Sticky
#qmx #Firmware release 1_02_000
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#qmx
#firmware
Hi all SSB firmware was released into beta on 17-Mar-2025 after 9+ months of development. Many thanks to everyone who bravely helped test it and patiently provided their feedback and observations. There are now quite a few YouTube videos, forum reports and other social media mentions about on-air successes with QMX SSB. Now that it has been at least 6 weeks in beta and I believe most of the issues have been resolved, it's time to promote it to an official version. I have called this version 1_02_000 and published it on the QMX page http://qrp-labs.com/qmx where I have also published the updated operating manual, which grew from 111 pages to 134 pages. The main changes are: SSB (obviously!) including CESSB, TX Equalization, Mic AGC, VOX, Pre-distortion and and and... Addition of up to two more USB Virtual COM serial ports (up to three total). All of the hardware tests such as RF and SWR sweep, and Diagnostics, are now available on the LCD too. New CAT commands for LCD contents, S-meter, AGC-meter, Power meter, SWR meter, SSB source Complete list (relative to 1_00_027 the previous official version): SSB modes added (USB and LCB), with CESSB, TX Equalization, Mic AGC, VOX, Phase pre-distortion and more Rationalization of menus, grouped into CW, Digi and SSB submenus (now Keyer and Decoder are submenus of CW) Added up to two more USB Virtual COM serial ports (configurable) LCD versions of AF, RF, Image, LPF, Test ADC I/Q sweeps (miniature graph on LCD) New function PA mod. test to check operation of amplitude modulator Diagnostics screens are now available on the LCD interface too Now remembers previous menu location on ALL menus regardless of nesting level Add way of forcing factory reset, press Menu (left) button during power-up Change TX color in diagnostics screen from red to blue, to avoid confusion since red things are errors Added CAT LC command to retrieve LCD contents Added CAT commands SA (AGC meter), SM (S meter), PC (Power meter), SW (SWR meter) Added CAT command SS (get/set SSB input source) Bug fix: PTT P did not work properly Bug fix: Incorrect PA voltage display on the Diagnostics screen 73 Hans G0UPL http://qrp-labs.com https://www.buymeacoffee.com/g0upl
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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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Release of version 1.2 of ABS solution for QMX+ (Automatic internal antenna tuner, internal battery and internal speaker with audio amp)
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#ABS
#ATU
#PSU
#QMXplus
Hi, I have released a version 1.2 of the solution. Please refer to the readme front page file at the git repository with details: https://github.com/AC8L/QMX_Plus_Autotuner_Internal_Battery_Speaker/ While I am writing this note - a group buy with 35+ participants is happening for this same version 1.2 - organized by Cal (AD8Q) and Stan (KC7XE). -- 73, Sardar (AC8L, 4K6SA, VA3DUA).
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QRPLabs 50W Amplifier - 20V Power Supply Solution
Just wanted to share my 20V power supply solution that I made that works well for me. The upfront cost was $138 + tax, which includes a charger and a 96Wh portable Li-ion battery. Key features: ? Air travel approved (under 100WAh) ? Shock protected ? Uses 18650 Samsung cells ? Easy to charge ? Built-in charge display ? More compact than LiFePO? ? Weighs only 680g ? Dual purpose if you have other HF power tools. ? Comes with a 3-year warranty! A few photos: A shopping list:
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Mini Microphones for QMX SSB
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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 9v Power Supply
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#9v
Hello, I am getting ready to build my QMX and want to do so in the 9v configuration. Question is the manual says it runs at 9v or "a little over", so the question is. Will the radio be happy and safe to operate with a Bioenno 9v battery. Their website says the battery is regulated to discharge "around 9.6v" Anyone have any experience with using this configuration of Bioenno 9v and the QMX? If so how is it working for you? Thank and 73's W7YWF. (Mike)
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QMX+: low RX sensitifity @ 6m / 22 dB noise floor / 1500 Hz wistle
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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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How to use ProgRock2 in an oscillator?
