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Re: PL/EU Group Buy - SN3AK - I (completed) II (full)

Posted: 04 Jul 2022, 12:58
by DJ2FL
sa6cmo wrote: 02 Jul 2022, 16:18 Hi Adam,
I have not received any kit from group buy II.
From what I understand it was sent on 6/15/2022.
Seems to me that 14 days from Poland to Sweden is more than expected.

Best regards
Robert - SA6CMO
Hi,

According to the trouble shooting forum you flash the bootloader with pb Option if you have 328pb version, but the software itself has to be installed with p version because the bootloader makes the unit think it is a p version. Didn‘t have success yet installing the bootloader but forum told me that Avrdudes GUI or arguing uno could be the cause and also bad cable is a common problem. So I will try with tiny as command line and check connection.

73
Frank, DJ2FL

Re: PL/EU Group Buy - SN3AK - I (completed) II (full)

Posted: 04 Jul 2022, 16:20
by sq4nyy
9A7AM wrote: 04 Jul 2022, 08:51 It seems to me that there is a problem with the ATMEGA328PB from group II (maybe a general problem with 328PB chip).
I programmed it from scratch with AVRstudio and JTAGICE3 programmer and all problems related to frequent resets, beeping and buzzing remained unchanged.
Then I replaced the chip with the genuine ATMEGA328P and now everything works great. Even the noise floor of the receiver is noticeably lower.

Thank you YO4XPF!

73 de Ivan, 9A7AM
Wrong recognition of the mcu would suggest it. I will test it soon. Anyway stocks of Atmegas are literally zero at official distributors' like Farnell ot TME, so I doubt some Chinese company had genuine ones.

Re: PL/EU Group Buy - SN3AK - I (completed) II (full)

Posted: 04 Jul 2022, 19:24
by alfa1962
Hi Adam,

Thank you very much for your efforts.
I have received the kit from second group on 28 June.

I do not have soldered and even as spare parts the Q4-IRLML2060 and Q5-FDT86256 from the RF board.
And also I have only two FT37-43 magnetic toroid instead of three.

On my mainboard U4 is ATMega328PB-U in TQFP32.
Also there are not soldered but are as spare parts U1-74ACT00 and U9-LT6231.

Can you clarify the above issue
73, YO3FAA

Re: PL/EU Group Buy - SN3AK - I (completed) II (full)

Posted: 04 Jul 2022, 19:40
by alfa1962
Hi Adam,

Looking in the schematic of the RF board I have understand that the three BS170 can be replaced with one IRLML2060 or one FDT86256.
Sorry for my mistake regarding missing parts Q4 and Q5.
So the only missing part is one FT37-43.

73, YO3FAA

Re: PL/EU Group Buy - SN3AK - I (completed) II (full)

Posted: 06 Jul 2022, 06:54
by sa6cmo
sa6cmo wrote: 02 Jul 2022, 16:18 Hi Adam,
I have not received any kit from group buy II.
From what I understand it was sent on 6/15/2022.
Seems to me that 14 days from Poland to Sweden is more than expected.

Best regards
Robert - SA6CMO
ok, the kit came with the mail today after three weeks on the road.

Sorry about the false alarm.

Regards
Robert

Re: PL/EU Group Buy - SN3AK - I (completed) II (full)

Posted: 07 Jul 2022, 14:08
by Alain
Hello Adam

Received kit yesterday. I'll get to build it over the weekend

Thank you very much for your effort

Alain (ea3atj)

Re: PL/EU Group Buy - SN3AK - I (completed) II (full)

Posted: 11 Jul 2022, 07:33
by Adam SN3AK
Dear Group II,

All paid kits are already sent.
If you didn't received it yet, please contact my on my @gmail.com email (I sent payment information from this email.)
All kits were sent with registered mail.
Regarding Atmega processor, group I it was 328P where group II was 328PB - due to stock shortage at JLCPCB. I uploaded bootloader to all board.

73, Best regards,
Adam

Re: PL/EU Group Buy - SN3AK - I (completed) II (full)

Posted: 11 Jul 2022, 07:47
by Adam SN3AK
also please be careful with BS170 mounting. They have to be 180 degrees rotated than suggestion on the silkscreen printing on PCB. I put leaflet to the package with information what is exact pin out of the transistors.
73,
Adam

Re: PL/EU Group Buy - SN3AK - I (completed) II (full)

Posted: 11 Jul 2022, 09:33
by yo8rcd
I've already put him to work.
Here I say more ... https://yo8rcd.blogspot.com/2022/07/tru ... itale.html

Re: PL/EU Group Buy - SN3AK - I (completed) II (full)

Posted: 13 Jul 2022, 15:18
by dj0tk
trusdr-flashen - 328pb_.PNG
trusdr-flashen - 328pb_.PNG (105.63 KiB) Viewed 6692 times
Hello OMs,
after I finish the montage of (tru)sdx II
I tried to flash.
I get this warning:
avrdude.exe: Device signature = 0x1e950f (probably m328p)
avrdude.exe: Expected signature for ATmega328PB is 1E 95 16
Double check chip, or use -F to override this check.

so it is not flashed. Is there a workaround for this problem?
Please Help.
73 DJ0TK Ali

Re: PL/EU Group Buy - SN3AK - I (completed) II (full)

Posted: 13 Jul 2022, 15:55
by msax
Simply use the ATmega328P instead of the PB type. Regardless of whether PB is actually used, the Bootloader reports P instead of PB.

