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Radio Preppers

General Category => Technical Corner => Topic started by: caulktel on December 11, 2017, 08:32:22 AM

Title: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: caulktel on December 11, 2017, 08:32:22 AM
This announced over the weekend. Of course I ordered one.

http://www.hfsignals.com/index.php/ubitx/

Joel
N6ALT
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: cockpitbob on December 11, 2017, 11:05:14 AM
Wow!  Fully built and tested surface mount boars!
Nice find.

No mention of current draw in Rx, but just looking at the board and circuitry it can't be bad.

I'd be ordering one right now, but I'm literally 3 projects behind right now ::) and promised myself I wouldn't buy another kit until I got at least 2 of these done :-\
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: caulktel on December 12, 2017, 11:05:17 AM
Hi Bob,

I found this from Ashhar Farhan himself regarding power consumption:

"Rx draws 150 ma on zero volume. It can go up to 200 ma on peaks.the tx draws south of 700ma without modulation, peaks to 2.5A on modulation."

Joel
N6ALT
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: cockpitbob on December 12, 2017, 04:09:17 PM
Joel, thanks!  Those are very reasonable power numbers.  This rig is looking more attractive every time I look at it.
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: caulktel on December 20, 2017, 11:58:16 AM
I received my new uBITX yesterday morning about 10AM, made my first contact by 1PM. A really nice sounding rig and putting out 10 watts on 40 meters. I'm trying to decide which case to use next.

Joel
N6ALT
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: scarr on December 22, 2017, 06:18:55 PM
I'm going to pick up one of these in the New Year.. would love to put it in a rugged case with built in ZM-3 tuner and a NEScaf filter..
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: caulktel on February 23, 2018, 06:37:19 PM
I have to say that this has turned out to be a great radio. Due to a chain of unfortunate supply and demand issues, I finally have a very nice case coming that will really make this uBitx look professional. A ham named Ian Lee on the uBitx group has completely rewritten the firmware and turned this into a professional radio with adjustable IF, memory, split operation, RIT, CAT control, and a whole bunch of other cool things. I can't wait to get this all finished and in my bedroom for nighttime ops. I hope those of you that bought one are enjoying it as much as I am. I think I will order another one.

Joel
N6ALT
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: gil on February 24, 2018, 07:36:19 AM
Hi Joel, do you have a link to the case?

Gil.
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: Jon_Garfio on February 24, 2018, 04:08:14 PM
Times are changing, Mbitx, mchf clon RS-918 (350€), etc.

I hope oriental market soon developes a SDR 100 whatts low cost.





Enviado desde mi Redmi Note 4 mediante Tapatalk

Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: caulktel on February 24, 2018, 04:47:05 PM
Hi Gil,

A lot of guys are using this one, but I ordered the one from the same seller that is the same dimensions  but a little taller to accommodate the Altec lancing speaker I'm going to mount inside.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-5U-65-x-178-x-203-mm-DIY-Hi-Aluminum-Electronic-Enclosure-Project-Box-Case/122963505580?hash=item1ca13231ac:g:uYsAAOSwubRXJQAW

Joel
N6ALT
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: caulktel on March 07, 2018, 12:44:24 PM
Well I finally received the enclosure for the uBitx, this was the hardest part of this whole project. I crossed the first hurdle and measured and drill the holes for the main board. Now to cut the display into the front panel, this is my least favorite thing to do :'(. I came to a sad conclusion on this project, I will be separating the display from the main board so that the display can be in the middle of the panel. I just couldn't have looked at it with the display over on the left side of the panel. So now I need to devise a method of short jumper wires or a custom made flat ribbon. If I dont mess up the cutout this is going to look very good.

Joel
N6ALT
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: Andywragg on March 08, 2018, 05:50:01 AM
Still waiting for my uBITX to be shipped.  :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: Andywragg on March 11, 2018, 02:13:38 PM
uBITX has been shipped. Now the nail biting begins.
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: gil on March 12, 2018, 12:02:04 PM
Looking forward to your next post Andy, with photos!  ;)

Gil.
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: caulktel on March 14, 2018, 12:05:57 PM
Finally done with my uBITX. Total cost, $145.00. Works great and will live on my night stand next to my bed and maybe go traveling with me this summer. Fun project but glad it's over.

Joel
N6ALT
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: caulktel on March 14, 2018, 05:15:25 PM
I just realized I misspelled Transceiver on my label. They really should put spell checkers on label makers. :D

Joel
N6ALT
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: gil on March 15, 2018, 04:38:12 AM
That looks very professional Joel, and all the buttons you need, none that you don't ;)

Gil.
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: Quietguy on March 15, 2018, 07:39:50 PM
Quote from: gil on March 15, 2018, 04:38:12 AM
That looks very professional Joel, and all the buttons you need, none that you don't ;)

Gil.

Is there a photo in Joel's post?  If so, it's not visible...

Wally
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: Andywragg on March 16, 2018, 05:17:13 AM
The box dropped yesterday, Hurrah I hear you all cry LOL. Sadly I've been too busy with other things to do anything with it other than check the contents. If the weather holds I'll be hiking and camping in the Yorkshire Dales tomorrow/Sunday. Got the Boafeng T1's and GT-3TP charged, and ready to go just in case we nee to 'Get to the Chopper'.
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: gil on March 16, 2018, 05:31:38 AM
QuoteIs there a photo in Joel's post?  If so, it's not visible...

