Re: How do I connect the rotary encoder ?
Never mind, I found the answer to my question while reading another post. For some reason I wasn't clear after reading the QST instructions, figure A11.?
Switch:? Pin 17 Clock: Pin 22 (D3) Data: Pin 18 (D2) GND: grounf +: 5vdc
Regards Norbert
|
Re: Increment Problems [1 Attachment]
Thanks Jack. I just got back from out of town and will do it soon ? Dennis ?
To: SoftwareControlledHamRadio@... From: SoftwareControlledHamRadio@... Date: Thu, 7 Apr 2016 20:11:35 +0000 Subject: Re: [SoftwareControlledHamRadio] Re: Increment Problems [1 Attachment]
?
[Attachment(s) from Jack Purdum included below]
Dennis:
It appears that there has been a change in the library. Try the attached version and see if it works for you with the I2C library. I can't do it right now as I loaned by Forty-9er to a friend.
Jack, W8TEE
|
How do I power the 49er ?
Hi!
Quick question,?I see pins 2 and 4 in the diagram to power the VFO board and I already tried it when calibrating the mini360 ?5V output.?
My question is how do I power the 49er ? Does it feed from the VFO board ??
Thanks in advance.
Norbert
|
How do I connect the rotary encoder ?
Hi!
My rotary encoder has 5 pins as follow;?
CLK DT SW ?+? GND
How do I connect that to the VFO board ? pins 17 thru 24 (yellow headers )
Thanks in advance.
Norbert
|
Lead Free Soldering - Some lessons here may transfer over to building your circuits.
I rarely use lead free solder - my fav is 63/37 or 60/40. However recently the PCB in my A/C and Heat Pump started twinking out.?
After troubleshooting the obvious (connectors, sensors, relays) I surmised a cold solder joint. Careful inspection under a 30X jewelers loupe didn't reveal any obvious breaks or bad solder joints. But since I had taken it out I decided to re-solder every connection on the PCB. ?
I wasn't able to get good wetting with my workhorse soldering pencil. Instead, I noted that it only came up to about 275 degrees C when measured using a K type thermocouple - I have a new tip on order as it appears it has degraded over the years. Certainly still good for basic 60/40 solder but not satisfactory due to the heat I needed to transfer to many of the more substantial component connectors on the PCB and the obvious lead free solder. Even my more rugged Weller soldering gun struggled a tad.
So, if you suspect lead free solder, be prepared to crank up the temp to 325 C. or more. Am also now looking into a more versatile temperature controlled soldering pencil. ?I am posting this as I'm seeing more and more commercial PCBs with lead free solder.
Oh, the AC/Heat Pump works fine now.
|
Re: Purpose of this Group
Yes, I'm already signed up ?and will stay at the hotel, even though I only live a little over an hour away. I'm also one of Rex's volunteers at his build.
From: "dfine100@... [SoftwareControlledHamRadio]"
To: "SoftwareControlledHamRadio@..."
Sent: Saturday, April 9, 2016 11:17 AM
Subject: Re: [SoftwareControlledHamRadio] Re: Purpose of this Group
?
OK, I'll check it out.? Thanks for the tip.
I was at FDIM last year and sat and talked with Glen for a while, he's quite a character.? Perhaps our paths crossed there. I really enjoyed the show last year but I haven't decided whether I am going back this year yet.? Would like to but this is a busy time of the year for me.?? I retired from Boeing about three years ago but I have a Boat and RV Storage Lot of 160 spaces that keeps me busy during the good weather seasons, and supports my hobbies.? Might still try to get away though, and if so, I'll try to look you up if you are going to be there.
Dave, W0DF
On Saturday, April 9, 2016 9:57 AM, "Jack Purdum jjpurdum@... [SoftwareControlledHamRadio]" wrote:
?
Hi Dave:
As I recall, I was doing all my phone patch work on 15M back then, but was part of a net. I enjoyed it and probably checked in at least twice a week. Every Christmas I would have more pies, cookies, cakes, and booze than I could ever consume myself. The wives really appreciated it.
I met Glen last year at the FDIM conference that takes place just before the Dayton hamfest. It's a QRP group and was a great time. We talked at length about various topics.?
You might want to take a look at the keyer in the Arduino Projects book. It's a little different, as I adapted it to run on a capacitive touch principle, which means you can use almost anything conductive for the paddles. I used two solder lugs, which makes it very portable and rugged. Also, the code is pretty simple.
Keep the group posted.
Jack, W8TEE
From: "dfine100@... [SoftwareControlledHamRadio]"
To: "SoftwareControlledHamRadio@..."
Sent: Saturday, April 9, 2016 10:49 AM
Subject: Re: [SoftwareControlledHamRadio] Re: Purpose of this Group
?