Re: PL/EU Group Buy - SN3AK - I (completed) II (full)

Posted: 13 Jul 2022, 16:23
by sq4nyy
Please read previous posts, these megas are counterfeit, that's why the device ID does not match. That's how Chinese earn cash - offering ICs and other components noone else has. So it's obvious what they sell. If your trusdx keeps freezing and resets every time you turn the knob fast, you need to find genuine one, what is not simple (and it's not the only thing which works wrong with counterfeits). Check other threads on trusdx's forums. 73

Re: PL/EU Group Buy - SN3AK - I (completed) II (full)

Posted: 19 Jul 2022, 12:27
by msax
Good day, everyone.

I have two kits with me. One of them is from 9A5MP. The shunt resistance on RF boards is 21.5 mΩ and 21.7 mΩ. The efficiency readout was around 60% when the setting in the "8.6 R shunt" menu was set to default 17. When it was corrected to 22, the readout was around 80%.

Measure shunt resistance if an efficiency readout appears to be too low.

Re: PL/EU Group Buy - SN3AK - I (completed) II (full)

Posted: 20 Jul 2022, 14:39
by 9A5MPV
Hello,

and finally to show off finished assembly, completely done by my friend Marko 9A6PAF

Just in time to test it on the seaside next three weeks :-)

9A5MP Vlado

Image

Re: PL/EU Group Buy - SN3AK - I (completed) II (full)

Posted: 22 Jul 2022, 14:31
by DJ2FL
Adam SN3AK wrote: 11 Jul 2022, 07:47 also please be careful with BS170 mounting. They have to be 180 degrees rotated than suggestion on the silkscreen printing on PCB. I put leaflet to the package with information what is exact pin out of the transistors.
73,
Adam
Hi,
i had problems getting the bootloader onto the device and after some troubleshooting I think the cause is the wrong pin configuration of the FETs:
When I tried to upload the bootloader with the help of Arduino UNO as described by DL2MAN I always got an error message that the CPU could not be identified. I powered the trusdx with a usb poor bank and eventually connected the 5V from the Arduino board to the truSDX - but you must disconnect USB power - and then I could upload the bootloader successfully. After that I went to the next step and tried to upload the Firmware by USB - but when I connected USB to PC the PC Metioned that USB was deactivated due to high current consumption. I disconnected the RF Board and could successfully upload the Firmware. But when I connected the RF Board to the Main Board the unit switched off. After some research in the forum I came across the controversy about the pinout of the FETs and desoldered L15 - to disconnect FETs and now I can connect the RF Board to Main Board and the device does not shut down. So I hope replacing the FETs or just rotating it helps. But what I read so far, there are a lot of different Pin-Configurations for BS170. So my hint: Check carefully before soldering. :-)
So now I understand: When I wanted to upload the bootloader, the truSDX wasn't even switched on because the USB Powerbank switched of due to high current consumption. Maybe this even prevented the FETs from getting burnt - I will see...

Re: PL/EU Group Buy - SN3AK - I (completed) II (full)

Posted: 23 Jul 2022, 05:52
by Dewil23
9A5MPV wrote: 20 Jul 2022, 14:39 Hello,

and finally to show off finished assembly, completely done by my friend Marko 9A6PAF

Just in time to test it on the seaside next three weeks :-)

9A5MP Vlado

Image

Great to hear that Vlado,I'm travelling tommorow down to Pag,on the way I'll be POTA activating Zir,early in the morning tho,but i plan to activate all 3 POTA points on Pag itself,keep a lookout on sotawatch,it will probably be late afternoon,evening activations.

Karlo 9A3BKF

Re: PL/EU Group Buy - SN3AK - I (completed) II (full)

Posted: 27 Jul 2022, 15:13
by cu3cw
Hi Adam,

Getting back to Ham after 30 years away and this looks like a very interesting QRP radio :D .

If you plan a Group Buy III I am interested in 1 kit.

Thx.

73, Serpa CU3CW

Re: PL/EU Group Buy - SN3AK - I (completed) II (full)

Posted: 06 Aug 2022, 09:00
by pa4hjh
Dear SN3AK builders, I was part of the first group buy with 2 kits.
After building the kits I've tuned the RF filters according to the video by DL2MAN and the information in the efficiency topic and they are spot on.
I've also checked the low impedance filters and they are ok too.
But now comes the tricky part. Before I tuned the filters I've noticed efficiency figures reported by the truSDX between 67% en 78% I'm unable to get them any higher.
After tuning the RF circuit the RF output got a bit lower even and the efficiency drifted just a little bit.

