Latest fw revision 2.20A for RGO ONE is now available

Hello,

latest firmware revision is available to upload on your RGO ONE transceiver. 

https://lz2jr.com/blog/index.php/new-firmware-2-20a-available/

This version includes some improvements in MB and FP microprocessors clock rate, speed and correct timing.
Setting proper clock rate for MB processor. (Clock frequency away from HAM bands). Main board microprocessor clock can be heard near 20m band (actually image signal) like “crackling wideband noise”. With this version MB clock rate is adjusted little lower so not to disturb 20m reception.
Added MENU 81 – FCAL2 correction coefficient (coarse calibration) for SI570 VCO chip. If your RGO ONE is calibrated without FCAL2 then parameter value of MENU 81 would be zero.
Low pass filters (LPF) in PA module now are switched only on TX and disabled on RX. This is part of a LARGE SIGNAL HANDLING MOD.
Along with added pull down resistor in LPF board, this mod significantly improves RX dynamic range and LW/MW BCI immunity.

FW 2.20A highlights:

1. Improved communication between transceiver and PC at low CAT speeds.
2. Resolved CW sidetone issue (sidetone punctuation) when CAT system is activated.
3. “Crackling”noise issue resolved by slightly reducing of MB microprocessor clock frequency (set at 31.800 MHz)
4. Meter display now predicts/ shows measure mode – SWR, RF, ALC. Default mode is RF on TX.
5. LCD icons for otional modules do not show up if corresponding optional board is not installed.
6. Internal keyer CW speed/ratio corrected
7. UP/DWN/FST buttons on mic now are active.
8. Service menu entry added – menu 81 FCAL2 – SI570 calibration correction coefficient.
9. LPF and dedicated filter on TX is switched only on TX and disabled on RX. This helps to improve large signal handling at receiver front end. (This is part of LARGE SIG HANDLING mod).

FW 2.20A Files

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

Looking for clean SS HF PA w/QSK - part 6 (Russian Burst-2000A)

Hi all,

Thanks to www.cqdx.ru we can see very first general specification of the new LDMOS HF PA which is rated at 2.2kW output thru all HF bands up to 50MHz:

http://www.cqdx.ru/ham/qro-qrp/burst-2000a-ldmos-power-amplifier/?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=google_plus&utm_source=socialnetwork

As you know my preview parts talked about:
SPE EXPERT 1.3K-FA
ACOM 1200S
JUMA PA1000
LINEAR Amp Gemini HF-1K
Azden AZR-1000
Elecraft KPA1500

The Burst-2000A is using water cooling system and it is promising all possible protections which could be implemented.

An interesting think is the exciting power just 15W only to get full power of 2.2kW and full automatic switching system.

Unfortunately it looks like there is no ATU inside and mainly there is nothing said about the T/R system used in the amplifier. So we can doubt if this LDMOS PA has full, fast and silent QSK implemented.

So we will have to wait until more information will be published...


73 - Petr, OK1RP
"auf die Dauer hilft nur Power" (Erich, HB9FIH)

VHF / UHF Field Day 2018 from 220m ASL QTH...

Hello,

so the VHF / UHF Field Day 2018 is finished.

I participated in the contest with son Jakub from OK5T contest QTH together with the rest of the team. In summary it was nice weekend with lot of very enjoying QSOs on 2m and mainly on 70cm... even although this QTH is only 220m ASL.

Any kind of QSO on 70cm is challenge from this QTH, hi...

The only 100W transceiver in small pistols category using the 1x LFA (G0KSC) antenna this year at the 220m ASL is not predestined to win on 2m. On the other hand I have to say it worked well thanks to good condx and mainly thanks to an excellent antenna!

At the beginning IQ5NN (774km) station came with nice sigs so Ludek, OK1VSL was pleased to start first hour of the contest with nice DX.

Everything worked well all the time including the second operating position for 70cm band where Jakub, OK1-36357 aka OK1RCG spent maximum time and his effort in order to try what is possible with installed setup and low profile, low ASL QTH and tried to get as best result as possible.

