(tr)uSDX - Tuning the RF Section for Output Power and Efficiency

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ส.ค. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 80

  • @johnwest7993
    @johnwest7993 2 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Some viewers may not fully realize that these are latching relays, and that you preset to the 20 meter band while the power is turned on in order to have the 20 meter resonant circuit switched in after you turn power off to the RF board in order to tune the 20 meter resonator and filter inductors.

    • @oasntet
      @oasntet ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I suspected as much given that he switched it to 80m with the mainboard connected and then pulled the power, but thanks for making that clearer. I'm about to do this same process for two RF boards (one Lo, one Hi) so every bit of clarity on how it works is helpful.

    • @Tocsin-Bang
      @Tocsin-Bang 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      A very important point!

  • @johnwest7993
    @johnwest7993 2 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Thanks Manuel. I found that after reading all I could find about the (tr)uSDX that there was still a lot I didn't know about what was going on. It seemed to be missing some info. I ultimately filled in the missing info by reading about the uSDX rig design, (I'd jumped into the process at the (tr)uSDX stage and knew nothing about the history with the uSDX.)
    With that further technical background and some ARRL publication reading about class E amplifier design I finally felt prepared to put my NanoVNA to work tuning my (tr)uSDX. But this video makes the entire process much easier and quicker to figure out how BEST to do it. Nothing beats listening to the designer. I know it's a lot of time and effort on your part, so again thank you. I appreciate the effort you put into doing this design and the videos, everything from the Gerbers, to the BOM, to the How To Assemble and Tune videos.

  • @d3w4yn3
    @d3w4yn3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    You bring up an excellent point.... our responsibility to not cause interference with other signals/bands/etc. And to do this, you think like an engineer. I suppose we all have to at least think like a novice engineer... which reminds me of another hobby of mine. I have a few old, air-cooled Volkswagen Beetles... and in the VW Bug world there is a saying "Volkswagen.... turning drivers into mechanics since 1949!" in our case "HAM, turning operators into engineers since 1901!"

    • @johnwest7993
      @johnwest7993 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I knew nothing about cars when I bought my first used bug. Four bugs later I could replace the pistons and jugs and be back on the road in a day. It was quite an education.

  • @julianrolfe2871
    @julianrolfe2871 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Perfect timing. Just completed mine and have too low power, was going to use scope probe with nano VNA but this is brilliant, thank-you for the time and effort with all the radios you have created, I still have the earlier models to construct, everything is ready, it’s just time. 73’s Jules G4UET

  • @randalltom9750
    @randalltom9750 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    As a Ham, understanding your kit is requisite in the field. This video gives me a primer on how to best improve it’s (the radio) efficiencies, and appreciate its capabilities & understand it’s limitations. Thanks for such a great kit & video!

  • @EarthWalkerMan
    @EarthWalkerMan 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have just received and built mine today, and this video will come very useful as I get below 3W of power.

  • @sylvainnaud1285
    @sylvainnaud1285 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    excellent! exactly what we need. Back to school. Thanks a lot

  • @dxexplorer
    @dxexplorer 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is too cool. I really have to order one soon. I like it too much... even though I told my self I will not brake my rule of not using anything with digital stuff in it or SMA components hahaha. 73. You did a great job with this design.

  • @costinyo8rcd612
    @costinyo8rcd612 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks Manuel!
    Great project, very well explained.
    Health and success!

  • @DoubleHaul
    @DoubleHaul 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for this!

  • @croweniii
    @croweniii หลายเดือนก่อน

    Is it appropriate, given these things are placed in cars and whatnot, if we have invested in taking the time to do this tuning, to apply adhesive silicone to the coils in their exacted states? Also, what setting were you on with those measures? And can you refer me to the HAM book on where the harmonics should be? I thought I had purchased a pre-built kit, but realized I did not. My IC7000 is in the shop, and feel, that with the solder station and careful effort, I can likely assemble it myself. But I have to admit, there is a lot of tweaking I am witnessing in these videos. I want to thank you for the time you have invested in this series that even gave me a snowball's chance in hell of getting this close to correct. 73 KJ5ECS

  • @tlogesbr
    @tlogesbr 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Congratulations for this great project! May I ask for some information about the future addition of higher bands 17/15/12/10m? I am actually mostly interested in 10m. A 80-10m transceiver, even if in a bigger enclosure would be awesome. Do you have any estimated dates in mind? 73 from PU3TLG.

