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Messages - Andywragg

#1
I no longer have the FT-817 as it went back to the owner shortly after my last post here, but I have been using the packs with my FT-290Rii with the 25w amp for contesting on 2m. I can run a whole 2.5 hour ssb contest on 1 pack and only use about 1/2 of the capacity of one of the packs. Really pleased with them.
I've also built myself a 3S3P LiPo 6.6Ah pack from recycled 18650 cells and the Vruzend end caps. I use this with my uBITX /P as I prefer to run the uBITX at a nominal 12v rather than 13.8v. I also have a 3S1P pack made from the same batch cells that I use to run my USB devices such as the R-Pi, via  12V-USB Buck converter. 
#2
General Discussion / Re: KX3 MARS Mod.
October 16, 2018, 04:42:53 AM
Hi there, Wouldn't the MARS mod render your KX3 unusable under the new FCC advisory note relating to the ability of equipment to transmit out of amateur bands?
#3
Quote from: caulktel on August 17, 2018, 10:22:32 AM
Don't know if any of you have been following the debacle going on over at the bitx20.io group regarding the uBitx, but those few fortunate people who have quality Spectrum Analyzers and know how to use them, have found that the uBitx 'mostly' does not pass FCC specs, (US), for spectral purity, (some nasty spurs). Some are advising not to use them on the air until some kind of fix is figured out. Funny I have been using mine every since they came out and nobody has knocked at my door yet, but I don't want them to either. All of the EE's on the group are seeking to redesign the uBitx to meet specs. I find this whole thing to be rather disheartening after all the time and effort I put into my two radios. They are talking about cutting the traces going to the LPF section and adding a daughter board with a new LPF design to fixed the existing boards. Not quite sure what to do but wait and see what everybody comes up with. :( :-[ :-\

Joel
N6ALT

Well I just read through all that..... What a let down!! Although I have had mine checked over for harmonics by an electronics specialist and it was passed  good. Nice to know mine at least isnt typical of the rest.


#4
Take a look at what Julian (OH8STN) is doing with FT-8 using a headless RPii3 and a tablet. You may need a different cable to link to the sound card.

I assume you've got DroidPSK up and running.
#5
OK my 2 bits.....

Not to pour water on your bonfire Gil....

You need double the wire you already need for 80m, you need to lug around another piece of equipment to use the band, to find that when you get there there are very few stations active maybe the occasional submarine  (joke). And the size of the antenna needed means it's more likely to be discovered by any OPFOR/aggressor, and all that comes with that.

From a prepping point of view, I'd be looking to make the most efficient use of the resources I have available, that includes time. It doesn't seem very efficient to try and use a band that most operators either wont consider using or are unable to use.

Is it possible, yes, is it practical/resource efficient, not in my view.
#6
Batteries & Solar / Re: 18650 battery testing
July 01, 2018, 05:15:37 PM
Bit of Video for you...

https://youtu.be/xQvq-7-gAnA
#7
Antennas / Re: Linked Dipole
July 01, 2018, 05:09:44 PM
All being well I'm off to Florida at the end of this month (July) for a couple of weeks of spending money insanely. So, before I leave I'll be having a crafty word with Wolphi and having a Wolphi-Link interface sent to my hotel to save on P&P.
#8
Batteries & Solar / Re: 18650 battery testing
July 01, 2018, 12:14:18 PM
My operation Pack is now assembled. Using 9 cells in a 3S 3P configuration. This should give me an excess of 6A capacity as each cell was over 2200mAH (2240-2280 range). I'm just doing an initial charge to activate the BMS board.

I have made a 3S 1P pack for powering up the uBITX but at the minute this doesnt have a BMS board installed. Video and pics to follow.   
#9
Thanks guys - Access to more frequencies, increase ERP from 10 to 50 Watts, and the ability to scratch build and modify stuff. Remote operation within certain limits as well as being able to supervise another licensee on my station.
#10
What it says above. Did quite well with the questions, only dropped one out of 45.

Just got to wait 10 days now (for the 6 working day grace period) before I can get my 2E0 or 2E1 callsign, and start to use a bit more power on my QSO's. I can also then complete the TX testing of my uBITX.

Happy Days.

#11
Antennas / Re: Linked Dipole
June 28, 2018, 02:56:12 AM
It's a small world. That linked dipole article was written by one of my club mates.
#12
I would have thought the BiTX40 would drop into the uBTX case with the addition of maybe a few different standoff holes.

You could certainly still use the front and rear IO boards with a bit of figuring out for the BiTX40 wiring loom.

Or you could get the uBITX and has access to more bands and increased functionality.


Kerching!!
#13
Check this out, and have your wallet ready......

https://youtu.be/Yfhmcili8x0


Since then I have installed the USB cable between the Arduino Nano and the rear IO board, and also fitted the S-Meter sensor, and enabled it in the (KD8CEC 1.08) firmware, although it seems like it's going to take a bit of tweaking to get the bar graph levels 'right'.

#14
It's Alive!!!

Check out the FB album and keep an eye on my YT channel. The video compilation is being rendered as I type. Can't TX yet until after next week (hopefully when I pass my intermediate exam) as I've modified the basic kit somewhat.

Really pleased with it so far.
#15
Keep checking the Facebook link guys as more progress has been made Today. Only the Mic and audio pot to wire in as standard. Hope to be adding a 6 pin mini din socket for data modes and an S meter sensor.