The last laugh

After introducing the toroid kit for Bitx Version 3 I also felt the need to try out how the Bitx Version 3 performed with the toroid cores as mentioned by Leonard and as a part of the new Bitx kit.

So I began with a new set of boards and in a few days I was able to complete all the stages and the time had come to test the rx section of my Bitx.

I had the FLL Counter connected for checking the drift in the Bitx and making my vfo stable with its enhanced stability feature.

As I had checked the BFO and VFO frequencies, I had not checked the audio quality of rx only the voltages that were on the I.C pins. I had assumed the rx would be ok,
as I switched the rx I was welcomed by a strong audio which made me pleased that the rx had started well, but my excitement did not last for long, what followed was a motorboating type of noise and hum, which the rx was picking up.
My first doubt was on the FLL, so I removed and disconnected it from the Bitx,
but this did not cure the problem.
After looking around I decided to only connect the audio amp and see the results, and yes the noise was still there.This confirmed that the audio amp was picking up some hum from a source.

It was my last laugh when I came to know the problem.The culprit was the SMPS
12V adopter supply I have for checking some projects. It did not occur to me that I should not use it.

I connected my small 12v 7ah battery and was greeted with a cool audio and a very good RF signals. I connected the FLL back which did not emit any hum and which is also working real cool, it is giving a pleasing readout, and making the vfo stable at the same time.

I heard a few strong VU stations on the Bitx and the quality is some what better then with binocular cores.

I will put up some pics soon with the FLL in operation with the Bitx, both are doing a very good job.

This post is just been written to be careful in not connecting an SMPS supply , that would make you go in looking for the problem like me, as we age we loose the sharpness of the mind and perform dumb mistakes like I did. Hi. Hi

Best 73's

Sunil VU3SUA

Bitx With Multiple Options

My Friend Tony Fletcher m0pkd from U.K has been the instrumental force in making the Bitx a muti bander.

Tony has worked endlessly in designing PCB for different modules that can be used in Bitx.
He has picked up selected tried projects and developed PCB's for them.
Now we have a spectrum of choice for Bitx. What you can do with Bitx now? well anything!
Plug and Play modules : Add any module you like to the basic board.PCB shortly available for projects given below:-

1. Multi Band Bandpass Filters
2. Multi Band Low Pass Filters
3. DDS
3. FLL
4. Multiband VFO
5. R.I.T
6. R.F. Gain Control Manual
7. AGC
8. S.Meter Led Type
9. S.Meter Bar Type
10.C.W Module
11.USB.LSB,CW Filter
12.Selectable BFO for LSB/USB/CW
13.Microphone Pre Amplifier.
14.ARRL design 30 Watts linear

New Projects will be added constantly

Tony has conveyed a message that we are required to add the modules with our Bitx and see how they perform,once we know any short comings then we can modify them.
It would be great to see the Bitx maturing into a advanced tcvr.
We will always have the different versions, from the basic Bitx to the advanced Bitx in many versions.

Mind you all this modules can be used in any tcvr that requires a certain stage to be added.

My greatest compliments to Om Tony, Rahul, Leonard, Farhan, and all the Bitx members who have put in their time and effort in making Bitx one the greatest qrp projects.

Thanks!

STAY LUCKY AND BE TUNED TO CQ BITX!

My kind request to all members,kindly add yourself to the cq bitx followers list.

Bitx Vr 3 By Claudio IK0ISD

How would you like to get a glimpse of one of the most well constructed tcvr and that also a Bitx Vr 3 yes my friends the Italian Hams seem to be doing a great job by bringing the Bitx vr 3 in so many beautiful constructive designs.
Now are friend Claudio IK0ISD has completed his Bitx vr 3 and the construction is just astonishing.

Attached are some photos of the BITX20 of the friend Claudio IK0ISD.

I had the photos from my friend Vittorio, he has sent me the following mail, I am putting it up here as comments on the working of Bitx Vr 3 if it is made with care.

Dear Sunil,

I attach you to the present one some photos of the BITX20 of the friend Claudio IK0ISD. As you can see his realization it is perfect and professional and it has a good mechanical and electric stability. He is very satisfied of your semi-kit that it reputes better than other analogous kits in commerce. Naturally his trcv BITX20 works perfectly and also if with the help of a directive antenna, he has been able to connect Canada with alone 3 or 4 watts. Extraordinary! We attend that you am ready the PCB of the small linear from 10/15 watts. Many cordial 73 also from the friend Claudio IK0ISD.