    • @dl2man
      @dl2man  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Firmware supports it already, and the Values have been published. dl2man.de/2-trusdx-assembly/ From my side: More will not happen.

  • @dovpauzner5093
    @dovpauzner5093 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks !

  • @harpmatt100
    @harpmatt100 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi, what happened to my High TruSDX ? I tried to make the same measurements with the Nano VNA, but I only got a peak at 56 MHz. Thats the notch for the 10 m Band. Do I have to set anything. Normaly the Relais are open without any current.

    • @harpmatt100
      @harpmatt100 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      O.K. Set the Band in the TruSDX an than Switch off the Power. After that I can make ameasure :)

  • @nobru54
    @nobru54 5 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Vers good 😊

  • @michaeledmonds3027
    @michaeledmonds3027 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I just ran across your highly technical video on the little tr uSDX; very nicely done. Question please: Do you recommend this radio vs the QRP Labs QMX CW only for build quality and performance? Thanks, Michael

    • @dl2man
      @dl2man  10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      As the creactor of the (tr)uSDX I am a little biased on that question. I have a QMX and at this point, Firmware of QMX is not yet fully functional (no AGC, no SSB, ) and it is more complicated to build. However: In theory, the QMX has more potential. If it can catch up to (tr)uSDX in practice depends on how fast Hans is evolving his Firmware. Until that point, I will chose my (tr)uSDX over QMX every day, as it simply works as I need it. 73 Manuel, DL2MAN

    • @michaeledmonds3027
      @michaeledmonds3027 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@dl2man Thanks so much for your response; I'll have to order your radio fully assembled from Amazon. 73

  • @MrRayfieldcomm
    @MrRayfieldcomm 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    On an assembled (tr)uSDX that I just purchased from Malahit on Amazon, I get about 5.8 watts out on 3560 Khz at 77% efficiency, but only about 2.54 watts out at 79% efficiency at 3960 Khz. Is it normal to have that much drop off of power on 80 meters, or does it sound like this unit has a problem (maybe not tweaked properly?)? This is at 12 volts.

    • @dl2man
      @dl2man  7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Class E Operation is quite narrow and 80m Band quite broad in relation to base frequency, so yes, this is normal behavior. You can try to tweak it towards the portion of the Band, you use most. In my case, this is CW Portion and it doesn´t matter there.

  • @chriscomms.2399
    @chriscomms.2399 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I saw these on EBay sold by someone in China. I had the option of buying the kit or one already assembled. If I get the assembled one, will it work right out of the box, or do I have to do something with software first ?

    • @dl2man
      @dl2man  2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      An assembled one comes plug and play. But please read the sellers Text. I´m just the developer and have nothing to do with sales or logistics. I published my plans free of charge, and I am not involved in any sales.

    • @chriscomms.2399
      @chriscomms.2399 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@dl2man Ok, thank you !

  • @brianclimbs1509
    @brianclimbs1509 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Manuel, I was wondering if you could explain a bit more how the class E amplifier achieves the linearity needed for SSB operation. Would it be possible to do the same thing for a VHF transceiver? The prospect of a cheap, power efficient, VHF SSB transceiver is very appealing to me. Thanks again for this amazing project.

    • @dl2man
      @dl2man  ปีที่แล้ว

      Possible for sure. I´m just not sure, if we´re anywhere in the near future are going to try something like this. We have ideas for years and no free time....

