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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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Jeff Moore W1NC - QMX Rev. 1 Repair
The QMX Rev. 1 that I had assembled some time ago recently stopped working after making many CW and SSB contacts with the beta SSB firmware. By-the-way, the calibration went nicely. No issues there. It would turn on with no display but wouldn't turn off. Certain the CPU was dead, I was contemplating chucking it in the spare parts box and just continuing on with my QMX+. However, I decided to send it to Jeff to see if he could salvage it, and I'm glad I did. Jeff discovered the CPU wasn't dead and was able to get it working again in perfect order. His turnaround time and explanation of findings was great. If your QMX goes down I highly recommend Jeff to get it working great again. If it's beyond your repair capability, he's got the experience, tools, test equipment, parts and talent to make it happen. Thanks again Jeff. 72, Randy NR5N
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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 - Audio-out levels configurable?
2
Hi, I have a question relating to audio levels as heard in a pair of earphones¡ As I change from mode to mode, listening on a pair of earphones, I find that changing from CW to DIGI is an ear-blowing experience! So much so that I take out the earphones or greatly reduce the audio-out (volume) when doing so. Moving on to USB, the audio level returns to a safe level. Has anyone else experienced this? Is there a fix for it? I can¡¯t find any reference to mode-specific audio-out levels in the operation manual or in group messages. Mine is a factory assembled QMX 80-20 using v1.02.000 firmware. Thanks, Mark VK2MOH
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CW with I/Q on
14
#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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QCX-mini LCD backlight not coming on
5
Just completed troubleshooting a couple of items on the QMX-mini build and the unit now up and appears in good shape except the backlight doesn't turn on. I've rotated the LCD pot all the way which changes character brightness but without the backlight illuminating. I have the backlight set to 'on' in the menu system. Is these somewhere obvious I can trace the issue ? I imagine the signal from the processor to the LCD to turn on the backlight is not getting through but I'm not sure where to start looking, which pin on the LCD is connected to which pin on the processor (IC2). Any help is appreciated.
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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+ Build - No Power on Diagnostics screen (pressing T)
9
#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+ Case - Screws
2
#QMXplus
Can anyone kindly inform about the M3 black screws used in the QMX+ case ? what'is lenght ? 6 mm 8 mm ? This afternoon after assembly and performed all tests i was presented with 8 black screws that dit not fit, they are M2.5. In the assembly manual is stated they are M3 but no info about lenght. Ahh, by the way the QMX+ worked first power on but with a garbled screen. Had to disassembly the front panel and retouch the LCD pins. Its a big PITA to properly solder them by the manual. Now everything is ok. Greetings //Eduardo
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Use original IC after Firmware Update
2
Hi, I try to upgrade the firmware of my gcx mini, and mess up the fuses. after I corrected it to avrdude -c usbasp -p m328p -U lfuse:w:0xF7:m -U hfuse:w:0xD1:m -U efuse:w:0xFC:m It shows the use original ic on screen :( Is there a trick i can do, to bring it back to life? Regards Andreas / OE9ROE
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SSB firmware and QRP Labs
7
Hi All, At 63 my mind id blown at how fast and cooperative these projects are going. I do not have the balls or knowledge to dare install a Beta firmwhere on my QRP QMX, but I am eagerly waiting for the official release. Thank you all! Rgds, a.
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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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Scripting language?
5
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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New QMX+ Calibration victim
2
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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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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Ultimate 3S Issue
2
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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Release of version 1.2 of ABS solution for QMX+ (Automatic internal antenna tuner, internal battery and internal speaker with audio amp)
91
#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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QMX 9v Power Supply
13
#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
6
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 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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Sat 8:39am
Sat 8:39am