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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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Hermes Light 2 vs. QMX+
6
Hello. While I await my QMX+ to arrive so I can experiment, I joined this Group and searched for a few topics that come to mind, but did not find much information. The users here are very knowledgeable about the QMX+ and I am hoping others will provide some insight to these questions. Thank you all in advance: 1. Can the QMX+ be controlled by Thetis? 2. If yes to question 1, do "Radio Model" profiles for the QMX+ exist in Thetis? I only see Hermes and ANAN profiles. 3. Will the developer kit allow the addition of an Ethernet connection? 4. If yes to question 3, will it also allow PoE? 5. Could the QMX+ be powered by USB-C? 6. Could WiFi be added to the QMX+? 7. Can the QMX+ be operated remotely over the Internet? 8. Can a USB microphone connected to the PC be used with the QMX+? 9. It appears that the QMX+ makes use of some form of pre-distortion. Can this be used with an external amplifier (e.g., Mercury Lux)? The Hermes Lite 2 has an additional SMA connector for Pure Signal. I don't see one on the QMX+. 10. Any heat concerns with high-duty cycle modes (e.g., FT8)? The Hermes Lite has a heat sink shim that dissipates heat via the enclosure. I did not see anything like that for the QMX+. I really like my Hermes Lite/Hermes Lite 2+ but appreciate the wider band coverage and some of the intelligent engineering present in the QMX+. I look forward to experimenting, but hopefully others further along in this journey have already sorted out answers to the above questions. Thanks in advance for any replies. 73, Frank - KG9M
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New QMX+ Calibration victim
3
Hi, I¡¯ve had my QMX+ for a number of months and had tested the then beta now regular SSB firmware with good results except pretty low output power in SSB. As I had never gotten around to fine tune the LPFs when building it I decided this was the logical next thing. So I fiddled with spreading and compressing turns on the toroids and managed to get all bands to between 4 and 5w output for CW except 160m that was already at 6w. Running 12.0v input and build for 12v Being happy with results I then first tested resetting to factory defaults, and then tested SSB output power. Still max 2-2.5w according to the Bird. I then decided to run the SSB calibration again. Worked fine til perhaps 12m or 10m phase. I then heard some terrible noise from the speaker and saw the QMX crashing with all blocks in the display and turning itself off. I tried powering on again, but won¡¯t start now. Just blank display and current protection on PSU kicks in due to over current. I suspect maybe finals are fried with internal short as result? Jonas 7 maj 2025 kl. 23:12 skrev Stan Dye via groups.io <standye@...>: ? On Wed, May 7, 2025 at 01:38 PM, Wiggle Pig wrote: It¡¯s D503 and D504 These are placeholders for diodes that could be placed across the BS170 outputs, as was commonly done with QDX. Hans included them in the design, but has not encouraged installing the diodes, which he believes are unnecessary for QMX. They may suppress spikes, but they also add additional capacitance to the PA, which may affect it adversely in other ways. There were many posts on this list regarding this topic a year or so ago. Stan KC7XE
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CW with I/Q on
15
#audio
#QMXplus
I really appreciate this idea. I'm addicted to panadapter/waterfall displays when using CW. That said, I must be missing something. When I enable I/Q output to USB and use CW mode, I seem to totally lose front panel earphone audio, except keyer sidetone. I was hoping it would still be CW audio, as when I/Q is disabled. Is this the expected behavior? -- Brent DeWitt, AB1LF Milford, MA
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QMX+ SSB not keying from Mic/Paddle Port
6
Hello Bill here it is probably just a defective operator. My QMX works no problem Digital, CW and SSB (using digital). The Mic/Paddle port has no issue with CW but when the Microphone is used it does not key the QMX+. I insert the microphone and using the PTT button on the microphone I can get it to key and send very slow CW. Is there a setting that I am missing. I tried to key the QMX+ with just the Tip Sleeve to get the rig to key ( bare wire on the jack ) with no luck. When I run microphone diagnostics I see modulation. From what I am reading that when you insert the microphone it should sense that it is not a Paddle and use the microphone. Yes I am in USB and or LSB mode into a dummy load. The microphone I have is the Electret Mic from QRP Kits wired and tested as per instruction manual ( qrp-labs ) . https://qrpkits.com/microphone.html I have also tried to repurpose a microphone from a Baofeng with no joy. Any help would be appreciated Thanks in Advance Bill N3GTY
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Gotta replace the PAs. To socket them, good or bad? See numrous sockets on ebay and online, but which to order, oh me oh my, what spacing or whatever. What do you say? -- 73 ChuckR
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Rev 1 vs. Rev 3 QMX Kit?