Jack,
The
Frog Sound kit that I used was identical to the 49er in your QST
article.? I had actually started building it for another DDS VFO project
that I had received preliminary info for from Glen Popiel.? I think he
is planning on including it in his next Arduino book, which he will
probably be devoting more time to now that his MESH network book is
complete and being advertised by the ARRL.? The preliminary software
that he had sent me for his version includes a keyer, which I would like
to incorporate into your 49er/Frog Sound software.? I'm not much of a
software writer, but might take a shot at mashing it together with yours
when I get the time.
I
have had the W0DF call since about 1976, was first licensed in 1962
with novice call sign WN0CWH, then WA0CWH before the W0DF.? I was on the
other end of the phone patches while serving in the US Navy, 1968
through 1971 as a Morse intercept operator, thus the love for CW.? I
appreciated all the phone patch operators that would hang out on the
Maritime Mobile Service Net on 14.313 Mhz.
I've bent your ear long enough.? Thanks for replying to my emails and for starting this group.
Dave, W0DF
On Friday, April 8, 2016 8:48 PM, "Jack Purdum jjpurdum@... [SoftwareControlledHamRadio]" <SoftwareControlledHamRadio@...> wrote:
?
Hi Dave:
I was not aware of the analyzers by the other, but will contact them to see if they will share ideas. No reason not to.
I'm happy to hear that you have your Frog Sound up and running. Was there anything different in the conversion? It appears they are pretty similar designs.
I did send your email on to them and they found out that it was a club in Sweden where it all started. They are in contact with the club, but haven't said anything further to me, other than they will keep me informed.
I did a double-take when I saw your call. I was a prof at Creighton University back in the '70s and my call was W0ODF...pretty close at first glance! I did tons of phone patch traffic between Guam and the Marshall Islands and the spouses at Offutt AFB, SAC headquarters...very rewarding endeavor.
73, Jack, W8TEE
From: "dfine100@... [SoftwareControlledHamRadio]"
To: SoftwareControlledHamRadio@...
Sent: Friday, April 8, 2016 4:35 PM
Subject: [SoftwareControlledHamRadio] Re: Purpose of this Group
?
Hi Jack,
Regarding the antenna analyzer project, our local QRP club (SLQS- St. Louis QRP Society) currently has an antenna analyzer project underway using the AD9850 DDS, a NANO and a NOKIA 5110 display.? N0SA, Larry, is the brains behind this one and I just finished kitting up the parts this morning for distribution April club meeting, pending delivery of the PCBs. We are only building enough for club members and will not be offering kits.? Also, I'm sure you are aware of the Austin, TX group that is building and offering kits of an analyzer they call VIA, software being done by Milt, W8NUE.? I mention these only on the possibility that you may find some things in them to consider when designing your kit. I am interested in what your analyzer will do and will be following your posts in this group.? I do prefer the TFT display over the NOKIA.
I have the DDS VFO and 49-er (Frog Sound) project completed and operational.? Thanks to you and Farrukh for designing and offering the PCB and partial kit.? It was a lot of fun to build.? I'll post pictures soon.
Do you know if McGraw Hill was successful with getting the website shut down that I emailed you about?
73
Dave Fine, W0DF?
|
Re: Purpose of this Group
OK, I'll check it out.? Thanks for the tip.
I was at FDIM last year and sat and talked with Glen for a while, he's quite a character.? Perhaps our paths crossed there. I really enjoyed the show last year but I haven't decided whether I am going back this year yet.? Would like to but this is a busy time of the year for me.?? I retired from Boeing about three years ago but I have a Boat and RV Storage Lot of 160 spaces that keeps me busy during the good weather seasons, and supports my hobbies.? Might still try to get away though, and if so, I'll try to look you up if you are going to be there.
Dave, W0DF
On Saturday, April 9, 2016 9:57 AM, "Jack Purdum jjpurdum@... [SoftwareControlledHamRadio]" wrote:
?
Hi Dave:
As I recall, I was doing all my phone patch work on 15M back then, but was part of a net. I enjoyed it and probably checked in at least twice a week. Every Christmas I would have more pies, cookies, cakes, and booze than I could ever consume myself. The wives really appreciated it.
I met Glen last year at the FDIM conference that takes place just before the Dayton hamfest. It's a QRP group and was a great time. We talked at length about various topics.?
You might want to take a look at the keyer in the Arduino Projects book. It's a little different, as I adapted it to run on a capacitive touch principle, which means you can use almost anything conductive for the paddles. I used two solder lugs, which makes it very portable and rugged. Also, the code is pretty simple.
Keep the group posted.
Jack, W8TEE
From: "dfine100@... [SoftwareControlledHamRadio]"
To: "SoftwareControlledHamRadio@..."
Sent: Saturday, April 9, 2016 10:49 AM
Subject: Re: [SoftwareControlledHamRadio] Re: Purpose of this Group
?
