Fixing the uSDX+ V2...
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- čas přidán 7. 09. 2024
- In this video I go over the modifications, or rather the repairs that were needed for this fine example of Chinese intellectual piracy of the original uSDX. This is the uSDX+ V2, sometimes called the "White Button." It's a clone of the original clone, of a clone...... And down the list we can go - The true Epitome of not only theft of design, but theft from other cloners, and then not even being able to build it to a blue print, let alone common sense. (Insert face-palm.)
The point of this video is to help anyone who is out of pocket, and would like thier radio to work. I'm not saying what was done to my radio will work on yours, but, hey. Maybe it will.
So, don't buy one of these!!
Instead, go here: dl2man.de/wher...
Looking to learn more about the ongoing fight against counterfeiting of the (tr)uSDX? (And so much more) Check out / @dl2man
Important disclaimer: Make sure that you are licensed or equally qualified to open and work on your transceiver. (For example, holding an "Advanced" qualification in Canada.) Following any instructions from this video does not count as expert guidance, especially with radios that have a history of being sloppily built.
Yes, I can see were you coming from. The Chinese copy only good designs.
It is the enthusiasm of people having a problem and doing research and development and come up with a new product. A good engineer needs this ability of having fun in understanding things and a child like attitude to improve it. Ones in the process you can't stop, you have to go on.
Unfortunately in our world everything gets messured in the equivalent of a value of money.
A good engineer is not necessary a good salesman.
I can understand, I am also an engineer.
Can I raise a question? The radio amateur is more and more a consumer. There is a whole industry trying to sell stuff to hams.
This is a very sad development. For many years every radio amateur was a developer and researcher. Today he is a consumer with the industry getting more and more power over hams.
We are on a point now where you buy a "black box" without documentation. You buy it like a can of beverage and recycle it after use.
You have summed up the average new ham radio operator very correctly. There are some of us that still love to play, fix and make better. But for many, that would be too much to ask.
With that said, I know of two new hams that are less than 16 years old, that have bought tubed equipment and fixed it, ground their own crystals. (thanks to CZcams instructional videos) and are having more fun with old junk than new radios. The fun for me, is when Chinese junk and old junk get together for a QSO. ;)
Well i sorta disagree that chinese only copy good designs. This is exactly what was said of the japanese at the start of their rise to electronics fame. I think we forget history far too quickly. Even if you look at some of the usdx copies / clones you can see that they have added things to make this a complete product that could be picked up and used by anyone. The integrated battery and thick metal case make the product quite unique. You won't find anything from any other sellers in that size and form factor. So that is already an innovation that no one else has done. It is of course true that the quality is terrible and lacking, This is due i think to many different complex factors.
as for new hams being more consumers this is probably a good idea. Ham radio needs to expand from being the preserve of a handful of electronics engineers. This is partly why the hobby is so grey at the moment. Not everyone who wants to operate on the air waves is interested in the same things and this is the advantage of ham radio.
here is where having cheap, easily accessible, ready to use gear is an advantage. It encourages younger people with less experience or other people in other industries to come into the hobby and play. The fact is ham radio has dominated by one particular, gender, social class, race for a very long time. This is partially i think because the cost of the equipment and the requirements made it quite hard for other people to participate.
So i think what we need to take a less adversarial look at the Chinese sellers and instead start some kind of certification program with a select handful of them to make equipment that meets minimal requirements which still keeping the cost down and allowing others to join the hobby. Yes it's great if you have the time, money and skills to build your own kits but having gear that works correctly and is cheap is the way forward for the hobby.
This radio is an experimental radio. I have tested the Chinese copy and it has some technical problems but it is ok. I would recommend it to experienced hams.
The world has changed. You can build good high quality products everywhere, there is a transfer of knowledge all over the world.
There are good universities and engineers in China. I would never deny this.
China is a big producer of goods for an international market.
They produce good quality products and low quality goods accordingly what the consumers like to buy.
Thank you Tom for a very good video. I fixed the grounding issue with a piece of copper wire from the bnc to the chassi screws, and it made a big difference - no more static instability and also better (clearer) on receive.
Keep the vids coming Tom! I really appreciate your support on this rig! I added your improvements, and it has made a difference. I’ve had a lot of fun so far, making many cw and ssb contacts at very low power. I think the best I’ve seen, is 3.5w on 40m and maybe 20m. I love to tinker, but need a little direction. Thanks again!
Thanks Trevor! Mine has become my daily driver for lunch and coffee breaks at work. Way too much fun when you finally get it to the acceptable point. :) 73!!