I have an unbuilt Rev 1 QMX kit, that I am finally seeing time ahead to build it. But am wondering, would I be better off getting a Rev 3 kit. Are there significant upgrades or differences in the current version that would make it worth getting the new kit revision? Tnx Paul w2eck
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USB audio level boost QMX+
3
I don¡¯t know if anyone else has experienced this, but I was checking out FT8 on 10M and the audio levels were in the red -too low, with no decodes, despite seeing faint signals on the waterfall. I¡¯m using a Surface Go tablet with Windows 11 Pro. I¡¯ve checked the recording control in Windows and it is maxed at 100%. I¡¯m using digi mode and usb audio from the QMX+ plenty of level and good decodes on the lower bands Nick G0OQK
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Ultimate 3S Issue
3
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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#qmx Don¡¯t Use USB-C PD to power your QMX?!
73
#qmx
My QMX released the magic smoke yesterday and I quickly traced the smoke to a crater in D108, the 5.6V zener on the 5V PSU board. Having recently read Hans¡¯ excellent SMPS analysis (http://qrp-labs.com/qmx/smpsstep.html ) it got me wondering what could have caused the fault. I had been powering my QMX from a USB-C battery and this 12v cable (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09ZL1WZ4G). I then remembered that USB-C PD adapters typically start with the output at 5V and then shortly afterwards increase the voltage to that negotiated by the device (in this case 12V). This would generate exactly the voltage pattern Hans has told us to AVOID. I took a trace of the voltage power-up sequence, and this is the result (no QMX¡¯s were harmed in creating this trace). Output power starts at 5V for 120ms before increasing to 12V, perfectly creating Hans¡¯ disaster scenario and causing D108 to sacrifice itself to protect the rest of the QMX. Thankfully the rest of my QMX appears to have survived unharmed, thanks to D108. Conclusion: don¡¯t use a USB-C battery to power your QMX, unless you¡¯ve confirmed your adapter behaves differently! Cheers, Dave M0JTS
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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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Hi everyone, I recently completed building my QMX kit and it seemed to go well on the surface. The unit powers on just fine, the display works, menus respond, and voltages on the 3.3V and 5V SMPS look normal. However, I'm getting no power output on any band, and I haven't heard any received signals either (just noise). Here's what the diagnostics look like: I've verified all diode orientations match the silkscreen and build guide, and I've done my best to verify good continuity on the pads for all of the toroids. Maybe there's a bad solder joint somewhere less obvious. Does anyone have advice on where to look next or more checks you¡¯d recommend to further narrow this down? Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks, Joe
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QMX 9v Power Supply
14
#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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On 4/29/25 I had a CW practice / rag chew session on 17 meters. I worked four stations: Conditions were OK with some QSB. SSN = 134, SFI = 154, A = 4, K = 1. My next CW practice session will be May 06 at 0900 EDT / 13:00 UTC on 20 meters. Anyone and everyone is welcome. This practice is 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 06 2025 Time - 0900 EDT / 13:00 UTC Band - 20 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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QRSS mode and other capabilities of Ultimate 3S
5
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+ Build - No Power on Diagnostics screen (pressing T)
10
#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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QMX+ Final failure on 12m
6
I have an odd situation here with my 12V QMX+. I could transmit normally on all bands with a 9V power supply. But at 12V when I transmitted on 12m (24.910 MHz) the current draw was quite a bit higher than on the other bands. My power supply's current limit was set at 1.0A and it hit that. All other bands drew less than an amp. After transmitting at that frequency the receive current had jumped to 300 mA (previously about 100 mA) and all the other bands transmitted about half the output power they had before. I replaced the finals and it happened again. Transmitting on 12m at 12V caused a failure in the finals. (Possibly Q507 as well. I get no RF output at all on any band now.) Any ideas on what might cause that one band to zap the finals? I've looked over its lowpass filter and don't see any visible shorts, and the inductors have the correct cores and number of turns. I was able to transmit on 10m before trying 12m and it seemed to work, although with less power out than the other bands.
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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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QMX+: low RX sensitifity @ 6m / 22 dB noise floor / 1500 Hz wistle
8
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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Sat 8:39am
Sat 8:39am