Fixed.
Gil.
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: Andywragg on June 06, 2018, 10:15:29 AM
My uBITX is still in the wrapper, but I have been assured (after waiting since 25th April) that my new enclosure from InKits (amateurradiokits.in) will be shipped tomorrow which will save me a heap of time and faffing about. Once this arrives it will be a number 1 priority to get it finished.

I've already updated the firmware on the arduino to use the CEC firmware 1.08 and I'll be adding a 6 pin mini DIN socket into the audio/PTT lines to allow easy connection of a data interface so I can work FT-8.
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: caulktel on June 06, 2018, 07:02:50 PM
Good news Andy, you will love your uBitx with the CES 1.08 firmware. I use mine everyday and it just 'feels' like a real radio now with the new firmware. Those enclosures sure look professional, looking back I should have used one, it sure would have been easier. Please post pictures when you get done.

Joel
N6ALT
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: Andywragg on June 07, 2018, 06:26:39 AM
Got the tracking code from Sunil in the last hour. It's on it's way at last. I'll try and post pictures, may be better if I do a video and give you the link here, as I have issues posting pictures for some reason.
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: Andywragg on June 16, 2018, 11:32:54 AM
It's arrived and I've made a start.

https://www.facebook.com/andywragg221067/media_set?set=a.10216268867297546.1073741852.1329163645&type=3 (https://www.facebook.com/andywragg221067/media_set?set=a.10216268867297546.1073741852.1329163645&type=3)

Lots of work to do but I'm out with the band tonight so I'm chilling this afternoon.
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: caulktel on June 16, 2018, 05:39:06 PM
Looks great Andy, I love that gray finish. I wonder if a blue display might not look really sharp with the gray case. I just received my AGC and Click/pop kits today so I'm going to start in on building them and modifying my uBitx board Monday morning. I could put up with the pop every time I let go of the PTT, but this radio really needs AGC, so looking forward to finishing it. Keep us posted on your results.

Joel
N6ALT
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: Andywragg on June 17, 2018, 07:29:30 AM
I'm lusting after a Nextion display but it won't work with this case.  I wonder if Sunil has thought about different front plates laid out for different displays.
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: Andywragg on June 17, 2018, 06:24:15 PM
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.
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: Andywragg on June 23, 2018, 03:36:44 PM
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.
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: gil on June 24, 2018, 11:53:16 AM
You just might make me spend my money Andy, tempting...

Gil.
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: Andywragg on June 25, 2018, 04:09:19 AM
Check this out, and have your wallet ready......

https://youtu.be/Yfhmcili8x0 (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'.

Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: gil on June 25, 2018, 08:04:04 AM
QuoteCheck this out, and have your wallet ready......

You f--ker, LOL! Well done.

Maybe I should get a similar case for my BitX40 still in its plastic box and not spend $100, but if I get some extra $ why not...

Gil.
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: Andywragg on June 25, 2018, 08:48:48 AM
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!!
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: gil on June 25, 2018, 12:40:47 PM
There are a few radios I want to buy at the moment...


I have 110 items on my eBay Watch List, LOL.

Gil.
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: Sparks on June 26, 2018, 09:25:04 AM
Quote from: gil on June 25, 2018, 12:40:47 PM
There are a few radios I want to buy at the moment...

What about the Yaesu FT-817ND? Have you get one already? You have often stated that you'd like to own one, if memory serves me right.

https://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=102&encProdID=06014CD0AFA0702B25B12AB4DC9C0D27 (https://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=102&encProdID=06014CD0AFA0702B25B12AB4DC9C0D27)

What about this one?: https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamhf/0818.html (https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamhf/0818.html)
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: gil on June 26, 2018, 03:58:31 PM
Never but yes, I would like one too!

Gil

Sent from my SM-G928F using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: caulktel on July 20, 2018, 10:53:01 AM
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
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: gil on July 23, 2018, 02:08:31 PM
Looking forward to see the results!

Gil

Sent from my SM-G928F using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: 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
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: N1KTJ on August 17, 2018, 12:55:36 PM
Has anyone been using it with digital modes in any context ?

N1KTJ


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: caulktel on August 17, 2018, 05:47:51 PM
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
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: Andywragg on August 27, 2018, 11:12:33 AM
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.


Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: ELK on August 28, 2018, 09:20:26 AM
Quote from: caulktel on July 20, 2018, 10:53:01 AM
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

Be careful with the finals. If I recall well, the IRF510's back is connected to the drain, which is not "groundable". If you want to bolt them to the case, don't forget to use TO220 insulation kits  ;)


73's, Stan.
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: ELK on August 28, 2018, 09:27:02 AM
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

I own a µBitX but I'am not a subscriber of this group. Did they say anything about the frequencies of those spurs ? Are they over 30 MHz  ? In this case, an external third order LPF (at the cost of a few dB of power loss) might do the job...

73's, Stan.
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: caulktel on August 28, 2018, 11:36:10 AM
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
Title: Re: Its never been cheaper to get into Ham Radio! 3 to 30Mhz Xcvr for $109 US
Post by: caulktel on August 28, 2018, 12:29:27 PM
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
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