 

The current club's 70cm setup is using 20W from FT-857D (many thanks to Mira, OK1JMJ) into small 14el. single yagi, so it is hard job to get some reasonable results over there...

 

 

The only interesting thing was at the beginning of the contest that most of the sigs had very fast QSB and lot of calling stations disappeared during first shot.

 

The most important time for me was Sat/Sun night when I planned some DX-ing on CW. It was a bit dissapointing for me but even although I expected a bit more from this part time I worked stations over 500km away on 2m and some stations over 400km on 70cm band.

The assembling the 70cm station in the car was funny and Ludek, OK1VSL had to make light gymnastic figures, hi...

My son Jakub enjoyed his "Scouts" VHF Field Day part on 2m as OK1KDG where he made a bit lower result refer to last year probably also thanks to single LFA only compare to last year.

We enjoyed the sunshine WX with hot temp over 30C deg and sausage BB in the Sat evenning so it was enjoyable weekend for all the team I hope.

Finally we worked 93 QSOs with over 18k points on 70cm in VHF/UHF Field Day this year using only 20W out into 14el. single Yagi as OK5T mainly thanks to Jakub! Well it is the best club's result with this setup from our 220m ASL QTH...

Also some paddles and keyers were tested Sun morning by all club's mates so we enjoyed the CW not only on the air, hi.

 

Even executive director and club's cheef Ludek, OK1VSL "itself" played with my Hex key from Bencher a bit under precise supervision by top-class telegraphist Lada, OK1DGU (on the right)...

Many thanks for all nice QSOs during the enjoyable weekend and hope to hear you again on the air soon.

http://www.ok5t.cz/
"Scouts" VHF Field Day claimed score:
https://groups.io/g/ok-on-air/attachment/704/1/Claimed_score_%20PDM_2018.pdf
Scouts VHF Field Day final results 2018:
http://www.ok2kkw.com/next/pdm2018.pdf


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

Looking for clean SS HF PA w/QSK - part 5 (Elecraft)

Hi all,

"Everything goes very well with the FCC approval and there will be the KPA1500 linear amplifier official announcement soon on Elecraft list and Elecraft pages as informed Wayne, N6KR few weeks ago....

Short time after I noticed the note that FCC approval arrived and KPA1500 is ready for orders! Official announcement then appeared on the Elecraft pages as same as on the Elecraft mailing list quickly.

So new 1,5kW Solid State HF-6m PA w/QSK was born in Elecraft and it comes to be available worldwide. soon

As you know my preview parts talked about:
SPE EXPERT 1.3K-FA
ACOM 1200S
JUMA PA1000
LINEAR Amp Gemini HF-1K
Azden AZR-1000


The Elecraft KPA1500 is 1500 watt PEP output, MF, HF and 6 Meter linear amplifier. It utilizes the latest LDMOS transistor technology to provide a robust desktop amplifier in a compact cabinet, with an included companion power supply that can be located off your desktop.

The Elecraft KPA1500 was designed with the serious operator in mind. Its no-nonsense front panel shows all important parameters at a glance, with a high-contrast 32-character LCD and fast, bright LED bar graphs. Band switching is instantaneous, via control inputs or RF sensing. Protection and monitoring circuitry is extensive and foolproof, letting you focus on the job at hand — breaking pileups and overcoming the most difficult operating conditions. And it wouldn’t be an Elecraft amp without robust PIN-diode T/R switching. Like the KPA500, the KPA1500 offers fast QSK without a noisy relay!

So it looks like there is "thanks god" second 1kW+ SSPA with silent, fast and well working QSK system on the market...

The amplifier’s rugged internal ATU can handle full power with load SWR up to 3:1, while a wider matching range is allowed at lower power levels, including up to 10:1 in standby mode.

Compare to their preview products initially this KPA1500 will be available in Factory-built form only.

According to Elecraft announcement an introductory pricing is $5,995 U.S. This includes the 1500-watt linear amp. internal tuner and separate switching power supply.
Compare it to other amplifiers on the market and you will notice that it is not so bad.

