Daniel KK4MRN
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#112284
Hello,
Has anyone made contacts in CW using a uBitx V6 Transceiver?
I tried to find YouTube videos but I was not able to find one.
Also, can the uBitx be hooked up to my laptop (running Windows 10 or Debian Linux) or a Raspberry Pi 3B+ to do conversational data modes like JS8CALL, RTTY, PSK31?
Not interested in the sBitx because it costs more and it looks too much like a tablet or computer instead of a radio. I like the mods for the uBitx user interface that other hams have done. Sorry, nothing against the sBitx - I just want a traditional radio looking GUI.
Thanks,
Daniel KK4MRN
DaveW, KL7HJF
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#112286
I haven't done any CW work with the uBitxV6, mostly because I've heard very little CW lately. However, I did install a narrow (200 Hz) audio filter for this purpose. The "hipermite" kit is very inexpensive, easy to build, and works well (go to 4sqrp.com for complete details, or search this forum for uBitx user experience).
The uBitxV6 works well with js8call. My setup uses CAT control via USB and audio interface via front panel mic and phone to connectors to the computer. I made up audio interface cables to adjust audio levels, etc. There is quite a bit of info on the forum on this topic also.
My radio has a Nextion display and KD8CEC firmware. I have no experience with the stock display and firmware.
david todd
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#112287
Tech Guy,
I own several versions of the ubitx. and several ubitx v6.
i run the stock and also the ones i uploaded firmware from n8me which is somewhere on this forum .probably in the files section.
I have Worked Was on different versions. most of mine have the delay on CW issue but its not an issue with me i just compensate with the sending when starting out or between words and such. the Stock, version from the factory, ive played with them without uploading anything and almost have the delay gone.
the Sound is crisp, the receive on all of the units are very sensitive. Ive added a preamp for the front end with a limiting circuit to prevent overload.This is kicked in by a toggle switch. added reverse polarity protection and have switched out the plastic thru hole transistors to the more heavier ones. I love them. I worked field day with a ubitx v6 and a bitx40.I have built many inline filters for the ubitxes i own, and wont operate without them.if in doubt,filter it out.
i Use my Ubitxes 98 percent on CW. Field day i was running about 24 wpm. ubitx didnt even get hot.Love em. I also changed out the heat sinks for both fets so heat is dissipated more.One ubitx is in a larger wooden cabinet.
Was going to change to different output fets but decided to stay with what i have.Using an ldg 100z automatcher which by the way is in the same cabinet of one of my ubitxes. Ive added usb hub insde, cabling, temp sensors on the fets and these run to another display in the larger cabinet i built.
I love meters, so i installed an analog style swr circuit with one knob to switch from swr to power.both power circuit and swr circuit is straight out of one of my older ARRL handbooks.Most of the other bitxes i own ,the matchers are all homebrewed except for 2 of the units.i use an emtech zmatch with them.
Summary: my Ubitx transceivers kick butt on CW, and after installing a variable drive control for my microphone,in the mic circuit and having tested it out with others, i can obtain a very clean output on SSB. YEA ubitx ROCKS!!!!!!
FT8, PSK, SSTV and such get more warm than usual but havent fired anything yet.
I own the ubitx 3,(2 units) ubitx 4 (pre-owned) the ubitx 6(4 units :2 preowned), bitx40(4: 2 of them pre-owned and 1 is used on 40 meters ft8 since i did the conversion for usb and added a 10 turn pot and such.).
I have posted here about CAT control, PTT and such ,simple issues after you work out whats causing it .
anyway nuff history. CW on my Ubitxes are in my own opinion as good as most QRP or $700 range rigs.Simple to use, simple to set parameters for CW, and receive, and my ubitxes can hear a water drop falling off a nats rear end at a very long distance.HI HI I use all resonant antennas for the specific band i operate except for my homebrewed paitnpole vertical.
73
David
ac9xh
On Friday, June 28, 2024 at 08:50:20 PM EDT, Tech Guy <tech48055@...> wrote:
I made a couple contacts on cw with a v6 last night. No problem. I don’t have any data mode experience with it. Audio sounds good. I like it I also have a v5 and a bitx 40. I wish my Xiegu 5105 sounded as good on receive.
73 John N4HNO
DaveW, KL7HJF
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#112288
One more thought... search the forum for CW operation, uBitxV6 CW, CW enhancements, CW firmware, etc.
david todd
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#112289
Good suggestion Dave!!!!
Plenty of info here on connecting to CAT,etc
I ran ubuntu linux when i started buying mine. I now run Dragon OS which has the js8call, jtdx,wsjtx and other software bundled to it.
Some run Windows some run Mac like i do on one of my laptops. depending on ur preference. there are Plenty of GURUS here to help u. dont be afraid to ask for help.
First thing is take daves suggestion. READ,READ,READ. lots of posts about everything you listed. After doing that you might have already solved ur issues
73
David
ac9xh
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#112295
Hello Daniel,
Please check below topic and my feedback (last two replies) - also related to original CW performance:
https://groups.io/g/BITX20/topic/some_improvements_to_the/73017413?page=2
The ubitx v6 is my favorite rig now. As I am occasional ham radio operator - mostly during vacation, days off etc. - I am slowly implementing upgrades. Last time I have installed RF GAIN. I have decided to install 10k potentiometer in series with R12 100ohm resistor and it is working great. Actually it should be little more than 10k (maybe 15k, 20k, 22k? - because 10k is not starting from "0" audibility), but for me it is enough to eliminate distortions from very strong stations.
Now planning to build and install kind of Hi-Per-Mite 200 Hz CW filter and S-meter.
Regards
Tomasz
