From CEBIK@UTKVX.UTCC.UTK.EDU Mon Jan 29 11:20:14 1996 Received: from UTKVX1.UTK.EDU (UTKVX1.UTK.EDU [128.169.200.62]) by oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu (8.7.1/8.7.1) with ESMTP id LAA17896 for ; Mon, 29 Jan 1996 11:20:05 -0500 (EST) Received: from utkvx.utk.edu by utkvx.utk.edu (PMDF V5.0-4 #9964) id <01I0KX0FHGWC8ZKQTB@utkvx.utk.edu> for wmcfadde@oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu; Mon, 29 Jan 1996 11:19:23 -0400 (EDT) Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 11:19:22 -0400 (EDT) From: cebik@UTKVX.UTCC.UTK.EDU Subject: Re: QRP+ Archive In-reply-to: <199601291450.JAA10017@oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu> To: William McFadden Message-id: MIME-version: 1.0 Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT Status: RO Eric, Here is the file. Hope it is useful. -73- LB, W4RNL --QRP+ Archive from QRP-L July, 1995 to January, 1996-- >From ZenkerPN_at_DEBER@ccip.perkin-elmer.com Mon Jan 29 08:07:44 1996 Date: Mon, 03 Jul 1995 13:11:08 -0500 (EST) From: ZenkerPN To: cebik@utkvx.utk.edu Subject: Re[2]: QRP+ Hello LB, thanks for replay and your offer to act as an interface between me and my gang and the qrp-l. We are very interested. The gang here in Berlin consists of abt 10 qrp+ users and we have a good contact to a dutch user-group too. Abt two dozen of QRP+ users all over Europe contact me frequently vi PR. abt your ideas: 1. If there a things of interest, I will send them to you to be distributed as you like. 2. could you give me an e-mail adress of QRPp and Quarterly? 3. Had the same idea and posted it to QRP @ WW into PR. I thought about sending some kind of QRP+Archive like the old HW7/8/9 Hotwater Archive. Got some answers to the mail, but most of them questions from "would like to buy one" OMs. Concrete mods only came from Robert, N6CM via the Dutch QRP+ Group arround Robert van de Zaal PA3BHK and Roeland, PA0RBC. That means, there is not enough stuff to form a periodic newsletter. I heard from 1 or 2 of the OMs, that there is a user group still existing on the QRP-L ?? I add the major mods to the QRP+, as we know them here in Berlin: 1. Everyone who has seen a QRP+ at a Spectrum Analyser, must be concerned about the high level spurious of that rig. We had rigs under test with worst case spurious only -20dBc (dB under Carrier). The solution seems to be to make the IF Amplifier Q3 resonant at 50 MHz (N6CM / PA0RBC). I tried this at two rigs. The spurs have gone off immediately, but you must care off, if you are not exact at 50 MHz, your power also goes off immediately. I R26 | C43 |-------||---- _____ | I I - gnd I1OOn I 100nH C41 I I ---------------||-- |_____| | | | ------ = 330pF npo |--||---------| |SBL 1|3,4 | C42 | | |-------* \|__ ------ | /| = 470pF npo | Q3 | - gnd You can use 2 100 nH chokes in parallel, the other way is to form a coil of abt 2 wdg 0.6mm AgCu 3mm DIA. Allthough we heared that this mod should be in all new rigs, the latest we have seen (Serial Number > 1200 doesnt) 2. The originaly used Low Pass filter have been changed with very good results against Cauer filters. developed by N6CM As we heared as rumour, this tyoe of filter will now be built in in all QRP+ (Any information abt the first serial number?? 3.ALC Modifikation QRP+: In some rigs the ALC attacs at very low level. Put a variable resistor (abt 2k5) between R16 and R15 at the XMTR PCB. At zero OHM, you have the same level as in the original. Adjust the resistor carefully, best way to do is with a twotone generator and scope. 4. Standing Current stability: In older rigs, the gate of IRF 510 is directly driven by power supply via R14, R18,R7. Thes causes high distortion in case of week power supply. Replace R14 with an 78LO05 and readjust standing current. This is done in all newer rigs by factory Output transformer: We got better input to output power after replacing the output transformer against one using an FT43 double hole body. 6 turns bifilar windings. The two wires have been drilled before making the transformer to give better coupling. Some Rigs ,flipped" after touching the RIT switch, also sometimes after using one of the push bottpoms. Lutz, DL7APP took 4n7 capacitors at all IO pins of the processor with good results. The E-Prom MOD: DH7ADR, the computer specialist of the Berlin QRP gang, hacked the QRP+ E-Prom (Bruce promised to send a docu, but didn't, so we had to hack.) Andy now programmed the E-Prom to run in 1 WPM steps from 12 to 20 wpm and then in 2 WPM steps up to 36 WPM. As a gift, my QRP+ now dosn't show his serial number after power on, but it shows my call. Andy in the moment is working to let the QRP+ swith to CW after power on. (It remembers all parameters e.g. CW speed, Filter bandwith, QRG, but never remembers the last mode) If One is interested, I can send a file with the new E-prom contents. The QRP+ sometimes has problems with dismatched Antennas e.g. portable, it radiates at all known and unknown frequencies until you open the key or the Power Fet is dead ( mostly it is dead very soon). With the famous matchbox frontend, contructed by HAJO, DJ1ZB (you find it in the G-QRP Antenna Book) this will never happen because with this frontend, formed as a Wheatstone bridge, detecting as low levels as some milliwatts, the QRP+ will see every time 50 Ohm, even without an antenna or with a shortcut. - gnd 1N4148 | --|<--|gnd = 82pF | | | 4k7, dep on Instr. power ______________#####___________________* | /*----O Meter = 10pF / SWITCH \ | * reflected \___|___ | | | ^operate | -| |- | frm TX | ----------| |-------------- to network | | | | --| |--- tune | | 51 Ohm | | |--IIIII--- | | | | II | | II 51 Ohm |1.5 nF | II = | | HP2008 | 2k7 47k / |----->|-----IIIII-------------------IIII/III--- | | / pot | II | | II 51 Ohm = | II | | | | | - gnd - gnd - gnd I hope, my ascii drawings are readable. LB, if possible, send me your compiled file abt QRP+ please. so far, 72 from Berlin de Peter, DL2FI >From SZ0026@daphne.rrze.uni-erlangen.de Mon Jan 29 08:07:53 1996 Date: Mon, 03 Jul 1995 16:03:46 +0100 (MET) From: Richard Hieber To: cebik@utkvx.utk.edu Subject: Re: QRP+ limitations and modifications Hi LB, I met Peter Zenker, DL2FI, first at the QRP meeting in Pottenstein and then, briefly, at the Hamradio in Friedrichshafen. He distributed papers with all the mods so I already knew about them. But great news about the hacked CW keyer eprom. The new steps seem to improve the usability a lot. Do you have problems with keying at higher speed? A commercial distributor of the QRP Plus gave me the confidential information that short dots get dropped. They sound alright when listening to the sidetone but don't get transmitted. He confirmed this to me by lightly tapping on the key while listening to the transmitted signal on a monitor receiver. This only happens with short dots, i.e. at higher keying speeds (perhaps > 30wpm). Hasta pronto, LB. Richard -- Richard Hieber, DL8MFQ/AA8CP sz0026@daphne.rrze.uni-erlangen.de From dgf@netcom.com Mon Jan 29 08:13:51 1996 Date: Mon, 03 Jul 1995 07:26:37 -0700 From: David Feldman To: cebik@utkvx.utk.edu Subject: Re: QRP+ limitations and modifications Status: RO I am interested in following the QRP+ experience in Europe. I do not have active packet radio but my internet address is dgf@netcom.com WB0GAZ Dave Feldman I have S/N 385 and published a brief review of the unit last February on qrp-l. 73 Dave WB0GAZ dgf@netcom.com >From mrioux@ftp.com Mon Jan 29 08:13:55 1996 Date: Mon, 03 Jul 1995 10:39:21 -0500 From: Mike Rioux To: "cebik@UTKVX.UTCC.UTK.EDU" Subject: Re: QRP+ limitations and modifications -- [ From: Mike Rioux * EMC.Ver #2.5.02 ] -- >I would also like to send Peter a list of QRP+ users (name, call, e-mail address) >who are interested in the long term in following the information exchange. Please Please add me to the list: Mike Rioux, NW1J mrioux@ftp.com QRP+ #584 >From af852@rgfn.epcc.Edu Mon Jan 29 08:13:58 1996 Date: Mon, 03 Jul 1995 08:52:31 -0600 (MDT) From: William R Colbert To: cebik@utkvx.utk.edu Subject: Re: QRP+ limitations and modifications LB, I am interested whenever info may be available on the QRP+ and thank you in advance. Ray, W%XE/V31XE El Paso, Tx af852@rgfn.epcc.edu From N5EM@aol.com Mon Jan 29 08:14:01 1996 Date: Mon, 03 Jul 1995 10:58:14 -0400 From: N5EM@aol.com To: cebik@utkvx.utk.edu Subject: Re: Murphy Status: RO LB, I was somewhat surprised that on the repeater last week, the gang was already discussing how our QRP field day could be improved! I think that they were impressed enough to want to try it again with some of the bugs worked out. We are looking at a piece of property one of the guys has with plenty of room for Vees, a small cottage with front and rear porches, and a real hookup for the Airstream. Already discussing a kite borne packet digipeater to get out with QRP and some improvements to the satellite station. We ran out of time this year and did not get the rectangles build. But, I continue to cut wood. Hope to have the whole array finished by the end of the summer and ready for some on air tests during the winter. Thanks again for all your help. I have used Yagimax enough now that I am considering learning how to use NEC (shudder). I'd like to model the Vees with several variations to optimize them for FD. 72 Ed PS I would like to be placed on Pete Zenker's QRP+ users list. Ed Manuel N5EM n5em@aol.com CUL >From tpettibo@nmsu.edu Mon Jan 29 08:14:07 1996 Date: Mon, 03 Jul 1995 16:26:30 -0600 (MDT) From: "Timothy J. Pettibone" To: cebik@utkvx.utk.edu Subject: List entry for Peter LB: Put me down for Peter's QRP+ list. I have nothing to offer at this time but interest and an apparently low serial number (#646). Don't know what that means except maybe I got an earlier unit. Tim Pettibone AB5OU 1661 Alta Vista Pl. Las Cruces, NM 88011 USA tpettibo@nmsu.edu Thanks. Tim From pepperb@govonca2.gov.on.ca Mon Jan 29 08:14:10 1996 Date: Mon, 03 Jul 1995 21:15:25 -0400 (EDT) From: Brien Pepperdine To: cebik@utkvx.utk.edu Subject: Re: QRP+ limitations and modifications Status: RO I would appreciate getting on the qrp+ mod etc. list. Don't have one yet, but do almost absolutely certainly plan on ordering one from the next qrp-l group order, so I think I would benefit from any info forthcoming on the rig. Thanks, Brien Pepperdine Toronto VE3VAW pepperb@gov.on.ca From ZenkerPN_at_DEBER@ccip.perkin-elmer.com Mon Jan 29 08:14:13 1996 Date: Tue, 04 Jul 1995 16:19:39 -0500 (EST) From: ZenkerPN To: cebik@utkvx.utk.edu Subject: Re: QRP+ serial numbers Status: RO Hello LB, tnx mssg. I believe, this high serial numbers are a special block for the rigs produced in germany. There is a general importeur called VHT IMPEX, they produce the qrp+ on a assembly base, meaning they get complete part kits from Index and assemble them here. I didn't ask them about SN, but they told me, that they are assembling since May. At the HAM RADIO a week ago I heard about a batch of about 50 PC board they got from Index and all are wrong. They said, Bruce Franklin changed to an other PC board supplyer. The have a backlock of abt 50 rigs as they told me. My QRP+ I got at eastern has SN 500, they delivered it 1 (ONE) week after order, seemed to be a special gift to me as the writer of a test From n6xi@tss.com Mon Jan 29 08:14:19 1996 Date: Tue, 04 Jul 1995 13:34:11 -0700 From: n6xi@tss.com To: cebik@utkvx.utk.edu Subject: QRP+ List Status: RO I would very much like to be included in any list devoted to the QRP+. I have rig #0620 and it does not appear to have any of the mods discussed by Peter Zenker. However, this is based on reading his email only - I have not opened up the rig to check it all. I receive list traffic at n6xi@tss.com which I check once a week or so. Important traffic can go to tavan@tss.com which I check daily. 73, /Rick N6XI of the QRP+ in the FUNKAMATEUR Ham radio magazin HI HI. Our Software specialist told me yesterday, that he is just solving the QRP+ problem of starting up in SSB. He found the wrong stored bit. More the next time, 72 de Peter >From david.fentem@gtri.gatech.edu Mon Jan 29 08:14:24 1996 Date: Wed, 05 Jul 1995 08:35:23 -0600 (CST) From: David Fentem To: cebik@utkvx.utk.edu Subject: RE: QRP+ limitations and modifications > I would also like to send Peter a list of QRP+ users (name, call, e-mail > address) who are interested in the long term in following the information > exchange. I'm definitely interested. My QRP+ is s/n 0239. Dave, KW4M (use email address in signature block) +---------------------------------------------------------------------+ | David R. Fentem | david.fentem@gtri.gatech.edu | | Georgia Tech Research Institute | CompuServe: 70674,3306 | | GTRI/ELSYS/ESMD | Voice: (404) 894-7045 | | Atlanta, GA 30332-0800 | FAX: (404) 894-7080 | +---------------------------------------------------------------------+ From evans.ken@wgs-2.bwi.bls.com Mon Jan 29 08:14:28 1996 Date: Wed, 05 Jul 1995 11:21:23 -0500 From: evans ken To: cebiK@utkvx.utk.edu Subject: QRP+ Status: RO Please add me to the list you send to Peter. Ken Evans KJ4XR evans.ken@bwi.bls.com From JohnsonR@rnd2.indy.tce.com Mon Jan 29 08:14:32 1996 Date: Wed, 05 Jul 1995 10:35:00 -0700 (PDT) From: Johnson Russ To: 'W4RNL L B Cebik' Subject: QRP+ user Status: RO L B. Cebik 1434 High Mesa Dr Knoxville, TN 37938 USA LB, I would like to be on your list of QRP+ users. I received mine the week before Field Day and so far like it very much with only a very few dislikes. I have not had a chance to bring it to work and have it put on the test equipment. I would be very much interested in the E-Prom code information as the keyer speed change is one of my dislikes, and would also like to know if the schematic information from Peter is available in a postscript or similar file, can't seem to understand the ascii info. I do not understand the comment about serial number 1200 being observed as mine is number 640. Could it be the export units have a different serial number set? I think the QRP+ is a great rig, and for the money there is nothing else close for QRP in spite of some shortcomings. Thank you in advance for your efforts in creating this user list. If I can be of assistance to in any way let me know. 73 Russ Johnson N9RJ QRP+ # 640 johnsonr@indy.tce.com >From smiller@motown.ge.com Mon Jan 29 08:14:36 1996 Date: Wed, 05 Jul 1995 09:45:36 -0400 From: "S. Miller" To: cebik@utkvx.utk.edu Subject: Re: QRP+ limitations and modifications Mike, The QRP + sounds like a very interesting radio. Could you tell me the operating bands, modes, and power requirements? What is the general circuit like? Is it ring-mixer based or what? I see alsoi that there is a 50 MHz IF in it, that sounds interesting, how is it implemented? I appreciate you taking the time. Steve Kd2Ed From bobhigh@primenet.com Mon Jan 29 08:14:40 1996 Date: Wed, 05 Jul 1995 12:33:58 -0400 (EDT) From: Bob Hightower To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: SSB Power on QRP+ Status: RO Has anyone measured the power out on SSB on the QRP+? I know that I am going to lose some power due to antenna loss, but when I show (on the OHR WM-1) about 7 watts out CW, and, with the same antenna, tuner, etc., only 300 MW max on SSB, there must be something gone awry. Anyone else had similar problems, or any other experience with this? Thanks and 73 Bob KI7MN bobhigh@primenet.com >From rehm@zso.dec.com Mon Jan 29 08:14:45 1996 Date: Wed, 05 Jul 1995 09:48:31 -0700 From: rehm@zso.dec.com To: cebik@utkvx.utk.edu Subject: Re: QRP+ limitations and modifications > To: QRP+ users >... > I would also like to send Peter a list of QRP+ users (name, call, e-mail > address) who are interested in the long term in following the information > exchange. Please send me direct a message indicating your interest, and > I shall compile a list for him. I'm a brand new QRP+ owner, but I don't have my S/N with me at the moment. Thanks, Eric Rehm kj7ae rehm@zso.dec.com From dcwill@ix.netcom.com Mon Jan 29 08:14:50 1996 Date: Wed, 05 Jul 1995 16:45:38 -0400 (EDT) From: Dave Williamson aa4zx/8 To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: Re: new group order for QRP+? Status: RO >Dave: I tried Stephen Lee's e-mail address as you listed it and the >message came back as undeliverable?? slee@u.washington.edu >Pse send back a correction if you have one. TNX es 72, Geno AL7GQ That's all I have - and that's the correct address. He may be away from school, and hence the undeliverable address. There was another qrp-l'er who could forward stuff to Stephen, but I've lost the name and address. Anybody? Thanks ... 