The most important KPA1500 features:

- 1500W RF output
- Very compact design
- Fast, silent PIN diode T/R switching system
- Built-in Antenna Tuner with dual antenna jacks
- Compatible with nearly any transceiver
- 160-6 meters

Freq. (MHz)	Pin (W)	Pout (W)	Gain (dB)
1,9	63	1500	13,8
3,75	60	1500	14,0
5,35	50	1500	14,8
7,15	69	1500	13,4
10,125	50	1500	14,8
14,175	75	1500	13,0
18,11	81	1500	12,7
21,225	75	1500	13,0
24,93	67	1500	13,5
28,85	61	1500	13,9
52	78	1500	12,8

New KPA1500 solid-state amplifier won’t take over your entire desktop: it’s just 4,5 x 13,5 x 11,5” (HWD; 11,5 x 34 x 29 cm). The lightweight companion power supply can be placed on the floor or in any other convenient location...

According to the user guide the duty cycle at 1500W out is 10mins key down / 5mins standby.

Interesting functions:

- Automatic Band Switching mode
- Manual Band Switching mode
- Coordinated K3 and KPA1500 Band Switching mode
- Remote PC control using RJ-45 or USB
- Power meter internal calibration procedure (PWR ADJ)
- Internal automatic band selection w/master-priority to protect KPA1500
- Icom, Yaesu and BCD codes available to incorporating w/other radios

Thanks to Martin, OK1RR and OKDXF you can find more details here(CZ) or as follows:
KPA1500 User Manual.pdf
KPA1500 Pics outside.pdf
KPA1500 Pics inside.pdf
KPA1500 EMC test protocol.pdf
KPA1500 EMC test pics.pdf
KPA1500 Spectrum purity.pdf


If you remember the LinearAmp Gemini HF-1K
http://www.linamp.co.uk/gemini_HF.html 
implemented the fully solid state QSK switching. No relays. Diode switched system turned of hard by a 300V rail.

So there is another competitor on the market with robust PIN-diode T/R switching and even more power up to 1,5kW.


KPA1500 Shipments are planned to start Mid to Late October against the backlog.

Links:
KPA1500 Flyer.pdf
KPA1500 FAQ.pdf
Ordering info


73 - Petr, OK1RP
"auf die Dauer hilft nur Power" (Erich, HB9FIH)

Looking for clean SS HF PA w/QSK - part 4 (Azden)

Hi all,

next part of my investigation on the market in order to find highly reliable, output clean, compact, solid state HF-6m bands PA with 100% working, smooth QSK at around 1-1.2kW heavy-duty output and standard radio interface is here...


As you know my preview parts talked about:
SPE EXPERT 1.3K-FA
ACOM 1200S
JUMA PA1000
LINEAR Amp Gemini HF-1K

After the Japan Ham Fair I realized that two new SS amps by AZDEN are coming to the market. As I read somewhere already the AZR-550FZ looks a lot like a Tokyo Hy Power clone and the second bigger brother the AZR-1000 looks a little like an all black SPE Expert 1K...

What can we find at that moment (as Azden has nothing on their pages in Ham radio Products section yet) is as follows:

Azuru/Azden Corporation is a booth of HamFair 2017 at the company’s booth, HF (1.8 to 28 MHz band) + 50 MHz band linear amplifier “AZR – 550 FZ (maximum output 550 W)” and “AZR – 1000 (maximum output 1,000 W)” using MOS FET We released two models. Both are small and lightweight by adopting switching power supply.

● AZR-550FZ is a compact and lightweight HF band linear amplifier. By adopting the switching power supply, the total mass is only 9.2kg, it is very convenient to carry.

● MOS FET (4x MRF 150 in parallel) adopted. Maximum output is 550 W. It has the characteristics of broadband amplifier, only band filters switching are adjusted.

● Supply voltage range from AC 100V to 240V without switchover, wide range of operations can be performed not only in Japan, but also overseas DX-peditions.

● Drain current (ID), drain voltage (VD), output power (PF), reflected power (PR) can be measured with a multimeter, and the operating status of each part can be easily confirmed.

● Protection circuit is carried for each part protection. Over input, SWR excessive, abnormal overheating, drain overvoltage, overcurrent.

