RGO ONE - new classic CW / SSB transceiver on the market - part 3 (first impression)

Hi all,

I got the chance to test this new radio coming on the market these days. Last evening I found the time to bring the RGO ONE to our contest station in order to make first short test on the air.

I have to say that I am impressed how the receiver is quiet. Compare to other radios and mainly SDR architecture radios the RGO ONE receiver has smooth and low noise. The VBF is very effective and nice feature for close in signals.

I had only short time yesterday evening so I tested it quickly on 40m then 80m band. As I found the pile-up for T6AA on 80m I had chance also to testing the RIT/XIT features etc. It is easy to manage and operate the RIT/XIT on RGO ONE.

Big surprise came after switching to 40m where that nite was hearable OTHR intruder at around 7005kHz. I tried to switch antenna to our contesting Icom IC-756PROIII quickly to found that OTHR occupied most of the CW portion in 40m band with over S9+20dB wideband mess. Even with 500Hz filter on Icom I was not able to hear any signals on 40m CW band as 30kHz far from the center I still had S8 wideband noise.

After switching to RGO ONE the surprise happened. Of course the OTHR blasted to S9+30dB at 7005kHz and covered wide portion of CW band but when I switched the VBF ON and reduced it down to 200Hz then I noticed that when I tuned up over the 7015kHz the wideband mess gone and I was able to operate and make QSO without any problem or QRM. Amazing!

I did not make video unfortunately as my phone battery lasted exactly at that time when I need it, hi... but I made QSO 15kHz away from the OTHR intruder with VBF set to 300Hz and I was not disturbed at all...

I had no more time to test it yesterday evening so more tests will come later.


And one more think... I like very much the sentences posted by KW6LA:
"I do like the old style controls. RGO ONE looks like a radio, not a garage door opener!"


73 - Petr, OK1RP

RGO ONE - new classic CW / SSB transceiver on the market - part 2

RGO ONE is the GOLDEN classic super-heterodyne down conversion HAM transceiver covering all HF bands 1.8 - 29.7MHz (160/60m as an option).

High dynamic range receiver design including high IP3 monolithic linear amplifiers in the front end and H-mode first IF mixer.
Low phase noise first LO – SI570 XO/VCXO chip.

Full/semi (delay) QSK on CW using click-less quiet diodes switching; PTT/VOX operation on SSB. Strict RX/TX sequencing scheme. No click sounds at all!

Due to its modular construction it can be easily modified or redesigned in manner that suits operator. This kit is intended for users that like building their own home made equipment and constructions.

Main goals

• Classic super-heterodyne design – with popular 9MHz intermediate frequency. Filter method DSB to SSB modulation
• Coverage of the 9 HAM HF bands (160m optional)
• High dynamic range receiver design including high IP3 monolithic IC in the front end and H-mode first IF mixer
• Fast acting IF (134kHz) AGC.
• Click-less operation – solid state Ga-As PHEMT SPDT switches on RX, (band-pass filters; TX/RX) and ultra fast rectifier diodes (LPF)
• Custom multicolor FSTN LCD (Especially developed for this project)
• Custom made ABS face plate, unique and ergonomic knob controls
• Custom made crystal filters – 6,8 pole, CF=9MHz, 2.8kHz, 2.7kHz, 1kHz, 500Hz
• Three filters can be used - First IF roofer 8-poles 9MHz; second (optional) 4-poles variable bandwidth filter Johnson type 9MHz; third 2-poles noise filter 9MHz

 

 

• Double CPU circuitry control for front panel and mother board, both field programmable via implemented USB hub
• Modular construction with no “flying wires” inside the box. Transceiver is built up on a main – mother board which has two functions. First to serve as a “chassis” and second to fit all the external connectors, daughter boards, inter-connections and acts as cable harness.
• Plenty of optional modules: Audio filters, Automatic antenna tuner (ATU), Noise blanker (NB), narrow/wide band IF crystal filters.
• Linear final amplifier PA 50W with precise power adjustment especially for QRP operations. Forget noisy FANs – 25W  – unlimited time!! QRO work – with max power of 50W driving should be sufficient for a kilowatt amplifier.

