufficient. This request is therefore aligned with improving compatibility with most CW-capable software (e.g., fldigi in CW mode with PTT via CAT or RTS/DTR). One of the advantages of operating in CW with the QMX+ is also the ability to reduce receive bandwidth, onboard decoding, breakin etc. We believe only a small firmware adjustment would be needed to have the carrier generated automatically, since the radio already enters transmit mode via CAT PTT. Adding RTS/DTR handling would enable a simple and widespread configuration method for this kind of operation. Otherwise, some have considered building interfaces using FT232 chips and optocouplers, but it would be unfortunate to require extra hardware when just a few lines of code might suffice. Perhaps the addition of a CW submenu to automatically enable the carrier when PTT is activated? Thank you in advance.
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Missing Conductors - is it safe to apply power?
3
#qmx
I received my 20m-10m QMX kit and am currently assembling it. Unfortunately, the kit I received was missing the three 33pF and the 100pF capacitors (C401, C404, C521, C516). It will probably take a while until I receive the missing parts and I wonder if it is still possible to finish the build and start testing the device (basic tests like: will it turn on etc). Or should I just let it sit and wait? 73, Dennis DM4NTZ
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QMX+ unwanted signals received
#qmx
#QMXp
#QMXplus
Hi guys, I recently installed the new fw 1_02_00 on my QMX+. However, after listening on various frequencies I noticed that there are very strong and unwanted signals at the beginning of the band. In 20m it receives an S8 signal around 14,012.00 Khz and the same in 15 and 10m even without an antenna. I wanted to know if you also had the same problem. A friend of mine who uses the FW 1_01_003 beta let me know that with this version the problem exists but the unwanted signals are much more attenuated. 73 de IZ2BHP.
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QMX+ unwanted signals received
Hi guys, I recently installed the new fw 1_02_00 on my QMX+. However, after listening on various frequencies I noticed that there are very strong and unwanted signals at the beginning of the band. In 20m it receives an S8 carrier signal around 14,012.00 Khz and the same in 15 and 10, even without an antenna. I wanted to know if you also had the same problem. A friend of mine who uses the beta FW 1_01_003 let me know that with this version the problem exists but the unwanted signals are much more attenuated. Thanks for your reply. 73 de IZ2BHP.
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High current draw on initial power up
4
#qmx
#troubleshooting
I received my kit for a high-band QMX this Tuesday, and have been working off and on over the course of the week to assemble it. I've gotten to the point where it's fully assembled, and after several close inspections under magnifying glass and microscope, I can't find any significant defects that would lead to the problems I've been seeing, outlined below I'm powering the QMX from a 10V, 250mA current limiting DC power supply. The core issue is that the board (That I have never programmed) is drawing far more current than the assembly document suggests it should at this stage) The different cases I've run: Main board connected to power, no additional boards attached: 0mA drawn Main board connected to power, PS #2 board attached, all others detached: 0mA drawn Main board connected to power, PS #1 board attached, all others detached: Initially current limited to ~8-9V @ 250mA. After an inrush period, stabilizes to 10V @ ~100mA Fully assembled QMX: Current limited to ~6V @ 250mA. LCD screen turns on with solid black squares displayed. Appears as a usb device immediately upon plugging in to a computer, without pressing the potentiometer button. I've been focusing my troubleshooting efforts on the interaction points between the main board and PS #1, and haven't found any obvious shorts. Checking the pin header connection to PS #1 with the board attached, I didn't see any shorts to ground. I also double checked and ensured that there weren't shorts around the power amp transistors, and around X201 where I saw VCC being used. I've attached photos of the back side of the main board, and front side of PS #1 as installed under a magnifying glass below. If any other pictures are required let me know and I can provide. Note that there is some debris near the PA transistors in the second photo. I cleaned that and tried again, and the board still enters the current limited condition. Thanks and 73 de VA3KBY
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Audio level request
12
I would like to block Digi mode audio from going to the earphone jack. The audio levels are painfully loud when adjusted for correct usb output to WSJT-X. I am afraid to switch between sidebands or to CW without removing headphones first. Any Suggestions ? QMX+ with 1.02 . de VK6XT
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Tune SWR on QMX+ always shows SWR <1.05
14
Hi, I wanted to tune my magloop antenna with the "Tune SWR" tool in the QMX+ menus, and no matter what I do with the antenna, the SWR never goes above 1.04 or so. That cannot be correct, as I'm using a magloop. Any tips on what I'm doing wrong?
