Russian Woodpecker??
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Just finished assembling a QCX CW TXVR and I’m pleased to say it came on first try. All of the selections on the screen were accessible, however when I started the alignment and got to the 8.8 I-Q bal / 8.9 Phase Lo/ and 8.10 Phase Hi, the tone was very low plus I am getting a rapid and steady tick-tick-tick-tick-tick that reminded me of the “Russian Woodpecker” (some will remember this) – the signal from an Over The Horizon Radar once used by the soviets. Anyone else experience this?? A similar RCX unit has a very strong tone (BTW – the only problem with that one was a solder joint on the regulator that wasn’t done.) |
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Dave VE3GSO
I think you are using the TCXO module, and it has not been properly soldered in. Check that. Dave On Thu, Feb 24, 2022 at 10:33 AM KeithP <salmo@...> wrote:
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Thanks…I’ll check that. De VO1AE
From: QRPLabs@groups.io [mailto:QRPLabs@groups.io] On Behalf Of Dave VE3GSO
Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2022 12:11 PM To: QRPLabs@groups.io Subject: Re: [QRPLabs] Russian Woodpecker??
I think you are using the TCXO module, and it has not been properly soldered in. Check that.
Dave
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W3BUW "Boats"
Not sure what freq you were on but check out the Russian numbers/digital statio UVB-76 on 4265 Khz -thjey call it the buzzer. I just posted some other web sites with Russian militaryt frequency sites W3BUw Bill On 2022-02-24 09:19, KeithP wrote:
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Ok –Thanks. I was on 20 M so I don’t think it had anything to do with a military transmission. |
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W3BUW "Boats"
As I recall the old Russian woodpecker (Over the Horizon Radar) was active on or near 20 M. May be the Ukraine conflict has reactivated for some reason?? Here is some info on the infamous woodpecker!! https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Russian_Woodpecker W3BUW On 2022-02-24 12:08, KeithP wrote:
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Well….I hope that’s the problem (sort of!). Must check the same frequency on the other QCX. I didn’t hear it there previously. Still getting a very low tone on the first one despite many attemots.
From: QRPLabs@groups.io [mailto:QRPLabs@groups.io] On Behalf Of w3buw@...
Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2022 1:57 PM To: QRPLabs@groups.io Subject: Re: [QRPLabs] Russian Woodpecker??
As I recall the old Russian woodpecker (Over the Horizon Radar) was active on or near 20 M. May be the Ukraine conflict has reactivated for some reason?? Here is some info on the infamous woodpecker!! https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Russian_Woodpecker W3BUW
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Keith. You didn't indicate which model of QCX you built. The problem sounds like you are getting a low frequency oscillation somewhere in the audio chain .. .maybe... The best way to start testing is to get out of the alignment menu and do the voltage checks around all the op amps as directed in the troubleshooting procedure. Those will sometimes point to at least the general area of trouble. Let us know what you find... Ron On Thu, Feb 24, 2022 at 11:20 AM KeithP <salmo@...> wrote:
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Ok…I appreciate the information and will do what you suggested. I checked with the guy who bought the QCX and he thinks it’s a Version 1. I see on the information I printed that it’s for Version 1.08. I checked out another suggestion about the Xtal oscillator and all the connections look fine. Everything on the screen works. I’ll keep plugging away at it. De Keith VO1AE
From: QRPLabs@groups.io [mailto:QRPLabs@groups.io] On Behalf Of Ronald Taylor
Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2022 3:21 PM To: QRPLabs@groups.io Subject: Re: [QRPLabs] Russian Woodpecker??
Keith. You didn't indicate which model of QCX you built. The problem sounds like you are getting a low frequency oscillation somewhere in the audio chain .. .maybe... The best way to start testing is to get out of the alignment menu and do the voltage checks around all the op amps as directed in the troubleshooting procedure. Those will sometimes point to at least the general area of trouble. Let us know what you find... Ron
On Thu, Feb 24, 2022 at 11:20 AM KeithP <salmo@...> wrote:
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I should have said the info printed was “Revision 1.08” not Version 1.08.
From: QRPLabs@groups.io [mailto:QRPLabs@groups.io] On Behalf Of Ronald Taylor
Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2022 3:21 PM To: QRPLabs@groups.io Subject: Re: [QRPLabs] Russian Woodpecker??