1/73rd de aa4zx/8 >From slee@u.washington.edu Mon Jan 29 08:14:59 1996 Date: Wed, 05 Jul 1995 17:05:36 -0400 (EDT) From: 'AB7HI' Stephen Lee To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: Re: new group order for QRP+? Could be our system was down for maintenance but, hey, I'm still here: slee@u.washington.edu As I say all too often...please resend your last msg :( Stephen Lee AB7Hi --------------------------------------------------------------------- snip > >Dave: I tried Stephen Lee's e-mail address as you listed it and the > >message came back as undeliverable?? slee@u.washington.edu > >Pse send back a correction if you have one. TNX es 72, Geno AL7GQ snip >From scott.thomas@circellar.com Mon Jan 29 08:15:03 1996 Date: Wed, 05 Jul 1995 18:59:48 -0400 From: scott.thomas@circellar.com To: cebik@utkvx.utk.edu Subject: QRP+ Info Hello LB, I would be interested in acquiring the EPROM program file that was offered by Peter Z. If you have access to it, please send it to my e-mail ID of scott.thomas@circellar.com. Sorry, I can't offer any tech info on my QRP+ of the type that he requested, but I'd like to be on the receiving list of info that is discovered. MY serial # is 621/631. Many thanks, Scott, NM1J >From ZenkerPN_at_DEBER@ccip.perkin-elmer.com Mon Jan 29 08:15:07 1996 Date: Thu, 06 Jul 1995 12:21:24 -0500 (EST) From: ZenkerPN To: mitchell@dtcs70.dtc.Kodak.COM Cc: gqrp-l@blacksheep.org Subject: GQRP - Digital 942 Hello Brad, hello the others who read the copy, sri about answering so late. The arcticle about the DIGITAL 942 is available in German language only for the moment. If you are interested i can make a translation into my poor english after comming back from my OK-land canoe tour first week of August. Dont worry about the delay, the people in Poland who designed this rig promised me to send me the prototype of a fullow up rig in August and i believe it is worth waiting to it HI. Very short description: The 942 is a Z80 driven transceiver with first IF 42 Mc, second IF 9 MC running CW,SSB,FM and AM (FM/AM 3rd IF=455kc). Build in keyer with 10 Memories. Frequency range from 20 kc to 30 Mc, running 3-4 W out here generated by push pull amp. Included are 50MC-60MC and 140-150MC running abt 2 mW out, tx and RX also all modes. The 942 has RIT / XIT and real SPLIT e.g TX at 144MC and RX at 28MC or viceversa. The keyer is from 3 WPM to 90WPM in 1WPM steps. Weight is abt 2600g and current at receive is 500mA. The look out of the 942 is like the old fashioned CB machines from the 70th if you remember those "cadillac txvrs", HI. Compared to the QRP+ the 942 has the better TX for SSB (one of the best dynamic compressors i have ever had) and it is more flexible. The RX of the 942 is not as good as the QRP+ in terms of IP3 but it "sounds clearer", the audio noise level is lower. There is an importeur in Germany, Price is 1700 DM (1500 without AM), not including the 9Mc IF filter. Kit is also available, but only to be realized by specialists. All rigs are handmade, it is no factury production but a little team in Poland of 5 people (before the political change over working as ingeneers in a polish RF Company. so far, 72 de Peter --- Via GQRP-L - The G-QRP Club mailing list From cebik@utkvx.utk.edu Mon Jan 29 08:15:12 1996 Date: Thu, 06 Jul 1995 07:51:28 -0400 (EDT) From: cebik@utkvx.utk.edu To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: QRP+ serial numbers Status: RO Some list members have questioned the >1000 serial numbers of rigs in Germany while the recent group order produced rigs with serial numbers into the mid 600s. So I asked Peter. His reply was that a German firm receives QRP+ kits and assembles and tests them in Germany, and it has been given a special block of serial numbers. Hence, rigs up past 1100 may not be any more up to date with Index modifications than rigs in the US qwith numbers in the 600s. If anyone has saved (electronically) any of the past messages with technical information on the QRP+, please forward me a copy. All my info is on paper, and I do not wish to retype it, if I can get away with it. Even scanning the paper and reconverting to ASCII and then put in message form might be slower than receiving and storing forwarded messages. Scouring the archives would take even longer. So if you have copies of identifiable tech info messages (tests, reviews, work experiences, front-end sensitivity to overload, etc.) that you can easily forward, please do so. I'd rather have extra copies than none, so please feel free to send what you have (I can handle over 400 messages before my system tilts). Many thanks in advance. -73- LB, W4RNL L. B. Cebik, W4RNL /\ /\ * / / / (Off)(615) 974-7215 1434 High Mesa Drive / \/ \/\ ----/\--- (Hm) (615) 938-6335 Knoxville, Tennessee /\ \ \ \ / / || / (FAX)(615) 974-3509 37938-4443 USA / \ \ \ \ || cebik@utkvx.utk.edu QRPARCI 2572 G-QRP 7203 CQC 125 NEQRP 347 NORCAL 1111 MIQRP 1432 >From cebik@utkvx.utk.edu Mon Jan 29 08:15:15 1996 Date: Thu, 06 Jul 1995 07:55:51 -0400 (EDT) From: cebik@utkvx.utk.edu To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: A new rig from Europe Below, forwarded from Peter Zenker, is a description of a new Polish rig, with a note of comparison with the QRP+; since the rig is currently in prototype, a full review is not yet ready. >From ZenkerPN_at_DEBER@ccip.perkin-elmer.comThu Jul 6 07:52:03 1995 Date: Thu, 06 Jul 1995 12:21:24 -0500 (EST) From: ZenkerPN To: mitchell@dtcs70.dtc.Kodak.COM Cc: gqrp-l@blacksheep.org Subject: GQRP - Digital 942 sri about answering so late. The arcticle about the DIGITAL 942 is available in German language only for the moment. If you are interested i can make a translation into my poor english after comming back from my OK-land canoe tour first week of August. Dont worry about the delay, the people in Poland who designed this rig promised me to send me the prototype of a fullow up rig in August and i believe it is worth waiting to it HI. Very short description: The 942 is a Z80 driven transceiver with first IF 42 Mc, second IF 9 MC running CW,SSB,FM and AM (FM/AM 3rd IF=455kc). Build in keyer with 10 Memories. Frequency range from 20 kc to 30 Mc, running 3-4 W out here generated by push pull amp. Included are 50MC-60MC and 140-150MC running abt 2 mW out, tx and RX also all modes. The 942 has RIT / XIT and real SPLIT e.g TX at 144MC and RX at 28MC or viceversa. The keyer is from 3 WPM to 90WPM in 1WPM steps. Weight is abt 2600g and current at receive is 500mA. The look out of the 942 is like the old fashioned CB machines from the 70th if you remember those "cadillac txvrs", HI. Compared to the QRP+ the 942 has the better TX for SSB (one of the best dynamic compressors i have ever had) and it is more flexible. The RX of the 942 is not as good as the QRP+ in terms of IP3 but it "sounds clearer", the audio noise level is lower. There is an importeur in Germany, Price is 1700 DM (1500 without AM), not including the 9Mc IF filter. Kit is also available, but only to be realized by specialists. All rigs are handmade, it is no factury production but a little team in Poland of 5 people (before the political change over working as ingeneers in a polish RF Company. so far, 72 de Peter >From SZ0026@daphne.rrze.uni-erlangen.de Mon Jan 29 08:15:18 1996 Date: Thu, 06 Jul 1995 15:17:35 +0100 (MET) From: Richard Hieber To: cebik@utkvx.utk.edu Subject: Re: QRP+ serial numbers > Some list members have questioned the >1000 serial numbers of rigs in > Germany while the recent group order produced rigs with serial numbers > into the mid 600s. So I asked Peter. His reply was that a German firm > receives QRP+ kits and assembles and tests them in Germany, and it has > been given a special block of serial numbers. Hence, rigs up past 1100 > may not be any more up to date with Index modifications than rigs in the > US qwith numbers in the 600s. That's right, LB. The company's name is "VHT Impex". I talked with somebody from that company at the Hamradio in Friedrichshafen two weeks ago. He admitted that none of the modifications and improvements developed by hams have been included in the units assembled so far. When I asked about switches looking slightly different on VHT units compared to imported ones from the USA, he explained that they buy most parts on the market. Apparently the agreement with Index Labs doesn't include shipping of most parts, only the circuit boards and the Eprom software (they don't have the source code he said). > If anyone has saved (electronically) any of the past messages with > technical information on the QRP+, please forward me a copy. I might be able to help you out on this ;-) I have stored almost every message dealing with the QRP+ which has appeared on the listserver so far. Did it just for my own reference, so not every message is left intact - sometimes I deleted non-relevant material or otherwise re-formatted the text. But I am glad to share. The file slowly approaches the 200 kB mark. I don't have it here, but will gladly forward it to you if you tell me so. Have a nice weekend! Regards Richard -- Richard Hieber, DL8MFQ/AA8CP sz0026@daphne.rrze.uni-erlangen.de From bobhigh@primenet.com Mon Jan 29 08:15:21 1996 Date: Sat, 08 Jul 1995 18:58:35 -0400 (EDT) From: Bob Hightower To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: QRP+ SSB Power...again Status: RO I got a number of responses and suggestions to the first message, so thought I'd post this update; made the first SSB contact from Chandler, AZ (outside Phoenix) to Charlie K6IQY in Menlo Park, CA on 300 mw. Changed the element to the RS electret element (cat no 270-092b), and it kicked up to 700 mw, then made contact with KK5GN in Houston. I was down in the mud, but he got it OK. Now to see what the intended mic does, and how it compares. Might need to do some more tweaking on this, but for now, I'm reasonable satisfied. Still a little disappointed with the low power, both CW and SSB, from the rig. Can't have it all, I guess. 73 to all, Bob KI7MN >From ab6dg@netcom.com Mon Jan 29 08:15:26 1996 Date: Mon, 10 Jul 1995 17:02:20 -0400 (EDT) From: John Dundas To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: Pilgrimage to QRP+ birthplace Greetings all-- Being in the Seattle area last week, I decided that a visit to Gig Harbor was in order. I called Bruce first, and he said "sure" and gave me directions. Index Labs is a very small operation, located in a great spot looking out on (and not much higher than the water in) Gig Harbor, WA. Bruce appears to be chief cook, bottle washer, CEO, CFO, switchboard operator and mail room supervisor. He was most cordial, and was very interested in the report from P. Zenker as to the modifications that European owners were making (I gave Bruce a printout of the message that was posted here about 10 days ago). Bruce promises that he is working on the new chip which will contain the finer CW speed steps, among other things, and that he will send out notices to all registered owners as soon as it is available. The chip replacement will require some disassembly of the rig, but didn't look too hard. He had an opened rig on the bench, and it appears that a couple of the circuit boards need to be lifted off to get at the EPROM board. Interestingly, he said over half his sales have been in Europe so far. The review in last November's CQ really kicked off the US interest. Meanwhile, back in the Seattle area (Bellevue, actually), I had a nice eyeball qso with Roy, W6EMT/7, the designer of the NW8020, and a member of this list. And I made a few QRP+ contacts on 40 meters, using my version of the famous Bic 40 Flamethrower antenna. All in all, a week well spent! 72/3 de John AB6DG >From N5EM@aol.com Mon Jan 29 08:15:29 1996 Date: Tue, 11 Jul 1995 10:41:50 -0400 From: N5EM@aol.com To: cebik@utkvx.utk.edu Subject: QRP Plus SN LB, The serial number on mine is 648. I think you were trying to collect that info for your database. I am good in the callbook/cd-rom. (I am good in the rom? Try that on your next DX qso) 72 Ed Manuel, N5EM 10,430 Sagevale Houston, Texas 77089 n5em@aol.com >From aw@lib.kth.se Mon Jan 29 08:15:32 1996 Date: Tue, 11 Jul 1995 22:43:48 MET_DST From: Anders =?UNKNOWN?Q?W=E4ndahl?= To: cebik@utkvx.utk.edu Cc: aw@lib.kth.se Subject: QRP+ users list Hi LB... I would like to be put on the QRP+ user list. I have ser no 318. Unfortunately my rig is back in Gig Harbour for the moment, I have had problems with the output. The final stage was blown, and after replacement of the TX-board the problem remaind. I really look forward to get it back in full shape, it certaintly worked well when it was OK. Thank you in advance for linking between Peter Zenker & Co and this group (qrp-l). 