    • @brianclimbs1509
      @brianclimbs1509 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@dl2man I am also familiar with this problem. Can you point me to any resources on designing class-E amplifiers? I want to understand how an on/off amplifier can produce a linear output, and maybe I'll even be inspired to build one some day....

  • @angelscomputers
    @angelscomputers 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Is there any option in the radio to LOWER the power? I'm trying to use an external 50 watts amp and can't use it because the 5-6w in 20 meters are too much and over drive it so I wonder how I can lower it to 3w probably? Not permanent ;-)

    • @dl2man
      @dl2man  5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Easy: Run (tr)uSDX with lower voltage. Lower Voltage = Lower Output-Power @nearly same Efficiency

    • @angelscomputers
      @angelscomputers 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@dl2man I thought about that but was concerned about performance. Plus I need to find a source of power lower than 12v which is usually very difficult in a shack where everything is 12v haha. Thanks

  • @oasntet
    @oasntet ปีที่แล้ว

    What will adjusting the inductance on the other three toroids do? You mentioned the choke doing something but I didn't quite understand what. Apologies if that's explained elsewhere.

    • @dl2man
      @dl2man  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      There´s only 2 Inductors involved per Band. Those are discussed in the Video. Choke inductor acts as 2 things: 1. constant energy source (minimum inductance required, we´re way above required minimum) 2. Blocking RF from DC Line (the higher inductance, the better). The other 2 black toroids are only SWR Transformers, and don´t affect Class E at all. There´s only one right setup for those, and this cannot be tweaked.

  • @geromechavanas
    @geromechavanas ปีที่แล้ว

    Good morning,
    I apologize in advance for my question which may seem stupid.
    If I understand correctly, the P.A is protected by your design when there is no antenna.
    I feel like I don't have the full power of the post.
    So is it normal that I only have 2.5 or 2.8 watts displayed with no dummy load or antenna when I press the PTT?
    I specify that I feed in 12Volts.
    With the dummy load or the antenna, would I have the real power displayed?
    I know the question may seem stupid but I have the posye but not yet made my antenna. It's to find out if my post is defective.
    Cordially.

    • @dl2man
      @dl2man  ปีที่แล้ว

      The PA is NOT protected !!! Never ever TX without Antenna or Dummyload. The only instance where you´ll get away with it without damage is when it´s only connected to USB Power Supply. The real power is shown when on 50 Ohms Dummyload.

  • @josephmarlow7541
    @josephmarlow7541 ปีที่แล้ว

    I mean is it 20,40,80 across the bottom and 30,60 the two on top?

  • @dirkhandzic
    @dirkhandzic 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video! I am just waiting for a USBasp in order to get some software onto my (tr)uSDX. I will start with the 3xBS170 but after watching your video I am wondering if the FDT86256 would be a better option when running from 13.8V which the voltage I am using for all transceivers? 73 de Dirk SA4DHT

    • @dl2man
      @dl2man  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      The Rig works up to 16V without issues. If you replace the FET for another Type, all the Filter Caps and Inductors need to be adjusted. Please see my assembly page for details. dl2man.de/2-trusdx-assembly/

    • @dirkhandzic
      @dirkhandzic 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@dl2man I am aware that the filters need to be changed. I saw a note in the forum that the FDT86256 is more rugged in the presence of high SWR. What is your experience? These days the FDT86256 is of cause harder to get, but I have some and wonder if it would be a more robust solution?

  • @smellthecoffee5314
    @smellthecoffee5314 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for the video.
    When I use a dummy load I get a maximum power of 5W
    When I connect to my antenna I get a maximum power of 6.5W
    Same pattern on all bands - dummy load is spot on, antenna shows excessively high power
    Is this normal ?

    • @dl2man
      @dl2man  ปีที่แล้ว

      This is normal when your Antenna has another Impedance than 50 Ohms, also known as "SWR not 1:1".