Jack,
The
Frog Sound kit that I used was identical to the 49er in your QST
article.? I had actually started building it for another DDS VFO project
that I had received preliminary info for from Glen Popiel.? I think he
is planning on including it in his next Arduino book, which he will
probably be devoting more time to now that his MESH network book is
complete and being advertised by the ARRL.? The preliminary software
that he had sent me for his version includes a keyer, which I would like
to incorporate into your 49er/Frog Sound software.? I'm not much of a
software writer, but might take a shot at mashing it together with yours
when I get the time.
I
have had the W0DF call since about 1976, was first licensed in 1962
with novice call sign WN0CWH, then WA0CWH before the W0DF.? I was on the
other end of the phone patches while serving in the US Navy, 1968
through 1971 as a Morse intercept operator, thus the love for CW.? I
appreciated all the phone patch operators that would hang out on the
Maritime Mobile Service Net on 14.313 Mhz.
I've bent your ear long enough.? Thanks for replying to my emails and for starting this group.
Dave, W0DF
On Friday, April 8, 2016 8:48 PM, "Jack Purdum jjpurdum@... [SoftwareControlledHamRadio]" wrote:
?
Hi Dave:
I was not aware of the analyzers by the other, but will contact them to see if they will share ideas. No reason not to.
I'm happy to hear that you have your Frog Sound up and running. Was there anything different in the conversion? It appears they are pretty similar designs.
I did send your email on to them and they found out that it was a club in Sweden where it all started. They are in contact with the club, but haven't said anything further to me, other than they will keep me informed.
I did a double-take when I saw your call. I was a prof at Creighton University back in the '70s and my call was W0ODF...pretty close at first glance! I did tons of phone patch traffic between Guam and the Marshall Islands and the spouses at Offutt AFB, SAC headquarters...very rewarding endeavor.
73, Jack, W8TEE
From: "dfine100@... [SoftwareControlledHamRadio]"
To: SoftwareControlledHamRadio@...
Sent: Friday, April 8, 2016 4:35 PM
Subject: [SoftwareControlledHamRadio] Re: Purpose of this Group
?
Hi Jack,
Regarding the antenna analyzer project, our local QRP club (SLQS- St. Louis QRP Society) currently has an antenna analyzer project underway using the AD9850 DDS, a NANO and a NOKIA 5110 display.? N0SA, Larry, is the brains behind this one and I just finished kitting up the parts this morning for distribution April club meeting, pending delivery of the PCBs. We are only building enough for club members and will not be offering kits.? Also, I'm sure you are aware of the Austin, TX group that is building and offering kits of an analyzer they call VIA, software being done by Milt, W8NUE.? I mention these only on the possibility that you may find some things in them to consider when designing your kit. I am interested in what your analyzer will do and will be following your posts in this group.? I do prefer the TFT display over the NOKIA.
I have the DDS VFO and 49-er (Frog Sound) project completed and operational.? Thanks to you and Farrukh for designing and offering the PCB and partial kit.? It was a lot of fun to build.? I'll post pictures soon.
Do you know if McGraw Hill was successful with getting the website shut down that I emailed you about?
73
Dave Fine, W0DF?
|
Re: Purpose of this Group
Hi Dave:
As I recall, I was doing all my phone patch work on 15M back then, but was part of a net. I enjoyed it and probably checked in at least twice a week. Every Christmas I would have more pies, cookies, cakes, and booze than I could ever consume myself. The wives really appreciated it.
I met Glen last year at the FDIM conference that takes place just before the Dayton hamfest. It's a QRP group and was a great time. We talked at length about various topics.?
You might want to take a look at the keyer in the Arduino Projects book. It's a little different, as I adapted it to run on a capacitive touch principle, which means you can use almost anything conductive for the paddles. I used two solder lugs, which makes it very portable and rugged. Also, the code is pretty simple.
Keep the group posted.
Jack, W8TEE
From: "dfine100@... [SoftwareControlledHamRadio]"
To: "SoftwareControlledHamRadio@..."
Sent: Saturday, April 9, 2016 10:49 AM
Subject: Re: [SoftwareControlledHamRadio] Re: Purpose of this Group
?
Jack,
The
Frog Sound kit that I used was identical to the 49er in your QST
article.? I had actually started building it for another DDS VFO project
that I had received preliminary info for from Glen Popiel.? I think he
is planning on including it in his next Arduino book, which he will
probably be devoting more time to now that his MESH network book is
complete and being advertised by the ARRL.? The preliminary software
that he had sent me for his version includes a keyer, which I would like
to incorporate into your 49er/Frog Sound software.? I'm not much of a
software writer, but might take a shot at mashing it together with yours
when I get the time.
I
have had the W0DF call since about 1976, was first licensed in 1962
with novice call sign WN0CWH, then WA0CWH before the W0DF.? I was on the
other end of the phone patches while serving in the US Navy, 1968
through 1971 as a Morse intercept operator, thus the love for CW.? I
appreciated all the phone patch operators that would hang out on the
Maritime Mobile Service Net on 14.313 Mhz.
I've bent your ear long enough.? Thanks for replying to my emails and for starting this group.
