It's here!
The Weber MTR (Mountain Top Radio) five-band CW transceiver kit #075 was delivered today to my mailbox :D Only 100 were produced, 98 for sale. I think they sold out in about 45 minutes. I placed my order at T+35min and was one of the last ones to get one. Ray tried ten minutes later and was too late (He has my original MTR now as consolation!).
Steve Weber really outdid himself with this one. We get five bands, 40/30/20/17/15m but I ordered the components from Mouser last night to make it an 80/40/30/20/15m radio. I wanted 80m for NVIS at night, even though a 135ft. antenna is a bit of a hurdle, but for NVIS you string it horizontally, so we'll see.. We also get an LCD, and the possibility to use an encoder for switching frequency. I ordered one but I am not sure I'll use it. Maybe I'll put in a jack for an external one, mounted in some battery pack.. Or I'll get a bigger case than the Hammond 1590BB and integrate everything; ah, choices...
Looking at the board has me scared. I've built two MTRs but the microscopic size of the integrated circuits pads is something to behold. I use a fine tip soldering iron, not a hot air station and soldering paste.
I will start tonight, but since I don't have the 80m parts (listed below), I can't set-up that band. Yet, I could finish it without them and use the four other bands for testing. I also ordered a DSO138 tiny oscilloscope kit on Ebay for $22! It's only good for audio frequencies but will allow me to align my new MTR per the manual. I can also use it to troubleshoot my lack of modulation in my BitX20 kit; so, $22 is a bargain for the help it will provide.
Also planned is a touch keyer inside the case with nice gold plated paddles 8) I'll just have to wear a big gold chain around my neck and sunglasses to match ::)
Gil.
80m parts:
- 220pf COG 50V (80-C0805C221J5G)[1]
- 15pf COG 50V (581-08055A150FAT2A)[1]
- 100pf COG 50V (77-VJ0805A101GXAPBC)[2]
- 680pf COG 100V (581-12061A681J)[4]
- 18uH (810-MLF2012C180K)[2]
- Encoder (652-PEC11R-4215F-S24)[1]
- Magnet wire #32AUG
I sure hope those are the right choices and that I didn't forget anything!
Photo: Quarter at the bottom for size..
fantastic Gil.
if LNR makes one I'll most likely but it but I do like the 80m option
Thanks. I started with the most difficult parts, U8 and U9, tiny integrated circuits. I can't even see the pads with the naked eye. The previous MTRs did not have components that size. Soldering them with a soldering iron is an exercise in futility. I got U8 down, now doing U9. After those two it should be smooth sailing. I use a powerful magnifying lens in my left hand, the soldering iron in my right, and a flashlight in my mouth :o
Gil.
Good luck with the build! 80/40/30/20/15 is my ideal. Everything from Dx to NVIS. I bet the LCD is going to be really nice. My TenTec R4020 has one and it's really nice to have all the key information right there in front of you.
One quick solution for the small parts for those who don't want to hot-air is to dab a bit of solder paste on a corner and tack the chip in place. Then you can more easily drag solder the rest of the sides without the chip sliding. After losing g my MCU and frying some traces on one of my mcHF boards I was shown this little technique.
For fine work - at work - I use a 'document camera' from Amazon
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41txisfcoyL.jpg)
...and watch the display on my laptop. That way, i have a HUGE display for calibrations and repairs.
I REALLY like my 'new' MTR 2 Bander, and it's fun to know that I've already sent a lot of code through it on receive, when Gil was using it for our skeds.
>RadioRay ..._ ._
I use a 5x magnifying visor and a desk lamp. I like the visor because I can move my head around the work instead of having to position the work under the magnifyer.
Good luck with those fine pitch ICs. I hate being at the mercy of surface tension.
Will this one allow digital modes?
Hello,
No digital modes on this one, CW only. I wish I had better magnification, but the hard parts are over. I soldered most of the semiconductors. This kit is not a two-sessions project.. It will take a bit longer because I don't want to make any mistakes. I know if it does not work at first try it will be because of a bad solder joint or a bridge on an IC. My 80m parts will he here on Monday. I'll have to be very careful moving all the relevant parts one slot to accomodate for 80m and eliminate 17m. I have a Hammond 1590BB for case, but Ray made me think of a waterproof case, so I will be exploring that option. I will do a bit every day until the project is finished. The mini DSO138 oscilloscope kit should arrive just in time for tuning adjustments.
