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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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Hello, I'm currently building a QMX kit. I'm unable to get the L511 and L512 toroids flush with the PDB. The surrounding capacitors and diodes prevent the toroids from fitting. I have the toroids mounted just above the crowding components. What impact, if any, is there from mounting my toroids this way? Cordially, Rob, AH6X Boise, ID
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#clock #QMXplus
18
#clock
#QMXplus
The clock on my QMXplus seems to drift many minutes every day. When I do an operating session or a POTA activation I will need to remember to set the clock when I sit down and power it up. I set the time to UTC to make paper logging easier. I have a new quality CR2032 battery in my QMXplus in case you wondered. i haven¡¯t yet measured the clock drift, but was surprised it was significant. I think a number of contacts I uploaded to LoTW had no QSL because my estimate of the correct time was wrong. (A day or two later I discovered the time was way off before I uploaded, and changed the times in my electronic log to my estimated corrected time) Or I could get the OLG3 GNSS module which I think will set the QMXplus time, but that requires another component and setup to my portable kit. I probably won¡¯t bother but keep thinking about other solutions. My Home QTH transceivers are spot on the correct UTC time. I can take a PC or IPad and do my logging on it. Another component to take. Q: Before I decide what to do, How much does your QMXplus clock drift?
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QMX SSB in mobile?
I have a QMX coming soon and was wondering now that SSB is included, do you think the QMX would perform well in a mobile environment? Perhaps with a amplifier/tuner? TY! Jeff
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My next CW practice session will be May 19 at 18:00 EDT / 22:00 UTC on 40 meters. 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. Details: Date - May 19 Time - 18:00 EDT / 22:00 UTC Band - 40 Meters 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 Failure
2
#qmx
Hello, My QMX had low output power (2W vs original 5W), so I have replaced the BS170. When I switched on, high supply current and a burning smell. I have detected a failure in one of the new BS170 (Chinese supply ... ) . I removed all the BS170, and the two power supply boards, but now I have a short between Vdd and ground (Vcc is OK). I started to desolder the VDD pin of IC501, IC502, IC407 ...... no change .... Before starting to desolder the CPU, have you perhaps an idea ?? Best 73, Nico
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Hi, When running the various diagnostic sweeps I find all bands except 160m seem reasonable similarities to those shown in the manual. But the 160m seems way off. Any ideas what may be causing this and what I should be checking? I'll include screenshots of the sweeps. Many thanks Ian
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QMX 40-10 Follow up
3
I posted here before about building a 40-10 qmx. I did a little more looking and thinking. Looking at AI6XG's mod: https://www.ai6xg.com/post/a-40-10-meter-qmx#viewer-cl0z424097, it seems to preform well and has motivated me to go out and buy a QMX. However there are some questions that I have that I want to confirm/ask. In the blog, he mentions: "According to simulation, adding 100pF to the already installed C402 56pF should lower the peak frequency to about 11MHz. I found that adding 150pF instead, for a total of 206pF, provides good results" In the conclusions, he says to use a 210pF capacitor in C402. However, such a capacitor does not seem to exist. There are plenty of 200pF and 220pF capacitors on the likes of digikey and mouser, however I can't find a 210pF capacitor. Since he says adding 100pF should work, would a 150pF, 180pF, or 200pF capacitor work in the place of a 210pF one?
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QMX short during SSB calibration?
6
Hello all, Recently completed a mid band QMX build. First serious electronics kit build and I'm a bit out of my depth for sure. But after correcting a few mistakes during the build I powered on the QMX with a current limiting PSU and ran through hardware test last night on a dummy load. All appeared well, or at least the sweeps matched what the manual describes and what others have posted. CW transmit into the dummy load was no problem and between 4-5W on all bands. This morning I decided to try SSB Calibration. Hooked up to the benchtop PSU and a dummy load and let the QMX run while I did some computer work. About a third of the way through I heard a faint crackle and looked up to see 1.5A draw on the power supply and 7V. QMX was still trying to perform calibration. I shut down the PSU and smelled some hot electrical components. Disassembled and do not see anything obviously wrong. I decided to power it back up and this time connect to the terminal diagnostics. QMX powered up but right after the firmware splash screen it immediately began drawing 1.5A again. I quickly connected to the terminal application and as soon as I did the increased draw went away and the diagnostics screen showed normal readings. The moment I disconnected the terminal app the draw came back. Hot electronics smell persists. This is where I don't know enough to continue to track down the issue and am looking for help. Any advice would be great. Thanks, Mike KR4CNM
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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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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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Difficulty with the SSB compressor
I am having difficulty getting the compressor to work on my QMX+ on software 1_02_00. There are no performance issues with this build and the SSB calibration runs fine. When I use the config settings shown in the manual pictures the audio sounds good on a nearby receiver using an external mic. This is with the compressor off, the default. If I go back into the terminal and turn on the compressor I get high distortion. It is nearly solid noise and transmits near peak power continuously. It doesn't matter what compression value I use, always the same. Even a value of zero. If I unplug the external mic and plug in just a PTT switch, I get the same noise. The only way to get the noise to go away is to do a factory reset. Again, SSB is all good until I turn on the compressor. I have done factory resets twice now. I would really like to use compressor to add some punch but I haven't been able to figure out what I am doing wrong. -- Regards, Earle KC0KVR
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fldigi with QMX+?
