Great video... Thanks... My comment is the Ham Radio was originally a DIY hobby NOT an "appliance operator" hobby that it has become today... Kit builds like the UBitx has brought back my interest after a 25 year absence and has peeked my interest in bringing back the experimentation aspect that started Ham Radio in the first place... 73 Glenn VE3JAU
It's really good that you are bringing some hands on, DIY, low cost ham radio projects...that's what it was all about in the early days. You might look at Ziegu rigs, including the G90 around $400 US I think. And with a built in tuner and morse reader!
Just in case there was any confusion for anyone, the BITX series, different bands but single band radios, run $59. Its an amazing radio. The uBITX is one step above , 3 to 30 without mods and a little more with them, 10 watts or more just like your description, also has the separate wires for exciter power and amp power, very easy to work with, and a lot of fun. Most of the time $109. The only thing you didn't say is that the exciter has circuitry that is more advanced than many very expensive radios. Off the charts with simplicity and performance. And, it will be a perfect camp radio to boot. The build can be simple or like the one at the uBITX facebook group, used for the cover photo. Fun is the operative word here. I've got this little si5131 shield, it should be a very useful piece of gear. Thanks for the video.
I think the BITX is more like 5 watts. Unless the new version has been changed., it has a single output FET, so it is half the power of the uBITX. Its also half the price. Or close to that. It also has a Raduino now, for digital frequency control.
Cool, and a lot of people are putting relays in, with low pass filters, for other bands. This won't make it a uBITX as there are many other things that were done with the uBITX but people are quite often putting BITXs on 80 and 20 meters ect.. And they work good. A site where a lot has been done is www.ND6T.com . The AGC is a good start. Have fun. I've got the little shield above, need to put it together with a nano. As Don ND6T said, to calibrate it, just "enter" tin the software the ACTUAL frequency of the crystal clock oscillator . The unit could be put within a cycle of WWV !
Can’t wait for the upcoming video. I have a bitx40 just waiting for this. I even have a few of these breakout boards from Adafruit. Thanks for showing this.
The board said 8khz to 160mhz though. Oh, and nice to know Alinco is still around as it was my only radio back in the 1980's and was a nice HT and back then people talked down about it because it wasn't the big three but I never had an issue with it and I ran it as a base only with its 5 watts out 2m for packet radio (mostly).
I'm going to attempt to use an Si5351 to replace a TCXO that outputs a 45.5 Mhz signal. I would need to get the output looking more like a sin wave and understand I could achieve that by using an L/C/R filter on the output. Wonder if you've ever done that or can point me in the direction of info on that subject.
Hi there. I just want to help answering your q. Actually this chip have its characteristic. The lower frequency you set. This chip will give you more square-like output frequency. But, in 10MHz, i never heard someone get square wave. So the answer is you cant. Tell me if you already know how to do it. :)
Hi, could you tell me if this Si5351A module can generate square waves at minimum 20MHz and at maximum 65MHz, I need a square wave generator because my ADC from Texas Instruments only works with square wave clock.
Although the chip itself may go below 8 MHz, are you sure that the Adafruit board does? The specs say >8MHz. Could it be your misunderstanding? It would explain why you got a square wave and not a (dirty) sine as at other frequencies. Thank you anyway for your video and for sharing your knowledge.
Cool break out board. Adafruit has some really good stuff, Lady Ada does some amazing designs. The build should be interesting. Is this a kit you're getting or already assembled? Thanks for the video!
It's 80% or so. There are two boards: the HF radio and amp board and an Arduino/dds/ display board. All of the wiring is left up to the builder, along with a case, and speaker.
well. I have gone and done it! my soldering iron looks like crap. I bought cheap solder. and has left the nastiest black carbon and who knows what all built up on it. I'm gonna have to clean it with sand paper if its gonna be cleaned. I have tried everything else. its just a 25w RadioShack iron. I haven't found any tips for it. I don't like tossing things that can be fixed. even if it is cheap. any help for my iron? great video. its a bit beyond me. but hey that's how we learn.
Soldering iron tip cleaner would be the best thing to try. If you use sandpaper, the iron coating will be damaged and then the tip will get pitted and wear away quickly.
