1. crkits@groups.io
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Re: UPDATE: New FT8 Digital Mode Easier on IRF510?

AA7US
 

That was funny W6LG using a "lightbulb dipole."  But he did feed it with 100 watts, so not as impressive as if he'd used 5 watts. 

Either way, his experiment adds to the near mythical reputation FT8 is developing.

73,

John
AA7US


---In CHINA_QRP@..., <rongxh@...> wrote :

Seeing the video by W6LG about Light Bulb Antenna for FT8, I start to realize that 5 watt for a regular antenna seems too much, hihi.

Thanks,
Adam
Re: UPDATE: New FT8 Digital Mode Easier on IRF510?

Adam Rong
 

Seeing the video by W6LG about Light Bulb Antenna for FT8, I start to realize that 5 watt for a regular antenna seems too much, hihi.

Thanks,
Adam

在 2017年8月20日，上午12:06，Adam Rong rongxh@... [CHINA_QRP] <CHINA_QRP@...> 写道：

 

Congratulations, John. You did very well.

Thanks,
Adam

于 2017-8-19 23:23, landrjoh@... [CHINA_QRP] 写道:
 

I'm pleased to report that yesterday afternoon I was able to get a 20 meter CS-Series transceiver on the air using the new FT8 digital mode.  I made 8 contacts in the span of an hour and the CS-20 barely got warm during the 15 second transmit sequences.


I used the following equipment:


While my CS-20 is capable of about 8 watts max output, I kept the power down during FT8 transmit to around 5 watts by controlling the SignaLink's transmit audio volume.

The longest contact made was 1900 miles (3058 km) from the SW coast of Washington state in the USA to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.  That's 380 miles (612 km) per watt.  Fabulous!

73,

John
AA7US
Re: Ceramic Resonators

AA7US
 

Adam,

Thanks for sharing this.

It's interesting and educational.  I've learned a lot from VK3YE's videos and books.

John
AA7US
Re: Ceramic Resonators

Adam Rong
 

I figured out why. Inductor is not need. Varactor is the key. Now I can easily get wide enough coverage. It is a great idea to modify with the ceramic resonator. If you are interested to see the YouTube video, please search "Making the Bitx40 HF transceiver more stable (ceramic resonator mod)".

In my experiment, the long term stability is not very good, probably due to the ever dropping power supply voltage from my Li-ion battery pack. It seems very necessary to add a regulator of 9 volt for the oscillator circuits.

With the choc perfboard, my experiments get much easier so I can do much more than before. Also, YouTube is a good source of great ideas.

Thanks,
Adam

锟斤拷 2017-8-19 17:34, Adam Rong rongxh@... [CHINA_QRP] 写锟斤拷:

 


Gang,

I followed VK3YE video to try 4.92 MHz ceramic resonator as the local
oscillator for BITX-40 when the IF is 12 MHz. In his video, it seems
quite easy to pull even without inductors in series, but in my case,
even I used inductors, I can just pull about 10 kHz max.

Do you have any experience to share here? I remember Japanese radio
amateurs designed a 18 MHz band radio years ago with ceramic resonator.
Probably you guys have something to share?

Thanks,
Adam
Re: 51 super Rockmite low voltage on collector of q3 on transmit.

KQ8B, Robert
 

Thanks, I checked it on both of my wattmeters and shows nothing. My little qrp pixie at least shows 300mwatts on these wattmeters but nothing on the rockmite.  the q3 collector voltage supposed to stay at around 12 volts on transmit but drops to 2 volts. Dont know what I did wrong.
Re: 51 super Rockmite low voltage on collector of q3 on transmit.

AA7US
 

Robert,

Just to be safe, I'd recommend you get a "second opinion" using a different wattmeter.

I suggest this because a couple months ago I assembled a CS-40 transceiver and was only measuring 2 watts output using what I thought was a reliable, accurate, digital QRP power/SWR meter.  After pulling my hair out trying to figure out the cause of such low TX power, in desperation I tried a different analog wattmeter.  With that second meter, the TX power was 8 watts, which was within the expected TX power range considering the ~12v input power I was using.

For some reason the digital QRP wattmeter I have doesn't like the CS-Series transceivers but seems to work fine with some other types of QRP transceivers I have.

Please keep us posted.

73,

John
AA7US

---In CHINA_QRP@..., <rbishop7@...> wrote :

Hello folks. Building a chinese 51 super rockmite, cant get the wattmeter to move but hear the signal on my other radio.
51 super Rockmite low voltage on collector of q3 on transmit.