I plan on a camping trip for testing, especially on 80m with my Sotabeam tuner and 135ft of wire. The Myakka State Park here has a 76ft wooden tower with a viewing platform on top, and I think it would be great to throw my wire from the top and secure it down below as a sloper. I can also dangle my 20/40m wire straight down.
Gil.
Hello,
I have been thiking about the case issue. The Hammond case is great but the MTR-5B with the LCD is pretty vulnerable, not to mention all the holes in the case for the switches and various connections. I looked into Pelican cases and noticed the #1120. It's big... Much bigger than need, but... It could include the batteries. Interior Dimensions (inches): 7.25 x 4.75 x 3.06. The MTR fits in a 4x3" box. The Pelican 1010 is an option too, but I am not sure fitting a front panel would be easy with the liner removed. I'll attach photos of an 1120 with a front panel. Suggestions?
Gil.
I hope to install my MTR2, efhw tuner w/Tayloe SWR indicator, batteries w/lid mounted solar trickle charger, space for headphones and etc. in this -
http://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Waterproof-Portable-Speaker-Orange/dp/B003H3JJZE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438484766&sr=8-1&keywords=iPod+waterproof+speaker+case (http://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Waterproof-Portable-Speaker-Orange/dp/B003H3JJZE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438484766&sr=8-1&keywords=iPod+waterproof+speaker+case)
- I'm OK with it being 'larger' because with the ability to not use so many wires, connectors and etc. all inside of a fully watertight case with a speaker - priceless.
I'll likely use the touch keyer on the outside and a watertight BNC so that I can send in the rain - because these things HAPPEN!
73 de RadioRay ..._ ._
I remember you showed that one to me. It would be interesting for sure. I assume you'd have to open the box to change bands?
Gil.
Quote from: RadioRay on August 01, 2015, 11:13:31 PM
I hope to install my MTR2, efhw tuner w/Tayloe SWR indicator, batteries w/lid mounted solar trickle charger, space for headphones and etc. in this -
http://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Waterproof-Portable-Speaker-Orange/dp/B003H3JJZE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438484766&sr=8-1&keywords=iPod+waterproof+speaker+case (http://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Waterproof-Portable-Speaker-Orange/dp/B003H3JJZE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438484766&sr=8-1&keywords=iPod+waterproof+speaker+case)
- I'm OK with it being 'larger' because with the ability to not use so many wires, connectors and etc. all inside of a fully watertight case with a speaker - priceless.
I'll likely use the touch keyer on the outside and a watertight BNC so that I can send in the rain - because these things HAPPEN!
73 de RadioRay ..._ ._
Damn you Ray, I thought I had my MTR set up exactly how I wanted it and then you go and post this........ now I'm gonna have to order one of these so I have a project for this winter. That thing is cool!
True, it'll make the whole package a little bigger but not that much bigger and I think the advantages of having a shock resistant, waterproof case outweigh the slight increase in size. I see they also make the ECOXPRO (https://ecoxgear.com/ecoxpro/#2) which appears to be same thing with the addition of a waterproof 3.5mm phone jack. Definitely keep us updated on your progress of this project.
Hello,
I ordered the Pelican 1120 with the front panel frame.. I want to check the size.. If it isn't too big, I might go for it.
Also planned are those AA battery holders: http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=BX0027virtualkey15070000virtualkey122-BX0027 (http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=BX0027virtualkey15070000virtualkey122-BX0027). I would also add a small speaker and a touch keyer.
Gil.
Quote from: gil on August 02, 2015, 01:05:10 PM
Hello,
I ordered the Pelican 1120 with the front panel frame.. I want to check the size.. If it isn't too big, I might go for it.
Also planned are those AA battery holders: http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=BX0027virtualkey15070000virtualkey122-BX0027 (http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=BX0027virtualkey15070000virtualkey122-BX0027). I would also add a small speaker and a touch keyer.
Gil.
I like that battery tray, thanks for the link Gil.
Well, I am probably the first one to finish an MTR-5B!