Hi, Vittorio I0VBR – Terni 16. 01. 2009

I thanks Vittorio for his strong support to all Italian Hams who have come up with buiiding their Bitx Vr 3. Hi Hi

Bitx Vr 3 On Fast Track To Multi Bander

The Bitx Vr 3 has proved to be a home brewer's delight as the PCB designed by VU3WJM is very steady and reliable. The Vr 3 Bitx has a lot of scope for modifications, the pcb tracks can be cut and modifications made ,as the tracks are thick.

For the information of all my friends the Bitx Vr 3 is put in the Fast-Track to Multi Band soon.
There will be a number of options for a home brewer to make a choice for adding new circuits as add on to the tcvr.
The following features are going to be a reality soon as I will be giving all details of the items soon, but this is what is in store for Bitx Multi Band on FAST TRACK.
The Bitx Multi band Vr 3 Will have the following features which are modular:-

1. Band Pass Filter Multi band
2. Low Pass Filter Multi band
3. Vfo Multi band
4. BFO having LSB.USB,CW switching
5. AGC
6. Linear Modified 10 watts with 13.8 volts with more gain in pre driver
7. PCB for 30 watt qro
8 .DDS
9. RF Gain Control
10.Multi band Cabinet {work in Progress}

The Bitx is Multi Band now, HI Hi

The Next Post will shed light on the Great Ham Friend who has worked for putting the Bitx on Fast Track to a Multi Bander.
But I thank him for all the great efforts he has put up, in making Bitx a Multi Bander on FAST TRACK

I will request my friend for a short note as he is very busy in his other projects, and all info will be provided with pictures.

Bitx With QRO Linear of ARRL design

This is my first post in this new year 2009. My most warm greetings to all friends
who have been associated with the Bitx project.
Last year a record number of Hams ventured into the Bitx project and many have
completed their Bitx Tcvr.

Special thanks goes out to Om Leonard for bringing out the Bitx Vr 3 Manual for the Main Board and Linear Cum Power Supply.It is really helping all the Bitx users to build
the Bitx with very much of information in step by step method.

I have been trying to come out with a Cabinet for Bitx but it is not complete yet as
I would like the cabinet to be used in such a way that It could be used for the multiband Bitx and have enough space for some additional circuits that could be housed
in the cabinet.

Hope fully the Cabinet should be out soon.

Our Good Friend Vittorio has made a splendid QRO for Bitx for 40Mt and 20Mt,
this is a ARRL design and gives an output of 30 Watts. I have used this linear
with my Bitx and had many QSO's with it, and the performance is excellent.
The PCB for this ARRL linear will be available soon to all members very soon.

Update on Kits

FLL BY VU3SUA Sunil Lakhani
FLL BY VU3SUA Sunil Lakhani
FLL BY Godon Spencer
This is a short update on the new kits that are being added for sale.
The FLL Kit is ready and is for sale. Initially the PCB were made but the printing was done on the wrong side, but now PCB are made with the corrections.
My friend Gordon Spencer received one of the FLL kit with a wrong print,but still he
made the FLL counter in a very short time, he had to mount the PIC on back of the PCB.
But still it is working great for him.

After taking note of the error I immediately have got new pcb made for FLL and have also made one FLL to check if it works up to satisfaction.
It is working just great. The Kit for FLL will be complete components for the frequency counter part, which includes the Programmed pic 16f628A, LCD Display and rest of components, the kit also has a pcb for the VFO, but no parts are provided for the VFO as it is optional for use.The Kit of FLL is being put up for sale.
I am also posting my pictures of FLL without the VFO, just the Freq counter and stabilizer part of it.

The Bitx PCB now will have a complete set of toroid cores and binocular cores will
not be provided as there is a matching problem.
The Toroid cores have a better performance and matching so the use of it is
better, but the binocular cores may be used if a person wishes to use them.

The Bingo Universal Generator PCB is being added for sale, and the JDM Pic programmer too is being put up for sale.

More later.

73'
Sunil Lakhani
VU3SUA

Bitx Version 3 For 40 By Vittorio

Many friends wanted to know if the Bitx could be made for 40mt Band. Our friend
OM Vittorio from Italy has successfully made a Bitx for 40 Mt band and some
very fantastic pictures of his rig are being posted here. Thanks Vittorio for your
great effort.