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Posted: 5/18/2022 8:25:13 PM EDT
[#1]
From what I can read (it's very blurry) that looks right to me. You may need to adjust some
gain settings somewhere? At least the input device looks right. |
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Posted: 5/18/2022 8:27:52 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryQuoted: From what I can read (it's very blurry) that looks right to me. You may need to adjust some gain settings somewhere? At least the input device looks right. I fixed the picture. All of the levels in the device manager are at 100% I am not sure if that is doing this or what. |
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Posted: 5/18/2022 8:34:37 PM EDT
[#3]
Maybe try 40M? 20M is fading and low noise right now. Could be that or it could be some issue
with the signal chain. Nothing I'm seeing in your update pic or the original screen shot looks wrong to me. |
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Posted: 5/18/2022 8:42:12 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Maybe try 40M? 20M is fading and low noise right now. Could be that or it could be some issue with the signal chain. Nothing I'm seeing in your update pic or the original screen shot looks wrong to me. These better?  Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 5/18/2022 8:46:37 PM EDT
[#5]
Yes, though look OK too.
Do you have a program other than WSJT to try (e.g. FLdigi or HRD?) |
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Posted: 5/18/2022 8:52:19 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Yes, though look OK too. Do you have a program other than WSJT to try (e.g. FLdigi or HRD?) I have tried WSPR and JS8Call. Same results. |
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Posted: 5/18/2022 8:57:33 PM EDT
[#7]
At this point I'd probably start looking for any solder bridges or related issues, try to confirm the
synthesizer is putting out a signal etc. Sounds like the microcontroller is working fine since CAT is working and the sound card ports are showing up so it's got to be the RF chain. |
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Posted: 5/18/2022 9:00:01 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted: At this point I'd probably start looking for any solder bridges or related issues, try to confirm the synthesizer is putting out a signal etc. Sounds like the microcontroller is working fine since CAT is working and the sound card ports are showing up so it's got to be the RF chain. I just pulled up JS8Call. I am getting brief waterfall glimpses. |
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Posted: 5/18/2022 9:02:57 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryYou have the TS-440 as your selected radio. With JS8Call, mine wouldn't work with that radio selected. Page 6 of the Operating Manual suggests selecting the TS-480 instead, if the 440 doesn't work - I did that, and mine now has a waterfall, CAT control of frequencies, and receives quite a few stations on 40M. No transmit output, however - Even though the LED indicates that it's in TX mode and getting good USB audio. I haven't had time to troubleshoot it, but suspect a bad connection on one of the toroids. Page 35 of the Operating Manual has some helpful TX troubleshooting issues, including what problems to look for each of the LED blink codes. |
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Posted: 5/18/2022 9:03:13 PM EDT
[#10]
FYI, your call is in the screen shot if you care.
@BLKVooDoo |
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Posted: 5/18/2022 9:07:43 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted: FYI, your call is in the screen shot if you care. @BLKVooDoo I thought I got them all... Thanks. I will dig into it tomorrow. I thought everything looked good. But maybe I missed something. |
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Posted: 5/19/2022 7:34:52 PM EDT
[#12]
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Posted: 5/19/2022 8:00:32 PM EDT
[#13]
I don't think these are all bad, but I circled stuff that looks suspicious to me, e.g. possible shorts or
iffy joints, debris etc:  Attached File |
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Posted: 5/19/2022 8:13:14 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I don't think these are all bad, but I circled stuff that looks suspicious to me, e.g. possible shorts or iffy joints, debris etc: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/266376/qrpout_jpg-2389879.JPG Thanks for the reply here are better pictures of the suspect joints.  Attached File Attached FileThis is the 19/20 turn on the large toroid.  Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 5/19/2022 8:51:36 PM EDT
[#15]
Ok, So now I am wondering if it isn't something with this computer.
When I switch what radio I am using in the settings of JS8Call, switch from ts-440 to ts-480, for a brief moment I see data on the waterfall.  Attached File |
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Posted: 5/19/2022 11:45:24 PM EDT
[#16]
Honestly - any one of the pads in red could be a problem.