72/73 SM0HPL Anders Wandahl email aw@lib.kth.se >From ab6dg@netcom.com Mon Jan 29 08:15:35 1996 Date: Tue, 11 Jul 1995 15:42:51 -0700 (PDT) From: John Dundas To: cebik@utkvx.utk.edu Subject: Re: QRP+ limitations and modifications LB-- I apologize for not publicly crediting you for the info from Peter Zenker which I passed on to Bruce at Index last week. When I posted my report to the group I didn't have your message in front of me, and was operating somewhat from my poor memory! Since I gave your whole message to Bruce, at least he knows that you were the source of it! 72/3 de John >From ab6dg@netcom.com Mon Jan 29 08:15:38 1996 Date: Tue, 11 Jul 1995 15:36:40 -0700 (PDT) From: John Dundas To: cebik@utkvx.utk.edu Subject: Re: QRP+ limitations and modifications LB-- Please put me on the list of QRP+ers who want info: John Dundas AB6DG ab6dg@netcom.com Thanks for your good efforts. 72/3 de John On Mon, 3 Jul 1995 cebik@UTKVX.UTCC.UTK.EDU wrote: >snip > I would also like to send Peter a list of QRP+ users (name, call, e-mail > address) who are interested in the long term in following the information > exchange. Please send me direct a message indicating your interest, and snip From N5EM@aol.com Mon Jan 29 08:15:41 1996 Date: Thu, 13 Jul 1995 12:20:36 -0400 From: N5EM@aol.com To: cebik@utkvx.utk.edu Subject: QRP Plus Status: RO LB, In answer to your question about output filters, I have checked. I have two manuals, the first came when I ordered, the second with the radio. Both are same. Date on the Figure 18 schematic diagram is June, 1994. It shows the modified filters. Since the date on the schematic was mid-94, one might be tempted to assume that radios have had such filters since then. Not always true of commercial documentation, I realize. Anyway, according to the book received with my Plus, I have the newer filters. (SN 648, June 21, 1995 mfg. date, I think). 72 Ed >From GREGOIRE@VALLEY.NET Mon Jan 29 08:15:45 1996 Date: Wed, 19 Jul 1995 11:57:05 -0400 (EDT) From: ERNEST GREGOIRE To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: Re: Is this the right place? >Hello Ernie > > I have a question, I have decided to buy a plus in the next >group buy, and the question is this. How is the qrp+ receiver sensitivity? >I saw someone on this list mention once that he was listening for something >and faintly heard the station, then put on another rig and there the >station was real clear and strong. Have you checked this and compared >the rig. I really want this to be a good rig, I plan to have just the >one after I get that one, I have a 50 watt amp to use if I really want >to put out some more power. > >Marty kd8bj > > Martin (Marty) Hartwell Phone: (614) 860-2091 > Room 3D286A Amateur Radio Station KD8BJ > 6200 E. Broad St. Email meh@cbsms1.cb.att.com > Columbus, Ohio ICBM: 39 58 N 82 49 W Hello Marty, I do like the receiver on the QRP+. I have not done this test. I couldn't do it if I wanted to now, whereas the QRP+ is my only multiband H.F. rig at the monent. I hear a lot of comments about this radio, and judging from those comments I think that we must keep in mind just what we are acutally buying here. This rig is not a Ten Tec Omni 6, or a Kenwood 950. Dollar for Dollar this is a good radio. I sold an Icom 735 recently to save up for a TenTec Omni 6. I consider the receiver in the QRP+ to be similar, but not equal to, the 735. The 735 has a much better agc than the QRP+. I didn't pay $1000.00 for the QRP+ either. I am very satisfied with the QRP+. But if you have you heart set on a dynamite receiver, then save your money and get a TenTec Omni. With all of the options that I want on it, the price is $2700. If I were single I would take out a loan right away for the Omni. But I'm not, so I won't. de AA1IK ( Lead by example, It is much easier ) ( to pull a string than it is to push it.) Ernie Gregoire ( ) Canaan, NH. ( ) (________________________________________) e-mail : GREGOIRE@VALLEY.NET packet : AA1IK@WA1WOK.FN43FE.NH.USA >From JohnsonR@rnd2.indy.tce.com Mon Jan 29 08:15:54 1996 Date: Thu, 20 Jul 1995 16:36:02 -0400 (EDT) From: Johnson Russ To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: How is the qrp+ receiver sensitivity? Marty, I get the QRP-L list by daily digest so this may be a day or so late. I have a new ( just before Field Day ) QRP+ and a Kenwood TS-50. I set them both up with my antenna switch turned around so I could switch between the two rigs and any signal I could hear on the TS-50 could also be heard on the QRP+ equally well. This test was on 40 meters and was by ear only but I think it was a good test. I work mostly CW and have only one SSB ( 75 meters ) contact with the QRP+ and it works very well. I would like to improve the AGC for CW operation though. I am not an electronics designer so will have to wait for some suggestions from others as far as component changes to try. The filtering in the QRP+ is better than the TS-50 and I do have the CW filter in the Kenwood. I have been using the QRP+ in the car ( CW mobile QRP ) and have now worked 8 states on 40 Meters. The band conditions have been very poor so contacts are not easy to come by. Even though it is not perfect, it is hard to beat when you look at features vs cost. Russ Johnson johnsonr@indy.tce.com >From LVE1@inel.gov Mon Jan 29 08:16:05 1996 Date: Fri, 21 Jul 1995 15:21:49 -0400 (EDT) From: Larry East To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: Backordered Mics for QRP+ A little "frustion venting"... A call last week to Index Labs. regarding when (if ever!) I might receive the microphone I ordered with my QRP+ yielded the information that an outfit named Texas Radio Parts has microphones that will work with the QRP+ and I should expect to receive one from them "in a few days". I called Texas Radio Parts this morning and they informed me that they are still waiting for a list of people who had previously ordered mics from Index. Another call to Index; I was told that I should order a mic directly from Texas Radio Parts. I didn't think much of that since I had already paid Index for one, and told them so. "Oh" he says, "I didn't realize you had already paid us" (geezzz...) and said he would "take care of it". So... If you have paid Index for a mic and not received it, better give them a call at 206-851-5725. If you haven't paid Index for a mic and want one for your QRP+, give Texas Radio Parts a call at 817-771-1188 (price is about $30 with next day UPS shipping). By the way... I had to send my QRP+ back for repair 'cuz the final decided to blow (waited 14 weeks for delivery and it only worked for 6 weeks...). Haven't received it back yet because they will have new firmware ready "soon" that will fix the problem with it always comming up in SSB mode regardless of the last mode used. Wonder if they also have a fix for the 80M W1AW problem... didn't ask 'cuz I barely hear W1AW on 80M here in the Idaho Outback so it ain't a problem. Happy QRPing -- Larry W1HUE/7 >From GREGOIRE@VALLEY.NET Mon Jan 29 08:16:09 1996 Date: Sun, 23 Jul 1995 12:21:34 -0400 (EDT) From: ERNEST GREGOIRE To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: QRP+/W1AW/INERFERENCE Hello All, I had a very nice chat with our good friend Bruce Franklin, of Index Labs. He found a solution to the W1AW trouble. However! Before he will buy off on the problem, he wants to try the fix out on a few other rigs. The fix turns out to be a simple matter of moving a coax braid from one side of the local oscillator to the other. I opted to wait until I get a pictorial diagram of his fix. With my luck, I'll make the problem worse on my own. So it won't be long now. >From bobhigh@primenet.com Mon Jan 29 08:16:12 1996 Date: Sun, 23 Jul 1995 17:12:27 -0400 (EDT) From: Bob Hightower To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: Re: How is the QRP+ receiver sensitivity I have both the QRP+ and a Kenwood TS450S connected, via a switch, to my Butternut HF6VX (careful to turn the QRP+ off when transmitting on the 450), and have found, obviously, the TS450 is more sensitive. BUT, if I can hear them on the QRP+, I can usually get them. That's the key, as far as I'm concerned. The receiver is sensitive enough to pull in those stations that will be able to hear me. The tuning on the QRP+ is not as fine as on the 450, but for the money it does very well, and with careful tuning, I can find the station I want. I listen on the 450, tune the QRP+ as best I can, and start calling. No complaints here on that at all, considering that when working with a weak signal, you need to de-tune somewhat to make yourself heard well enough to get a response. The real answer may be to have a seperate receiver to hunt with, and the QRP+ to bag 'em with. Whatever works. Bob KI7MN NorCal #1228 >From nwqrp@scn.org Mon Jan 29 08:16:15 1996 Date: Sun, 23 Jul 1995 20:39:03 -0400 (EDT) From: SCN User To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: qrp+ mic Hello QRP folks, Have had alot of fun today finishing my qrp+ mic project. (I started it just bfore FD .) This mic is made from the Radio Shack "PC MOUNT" electret mic, an old shoe, and a dental floss container (empty). The shoe is used for a chunk of rubber off the sole. The mic is placed in a hole in the rubber chunk. The rubber chunk is glued inside of the floss container. I cut a slit in the floss container and mounted a switch from the junkbox there. I took the long skinny part from a pen cap and cut it to fit onto the switch to for the part you click with your hand. (I used glue to secure everything). I wired it all to a mic chord and closed the top of the floss container. Cute. As a final touch, I cut the velcro from the old shoe and put the matching (hooks) side onto the shelf above the QRP+. First contact with Floss Mic was Hank, N7GGC, in Kirkland, WA. He said that this mic sounded almost as good as the converted Icom Speaker/Mic I borrowed from my IC 2AT and rewired the week of FD. Hope this helped relived some of the Mic backorder woes of the group purchasers! --Brian, KV9X -- i NorthWest QRP Club __________ -=[scn]=- --0---/\-- )|( nwqrp@scn.org /^\^\/ ^^\ /_|_\ http://www.scn.org/scripts/menus/n/nwqrp/nwqrp.menu --NW QRP-- >From LVE1@inel.gov Mon Jan 29 08:16:19 1996 Date: Thu, 10 Aug 1995 16:28:00 -0600 From: Larry East To: gqrp-l@blacksheep.org Subject: GQRP - QRP-PLUS Problems? Twice now the final FET and receiver mixer have been "fried" in my Index Labs QRP-PLUS. I would like input from other QRP-PLUS owners that have lost the mixer and/or final FET -- under what circumstancs did it happen, etc. Please reply direct. Thanks & 72, Larry W1HUE/7 LVE1@inel.gov --- Via GQRP-L - The G-QRP Club mailing list From LVE1@inel.gov Mon Jan 29 08:16:22 1996 Date: Mon, 21 Aug 1995 11:17:18 -0400 (EDT) From: Larry East To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: RE: QRP+ SSB Status: RO The other day AB5OU wrote: >Sorry for the bandwidth but would like to know other QRP+ owners >experiences with SSB. I bought the modified MFJ mic and plugged it in. >I do get about 1.5 to 2 watts out but shouldn't I be getting more? The >mic gain control seems to have little effect. As one listener said about >my signal "He's about 30db below mental telepathy!" Maybe I should stick >with CW! > If you are useing an AVERAGE reading Wattmeter, then a reading of 2W average power would be about right for 5 to 6W PEP. The mic gain control has little effect beyond a certain point because the "ALC" circuit in the QRP+ attempts to keep the transmitter output from exceeding a set PEP level -- presumably 5W but it probably differs from rig to rig due to component tolarances. I will post more information on this subject when I get a chance to put it all together. Right now, gotta get back to work! 72, Larry W1HUE/7 >From LVE1@inel.gov Mon Jan 29 08:16:26 1996 Date: Mon, 21 Aug 1995 14:48:28 -0400 (EDT) From: Larry East To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: QRP+ SSB and Other Stuff (long) First, some thoughts on the problem of low SSB power output from the QRP-PLUS. I believe there are three issues to address: 1. The effect of the Plus's low microphone input impedance; 2. The effect of the Plus's ALC circuit on SSB output; and finally 3. The problem of trying to measure SSB power output. The microphone input impedance is determined by the 500 Ohm gain pot and is low enough to "load" HI-Z microphones (crystal, ceramic, etc.) to the point that there may not be enough output to properly drive the rig. The Plus is designed to work with electret mics which can work into a low impedance. Low-Z dynamic mics might also work, but I haven't tried one. To use a hi-Z mic, you might try putting a simple emitter (or drain) follower in the microphone. Using a PNP transistor (or P channel FET), you could probably make use of the "bias" voltage intended for an electret microphone as the power source, with the 4.7K series resistor in the Plus acting as the emitter (or drain) resistor. I haven't tried that either, but if you do and it works, remember where you heard it first! Now for the ALC; this is intended, as stated in the manual, to insure that the final FET remains in its linear range during SSB operation by limiting the peak output power to a preset value. Unfortunately, the ALC level is not adjustable, and normal component tolerances probably result in SSB output varying by ~10% or more from rig to rig. In my case, using an electret mic, I get a about 5W PEP output on some bands, and about 4W on others. Probably a useful mod would be to make the ALC level adjustable (and, perhaps, frequency compensated?). Using a 'scope and two-tone oscillator, one could then set it to give the maximum power output commensurate with linear operation. I would NOT suggest disabling the ALC altogether; not only does it keep you from driving the final too hard, but it also reduces the effects of mic gain, mic position and speech level on the audio output; in a sense, it is a simple speech processor. I saw a post where the comment was made "...there is no ALC on CW, so why have it on SSB?" The answer is that we don't care about linear operation on CW -- remember the days of Class C amplifiers? (Whoops! showing my age...) I believe that some of the "low output problems" may be due to measuring SSB output on a normal Wattmeter, which essentially measures "average power". Lots of folks expect such meters to indicate the "peak power" in voice peaks, but it don't work that way. For 5W PEP (Peak Envelope Power) output, a "normal" Wattmeter will probably show something between 1 and 2W, depending on characteristics of the meter and the speaker's voice. If you have an Oak Hills WM-1 (or similar) Wattmeter, it can be fairly easily modified to indicate PEP; see the December '94 issue of QRPp and January '95 issue of QRP Quarterly for two variations of the mod (the one in the Quarterly is probably the best -- not bragging since I wrote 'em both!). Concerning my recent "Tale of Woe" about losing the final and receiver mixer twice in my QRP+: got my unit back from Index, and it appears that the second time around only the mixer was blown. I received lots of advice and suggestions as a result of that post, but only three other Plus owners reported losing a mixer and one reported losing a final. Maybe the problem is not widespread, or maybe you other owners have just been lucky! There were several suggestions that switching transients due to the relays may be a factor, but that is only speculation at the moment. For those of you who aren't aware, there are FOUR relays that are activated in the process of switching from receive to transmit; one switches the antenna from xmit to receive, one switches the direction of signals thru a mixer, and two switch in the appropriate xmitter output network. The relays are encapsulated "DIP" type and can't be heard unless you stick you ear next to the cabinet. They don't switch during keying, so that is something at least... One of my winter projects will be to dig into my Plus and see what I can do about "bullet proofing" the receiver front end, as well as making the ALC adjustable and adding some overvoltage protection for the output FET amplifier. Watch for the results in the QRP Quarterly... 