I've restored old soldering iron tips by using the acid paste flux for making plumbing connections and putting the hot iron tip in it and cleaning off with steel wool. Then tinning with rosin core solder. After doing this repeatedly I got good results. Just make sure that there is no acid paste flux residue left on the tip and you will be OK to solder electronic circuits with that soldering tip.
@@rafaelbarbosacosta9365 The output is distorted in this vid largely because it's in a crummy proto board which is horrible for RF. On a decent ground plane, yes, you'll create a nicer waveform.
Hey, I am using STM32F103C8T6 controller to get 36,24,72Mhz and when I check on a Keysight Infinivision MSOX4024A with max 200 Mhz. It shows 36,24,72Mhz also of sin wave only. Is it correct! Actually, I was expecting a square wave.
So, could this setup be used as an RF generator? Buffer the output, add modulation and adjust output down to microvolts? A low low cost rf test set? Well, the square wave would be an issue.
As I said in the video, many times, the look of the waveforms is a function of my 50MHz scope trying to display a 100MHz signal. The 10kHz signal was perfect. Yes you can make it into an RF generator.
Could this be used as a crystal replacement in an old computer? I need a 20.275 mhz crystal and can not find it anywhere. Can this thing function on it's own after programming with the arduino? I have the 5V/GND on the mainboard.
It sounds ridiculous that it would not have some flash to program for fixed frequency applications ... but looking at the datasheet, seems you are right. But an Arduino would be overkill to program this for a static application. You could buy an atmega8a for $0.47, or a tiny for even less.
Have no idea why I looked into this ... not me with the Model 4 (but it would be cool). But the good news is that the 20.275mhz crystal can be had for 81 cents each. Bad news is that you have to buy in lots of 1000. www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Pletronics/SM5545TEV-20275M/?qs=dHOEZjiJ3XOU56eUXdQRww==
A lot of the issues with the oscilloscope display are due to the probing technique used. (The scope will obviously not be calibrated at 2X it's rated frequency.) At RF frequencies you need to keep the the lead lengths to the scope probe as short as possible. This includes the ground lead. W2AEW has an excellent video showing how to make a quick and easy probe socket that will work with most any oscilloscope probe. th-cam.com/video/-4q8geE5ef8/w-d-xo.html Hope this helps.
Thank you Terry. I love Alan's videos. I have avoided RF for 30 years, but watching him got me over my RF block, and inspired me to get my ham license. KE8IXE
Dude I have a 100w Ten Tec. I don't need another radio, I'm building the Bitx for the fun and education. Besides with used gear you never know what you are getting.
learnelectronics Wasn't trying to be combative. You stated the high cost of radio equipment. I pointed out there is plenty of good used equipment out there for a beginning. Hams love to upgrade. As soon as the "new and improved" comes in, they look to trade in the old or sell it.
Great video... Thanks... My comment is the Ham Radio was originally a DIY hobby NOT an "appliance operator" hobby that it has become today... Kit builds like the UBitx has brought back my interest after a 25 year absence and has peeked my interest in bringing back the experimentation aspect that started Ham Radio in the first place... 73 Glenn VE3JAU
It's really good that you are bringing some hands on, DIY, low cost ham radio projects...that's what it was all about in the early days. You might look at Ziegu rigs, including the G90 around $400 US I think. And with a built in tuner and morse reader!
Just in case there was any confusion for anyone, the BITX series, different bands but single band radios, run $59. Its an amazing radio. The uBITX is one step above , 3 to 30 without mods and a little more with them, 10 watts or more just like your description, also has the separate wires for exciter power and amp power, very easy to work with, and a lot of fun. Most of the time $109. The only thing you didn't say is that the exciter has circuitry that is more advanced than many very expensive radios. Off the charts with simplicity and performance. And, it will be a perfect camp radio to boot. The build can be simple or like the one at the uBITX facebook group, used for the cover photo. Fun is the operative word here. I've got this little si5131 shield, it should be a very useful piece of gear. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for the added info. The latest version of the bitx40 also has separate pa voltage inputs(according to the hfsignals webpage)
I think the BITX is more like 5 watts. Unless the new version has been changed., it has a single output FET, so it is half the power of the uBITX. Its also half the price. Or close to that. It also has a Raduino now, for digital frequency control.