I am very curious what your findings are with the built of this kit and there efficiency figures.

Here are mine:
12V before tuning filters

Code: Select all

80M * 6,77 W * 70,7% Eff
60M * 4,77 W * 78,5% Eff
40M * 4,22 W * 75% Eff
30M * 5    W  * 73,7% Eff
20M * 3,7  W  * 67,4% Eff

12V after tuning filters

Code: Select all

80M * 6,1  W * 78% Eff
60M * 4,66 W * 79% Eff
40M * 3,99 W * 76% Eff
30M * 4,71 W * 73,5% Eff
20M * 3,76 W * 67,1% Eff
The accuracy of the output in Watts and Efficiency are within 5~10% based on measurements with an external power/RF meter. So I don't think it's the T1/T2 combo but it lies somewhere else.
Please let me know what your efficiency figures are measured in a dummy load.

P.s.

The radio works with the current Efficiency figures I was able to make a few contact in the EU on CW en SSB without any remarks on audio/signal integrity just using the internal mic/speaker and a simple (resonant) end-fed.

Re: PL/EU Group Buy - SN3AK - I (completed) II (full)

Posted: 06 Aug 2022, 09:29
by yo8rcd
To read:
viewtopic.php?p=3812&hilit=Rshunt#p3812


My experience:
https://yo8rcd.blogspot.com/2022/06/tru ... eglaj.html
https://yo8rcd.blogspot.com/2022/06/tru ... e-sau.html

I also improved the results by restoring the tuning of the output filters.
Although I have other transceivers, I use (tr)uSDX almost daily for QSOs in digital modes.
https://yo8rcd.blogspot.com/2022/07/tru ... itale.html

Re: PL/EU Group Buy - SN3AK - I (completed) II (full)

Posted: 06 Aug 2022, 09:53
by pa4hjh
yo8rcd wrote: 06 Aug 2022, 09:29 To read:
viewtopic.php?p=3812&hilit=Rshunt#p3812


My experience:
https://yo8rcd.blogspot.com/2022/06/tru ... eglaj.html
https://yo8rcd.blogspot.com/2022/06/tru ... e-sau.html

I also improved the results by restoring the tuning of the output filters.
Although I have other transceivers, I use (tr)uSDX almost daily for QSOs in digital modes.
https://yo8rcd.blogspot.com/2022/07/tru ... itale.html
Thank you I've missed this topic (Rshunt). I'll measure it at my office for a precise value.
Setting Rshunt from 17 > 22 makes a big difference in the efficiency figures.
Now to verify them again...
What value have other builders set for Rshunt? And are there more builders like YO8RCD that followed the same procedure and what are your results.?

Rshunt 22 - Without further tuning or verification of the actual efficiency

Code: Select all

80M * 6.1W * 98%
60M * 4.6W * 99%
40M * 3.9W * 98%
30M * 4.7W * 94%
20M * 3.7W * 85%
Output power has been verified and corresponds with measured values within 10% tolerance.
The behaviour of the truSDX also changed on my antenna, higher output power. Is it possible that changing the Rshunt affects the output? I would expect it only affects the calculation of the Efficiency.
I'm able to drive my ATU now which requires >5W on 80 through 30. 20M does not provide enough power atm.

Re: PL/EU Group Buy - SN3AK - I (completed) II (full)

Posted: 06 Aug 2022, 15:33
by yo8rcd
It seems that it also affects the efficiency, not just the calculation.

I think you can get more in 20m.
I "played" with gathering and unraveling the coils in the filter.
For me, the (tr)uSDX indicates 6.15W on the output, and the ATU100 indicates an input of 4.8W. This is actually the value closer to reality.
I don't know how precise the indication of the antenna coupler is, but I know that at some point I checked the level read on the oscilloscope and compared it with the ATU100 indications and it seemed to be fine.

Re: PL/EU Group Buy - SN3AK - I (completed) II (full)

Posted: 08 Aug 2022, 10:10
by oh2lkv
Hello,

If group buy 3 is planned, I would like to purchase five kitts.


73's Juha OH2LKV

Re: PL/EU Group Buy - SN3AK - I (completed) II (full)

Posted: 11 Aug 2022, 06:54
by LanWolf
I’m interested too if there is going to be a group buy three, I think 2 or 3 kits :)

Re: PL/EU Group Buy - SN3AK - I (completed) II (full)

Posted: 13 Aug 2022, 18:14
by DO9KL
Hi,

if there is going to be a 3rd group, I would be interested in 2.

Thank you for the effort!

73 DO9KL

Re: PL/EU Group Buy - SN3AK - I (completed) II (full)

Posted: 14 Aug 2022, 22:36
by IK2VOV
Hi,
if there will be the 3rd group I would order 2 kits.

Thanks

73 IK2VOV