It sort of works, except for the receiver. The microprocessor works. I did the BFO adjustment by ear (still waiting for the DSO138). I get a slight hiss in my powered speaker. I get slightly more hiss when pluggin in an antenna, even hear some faint noise/voices? I do get some RF output when transmitting, but haven't bothered peaking it yet.
Here is the problem: Changing the frequency with the up/down buttons does not seem to change the frequency at all, except on the LCD. I went to 7047.5 to peak on W1AW which I could hear on my K1, nothing.. Turning the band variable caps doesn't seem to do much either, if anything.
What could it be?
Gil.
BTW I took care of the bridge on the bottom above the C53 marking.
Gil, maybe you have checked this, but in your closeup photo of the chip, with the quarter for scale, it looks like you are dangerously close to a solder bridge between a couple of pins. If the dot is in the corner with pin 1 and if I counted right the possible bridge is between pins 18 and 19. It's just above the "X6" stenciled on the board.
Wally
Thanks Wally, the processor to the left of X6 is working fine, no bridges, though it look close..
Gil.
Well, I got the nifty little DSO138 oscilloscope kit today and put it together.. Then did the BFO and LO adjustments with the MTR5B. No problem. I still get no signal from my K1 on the MTR though. Someone on the AT_Sprint group suggested that I check the frequency on pin 19 of the AD9834. I checked, nothing, darn. All solder joints look fine on both the processor and the DDS, which are the hardest to solder due to the small size of the pins. So, back to checking again. I hope someone on the group suggests which pins to check. I looked at those connecting the two chips, but all seems all right. Maybe there is something else I am not thinking of.
I was the first to complete the kit, but probably won't be the first on the air :(
On the positive side the DSO138 works. Even though it only works for audio frequencies, it beats any multimeter in some situations when one needs to see the waveform. I wish it came with a case, but what can you get for $23!? Maybe I'll use a cigar box.. I did the BFO adjustment on the MTR by ear but I was way off! Higher frequencies sound louder, but the DSO138 showed me I was wrong. That little tool is a keeper, until I get a real oscilloscope at least..
Gil.
Gil, how's the 5B doing? I didn't get a kit but have skimmed a few of the group's emails and it sounds like there's a clock stability problem or something.
Hello Bob,
I haven't gotten back to it yet, but received a new chip from Steve Weber. I need to read the latest posts from the group to figure out what to do. There is a firmware update too, but fortunately I have the TI board to upload it... I still have which I assume is a soldering problem on one of the chips..
I also need to troubleshoot my BitX20A.. Won't get to either until next week..
Gil.
I have a 3-band MTR but also wanted this 5-bander. However I was working the day of the announcement and they sold out before I got home. No problem I thought. I'll just buy one from LNR when they start selling them. Well, LNR is now selling them for $380!!!!! :o Holly crap! I mean for just a little more I can get a good used FT-817. I guess I like my 3-band MTR more than I thought. If the MTR_5B could do digital modes I might feel more inclined, but at that price I doubt it.
I guess Steve Weber does something that no one else does (shirt pocket multi-banders), and if there's only 1 source you don't have to price things competitively.
Darn, they didn't include 80m instead of 17...
Gil
Quote from: gil on April 05, 2016, 05:09:03 AM
Darn, they didn't include 80m instead of 17...
Gil
Yeah, I noticed that. Too bad. The shorter bands will be less and less useful as we dive into the next solar minimum. We passed that crappy little peak 2 years ago and it's all down hill from here. I can see me converting my 3-band MTR from 40/30/20 to 80/40/20 at some point in the future. I don't use 30 much anyway.
I suppose someone could treat their LNR MTR like a kit and modify it for 80/40/30/20/15, but the case markings would be wrong, and if I recall you'd have to unsolder all the filter components for 40/30/20 and "move them over one position", then buy and install those for 80. That's a ton of work.
Yep.. I think I will buy another 3b and a single band 80m kit.. Or maybe a KX1, but it's really low power... Elecraft really needs to make a new three or four band board for the K1...
Gil
I agree about Elecraft. They've been focused on the big dollar items and ignoring the little guys. The KX1 is getting very old and they've quit maintaining the K1 and now it's only a 2 band rig. :-\