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How would one use a ProgRock2 in a Colpitts crystal oscillator? A crystal is essentially an LC circuit, while the ProgRock outputs a square wave. Can the ProgRock2 simply replace the crystal? If so, will the Colpitts circuit turn it into a sine wave? Does the ProgRock2 start up at the last frequency used before its last power down? Steve, N9SZ
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QCX+ latest firmware hex file link
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Can anyone give me a direct URL for the latest QCX+ mega328 firmware? I found a link to the T1_08.zip file through this board but not seeing a link to the latest (1.09a ?) TIA. Charles.
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Ultimate 3S Issue
It has been a while since I've used my Ultimate 3S for WSPR and it has worked flawlessly in the past. However now, no signal seems to be transmitting and the oscillator calibration with GPS keeps increasing the frequency constantly. It is now up to 27,011,491 and climbing. This can't be right. Any ideas of what the problem may be?
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Introducing QMX CARROT
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When Elecraft introduced the KH1 a year ago, I was immediately enthusiastic about the concept. A small and lightweight shortwave radio with an integrated telescopic antenna. This means that, weighing less than 400g, it can be used in any suitable location on shortwave. So I wanted to build something myself. I immediately began my own experiments with telescopic antennas for 7-30 MHz. This confirmed that a counterweight is absolutely necessary. This wire, which is a quarter of the wavelength long, contributes significantly to the radiated energy. So the idea arose to forgo the telescopic antenna and experiment with end-fed wires twice the length. Of course, it makes sense to stretch the wire as high as possible. But I also got respectable reports with EFHW lying on the ground or in bushes. In this place the antenna may detunes itself, so a tuner is necessary, as well as the standard 1:64 transformer (Unun). The tried-and-tested resonance circuit (Fuchs Kreis) performs both tasks. Once the antenna issue was resolved, QRP Labs brought out the QMX. The ideal TRX for my projects, and now even capable of SSB. Now all that was missing was a suitable housing with an integrated battery and a speaker with an amplifier. Then a paddle for CW as a contactless touch key directly on the device. And the QMX Carrot was finished. But it wasn¡¯t that simple, because everything had to be as small and light as possible. It now weighs 340g and measures 15x8.5x3.0 cm. I¡¯m happy with that. 73 Chris https://youtu.be/0kksiWVOtnQ
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It¡¯s Summers-time!
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It¡¯s May, 2025! Time to take your Qrp-lab equipment outside and enjoy the coming summer, assuming you are in the northern hemisphere. If southern hemisphere, then get that last fling in before bad weather sets in.
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Scripting language?
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Hello! I just upgraded my QMX+ to the current official version with SSB. Got good reports on the 40M swap net. Woohoo! I was using it with my "Tiny Linear" project, which is a 70W amp crammed into a too-small enclosure, with a switchable LPF salvaged from a defunct Yaesu 756-Pro radio, and a cute little touch screen in the front. I am beyond impressed... clean SSB out of a digital PA. I'm thinking of integrating the QMX+ ( or the QMX - I've got one of those too ) into another project: my "Medium Linear". This is a pair of MRF300's in a wraparound case from a Heathkit Single-Bander. No, I didn't cannibalize an actual Single-Bander - the case was a flea market buy. A QMX or plus integrated into the Medium Linear would turn it into an integrated 400W transceiver. But to do that, I need to get at least the band info out of the QMX+. Given that the software is closed-source...and encrypted, I have no reasonable way to figure out how to do that. Yeah, there are select signals on the card, but the LPFs are shared between bands. My linear also shares LPFs, but possibly different ones. Hans was going to implement some sort of scripting language. Maybe that could leave the back burner now that SSB is real? - Jerry, KF6VB
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QRSS mode and other capabilities of Ultimate 3S
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Hi anyone, I would like to learn more about weak signal modes? Please suggest a good book for beginners. TNX, George K3GK
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QMX, WSJT-X 2.7.0, Hamlib 4.6.2 DLL - Odd Behavior