Dave, W0DF
On Friday, April 8, 2016 8:48 PM, "Jack Purdum jjpurdum@... [SoftwareControlledHamRadio]"
?
Hi Dave:
I was not aware of the analyzers by the other, but will contact them to see if they will share ideas. No reason not to.
I'm happy to hear that you have your Frog Sound up and running. Was there anything different in the conversion? It appears they are pretty similar designs.
I did send your email on to them and they found out that it was a club in Sweden where it all started. They are in contact with the club, but haven't said anything further to me, other than they will keep me informed.
I did a double-take when I saw your call. I was a prof at Creighton University back in the '70s and my call was W0ODF...pretty close at first glance! I did tons of phone patch traffic between Guam and the Marshall Islands and the spouses at Offutt AFB, SAC headquarters...very rewarding endeavor.
73, Jack, W8TEE
From: "dfine100@... [SoftwareControlledHamRadio]"
To: SoftwareControlledHamRadio@...
Sent: Friday, April 8, 2016 4:35 PM
Subject: [SoftwareControlledHamRadio] Re: Purpose of this Group
?
Hi Jack,
Regarding the antenna analyzer project, our local QRP club (SLQS- St. Louis QRP Society) currently has an antenna analyzer project underway using the AD9850 DDS, a NANO and a NOKIA 5110 display.? N0SA, Larry, is the brains behind this one and I just finished kitting up the parts this morning for distribution April club meeting, pending delivery of the PCBs. We are only building enough for club members and will not be offering kits.? Also, I'm sure you are aware of the Austin, TX group that is building and offering kits of an analyzer they call VIA, software being done by Milt, W8NUE.? I mention these only on the possibility that you may find some things in them to consider when designing your kit. I am interested in what your analyzer will do and will be following your posts in this group.? I do prefer the TFT display over the NOKIA.
I have the DDS VFO and 49-er (Frog Sound) project completed and operational.? Thanks to you and Farrukh for designing and offering the PCB and partial kit.? It was a lot of fun to build.? I'll post pictures soon.
Do you know if McGraw Hill was successful with getting the website shut down that I emailed you about?
73
Dave Fine, W0DF?
|
Re: Purpose of this Group
Jack,
The
Frog Sound kit that I used was identical to the 49er in your QST
article.? I had actually started building it for another DDS VFO project
that I had received preliminary info for from Glen Popiel.? I think he
is planning on including it in his next Arduino book, which he will
probably be devoting more time to now that his MESH network book is
complete and being advertised by the ARRL.? The preliminary software
that he had sent me for his version includes a keyer, which I would like
to incorporate into your 49er/Frog Sound software.? I'm not much of a
software writer, but might take a shot at mashing it together with yours
when I get the time.
I
have had the W0DF call since about 1976, was first licensed in 1962
with novice call sign WN0CWH, then WA0CWH before the W0DF.? I was on the
other end of the phone patches while serving in the US Navy, 1968
through 1971 as a Morse intercept operator, thus the love for CW.? I
appreciated all the phone patch operators that would hang out on the
Maritime Mobile Service Net on 14.313 Mhz.
I've bent your ear long enough.? Thanks for replying to my emails and for starting this group.
Dave, W0DF
On Friday, April 8, 2016 8:48 PM, "Jack Purdum jjpurdum@... [SoftwareControlledHamRadio]" wrote:
?
Hi Dave:
I was not aware of the analyzers by the other, but will contact them to see if they will share ideas. No reason not to.
I'm happy to hear that you have your Frog Sound up and running. Was there anything different in the conversion? It appears they are pretty similar designs.
I did send your email on to them and they found out that it was a club in Sweden where it all started. They are in contact with the club, but haven't said anything further to me, other than they will keep me informed.
I did a double-take when I saw your call. I was a prof at Creighton University back in the '70s and my call was W0ODF...pretty close at first glance! I did tons of phone patch traffic between Guam and the Marshall Islands and the spouses at Offutt AFB, SAC headquarters...very rewarding endeavor.
73, Jack, W8TEE
From: "dfine100@... [SoftwareControlledHamRadio]"
To: SoftwareControlledHamRadio@...
Sent: Friday, April 8, 2016 4:35 PM
Subject: [SoftwareControlledHamRadio] Re: Purpose of this Group
?
Hi Jack,
Regarding the antenna analyzer project, our local QRP club (SLQS- St. Louis QRP Society) currently has an antenna analyzer project underway using the AD9850 DDS, a NANO and a NOKIA 5110 display.? N0SA, Larry, is the brains behind this one and I just finished kitting up the parts this morning for distribution April club meeting, pending delivery of the PCBs. We are only building enough for club members and will not be offering kits.? Also, I'm sure you are aware of the Austin, TX group that is building and offering kits of an analyzer they call VIA, software being done by Milt, W8NUE.? I mention these only on the possibility that you may find some things in them to consider when designing your kit. I am interested in what your analyzer will do and will be following your posts in this group.? I do prefer the TFT display over the NOKIA.
