Sticky
#qmx #SSB Firmware beta 1_01_003 release
131
#qmx
#ssb
Hi all I updated the SSB beta testing webpage of the brave, here: https://qrp-labs.com/qmxp/ssbbeta.html and released firmware version 1_01_003 to it. These are the changes: Bug fix: Initial value for noise gate samples was 100 (should be max 99) - makes no real difference but it needed to be fixed Added TX indication underlining the A character when transmitting from USB sound card in SSB mode. Note that the two possible states for this indication are a single dot (indicating PTT has been applied and now the radio is in TX mode) and the solid bar (indicating audio is being received from the PC and transmitted). There is no double-dot like there is in Digi mode indicating insufficient volume, because in SSB mode the radio transmits whatever you give it, even if the volume is low. Bug fix: CAT command TQ1; did not cause transmit when in SSB mode. Now TQ1; and TQ0; work properly in SSB mode. Bug fix: Prevent button presses from accidentally activating VOX, which was happening due to sound picked up from the internal (cancellation reference channel) microphone when you pressed buttons right next to it, and that prevented band change because the second click of the double click was ignored because by then the radio was in transmit mode. All fixed! Now you can click buttons however you like and when button clicks are done, VOX is temporarily disabled until your button pushing frenzy is over. Power meter now reads Peak Envelope Power (PEP) when in SSB mode. Previously it was just reading a sampled value (NOT an average); so if the power meter was updated 10x a second, the updates would just randomly pick a value from the SSB amplitude envelope, which was most unlikely to be its peak value. Bug fixL Calibration hung at DAC 1300 when run on LCD. Now the calibration completes properly when run from the LCD. Many thanks for all the feedback so far, SSB in QMX is getting better and better! 73 Hans G0UPL http://qrp-labs.com https://www.buymeacoffee.com/g0upl
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#qmx SSB Firmware beta 1_01_004 release
3
#qmx
I know its a little cheeky but any idea how long to an update. None of my QMXs will calibrate and I have to turn the pre phase and amplitude off.
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MI QRP Weekly Zoom Chat
We had six folks join the MI QRP Zoom Chat on 10 April. Please join us Thursday April 17 (and every Thursday) at 4PM Eastern for the Michigan QRP Club weekly QRP Chat where the main topics will be QRP and other ham interests. New hams are encouraged to participate and ask questions. It's fun, it's easy, and it's free. You only need a computer, a smart phone, or a tablet that can connect to the Internet. OR if you can't be close to any of those you can join by audio with any standard phone. Just follow the directions below. No software needs be loaded or installed. Anyone can join and non members are welcome. Details are here: https://www.miqrp.net/zoom Zoom ID: 811 0835 6229 The topic for Thursday, 17 April will be TBD. Ed AB8DF Ernie NE3TE Tony W8CDC Stan WB8QJZ Casey KC9IH Stuart M0SGV Started out talking about cars. Ernie just got a new one. Ed showed this new paddles. https://www.ur5cdx.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=21&products_id=52 Northern Michigan ice storm caused major damage. It has been over a week and there are still major power outages. Stan played with satellites during the week but did not have any luck with the ISS and slow scan. Tony used to work the OSCAR 7 and 10 back in the day. Stan has a handheld that automatically tracks birds and the upcoming passes. DM1701 with open GD77 firmware is the way to go https://www.amazon.com/Baofeng-DM-1701-Channels-Programming-Earpiece/dp/B07R7QM63X?th=1 Stuart is still working on his Michigan Mighty Mite and wants to see how it looks with his new Tiny SA. Casey is playing with antennas and some hamsticks. Spending a lot of time on FM nets. We talked about the 80 meter nets and swap meets. The agenda for the 10 April QRP Chat: Ernie to do a short introduction and acknowledge any new folks to the Zoom chat. The topic for next week will be an open forum. During the open forum anyone can take the floor. We will go one by one until all have had a chance to have the floor. Files, pictures and presentations can be shared if you have any. Please try to stay muted when someone has the floor. Thanks Ed AB8DF
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Jeffery Moore
2
? ? I sent my QMX+ to? Jeff early in March feeling that it was beyond repair. He found a load of problems, mainly bad soldering. He felt that it could be redeemed and sent me comprehensive details of the defects and costs. He approached the project with a great deal of knowledge and enthusiasm for which I a very grateful. I would be very happy to recommend him. Kind regards and 73s to all, James Silvester MJ7HEE ?