Is your soldering iron running at a decent temperature (720 degrees F or so)? It almost looks like the wire isn't being heated up enough to boil away all the enamel on it.  Attached File |
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Posted: 5/20/2022 6:11:30 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Honestly - any one of the pads in red could be a problem. Is your soldering iron running at a decent temperature (720 degrees F or so)? It almost looks like the wire isn't being heated up enough to boil away all the enamel on it. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/13258/PCB_Pads_jpg-2390187.JPG I was soldering at about 710 degrees, I also scraped away the enamel with a razor blade at the solder point, figured that was good. I will reheat them tonight at a hotter temp. |
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Posted: 5/20/2022 10:20:43 AM EDT
[#18]
@BLKVooDoo
Got a computer question, does the port setting in the device manager match the menu port setting of 9600 8 - 1 - N ? 73, Rob |
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Posted: 5/20/2022 6:16:35 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted: @BLKVooDoo Got a computer question, does the port setting in the device manager match the menu port setting of 9600 8 - 1 - N ? 73, Rob @robmkivseries70  Attached File |
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Posted: 5/21/2022 9:00:11 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Ok, So now I am wondering if it isn't something with this computer. When I switch what radio I am using in the settings of JS8Call, switch from ts-440 to ts-480, for a brief moment I see data on the waterfall. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/471670/QDX4_png-2389955.JPG That pic is showing JS8Call but on the FT8 freq (.074 instead of .078) and so JS8Call might actually be working and the problem might just be WSJT-X. Does it quickly switch to .078 and the waterfall go away? The green slider on the left which is the receive signal input to the program in both pics, the JS8Call pic and the WSJT-X are too low, they should be up around 80 so there may be a mic input volume someplace on the computer, or the data / audio output on the radio that needs to be increased. It is the green vertical bar under "CAT" that is at 18db on the bottom left of the pic |
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Posted: 5/21/2022 9:21:41 AM EDT
[#21]
I found this:
https://groups.io/g/QRPLabs/topic/87016730?p=Created%2C%2C%2C20%2C2%2C0%2C0%3A%3A%2C%2C%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C87016730 This Post might apply to your problem I observe pretty much what you describe. My notes: 1) Win10 laptop, not recently rebooted. WSJT-X not running. Power, dummy load or resonant antenna, and USB cable connected to QCX, which is powered off. USB cable connected to PC. 2) Apply power (9v) to QDX, wait for steady LED. “Digital Audio Interface (QDX Transceiver)” appears in Win10 System Settings, Sound Panel, Master Volume at 100. 3) Launch WSJT-X. 14.074000 appears as the set frequency. This is the startup default I set with PuTTY. This appears even if I had previously set the frequency to 7.074000 before closing WSJT-X, so it is being as a. AT command from the QDX. No signal decoding appears (when antenna connected, of course) and the audio bar graph is at 80. The WSJT-X Settings shows, for Audio: QDX selected; for Radio: TS-480, COM3, Test CAT works, Test CAT PTT causes LED To flash. 4) Close WSJT-X. Power off QDX for ~30 seconds, then power on. 5) Launch WSJT-X. Everything now works normally, signals decoded. I built my QDX for 9 volt operation, so as to minimize risk to the BS170 transistors from a reactive load. I do not have a suitable 9 V power supply, but several 12 V supplies, so put a TO-220 7809 regulator in a small die-cast aluminum box with 2.1/5.5 mm power jacks on each end, with a toggle switch and LED, as shown in the photos. Then I use a cable with power plugs on each end to connect this to the QDX. The switch has been quite convenient in all this! |
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Posted: 6/7/2022 7:07:57 AM EDT
[#22]
Ok, so now that I have a (tr)uSDX as well as the QDX. I am getting the same problem with the SDX. So I am confident that I didn't muck up my QDX, and there is something going on with my laptop. I modified the AUX cable, went through the wsjtx setting to change it over to USB sound, and got CAT control.
Either there is a setting in wsjtx I am missing or this computer does not like HAM radio stuff at all. 
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Posted: 6/7/2022 8:07:50 PM EDT
[#23]
Post a pic of the radio tab
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Posted: 6/7/2022 8:17:35 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Post a pic of the radio tab 
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Posted: 6/7/2022 8:53:06 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryChange mode to data/pkt. |
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Posted: 6/7/2022 8:55:44 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Change mode to data/pkt. The result when I do that. 
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Posted: 6/7/2022 9:01:40 PM EDT
[#27]
That and I have split operation on "fake it" is the only difference between your settings and mine...but we're using different hardware.
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Posted: 6/7/2022 9:22:10 PM EDT
[#28]
I am ready to give up on digital....
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Posted: 6/7/2022 11:06:19 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I am ready to give up on digital.... @BLKVooDoo Don't, it was like that for me when I was starting out. But once you figure it out, you're going to be golden. It's something small somewhere that's getting you. Step away for a few days, come back at it with fresh eyes.... Sorry, I haven't read the entire thread, but do you have any radios working with digital? |
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Posted: 6/7/2022 11:10:51 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted: @BLKVooDoo Don't, it was like that for me when I was starting out. But once you figure it out, you're going to be golden. It's something small somewhere that's getting you. Step away for a few days, come back at it with fresh eyes.... Sorry, I haven't read the entire thread, but do you have any radios working with digital? Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I am ready to give up on digital.... @BLKVooDoo Don't, it was like that for me when I was starting out. But once you figure it out, you're going to be golden. It's something small somewhere that's getting you. Step away for a few days, come back at it with fresh eyes.... Sorry, I haven't read the entire thread, but do you have any radios working with digital? No, ordered the QDX, built it. Couldn't get it working. Ordered the (tr)uSDX pre-built. I am having the same issues with SDX as the QDX. So I know it is computer related now. Brand new Dell laptop, windows 11. |
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Posted: 6/8/2022 12:31:53 PM EDT
[#31]
From what I remember Kenwoods are not like some other radios on the serial communications. I don't think they are N 8 and 1. Maybe N 8 and 2. BUT the key here is something is not aligning up when the program sends the command to put the radio into Data/Packet mode. this is JUST a CAT message and it puked on you. This tells me that the CAT is NOT functioning 100 percent between the PC and the radio. We MUST solve this problem. Don't try to leave it in USB mode. It needs to be in DATA mode so the microphone on the front panel is dead. If you want me to assist you send me a pm and we can exchange phone numbers and I will assist you as long as it takes. I have helped hundreds, and no I cannot remember the set up of every radio and every situation, BUT I have years of experience at assisting people with technical problems over the phone. And while it may not mean a whole hello of a lot, I am appointed as an ARRL technical specialist for the state of Missouri. So give me a call, and lets fix this problem together.