Keith. You didn't indicate which model of QCX you built. The problem sounds like you are getting a low frequency oscillation somewhere in the audio chain .. .maybe... The best way to start testing is to get out of the alignment menu and do the voltage checks around all the op amps as directed in the troubleshooting procedure. Those will sometimes point to at least the general area of trouble. Let us know what you find... Ron
On Thu, Feb 24, 2022 at 11:20 AM KeithP <salmo@...> wrote:
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Is this a QCX Mini Rev 1 or some earlier model like one of the QCX Classics or QCX+? 1.08 is a very recent firmware version that is backwards compatible with all the older models of QCX. Reason I'm asking is that the Rev 1 Mini had some issues at times with bad op amps that was corrected in later versions with different parts and factory testing of the board. QCX+ and QCX Classics didn't have many problems with op amps ... Thanks .. Ron On Thu, Feb 24, 2022 at 12:54 PM KeithP <salmo@...> wrote:
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Steve Stroh <steve.stroh@...>
"Russian woodpecker" is now, more accurately known as "Druga RADAR" -
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duga_radar. It was featured as a segment in the (fascinating, to me) series Mysteries of the Abandoned (I couldn't find a reasonable URL to that episode). As soon as you see that video, you'll understand there is no possibility of the Druga RADAR being reactivated. First, the scale of the system was only achievable by a "cost is no object" command government like the USSR. All the control systems and buildings are irrevocably gutted, the antenna structure is in ruins (but still standing), and it required huge amounts of power only available due to its proximity to the Chernobyl nuclear power plant (yes, THAT Chernobyl). It's also located within the Chernobyl exclusion zone, so it's not healthy to be there for long periods. On Thu, Feb 24, 2022 at 9:27 AM <w3buw@...> wrote:
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Steve Stroh N8GNJ (he/him) Editor Zero Retries Newsletter - https://zeroretries.substack.com Twitter - @zeroretries / https://twitter.com/zeroretries |
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Before I check the voltages I will try turning off the S-Meter. As explained here, it can cause those clicks. 6.6 Audible continuous clicking noise during receive This is not a fault of the radio, it is a consequence or limitation of the simple design. When the LCD is updated by the microcontroller, the activity on the signal lines to the LCD and in the microcontroller, causes digital noise which propagates into the sensitive radio receiver. In most cases when the display is updated, for example, when you change the frequency, this weak click is completely inaudible. In any case altering the frequency results in an inevitable audio discontinuity as the received spectrum suddenly shifts to the new LO frequency, and this more than masks any weak click from updating the display. The continuous clicking noise during receive, sounding like the motor of a boat (perhaps), is due to the display update for the S-meter. You are likely to only notice this noise when the antenna is disconnected, or you have a dummy load connected. Ordinary band noise normally massively exceeds the weak clicking. In some cases (depending on your power supply, antenna, grounding etc) the interference may be worse than normal. If this is the case, you can just switch off the S-meter. Remember that the S-meter indication is anyway only a rough indication, and with a little experience your own ears will do a much better job of estimating Signal level of the received station. The S-meter can be switched off in the “Show S-meter” configuration parameter in the “Other” menu.
From: QRPLabs@groups.io [mailto:QRPLabs@groups.io] On Behalf Of Ronald Taylor
Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2022 3:21 PM To: QRPLabs@groups.io Subject: Re: [QRPLabs] Russian Woodpecker??
Keith. You didn't indicate which model of QCX you built. The problem sounds like you are getting a low frequency oscillation somewhere in the audio chain .. .maybe... The best way to start testing is to get out of the alignment menu and do the voltage checks around all the op amps as directed in the troubleshooting procedure. Those will sometimes point to at least the general area of trouble. Let us know what you find... Ron
On Thu, Feb 24, 2022 at 11:20 AM KeithP <salmo@...> wrote:
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My hope that the tick tick tick was being caused by the S meter in the on setting are dashed. So I moved on to voltage checking on the ICs IC 9 voltages are way out of whack. In fact if I push in the surface of it or a pin I get a chirp in the earphones. The pin soldering is ok so I have a feeling it is within the IC. Needless to say…That one must be replaced before moving on – If I can get my hands on one. Also, some of the readings on the 16 pin LCD are iffy. Yet, all of the readouts for the various functions are fine (so maybe not.) A great learning experience.
From: QRPLabs@groups.io [mailto:QRPLabs@groups.io] On Behalf Of Ronald Taylor
Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2022 4:38 PM To: QRPLabs@groups.io Subject: Re: [QRPLabs] Russian Woodpecker??
Is this a QCX Mini Rev 1 or some earlier model like one of the QCX Classics or QCX+? 1.08 is a very recent firmware version that is backwards compatible with all the older models of QCX. Reason I'm asking is that the Rev 1 Mini had some issues at times with bad op amps that was corrected in later versions with different parts and factory testing of the board. QCX+ and QCX Classics didn't have many problems with op amps ... Thanks .. Ron
On Thu, Feb 24, 2022 at 12:54 PM KeithP <salmo@...> wrote:
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KEN G4APB
This problem can sometimes be caused by a reversed electrolytic cap breaking down, maybe check them in the audio path?
