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Pacific Antenna mic used on new QMX+ not working?
5
I just built the Pacific Antenna electret mic kit to use on my new QMX+ with updated firmware to operate SSB...following the instructions in the QRP-Lab's manual to wire the mic connector, when I key the new mic, it transmits what I believe is a two-tone test signal! So, it keys the rig with RF output but somehow the QMX+ transmits a two-tone signal always...any thoughts what's going on? Thanks and 73 ed
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While building my QCX mini, I damaged my R47 variable resistor while trying to remove it, because I forgot to cut off the feet before soldering it in. I finished the rest of the build a few days ago, and discovered when I powered it on that the display contrast was set well enough that I could use it before the potentiometer came in. However, while I was unplugging a paddle, the screen suddenly went blank and hasn't displayed anything since, even after installing the replacement potentiometer today. I suppose it's possible I shorted something with my finger? I have an enclosure on the way to prevent further incidents, if so. After reading through the manual, I decided to take a reading on the pins of the display module, and they don't match very well with the expected values. With R47 turned 50%, the voltages I read on pins 1-16, respectively, were: 0, 4.7, 1.5, 0.1, 0, 0, 4.7, 4.7, 4.7, 4.7, 2.6, 1.8, 4.7, 4.7, 4.4, 0. I'm not sure if that's useful information or enough to help you debug it, but I'm happy to provide further detail or information you might need to help me get this fully working. While the screen was working, I was able to get it set up and tuned, and listened in on a few frequencies and it seemed to be working fine. TU es 73 de W5JIA
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Howdy all, I finally was able to get the QMX on the air last night since having it for over several months now. Mine is setup for 9v and I¡¯m using a wall wart tO power it at the moment. It worked well on CW, making a nice contact and qso to KS from NV, and then several Digi contacts to China, Argentina, NV, Japan and New Zealand, using the iPhone iFTx app. I didn¡¯t see any output from anything in the screen but still need to play with the settings. Thanks Hans for a great little rig. -- Jason- Wv3v Las Vegas, NV.
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Loading QMX+ Firmware
2
I have not been able to see on the initial first power up any means of loading firmware on my QMX+ radio. I was able to see some evidence of 2 files on E drive which is the USB drive on my computer by shorting AUX2 to ground before power on. The two files in E drive are file 1_00_027.QMX and EEPROM. EEPROM is an empty file.. Have I missed something here or do I have a bigger problem that cannot be solved easily? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Ron W6ZQ
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#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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PSK31 with QMX + Digipan
14
Hi all, just some hints how to configure QMX and Digipan. QMX: - SSB Menue: Mic AGC ON; Input: USB; MIC Gain 50; Compression 0 USB Gain: Adjust for 50% power on idle PSK Signal. (I am using USB Gain 5) - VOX: ON - CESSB: ON Make sure your antenna SWR is ok. If "Protection" is on it might stop your TX. (Its not the fault of Digipan, hi) DIGIPAN: Set your Serial port (where QMX is connected), no RTS/DTR as we are using VOX. Soundcard: Type: "Computer soundcard"; Input/ Output: "digital interface QMX"; sample rate: 11025 Thats it. Ready to make first PSK contacts! Good DX and hope to work you in PSK. 73 Mat DF2OF
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fldigi with QMX+?
9
Ok ..I have tried fldigi on other radios - always gave up after too much trying to make it work. So trying one last time with QMX+. Is there a simple "HOW- TO" for getting to work ? I want to use it for RTTY mainly . So far no fun...?thanks
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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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PTT over CAT - WSJT-X vs fldigi
2
#fldigi
#QMXplus
#ssb
#wsjt-x
I just updated to the new SSB firmware on QMX+ Rev. 3 and was hoping to try out MSK144 mode in WSJT-X. (Probably not enough power to be heard by anyone, but still.) I have found the PTT over CAT control to be inconsistent when in USB mode. Usually the first TX works and then the rest briefly trigger then un-trigger PTT. (DIGI mode still works just great.) Looking at the CAT monitor doesn't show anything odd (no early RX; sent) and it's not triggering SWR protection or anything. PTT over CAT in USB mode in fldigi---also using Hamlib, same Kenwood TS-480 config---works fine. As far as I can tell, the only difference is that WSJT-X is sending either 'TX;' or 'TX1;' depending on the configuration; while fldigi is sending 'TX0;' which for some reason is more reliable in convincing the QMX+ to transmit. Is anyone else having this issue? Any suggestions or ways to convince WSJT-X to send 'TX0;' instead? TNX 73 de Tim AF0CQ
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Errata for Rev 3 QMX+ Assembly Manual
4
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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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+
11
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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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
2
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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