72, Larry W1HUE/7 >From GREGOIRE@VALLEY.NET Mon Jan 29 08:16:30 1996 Date: Sun, 27 Aug 1995 09:33:54 -0400 (EDT) From: ERNEST GREGOIRE To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: QRP+MOD FOR W1AW TROUBLE Hi All, I have completed a modification for fixing splatter on 80 meters regarding the W1AW code practice signal. For a quick catch up on the problem: W1AW broadcasts on 3.581.5 for buletins and code practice. A problem in the local oscilator of the Index Labs QRP+ rig was made accute due to the strong signal on this particular frequency. The spur was found in other bands as well, according to tests done at Index. The fix was to move the braid on the L.O. from one place to another on the third board down in the rig.( Not as bad as it sounds). It worked, for the most part. I believe that this is the frist step in cleaning up the receiver. Other minor problems exist. I can now hear the W1AW signal on 3.581.5. I could not do that before.(The audio had a buzz to it and was very much attenuated, even though the signal was 60 over 9). I can also hear it at several spots down the band, but not as bad as before. Using the 20 db pad, and a narrow C.W. filter setting is the key to listening to W1AW. Using the norrow filter can eliminate the spill over on the rest of the band. Now for the rest of the problem. A whistle can be heard on certain frequencies. Can any one else duplicate this ? I'm wondering if this whiltle is unique to my radio. Here are the results: This test was done with no antenna connected to the radio and using the C.W. filter set to .2 KHz . A whistle was heard on the following frequencies: 80 meters 40 meters 30 meters 20 meters 13.999.2 3.518.8 7.027.8 10.113.4 14.083.2 3.570.6 = s 1.9 7.036.2 14.125.1 3.580.0 7.050.3 14.188.2 3.623.1 7.080.0 14.158.8 3.665.1 7.142.1 = s 3.2 loudest of all 3.709.7 7.160.2 3.749.1 3.752.6 3.780.6 3.793.8 very low level here 17 meters 15 meters 12 meters 10 meters 18.094.8 21.077.5 24.921.1 28.076.8 18.134.3 21.161.5 28.244.9 21.250.6 28.418.3 21.418.7 The volume on the radio had to be turned up loud to hear the higher frequencies whistle. The lower frequencies could plainly be heard. Bruce sent me a hand written diagram of the board and where to move the braid from and too. I will get that digitized and have it available as an attatched file soon. Write to me directly and I'll send it to you. >From GREGOIRE@VALLEY.NET Mon Jan 29 08:16:35 1996 Date: Tue, 29 Aug 1995 09:53:09 -0400 (EDT) From: ERNEST GREGOIRE To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: Re: QRP+MOD FOR W1AW TROUBLE Hello Bill, I talked to Bruce Franklin from Index last night. He will check for the spur problems as a result of doing this mod. I imagine this will take a whlie. So this mod being what it is , is not the whole answer to the W1AW trouble. I noticed the frequency display is off by 200 Hz now. This is due to having to take the rig almost completely apart to do the mod. I also forgot to replace the foam pads that are jamed between the boards. This caused microphonics like you wouldnt believe. I will replace them tonight. So, although this mod did help with the overload problem, it is not the complete answer. If a few of us do this mod and get similar relults, then I believe this will help Bruce to home in on the final fix. I had copmany last night and didn't get the diagram scanned. I'll do it soon though. >Ernie, I would be interested in the mod. I too have the W1AW problem here >in Merrimack NH. I haven't noticed the whistle prob yet, but didn't realize >the W1AW prob 'till you mentioned it :-) >Tnx in adv. >Bill, AA1OC > de AA1IK ( Lead by example, It is much easier ) ( to pull a string than it is to push it.) Ernie Gregoire ( ) Canaan, NH. ( ) (________________________________________) e-mail : GREGOIRE@VALLEY.NET packet : AA1IK@WA1WOK.FN43FE.NH.USA >From GREGOIRE@VALLEY.NET Mon Jan 29 08:16:39 1996 Date: Sun, 03 Sep 1995 19:20:08 -0400 (EDT) From: ERNEST GREGOIRE To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: Microphonics in Index QRP+ Hello Gang, I forgot who wrote to me about the microphonics in the QRP+ rig. This occurs when the speaker is loud or the side of the rig,(or anyhere else on the case is tapped with a finger). I fixed mine by tightening the screws holding the ckt. boards in place and inserting more foam insulation (open cell) between the aluminum plates and L2,L3,L4, on the third board down from the top. (regarding the W1AW trouble) Sorry about the delay with getting the diagram scanned and put up here on the news group. It appears that the guy that has the scanner actually has a life outside of ham radio. We are both on vacation this week so I remain hopeful. >From N5EM@aol.com Mon Jan 29 08:16:43 1996 Date: Mon, 04 Sep 1995 17:58:59 -0400 (EDT) From: N5EM@aol.com To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: Re: QRP PLus from Index Labs Jim, I got mine after waiting about 4 months. Of course, I bought mine with the great QRP-L group purchase of 37 units. I'm sure that Index was glad to have the order but it severely taxed their production. It was worth the wait. I am sure that I have not used mine as much as others, but here are my observations. You will not be disappointed in your observations. It is a miracle of packaging. First of all, this puppy is small. Well, maybe not like a NorCal 40A, but then it is general coverage 1.8 to 30 mhz. with all ham bands in between! The functionallity from the front panel is nothing short of amazing. With just a few buttons (which you have to work with a bit to learn), you can change frequency, use/load a memory, change the bandwidth from 100 hz. to 2400 hz. in 100 hz. steps, change the keying speed (of course the keyer is built-in) in increments of 5 wpm, change mode from SSB to CW, change the tuning rate from slow to fast or go to RIT / Split mode. Keying is very nice from on-air reports. Hope to get some SSB use in pretty soon, but I don't operate much SSB. Planing a couple of Cub Scout campouts this October where we'll give the SSB mode a real workout. Now, a couple of wishes. I wish that the power control was on the front panel. You need to adjust it when moving from band to band. If, for example you are doing work at .95 watts, you will have to readjust when you change bands. I realize that it would be an engineering challenge to move it. I wish that the keyer speed was incremented in 1 wpm steps. 5 wpm is acceptable but not best. I wish that the radio had the ability to load at least one of the memories with different frequencies. I would like to work RS-12, mode K (21 mhz. TX, 29 mhz. RX). The radio will do it (I think) with the RIT but imagine cranking the freq. from 21 to 29 mhz. in 100 hz. steps. I realize that not many folks would want to cross band, but I think that a small software change might get this one and allow RS12 satellite operation. I wish the radio had an accessory cover/case for portable operation.. Specifically, I'm thinking about a padded leather case to keep me from scratching it up when I take it out to a Cub Scout outing. I will eventually make one but I'd have gladly paid $40 for one designed for the radio. As a note, I always spend the $20 or so to buy a soft cover to protect my handheld radio. In fact, now a days, you have to buy two, one for the short battery and one for the long battery. So I will end up spending $40 to protect my $500 handheld radio. Why not for my $600 HF radio? I wish that I had a VOX. I can live without it. I will probably end up makeing one of these outboard. But, it's better for VOX to be integrated to get smooth anti-vox. Why VOX? Makes headset operation so much nicer, especially if you are using headphones anyway. I realize that there are probably good engineering reasons for not having a VOX. This is my wish list, remember? It would cost more, too. At $600 it's right at the top end of the target market, I suspect. Another $50 to $100 would dramatically reduce its marketability. Maybe in the dreamed-of, matching QRP Plus accessory? (Please, don't call Bruce and ask about this. This is my wish list, remember :-) ) I wish the LCD display had a backlight for night operation. It would need to be switched on and off. Maybe from combinations from the front panel in software? Now, negatives. There are a few birdies. I haven't tried to find them all. Found one at about 21.4 mhz. None on 40 or 30 that I have noticed. There is the documented W1AW problem. I haven't even followed this one enough to be able to properly describe it. I don't hear W1AW that well. The radio has a documented susceptability to high power transmitters close by. If you buy a Plus, don't even hook it up if a regular 50-100 watt radio is near by. I wish I could define "near by". Certainly not in your shack! It'll smoke the finals and a few other parts for good measure. Maybe not within a few houses of yours. Don't know here. And, CERTAINLY, not to a field day type outing where high power rigs are on simultaneously. For me, I operate QRP exclusively. I am concerned about my satellite/ATV station. I have a 100 watt 70 cm amplifier for ATV and sats. For now, there is NO CHANCE that the Plus will be hooked up (any wire) when that amplifier is operational. In fairness to the Plus, I really don't know how many folks have had this problem. It may be a precious few. But, if I had it, you can be sure that my displeasure would be vocal too. Would I do it again if I had the chance? ABSOLUTELY. It, like every other radio I have ever owned, has its idiosynchrosies (bet I blew that one). Part of the character of any radio is its uniqueness. I, like everyone else, will not tolerate fundamental design flaws. I don't think anything I have discussed, except the high-power susceptability, is a fundamental design flaw. I expect that this one will be fixed. I will probably send mine back for upgrade when it is available. But I love the radio. If you ever operated one of AEA's DX handies (10m/6m) walkie-talkie size QRP rig, or one of the Mizuho single banders, you know what I mean. They are a speciality rig and you adjust to the limitations. I don't mean that you learn to think of the rig as perfect. Like people, none of them are. But, the Plus fits me very well. I am almost 50 (and may decide to stay there for years to come) and I've made some mistakes with rigs in the past. I sold my Icom 502. I regret it to this day. I sold my TS-130V. Only the compassion of the fellow I sold it to allowed me to reacquire it. I will never let it go again. The Plus will probably be like that. Part of the estate when I finally go QRT. There you have it. My, not entirely dispassionate review of mine. 72 from Houston, Texas. Ed Manuel, N5EM n5em@aol.com ps. If you are in Houston, let me know and I'd be glad to put you at the controls of my Plus. Ed >From Andrew.Comas@ska.com Mon Jan 29 08:16:47 1996 Date: Tue, 05 Sep 1995 17:02:02 -0400 (EDT) From: Andrew Comas To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: Re: QRP PLus from Index Labs I wanted to reply to your 'whistle' list from Aug 27, but haven't gotten around to it until now. My list is much short then yours (not reproduced here). I tested my QRP+ into a dummy load. But from your list I heard: 3.580.0 Birdie 3.655.1 < S1 3.749.6 < S2 (you had .2 as freq) 3.752.6 < S1 7.142.1 7.160.2 10.113.4 S1 14.083.2 Birdie 21.077.5 S1 21.161.5 Birdie 21.250.6 S1 21.418.7 Birdie 28.076.8 < S1 28.244.9 < S1 28.418.3 < S1 Where a 'birdie' would be impossible to listen to a station on that frequency and S2 would a hinderence and S1 would be a minor annoyance. Also I've picked up the SP-100 speech processor from GLS and that has been interesting. Testing into a dummy load (to set the pots on the SP-100 correctly) showed a 1 Watt to 1.5 Watt improvement on my wattmeter (Oak Hill WM-1). Now instead of yelling into the mic to get 1.5 Watts out, you can speak loudly and get 2 Watts out average power. Nevertheless, you can tell you're running a speech processor when listening, but it boosts the average SBB power. I have not tried it on the air yet. Work has been really busy. When I get a chance I'll post the on-air results. 73s de Andrew AA2UG >From jlowman@iepsnet.com Mon Jan 29 08:16:50 1996 Date: Sun, 10 Sep 1995 21:04:31 -0400 (EDT) From: Jim Lowman To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: QRP+ availability I just spoke with a fellow at Index Labs of Friday, who told me that the backlog problem has been corrected, and that rigs are available for off-the-shelf delivery. He also mentioned that the latest modification is 1-wpm steps on CW. Guess this shows that they listen to their customers. I was hesitating, wondering if I should send this info out, in case IL gets deluged with new orders, and by the time my order gets there next week (after payday) they might be backlogged again. But that's kinda selfish, right? :-) 73, Jim - KF6CR >From slee@u.washington.edu Mon Jan 29 08:16:54 1996 Date: Sun, 10 Sep 1995 23:37:25 -0400 (EDT) From: 'AB7HI' Stephen Lee To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: QRP+ Group Buy II Talked to Bruce at Index Labs on Wednesday last when I just got back in town from vacation. Since then have had a root canal done and left town again (what fun, eh?). At any rate, he's ready to entertain the QRP-L group buy now. Here's the good news: 1. Bruce is caught up on his backorders and is now shipping from stock. 