 

• Personal computer control CAT via USB
• Morse code keyer (Curtis A, CMOS B)
• Contest and DX-pedition operation conveniences
• Both Kit & Ready-to-Run versions will be available

 

• RGO ONE home   : http://lz2jr.com/blog/ 
• RGO ONE e-shop : http://www.lz2jr.com/oc/
  RGO ONE group  : https://groups.io/g/RGO-ONE
  RGO ONE reviews: https://www.eham.net/reviews/view-product?id=14445
  RGO ONE on QRZ : https://forums.qrz.com/index.php?threads/rgo-one-50w-hf-transceiver.680562/page-3
  RGO ONE on eHAM: https://www.eham.net/community/smf/index.php/topic,125174.0.html
• RGO ONE on the air: https://youtu.be/JjBw635ppB8
• RGO ONE on the air: https://youtu.be/XYvoDVD1z1U

And one more think... I like very much the sentences posted by KW6LA:
"I do like the old style controls. RGO ONE looks like a radio, not a garage door opener!"


73 - Petr, OK1RP

RGO ONE - new classic CW / SSB transceiver on the market - part 1

Hi all,

This coming new CW/SSB all HF bands transceiver is the “classic” architecture of 9MHz IF super-heterodyne with good filtered front-end and proper roofing crystal IF filters.
It is using PHEMT LNA, high dynamic range H-mode mixer, 8+4 poles crystal filters etc.
Full, fast and absolute quiet QSK with proper timing is devoted to all CW enthusiasts.
It looks like great era of famous TenTec transceivers is coming back :)

http://lz2jr.com/blog/
https://groups.io/g/RGO-ONE
https://www.eham.net/reviews/view-product?id=14445

 

Experiences with RGO ONE in CQWW, CW by John, AE5X:https://ae5x.blogspot.com/2019/11/cqww-cw-with-rgo-one.html

Some pics of my new arrived RGO ONE are uploaded in groups.io here:https://groups.io/g/RGO-ONE/album?id=223623

And one more think... I like very much the sentences posted by KW6LA:
"I do like the old style controls. RGO ONE looks like a radio, not a garage door opener!"


73 - Petr, OK1RP
.../-.-

Sea of Peace Award 2019 (SOP) started!

Sea of Peace Award 2019 (SOP) started!

 

If you want to get beautiful pennon or following your last year achievement you would like to continue to get sticker then you should turn on your radio and pay attention to the stations from the required countries during the July 2019...

This certificate in form of a silk pennon will be awarded for QSOs with the Baltic neighbouring states and regions in July. Annual stickers can be acquired for repeated fulfilment of the rules during the subsequent years.

Beyond coming SOP-owners will receive special recognitions after 5-and 10-times achievements of the pennon and stickers.

This popular certificate was awarded by the amateur radio organisation of the former GDR in 1958. And has been continuing by the DARC district Mecklenburg-West Pomerania since 1991.

 

The DARC district Mecklenburg-West Pomerania publishes this honouring since 1991 to all licensed radio amateurs and SWLs, in the time from the 01.07., 00.00 UTC, to 31.July, 23.59 UTC per year, who fullfilled the following rules:
     EU   -  applicants: 15 points, of it 3-DL points
     DX   -  applicants: 10 points, of it 1-DL points
     VHF - applicants:  5 points, DL points are not necessary Points:A QSO with a station from the DARC district Mecklenburg-West Pomerania
(DOK  Vxx  additional Z87, Z89, MCM, MVP, SOP, YLV) counts 3 points, all other German stations (max. 3 stations) and stations each once one pouint.
QSOs with stations in the following countries and districts count in each case once one point.