I just checked, it's 7w
Cool, and a lot of people are putting relays in, with low pass filters, for other bands. This won't make it a uBITX as there are many other things that were done with the uBITX but people are quite often putting BITXs on 80 and 20 meters ect.. And they work good. A site where a lot has been done is www.ND6T.com . The AGC is a good start. Have fun. I've got the little shield above, need to put it together with a nano. As Don ND6T said, to calibrate it, just "enter" tin the software the ACTUAL frequency of the crystal clock oscillator . The unit could be put within a cycle of WWV !
Can’t wait for the upcoming video. I have a bitx40 just waiting for this. I even have a few of these breakout boards from Adafruit. Thanks for showing this.
Cool. I can't wait to get mine shipped in. How long did it take to get yours?
learnelectronics about a month. But I bought about 6 months ago.
Thanks for the info. I think you will like tomorrow's video...
It would be really great if there were sketches and libraries that were in the same place so everything works together
7:50 I can confirm, it looks a lot cleaner on my Siglent SDS1202X-E. You maybe have a bit of hum on the signal there.
Likely caused by the proto board which provides a horrible RF ground.
The board said 8khz to 160mhz though. Oh, and nice to know Alinco is still around as it was my only radio back in the 1980's and was a nice HT and back then people talked down about it because it wasn't the big three but I never had an issue with it and I ran it as a base only with its 5 watts out 2m for packet radio (mostly).
That's probably the stable range. At the extremes it might get a little crunchy.
You will find out though right? :)
No doubt
I'm going to attempt to use an Si5351 to replace a TCXO that outputs a 45.5 Mhz signal. I would need to get the output looking more like a sin wave and understand I could achieve that by using an L/C/R filter on the output. Wonder if you've ever done that or can point me in the direction of info on that subject.
Hello, how can I get a square wave signal with this module, on the order of 10 MHz but with amplitude from 0V to 3V ??
Hi there. I just want to help answering your q. Actually this chip have its characteristic. The lower frequency you set. This chip will give you more square-like output frequency. But, in 10MHz, i never heard someone get square wave. So the answer is you cant. Tell me if you already know how to do it. :)
@@kimtzuyu2765 Shcmitt trigger
Hi, could you tell me if this Si5351A module can generate square waves at minimum 20MHz and at maximum 65MHz, I need a square wave generator because my ADC from Texas Instruments only works with square wave clock.
You maybe would like to consider the AD-9851 for that
How do you program nvm on this si clock chip
Lol. Osmeloscope lol
I am so using stealing that phrase 😆
Good video, as always 👍
Liking the guitar intro/outros 👍
Thank you
Although the chip itself may go below 8 MHz, are you sure that the Adafruit board does? The specs say >8MHz. Could it be your misunderstanding? It would explain why you got a square wave and not a (dirty) sine as at other frequencies.
Thank you anyway for your video and for sharing your knowledge.
thank for your video ，where is the transmitter？
Is there a simple way to make the output much stronger? Thanks
Cool break out board. Adafruit has some really good stuff, Lady Ada does some amazing designs. The build should be interesting. Is this a kit you're getting or already assembled? Thanks for the video!
It's 80% or so. There are two boards: the HF radio and amp board and an Arduino/dds/ display board. All of the wiring is left up to the builder, along with a case, and speaker.
Sounds like another long 3D print coming!
well. I have gone and done it! my soldering iron looks like crap. I bought cheap solder. and has left the nastiest black carbon and who knows what all built up on it. I'm gonna have to clean it with sand paper if its gonna be cleaned. I have tried everything else. its just a 25w RadioShack iron. I haven't found any tips for it. I don't like tossing things that can be fixed. even if it is cheap. any help for my iron? great video. its a bit beyond me. but hey that's how we learn.
Soldering iron tip cleaner would be the best thing to try. If you use sandpaper, the iron coating will be damaged and then the tip will get pitted and wear away quickly.