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QRP Labs kit shipping status 20-10 FS
The price of success! My Factory built QMX hiband can be in your hands in a week or so. 12- volt build, enclosure, .027 installed. Works perfectly. Email sfab43@ho**ail.com for more info. Steve JS6TMW/AI6KX
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QMX+ issues
2
My QMX+ was working but when I powered it on this morning the display backlight is not on and the display shows a row of black blocks. Does anyone have any thoughts on where to start troubleshooting. +V or +12v has 12v, VCC has 5.1v, and VDD has 3.3v. I have had some issues with this unit. The 78M33 failed. When I tried to remove it the two small pads lifted. I currently have the 3.3v being supplied by a small DROC 3.3v buck converter. It was working well as of yesterday, I completed several FT8 and SSB QSOs.
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QMX+: low RX sensitifity @ 6m / 22 dB noise floor / 1500 Hz wistle
15
Hello, I recently build QMX+ and noticed a huge noise floor and wistling a 6 m. Therfore I measured sensitifity using a signal generator. Band [MHz] Sens [dBm]@Noise+10dB Noise [dB] 1,85 -100,0 0 3,65 -106,0 0 5,35 -107,0 6 7,07 -107,0 0 10,14 -110,0 2 14,23 -107,0 1 18,1 -103,0 4 21,04 -99,0 9 24,9 -97,0 7 28,1 -103,0 5 50,5 -79,0 20 Method: injection of signal Rx frequency + 1,1 kHz Mode: Digi Noise: signal detected by WSJT-X Sens: Noise floor + 10 dB Noise floor is increasing by frequency, but at 6 m wistling and digital noise make RX unusable. Output at 6m is about 2 W at 9V Vbat (12V Version) 1,5 kHz wistle starts at 20 m and is increasing by frequency Using wsjt-X i evalating waterfall diagram: (QMX+ at 50 Ohm) AVE:1, cumulative Noise [dB] : signal by WSJT-X signal in waterfall diagram AU QMX+ freq [Hz] freq [Hz] freq [Hz] freq [Hz] freq [Hz] freq [Hz] Frequency [MHz] Noise [db] Noisefloor 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 1,84 0 0,2 0,2 0,2 0,8 0,2 0,2 0,2 3,57 0 0,3 0,3 0,3 0,7 0,3 0,3 0,3 5,3 1 0,5 0,5 0,5 1 0,5 0,5 0,5 7,04 5 0,8 0,8 0,8 1,1 0,8 0,8 0,8 10,1 1 0,5 0,5 0,5 0,5 0,5 0,5 0,5 14,1 1 0,5 0,5 1,3 2,8 2,1 0,5 1,5 18,1 5 0,8 1 1,8 2,3 2,1 1,1 2 21,1 7 1 1 2,1 2,6 2,1 1,1 2,1 24,9 7 1 1,2 2,7 2,8 2,7 1,3 2,5 28,1 7 1 1,2 2 1,5 1,5 1,2 2,2 50,3 22 1,8 2,5 3,8 4,2 3,9 2,8 3,8 At higher bands 1,5kHz signal is constant and independent from RX freuqency. At 6m additional audio signals are appearing. 6m RF Filter seems to be ok. Any suggestions to detect cause? vy 73 Michael (DF6TV)
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#qmx plus assembly one LP and Band filter at the time
6
#qmx
Hi Everyone I was wondering if is possible to assemble only one band filter at the time on a qmx plux rev3, this means I have assembled the all QMX leaving out only the toroids of all the filters, the LP and BP ones. Now next I have assembled only the 160m LP and BP and test the filters. The swipes look normal on the 160m. Next is to test transiting to a dummy load only this band, but I get the swr protection kicking in and no power out. voltages look normal. running a swr plot on 160m shows swr 10 on all graph. The main idea is to tune filters one by one with space for the soldering iron making it easy. I have reviewed soldering of transformer and swr brigde plus the jumper to the bnc is in place. My question is, Is it expectable that the SWR is High when only the filters for one band are on the board or this means something else is already wrong from the beginning. Thank you a lot 73 Azgael
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QMX PLUS
5
Hi all I have a qmx plus and I ran 13.6 volts into it on a first time power up it worked for abt 5 min then it shut dow. Then i read about the max of 12v vcc. I am assuming that I lost the buck converter. I have replaced all the sbject transitors that showed bad via the ohm meter still no joy. does anyone of you smart ones have test point diagram fot the buck converter so i can trace it and trouble shoot . thanks you a bunch Joe
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Why no AGC for digital modes, as other modes?