KQ8B, Robert
 

Hello folks. Building a chinese 51 super rockmite, cant get the wattmeter to move but hear the signal on my other radio. Test voltages with digital volt meter and everything checks out ok according to the instructions but q3 collector voltage drops from 12v to 2 volts. Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks, Robert N4SWD
Re: UPDATE: New FT8 Digital Mode Easier on IRF510?

Adam Rong
 

Congratulations, John. You did very well.

Thanks,
Adam

于 2017-8-19 23:23, landrjoh@... [CHINA_QRP] 写道:

 

I'm pleased to report that yesterday afternoon I was able to get a 20 meter CS-Series transceiver on the air using the new FT8 digital mode.  I made 8 contacts in the span of an hour and the CS-20 barely got warm during the 15 second transmit sequences.


I used the following equipment:


While my CS-20 is capable of about 8 watts max output, I kept the power down during FT8 transmit to around 5 watts by controlling the SignaLink's transmit audio volume.

The longest contact made was 1900 miles (3058 km) from the SW coast of Washington state in the USA to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.  That's 380 miles (612 km) per watt.  Fabulous!

73,

John
AA7US
UPDATE: New FT8 Digital Mode Easier on IRF510?

AA7US
 

I'm pleased to report that yesterday afternoon I was able to get a 20 meter CS-Series transceiver on the air using the new FT8 digital mode.  I made 8 contacts in the span of an hour and the CS-20 barely got warm during the 15 second transmit sequences.

I used the following equipment:


While my CS-20 is capable of about 8 watts max output, I kept the power down during FT8 transmit to around 5 watts by controlling the SignaLink's transmit audio volume.

The longest contact made was 1900 miles (3058 km) from the SW coast of Washington state in the USA to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.  That's 380 miles (612 km) per watt.  Fabulous!

73,

John
AA7US
Ceramic Resonators

Adam Rong
 

Gang,

I followed VK3YE video to try 4.92 MHz ceramic resonator as the local
oscillator for BITX-40 when the IF is 12 MHz. In his video, it seems
quite easy to pull even without inductors in series, but in my case,
even I used inductors, I can just pull about 10 kHz max.

Do you have any experience to share here? I remember Japanese radio
amateurs designed a 18 MHz band radio years ago with ceramic resonator.
Probably you guys have something to share?

Thanks,
Adam
Re: New FT8 Digital Mode Easier on IRF510?

AA7US
 

I definitely prefer winding bifilar and trifiar toroids using different colored wires.

Not only is it easier to keep track of the wires, but it makes the toroid look pretty... and a pretty toroid must improve performance! 

73,

John
AA7US


---In CHINA_QRP@..., <vk2aor@...> wrote :

Thanks Adam

Having come from a motor winding background you need to identify the start and finish of the coils and as such I have seen biflar windings done in 2 different colours which overcomes the problem of getting 2 starts together and hence to finishes.
Re: CRKITS CS-Series Single Band SSB Transceiver Kit Announcement

Adam Rong
 

I just need some time to build and test. I will be on business trip next week, so the earliest possible time will be early September.

BTW, are you still interested in VXO version (aka KN-Q7A)? I have parts for 6 kits. I would like to offer at lower price at $100 each plus $10 shipping. The price does not include speaker microphone. Please place your order offline by email.

Thanks,
Adam

于 2017-8-13 9:51, landrjoh@... [CHINA_QRP] 写道:

 

Hey Adam,


When will a 80m/75m version of the CS-Series transceiver be released?

Thank you,

John
AA7US

---In CHINA_QRP@..., wrote :

  • 80m/75m/40m/20m/17m/15m will be supported. 40m/20m is now available
Re: New FT8 Digital Mode Easier on IRF510?

Robert Hudson
 

Hi John

Thanks for the info on the FET , I was probably a bit impatient to get it going and had not considered that aspect.    Will get some IFR510’s and replace it.  


Best Regards  Bob
On 13 Aug 2017, at 11:42 am, landrjoh@... [CHINA_QRP] <CHINA_QRP@...> wrote:

Hi Bob,


I'm surprised that the IRF540 is working as a good replacement for the original IRF510.

The IRF540 has a significantly higher input capacitance (1700 pF) compared to the IRF510 (180 pF).  From what I've read, higher MOSFET input capacitance requires higher drive levels.  Also, the IRF540 is slower to respond than a IRF510.

I wonder if the IRF540 has decreased the transmit power?

Maybe Adam can comment on this.

73,

John
AA7US

---In CHINA_QRP@..., wrote :

Hi John and all

Also my local supplier did not have the original FET but a higher current rating and seems to work well. (IFR-540)  


Bob Hudson
Re: New FT8 Digital Mode Easier on IRF510?