ES

LA

LY

OHØ

OH1

OH2

OH5

OH6

OH8

OH9

OJØ

OZ

R1

R2F

SMØ

SM1

SM2

SM3

SM5

SM6

SM7

SP1

SP2

YL

There are no band- and modes of restrictions. Beginning in 1992 SOP sticker (small pennons) are published for renewed fulfilling of the conditions. The SOP pennon is pentagonal and multicolored; 22 cm wide and 33 cm long. The sticker about 7 cm wide and 10 cm long. As a bonus after 5-times achievement of the SOPs the applicant receives a special sticker (free of charge), after 10 years achievement a certificate. Supplement for 2019: Foreign stations with the suffix "SOP" (e.g., OZ4SOP, SJ1SOP...) count as a joker for a not achieved area if they are activated in the current year... Application: Log extract - please till 31 August every years - Calls alphanumerically listed Manager: Georg Tretow - DL4SVA, P. O. Box 1114, D-23931 Grevesmühlen, email: DL4SVA@darc.de Fee :  SOP pennon  DL 12 Euros, non DL 15 Euros, SOP Sticker 5 Euros The manager sends an email with the account data. On-line applications are preferred. https://ok1rp.blogspot.com/2018/07/sea-of-peace-award-2018-sop-started.html http://www.dl0sop.darc.de/Seite-2e.htm https://www.amateurfunk-mvp.de/sop-antrag/index.php 73 - Petr, OK1RP

No response from the MSG, PRE and ATTN keys on Elecraft KX3 - solution

No response from the MSG, PRE and ATTN keys when either press or hold them on Elecraft KX3

Petr Ourednik, OK1RP, ok1rp@fastmail.com.au

 

Some KX3 users found that 3 buttons on their KX3 stopped working. They get no response from the MSG, PRE and ATTN keys when they either press or hold them.

If you know that your MSG and PRE keys were working earlier when you set up a voice message to send your call sign and now no responding anymore > ON/OFF did not helped and rest of buttons tested and works well… here is the way how to fix the issue on your KX3 radio. 

1. Remove all cables and use some ESD protection tools on bench (at least discharge themself to grounding point)

2. Unscrew four main thumb screw and open the KX3 carefully

3. In the middle you will find flat (like PC) flex cable (we say ribbon cable) conecting both sides together

4. Even although it seems that on both sides the flex cable is seating well in > remove it carefully on both sides. You will have two parts of KX3 > still connected together with battery cable (if installed as shown on Page 41, Fig. 62 of manual) + the flex cables on the table. If the battery opt. is not installed then you will have two separated KX3 parts + ribbon cable on the table. See the page 40, 41 of the manual here: https://ftp.elecraft.com/KX3/Manuals%20Downloads/E740164%20KX3%20Kit%20Assembly%20Manual.pdf

 

5. Clean the pins in PCB with isopropylalcohol and blow out dust residues in connectors on the flex cable  

6. Re-seat/instal the flex cable back to KX3 carefully. Be sure that the ribbon cable is oriented with the long tab toward the speaker and all pins are engaged when you will put it back to your radio. See Fig.61 on Page 41 of the manual here: https://ftp.elecraft.com/KX3/Manuals%20Downloads/E740164%20KX3%20Kit%20Assembly%20Manual.pdf

 

7. Check again that flex cable seats well fully engaged and there is nothing forgoten inside of KX3.

8. Close the top and bottom covers of your KX3 carefully and secure them with thumb screws.

 

CAUTION: As you close the covers ensure that the flex cable folds into the space next to the CP board connector as shown. Do not allow it to fold toward the battery holders. If the flex cable resists pushing into the space next to the CP board connector, use your finger to gently crease it along the edge of the connector as shown in Figure 61 of the manual.

 

9. Turn on KX3 and enjoy with all buttons functioning again... :)

NOTE 1: As the ribbon cable had to be re-seated in this procedure > if you have clean pressed air available with few bars pressure and fairly dried (-83deg C dew-point in my case) I am recommending clean the connectors carefully on the ribbon cable using the pressed air to blow-up the dust residues before installing it back.

NOTE 2: If you have the similar symptoms (MSG, PRE and ATTN buttons issue) on your KX3 then try this repairing procedure first before more complicated actions like hard-reset to factory defaults or so. It is easy and can help in few minutes.

NOTE 3: I should note that the ribbon cable is not loose when you will open your KX3. You will find that it is fully inserted. Even although you will pull it out, clean and push it back in and things will start working.

Hope it helps.

 

73 - Petr, OK1RP
"Apple & Elecraft freak"
B:http://ok1rp.blogspot.com
MeWe: https://bit.ly/2HGPoDx
MeWe: https://bit.ly/2FmwvDt

 

Repairing document done by P. Ourednik, 28-May-2019. Document 05-19, rev.1.0