2. Yes, the keyer WPM increment is now set to 1 WPM. 3. There is mode memory now, so whatever mode it was in when turned off is the mode set at the next power on. 4. Bruce has incorporated a few other tweaks but didn't elaborate or go into detail about what whose were. Mostly software related. Now the bad news: 1. QRP-L discount price: $580.00 2. Optional microphone price: $29.00 3. Be advised, there will be a general price increase about October 28, approximately 8%. I posted this to the list to let the new subscribers (new since last May) know about this group purchase. Tomorrow I will put together a distribution list and renotify those who have previously expressed an interest. If you're interested in this group purchase please email me directly at: slee@u.washington.edu >From here on out lets take this thread off the list. Usual disclaimer applies...I don't work for Index Labs or otherwise profit from their business. Stephen Lee AB7Hi >From GREGOIRE@valley.net Mon Jan 29 08:16:57 1996 Date: Thu, 14 Sep 1995 23:49:32 -0400 (EDT) From: ERNEST GREGOIRE To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: Re: W1AW-QRP+TROUBLE FAX Hello Brien, Yes I do like the QRP+. I think that it is the best rig on the market of it's type, for the money. The radio is not without it's peculiarities. As with any first generation radio, there are some things that crop up as more and more folks use them. I think of myself as a pioneer in QRP, and have been working with Bruce to find and fix the "Personality traits", of this rig. And this radio does have some personality. I will send my rig back to Gig Harbor for the cw keyer modification, and while it's there I will ask Bruce to check into the birdie trouble. These are not big problems, and I am very satisfied with the radio on the whole. Satisfaction is a personal thing. Some folks want a Cadilac for the price of a Pinto, and will not be satisfied at all. Others will pay the Cadilac price to get one. This rig is not a Yeasu 1000, however it is more than basic transportation too. It has some nice features "For it's price". Bruce is waiting for some more feed back on the W1AW trouble. The sooner we give it to him the faster it will become a part of the "Off the shelf", radios in the future. 73 de AA1IK Ernie >So, has Bruce incorporated the fix in recent production or is he still >waiting to compile a list of fixes to start to incorporate? >>If necessary, I would like the fixes from you since it looks like I am >going to go into the group buy. Do you like the rig? I am hesitating a >wee bit now, since the price went up, but also since I have seen about 4 >for sale on the list recently - I wonder WHY??? since they laid the money >out are they trying to retreat from a mistake or what ??? > >72 > >Brien Pepperdine >VE3VAW >Toronto > >pepperb@gov.on.ca > de AA1IK ( Lead by example, It is much easier ) ( to pull a string than it is to push it.) Ernie Gregoire ( ) Canaan, NH. ( ) (________________________________________) e-mail : GREGOIRE@VALLEY.NET packet : AA1IK@WA1WOK.FN43FE.NH.USA >From N5EM@aol.com Mon Jan 29 08:17:03 1996 Date: Tue, 26 Sep 1995 23:11:50 -0400 (EDT) From: N5EM@aol.com To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: QRP Plus on RS12 Gang, For those who haven't figured it out yet, here is how to put the Plus on RS12. 1. Dial in a memory on 15 meters and adjust the frequency to 21.210 mhz. (the bottom end of the transponder passband). BE CAREFUL, advanced class required. 2. Move the xcvr/rit/split switch to the RIT mode. Depress the FAST button and hold it down. Crank the dial to 29.410 mhz. (this may take a few minutes :-) 3. You are not transmitting on 15 meters and receiving on 10 meters. You WILL need a dual (or more) band antenna that covers 15 and 10 since you can not separate receive and transmit. 4. Be Careful! Do not move the RIT toggle switch. Do not depress the memory button. Either of these actions resets to the memory and you will have to crank the whole thing again. 5. The Plus will keep this receiver offset until you do one of the two things in step 4. You can turn the radio off and disconnect the power with no adverse affect. The final frequency is always protected. 6. Since you are looking at the receive (RIT) frequency, you can adjust receive freq. while listening. If you want to QSY the transmitter, simply hold the REVERSE button down while adjusting the frequency. 7. There you have it. To take care of the dual band antenna problem, I threw together a dual dipole with a 23' piece of 450 ohm window ladder line fed by a piece of RG-8x. With the trusty MFJ antenna SWR analyser, it only took about 30 minutes (instruments inside - antenna outside) to adjust the two wires for the correct frequencies. Most of us don't have a 10 meter antenna that works at 29.4 by the way. 8. Use your favorite shareware tracking software to determine when to work the bird. Here is where you expect to find the testimonials of the 20 rare DX stations I worked in the first pass with my new setup. Sorry to drop it to you. The bird is currently crossing North America between midnight and 6 am and between noon and 6 pm. That translates into sleep and work, respectively. But look out Saturday. I'll be there during the afternoon checking it out. If you are one of those who never sleeps, let me know how you do this week. 72 and good DX Ed Manuel, N5EM n5em@aol.com >From John Garrett@post.mail.demon.net Mon Jan 29 08:17:10 1996 Date: Wed, 27 Sep 1995 08:36:54 -0400 (EDT) From: "John Garrett"@post.mail.demon.net, G3RHP Reply to: john@antenna.demon.co.uk To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: QRP+ mods? As a new QRP+ owner I am finding things that I guess some of you have already found solutions for. In particular: 1. Is the keyer-speed increment of 1wpm available on EPROM from Index Labs as an upgrade/exchange? If so, how much does it cost? 2. I suffer from electric fence QRM giving a loud "pop" which stuns the AGC for rather too long. Has anybody either built a noise limiter mod or changed the AGC recovery time? 3. How do you guys net accurately? Do you just set bandwidth to 100Hz and tune the RX for max signal? I am considering making an outboard audio osc with the right tone so that I can tune the RX to match that. Is the side-tone freq easily adjusted and is it linked to the CW offset? 4. Anybody changed the feed-back in the PA so that power output is the same on all bands? I find that if I set 3W on 28MHz I'm getting 8W on 3.5MHz. I don't have a spare dimmer switch :-) 5. When using headphones there is an annoying thump on keying. Probably could be eliminated if the phones were less sensitive at low freqs but mine are common "hi-fi" ones. Apart from these minor grumbles I have found the QRP+ a joy to use. Keep up the good work, Bruce and thanks. 73 de John, G3RHP -- john@antenna.demon.co.uk g3rhp@amsat.org >From SZ0026@daphne.rrze.uni-erlangen.de Mon Jan 29 08:17:13 1996 Date: Wed, 27 Sep 1995 15:08:56 -0400 (EDT) From: Richard Hieber To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: Re: QRP+ mods? Hi John, you wrote: > As a new QRP+ owner I am finding things that I guess some of you have > already found solutions for. In particular: > > 1. Is the keyer-speed increment of 1wpm available on EPROM from > Index Labs as an upgrade/exchange? If so, how much does it cost? I talked to Bruce Franklin today on the phone and asked a few questions after ordering my QRP+ on the Internet group buy deal. One thing I wanted to know was what his policy on software upgrades is. I understand that he will send the new ROM to any owner of a QRP+ who requests it, for 5 USD. The changes in the software are the finer tuning steps in the keyer and the memory for which mode (SSB or CW) the rig is in when you turn it off. When I asked for out-of-band transmit (to excite a transverter) he instructed me that one single memory address in the EPROM has to be changed to "00". I am confident that a friend with an eprommer can do this for me. I was glad to learn that I can use the rig, as I intend to, for the digital modes also. Switching time is 40 milliseconds and hence it should be fast enough for PACTOR, AMTOR and the like. Bruce only cautioned that with RTTY the higher one of the two tones might be out of the audio passband. I don't think this will be a problem as I can set the audio tones with my RTTY program of choice (HAMCOMM) just as I please. Obviously, I will have to readjust the (imaginary) carrier frequency. >From one of Bruce's comments I gathered that no major upgrades on the QRP+ are planned. Well, there are no major complaints either ;-) And Bruce promised to send the package out tomorrow ... No connection to Index Labs except as a customer (to be). What I say may be my own misunderstanding and doesn't bind them. 73 es 72, Richard -- Richard Hieber, DL8MFQ/AA8CP sz0026@daphne.rrze.uni-erlangen.de >From N5EM@aol.com Mon Jan 29 08:17:17 1996 Date: Wed, 27 Sep 1995 23:17:49 -0400 (EDT) From: N5EM@aol.com To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: RS12 and the Plus Gang, Oops. Partial error. In a conversation with Bruce at Index he mentioned that the synthesizer in the Plus is not fast enough to effectively switch at QSK keying speeds between bands. Hence (and after listening on the now secondary TS-130V) there is significant chirp while the synthesizer locks to transmit frequency. So, the short version is that the Plus will do crossband SSB just fine, just not CW. And, try to wait about 0.5 second before you start talking :-) ed 72 >From SZ0026@daphne.rrze.uni-erlangen.de Mon Jan 29 08:17:21 1996 Date: Fri, 06 Oct 1995 15:54:18 +0100 (MET) From: Richard Hieber To: cebik@utkvx.utk.edu Subject: Re: QRP+ LB, > sitting on my kitchen countertop is a box from INDEX claiming to be a > QRP+. I have not yet opened it to verify. That's very good news. But you really should open it to verify ;-) The box should contain the TRX and the mike. > Next step. I propose to inquire with UPS (less than 1 mile away from > home) about sending the revised package (larger, with packing foam around > the INDEX box) via air to you. Sounds very good. If you think additional casing is recommended, then be it. I have no idea about air freight prices. Will see what your inquiry brings up. > I propose to call the item: used amateur radio transceiver, gift. That's alright. > What value shall I put on the package in dollars? Hmm ;) I suggest $100. There is a certain limit for the value that gifts sent from abroad can have, above which a tax will be imposed. I don't really know, but I heard DM 200 is the limit. Will try to check this out. > What address shall I use to send it to you. Richard Hieber Kurt-Schumacher-Str.5 91052 Erlangen Tel. xx49-(0)9131-502470 > Is there anything else I should do with it or about it either before > sending it or to send it to you. Nothing pops up in my head in this moment. I once thought about asking you to put the odd handwritten label on the rig to make it look used. But this would mean overdoing it. You certainly will play with it for a while to see that it works - I encourage you to do so. Curious to see if you'll find much of a difference to your own rig. > I shall remove the invoice from the package and send it to you separate > via air mail. Again a very sensible proposal. If you would like to include information about yourself and your station, I should appreciate that very much. > Your comments and feedback will guide the process. Thanks again for all that you are doing for me, LB. I couldn't possibly imagine anyone handling this better than you. Take care, Richard -- Richard Hieber, DL8MFQ/AA8CP sz0026@daphne.rrze.uni-erlangen.de From cebik@utkvx.utk.edu Mon Jan 29 08:17:25 1996 Date: Tue, 24 Oct 1995 17:09:56 -0400 (EDT) From: cebik@utkvx.utk.edu To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: Re: QRP+, the list Status: RO Richard, Some notes that might (or might not) be of interest to others: 1. Re: reading meter and emergency mike in the case. If the QRP+ sits on the table, you will have to put your face on the desk top to use the mike. Solve 2 problems at once: make a shelf of some kind on which to place the QRP+ so that you can read the meter and talk into case. Now a shelf might also allow you to use some independent lighting on the rig if the shelf has a top layer over the rig: place a small light--like they use to illuminate the insides of furniture cabinets--many can be shielded on one side so the light does not shine in your eyes, but it will shine on the rig face enough to read the meter and LCD display. will not disturb others any more than a nightlight would. The space beneath the rig but over the desk/table can have other shelves for accessories--ATU, etc. Think ergonomically. I'll bet the outfit that assembles QRP+s in EU might be able to get an unpunched case for you without the heavy duty duties--right from Index or its sources. They might even be interested in producing a batch of accessories in one case. Or even Index itself. Do not foget an OHR WM-1 style SWR/Wattmeter for those accessories. In fact, you might collect a master list of what folks want ass accessories for the QRP+ to accumulate a "most-wanted" list. A fairly simple op-amp audio amp with output matched to the input of the QRP+ and variable gain would solve almost everyone's SSB problems--whether using an electret or dynamic mike--or even an audio mixer so that you could keep that emergency mike connected and in the accessoy box. My own list of accessories includes an ATU and WM-1 wattmeter, plus CW makers (keys, keyers, keyboard). A memory keyer needs to go in that other box with the mike preamp, ATU, wattmeter, etc. The QRP+ keyer is fine, but a memory keyer saves the arm for all those exchanges, QRZs and CQs. You can probably find a steel box about the QRP+ size. The density of the insides helps make the QRP+ so solid, so add a steel plate to the bottom of the accessory box and paint it to match th QRP+. Some of these ideas are adaptable to other kinds of situations, so I hope no one gets the idea that this is absolutely QRP+ specific. -73- LB, W4RNL >From Norbert.Heyder@erno.de Mon Jan 29 08:17:28 1996 Date: Mon, 30 Oct 1995 03:07:49 -0500 (EST) From: Norbert.Heyder@erno.de To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: QRP+ modifications Hi QRP+ CW-Operators, During holidays I have been off the list for 2 months and now I'm back. Possibly in the meantime there was a modification solving this problem? The problem: ------------ All the unwanted noise and clicks in your headphones when the QRP+ toggles from receive to transmit and back while operating CW/QSK. The reasons: ------------ I got my oscilloscope and found out: 1. The supply voltage for the audio chip U9(LM386,pin6) on the AF-Board shows unwanted transients 2. The 'electronic switch' U8(4066, pin 10,11,12) on the AF-Board sees in addition to the AC audio signal an needless DC-Voltage as an offset of approx. 