12
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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WA3TFS with Ultimate relay-switched LPF kit
With the help of this group, I was to implement PTT-keying of my WA3TFS amplifier. Thanks to all who helped, that worked out very well. WA3TFS states that the 20M version can also be used on 30M and 17M. I have noted a significant power drop-off on 17M which I attribute to roll-off of the WA3TFS LPF and avoid that. Additionally, it would be nice if the amplifier was as band agile as my mid-band QMX. Then I saw the recent thread about the QRP Labs LPF relay board which got me to thinking about using that to make those improvements. The QRP Labs relay kit with band-specific filters for 40M (and 60M), 30M, 20M, 17M and 15M should improve the WA3TFS greatly. I plan to bypass the WA3TFS LPF and just use the five filters on the QRP-Labs relay board. Since the relays handle the amplified RF path and are activated using +5V, I was planning to use a band switch to activate the appropriate relay. I realize that this manual approach increases the risk of operator error and high SWR if the amplifier is not switched to match the QMX band. Has anyone done this with the WA3TFS amplifier or similar? I am a novice at this, so is there anything that I am overlooking in thinking that this would work (for example, impedance matching between WA3TFS PA and QRP Labs LPF)? -- 73, Jim - AE5JE
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U3S andLPF Relay Sw board
2
Hi all, This is my first post here so I hope it lands in the right place. A while back I purchased the U3S kit and having constructed it found it to work perfectly on the single band . I have just added the LPF relay board to provide an additional 5 bands. The U3S board has the relay fitted and diode along with the LPF and I have removed the 2 relevant wire links. I must be programming the U3S board incorrectly as the unit only transmits on Band 0, that is it will only show its transmitting on band 0 even though I have set the 5 new bands with band 1 being the highest in frequency. Can anyone shed some light on what I could have missed, Thanks. -- Steve Shuff.
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QMX suddenly no power output, factory reset helped
Recently, I observed some strange QMX behaviour. I returned from SOTA, all was OK, and I stored QMX to the drawer. After some time I took it from the drawer and upgraded firmware to 1_02_000. I wanted to do SSB calibration, but I checked SWR first and I observed that SWR sweeps were very noisy and were varying from SWR 2.0 to cca. 10.0 even when on dummy load. LPF sweeps also showed some strange curves with 0 dB on the both min/max. I deduced there is no power output from the QMX and the diagnostic tools are reading only noise (IMHO it could show error message in such case). I validated with the external wattmeter that there is no power output from the QMX. I opened the case, finals were OK, filters connections also looked good. Firmware downgrade to 1_00_027 didn't help. Power off/on cycle and unplug from the power supply also didn't help. Finally, I tried factory reset and viola then it started to function normally and outputs power. Does anybody experience anything similar? This behavior was quite unexpected to me.
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QMX Alternate Bands
2
Has anyone tried 80-15? LPF0: 80m LPF1: 40m LPF2: 20m, 17m, 15m BPF0: 80m BPF1: 40m BPF2: 20m BPF3: 17m, 15m 73, Robert VE7ZN
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(Right: Gerald Youngblood, Flex Founder) They launched their new product "Aurora", 160-6m, 500W transceiver that uses polar modulation just like QMX Hans: "So they visited me to admire QMX and I visited them to admire Aurora" https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Brw3LK9zY/ 73 DE muhsin TA1MHS
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RIT in N1MM
2
I still use TS 480 for the setup of N1MM. When I am in Run and press the up or down key the QMX + changes to RIT .- .030 but cannot be modified then. I have to exit from that on the QMX+. It would have been perfect, if the QMx+ would follow the RIT in run. any suggestions ? -- Martin DK3UW
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PSK31 with QMX + Digipan
16
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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Sat 8:39am
Sat 8:39am