    • @smellthecoffee5314
      @smellthecoffee5314 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@dl2man
      Thank you for the response.
      Just to confirm - This is a real value that will damage my (tru)SDX if I use it ?
      At the moment I am just testing TX for a second or less.
      Great product btw - it manages to be fun, educational, practical and cute all at the same time, oh and affordable - that's a tough task to pull off but you guys managed it - thanks.
      There are now 3 of them at our radio club and they are generating a lot of interest.

    • @dl2man
      @dl2man  ปีที่แล้ว

      @@smellthecoffee5314 Well, check your SWR with Dummy Load: Should not be over 1,02. CHeck it with ANtenna: Should not be over 1,5. If that´s the case, your SWR measurement is working and It is safe to work CW and SSB. I´d limit myself a little with stuff like WSPR, as this includes 3 Minutes of constant TX. The Output Power over DUmmy Load is the true value. Output Power over Impedance mismatch is "distorted". It is safe to use, if your SWR is not above 1,5:1. If in doubt, reduce input voltage to lower output power. 73 Manuel, DL2MAN

    • @smellthecoffee5314
      @smellthecoffee5314 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@dl2man Thats very helpful information - thanks. 73 Paul, M7MGK

  • @gorbunovvv
    @gorbunovvv 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi! I've got a question for you. You've been testing it @12VDC, and already the power's been too high. What would happen if you try 15VDC?

    • @dl2man
      @dl2man  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Release of magic smoke, that´s trapped inside PA FETs.

    • @gorbunovvv
      @gorbunovvv 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@dl2man Oh, thank you for clarifying this matter! Initially I thought that 15V would be safe, as per manual on your website (where the upper voltage limit is as high as 16V), but yesterday I found your warning on forum to not exceed 14V, and also utilize radio-graded power supply, not just the one from the Walmart shelf. (Just wondering - how many (tr)uSDX reviewers on TH-cam utilize poor AC/DC converters, leading to poor radio performance?)
      So thanks again, I'll be considering quad lifepo4 pack now. As it happens, yesterday I ordered my (tr)uSDX, and a day before that I passed my first CEPT/HAREC test, so in a couple of weeks my callsign will be there. 73!

  • @charlosvid
    @charlosvid ปีที่แล้ว

    What setting enables you to see the efficiency of the rig ??? Found out go to the SWR setting and turn the multi to PWR - EFF

    • @dl2man
      @dl2man  ปีที่แล้ว

      Well, you found the right menu, but if you want to be sure, you should check the readings first. In this Video, I show, how I do my testings: th-cam.com/video/nBPIdE0tRo0/w-d-xo.html

    • @charlosvid
      @charlosvid ปีที่แล้ว

      @@dl2man thank you that is a very good video ....well done ..

  • @kazkam3567
    @kazkam3567 17 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    TU 73 GL.

  • @duanesherman5648
    @duanesherman5648 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Today I saw a guide as to where all the items you can change and how to get to them.
    Example. Push a button two times then select a certain item an then turn knob to select the item you want to modify..
    It appeared to be a flow chart. Can you post a link to it?

    • @dl2man
      @dl2man  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      dl2man.de/4-trusdx-manual/

  • @michsurfer
    @michsurfer ปีที่แล้ว +1

    How do you calibrate the NanoVna to tune this?

    • @dl2man
      @dl2man  ปีที่แล้ว

      Normal SOLT Calibration for the frequency range I´m looking at. 73 Manuel; DL2MAN

  • @callsignseth7679
    @callsignseth7679 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi! I was wondering what are the second notch values and others to consider for the classical bands?

    • @dl2man
      @dl2man  ปีที่แล้ว

      Does noone ever consider having a look at the resource #1 for this project ? dl2man.de/2-trusdx-assembly/ I have published everything.....

    • @callsignseth7679
      @callsignseth7679 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@dl2man yeah, I did use the link above to build it, but I was asking for the second notch harmonics for the classical bands, since it includes the 10m band and that one is even more "trickier" to tune than the 20m you describe in the video, and the only text about it, that is there is a warning about carefully tuning the second harmonic notch for the 10m band.
      I really appreciate all the work explaining and even the videos on building the boards without that I would probably be really lost in everything since I'm just starting in this ham radio world and most things look like black magic to me. Thank you for your time and dedication to this project!