I have the DDS VFO and 49-er (Frog Sound) project completed and operational.? Thanks to you and Farrukh for designing and offering the PCB and partial kit.? It was a lot of fun to build.? I'll post pictures soon.
Do you know if McGraw Hill was successful with getting the website shut down that I emailed you about?
73
Dave Fine, W0DF?
|
Re: 40m QRP Transmitter Success
Thanks, Jack. I suppose that's another issue too, isn't it? 40m has been very rough lately for hearing any sort of signals worth copying. I've got the radio on now and there are LOADS of CW signals on the band. In fact, it's copying a signal on 7.054 that's very loud... but there still seems to be excessive amounts of hiss present. If I switch from the amplified speaker to the headphones, the CW signals are almost too faint to copy unless you really concentrate. Too much work there since I'm still trying to bring my CW skills way up from where they were back in 1981.
I was thinking about the LM386 being a bit suspect and I started tearing my parts drawers apart trying to find another. I've got more laying around here someplace but can never find one when I need it. :-)
And you're absolutely right about the Pixie. I built it and put it on the air several times and made some contacts with it... but the darned thing is so susceptible to the strong AM broadcast stations in my neck of the woods (even with a band-pass filter in line) that it's not much fun to use. Been in a box for the past two years.
73s.
Aaron - N2HTL
?
I've built several Pixies and none of them can hold a candle to the Forty-9er in terms of what can be heard. Also, the power output from the Pixie is pretty low. Indeed, I never made a contact with one, although I didn't try that hard.
I'm not good enough with the EE end of things to say what's wrong, but something is definitely wrong, as my rig hears all kinds of stations, even this week when 40M is in the toilet. The fact that you can hear some stations and managed a QSO tells me that it is working, although perhaps a transistor or the LM386 audio amp might be soft. I'll defer to Farrukh nad?Dennis on this. If you socketed the amp (you did, right?), try substituting another 386 and see if that helps.
?
Thanks for the tip on the cases, Jack. I need to take a hard look at all the choices because with all the "revisions" I have in mind, I want to be able to fit everything in. :-)
I'd like to ask another question of the group, if I may. This is the first time I've built a 49-er, although I have experience with the Pixie and how that rig performs in comparison. Now that I've had the 49-er on the air and have gone through various tests (including making a successful contact with a gent in North Carolina who was shocked at what I was using), I've noticed what may or may not be a shortcoming in the radio itself. Again, I have no idea what I should expect with the 49-er so I figure I'd better ask before getting into unnecessary trouble-shooting.?
Throughout all my testing, I've used both headphones and a mini-amp that's padded down so I don't distort the input. In either case, there seems to be a very high signal-to-noise ratio coming from the radio. I'm not talking about atmospheric or band noise. I'm talking about loud hiss. While I'm certainly not expecting receive performance equal to one of my Kenwood or Yaesu rigs, the front end of the 49-er seems a little deaf. I'm hearing CW signals, but in my neck of the woods there should be an S5 - S7 noise level and I'm not hearing that at all. In fact, the only CW signals I am hearing on the 49-er are ones that are registering a 10+ over S9 or slightly lower on my other rigs. The best way to describe it is if there weren't an antenna hooked up to the 49-er and I was hearing everything only from the length of coax hooked from the radio to my antenna switch.?
Again, there ARE indeed quite a few CW signals that the 49-er is picking up... but they seem very faint. Is this just the way it is with the 49-er? I have checked and double-checked every component on the board to be absolutely sure nothing is wired or installed incorrectly and all is as it should be.?
Perhaps I'm just blowing smoke, but if I'm going to convey to the class that THIS is the way the radio is, I want to be sure I know what I'm talking about. :-)
Thanks again... and best 73s.
Aaron - N2HTL
|
Re: 40m QRP Transmitter Success
I've built several Pixies and none of them can hold a candle to the Forty-9er in terms of what can be heard. Also, the power output from the Pixie is pretty low. Indeed, I never made a contact with one, although I didn't try that hard.
I'm not good enough with the EE end of things to say what's wrong, but something is definitely wrong, as my rig hears all kinds of stations, even this week when 40M is in the toilet. The fact that you can hear some stations and managed a QSO tells me that it is working, although perhaps a transistor or the LM386 audio amp might be soft. I'll defer to Farrukh nad?Dennis on this. If you socketed the amp (you did, right?), try substituting another 386 and see if that helps.
From: "aaronhev@... [SoftwareControlledHamRadio]"
To: SoftwareControlledHamRadio@...
Sent: Friday, April 8, 2016 10:22 PM
Subject: [SoftwareControlledHamRadio] Re: 40m QRP Transmitter Success
?