Andrew Morton I guess that's already happened. the tip is gone. its almost completely flat. with a small peak in center.
I've restored old soldering iron tips by using the acid paste flux for making plumbing connections and putting the hot iron tip in it and cleaning off with steel wool. Then tinning with rosin core solder. After doing this repeatedly I got good results. Just make sure that there is no acid paste flux residue left on the tip and you will be OK to solder electronic circuits with that soldering tip.
Can this square signal source become less distorted as the frequency increases (in MHZ)?
I don't have a good answer for you. Im not an expert on this unit.
Thx
@@rafaelbarbosacosta9365 The output is distorted in this vid largely because it's in a crummy proto board which is horrible for RF. On a decent ground plane, yes, you'll create a nicer waveform.
@@syfr i bought a board like that months ago and I tested it with an oscilloscope, thank u very much!
Can this device/board be used to mimic a 66Mhz Signal at ttl level?
Hey, I am using STM32F103C8T6 controller to get 36,24,72Mhz and when I check on a Keysight Infinivision MSOX4024A with max 200 Mhz. It shows 36,24,72Mhz also of sin wave only. Is it correct! Actually, I was expecting a square wave.
So, could this setup be used as an RF generator? Buffer the output, add modulation and adjust output down to microvolts? A low low cost rf test set?
Well, the square wave would be an issue.
As I said in the video, many times, the look of the waveforms is a function of my 50MHz scope trying to display a 100MHz signal. The 10kHz signal was perfect.
Yes you can make it into an RF generator.
learnelectronics
Cool.
you can build your own look for uBitx 117.00 usd
Could this be used as a crystal replacement in an old computer? I need a 20.275 mhz crystal and can not find it anywhere. Can this thing function on it's own after programming with the arduino? I have the 5V/GND on the mainboard.
I believe you would need the Arduino every time you boot up to set the clocks.
It sounds ridiculous that it would not have some flash to program for fixed frequency applications ... but looking at the datasheet, seems you are right. But an Arduino would be overkill to program this for a static application. You could buy an atmega8a for $0.47, or a tiny for even less.
Have no idea why I looked into this ... not me with the Model 4 (but it would be cool). But the good news is that the 20.275mhz crystal can be had for 81 cents each. Bad news is that you have to buy in lots of 1000. www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Pletronics/SM5545TEV-20275M/?qs=dHOEZjiJ3XOU56eUXdQRww==
So how would I get let's say 16.384 Khz?
Mark II just calculate it dude
A lot of the issues with the oscilloscope display are due to the probing technique used. (The scope will obviously not be calibrated at 2X it's rated frequency.) At RF frequencies you need to keep the the lead lengths to the scope probe as short as possible. This includes the ground lead. W2AEW has an excellent video showing how to make a quick and easy probe socket that will work with most any oscilloscope probe.
th-cam.com/video/-4q8geE5ef8/w-d-xo.html
Hope this helps.
Thank you Terry. I love Alan's videos. I have avoided RF for 30 years, but watching him got me over my RF block, and inspired me to get my ham license. KE8IXE
How about a digital transceiver for HF and 2 Meters?
Has anyone used one of these with an R Pi (ZERO, 2B+,3B+ ) to do an SDR VFO or a signal generator=)
While I have not done it. It is an I2C device so it will work with a Pi, no trouble. I'll be using it as a VFO with an Arduino nano.
I also have a BITX-40 that that may be the recipient VFO plus enhancements =)
I'll have a few Bitx videos coming up... Starting tomorrow
As far as ham equipment is concerned, there is plenty of used equipment out there, try a local ham fest.
Dude I have a 100w Ten Tec. I don't need another radio, I'm building the Bitx for the fun and education. Besides with used gear you never know what you are getting.
learnelectronics
Wasn't trying to be combative. You stated the high cost of radio equipment. I pointed out there is plenty of good used equipment out there for a beginning. Hams love to upgrade. As soon as the "new and improved" comes in, they look to trade in the old or sell it.
Ok, no problem. I appreciate all comments and I try to answer everyone.
its called price fixing
Hey bro answer my questions please, lol, 'cause I'm in complicated project.