  • @EW7DDR
    @EW7DDR 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi, friend! When I press gear it doesn't show power. What is it connected with?

    • @dl2man
      @dl2man  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Displying PWR works only in CW and only in Straight Key Mode

    • @EW7DDR
      @EW7DDR 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@dl2man Thank you! Happened!

  • @user-om6ch4kj8r
    @user-om6ch4kj8r ปีที่แล้ว

    I built a classic bands and none of them are even close maybe I'm doing something wrong i followed the instructions exacly

  • @AC-nh7ff
    @AC-nh7ff 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    May I please ask, where I can purchase the official kit from.
    I am in England UK. Thankyou

    • @gonzalocamper9924
      @gonzalocamper9924 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The cheapest method is to join the buying group in the forum. The other way is to buy in the official stores that are also in the forum. 73 CX1GU

    • @AC-nh7ff
      @AC-nh7ff 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@gonzalocamper9924 Thankyou M0DPV

    • @dl2man
      @dl2man  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      dl2man.de/where-to-buy-trusdx/

  • @ionelywolf3286
    @ionelywolf3286 ปีที่แล้ว

    Why not put one transistor in the output stage, for example rd15 on a small radiator

    • @dl2man
      @dl2man  ปีที่แล้ว

      Not suitable for class E Operation

  • @harpmatt100
    @harpmatt100 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hallo Manuel,
    ich habe meinen High TruSDX in die ewigen Jagdgründe geschickt, bei FT8 und 12,6V. Wahrscheinlich war wohl der Filter nicht richtig eingestellt (Output 2Watt, SWR

    • @dl2man
      @dl2man  ปีที่แล้ว

      Ja, gerade die High Bands sind sehr empfindlich auf falsches Filter Tuning. DIe gute Nachricht ist: Die FDT86256 sind nicht sehr teuer und 1 FDT86256 ist leichter zu tauschen, als 3x BS170 ;) Geringer Aufwand, und Du bist wieder im Rennen. Pro-Tip: Vor der nächsten FT8-Session dann erst FIlter abgleichen auf maximalen Wirkungsgrad und Antenne mit SWR besser 1,5 nutzen. Wenn das nicht geht: Ausgangsleitung reduzieren. Mit USB-Spannungsversorgung alleine (ca. 0,5W Ausgangsleistung) kriegst Du den FET auch ohne Antenne nicht kaputt. 73 Manuel; DL2MAN

    • @harpmatt100
      @harpmatt100 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@dl2man schon ausgetauscht. Tut wieder. Nur der Filterabgleich. Habe nur einen Peak bei 56 MHz. :( Konnten die Filter für 28MHz einstellen, Aber was ist denn da los ? ansonsten keine Probleme, Effektivität ist halt nicht so hoch, aber jetzt immerhin mehr als 50 % bei 28MHz. Am Anfang nur 20 %. Das war wohl zuviel vor dem Ausfall.

  • @josephmarlow7541
    @josephmarlow7541 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have to adjust the 40m and 80m power can someone point out where the 40m toroid is. 80m is 6.33 95% 40m is 6.38 91% and 20m is 5.48 78%. All with 13 volts input

    • @dl2man
      @dl2man  ปีที่แล้ว

      Please refer to my page: dl2man.de/2-trusdx-assembly/
      where you find all the schematics with all the details, you´re looking for. 73 Manuel, DL2MAN

  • @jertres2887
    @jertres2887 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Who's/which nanovna-f did you buy?

    • @dl2man
      @dl2man  2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Deepelec

  • @MW-lw8em
    @MW-lw8em 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Will any nano via work. Or F the better one to use?

    • @dl2man
      @dl2man  2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Any Nano VNA will work