73 Ken g4apb |
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Russian Woodpecker find: Given the weird voltages on IC 9 (QCX 20 M CW). I decided to take another look at the components. Ahahhh! There, I discovered that I had placed D3 (1N5819 Schottky) where D5 was (1N5148 Switching diode) and vice-versa. I’ll reverse them today and see what that does (with the hope I didn’t damage anything else. Prior to finding this, all the functions on the LCD were working fine.
From: QRPLabs@groups.io [mailto:QRPLabs@groups.io] On Behalf Of Ronald Taylor
Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2022 4:38 PM To: QRPLabs@groups.io Subject: Re: [QRPLabs] Russian Woodpecker??
Is this a QCX Mini Rev 1 or some earlier model like one of the QCX Classics or QCX+? 1.08 is a very recent firmware version that is backwards compatible with all the older models of QCX. Reason I'm asking is that the Rev 1 Mini had some issues at times with bad op amps that was corrected in later versions with different parts and factory testing of the board. QCX+ and QCX Classics didn't have many problems with op amps ... Thanks .. Ron
On Thu, Feb 24, 2022 at 12:54 PM KeithP <salmo@...> wrote:
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Re: Russian Woodpecker: Typo…. 1N5148 shud hv bn 1n4148.
From: QRPLabs@groups.io [mailto:QRPLabs@groups.io] On Behalf Of KeithP
Sent: Saturday, February 26, 2022 8:44 AM To: QRPLabs@groups.io Subject: Re: [QRPLabs] Russian Woodpecker??
Russian Woodpecker find: Given the weird voltages on IC 9 (QCX 20 M CW). I decided to take another look at the components. Ahahhh! There, I discovered that I had placed D3 (1N5819 Schottky) where D5 was (1N5148 Switching diode) and vice-versa. I’ll reverse them today and see what that does (with the hope I didn’t damage anything else. Prior to finding this, all the functions on the LCD were working fine.
From: QRPLabs@groups.io [mailto:QRPLabs@groups.io] On Behalf Of Ronald Taylor
Is this a QCX Mini Rev 1 or some earlier model like one of the QCX Classics or QCX+? 1.08 is a very recent firmware version that is backwards compatible with all the older models of QCX. Reason I'm asking is that the Rev 1 Mini had some issues at times with bad op amps that was corrected in later versions with different parts and factory testing of the board. QCX+ and QCX Classics didn't have many problems with op amps ... Thanks .. Ron
On Thu, Feb 24, 2022 at 12:54 PM KeithP <salmo@...> wrote:
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Re my QCX 20M tcvr: I killed the Woodpecker!! Switched the Schottky (D3) and the 1N4148. Then went back to checking the IC 9 voltages. They were still out of whack. As I mentioned before, when I pressed on the IC I got a “chirp”. On very close inspection I could see that one of the pins appeared cold-soldered. I re-soldered the pin and BINGO…..The tick-tick-tick Woodpecker disappeared and the alignment tone was stronger. I’m not happy with it yet because comparing it to another QCX it should be a lot stronger. I’ll go back through the tuning again and see what evolves. I will also re-check the other ICs.
From: QRPLabs@groups.io [mailto:QRPLabs@groups.io] On Behalf Of KeithP
Sent: Saturday, February 26, 2022 8:44 AM To: QRPLabs@groups.io Subject: Re: [QRPLabs] Russian Woodpecker??
Russian Woodpecker find: Given the weird voltages on IC 9 (QCX 20 M CW). I decided to take another look at the components. Ahahhh! There, I discovered that I had placed D3 (1N5819 Schottky) where D5 was (1N5148 Switching diode) and vice-versa. I’ll reverse them today and see what that does (with the hope I didn’t damage anything else. Prior to finding this, all the functions on the LCD were working fine.
From: QRPLabs@groups.io [mailto:QRPLabs@groups.io] On Behalf Of Ronald Taylor
Is this a QCX Mini Rev 1 or some earlier model like one of the QCX Classics or QCX+? 1.08 is a very recent firmware version that is backwards compatible with all the older models of QCX. Reason I'm asking is that the Rev 1 Mini had some issues at times with bad op amps that was corrected in later versions with different parts and factory testing of the board. QCX+ and QCX Classics didn't have many problems with op amps ... Thanks .. Ron
On Thu, Feb 24, 2022 at 12:54 PM KeithP <salmo@...> wrote:
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And to think we thought you single handedly restarted a reactor and the Duna transmitter. I enjoyed the comparison to the Woodpecker. I was a wee lad but remember it well. I got my license right before the Chernobyl disaster. On Sun, Feb 27, 2022, 9:47 AM KeithP <salmo@...> wrote:
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😎👌
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On Feb 27, 2022, at 14:01, Fred Spinner <fred.spinner@...> wrote:
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