Year: 2018

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Mic Compression and Noise gate with SSM2167 module

John, VK2ETA, has  used the small circuit board “SSM2167 Microphone Preamplifier Board Preamp COMP Compression Module DC 3V-5V”available on eBay or Aliexpress as a compression and mic pre-amplifier.

He simply connected the input to the mic, added a 4.7K ohm resistor between the mic input and the 5VDC (taken from the Raduino) for biasing the electret and put a 10K ohms potentiometer in the output to adjust the power level to the mic preamp stage.

He didn’t modify his uBitx board,  but simply inserted the board prior to the mic input.  The gain of 20dB is reduced back with the output potentiometer. John removed the “R1” resistor and replaced it with a 51K Ohms resistor to get a 4:1 compression factor, up from the 2:1 as delivered, but this change has yet to be tested “on air”.

John hasn’t received any negative feedback about the compressor except when I pushed the output potentiometer too high.

Reference

 

Simon VK3ELH used the same board and a similar scheme for powering the module from the regulated 5v line on the Raduino.  It is also installed separate to the main board and inline with the mic input.

Simon used a 75k ohm resistor for compression and 1k ohm resistor for the noise gate and a 100k pot on output. At full output, his audio was readable but distorted based on an audio check QSO, so the output has been turned down.

He put a larger heatsink on the IRF510 to cater for the higher average output, as the stock one was getting warm!

A side effect of the mic being on all the time is that there is leakage through to the speaker and it causes some feedback if the mic is within 2 inches or so of the speaker.

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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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PC Switch Box Case

KP1JBW has a great memory.  He remembered a post for the BITx40 that covered using cheap surplus PC switch boxes for cases.

He says “this one was perfect and cost only $4 from an electronic surplus store. My radio literally just arrived this afternoon so I quickly ran out to find a case.”

KP1JBW will add a plate on the back to cover the cutouts for centronics connectors that came with the case.

The original center switch hole is where the display naturally sits when plugged directly into the board. I will end up popping the front plate onto the mill to get a clean and square hole. This case is steel so I might end up going for something down the road that’s lighter. For the price along with a massive selector switch, wire, and a decent set of knurled machine screws, I cannot complain. I bought a larger case for $6 when I need to start looking at upgrades.

Joe KD2NFC made a smart comment about the challenges of wiring up all those cables to the Arduino Nano – there simply won’t be enough ports!

John AD5YE commented that these boxes were either serial or parallel distribution switches.  They take a serial port computer output (6 to 20 wires), or a parallel port (usually 20 wires) and transfer this to 4 different receiving ports. The most common use was to connect one computer to several different printers. They were quite common in computers before the advent of USB and (lately) wifi.

He suggests finding one nowadays at a decent price is a rarity. A few years back, they were very common and very cheap.  However, they make excellent radio cases though one usually has to redo the front and back parts.  John has several with double-sided PCB added as faceplates. In addition to the cases, you usually ends up with a 12P4T switch (which is fine for switching filter banks), and lots of #28 wire.

Reference
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RaduinoUmax shipping

Mike, WA6ISP, is shipping the first of his new Ubit RaduinoUMax Raduino replacements  today.

Mike says he has been working like a beaver since the PCBs arrived.

The MAX is for the 16 Added I/O pins on the end of the PCB.   It makes the PCB a little longer, but still fits into uBitx Radio PCB.   I2C control gives you 16 more 5V digital I/O ports and uses an Adafruit Library for simple control.   Three I2C address jumpers are provided so you can use other I2C modules.

Reference 1
Reference 2
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VU2ZAP experiments with TDA2822 Audio Chip

Raj VU2ZAP has done some experimenting with TDA2822 chip failures.

FCI chips were sourced locally and plugged in. No failure was observed when using the chip with normal volume.  However, when he raised the volume to a high level the chip failed immediately!

Solutions

1: Add a resistor in series with the 12V line maybe 10-15 ohms to drop the voltage.

2. Simple solution is to use only a 16 Ohm speaker or add a series 8-10 Ohm resistor with the 8 ohm speakers.

3. Cut the power track to the TDA and insert a 78L08 or 78L09 to reduce the voltage. There is a convenient track which can be cut.  Solder either an SMD or DIL regulator onto the board at this point. This track leads directly to the chip and filter cap (see photo below).

