Hi all

This is to notify you of the release of firmware version 1.06:

http://qrp-labs.com/images/qcxp/firmware/1.06/T106.zip

This version is compatible with all models: QCX, QCX+ and the imminent QCX-mini; it was originally intended to support the backlight control feature in the QCX-mini but as you can see below, the scope expanded considerably!

If any anomalies are noticed please let me know As Soon As Possible!

If you want to buy the chip, you can get it here: http://shop.qrp-labs.com/firmware/qcxchip

From this moment forward, all kits and chips will be shipped with this firmware version.

I have now also split out the firmware operating manual from the main QCX manuals into its own Operating manual, since this firmware applies to all three models QCX, QCX+ and QCX-mini and I don't want to have to update all three which will get very confusing for everyone. You can download the operating manual from the manuals section of the QCX+ page http://qrp-labs.com/qcxp and I will also add it to the QCX and QCX-mini pages. Or click here to read it: http://qrp-labs.com/images/qcxp/firmware/1.06/OpMan106.pdf

There are 20 changes in all, which are listed below. But I want to draw your attention to the following main things:

a) There are quite a few improvements to the CAT interface (computer control). Some of these are bug fixes and should make the operation more reliable, there were some issues with the circular text buffers used, and I have resolved these as well as improved some aspects of the timing, and changed some of the command responses. 

b) This version will work on 6m (using standard 25MHz TCXO or 27MHz crystal). We can supply a LPF for any of the bands 6, 10, 12, 15 which the QCX is not normally supplied with. You can expect that as you go higher in frequency, the transmit power output will decrease and the receiver sensitivity will decrease. 

c) This version will work on 160m, IF you use a 12MHz crystal instead of the supplied 27MHz crystal. It won't work with the 25MHz TCXO option or the supplied 27MHz crystal. You will also need to modify the T1 and other components. This should be considered experimental. 

d) This version has support for prosigns AR, KN and SK (VA). On CW decode, they appear on the display as AR, KN and SK. There is a new menu entry "5.7 VA" which if set to ON, shows VA not SK. This allows you to have your preference (there was a long and inconclusive debate on this point, some months back). You can also use prosigns in stored messages in which case you prefix the two prosign letters with a _ character; that will actually let you string together ANY two characters, not just the three supported by the decoder. 

e) Sidetone is now enabled during CW beacon operation. 

f) The annoying "backwave" (attenuated low transmit power) in between transmitted symbols, when using semi-QSK mode, has been resolved. Now no milliwatts are transmitted between your keydowns. 

g) Sidetone volume now beeps every time you change it in the menu (e.g. by rotating the rotary encoder while setting it) to give you an audible feedback of what it will sound like. 

h) The GPS Info menu display option has been removed, and I have made improvements to the handling of the 8.11 and 8.12 calibration menu options, to make them more robust against incorrect calibration (for example of satellite lock is lost during calibration). It also resolves the long-standing GPS checksum bug which caused some GPS (non QLG1) not to work properly, manifested as display of -- in the GPS Info screen (which is now no longer included anyway). 

i) There is a new menu item 7.11 to control the backlight of the QCX-mini, it can also be toggled temporarily by double-pressing the rotary shaft encoder button - this does not save in EEPROM, so is not remembered on power up. The 7.11 menu setting IS saved in EEPROM and remembered on power up. This function has no effect in QCX and QCX+; it is only applicable to the QCX-mini which has the backlight control. 

Full list of changes:

1. CAT: OM command response shortened to OMQC;
2. CAT: KY command set text is now a circular buffer; if full, it returns ?;
3. CAT: KY command get is KYn; where n = 0 if buffer < 75% full, 1 if buffer > 75% full, 2 if buffer empty and previous sending is complete
4. CAT: Sent message via KY is immediately decoded on screen at message completion, without delay or corruption by receive signals
5. CAT: TB command get, the 3rd response character is now number of remaining characters to be sent;
6. CAT: QU command set now clears the unsoliticted update event flags
7. Experimental modification for better output signal on 6m band
8. Enable sidetone during CW beacon operation
9. Removed GPS Data menu, and now Cal menus show "Waiting" while waiting for GPS lock, protect against from missed 1pps
10. Sidetone volume now beeps every time it is changed while in the menu
11. New menu item 7.11 controls Backlight (QCX-mini only)
12. Double-click rotary encoder toggles backlight temporarily (not saved to EEPROM)
13. Experimental support for 160m operation; this requires a 12MHz reference crystal for the Si5351A
14. Eliminate low power "backwave" during key-up in Semi-QSK mode
15. Added Morse prosigns AR, KN and SK/VA. New menu "5.7 VA" if set to ON selects VA, otherwise SK
16. Bug fix: When beacon enabled, started on ref freq at power up, until you went into a sub-menu and exited
17. Bug fix: CAT: Corrected bug command circular buffer that corrupted commands sometimes
18. Bug fix: CAT: Increased reliability of comms by increasing wait timeout for incoming characters
19. Bug fix: CAT: If the command buffer overflows, truncate the current CAT command to prevent the overflow
20. Bug fix: CAT: Updating keyer speed can no longer cause occasional display corruption