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dig mode disbale
Could the digi mode be switched off in the system configuration? juergen dl8zad
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QMX Blown Finals. Will a DC-DC Adjustable Buck Converter prevent future failures?
6
I suspect that my factory built QMX has a blown BS170. I was running FT8 on 15m into a resonant antenna tuned with an external SWR analyzer. The rig measured the SWR at 1.26:1. I don't believe that the SWR changed at all during the operation. I checked it again when I noticed the power drop, both on the rig and with the external meter. It was still about 1.26:1. I think I can rule out high SWR. Here is a list of output powers that I measured when new with the battery, as recorded at the factory, and after the failure: 20m has 3.7 watts on Talentcell battery (Factory 3.8 watts) (After the failure 2.2 watts) 17m has 4.5 watts on Talentcell battery (Factory 4.5 watts) (After the failure 2.2 watts) 15m has 4.7 watts on Talentcell battery (Factory 4.6 watts) (After the failure 1.9 watts) 12m has 3.5 watts on Talentcell battery (Factory 3.4 watts) (After the failure 1.9 watts) 10m has 3.8 watts on Talentcell battery (Factory 3.6 watts) (After the failure 2.0 watts) I use a dummy load and a mini QRP Power Meter like this one to measure power: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003913071532.html I use a Talentcell YB1203000 (12v, 3Ah) battery which my DVM is measuring 12.3v fully charged. Could it be that the extra 0.3v is too much for the BS170's especially on higher frequencies? If so, would a "DROK DC-DC Adjustable Buck Voltage Converter Stabilizer 6-32V to 1.25-32V LCD Display Constant Volt Amp 6V 12V 24V Step Down Voltage Regulator Power Module" prevent future failures if I reduce the voltage to 11v? I've read about the addition of a couple of zener diodes (1N4756A) to the BS170s of QDXs. Would this also provide protection on the QMX? I haven't inspected the rig yet but will follow these instructions found here to repair it: /g/QRPLabs/topic/107789309#msg127369 I know that FT8 is 100% duty cycle and that can be hard on rigs but I'm wondering if I should just use my QMX for CW. I'd rather be operating than changing blown FETs. Thanks. Paul VA3ZC
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QMX real RTC
12
#qmx
Hello OGs, YLs, Question, actually it could be a feature request.. The stm32 chip has an internal real time clock. Wouldn't it be nice to make usable? Currently the clock may be shown on the display ant it starts counting - starting from zero on power-on. Two things would be needed: - software - a settigs menu where the user would be able to set current time without a need of playing with gps - hardware... the diagram shows that cpu's vbat leg is connected right to the gnd... adding small battery there would be required to persist the time on power off. And since stm32's rtc draws some microAmps, some small button battery should suffice. What do you think?
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QMX+ microphone ideas
5
I recently purchased this microphone kit from Pacific Antennas https://www.qrpkits.com/microphone.html for $15. The kit was easy to build and seems to work ok with the QMX+ usng a MIC Gain set at 50. Anyway I made my first SSB contact today on 10m so I'm satisfied. I've enjoyed reading about what others are trying and look forward experimenting some more. Les, N1SV
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Trying to capture 2x16 LCD signal...