Thanks for the tip on the cases, Jack. I need to take a hard look at all the choices because with all the "revisions" I have in mind, I want to be able to fit everything in. :-)
I'd like to ask another question of the group, if I may. This is the first time I've built a 49-er, although I have experience with the Pixie and how that rig performs in comparison. Now that I've had the 49-er on the air and have gone through various tests (including making a successful contact with a gent in North Carolina who was shocked at what I was using), I've noticed what may or may not be a shortcoming in the radio itself. Again, I have no idea what I should expect with the 49-er so I figure I'd better ask before getting into unnecessary trouble-shooting.?
Throughout all my testing, I've used both headphones and a mini-amp that's padded down so I don't distort the input. In either case, there seems to be a very high signal-to-noise ratio coming from the radio. I'm not talking about atmospheric or band noise. I'm talking about loud hiss. While I'm certainly not expecting receive performance equal to one of my Kenwood or Yaesu rigs, the front end of the 49-er seems a little deaf. I'm hearing CW signals, but in my neck of the woods there should be an S5 - S7 noise level and I'm not hearing that at all. In fact, the only CW signals I am hearing on the 49-er are ones that are registering a 10+ over S9 or slightly lower on my other rigs. The best way to describe it is if there weren't an antenna hooked up to the 49-er and I was hearing everything only from the length of coax hooked from the radio to my antenna switch.?
Again, there ARE indeed quite a few CW signals that the 49-er is picking up... but they seem very faint. Is this just the way it is with the 49-er? I have checked and double-checked every component on the board to be absolutely sure nothing is wired or installed incorrectly and all is as it should be.?
Perhaps I'm just blowing smoke, but if I'm going to convey to the class that THIS is the way the radio is, I want to be sure I know what I'm talking about. :-)
Thanks again... and best 73s.
Aaron - N2HTL
|
Re: 40m QRP Transmitter Success
Thanks for the tip on the cases, Jack. I need to take a hard look at all the choices because with all the "revisions" I have in mind, I want to be able to fit everything in. :-)
I'd like to ask another question of the group, if I may. This is the first time I've built a 49-er, although I have experience with the Pixie and how that rig performs in comparison. Now that I've had the 49-er on the air and have gone through various tests (including making a successful contact with a gent in North Carolina who was shocked at what I was using), I've noticed what may or may not be a shortcoming in the radio itself. Again, I have no idea what I should expect with the 49-er so I figure I'd better ask before getting into unnecessary trouble-shooting.?
Throughout all my testing, I've used both headphones and a mini-amp that's padded down so I don't distort the input. In either case, there seems to be a very high signal-to-noise ratio coming from the radio. I'm not talking about atmospheric or band noise. I'm talking about loud hiss. While I'm certainly not expecting receive performance equal to one of my Kenwood or Yaesu rigs, the front end of the 49-er seems a little deaf. I'm hearing CW signals, but in my neck of the woods there should be an S5 - S7 noise level and I'm not hearing that at all. In fact, the only CW signals I am hearing on the 49-er are ones that are registering a 10+ over S9 or slightly lower on my other rigs. The best way to describe it is if there weren't an antenna hooked up to the 49-er and I was hearing everything only from the length of coax hooked from the radio to my antenna switch.?
Again, there ARE indeed quite a few CW signals that the 49-er is picking up... but they seem very faint. Is this just the way it is with the 49-er? I have checked and double-checked every component on the board to be absolutely sure nothing is wired or installed incorrectly and all is as it should be.?
Perhaps I'm just blowing smoke, but if I'm going to convey to the class that THIS is the way the radio is, I want to be sure I know what I'm talking about. :-)
Thanks again... and best 73s.
Aaron - N2HTL
|
Re: Purpose of this Group
Hi Dave:
I was not aware of the analyzers by the other, but will contact them to see if they will share ideas. No reason not to.
I'm happy to hear that you have your Frog Sound up and running. Was there anything different in the conversion? It appears they are pretty similar designs.
I did send your email on to them and they found out that it was a club in Sweden where it all started. They are in contact with the club, but haven't said anything further to me, other than they will keep me informed.
I did a double-take when I saw your call. I was a prof at Creighton University back in the '70s and my call was W0ODF...pretty close at first glance! I did tons of phone patch traffic between Guam and the Marshall Islands and the spouses at Offutt AFB, SAC headquarters...very rewarding endeavor.
73, Jack, W8TEE
From: "dfine100@... [SoftwareControlledHamRadio]"
To: SoftwareControlledHamRadio@...
Sent: Friday, April 8, 2016 4:35 PM
Subject: [SoftwareControlledHamRadio] Re: Purpose of this Group
?
Hi Jack,
Regarding the antenna analyzer project, our local QRP club (SLQS- St. Louis QRP Society) currently has an antenna analyzer project underway using the AD9850 DDS, a NANO and a NOKIA 5110 display.? N0SA, Larry, is the brains behind this one and I just finished kitting up the parts this morning for distribution April club meeting, pending delivery of the PCBs. We are only building enough for club members and will not be offering kits.? Also, I'm sure you are aware of the Austin, TX group that is building and offering kits of an analyzer they call VIA, software being done by Milt, W8NUE.? I mention these only on the possibility that you may find some things in them to consider when designing your kit. I am interested in what your analyzer will do and will be following your posts in this group.? I do prefer the TFT display over the NOKIA.
