I like the TX-500 a lot, but I'm just not crazy about the connectors they choose to use. I guess they are necessary to have the IP-67 certification for water ingress. The idle receive current is one of the best out there.

Joel
N6ALT

I seemed to have figured it all out.

Joel
N6ALT

I'm in line also, can't wait. Also waiting for the 40 meter Slop Bucket II to be released with the LCD display!

Joel
N6ALT

Great article Gil, sure sparked a lot of opinions but that's great if it gets people thinking.

Joel
N6ALT

Stan,

Sorry, I meant to direct you to http://ubitx.net/ for more info regarding the uBitx problem. Farhan's rebuttal is there. Personally I don't think this is as big a problem as some individuals are trying to make us believe. I still use mine everyday.

Joel
N6ALT

Hi Stan,

I am aware about insulating the IRF510's from ground, I have done this on all 5 of my Bitx builds.

As far as the harmonic/spur problems of the uBitx are concerned, its far too complicated for me to explain, and due to the fact that no two people can agree to anything on that group, it muddys  the water even further. Suffice it to say, something needs to be done and I'm waiting to see what Farhan comes up with, he always seem to find a simple solution to problems as opposed to these people that want to start from scratch and completely redesign the radio.

Joel
N6ALT

Oh yeah, a lot of guys doing FT8 and other modes. I'm just not in to digital modes so I haven't paid much attention to it.

Joel
N6ALT

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

Gil,

I agree, most of these groups have a select few people that like to hear themselves talk and are self professed experts. I have been using EFHW wires with 64:1 and 49:1 transformers with great results for 30 plus years. I continue to use them and will keep using them. As far as I'm concerned, I can't tell any difference between using a 49:1 vs a 64:1 transformer either, they both seem to work equally, just slightly different wire lengths. We use what works, including my Mag Loop which people say is a waste of time but mine works great.

Joel
N6ALT

Strange, there are 237 pages in that PDF but when I download it I can only look at 145 of them. I really wanted to the section on EFHW's.

Joel
N6ALT

Gil,

I don't know if you will be able to read this thread or not, but it's all about EFHW and 49:1 transformers and the like. Some of the people were shouting at each other, but still some good information. https://groups.io/g/BITX20/topic/end_fed_antennas_w_ubitx/23807137?p=,,,20,0,0,0::recentpostdate%2Fsticky,,,20,2,0,23807137

Joel
N6ALT

Gil,

I like the idea of your campaign. I have a question though, for years I have been building EFHW auto transformers using this method, http://www.zendamateur.com/download/file.php?id=4051 which is a 60:1 transformer. Yours is a 49:1, whats the difference? Mine seem to work very well, would there be a advantage to using a 49:1 over the 60:1? Just curious.

Joel
N6ALT

I ordered another uBitx, it should be here in a few days. It will be the V4 board with some improvements incorporated into the new PCB. I will be using a 3.2 inch Nextion touch screen display on this one.
I'm going to make numerous case improvements to this one, like bolting the finals to the case for better heat dispersion. Gil, you wont like this one because it's going to have a higher idle current draw than the previous one, but it isn't intended for portable use.
I look forward to starting work on it. Ill post my progress.

Joel
N6ALT

I feel like have to defend the FT-817 :D I love my FT-817ND but I only use it for SSB and I'm very happy with the performance. I do have the Inrad SSB filter installed. YMMV.

Joel
N6ALT

I always marvel at Peter Parker, VK3YE's videos running 160 meters AM/SSB QRP with a kite antenna and dipoles. https://youtu.be/ACiQlOThXR0 There always seems to be someone on the air in Australia and he always works from the beach with the wind blowing. It is a intriguing band alright. I wish I could try it out somehow, but kind of hard from a mobile home park.

Joel
N6ALT