Robert Hudson
 

Thanks Adam

The instruction text says to twist the the wires together and the photo of the toroids shows them in parallel.   I rewound the T3 coil using the method in the photo.   Having come from a motor winding background you need to identify the start and finish of the coils and as such I have seen biflar windings done in 2 different colours which overcomes the problem of getting 2 starts together and hence to finishes.      They transceiver works very well.   

Thanks Bob
On 13 Aug 2017, at 11:20 am, Adam Rong rongxh@... [CHINA_QRP] <CHINA_QRP@...> wrote:


It is true that the wire gauge has little impact to the performance of the transformer. Heavier gauge will have a bit less loss but harder to wind.

Thanks,
Adam

于 2017-8-13 8:08, Robert Hudson vk2aor@... [CHINA_QRP] 写道:
 

Hi John and all


While replacing the final  FET I forgot to put the insulator under the nut holding it to the heat sink case so it was shorted s soon as power was applied and burn’t out the winding on T3.   I rewound it with 0.63mm wire on the original toroid and the wires fitted the centre hole without any problems.    I saw the info  about changing the toroid.    I wonder if it is becoming saturated when using digital modes.   I also learnt to put a 2 amp in the power supply lead , much easier to replace than the FET.    Also my local supplier did not have the original FET but a higher current rating and seems to work well. (IFR-540)  This was not my radio but will purchase one for myself.   Great project kit thanks Adam.


On 13 Aug 2017, at 9:08 am, landrjoh@... [CHINA_QRP] <CHINA_QRP@...> wrote:

Adam,


Is it acceptable to use a heavier gauge (larger diameter) wire when winding a larger toroid such as the FT50-43?

Thank you,

John
AA7US

---In CHINA_QRP@...,  wrote :

This is why our recommendation is that you change the ferrite toroid from FT37-43 to FT50-43 or even bigger.


Bob Hudson











Bob Hudson  VK2AOR
President CCARC
0415 969 308
Lecture Co-ordinator and Publicity
Wyong Field Day  25thFebruary 2018.
Re: CRKITS CS-Series Single Band SSB Transceiver Kit Announcement

AA7US
 

Hey Adam,

When will a 80m/75m version of the CS-Series transceiver be released?

Thank you,

John
AA7US

---In CHINA_QRP@..., <rongxh@...> wrote :

  • 80m/75m/40m/20m/17m/15m will be supported. 40m/20m is now available
Re: New FT8 Digital Mode Easier on IRF510?

AA7US
 

Hi Bob,

I'm surprised that the IRF540 is working as a good replacement for the original IRF510.

The IRF540 has a significantly higher input capacitance (1700 pF) compared to the IRF510 (180 pF).  From what I've read, higher MOSFET input capacitance requires higher drive levels.  Also, the IRF540 is slower to respond than a IRF510.

I wonder if the IRF540 has decreased the transmit power?

Maybe Adam can comment on this.

73,

John
AA7US

---In CHINA_QRP@..., <vk2aor@...> wrote :

Hi John and all

Also my local supplier did not have the original FET but a higher current rating and seems to work well. (IFR-540)  
Re: New FT8 Digital Mode Easier on IRF510?

Adam Rong
 

It is true that the wire gauge has little impact to the performance of the transformer. Heavier gauge will have a bit less loss but harder to wind.

Thanks,
Adam

于 2017-8-13 8:08, Robert Hudson vk2aor@... [CHINA_QRP] 写道:

 

Hi John and all


While replacing the final  FET I forgot to put the insulator under the nut holding it to the heat sink case so it was shorted s soon as power was applied and burn’t out the winding on T3.   I rewound it with 0.63mm wire on the original toroid and the wires fitted the centre hole without any problems.    I saw the info  about changing the toroid.    I wonder if it is becoming saturated when using digital modes.   I also learnt to put a 2 amp in the power supply lead , much easier to replace than the FET.    Also my local supplier did not have the original FET but a higher current rating and seems to work well. (IFR-540)  This was not my radio but will purchase one for myself.   Great project kit thanks Adam.


On 13 Aug 2017, at 9:08 am, landrjoh@... [CHINA_QRP] <CHINA_QRP@...> wrote:

Adam,


Is it acceptable to use a heavier gauge (larger diameter) wire when winding a larger toroid such as the FT50-43?

Thank you,

John
AA7US

---In CHINA_QRP@..., wrote :

This is why our recommendation is that you change the ferrite toroid from FT37-43 to FT50-43 or even bigger.