4V at pin 11(input) resulting from the audio filter circuit. After each keying, when the QRP+ switches over to receive, the capacitor C29 behind this switch(U8, pin 10) has to be reloaded again each time with the unwanted DC-Offset and this leeds to the 'click' in the audio. The Modifications(to be done on the AF-Board): ---------------------------------------------- First make sure that no HF couples back from the earphones to the QRP+! to 1: The original R/C-combination 10Ohm/100MF does not meets the needs. Make a "clean" supply voltage for the audio chip U9 by: - change R49 from 10Ohm to 47Ohm - change C40 from 100MF to 470MF - change C41 from 220MF to 100MF(no bass needed here) to 2: Prevent U8 from switching the needless DC-Voltage by: - add a capacitor(0.1MF) between R44 and pin 11(U8) - add a resistor 100KOhm from pin 11(U8) to ground --------------------------------------------------------------------- Not just a problem: ------------------- When operating the QRP+ I always use small homebrew tuner(T-Configuration) which also suppressed unwanted interference with radio broadcast stations very efficiently(works as a "high-pass"). This allows to attenuate with only 10dB in all cases instead of 20dB (20dB means too much supressing of the wanted signal). To reach 10dB you can replace R1/R2 with 96Ohm each and R3 with 71Ohm at the receivers front end(located on panel board near the ATT-Switch). For this modification it is not necessary to pull out the panel board. I'm very interested in all other known modifications for the QRP+! Would like to hear about your experience, 73 Norbert, DL8BDF >From ZenkerPN_at_DEBER@ccip.perkin-elmer.com Mon Jan 29 08:17:31 1996 Date: Tue, 31 Oct 1995 10:38:26 -0500 (EST) From: ZenkerPN To: gqrp-l@blacksheep.org Subject: GQRP - QRP+ EPROM PATCH Hi gang, i have been asked by a number of OMs how to patch the Eprom of the QRP+. The computer specialist of the Activity Group QRP berlin DH7ADR hereby gives the answer. How to patch the QRP-Plus EPROM ------------------------------- Copyright 1995 (C) Dr. Andreas Tomiak, DH7ADR AX.25: DH7ADR@DB0GR.#BLN.#DEU.EU Email: tomiak@hmi.de No warranty, all rights reserverd non-commerical use granted Version 1.0, 18. August 1995 All patches are in hexadecimal notation of numbers -------------------------------------------------------------------- Patch #1 -------- Removal of the lock for transmissions out of the amateur radio bands Address Value (orig) Value (new) $4A5 $83 $00 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Patch #2 -------- New keyer speeds (twice as before, improved scaling). 16 speeds, 6 to 26 WPM part 1: time constants old $550 78 78 50 50 3C 3C 30 30 28 28 22 22 1E 1E 1B 1B new $550 C8 AB 96 85 78 6D 64 5C 56 50 4B 43 3C 37 32 2E part 2: values for display old $BB6 10 10 15 15 20 20 25 25 30 30 35 35 40 40 45 45 new $BB6 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 20 22 24 26 If you want to choose your own time constants: time constant = 6000/WPM = 1200/BPM The displayed values will be the BCD values of the time constants. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Patch #3 -------- Your call sign as power-on display The content of the display after power-on is stored backwards into 6 bytes from $30 in a special display code. All 6*7 segments are freely programmable. You have to experiment here a little bit, because of the limited number of possible alphanumeric characters on 7 segment displays. Display-Code: 6 --- | | Every segment is assigned to one bit: 1 | | 5 | 0 | segment number --- e.g. 76543210 | | 00111101 $3D d 2 | | 4 00111011 $3B H | | 01110000 $70 7 --- 01110111 $77 A 3 00111101 $3D d 00000101 $3B r The resulting call dH7Adr will be stored now as follows: $30 05 3D 77 70 3B 3D A Table with numbers from 0-9, C and a two-part W is stored at address $184 to $191. This table will be used for general display. 72/73 de Andreas, DH7ADR Peter, DL2FI --- Via GQRP-L - The G-QRP Club mailing list From ZenkerPN_at_DEBER@ccip.perkin-elmer.com Mon Jan 29 08:17:34 1996 Date: Tue, 31 Oct 1995 14:31:52 -0500 (EST) From: ZenkerPN To: cebik@utkvx.utk.edu Subject: Re[2]: GQRP - QRP+ EPROM PATCH Status: RO Hi, LB i hoped someone of the friends will arrange a transfer to qrp-l, you did it! Thank you. If I have new information abt adapting the 2*IRF510 push pull PA to the QRP+, i will let you know 72 de Peter, DL2FI ____________________________ Antwort-Abtrennung ________________________________ Betreff: Re: GQRP - QRP+ EPROM PATCH Autor: cebik@UTKVX.UTCC.UTK.EDU bei INTERNET Datum: 31.10.1995 08:02 Peter, I forwarded your message on patching the display and EEPROM to the QRP-L list for the benefit of USA hams. THere has been some talk of forming a QRP+ list, but so far, no definite action. I'll let you know if anything definite develops. Appreciate the information flow. -73- LB, W4RNL >From LVE1@inel.gov Mon Jan 29 08:17:40 1996 Date: Tue, 31 Oct 1995 08:47:36 -0700 From: Larry East To: gqrp-l@blacksheep.org Subject: GQRP - Firmware Update for QRP+ A new EPROM is available from Index Labs for the QRP+ having the following enhancements: - Keyer speed variable in 1 WPM increments to 36 WPM, 2 WPM increments to 44 WPM (plus 1 WPM increment to 45 WPM). - Remembers the last mode used (CW or SSB) when powered off/on. It does not appear that Index has sent out any type of notification of this update; I learned about it from the US QRP-L list. The price of the new EPROM is $US 5 plus shipping (maybe another $1 or so -- its very small). The EPROM can be replaced without removing any boards, but its a tight squeeze. 72/73, Larry W1HUE/7 --- Via GQRP-L - The G-QRP Club mailing list From LVE1@inel.gov Mon Jan 29 08:17:44 1996 Date: Fri, 03 Nov 1995 12:19:07 -0700 From: Larry East To: gqrp-l@blacksheep.org Subject: GQRP - More info on QRP+ EPROM Upgrade Status: RO I talked to Bruce at Index Labs today, and he said that he will ship the new EPROM "anyplace in the world" for $US 6.00 ($5 for the EPROM plus $1 for shipping). You need to supply the serial number of your rig when ordering. He would like the old EPROM return for recycling. Bruce said that he will be making a general mailing to QRP+ users concerning upgrades, accessories, etc. "in the next few months". He also claims that he has caught up with his backlog and QRP+'s are now being shipped from stock... George: I lost your email address again! I saved your last message, but the header info got deleted! Anyway, Bruce said that he certainly has no objection to the information on the EPROM upgrade being published in SPRAT. 72/73, Larry W1HUE/7 LVE1@inel.gov --- Via GQRP-L - The G-QRP Club mailing list From glenng@noether.ex.ac.uk Mon Jan 29 08:17:47 1996 Date: Mon, 06 Nov 1995 12:44:14 +0000 (GMT) From: glenng@noether.ex.ac.uk To: gqrp-l@blacksheep.org Subject: GQRP - QRP+ info? Status: RO -.-. --.- -.-. --.- --.- .-. .--. Hi fellow Qrp'rs ! I have been operating an Index QRP+ rig for the past year of which nearly all my qso's ( 98% ) have been on cw. I have put this down to the fact that the power output I get on ssb seems to be of no more than 2.5 watts [ is this the Norm???? ] and with the antenna system I use,( MY BEDROOM WINDOW FRAME! ), I dont get much gain!!! Even though, the stations I have worked on ssb, invariably notify me that the audio quality is not too great.... Hence I would like to hear from other users if you have had the same problem, or if your audio quality seems ok, what type of microphone you are using, since I am using the one supplied by the company that imported the radio. (a small handi speaker mic) Another point to end with, I have heard that there is a new Eprom for the QRP+ available, please can somebody inform me what I would gain by getting hold of this updated eprom. tnxs in advance es best 73's Glenn. (G0LCQ) ...-.- . . --- Via GQRP-L - The G-QRP Club mailing list From mrioux@ftp.com Mon Jan 29 08:17:51 1996 Date: Fri, 10 Nov 1995 10:51:22 -0500 (EST) From: Mike Rioux To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: QRP+ Mods Status: RO Is there a FAQ or list of mods for the QRP+? I'm interested in the mod that has been mentioned about increasing the SSB power out by installing a couple of pots in the mic amp circuit. My QRP+ seems to put out about 1.5W on SSB. TNX. __________________________________ Mike Rioux, NW1J 508-659-6347 FTP Software, Inc. FAX: 508-659-6112 2 High St. mrioux@ftp.com No. Andover, MA 01845 Six of One >From ajones@adsnet.com Mon Jan 29 08:17:57 1996 Date: Fri, 10 Nov 1995 12:42:00 -0500 (EST) From: Allen Jones To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: Re: QRP+ Mods At 10:51 AM 11/10/95 EST, you wrote: >Is there a FAQ or list of mods for the QRP+? I'm interested in the mod >that has been mentioned about increasing the SSB power out by >installing a couple of pots in the mic amp circuit. My QRP+ seems >to put out about 1.5W on SSB. TNX. > >__________________________________ >Mike Rioux, NW1J 508-659-6347 >FTP Software, Inc. FAX: 508-659-6112 >2 High St. mrioux@ftp.com >No. Andover, MA 01845 >Six of One I would also be interested in this info. I am using the MFJ mike supplied by Index and get about 2.5 W out. Also, is there a fix for the loud pop when the AGC kicks in on super strong signals? During the SS I ended up having the 20db attenuator switched in full time. Still had the problem with the big QRO stations. It got so annoying that I finally switched to my Icom 736 for the last few hours. My Plus is only a month old (#1010) so I would assume that I have the most up to date production. 72/3 de Allen, K9DZE ==================================== Allen Jones K9DZE ajones@adsnet.com Michigan City, Indiana EN61nq ARCI G-QRP NorCal ==================================== >From Bob_White@CCMAIL.AEROSYS.LORAL.COM Mon Jan 29 08:18:00 1996 Date: Mon, 27 Nov 1995 14:14:46 -0500 (EST) From: Bob White To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: QRP+ AGC Has anyone come up with a mod for the AGC on the QRP+? Even with -20db inline during CW SS I was having problems with very strong signals. The front end would get hammered so hard that I would miss most of the exchange by the time the AGC had taken hold. On the other side of the coin, if I was trying to work a weaker station the QRO guy up freq would capture the AGC and the weak station would fade into the noise. I think a choice between a faster or multi speed (don't want to forget about the SSB users) AGC and a variable RF gain would be a nice touch. 72, Bob White WO3B (WASTP 48.28W) bob_white@ccmail.aerosys.loral.com >From GREGOIRE@VALLEY.NET Mon Jan 29 08:18:05 1996 Date: Mon, 04 Dec 1995 10:32:29 -0500 (EST) From: ERNEST GREGOIRE To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: QRP+ It could happen to you Hello Gang, I plugged the power cord into the back of the QRP+ and had the male plug just a little crooked and touched the side of the power plug on the rig. POOF!! No more receiver! The antenna was connected at the time. The fuse did blow, but did not protect the rig. I know that this same thing happened to someone else too but I don't remember who. And he reported it here at QRP-L. The rig is now earning frequent flyer miles to Gig Harbor. When I get it back I'm going to change the plug to a pig tail power connnection that is plastic and keyed. No reversals that way! de AA1IK N.E.-QRP-C. # 202 ( Lead by example, It is better to ) QRP-L member #95. ( pull a string than it is to push it.) Ernie Gregoire RR 1 Box 221 Canaan, NH. 03741 New England QRP Club, information available on request by sending me a S.A.S.E. or via E-mail. e-mail : GREGOIRE@VALLEY.NET packet : AA1IK@WA1WOK.FN43FE.NH.USA From GREGOIRE@VALLEY.NET Mon Jan 29 08:18:10 1996 Date: Sat, 23 Dec 1995 21:57:28 -0500 (EST) From: ERNEST GREGOIRE To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: ATTN QRP+ W1AW TRBL IS FIXED Status: RO Hello Gang, Bruce at Index Labs, fixed the W1AW trouble on 80 meters. (A brief recap, W1AW does code practdice at 3.5815 and at 1500 watts. The QRP+ has a spur that is responsible for all but wiping out the 80 meter band when W1AW was broadcasting). The trouble was very annoying due to the W1AW schedule coinciding with my operating habits. The fix was to replace the 10.24 MHz microprocessor crystal with a 10.64 MHz crystal. The microprocessor clock was responsible for the W1AW trouble. The 80 meter band has never sounded better. I could not even hear the code practice on it's assigned frequency, but I could hear it every where else. Now it is clear as a bell,(the signal is still 50 over 9 here) and there is no interference with nearby weaker stations. I can't wait to try this rig out again in a contest. So QRP+ owners, send in your rigs, you will be very happy with the improved version of firm ware too. The CW keyer is now in 1 wpm steps, and the AGC attack is nowhere near as severe as it once was. There was no charge for the fix, and the invoice showed 12.5 hours of bench time. Thank you Index, and particularly Bruce Franklin for putting in the time and effort. As a bonus, Tim gave me a hint of things to come. He said that Index has been working on some good stuff for upgrades to the rig. Listen up all you SSB users, this mod's for you. Speach processing, and other goodies that must remain under wraps for the time being.(NO,I don't know what they are either). But he said that the mods would be great! de AA1IK N.E.-QRP-C. # 202 ( Lead by example, It is better to ) QRP-L member #95. ( pull a string than it is to push it.) Ernie Gregoire RR 1 Box 221 Canaan, NH. 03741 New England QRP Club, information available on request by sending me a S.A.S.E. or via E-mail. e-mail : GREGOIRE@VALLEY.NET packet : AA1IK@WA1WOK.FN43FE.NH.USA From GREGOIRE@VALLEY.NET Mon Jan 29 08:18:13 1996 Date: Sun, 24 Dec 1995 13:28:32 -0500 (EST) From: ERNEST GREGOIRE To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: Re: ATTN QRP+ W1AW TRBL IS FIXED Status: RO Hi Paul, The firm ware version is 3a, 73 de AA1IK Ernie >Any idea what they did to improve the agc? Also, what version of the >firmware are they running now? I got version 3 from them a couple of months >ago. Is there another new one? Rather than shipping the beast back and forth >a couple of times, will probably wait for the new SSB mods, but would like >to improve the adjacent strong signal handling capabilities if possible. > > >All the best of the season to you and yours. > >cheers, Paul >ve7cqk >email: paul1@wizard.ucs.sfu.ca > > de AA1IK N.E.