Download and install Anydesk and I will be able to see your screen and work with you that way. What I cannot see is how the Kenwood is set up, but I can download a manual and go thru things with you. This may take hours, but if you don't give up, I won't give up. 73 James K0UA Anydesk |
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Posted: 6/8/2022 2:30:45 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted: No, ordered the QDX, built it. Couldn't get it working. Ordered the (tr)uSDX pre-built. I am having the same issues with SDX as the QDX. So I know it is computer related now. Brand new Dell laptop, windows 11. @BLKVooDoo, There's a thread in the DL2MAN forum where they discuss digital setup with the (TR)uSDX. When I get home from work I'll post it here. That should help and be relevant to you situation. |
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Posted: 6/8/2022 5:01:35 PM EDT
[#33]
Quoted: From what I remember Kenwoods are not like some other radios on the serial communications. I don't think they are N 8 and 1. Maybe N 8 and 2. BUT the key here is something is not aligning up when the program sends the command to put the radio into Data/Packet mode. this is JUST a CAT message and it puked on you. This tells me that the CAT is NOT functioning 100 percent between the PC and the radio. We MUST solve this problem. Don't try to leave it in USB mode. It needs to be in DATA mode so the microphone on the front panel is dead. If you want me to assist you send me a pm and we can exchange phone numbers and I will assist you as long as it takes. I have helped hundreds, and no I cannot remember the set up of every radio and every situation, BUT I have years of experience at assisting people with technical problems over the phone. And while it may not mean a whole hello of a lot, I am appointed as an ARRL technical specialist for the state of Missouri. So give me a call, and lets fix this problem together. Download and install Anydesk and I will be able to see your screen and work with you that way. What I cannot see is how the Kenwood is set up, but I can download a manual and go thru things with you. This may take hours, but if you don't give up, I won't give up. 73 James K0UA Anydesk PM sent Quoted: @BLKVooDoo, There's a thread in the DL2MAN forum where they discuss digital setup with the (TR)uSDX. When I get home from work I'll post it here. That should help and be relevant to you situation. Thank, I would like to see that. |
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Posted: 6/8/2022 8:59:06 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted: PM sent Thank, I would like to see that. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: From what I remember Kenwoods are not like some other radios on the serial communications. I don't think they are N 8 and 1. Maybe N 8 and 2. BUT the key here is something is not aligning up when the program sends the command to put the radio into Data/Packet mode. this is JUST a CAT message and it puked on you. This tells me that the CAT is NOT functioning 100 percent between the PC and the radio. We MUST solve this problem. Don't try to leave it in USB mode. It needs to be in DATA mode so the microphone on the front panel is dead. If you want me to assist you send me a pm and we can exchange phone numbers and I will assist you as long as it takes. I have helped hundreds, and no I cannot remember the set up of every radio and every situation, BUT I have years of experience at assisting people with technical problems over the phone. And while it may not mean a whole hello of a lot, I am appointed as an ARRL technical specialist for the state of Missouri. So give me a call, and lets fix this problem together. Download and install Anydesk and I will be able to see your screen and work with you that way. What I cannot see is how the Kenwood is set up, but I can download a manual and go thru things with you. This may take hours, but if you don't give up, I won't give up. 73 James K0UA Anydesk PM sent Quoted: @BLKVooDoo, There's a thread in the DL2MAN forum where they discuss digital setup with the (TR)uSDX. When I get home from work I'll post it here. That should help and be relevant to you situation. Thank, I would like to see that. Try this thread.... https://forum.dl2man.de/viewtopic.php?p=3003&hilit=cat+control#p3003 |
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Posted: 6/8/2022 11:03:01 PM EDT
[#35]
received the PM, but didn't get it until bedtime, so I sent you my number, and we can catch up with each other tomorrow.
73 James K0UA |
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Posted: 7/5/2022 9:08:12 PM EDT
[#36]
My QDX arrived. Photos just don't convey how tiny this thing is. Wish it did 10m out of the box (Tech only), but apparently that is in the works. I may hold off building it for a bit, surely someone is working on making 10 work. Maybe I'll just build it anyway, I need to get off my ass and get General.
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Posted: 7/6/2022 9:26:33 AM EDT
[#37]
I also received my QDX order yesterday. Can't wait to get started on the build!
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Posted: 7/14/2022 1:58:58 PM EDT
[#38]
Put the finishing touches on my QDX last night and have had it running for about 18 hours now. This little radio kicks ass. Wish these radios were around 14 years ago when I first was licensed!
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