The center lead looks soldered, but is in fact floating.  However, the tab is soldered to the copper groundplane below. The white wire is part of Raj’s fix to prevent the filter relays from clicking during PTT.  Raj suggests the board as illustrated now needs a brush cleaning!

Raj observes that with this mod, audio is fine but distorts at high volume. The 9V voltage out does not drop at maximum volume.

Feedback on the solution from Jerry KE7ER

Jerry KE7ER says “This looks like a fine solution!   The fact that the 78L09 inherently limits current to something reasonable is a bonus.  And it fits in there perfectly!

Jerry suggest that it might be a little bit easier to just rip that trace out entirely. You could place the part up against the through-hole on one side and run a short wire to the other through-hole.

Gain should remain as it was at 12v.   Just that when you turn the volume up it distorts earlier.

If what you have on hand is the TO220 LM7809 (or any voltage from 5v to 9v), it will fit in there nicely as well.  Glue it face down to the board with pins hovering over  the trace that Raj has cut.   Or, if you don’t like glue, solder a short wire from tab to ground plane.

ST makes the 78L** parts in a SOT-89 package.   This is the same package as U2, the 78L05 for the IRF510 gate bias.

TI and Fairchild LM78L** parts only come in the SOIC-8 and TO-90 (also some dinky BGA that we don’t want to talk about).  Digikey and Mouser don’t sell ST’s SOT-89, so a bit harder to obtain. The SOIC-8 should do fine, solder the ground pins to the ground plane for heat transfer.   The TO92 could work, although it would likely heat up faster because the heat has nowhere to go.

The maximum available current draw from a 78L09 would limit the maximum audio level.    Apparently this provides enough audio for Raj, and limiting that current does protect the TDA2822.   If it gets to be too much current for the 78L09, it will shut down till it cools off.   Just what we want, if it’s enough audio power for your situation.

If you want more power and less protection, use the 1 Amp TO220 LM7809 (or 08 or 06 or 05) face down, flat on the board.   ST sells the 1 Amp L78** in the Dpak/TO252 package, about the same as the TO220.  TI sells the 500ma LM78M** in the Dpak/TO252 package, might be an ideal solution for moderate levels of current.

Any of the above could be made to work, and in fact any regulator providing between 5 and 9 volts.   This assumes you don’t have one of the clones made from factory floor sweepings that smokes at 7v.

Reference
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Ashhar Farhan tells it as it is … the problem of the TDA2822

Ashhar Farhan VU2ESE, designer of the µBITx tells us the sorry saga of the TDA2822:

“Here is the story. This is going to cause a lot of heartaches. I chose TDA2822 after listening to a lot of bad press about the LM386. Upon looking at its harmonic distortions et al, it was found to be a reasonably good device. In, it went.

“Now, unfortunately, the TDA2822 production has entirely stopped. None of the standard suppliers, including mouser, newark, element14 have no stocks left. We tried to find other source of remaining stock from our reliable supplier who has been supplying to us in the past as well.

“He turned up with a batch. We tried the ICs in burn tests for. Ten of them on ten boards at full volume for a whole day. In retrospect, we should have tested every individual IC. That batch had these WX ICs as well. About 100 to 150 of these must have shipped, there is no way to know. The way it works is like this : Not all the ICs turned out by a factory are good. So work very well, some not so well, some don’t work at all. These wafers make it to the silicon industry underground where they are cut out from the wafers and packaged and sold as low grade versions of the same parts. We got a a hundred or so of these lemons.

“We finally located a source of brand new, high quality TDA2822s that are currently being shipped. They cost almost five times as much as we were paying while this was in production. Well, such is life.

“In the meantime, we have to look for alternatives to the TDA2822. I am highly inclined towards making a discrete device amplifier. We will never run out of discrete devices, the audio would be so much better. Does the gang have any ideas?”

Initial feedback suggests that there will not be a consensus reached on a replacement.  Some want to stick with the TDA2822 (assuming a reliable source of affordable devices can be found), some would prefer the ability to add in a module of the builder’s choice, and others would like to see the device replaced with discrete components.  David N8DAH suggests the drop in replacement –  NJM2073D-ND

Reference
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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%)