I have the DDS VFO and 49-er (Frog Sound) project completed and operational.? Thanks to you and Farrukh for designing and offering the PCB and partial kit.? It was a lot of fun to build.? I'll post pictures soon.
Do you know if McGraw Hill was successful with getting the website shut down that I emailed you about?
73
Dave Fine, W0DF?
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Re: DDS VFO Mini-360 Buck Regulator
I found this re the Mini 360 on the web. With respect to using Wall Warts, or any switching power supply I have found the AD 9850 boards from China will generate some serious spurs and really like a well regulated and filtered power source. ?I use a non-switching PS and step down the 12 VDC to 5 or 3.3 for any of my Arduino or AD 9850 projects. Now, having said that. The DDS-VFO has some good filtering and the use of a switcher (remember the Mini 360 is a switching device) has resulted in minimal spurs. They are there, but about 40 dB or more down form the fundamental.
Specifications- Chipset: MP2307DN
- Input voltage: 4.75V-23V
- Output voltage: 1V-17V
- Output current: peak 3A, continuous 1.8A
- Efficiency: up to 95% (@ Vin=5V, Vout=3.3V, Iout=300mA)
- Switching frequency: 340KHz
- Output ripple: 30mV (no load)
- Supply current: 1.5mA (no load)
- Working temperature: -40¡æ ~ +85¡æ
- Module Size: 17*11*4mm
- Mounting: 15.24 x 8.9mm (0.6 x 0.35in)
NotesLooking at zoomed picture, this looks like typical application from datasheet - except R1 has been replaced by trimpot. Soft-start is enabled. Internal ResistanceDespite it's tiny size this step-down DC regulator is no pushover. We tested one unit at 12.00Vin and 5.00Vout, with 4.6¦¸ load, voltage dropped to 4.98V and input current went to 0.5A. That is approx 90% efficiency and less than 20m¦¸ internal resistance. RegulationWhen set to 5.00V and input dropped to 5.00V, the output had 4.05V. Input range 6V to 20V, output voltage moved 5.00 - 5.02V. Short ProtectionThis module can take some abuse too: when shorted, the input current went to 0.99A first and then slowly dropped to 0.3A as chip and inductor were heating up. After removing the short, the circuit worked as expected. No-load ConsumptionWith input at 12V and output set to 5V, the module took 48mA without load. The 100uF/25V electrolytic capacitor lowered this to 21mA. With 47¦¸ output load, the input current was 82mA without 100uF, and 72mA with 100uF. Other NotesBuilt-in trim-pot is very sensitive and for fixed output applications we recommend to hold it's position by drop of glue or cut it out and replace with fixed value resistor. See the MP2307 datasheet for the math. ConclusionI would not recommend this module under 50mA load as linear regulator will do a better job in that range, but going over 50mA this regulator will work excellent. Also recommending additional electrolytic at least 100uF/25V at the input.
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Re: Purpose of this Group
Hi Jack,
Regarding the antenna analyzer project, our local QRP club (SLQS- St. Louis QRP Society) currently has an antenna analyzer project underway using the AD9850 DDS, a NANO and a NOKIA 5110 display.? N0SA, Larry, is the brains behind this one and I just finished kitting up the parts this morning for distribution April club meeting, pending delivery of the PCBs. We are only building enough for club members and will not be offering kits.? Also, I'm sure you are aware of the Austin, TX group that is building and offering kits of an analyzer they call VIA, software being done by Milt, W8NUE.? I mention these only on the possibility that you may find some things in them to consider when designing your kit. I am interested in what your analyzer will do and will be following your posts in this group.? I do prefer the TFT display over the NOKIA.
I have the DDS VFO and 49-er (Frog Sound) project completed and operational.? Thanks to you and Farrukh for designing and offering the PCB and partial kit.? It was a lot of fun to build.? I'll post pictures soon.
Do you know if McGraw Hill was successful with getting the website shut down that I emailed you about?
73
Dave Fine, W0DF?
|
DDS VFO Mini-360 Buck Regulator
Wondering if there are any specs on the Mini-360 buck regulator that comes with the DDS VFO board. I've been looking at similar Mini-360s on eBay (although different design) and the specs for those units say that they can handle anywhere from 4.2v to 40v vDC input. I'm thinking about various sources of power for the 40m QRP transceiver - anything from wall-warts, to batteries, to large switching power supplies and I want to be sure that the mini-360 supplied with the DDS board can take the same type of input without going up in smoke.? 73s,
Aaron - N2HTL
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Re: 40m QRP Transmitter Success
Looks good, Aaron. The case I used is no longer available from Amazon, unless you buy 100 of them! However, I did find another one that is a little different, but still has the hinged lid, which I like. See:
73, Jack, W8TEE
From: "aaronhev@... [SoftwareControlledHamRadio]"
To: SoftwareControlledHamRadio@...