73 Hans G0UPL
http://qrp-labs.com

Greetings Hans and Group

Just checking... the version 1.06 AT Mega chip applies to the QCX+, right?  Checking. because the Shop, only shows an AT Mega chip for the QCX.  

I read that version 1.06 is for the QCX+ too, so is it safe to put this chip in the QCX+ ?

73

Art N9AEP

On Fri, Oct 30, 2020 at 10:05 AM Hans Summers <hans.summers@...> wrote:

Hi all

This is to notify you of the release of firmware version 1.06:

http://qrp-labs.com/images/qcxp/firmware/1.06/T106.zip

This version is compatible with all models: QCX, QCX+ and the imminent QCX-mini; it was originally intended to support the backlight control feature in the QCX-mini but as you can see below, the scope expanded considerably!

If any anomalies are noticed please let me know As Soon As Possible!

If you want to buy the chip, you can get it here: http://shop.qrp-labs.com/firmware/qcxchip

From this moment forward, all kits and chips will be shipped with this firmware version.

I have now also split out the firmware operating manual from the main QCX manuals into its own Operating manual, since this firmware applies to all three models QCX, QCX+ and QCX-mini and I don't want to have to update all three which will get very confusing for everyone. You can download the operating manual from the manuals section of the QCX+ page http://qrp-labs.com/qcxp and I will also add it to the QCX and QCX-mini pages. Or click here to read it: http://qrp-labs.com/images/qcxp/firmware/1.06/OpMan106.pdf

There are 20 changes in all, which are listed below. But I want to draw your attention to the following main things:

a) There are quite a few improvements to the CAT interface (computer control). Some of these are bug fixes and should make the operation more reliable, there were some issues with the circular text buffers used, and I have resolved these as well as improved some aspects of the timing, and changed some of the command responses. 

b) This version will work on 6m (using standard 25MHz TCXO or 27MHz crystal). We can supply a LPF for any of the bands 6, 10, 12, 15 which the QCX is not normally supplied with. You can expect that as you go higher in frequency, the transmit power output will decrease and the receiver sensitivity will decrease. 

c) This version will work on 160m, IF you use a 12MHz crystal instead of the supplied 27MHz crystal. It won't work with the 25MHz TCXO option or the supplied 27MHz crystal. You will also need to modify the T1 and other components. This should be considered experimental. 

d) This version has support for prosigns AR, KN and SK (VA). On CW decode, they appear on the display as AR, KN and SK. There is a new menu entry "5.7 VA" which if set to ON, shows VA not SK. This allows you to have your preference (there was a long and inconclusive debate on this point, some months back). You can also use prosigns in stored messages in which case you prefix the two prosign letters with a _ character; that will actually let you string together ANY two characters, not just the three supported by the decoder. 

e) Sidetone is now enabled during CW beacon operation. 

f) The annoying "backwave" (attenuated low transmit power) in between transmitted symbols, when using semi-QSK mode, has been resolved. Now no milliwatts are transmitted between your keydowns. 

g) Sidetone volume now beeps every time you change it in the menu (e.g. by rotating the rotary encoder while setting it) to give you an audible feedback of what it will sound like. 

h) The GPS Info menu display option has been removed, and I have made improvements to the handling of the 8.11 and 8.12 calibration menu options, to make them more robust against incorrect calibration (for example of satellite lock is lost during calibration). It also resolves the long-standing GPS checksum bug which caused some GPS (non QLG1) not to work properly, manifested as display of -- in the GPS Info screen (which is now no longer included anyway). 

i) There is a new menu item 7.11 to control the backlight of the QCX-mini, it can also be toggled temporarily by double-pressing the rotary shaft encoder button - this does not save in EEPROM, so is not remembered on power up. The 7.11 menu setting IS saved in EEPROM and remembered on power up. This function has no effect in QCX and QCX+; it is only applicable to the QCX-mini which has the backlight control. 