-QRP-C. # 202 ( Lead by example, It is better to ) QRP-L member #95. ( pull a string than it is to push it.) Ernie Gregoire RR 1 Box 221 Canaan, NH. 03741 New England QRP Club, information available on request by sending me a S.A.S.E. or via E-mail. e-mail : GREGOIRE@VALLEY.NET packet : AA1IK@WA1WOK.FN43FE.NH.USA From af852@rgfn.epcc.Edu Mon Jan 29 08:18:17 1996 Date: Tue, 26 Dec 1995 09:52:25 -0500 (EST) From: William R Colbert To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: QRP + cw Status: RO A couple of things have come up using the Plus. One was mentioned a few weeks back by one of the Socorro, NM fellows - that when using an external keyer thru the manual key jack, the speed cannot exceed approximately 30 WPM or the Plus starts to cut out and gives only an occasional dit or dah. One local checked his and his started to malfunction at 28 wpm. My plus seems to cut out at approximately 25 to 30 wpm (using the Heath HD1410 keyer) plus sometimes, it will not key at all. In addition, it will on occasion it will kick the microprocessor to some odd frequency such as 49.875 Mhz and then the VFO will tune between this freq and 7.999 Mhz. I guess my question for the Plus users is this - has anyone else noticed these problems, is there a simple solution? Also, has anyone with the older keyer chip received the updated one that gives the 1 WPM increments. Sorry to use all this space, but I thought I would ask some questions I don't remember seeing on here. Thanks, Ray -- Ray, W5XE, El Paso, Tx/V31XE, Banana Bank, Belize QRP-ARCI,MI-QRP, NW-QRP, G-QRP, NORCAL QRP, QRP-L af852@rgfn.epcc.edu >From af852@rgfn.epcc.Edu Mon Jan 29 08:18:17 1996 Date: Tue, 26 Dec 1995 09:52:25 -0500 (EST) From: William R Colbert To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: QRP + cw A couple of things have come up using the Plus. One was mentioned a few weeks back by one of the Socorro, NM fellows - that when using an external keyer thru the manual key jack, the speed cannot exceed approximately 30 WPM or the Plus starts to cut out and gives only an occasional dit or dah. One local checked his and his started to malfunction at 28 wpm. My plus seems to cut out at approximately 25 to 30 wpm (using the Heath HD1410 keyer) plus sometimes, it will not key at all. In addition, it will on occasion it will kick the microprocessor to some odd frequency such as 49.875 Mhz and then the VFO will tune between this freq and 7.999 Mhz. I guess my question for the Plus users is this - has anyone else noticed these problems, is there a simple solution? Also, has anyone with the older keyer chip received the updated one that gives the 1 WPM increments. Sorry to use all this space, but I thought I would ask some questions I don't remember seeing on here. Thanks, Ray -- Ray, W5XE, El Paso, Tx/V31XE, Banana Bank, Belize QRP-ARCI,MI-QRP, NW-QRP, G-QRP, NORCAL QRP, QRP-L af852@rgfn.epcc.edu >From af852@rgfn.epcc.Edu Mon Jan 29 08:18:20 1996 Date: Sun, 31 Dec 1995 10:01:37 -0500 (EST) From: William R Colbert To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: QRP+ keying Ref my posting a few days ago concerning the keying problems with the QRP+ when using an outboard keyer. Thanks to all that have replied with similar experiences. I did speak with Bruce at Index this past week and he advised he was aware of the keying problem, although he did not expect it to be as great a problem as it is. Bruce said that he has written a resolution to this problem which he had created to solve another more pressing keying problem. This new software change will allow for keying up to at least 45 wpm with an external keyer. The other problem I was experiencing when trying to use my external keyer was apparantly caused by spikes on the keying line, which can be corrected by installing a reverse connected diode such as a 1N4148 on the manual keyline (for external keyers with a small +/- voltage such as Heathkit 1410, etc). Per Bruce, if the problem persists on the mike/keyer lines, bypass with a small value cap. I have not tried the cap solution as I don't have a mike for the unit and probably won't, so I don't expect any problem with the mike circuit. HNY, 72/73 to all. Ray, W5XE -- Ray Colbert, W5XE/V31XE, El Paso, Tx >From paul1@wizard.ucs.sfu.ca Mon Jan 29 08:18:24 1996 Date: Wed, 03 Jan 1996 15:25:21 -0500 (EST) From: Paul Erickson To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: ABX etc for qrp + How many other qrp+ owners would be interested in abx and computer interfacing for the qrp+? If there are enough of us we could approach index labs en mass. Anyone have any input on the technical fesability of these features? cheers, Paul VE7CQK email: paul1@wizard.ucs.sfu.ca >From GREGOIRE@VALLEY.NET Mon Jan 29 08:18:27 1996 Date: Mon, 08 Jan 1996 10:34:32 -0500 (EST) From: ERNEST GREGOIRE To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: Re: QRP + computer interface Hello Paul, Using CT is a snap, just build the interface suggested in the CT manual and it works great. I use lpt1 for a port on the computer, the other end goes into the key jack on the rig. The interface is a transistor, and maybe a resistor, I forget which size, but it's in the manual anyway. de AA1IK Ernie >I was talking with Bruce from index labs about interfacing the qrp+ and >he said that he had heard that someone had done it, but didn't have >a means of contacting him. Just said that he was active on the internet. >Anyone heard of this? I am interested in connecting to use with CT and NA >etc. > >cheers, Paul >ve7cqk >email: paul1@wizard.ucs.sfu.ca > > > de AA1IK N.E.-QRP-C. # 202 ( Lead by example, It is better to ) QRP-L member #95. ( pull a string than it is to push it.) Ernie Gregoire RR 1 Box 221 Canaan, NH. 03741 New England QRP Club, information available on request by sending me a S.A.S.E. or via E-mail. e-mail : GREGOIRE@VALLEY.NET packet : AA1IK@WA1WOK.FN43FE.NH.USA From Andrew.Comas@ska.com Mon Jan 29 08:18:31 1996 Date: Mon, 08 Jan 1996 12:43:52 -0500 (EST) From: Andrew Comas To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: Re: QRP + computer interface Status: RO I started, maybe two years ago, talking to Bruce of Index Labs about building a computer interface (Not a CW interface which I think Ernie, AA1IK was talking about). My background is in software engineering, so I am willing build the PC/computer side of the interface, hopefully a MS-Windows DLL so CT, Logic, etc can interface to the QRP+, that is get/set frequency, CW speed, Filter, program memories, etc. The problem is Bruce needs to provide two things, a hardware interface and a software interface to the rig. The first is a circuit design for an RS-232 interface. He uses an Intel 80C39 microprocessor which I believe has a serial interface built in, but he is using it for something else (CW keying maybe). So he needs to design a multiplexer circuit between the keyer and the serial data from the RS-232 line. Second, Bruce needs to give modify the rig's microprocess program to check for the data on serial line, then add a list of new functions (assembly level code addresses) and data areas to write and read data. Needless to say that with out these changes (or without the source code) it would be very hard to do on your own. Bruce has been working on re-working the receiver and adding an RF speech processor which will be out shortly and hasn't seen the computer interface as a priority. So that's where I stand on the computer interface. Hopefully someone else is further along. 73s de Andrew AA2UG >From jskalski@acsu.buffalo.edu Mon Jan 29 08:18:34 1996 Date: Tue, 09 Jan 1996 22:02:24 -0500 (EST) From: "J. Skalski" To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: QRP+ as an IF? Has anybody used their index labs QRP+ as an IF to run a 2m xvtr? I am thinking about doing it to get on SSB. Did you use a separate Rx out at the qrp+ ? How did you control the transmit output level. I was thinking that it might be a good idea to have a toggle switch that would disable the rf out at the SO239 and divert the rx and tx to a DIN connector or 8-pin microphone connector(that could serve as an I/O for the transverter. While I'am at it; a small pcb with relay/s could be mounted inside the plus and activated through the I/O connector from the transverter. This way I can avoid cable changes and frying the transverter with a full gallon(5 watts). Also avoids calling cq 2m on 10m. Has anyone given this any thought either with the plus or any other qrp rig?. QRM on 40M? So what's new? It's been there for at least the last 30 yrs! 73, Jim N2GO The Buffalo QRP CONNECTION ARCI #9013 QRP-L #381 jskalski@acsu.Buffalo.EDU >From paul1@wizard.ucs.sfu.ca Mon Jan 29 08:18:38 1996 Date: Wed, 10 Jan 1996 18:04:17 -0500 (EST) From: Paul Erickson To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: qrp+ keyer Is anyone besides me disappointed with the auto word spacing feature of the qrp+ internal keyer. If enough are unhappy with it then a call to Bruce might be in order as there is a new version of the firmware due out soon. If you respond to me I will pass the sentiments on when I call. Has anyone else changed the attenuator from 20 to 10db? I'm wondering if this would make it a more usable asset in dealing with strong adjacent signals ? cheers, Paul VE7CQK email: paul1@wizard.ucs.sfu.ca >From malman@bbnplanet.com Mon Jan 29 08:18:42 1996 Date: Thu, 25 Jan 1996 22:43:38 -0500 (EST) From: Joel Malman To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: Index QRP+ mic Group, Heads up: The mic Index Labs sells and recommends for the QRP+ rig, and charges $30.00 plus shipping, is nothing more than an MFJ-285W (list $25.00 from MFJ) and probably available at your local Ham retailer, maybe even at discount, over the counter. Shame on Index for the hoax. Buyer beware... /joel wa1qvm malman@bbn.com From qrp-l@lehigh.edu Tue Jan 30 21:41:37 1996 Received: from fidoii.CC.Lehigh.EDU (fidoii.CC.Lehigh.EDU [128.180.1.4]) by oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu (8.7.1/8.7.1) with ESMTP id VAA01111 for ; Tue, 30 Jan 1996 21:41:33 -0500 (EST) Received: from fidoii.cc.lehigh.edu ([127.0.0.1]) by fidoii.cc.lehigh.edu with SMTP id <215569-4>; Tue, 30 Jan 1996 21:40:45 EST Message-Id: Reply-To: cebik@UTKVX.UTCC.UTK.EDU Originator: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Sender: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Precedence: bulk From: cebik@UTKVX.UTCC.UTK.EDU To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: Re: QRP+ Archive (fwd) X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas X-Comment: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 21:40:36 EST Status: RO Received this from AB7JX--may be of interest to present and prospective QRP+ owners. -73- LB, W4RNL ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 19:24:51 -0700 From: Russell W. White To: cebik@utkvx.utk.edu Subject: Re: QRP+ Archive I've included the following info which may or may not be news to you. 73 Russ AB7JX >Does the Index Laboratory's QRP+ have a general >coverage receiver? If not, what kind of coverage >does it have? > >KA2GSL > The QRP+ will receive 1.8Mhz to 29.7Mhz. In a few weeks a new and improved model of the QRP+ will be out. The new price will be $695 + $10 s&h. The new model will have a hotter receiver, better AGC and a speech processor along with new firmware. There are probably other improvements and some of the boards have been redesigned. Cost to upgrade an existing QRP+ will be about $250. I called Index Labs last week and that's how I picked up this info. The speech processor is being added because there has been quite a bit of interest in operating sideband. Originally the radio was geared for CW. Thats about it for what I know. In a few days I'll probably phone in an order for one of the newer models. 73 Russ AB7JX |***************************************************************| | Russ White AB7JX (ex WB1GQG) QRP-ARCI NORCAL NEQRP | | Phoenix AZ QRP-L #179 ARRL ARRL-VE | |***************************************************************| From qrp-l@lehigh.edu Fri Feb 16 11:47:37 1996 Received: from fidoii.CC.Lehigh.EDU (fidoii.CC.Lehigh.EDU [128.180.1.4]) by oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu (8.7.1/8.7.1) with ESMTP id LAA21491 for ; Fri, 16 Feb 1996 11:47:05 -0500 (EST) Received: from fidoii.cc.lehigh.edu ([127.0.0.1]) by fidoii.cc.lehigh.edu with SMTP id <39806-62774>; Fri, 16 Feb 1996 11:46:42 EST Message-Id: <2.2.16.19960216164405.25bf5c50@garnet.inel.gov> Reply-To: LVE1@inel.gov Originator: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Sender: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Precedence: bulk From: Larry East To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: QRP+ Mods X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas X-Comment: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Date: Fri, 16 Feb 1996 11:45:44 EST Status: RO This is for all of you QRP+ owners who a are not afraid to muck about in the innards of your great little toy to make it even better! 1. Eliminating keying thump. When the rig is keyed, a transient is induced on the +12V power buss that causes a low frequency "thump" in the audio output; this is most noticeable when using headphones. The magnitude of the thump depends on the "stiffness" of the 12V power source as well as the low frequency response of the headphones used. Some time ago Norbert, DL8BDF, posted a fix for this problem; his solution was to increase the size of the decoupling cap and resistor to the LM386 audio IC. I have a somewhat simpler solution: simply change C35 -- the bypass cap on pin 7 of the LM386 -- form the original 0.1uF to a electrolytic or tantalum cap in the range 4.7uF to 10uF. The purpose of the bypass on pin 7 is to decouple the high gain input stage of the LM386 from the power source and the recommend size is of the order of 4.7uF; 0.1 is just not enough to keep the keying induced transient from getting through. (Increasing the size of this cap will also reduce hum from poorly filter power supplies.) I replaced C35 with a 4.7uF dipped tantalum and for good measure swapped C40 and C41. This swap results in a little more decoupling to the LM386 and a slight reduction in its low frequency response. These changes resulted in the complete elimination of the keying thump in my case -- your results may vary depending on the power supply you use. 2. Transmit/Receive switching click. There is a slight "click" in the audio output when the rig switches from transmit to receive. Norbert also posted a fix for this: I haven't installed it yet because the above described "thump" was much more annoying to me than the "click". Now that the "thump" is gone, guess I'll now do something about the "click". Norbert's fix is as follows: Break the trace going to pin 11 of U8 on the audio board and insert a 0.1uF cap; also add a 100K resistor from pin 11 of U8 to ground. This eliminates DC being applied to C29 every time U8 switches on, which is reported to be the cause of the "click". 