Embedded Files
The QMX+ is a QRP transceiver from QRP Labs. It is similar to the QMX but covers more bands and is in a larger case with room for development. It is available both as a kit and assembled, although there is a long weight for assembled QMX.
qrp-labs.com/qmxp.html
Features:
Full 160m to 6m band coverage
CW, FSK Digi, and SSB (USB/LSB) modes
All features of QCX+ (VFO A/B/Split, RIT, Message and frequency memories, beacon, keyer, etc)
3-5W output at 12V supply (can be built for 3-5W at 9V supply)
SWR bridge built in
Internal RTC powered by the common CR2032 coin cell battery (battery not included)
Single signal digi mode transmission (zero unwanted sideband, zero residual carrier, zero intermodulation distortion)
Solid-state band switching and transmit/receive switching under CAT control
High performance embedded SDR SSB receiver with 60-70dB of unwanted sideband cancellation
Built-in 24-bit 48ksps USB sound card
Built-in USB Virtual COM Serial port for CAT control
Si5351A Synthesized VFO with 25MHz TCXO as standard
Easy to build single-board design, Professional quality 6-layer, through-hole plated, silk-screen printed PCBs
All SMD components factory assembled
Connectors: 2.1mm power barrel connector, USB-C (for audio and CAT control), BNC RF input/output, 3.5mm jacks for audio out, paddle/GPS/mic/PTT in, and PTT out
Built-in test signal generator and testing tools
GPS interface for frequency calibration, real time clock and location (internal WSPR beacon)
IQ output mode for use with SDR software
Switched mode regulators Receive current 80mA, Transmit current 1.0-1.1A for 5W output with 9V supply (around 0.7A for 5W with 12V supply).
Internal microphone ready for the future SSB firmware
11 GPIO ports including a 3.5mm stereo jack socket on the rear panel labelled "AUX" that may be configured as a serial port
Optional aluminium extruded cut/drilled/laser-etched black anodized enclosure
Weight: 578 grams including enclosure
Modifications
Modifications
One useful mod that both doubles RF out and makes the QMX_ more robust is to double the number of BS170 RF transistors.
qrp-labs.com/qmxp/qmxpmod/pa0rdt.html
You can also buy a kit that makes the mod neater and provides better cooling
w1nc.org/8x-finals-complete-kit
M5Stack Tab5
M5Stack Tab5
Since the QMX provides both audio and control over its USB connection several open source efforts have produced companion boards. I think the best is M5Stack Tab5 based. This $60 device provides a 5” touch screen display with a ESP32-P4 processor and a Li-ion battery along with a host of other useful features like WIFI a RTC and a micro SD card for storage. Firmware to use the Tab5 as a panadapter and FTx machine was developed by Steffen Lav (OZ1LAV).The github site describes the software and has links to documentation and latest release.
github.com/SteffenLav/qmx-panadapter
Unlike many open source developments this is well documented and the documentation can be downloaded and stored on the micro SD card.
It provides a very nice easily panned and zoomed panadapter display that controls QMX frequency with a touch. Band mode and filter width are controlled by touch which is more convenient than the QMX controls and menu. The displayed spectrum center frequency is indicated by a white tab on the bottom line. Drag the tab and the display pans. It is the best panadapter GUI have seen.
FT8 and FT4 QSOs are well supported including ADIF logging. The log can be read from the micro SD card or uploaded over WIFI to QRZ, eQSL or LoTW. Time can be accurately set from the QMX if you have the GPS option, from WIFI, from the Tab5 RTC, derived from FTx decodes or set manually. Decodes can be filtered before displayed. For example you can choose to only see POTA CQs. Transmission includes the usual auto completion and logging of a QSO. There is also an interesting “Pileup” feature that makes a list of returns to your CQ that you can use to respond one at a time.
Discussion on QRPLabs groups.io
groups.io/g/QRPLabs/message/170781
It is pictured here in a 3D printed holder and QMX+ stand with design available here:
Carry case
Carry case
The QMX+, Tab5, mount and accessories fit nicely in a small case meant for USB power supplies and cables.
www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZT1P3K4?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2&th=1
Top compartment:
Stand and Tab5
room for battery packs
Bottom compartment:
QMX+
power, USB, mic cable and earphones
mic and paddle
Buck boost power supply
Buck boost power supply
An adaptable power supply that can accept 6-36 V in and provide .6 to 36 v out with overcurrent protection and added filtering. Designed in particular for QMX field use. Includes mounts for Anderson Powerpoles.
Designed in OPENscad so you can modify it. Uses 3 mm self tapping screws. Printed in PETG without supports. I changed filament color at the height of the PP tabs to make the IN and OUT labels more visible.
Components:
DROK Adjustable Voltage Regulator DC, Buck Boost Converter 6.0V-36V 9v 12v to DC 0.6-36V 24v 5A Power Supply Panel, Constant Current Volt Step Up/Down Module
Power Supply Module 0-50V 4A DC Power Supply Filter Board Class D EMI Suppression Amplifier for Auto Car
2 PP connector pairs
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