Full list of changes:

1. CAT: OM command response shortened to OMQC;
2. CAT: KY command set text is now a circular buffer; if full, it returns ?;
3. CAT: KY command get is KYn; where n = 0 if buffer < 75% full, 1 if buffer > 75% full, 2 if buffer empty and previous sending is complete
4. CAT: Sent message via KY is immediately decoded on screen at message completion, without delay or corruption by receive signals
5. CAT: TB command get, the 3rd response character is now number of remaining characters to be sent;
6. CAT: QU command set now clears the unsoliticted update event flags
7. Experimental modification for better output signal on 6m band
8. Enable sidetone during CW beacon operation
9. Removed GPS Data menu, and now Cal menus show "Waiting" while waiting for GPS lock, protect against from missed 1pps
10. Sidetone volume now beeps every time it is changed while in the menu
11. New menu item 7.11 controls Backlight (QCX-mini only)
12. Double-click rotary encoder toggles backlight temporarily (not saved to EEPROM)
13. Experimental support for 160m operation; this requires a 12MHz reference crystal for the Si5351A
14. Eliminate low power "backwave" during key-up in Semi-QSK mode
15. Added Morse prosigns AR, KN and SK/VA. New menu "5.7 VA" if set to ON selects VA, otherwise SK
16. Bug fix: When beacon enabled, started on ref freq at power up, until you went into a sub-menu and exited
17. Bug fix: CAT: Corrected bug command circular buffer that corrupted commands sometimes
18. Bug fix: CAT: Increased reliability of comms by increasing wait timeout for incoming characters
19. Bug fix: CAT: If the command buffer overflows, truncate the current CAT command to prevent the overflow
20. Bug fix: CAT: Updating keyer speed can no longer cause occasional display corruption

73 Hans G0UPL
http://qrp-labs.com

Hi Art

Yes. The same chip is suitable for QCX, QCX+ and the imminent QCX-mini. I will update the shop page to make this clear. 

73 Hans G0UPL 

http://qrp-labs.com 

On Sat, Oct 31, 2020, 14:50 Arthur Paton <artpaton@...> wrote:

Greetings Hans and Group

Just checking... the version 1.06 AT Mega chip applies to the QCX+, right?  Checking. because the Shop, only shows an AT Mega chip for the QCX.  

I read that version 1.06 is for the QCX+ too, so is it safe to put this chip in the QCX+ ?

73

Art N9AEP

On Fri, Oct 30, 2020 at 10:05 AM Hans Summers <hans.summers@...> wrote:

Hi all

This is to notify you of the release of firmware version 1.06:

http://qrp-labs.com/images/qcxp/firmware/1.06/T106.zip

This version is compatible with all models: QCX, QCX+ and the imminent QCX-mini; it was originally intended to support the backlight control feature in the QCX-mini but as you can see below, the scope expanded considerably!

If any anomalies are noticed please let me know As Soon As Possible!

If you want to buy the chip, you can get it here: http://shop.qrp-labs.com/firmware/qcxchip

From this moment forward, all kits and chips will be shipped with this firmware version.

I have now also split out the firmware operating manual from the main QCX manuals into its own Operating manual, since this firmware applies to all three models QCX, QCX+ and QCX-mini and I don't want to have to update all three which will get very confusing for everyone. You can download the operating manual from the manuals section of the QCX+ page http://qrp-labs.com/qcxp and I will also add it to the QCX and QCX-mini pages. Or click here to read it: http://qrp-labs.com/images/qcxp/firmware/1.06/OpMan106.pdf

There are 20 changes in all, which are listed below. But I want to draw your attention to the following main things:

a) There are quite a few improvements to the CAT interface (computer control). Some of these are bug fixes and should make the operation more reliable, there were some issues with the circular text buffers used, and I have resolved these as well as improved some aspects of the timing, and changed some of the command responses. 