3. Eliminating/Reducing receiver "birdies" There are several spurious signals present in the PLUS receiver, most of very low intensity but a few in the S1 to S3 range. There is also a problem with very strong signals on 80M on or near the frequency used by W1AW bulletins (can't recall frequency at the moment...) The fix for the "W1AW problem" suggested by INDEX is to move the shield of the coax running from the LO to the RF boards to the ground end of L5 on the LO board. This seems to eliminate the problem, but some reports indicate that it induces more "birdies" into the receiver. Well, I think I have (at least a partial) cure for the problem! There is a "ground buss" on the component side of the LO board between the microprocessor and associated digital stuff and the local oscillator circuitry -- the shield of the LO output coax was originally connected to this ground buss. I decided to see what effect installing additional shielding between the microprocessor and LO would have, and soldered a strip of 0.025 x 0.25 inch brass (obtained from a local hobby store) vertically to the ground buss. I also moved the coax shield to the ground end of L5 and made sure the coax was routed away from the digital side of the board. The end result: Most of the "spurs" previously noted on 160, 80 and 40 meters are either gone completely or drastically reduced! Examples: a "multiple tone" spur around 3845.6 which was originally S3 is now just above the noise; a similar spur around 7142.2 went from S1 to just above the noise. In addition, a spur at 10.000 MHz that made WWV almost impossible to copy is now less than S1. The down side: a spur at 21164.4 went from S1 to S2 -- oh well, you can't win 'em all! I did a similar thing (i.e., added vertical shielding) to the two ground buss strips on the RF board. It appears that this may have reduced "blow-by" around the xtal filter, but I don't have any quantitative data to prove it. Anyway, it does not seem to have hurt anything. 72, Larry W1HUE/7 From qrp-l@lehigh.edu Fri Feb 16 18:33:48 1996 Received: from fidoii.CC.Lehigh.EDU (fidoii.CC.Lehigh.EDU [128.180.1.4]) by oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu (8.7.1/8.7.1) with ESMTP id SAA23839 for ; Fri, 16 Feb 1996 18:33:45 -0500 (EST) Received: from fidoii.cc.lehigh.edu ([127.0.0.1]) by fidoii.cc.lehigh.edu with SMTP id <39986-62774>; Fri, 16 Feb 1996 18:32:42 EST Message-Id: <199602162329.SAA54419@nss2.CC.Lehigh.EDU> Reply-To: GREGOIRE@ENDOR.COM Originator: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Sender: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Precedence: bulk From: GREGOIRE@ENDOR.COM (ERNEST GREGOIRE) To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: qrp+ make-over X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas X-Comment: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Date: Fri, 16 Feb 1996 18:31:55 EST Status: RO Hello Gang, As it was reported here on the list, the Index Labs co. is offering a make over of the orriginal QRP+, and is restarting the 1 year warrantee. My scheduled bench time is for March 14. Turn around is promised in one day. I always liked the QRP+ even though it has, "Personality",shall we say! Bruce said that a varistor scheme on the front end fixed the "Glass Jaw", and it should be able to take more of a static discharge. My rig has already had some mods at the Index lab. The AGC, keyer and birdie problem has all been addressed. So for a brand new set of boards, a tune up, and a gudder-en-new sticker on the windshield, I'm eagerly awaiting the shipping and subsequent arrival of the New QRP+. So now we will see just how good is in a side by side with the Argo556. It should be fun. de AA1IK N.E.-QRP-C. # 202 ( Lead by example, It is better to ) QRP-L member #95. ( pull a string than it is to push it.) Ernie Gregoire RR 1 Box 221 Canaan, NH. 03741 New England QRP Club, information available on request by sending me a S.A.S.E. or via E-mail. e-mail : GREGOIRE@ENDOR.COM packet : AA1IK@WA1WOK.FN43FE.NH.USA From qrp-l@lehigh.edu Wed Feb 21 11:03:16 1996 Received: from fidoii.CC.Lehigh.EDU (fidoii.CC.Lehigh.EDU [128.180.1.4]) by oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu (8.7.1/8.7.1) with ESMTP id LAA18819 for ; Wed, 21 Feb 1996 11:03:09 -0500 (EST) Received: from fidoii.cc.lehigh.edu ([127.0.0.1]) by fidoii.cc.lehigh.edu with SMTP id <39569-59872>; Wed, 21 Feb 1996 11:01:46 EST Message-Id: <2.2.16.19960221155835.25bfc250@garnet.inel.gov> Reply-To: LVE1@inel.gov Originator: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Sender: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Precedence: bulk From: Larry East To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: Oh No! I broke my QRP+! X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas X-Comment: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Date: Wed, 21 Feb 1996 11:01:03 EST Status: RO Well, I finally did it; busted my QRP+ while mucking about in its innards! Managed to short something and took out a switching transistor (2N6036). Since I am the impatient type and unwilling to wait a week for mail order delivery (not to mention too cheap to cope with the usual $25 minimum...), guess I'll fork over 2x the mail-order price for an SK3997 replacement from the local TV parts house (probably better buy two...). Oh well, win a few, lose a few... Mods successfully made so far: 1. Protection for the receiver input (found a better place to stick the diodes than I described in the Jan. QQ). 2. Removed keying "thump" and "click" (see posting of a few days ago). 3. Reduced receiver "birdies" (ditto above). 4. Changed reverse protection diode from a 1A to a 3A model so that the 2A fuse will (hopefully) blow before the diode... 5. Changed side-tone injection point so that the side-tone level is not changed (significantly) by the audio gain control. 6. Added a small pot to control the ALC level and hence SSB output power. 7. Replaced mic gain pot with 5K -- hopefully this will allow higher impedance mics to give more output (not tested yet). I was trying to do something about the "AGC thump" on strong signals when things went amuck... Tried a couple of things that either didn't help or made the problem worse. Have decided to try a "brute force" series limiter at the audio filter input -- this should help both the "AGC thump" and strong adjacent signal overload problems (I hope...). I plan to write all this up for a future issue of the QRP Quarterly (won't be the April issue which it is already "in press"). 72, Larry W1HUE/7 From owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Tue Apr 30 16:24:11 1996 Received: from fidoii.CC.Lehigh.EDU (fidoii.CC.Lehigh.EDU [128.180.1.4]) by oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu (8.7.1/8.7.1) with ESMTP id QAA02181 for ; Tue, 30 Apr 1996 16:24:08 -0400 (EDT) Received: from Lehigh.EDU ([127.0.0.1]) by fidoii.cc.lehigh.edu with SMTP id <174358-60409>; Tue, 30 Apr 1996 16:21:35 -0400 Received: from nss2.CC.Lehigh.EDU ([128.180.1.26]) by fidoii.cc.lehigh.edu with ESMTP id <174283-38392>; Tue, 30 Apr 1996 16:20:14 -0400 Received: from mica.inel.gov (mica.INEL.GOV [134.20.1.1]) by nss2.CC.Lehigh.EDU (8.7.1/8.7.1) with SMTP id QAA110464 for ; Tue, 30 Apr 1996 16:20:07 -0400 Received: from garnet.inel.gov by mica.inel.gov (4.1/INEL-MH-10.0) id AA04293; Tue, 30 Apr 96 14:20:02 MDT Received: from pc-lve1 by garnet.inel.gov (5.65/INEL-WKS-2.0) id AA02771; Tue, 30 Apr 1996 14:20:00 -0600 Message-Id: <2.2.16.19960430201954.13a7510c@134.20.32.17> Date: Tue, 30 Apr 1996 14:19:54 -0600 Reply-To: LVE1@inel.gov Sender: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Precedence: bulk From: Larry East To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: Curing QRP+ AGC Thump Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" X-Sender: lve1@134.20.32.17 X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Pro Version 2.2 (16) X-Listprocessor-Version: 7.2 -- ListProcessor by CREN Status: RO After much experimenting, I have finally come up with a simple remedy for the infamous QRP+ AGC "thumping" on strong signals. Yes, I know, you can flip in the 20dB attenuator. You can also add the RF gain control posted yesterday -- a good idea in any event. But in both cases the response to strong signals is not automatic, and the S-meter reading is affected. My cure consists of adding a simple limiter -- a total of four parts -- to the output of the audio filter. Since not everyone on this list has a QRP+, and probably less than 15% of those that do have any interest in modifying their rigs, I will not use up bandwidth with the details. If you are interested, let me know and I'll email the info to you. By the way -- from postings I have seen regarding the QRP++, it appears that the AGC pumping problem may not as severe in the new model. I've looked at the schematic for the ++, and I'm not sure what would have made much difference (and as someone else mentioned, it is hard getting such info out of Index). Has anyone run a side-by-side comparison in order to quantify the difference, if any, in AGC response? 72, Larry W1HUE/7 LVE1@inel.gov From owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Mon May 13 18:19:42 1996 Received: from fidoii.CC.Lehigh.EDU (fidoii.CC.Lehigh.EDU [128.180.1.4]) by oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu (8.7.1/8.7.1) with ESMTP id SAA26575 for ; Mon, 13 May 1996 18:19:33 -0400 (EDT) X-Received-x: from fidoii.CC.Lehigh.EDU (fidoii.CC.Lehigh.EDU [128.180.1.4]) by oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu (8.7.1/8.7.1) with ESMTP id SAA26575 for ; Mon, 13 May 1996 18:19:33 -0400 (EDT) Received: from Lehigh.EDU ([127.0.0.1]) by fidoii.cc.lehigh.edu with SMTP id <174328-31601>; Mon, 13 May 1996 17:36:17 -0400 Received: from nss2.CC.Lehigh.EDU ([128.180.1.26]) by fidoii.cc.lehigh.edu with ESMTP id <174172-31601>; Mon, 13 May 1996 15:54:05 -0400 Received: from eloi.inel.gov (eloi.INEL.GOV [134.20.173.29]) by nss2.CC.Lehigh.EDU (8.7.1/8.7.1) with ESMTP id PAA83927 for ; Mon, 13 May 1996 15:53:38 -0400 Received: from pc-lve1 ([134.20.194.51]) by eloi.inel.gov (post.office MTA v1.9.3 ID# 0-12374) with SMTP id AAA10076; Mon, 13 May 1996 13:53:45 -0600 Message-Id: <2.2.16.19960513195326.21a71d58@eloi> Date: Mon, 13 May 1996 13:53:26 -0600 Reply-To: lve1@inel.gov Sender: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Precedence: bulk From: lve1@inel.gov (Larry V East) To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: Late Breaking News for QRP+ Owners Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" X-Cc: pepperb@gov.on.ca, Charlie Lofgren , bkassel@enet.net (Brian Kassel), Paul Erickson , Mike Rioux , John Dundas , af852@rgfn.epcc.Edu (William R Colbert), Bob_Tellefsen-CNSE97@email.mot.com, art.searle@asb.com, GREGOIRE@ENDOR.COM (ERNEST GREGOIRE), jdorson@bbs.mpcs.com (John Dorson), "GaryNye" , Bill Acito , "Mark B. Peterson" <70233.1106@CompuServe.COM>, bfollett@ditell.com, bcutter@teal.csn.net (Bob Cutter), john@antenna.demon.co.uk, "Francis A. McCrackin" , "Richard Hieber" , "JOHN F. McCLUN" , MCDANIELD@ouvaxa.cats.ohiou.edu, Norbert.Heyder@erno.de, N5EM@aol.com, larsennc@alaska.net (Nancy-KL7NY/Jim-AL7FS/Juliann-WL7MP), "Jerry L. Bartachek" , "Alvin G. Gann" X-Sender: lve1@eloi X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Pro Version 2.2 (16) X-Listprocessor-Version: 7.2 -- ListProcessor by CREN Status: RO A phone call to Index confirmed that they have a new EPROM upgrade for older QRP+'s that modifies the internal keyer to eliminate "forced spacing" and also allows an external keyer to be followed up to 45 WPM (currently the limit is about 28WPM). These "enhancements" are already in the "New Improved" model (so-called "QRP++"). The new EPROM is available for $6 -- call Index for details at (208) 851-5725. 72, Larry W1HUE/7 From owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Thu Jun 13 19:38:31 1996 Received: from fidoii.CC.Lehigh.EDU (fidoii.CC.Lehigh.EDU [128.180.1.4]) by oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu (8.7.1/8.7.1) with ESMTP id TAA15805 for ; Thu, 13 Jun 1996 19:38:29 -0400 (EDT) X-Received-x: from fidoii.CC.Lehigh.EDU (fidoii.CC.Lehigh.EDU [128.180.1.4]) by oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu (8.7.1/8.7.1) with ESMTP id TAA15805 for ; Thu, 13 Jun 1996 19:38:29 -0400 (EDT) Received: from Lehigh.EDU ([127.0.0.1]) by fidoii.cc.lehigh.edu with SMTP id <174254-21015>; Thu, 13 Jun 1996 19:33:06 -0400 Received: from nss2.CC.Lehigh.EDU ([128.180.1.26]) by fidoii.cc.lehigh.edu with ESMTP id <174225-57365>; Thu, 13 Jun 1996 19:32:20 -0400 Received: from OBIWAN.ENDOR.COM (BABIARZ@obiwan.endor.com [199.103.183.1]) by nss2.CC.Lehigh.EDU (8.7.5/8.7.3) with SMTP id TAA110547 for ; Thu, 13 Jun 1996 19:32:04 -0400 Received: from Gregoire [199.103.183.143] by OBIWAN.ENDOR.COM with SMTP-OpenVMS via TCP/IP; Thu, 13 Jun 1996 19:32 EDT Message-Id: <199606132332.TAA110547@nss2.CC.Lehigh.EDU> Date: Thu, 13 Jun 1996 19:32:04 -0400 Reply-To: GREGOIRE@ENDOR.COM Sender: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Precedence: bulk From: GREGOIRE@ENDOR.COM (ERNEST GREGOIRE) To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: QRP+ RF GAIN CONTROL MOD. Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" X-Sender: GREGOIRE@ENDOR.COM X-Mailer: X-Listprocessor-Version: 7.2 -- ListProcessor by CREN Status: RO Hello Gang, Wow, whata-reflectah, as we say here in New England, I have been away for a long weekend and got a big bunch of mail, which impressed the daylights out of the local server. Ok, back to the mod,I had a nice chat with Tim at Index Labs. He is mucking around with a mod.for the QRP+, namely the RF gain control. It is fairly easy to do. It can be done from junk box parts and layed out as you like. The big news is that it will be offered as a mod. for QRP+ owners to do themselves if they feel qualified. If you have built a kit radio and it worked, you can do this mod. The factory will use this mod. in future issues of the QRP+ when the details are worked out. Tim is in the proccess of choosing a pot. for the RF gain adjustment. It will be mounted where the volume control/on/off, is located now. The on/ off switch will be located on the rear panel. The problem is that there is just not enough room on the front panel for a on/off/ RF GAIN control, so the power switch will be on the back panel. I have a copy of the mod. schematic, and I will draw it out in Paintbrush, so that it can be sent as an attatched file. I will also send it to the QRP-L home page for you all to look at. Just give me some time here, as I have a life outside of QRP. :) de AA1IK N.E.-QRP-C. # 202 ( Lead by example, It is better to ) QRP-L member #95. ( pull a string than it is to push it.) Ernie Gregoire RR 1 Box 221 Canaan, NH. 03741 New England QRP Club, information available on request by sending me a S.A.S.E. or via E-mail. e-mail : GREGOIRE@ENDOR.COM packet : AA1IK@WA1WOK.FN43FE.NH.USA