Category: Software

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New release of KD8CEC firmware (v1.061)

Ian KD8CEC has released version 1.061  of his KD8CEC Firmware for the µBITx.  This adds the WSPR mode to your µBITx.   If  you use Ian’s uBITX Manager  to put WSPR information into uBITX (using your PC),  the µBITX no longer needs any external device to transmit WSPR.

Ian says, “Beta testers have been very helpful when embedding the WSPR functionality. WSPR mode will continue to improve in the future.

“By using WSPR before or after having a QSO, you can check where your uBITX is getting to around the world.”

Added or improved in version 1.061:

  1. 1.Added WSPR function to uBITX
  2. Update uBITX Manager to Version 1.0
  3. Reduced program size
  4. Fixed IF Shift Bug
  5. Other bugs fixed
  6. CWL, CWU mode are more friendly.  Two options are displayed for shifting frequency.

Please see the link below for details.
http://www.hamskey.com/2018/03/cat-support-ubitx-firmware-cec-version_24.html

You can download a HEX file (no need to use the Arduino IDE to load the firmware) and uBITX Manager from the link above.

You can also download the source code at https://github.com/phdlee/ubitx and see all the changes I’ve made so far.

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Calibrating your uBITx

Many constructors have had issues calibrating their µBITx.

To begin with, you have to figure out how to get into the expanded “Settings” menu.  Push on the encoder, and select “Settings”.  Wait for the menu to exit automatically.  Then press the encoder again and in turning the dial you should see the additional menu items displayed.

Jacob AG7CT has documented the steps he takes to calibrate his µBITx:

  1. Tune to WWV on the dial
  2. Enter menu
  3. Turn setup on
  4. Reenter menu turn to and select calibrate
  5. Zerobeat the WWV carrier. (May be difficult if BFO is too far off.)
  6. Click PTT.
  7. Click encoder, select set BFO.
  8. Zero the sideband off WWV.
  9. Click PTT to set.
  10. Click encoder, turn setup off.
  11. Wait more than 10 seconds to ensure setting are saved before removing power.
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Hiding a light (well a 20×4 screen) under a bushell!

VK3DAN has a µBITx and as soon as he received it he was busy modding it for a 20×4 (2004) screen. This sort of screen is easily substituted on the Raduino, but to use the extra display space requires modding the firmware.

Dan  has added band readout, his callsign, etc.  It also incorporates the CW sidetone fix, CAT system and various fixes written by Ian Lee KD8CEC. This firmware version won’t work with the 16×2 (1602) screen provided with your uBITX kit.   You will need to have purchased a 2004 type screen to replace your stock display.  You will also need to edit ubitx_ui.ino to change the callsign to your own.

More info at http://www.vk3dan.ninja

Download site:  https://github.com/vk3dan/ubitx-20×4 

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uBITx gets WSPR in Firmware

Ian Lee, KD8CEC,  has released a new (Beta) version of his µBITX Firmware CEC Version 1.04.   This version adds the WSPR TX mode.  It still needs wider testing before a release version is posted.  Ian is looking for beta testers who have a µBITX, can install his firmware and his PC Software – uBITx Manager that allows for easy configuration of firmware settings, and know how to use WSPR.

The WSPR function has been squeezed into the small programming space of the µBITX (32Mb) including the station callsign, location(2alpha, 2 number), dB and frequency information to be used for transmission.

As a field portable unit, you only need to bring the µBITX and antenna  to transmit WSPR as all information is already contained in the rig (no computer is required).  You do not need to make any modifications to your uBITX to use WSPR.

For more information, visit Ian’s website at:    http://www.hamskey.com

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KB1OIQ Mods to BITX40 and uBITx – particularly for Blind Ops

Andy, KB1OIQ,  has uploaded his Arduino sketch files, photos, videos, and documents describing modifications he has made to his BITX40 and uBITX QRP transceivers to Sourceforge:

Andy has done extensive modifications to his hardware and software, so don’t blindly download these sketches and expect them to work!

It is his hope that constructors will be inspired to make these modifications on their own transceivers. He has used a large percentage of VU2ESE’s original code, and added quite a bit of his own.

Andy says …

“I have had a GREAT deal of fun doing this work, and I want to share it.”