10
I have been trying to capture the digital signals driving the 2x16 LCD on my fully functional QMX transceiver. I am using an application called Scopy and the ADALM2000 learning module hardware from Analog Devices. I don't understand the captured data. I am hoping someone on this forum is familiar with this protocol and can provide some insight. My two main questions I have are: 1) Should the Enable line go high when the microprocessor of the radio is writing to the screen? From what I have captured so far these does not seem to be the case. However the reference material I read on line about typical 2x16 LCD screens indicates the Enable signal means write to the screen. 2) Should the Register Select (RS) line go high when the microprocessor is writing an ASCII character and low when it is writing a screen command? My data collection shows that there seems to be far more RS pulses than Enable pulses, which I don't understand. Am am attaching a screen shot of the data collected when I power up the QMX receiver with the factory reset splash screen. I have the Enable pin tied to input bit 0, the RS pin tied to input bit 1 and LCD data bit 0 through 7 tied to input pins 2-9 respectively. Any info on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance Mike (KC2EHR)
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QMX does not send with Raspberry 4 and 5 with wsjtx
6
Hi, My QMXs work great under Windows with wsjtx. I have wsjtx installed on the Raspberry Pi 4 and 5. There's no control. Only two dots appear under the A in the frequency display. But that's not enough for the QMX to transmit. What could be the cause, and what should I do? Vy73 Reinhard DL3AS
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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)
66
#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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QCX Mini Displaying //???/??/
5
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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Here's hoping for QMX+ v2
40
Wouldn't it be loverly if the next version of the QMX had a display like the zBitx. Hans has done some amazing work with the QMX, with SSB and with bringing us some absolutely amazingly good quality radios and kits that definitely punch above their weight class. Thanks for everything you've done Hans. Can't wait to see what comes out of the QRP-Labs stable next.
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QMX+: Hearing a tone only when LSB is selected
Hello everyone, Ive been trying to clean up the transmit audio on my QMX and QMX+. I can’t seem to get rid of the distortion on either one. I have been able to get rid of background noises by reducing gains on different parameters. I’ve tried pretty much every suggestion I’ve read on the groups but it’s still distorted. It is usable but a bit distorted. I’ve tried different microphones. I’m currently running the QRP Guys microphone. I tried a rewired Baofeng spkr mic and while the mic works the audio quality on the QRP Guys mic is much better. Another benefit is it doesn’t drag the radio around like the coiled mic cable does. This appears on both the QMX and the Plus version. I’ve noticed on the Plus that whenever I’m in LSB mode above 17 meters I get a constant low level whistle or tone. If I switch to any other mode it goes away. It almost sounds like an AM carrier. It varies a bit in time and amplitude. It doesn’t do this on the QMX. Could it be the GPS on the QMX+ Causing it? I’ve disconnected the antenna but that doesn’t stop it. Is anyone else seeing this? On another note, what’s the possibility that Hans could have a troubleshooting seminar for the QMX line of radios at the Hamfest next month? Perhaps a course or workshop targeting the most common issues and how to resolve them. Like tx audio distortion and calibration issues. I’m still on the fence about going to the event. I could probably find a reason to fly across the country if a class were to happen. Don.
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QMX+ with WA3TFS amplifier
15
I recently built the WA3TFS linear amplifier featured in the March QST. The build went very well and with my old MFJ 20M QRP CW radio, 3W in gives 20W out with a peak 4A draw. So, I tried to interface my QMX+ to it and was surprised to see the QMX+ stop transmitting after the first dit. It would recover after a time and would transmit fine by itself or through the amp but it didn’t like it all when I activated the amp. The firmware hasn’t been upgraded in awhile so I’m not sure if this has already been addressed. I’m not sure the RF detection is maybe not fast enough ?? Any ideas appreciated. 73, Jamie WB4YDL