● Size: 232 W × 142 H × 392 D mm, Weight 9.2 kg

According to the company, this linear amplifier is domestically manufactured and the auto antenna tuner is not installed. It is a reprint version of HL – 550 FX that was released from Tokyo Hy Power. It is scheduled to be released within the year.

● AZR-1000 is a compact HF band linear amplifier. By adopting a highly efficient switching power supply circuit using SiC, it has become compact and lightweight.

● Use MOS FET (8x VRF 151 in push-pull). Maximum output is 1,000 W (SSB/CW) It adopts low distortion broadband amplifier, it can obtain 1,000 W typical power.

● Supply voltage range from AC 100V to 240V without switchover, wide range of operations can be performed not only in Japan, but also overseas DX-peditions.

● Operation status can be easily controlled by LCD display.

● Protection circuit is carried for each part protection. Over input, SWR excessive, abnormal overheating, drain overvoltage, overcurrent.

● Size: 370 W × 200 H × 300 D mm, Weight 15 kg

The display of the AZR – 1000 is a touch type and the size is 7 inches. This is for the operation of the built-in auto antenna tuner.

According to the company, this product is equipped with an auto antenna tuner of type that measures the impedance of the antenna and takes matching. In addition to the SSB/CW, RTTY etc. can also get output of 1,000 W, they says. The display is a touch type, and it is possible to connect to each company transceiver of the type that outputs band data. The product is domestically manufactured, the release is scheduled for 2018.

The AZR-1000 has six antennas switch implemented. Each antenna can be assigned to each frequency. That means, if you preset antenna and the frequency into the AZR-1000 and when transmitting, the AZR-1000 recognizes the TX frequency and switches antenna as preset. That is not all. The AZR-1000 will adopt silent switching mechanism. Some conventional ATUs alter relay sound noise. The AZR-1000 will reduce the noise sound drastically. The show model is only for displaying. "Concept of the AZR-1000 has been finished. Now we make samples and test." A staff said at Tokyo HamFair...

There is nothing about the T/R switching circuitry but it sounds promising. On the other hands remember all of the horrible T/R switching circuits in Japanese radios for past years so we should be very careful and wait for more detailed information and field tests of the QSK feature!

The AZR-550FZ should be offered at 285,000Yen ($2600).
The release date for AZR-1000 will be 2019. Price might be less than $7000.

Links:
Azden at Hamlife.co.jp
Azden.co.jp
QRZ.com

Do not hesitate to email me in case of translation help needs...


73 - Petr, OK1RP
"auf die Dauer hilft nur Power" (Erich, HB9FIH)

VHF / UHF Field Day 2016

Hi all,

we participated in the VHF / UHF Filed Day 2016 again with our OK5T team together with son Jakub (OK1-36357).

It looked like nice contesting weekend at the beginning but finally it went south because of several storms and heavy rainning.

New G0KST weapon for 2m band is ready thanks to Ludek, OK1VSL. It was not enough time to tune it properly, but it worked quite well. I can say this antenna provided significantly less noise, the band was much more quiet and the radiation pattern is more narrow compare to the preview antennas.

The standard 14-el. Yagi has been used for 70cm band. Nothing special but it is allowing us to make few QSOs on this band.

Jakub really enjoyed his operation. Specially the prior Scouts Field Day where he worked several OMs and DL stations.
He speaked well mainly about the low noise antenna performance.

 

First warning came with few clouds behind the 15m band tower Sunday afternoon...

 

 

Another spectacular view with incoming cold front from the DL.

 

 

Second operating positing with 70cm band setup in the car only. It is not so comfortable, but it is easy to install and it is ok for just few QSOs on that additional band.

 

Compare to last year only single antenna has been used in the contest. On the other hand as it is new G0KST design we were really interested in the performance and overal behavior on the air.
As I said the antennas was quiet and a bit more narrow in the pattern.

We used again only 100W bare-foot setup so it was easy to compare with an old twins stacked on the tower last year.
Unfortunately the propagations were bad during the nite. I expected more stations from 9A, S5, I etc. 

As I focused again for CW operation as always I spent most of the time on the band in the first 150kHz of the band. Surprisingly no QRM from alligators or other issues were noticed.

