Bitx Version 3 From U.K By Nigel G0EBQ

Nigel G0EBQ from U.K has build his Bitx Version 3 and I am very glad in publishing the picture of his Bitx and his kind comments below:

"This is my 12m version of Sunils excellent kit which is working fine and is under air test.I will post details on Yahoo of the modifications,which ought to work also on 15m,and a further photo when it is properly cased up.
Building the kit from scratch has certainly taught me a lot about both theory and practice! Many thanks to Leonard KC0WOX for his superb instruction manual."

73s

Nigel G0EBQ

Popularity Of Bitx Version 3

The popularity of Bitx has been increasing with Hams around the world trying to build this fabulous Qrp wonder.
Some Hams in continents like Africa and South America have yet not ventured into the Bitx version 3. It would be interesting to get a feed back from them as what problem they are facing in getting the Kit, is it that Paypal is not accepted in their countries or they have not heard much about the Bitx.
But Hams mostly from U.S.A and Europe have been leading in building the Bitx version 3.
Japan has also a great number of Hams, but its amazing that the Bitx Version 3 has not been constructed by any Japanese Hams.
I hope in due course of time more Radio Amateurs will relish making the Bitx version 3.

News on modules and complete Bitx kit

It has been a fantastic response for the new complete Bitx version 3 kit.
I would like to thank all my friends who have purchased the complete Bitx
Version 3 kit.

Any feedback from members will be most welcome, so that I could provide value for the ohms spent on the kit.

If you would like certain parts more to be included in the kit, then do send me
A mail so that I can consider the new item to be added to the kit.

The modules are being tested.Very shortly a complete range of modules to make the Bitx a multiband or enhance its features by adding LED for S.Meter indication, with normal LED or Bar type LED will be available.

Some modules that are being tested are DDS, Band Pass Filter, Low Pass Filter,
AGC,S.meter Led type. S.Meter Bar type,New Linear with more drive for the IRF510.
Huff and Puff Vfo stabliser,CW Module,Mic Amplifier are some of the interesting modules to be added soon for sale.
I will be back very soon to put up the buy buttons for the modules.

Bitx Version 3 Complete Kit Available Now

The Bitx Version 3 Kit is now available, I have taken some pictures with my web camera.
The delivery time is between 4 to 6 days.
Posted here is the list of what you get with the kit.

BITX KIT
1. PCB Main Bitx Tcvr
2. PCB Liner Cum Power Supply
3. PCB S.Meter

4.Components

CAPACITORS
0.001u 2
0.1u 44
100p 3
10p 4
2.2p 2
220p 5
47p 3
560p 3
39p 3
47pf 3
elec 1u 2
elec 50u 6
elec 220uf 2
var 22p 6
var 50p 1
Trimmer 22pf 3

RESISTORS 1/4W
6.2 1
10 9
22 3
56 1
100 13
220 14
470 3
10k 4
120k 2
1k 14
220k 1
2k2 2
2k2 9
4k7 3
lin 10K 1
lin 10k 2

XTAL
10MHz 5 Matched

TRANSISTOR
2n3904 Or 14
Bc547

IRF510 1
2N3866 1
2SC2570 1

IC
LM386-N1 1

DIODES
zener 36V 1
zener 9.1V 1
zener 5.6V 1
1N4148 14

TRANSFORMERS
INDUCTORS
T 37-6 3
T 37-43 7
F.Bead 2
Bandpass
Coils Metal 4

Copperwire 5 Mt
swg 34
Copperwire 2 Mt
swg 26
Tin wire 1 Mt
Connectors
2Pin 4
Connectors
4Pin 2
Connectors
3Pin 1
Relay 12V 2

OTHER

Microphone 1
Loudspeaker 8 ohm 1

Complete Bitx Version 3 Kit and new modules

A complete kit for Bitx version 3 is available now, the link for payment will be put up soon. The Kit may not have all NPO disk as they are difficult to source, the copper wire also is of one color only as sourcing for this also proved difficult, which was delaying the launch of complete kit.

The Kit will be available in these options.

1. Item a. Bitx Version 3 kit with all components,pcb,toroid cores,wire etc

2. Item b.Bitx Version 3 Kit with all parts and components, along with knobs,connectors, vu meter,bnc connectors,audio,mic connectors,power connectors.


3. Bitx Parts as item No. {a} but without pcb and coils

4. Bitx Parts as item No {b} but without pcb and coils

A more detailed view will be up soon.

Some other pcb/kits will be available soon.

1. BFO PCB FOR LSB/USB/CW
2. AGC
3. New Improved Bitx Linear
4. CW Module
5. DSB/CW Filter
6. Microphone Pre Amp
7. PA Preamp for old Linear { Increases the drive for linear}
8. R.F Gain Control Manual
9. New Multi Band VFO
10 LED S.Meter
11.Bar Meter
12.Band Pass Filter for multi band
13.Low Pass Filter for Multi band
14.DDS PCB with Programed Pic
15.RIT Control
16.Huff & Puff Kit
17.Morse Decoder
18.Pic Keyer
19Dual BFO

The above are some exiting modules and new kits that you members will be getting soon on very economical prices.
The details of all projects will be put up soon.
This all has been possible just because of my friend Tony Fletcher from U.K
So my fiend Tony deserves a special thanks for making all the modules on a fast track.
STAY LUCY
73's
Sunil
VU3SUA

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.