b) This version will work on 6m (using standard 25MHz TCXO or 27MHz crystal). We can supply a LPF for any of the bands 6, 10, 12, 15 which the QCX is not normally supplied with. You can expect that as you go higher in frequency, the transmit power output will decrease and the receiver sensitivity will decrease. 

c) This version will work on 160m, IF you use a 12MHz crystal instead of the supplied 27MHz crystal. It won't work with the 25MHz TCXO option or the supplied 27MHz crystal. You will also need to modify the T1 and other components. This should be considered experimental. 

d) This version has support for prosigns AR, KN and SK (VA). On CW decode, they appear on the display as AR, KN and SK. There is a new menu entry "5.7 VA" which if set to ON, shows VA not SK. This allows you to have your preference (there was a long and inconclusive debate on this point, some months back). You can also use prosigns in stored messages in which case you prefix the two prosign letters with a _ character; that will actually let you string together ANY two characters, not just the three supported by the decoder. 

e) Sidetone is now enabled during CW beacon operation. 

f) The annoying "backwave" (attenuated low transmit power) in between transmitted symbols, when using semi-QSK mode, has been resolved. Now no milliwatts are transmitted between your keydowns. 

g) Sidetone volume now beeps every time you change it in the menu (e.g. by rotating the rotary encoder while setting it) to give you an audible feedback of what it will sound like. 

h) The GPS Info menu display option has been removed, and I have made improvements to the handling of the 8.11 and 8.12 calibration menu options, to make them more robust against incorrect calibration (for example of satellite lock is lost during calibration). It also resolves the long-standing GPS checksum bug which caused some GPS (non QLG1) not to work properly, manifested as display of -- in the GPS Info screen (which is now no longer included anyway). 

i) There is a new menu item 7.11 to control the backlight of the QCX-mini, it can also be toggled temporarily by double-pressing the rotary shaft encoder button - this does not save in EEPROM, so is not remembered on power up. The 7.11 menu setting IS saved in EEPROM and remembered on power up. This function has no effect in QCX and QCX+; it is only applicable to the QCX-mini which has the backlight control. 

Full list of changes:

1. CAT: OM command response shortened to OMQC;
2. CAT: KY command set text is now a circular buffer; if full, it returns ?;
3. CAT: KY command get is KYn; where n = 0 if buffer < 75% full, 1 if buffer > 75% full, 2 if buffer empty and previous sending is complete
4. CAT: Sent message via KY is immediately decoded on screen at message completion, without delay or corruption by receive signals
5. CAT: TB command get, the 3rd response character is now number of remaining characters to be sent;
6. CAT: QU command set now clears the unsoliticted update event flags
7. Experimental modification for better output signal on 6m band
8. Enable sidetone during CW beacon operation
9. Removed GPS Data menu, and now Cal menus show "Waiting" while waiting for GPS lock, protect against from missed 1pps
10. Sidetone volume now beeps every time it is changed while in the menu
11. New menu item 7.11 controls Backlight (QCX-mini only)
12. Double-click rotary encoder toggles backlight temporarily (not saved to EEPROM)
13. Experimental support for 160m operation; this requires a 12MHz reference crystal for the Si5351A
14. Eliminate low power "backwave" during key-up in Semi-QSK mode
15. Added Morse prosigns AR, KN and SK/VA. New menu "5.7 VA" if set to ON selects VA, otherwise SK
16. Bug fix: When beacon enabled, started on ref freq at power up, until you went into a sub-menu and exited
17. Bug fix: CAT: Corrected bug command circular buffer that corrupted commands sometimes
18. Bug fix: CAT: Increased reliability of comms by increasing wait timeout for incoming characters
19. Bug fix: CAT: If the command buffer overflows, truncate the current CAT command to prevent the overflow
20. Bug fix: CAT: Updating keyer speed can no longer cause occasional display corruption

73 Hans G0UPL
http://qrp-labs.com

Brilliant Dean!
Glad you got it sorted
73s Ted
2E0THH

I also an experiencing minor problem #2 on both a QCX and a QCX+. As stated, it gets 'fixed' turning the rotary encoder.

It seems to me in v.1.05 and earlier that system calibration (8.11 and 8.12) would hang and it would take a click to get it complete. Most of us would usually start with Ref Osc, 8.11, and get the hang and then click over to Sys Osc, 8.12, have it complete, get the OK, and then click back to 8.11 and have it work properly. 

So this might not be just something that has popped up in FW 1.06.

--Al
WD4AH