Many thanks for nice event and for all QSOs. See you next time on the air CW...


73 - Petr, OK1RP

FOC Marathon 2016

Hi,

I would like to thank to all folks for nice QSO in FOC Marathon this year.

I participated this year in "No antennas" category… After wind storms in the past all my antennas are destroyed. Due to my health and familly issues I was not able to repair them till now. So I used just temporary installed wires and 5.3m pipe as vertical. So sorry for my pipsqueak signal on 80/40m. Even athough I was not able to sit on key for full time (my health is still not allowing me to sit longer then 20-30mins) it was funny event.

The conditions sounded strange on 10m in my QTH (because of no antennas for sure) all the weekend. An interesting openning I noticed on 10m Sunday morning. Kangaroos friends came thru really strong on almost empty band!

Very nice and enjoying band was for me 160m this year where I installed again my external RX loop antenna thru the KD9SV front-end saver and it worked pretty well. This W2PM small Mini Diamond loop is compact, easy to built and cheap solution which can help a lot if you have nothing better for reception on TB.

                      View of W2PM's Mini Diamond loop

It is just 1.5m square wire loop with loading resistor and feedline transformer so it will fit anywhere even on balcony or inside of house attic. (but I am recommending to place it as far from house noise as possible)

There is several other more powerful RX antennas like Diamond/Flag/Delta loops, VE3DO loop, K9AY system etc. but this W2PM loop is cheap and easy to try. (let me know if you want to send more instructions and help)

The best but more complicate solution which need more space and effort in building is definitely 3-el. Hi-Z verticals array. It will fit to 15x15x15m triangle lot and it will be hard to beat I guess.
In that case this antenna allowed me to copy several stations from west coast of EU, UKs etc. which were on the noise level at my QTH and not readable on TX antenna.

Pros: Jean, 5T0JL on 20m; Steve, VK7CW on 10m.

Cons: I did not worked Finn, HS0ZLM and Prasad, VU2PTT. Prasad's sigs on 40m last nite was incredible strong!

Best surprise: Gary, ZL2IFB came on 40m with amazing S9 sig even on my low apex wire.
 

 

My K3 worked flawlessly and I enjoyed all filters performance. I digged out (after years on shelf) the box with DTS-4/DTS-4R antenna switch. So I was able to connect wires and vertical to K3 thru switch together to be able to QSY thru all bands in second. Nice feature... just need to repair antennas, hi.

Many thanks for QSO to all friends.

161 - Petr, OK1RP

Looking for clean SS HF PA w/QSK... (Juma)

Hi all,


some time ago I posted on different forums and ham radio boards an announcement that I am looking for power amplifier as follows:

"I am looking for highly reliable, clean, compact, solid state HF-6m bands PA with 100% working, smooth QSK at around 1-1.2kW heavy-duty output and standard radio interface. Commercial only (no home made) for resonable price. Can someone recommend me any according to own good experiences please?

My favourite model to buy was untill now Acom 1200S but I realized it has no QSK implemented.

http://acom.radioamater.cz/acom1200s-leaflet.pdf

...so no way for me on CW.

As the long time Elecraft K3 owner I was also interrested in the KPA500, but there is not enough power as I am looking for 1-1.2kW heavy-duty output.

Any kind of tip, hint or recommendation is appreciated.

73 - Petr, OK1RP


The threads with an interresting discussion can be found for example here:

http://www.eham.net/ehamforum/smf/index.php/topic,105945.0.html

After some time I remembered that Juma developed some power amplifier with power about 1kW. The complete information can be found here:

http://www.jumaradio.com/juma-pa1000/
Unfortunatelly I did not found the information about the full, smooth QSK feature which is key-parameter for me so I decided to ask them here:

http://www.board.jumaradio.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=290

(more discussion about this interresting amp here):

http://www.board.jumaradio.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=22


Unfortunatelly I have no reply from Juma or current owners till now.
In fact I did not found any kind of amplifier which meets my requirement or expectations. The Juma is still in high focus...

User manual
Firmware update
Pictures


73 - Petr, OK1RP
"auf die Dauer hilft nur Power" (Erich, HB9FIH)