6
To Da Wiz; thank you, and a request, to make it better. Personally, I would appreciate the choice to use AGC, with my QMX+, or not, for all modes. I have used fast or slow AGC with my FT-990 and TS-790A for years, for different modes, and have found no noticeable performance penalty, except that the sound from no AGC was harsh and undesirable, and the S meter unusable. Some folks will not RTFMs to turn off the AGC, or properly tweak other software or hardware, and complain about imagined "bugs" - but for this ol' geezer, the choice would be appreciated, and I promise I will not whine about the consequences ;-) Thanks for a hearing, DA Ol' Dog, wa4hei
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OoT-RADIO HIFI TAMAGUCHI
2
Hello there, I found something amazing is possible. We need intelligent friends and we want to speak with them on many different topics. Do you remember that Tamaguchi baby robots need 24 hours of attention ? I found that it's possible to train large language models lot smaller than chat gpt , free , open source and expandable and than load that model in to 90 dollars worth of raspberry pi 5 and add to that chip an oled touch sensitive screen and a ram and than you have a box you can carry around and chat with it I am thinking of training and expanding the mini llama llm model 1GB- or a 7GB one with stereophile magazines - around a 60 years collection - and with some large amateur radio magazines collection , arrl books in 80 years - not all of them , only I can find free pdf - and electronics , physics books. I can reach hundreds of them But I have two ways to walk. The first one is to translate every book and magazine into Turkish and train the mini llama OR other LLM with 800 000 pages of Turkish and the same amount of English data. It would take 2 weeks to translate the data into Turkish and another 72 hours to train the LLAMA or larger model and 72 hours to optimize it with a GPU card. BUT I found that it's possible to hire a GTX 1080 12 GB GPU WINDOWS 10-11 Computer from Shadow PC company for 29 dollars per month. Computer memory is 256 GB. Every Turkish or foreign radio or hifi amateur can use this . I will publish all the data free at GITHUB. Mustafa Umut Sara? Istanbul TA2JCO , 73
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QRP Labs kit shipping status
Hi all Well I got back to Dayton and after some work to release my suitcases full of electronics, which were impounded by customs at our local airport, all is well. I have a large backlog of sleep and emails to catch up on, as well as the jet lag... Since the SSB firmware beta release at the end of March, sales volume doubled compared to the normal monthly average. The waiting list for assembled radios also doubled (see attached chart which includes Dayton booth orders for assembled transceivers). Unfortunately I am informed by my colleagues that some kits have run out before the new batches arrived. It takes several months to arrange manufacturing of a batch of 1,000 QMX or QMX+ kits, including component procurement from various parts of the planet, PCB manufacture and SMD assembly, preparing the kits of through-hole parts etc. It's a little difficult to judge the timing exactly. So: QMX: no stock. All through hole parts are either on hand, or on the way. The PCB assembly is completed and just pending shipment. All QMX kit and assembled radios orders are waiting for this new batch of QMX boards to arrive. QLG3 GPS: no stock. There was an unexpected lead time on the E108 module but they were delivered yesterday. Now pending the SMD factory to assemble the boards, they will be shipped (along with lots of other board batches I ordered). Any QMX+ orders that include the QLG3 option are pending the arrival of the new batch of QLG3 boards. I updated the shipping status page: https://qrp-labs.com/status We have several other kits that are low on stock (including QMX+) but the new boards and parts are expected to arrive before the stock reaches zero. Thank you for your continued support. 73 Hans G0UPL http://qrp-labs.com https://www.buymeacoffee.com/g0upl
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New QMX - observations and best QSO
5
My QMX arrived last week. Since I operate primarily digital, ( but seriously working on honing my CW skills) I was able to get several 'DIGI' mode programs to work. Not so easy with the SSB-required modes. I cannot believe the lack of YT videos on setting up this radio on digital modes. That will probably come with time. I now have Winlink, VARAC, FLdigi, etc. running. Some observations so far: 1. When I switched between two antennas I was testing last night, the QMX display suddenly shows only all horizontal lines, and the software loses contact with the rig. I have to re-start them. And NO, the rig is NOT transmitting when I remove the BNC connector. 2. I hope we will eventually have access to narrow filters in SSB digital modes. I have found that a weak DIGI signal becomes much stronger and copy improves when filtering to even 200Hz with my other rigs. 3. Finally, I must report my longest-ever ham radio QSO occurred last night on 40 meters. It was a QMX-to-QMX, JS8 contact with Cal, AD8Q in northern Idaho, 725 miles NW of my Colorado QTH, which lasted 2hrs, 17 minutes! I am very impressed with both the QMX and the INIU 10,000mAh PD power bank as recommended by the 'Ham Radio Duo' channel. On full charge, I am getting up to 22 hours of operating with moderate transmissions, and will probably see 14-16 hours of long QSOs like last evening. Not bad for $20 (on sale).
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