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When I power up my low-band QMX, put it into DiGi mode, then start WSJT-X in FT8 mode, I get tons of decodes. If I then enable transmit, it will transmit with about 3.5 watts on 20m and my signal, as reported by pskreporter.info, covers the entire United States (at least today). However, after that first transmission my decodes stop. Even though the QMX is still in DiGi mode, I can no longer hear FT8 stations. If I then put the QMX into USB mode then I can hear lots of FT8 stations and decoding resumes, but as soon as WSJT transmits it puts the QMX back into DiGi mode, I can no longer hear FT8 stations, and the decoding stops. My transmitted signal continues to be heard throughout the United States. Any suggestions as to what I'm doing wrong? Best, Jim / K8DDV
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QMX+ First 1000 QSOs Impresions
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After initial hickups after assembly, i deployed my QMX+ as base/main rig. 3 months have passed making QSOs with it and the following is the statistic, all FT8 Worked QSO: 1004 Worked DXCC: 86 CQ Zones: 20 ITU Zones:27 Continents:5 Longest contact: Fiji 16231km Other than that i made contacts with few Australia 15400km and New Caledonia 15900km away from my QTH All results on 20M with 3.2W and under the roof dipole. Overall very happy with how this rig performs, nothing can beat the price range vs performance it provides. Bad weather here is over, time to deploy some new antennas for this bad boy, and improve the statistics :)
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QMX USB device not recognized by windows
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Hi all, I tried to update my QMX today to the famous SSB SW. But the QMX is not shown as drive in the explorer, although it has worked before several times in last year. I tried all remedies utube offers: Re-install USB device drivers, USB root, power settings, repair windows etc, nothing worked. Even 4 different PCs, win10, win 11 and laptop with linux Mint. All tell the same error message.. Did also a factory reset of the QMX and used 3 different USB cables. No success. The PC see the device, but due to missing name do not not proceed. Could it be a fault in the QMX? Has anybody any advice out there?
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Feature Request List?
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Hi Hans, Is there a maintained Feature Request list available somewhere where we can check if what we¡¯d like to see has already been asked for, and perhaps add a vote? I know posts can get lost in the volume, and I expect that is why there was no answer on my question on having variable TX power available as a setting (/g/QRPLabs/message/143397), but I don¡¯t want to bug anyone, so if there was a tracker we could look at, it might save you getting duplicate requests or being bugged by people like me :-) Love the pre-built QMX, am going to get a QMX+ kit to have a go at¡ 73, Stefan MI0PYN
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QMX+ VOX
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I waited for and yesterday installed the 1_02_000 firmware. I did a bit of tinkering with the EQ to get some more emphasis in the mid-range (and worth noting that when I do live sound at folk dance events, I always cut back the bass and emphasize, not too much, mids and highs to improve intelligibility of the dance leader, just as Hans suggests). And I made 4 SSB contacts on 20 meters with some Italian stations in a contest setting .... running about 75 watts with the QMX+ and my HR-50+ amplifier. Worked great. Thank you, Hans ... you are a wizard! One glitch ... I cannot get VOX to work. I'm using one of Erik Larsen's microphones, which clearly works fine in PTT mode and sounds OK. I set microphone gain using the built-in Mic Test ... goes red on just the loudest peaks. On USB, speaking into the microphone apparently triggers the VOX, but it then cycles on and off until I manage to get QMX+ mode out of USB over to LSB. LSB doesn't work at all ... speaking into the microphone does not trigger VOX. Input device is set to "External Microphone". And I'm using TRS (stereo) 1/8" mini cable between the microphone and the QMX+. Any hints will be much appreciated! Thanks - Bruce K1FFX
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#QMX+ MIC circuitry improvement
Hello QRPers I would like to suggest an improvement I did in MIC circuit in my QMX+. Existing circuit is quite simple and powered from not very clean VDD. By adding two capacitors (100n, could be more) and two resistors (33k, 1k) I was able to reduce the audio noise on the other side receiver by 6 to 8 dB (simple check with Audacity peak meter on two recordings, before and after, FT-891 as a receiver). This will improve SSB signal, especially on higher bands (low band noise). I assume the same will apply to the internal mic circuit. It would be also good to use filtered VDD, same as for microcontroller ADC (from C214), but I did not wanted to have a wire across the board. Maybe a separation resistor on the microcontroller key/paddle line can also help but I think most of the noise is getting in because of dirty digital supply used for bias. I think it is worth to consider in case of next PCB revision, both QMX and QMX+. 73 Pawe? SO8FM
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