Notable features for each rig:

BITX40

  • keypad
    • Explicit speaking of mode, VFO, and frequency by keypad button press
    • Numeric frequency entry via keypad
    • common radio functions via single key press
  • RF gain circuit
  • software voice synthesis with Talkie library
  • standard ICOM MIC connector using UP/DN buttons and audio out (for digital modes)
  • fine tuning potentiometer
  • added USB (for digital modes)
  • save/restore rig parameters to/from EEPROM
  • audio mixer circuit so synthesized voice and “radio sounds” can be heard in one speaker

µBITX

  • text-to-speech voice synthesis via Emic2
  • keypad
    • Explicit speaking of mode, VFO, and frequency by keypad button press
    • Numeric frequency entry via keypad
    • menu navigation
  • wired CW jack for use with either paddle or straight key
  • paddle supports left or right handed operation
  • converted LCD to I2C (requires Adafruit LiquidCrystal and SoftwareSerial, frees up 6 Arduino digital pins)
  • refactored the code into C++ classes (all text strings in PROGMEM)
  • reimplemented the menu system with the MenuSystem class
  • removed (perhaps temporarily) CAT and factory alignment to make room for other features
  • disable transmit if outside of USA ham bands
  • CW mode with correct frequency display
  • VFOs are saved/restored in/from EEPROM (mode and frequency)
  • Text sent to the LCD is simultaneously spoken by Emic2
  • Extensive menu selections
  • Several visually impaired amateur radio operators are interested in this work!  I am excited by the possibilities.

Andy has a long list of things still TO DO on his uBITX.  His current plans include:

  • keypad
    • decide which features to add to individual keys
    • currently: frequency input, speak radio settings, menu mode
  • RF gain circuit
  • AGC circuit
  • anti-POP circuit for TX/RX transitions
  • fine tuning
  • test and perhaps tweak RIT
  • add MIC and signals for digital modes at the MIC connector
  • USA 60m channels to memory for easy user recall
  • TBD other features that might be useful to visually impaired operator
  • split mode
  • if memory allows, put CAT control and factory alignment routines back into the sketch
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KD8CEC minor firmware update v1.04

Ian Lee, KD8CEC, has released a further minor update of his firmware (v1.04).  You can download it here.

The changes since version 1.01 are as follows:
– Reduce cpu usage
– Change BFO Calibration step (50Hz to 5Hz steps)
– Change CW Frequency Display (frequency is more accurate when in CWL, CWU Mode)
– Optimized source code and reduced program size (97% -> 95%)

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KD8CEC documentation

Ian Lee, KD8CEC has added further documentation on his website about his alternative firmware for the µBITx transceiver:

General features

http://www.hamskey.com/2018/02/cat-support-ubitx-firmware-cec-version.html

Memory Channels
http://www.hamskey.com/2018/02/using-memory-channels-in-ubitx-storing.html

Reducing CW Key errors
http://www.hamskey.com/2018/02/reducing-cw-key-errors-in-ubitx.html

You will also find additional resources on the website covering his AutoKey (built in software memory keyer), his uBITX Manager software and more.

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Guide to Arduino Coding

The best book around for learning how to program your Raduino was written by one of the BITX20 regular contributors Jack Purdum W8TEE.   It is entitled “Beginning C for Arduino”  and can be found on Amazon.

Jack says, “Make sure you get the 2nd edition…it’s a better book and has a chapter on C++ so you can “understand” most library code.”
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W0EB/W2CTX Firmware release v2.01R


Jim Sheldon W0EB has announced a further release of Firmware (v2.01R) of the W0EB/W2CTX firmware intended for I2C driven displays (including the newly announced “RadI2Cino” card which is an (almost) drop-in replacement for the Raduino.

This release effectively covers all the enhancements for the non-I2C Raduino released earlier (v 2.00R)

The following changes have been incorporated in the firmware:

“The CW Keyer module has been completely re-written in this version. The keyer is now totally interrupt driven which helps make the transition to CW transmit much faster and it doesn’t tend to clip the first dot as it did occasionally in past versions. This version also moved the DASH paddle input from the analog A7 input. It now shares the analog A3 input with the PTT line as normally PTT isn’t used in CW mode and the Hand Key isn’t used in CW Paddle mode or the Paddles aren’t used in CW Hand Key mode so all three can share the same input easily. This gives A7 back to those wishing to use it for metering applications. Complete, illustrated documentation on everything in this release is contained in the zip file as a PDF. Menu operation has been slightly improved from V2.00R as well. We hope you enjoy using this version. Jim – W0EB and Ron – W2CTX”

You can access the release details file as follows:
https://groups.io/g/BITX20/files/ubitx_V2_01R.zip

Reference
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Top Band (160m) external LPF

Bill NG1P provides a bit more detail on his Top Band (160m) mod success.

“I’m having a blast on 160m I did add larger heat sinks and a pair of small fans that I can turn on and off as needed to keep the finals cool if I’m long winded or using digital modes.

“Qrp labs makes a great low pass filter kit:
Read previous news iteM
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