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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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LCD Stopped Working
2
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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#qmx #troubleshooting
2
#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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Newbie with battery question
15
Hello All This is my first post to group. Thank you for the invite, I appreciate it. After searching thru some of the files I found myself somewhat confused by all the battery options. My kit building days took place in the 50s thru the 80's with the complete Heathkit SB line along with many other kits. My hands and eyes are not what they used to be. I ordered a prebuilt QMX-12-volt xcver and after perusing the files as to what type of battery and accessories to get, I found myself confused by all the different options. I have an IC 705 which is essentially plug and play. Apparently, that's not the case with the QMX. From what I gather from the group, the Talent Cell 12-volt battery is popular. There are many Bioenno 12-volt batteries available as well. Not sure what AH ratings I should be looking for. It seems the xcvr is very picky as to what you power it with and what accessories you should have along with the battery PD Banks, Buc converters etc. all that I'm not familiar with. Any suggestions you have would be most appreciated and the KISS term would help me a lot. Thank you very much for your help. 73 Jeff WB9DAR
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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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QMX SSB low output
Greetings to the brain trust. I have a kit built QMX which is awesome and works great on CW. I have upgraded to the 1.02.000 ( the latest firmware) and added a QRP GUYS mic. Everything seems to check out in the hardware tests, but it seems very low output on SSB. I've set the mic. gain to 75 which seems to help, some. Any ideas on trouble shooting? Thanks in advance. WX7J Doug
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Pacific Antenna mic used on new QMX+ not working?
2
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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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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QMX receiver went deaf
16
Last night while playing with my qmx the receiver went deaf. This happened after txing on ssb with IQ mode on and panadapter open. I was using a mic connected to the radio. The S meter with antenna dropped to nearly nothing and I can only hear white noise now. The radio will still put out 5w. I ran my little signal generator into qmx and on receive I hear nothing at -33dbm. At 0dbm (I know quite strong) the signal will get through. Any thoughts? Thank you Ryan KK6DZB
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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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QMX Supply Voltage
5
Based on the large red warning on page 4 of the QMX+ assembly manual it is clear that Hans intended us to power the QMX (and presumably the QMX+) from 9V and tolerates us modifying the rig to operate 12V at our own risk. It is also clear from the discussions I have been able to find that most people opt for a 12V supply (along with various hacks and bodges to actually run it from 13.8 V or more). Given that, for a real world battery I'm going to need a buck/boost converter to get a stable supply that won't kill the rig 9V is just as easy to get as 12V (Assuming I go for a buck/boost converter rather than the three diode bodge) Given that a hardware choice has to be made early on in the build process I'd rather not have to change this at a later point so would like to pick the right option from the start. Has anyone had issues with running either 9V or 12V that might make one a preferred choice over the other? I've seen Druck converters recommended but here in the UK the choice seems to be limited just one buck converter and that needs a 1.5V overhead so would need a fully charged LiFe or Lead Acid battery to exceed the 13.5V I'd need to supply to get a 12V output. If I go for a 3S LiPo battery the voltage range is between 9 and 12.6V (3V-4.2V per cell) making 9V operation or a boost converter essential. There are other devices on eBay that claim to have both buck and boost capability but I have no idea how noisy they'd be.
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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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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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I purchased the development kit with my QMX+ because I thought maybe I'd install a tuner. I did and although I can't drill a hole in the right location to save my life, out of laziness for sure, I was able to do it this way. I decided not to make it totally internal as I run an amplifier sometimes. This way, it's just a tuner that uses internal power so it comes on with the radio. Pretty handy, too. It works just like I hoped and it's one less thing I have to pack. Given the choice of an internal power source or this, personally, I think this is more convenient. It make look trashy but I also added a high quality speaker. The holes looked fine but given the conditions I will likely use the radio in, I decided to keep dirt out. 73 Frank
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