Bob Hudson
Re: New FT8 Digital Mode Easier on IRF510?

Robert Hudson
 

Hi John and all

While replacing the final  FET I forgot to put the insulator under the nut holding it to the heat sink case so it was shorted s soon as power was applied and burn’t out the winding on T3.   I rewound it with 0.63mm wire on the original toroid and the wires fitted the centre hole without any problems.    I saw the info  about changing the toroid.    I wonder if it is becoming saturated when using digital modes.   I also learnt to put a 2 amp in the power supply lead , much easier to replace than the FET.    Also my local supplier did not have the original FET but a higher current rating and seems to work well. (IFR-540)  This was not my radio but will purchase one for myself.   Great project kit thanks Adam.


On 13 Aug 2017, at 9:08 am, landrjoh@... [CHINA_QRP] <CHINA_QRP@...> wrote:

Adam,


Is it acceptable to use a heavier gauge (larger diameter) wire when winding a larger toroid such as the FT50-43?

Thank you,

John
AA7US

---In CHINA_QRP@..., wrote :

This is why our recommendation is that you change the ferrite toroid from FT37-43 to FT50-43 or even bigger.


Bob Hudson
Re: New FT8 Digital Mode Easier on IRF510?

AA7US
 

Adam,

Is it acceptable to use a heavier gauge (larger diameter) wire when winding a larger toroid such as the FT50-43?

Thank you,

John
AA7US

---In CHINA_QRP@..., <rongxh@...> wrote :

This is why our recommendation is that you change the ferrite toroid from FT37-43 to FT50-43 or even bigger.
Re: New FT8 Digital Mode Easier on IRF510?

Adam Rong
 

You don't have to worry about IRF510 itself because it has a good heat sink of the bottom case. It is the saturation of the final transformer T3 that causes the problem if the transmit time is too long and power keeps too high. When the transformer is no longer functioning as a transformer, the load of IRF510 will change and it might cause its melting. This is why our recommendation is that you change the ferrite toroid from FT37-43 to FT50-43 or even bigger.

SSB voice will be fine as the power will vary all the time based on the voice, so there is no problem found.

Thanks,
Adam

于 2017-8-12 1:47, landrjoh@... [CHINA_QRP] 写道:

 

Hey gang,


In looking over the characteristics of the new weak signal FT8 digital mode, I noticed it has a sustained TX time of only 15 seconds (versus nearly 50 seconds for JT9 and JT65).  Presumably this is followed by a minimum 15 second RX period... probably a bit longer.


Wouldn't this new FT8 digital mode be a lot easier on the IRF510 final amplifier found in our KN-7QA and CS-series transceivers compared to JT9 and JT65?  It should cause a lot less heat buildup right?


The following excerpt is from the version 1.8.0 release candidate WJST-X software:


Brief Description of the FT8 Protocol
		-------------------------------------

WSJT-X Version 1.8.0 includes a new mode called FT8, developed by K9AN
and K1JT.  The mode name "FT8" stands for "Franke and Taylor, 8-FSK
modulation".  FT8 uses 15-second T/R sequences, provides 50% or
better decoding probability down to -20 dB on an AWGN channel, and 
maintains good performance on Doppler-spread fading channels.  An
auto-sequencing facility includes an option to respond automatically
to the first decoded reply to your CQ.  FT8 QSOs are 4 times faster
than those made with JT65 or JT9.  FT8 is an excellent mode for HF
DXing and for situations like multi-hop E_s on 6 meters, where deep
QSB may make fast and reliable completion of QSOs desirable.

Some important characteristics of FT8:

  - T/R sequence length: 15 s
  - Message length: 75 bits + 12-bit CRC
  - FEC code: LDPC(174,87)
  - Modulation: 8-FSK, tone spacing 6.25 Hz
  - Constant-envelope waveform
  - Occupied bandwidth: 50 Hz
  - Synchronization: 7x7 Costas arrays at start, middle, and end
  - Transmission duration: 79*1920/12000 = 12.64 s
  - Decoding threshold: -20 dB; several dB lower with AP decoding
  - Multi-decoder finds and decodes all FT8 signals in passband
  - Optional auto-sequencing and auto-reply to a CQ response
  - Operational behavior similar to JT9, JT65

We plan to implement signal subtraction, two-pass decoding, and use of
a priori (AP) information in the decoder.  These features are not yet
activated in v1.8.0.

We haven't yet finalized what the three extra bits in the message
payload will be used for.  Suggestions are welcome!

	-- Joe, K1JT, for the WSJT Development Team
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