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Original QCX 40M
4
The QCX was returned to me as "Not Working." I set it up on a 12vDC battery and dummy load. Then used a signal generator and found that the QCX was receiving a signal. Also, using another radio (FT-891) I transmitted and the 891 received the QCX signal. Next I put in on the osciliscope and found that the output was 1V peak to peak. At this point I checked Q1, Q2 and Q3. All were functioning properly. Here I began checking the IC's. The pins I did not list here are within specs. The ones listed were not. IC5 pin 5 (2.28 is actually showing 12v IC5 pin 8 11.67) is 2.55 IC6 pin 3 (1.63) is 2.66 IC6 pin 5 (1.55) is 11.67 IC6 pin 8 (11.67) is 2.66 IC7 pin 3 1.99) is 2.60 IC7 pin 5 (1.89) is 11.67 IC7 pin 8 (11.67) is 2.66 IC8 pin 3 (0.65) is 2.57 IC8 pin 5 (0.65) is 2.57 IC8 pin 8 (11.67) is 2.60 IC9 pin 3 (0.65) is 4.49 IC9 pin 5 (0.67) is 11.67 IC9 pin 8 (11.67) is 2.56 IC10 pin 5 (4.21) is 11.67 IC10 pin 6 (3.94) is 5.94 IC10 pin 8 (11.67) is 5.90 This is as far as I got. Sorry for the 1st email, Hans. I have torn the bicep in my left arm and probably took too many pain killer before I emailed.. Hi Hi Any help will be most appreciated... Thank You Ron Pearson KA5HZV
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QMX Feature Request
18
#building
#qmx
#QMXplus
Gents, Just finished build of QMX+. Everything works perfectly from first power-up. Glad I watched Hans' video. The 6-layer board really does take a lot of heat to solder properly. Power is a little low - about 3W on most bands, compared to 4W from my QMX but that doesn't make much difference. One feature would be handy... I find that the QMX goes into SWR protection before my ATU10 has a chance to tune. I have to manually turn off protection when I want to tune a new antenna and/or band. How about when turning keyer speed to zero, in addition to going to straight key, set power to 50% and turn off SWR protection. 73, Glen W6GJB
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QMX/QMX+ internal Transmit Voltage measurement question
32
Hans (and others who may know): On my QMX and QMX+, I have often wondered why the measured TX voltage, as shown in the Diagnostics page, always has a significant drop (about 1.5V) from the supply voltage. Looking at the schematic, it should have only the very small drop due to Q507. So (while answering someone else's question today) I measured the voltages at Q507 and ADC_PA with my DMM and oscilloscope, on my 12V QMX+ build, all measurements done at 7.074MHz. Diagnostic screen shows: - supply voltage 11.8V receive, 11.5V during TX - transmit voltage 0.4V receive, 9.8V during TX (the unexpected drop of 1.7V in TX voltage) DMM measurement shows: - supply voltage 11.84V receive, 11.48V during TX (measured at Q507 source terminal) - agrees well with QMX+ supply voltage measurement - transmit voltage 0.43V receive, 11.22V during TX (measured at Q507 drain terminal, a drop of 0.26V) - does NOT agree with QMX+ transmit voltage measurement - but is as expected from Q507 drop So it appears that measurement of TX voltage on QMX/QMX+ is not well calibrated. Could this be causing some of the problems seen in SSB calibration, etc? So I measured the voltage at ADC_PA with my DMM (at top of C529), in case it is helpful: - ADC_PA during diagnostic receive mode (off): 0.08V - ADC_PA during diagnostic transmit: 1.96V Using just the 47k/10k voltage divider ratio, this would equate to 9.2V (rather than the full 11.22 measured); hmmm, is this part of the problem? Or is there an expected additional resistance in the STM32 input that completes the voltage divider? Stan KC7XE
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QMX+ loose some characters while sending stored messages
8
#qmx
#QMXp
#QMXplus
#troubleshooting
hi, may i`m wrong with some qmx+ config, but sending cw from stored messages isn?t possible without loosing some characters, as like as "cq de df4bj" may ends in "ca de dfuba" or something else. Same behavior if sending from logging programm via cat. Did i don`t have correct configs or is that an known issue? I have installed the v1_01_003, updated from 1_00_027 on QMX+ Rev 3 , but going back to a non ssb fw doesn`t help. any suggestions ? vy 72/73 de Udo DF4BJ /qrp
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40-10 qmx
5
Hi all! I want to build a qmx with at least 40, 20, and 10m bands. This is not currently an official build and I was wondering if it is recommended or indorse by Hans. I know that it is possible and I am willing to give up other bands to have all three. Thanks!
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