Sent: Thursday, April 7, 2016 11:48 PM
Subject: Re: [SoftwareControlledHamRadio] 40m QRP Transmitter Success
?
I've posted a photograph of my prototype in the photos section. For the time being, the boards are sitting on plastic bags and foam pads. :-)
The speaker output for the 49-er is being fed into a Radio Shack mini-amplifier speaker that's padded down to a comfortable listening level. The speaker that's in the picture is connected through a 100 ohm resistor to pin 13 of the Nano (J1 on the DDS board and a ground connection) where we wrote code to send out the call sign of the radio's owner - in this case, N2HTL - in Morse code followed by a confirmation courtesy tone sequence once the splash is finished being displayed. We also wrote code that will give a single confirmation beep on every press of the rotary encoder switch.
The upper breadboard was used simply to feed the 12 volts from the DDS board to the 49-er since the wire from J2 was too short to reach anything. The square 10k resistor on the breadboard is leftover from another prototype using a parallel display board and is not used in this circuit.
And speaking of the cables going to J2 and J4 that came with my 49-er... the connectors were wired backwards so as a warning to any beginners assembling the 49-er, please do not take anything for granted without a thorough review of the parts that came with the kit. Of course, it really doesn't matter WHAT color you use for +12vDC and ground. I'm just used to having RED indicated "+" and black indicating "-".?
In the works now is the installation of a mini-amplifier board that will drive a built-in speaker for those who don't want to use headphones. Not sure how practical that will be, but I've got the parts laying around so might as well use them. Oh! I also need a case to put this baby in. :-)
73s.
Aaron - N2HTL
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Re: 40m QRP Transmitter Success
Aaron,
Great to hear that your prototype is working!? Good luck with the club project -- I hope your members enjoy your presentation and building the radios!
73,
-dennis W6DQ Inyokern CA
From: "aaronhev@... [SoftwareControlledHamRadio]"
To: SoftwareControlledHamRadio@...
Sent: Thursday, April 7, 2016 2:03 PM
Subject: [SoftwareControlledHamRadio] 40m QRP Transmitter Success
?
Afternoon to all. With everything finally completed, I fired up the first prototype of the 40m QRP Transceiver with the DDS VFO and the 49-er. Happy to report that the unit is up and running. Receive is working as it should and the rotary encoder is working as well. The radio is receiving and transmitting. Some additional testing is in the works for tonight, but for now, very pleased with the initial outcome. Great project!! Best 73s Aaron - N2HTL
|
Re: 40m QRP Transmitter Success
I've posted a photograph of my prototype in the photos section. For the time being, the boards are sitting on plastic bags and foam pads. :-)
The speaker output for the 49-er is being fed into a Radio Shack mini-amplifier speaker that's padded down to a comfortable listening level. The speaker that's in the picture is connected through a 100 ohm resistor to pin 13 of the Nano (J1 on the DDS board and a ground connection) where we wrote code to send out the call sign of the radio's owner - in this case, N2HTL - in Morse code followed by a confirmation courtesy tone sequence once the splash is finished being displayed. We also wrote code that will give a single confirmation beep on every press of the rotary encoder switch.
The upper breadboard was used simply to feed the 12 volts from the DDS board to the 49-er since the wire from J2 was too short to reach anything. The square 10k resistor on the breadboard is leftover from another prototype using a parallel display board and is not used in this circuit.
And speaking of the cables going to J2 and J4 that came with my 49-er... the connectors were wired backwards so as a warning to any beginners assembling the 49-er, please do not take anything for granted without a thorough review of the parts that came with the kit. Of course, it really doesn't matter WHAT color you use for +12vDC and ground. I'm just used to having RED indicated "+" and black indicating "-".?
In the works now is the installation of a mini-amplifier board that will drive a built-in speaker for those who don't want to use headphones. Not sure how practical that will be, but I've got the parts laying around so might as well use them. Oh! I also need a case to put this baby in. :-)
73s.
Aaron - N2HTL
|
Re: 40m QRP Transmitter Success
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Show quoted text
From: "aaronhev@... [SoftwareControlledHamRadio]"
To: SoftwareControlledHamRadio@...
Sent: Thursday, April 7, 2016 5:03 PM
Subject: [SoftwareControlledHamRadio] 40m QRP Transmitter Success
?
Afternoon to all. With everything finally completed, I fired up the first prototype of the 40m QRP Transceiver with the DDS VFO and the 49-er. Happy to report that the unit is up and running. Receive is working as it should and the rotary encoder is working as well. The radio is receiving and transmitting. Some additional testing is in the works for tonight, but for now, very pleased with the initial outcome. Great project!! Best 73s Aaron - N2HTL
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