Pleased that you found the 4.00d firmware useful. C24 is on the MOSI line, which is the microphone ADC input, so yes it is the RFI filter, given that the external microphone lead is unshielded and acts as an antenna. It is also the data input for programming so C24 distorts the data and easily bricks the atmega.
uSDX was an open project with many contributors, the license does not prevent commercial use, (tr)usdx was a version where the uSDX design was used but modified, and the firmware closed. The (tr)usdx kit was sold and currently licence keys are provided, as far as I understand, to several "approved" Chinese makers, so take what you've been told with a large pinch of commercial self interest lol
i just got one of these, after watching your video i decided to tear it apart and lo and behold i'm also missing that resistor! I've only ever done through hole soldering so i guess it's time to learn smd. I haven't noticed any issues with grounding like you mentioned although mine is in the same anodized case. i might still do what you did just in case and ground the sleeve to a screw. the one problem i've noticed so far is that when in cw mode, my sdr dongle picks up tones from the uSDX. Both devices are sharing a single antenna and i'm not sure if that is causing abnormal behaviour but since i have yet to get my technicians license i'm quite nervous about accidentally transmitting. i guess the only thing to do is run some tests with an oscilloscope and see if it's acting up and then consider returning it and getting the trusdx if i can't resolve the issue.
Good day!! And congrats for holding off transmitting until you get your appropriate license. :) If you're planning to use this radio for CW, you will not be disappointed. The odd behavior comes into play with using it for sideband, and not all of them suffer from it. If you can get the (tr)usdx, you'll have a much more enjoyable experience, especially if you're not comfortable with moding the uSDX. But, yet again, I don't know what you paid for it, but if it was cheap enough, it could be a good learning opportunity. As far as sharing an antenna with another receiver, that's really not the best idea at all, as it will blow the front end out of the other receiver with ease if you transmit without some sort of duplexer... (And that would be a feat to create for HF, IMO.) If you're just receiving with both, then yes, the uSDX will create some birdies that the other receiver will pick up. I know that when mine is tuned around the 80 meter band, it will break the squelch on my VHF receiver. But they are very localized emissions.. All the best!!
That header you soldered the capacitor to is the Arduino style ISP connector for upgrading the software (edit: but it sounds like you found out later it's not the right place to solder the cap)
That is correct. It's amazing what those header pin are also connected to, should you look at the schematic. ;)
@@tomsworkshop5856 I was fortunate to have already been working with Arduino boards before buying my first of these radios. I now have three. The ISP pinout in the radios and an Arduino Nano or Uno turned out to be the same arrangement.
@@teotwaki Cool, I've ended up with three of them too!! And ya, I've flashed them all, a time or too. And yes, the microphone in is literally on of the pins. And so is ground.
Tom, Thanks for the research and information. I dont expect this unit to perform like a Icom IC-705 or an Elecraft Kx3 but for the money (fixed income here) and for a portable QRP CW rig it should work OK. Did the grounding thing and added the 100K resistor and the TX audio did improve however the cap on the header reduced the power output to 1 watt or less. This was bought from Ebay as an new but open box unit with no internal battery. I think it is the latest rev board. I would like to replace the encoder as it jumps when you press it in as if you turned it one notch up or down. would you know the part number or where I can get a better replacement? Thanks again for taking the time to share your information with us less gifted but radio afflicted hams.
Dis the microphone capacitor mod, but used a female header so I can remove it. For the antenna socket grounding I used adhesive copper tape.
Great video Tom. Lots of true words spoken. I bought one of these and it arrived last week, already I wish I had bought the tru version. I think I have the same instability problem you experienced and was putting it down to a noisy BNC connector, so at least I now have a head start. Mine seems to work well on 20 and 15 but 40 and 80 have some sort of problem on receive that sounds like the recovered audio is being restricted by around 75%. I will start pulling it to bits soon and if I find a solution will post. I am intending to buy another, but for sure it will be a Tru sdx this time. Thanks again. Subscribed. 73s Shane. G7EWL
Thanks! 40 and 80 have weird sound to them on both my radios this week. Most of the folks I talked to on 80 last night were commenting on the after effects of the geo storm we had last week, so may don’t do anything drastic just yet. ;) Also, the Noise filter / blanker (NB) setting seems to work more aggressively on the lower bands. (On mine, anyway.) All the best!! Tom, VE7NGK
Politics and credit mongering are alive and well in a hobby intended to share openly....build your own and settle the argumant!
Great video Tom on making the usdx a better radio. I know you didn't want to get into the firmware update, probably because of added issues after updating it. Is it worth to doing a firmware update or just leaving it the way it is? If so, which firmware update do you recommend? Thanks, Martin.
Hi Martin, thanks for the kind words! So, all of my uSDX+s are running 2.00c, and it seems to work rather reliably. I've also heard, but not tried good things about 4.00c, with 4.00d soon to come out on the Facebook group for these radios. 73, Tom
Would you please show, with better light, the fix you did on the speaker jack on the rear panel? I would like to do that as well but need a clearer picture. Are they just jumpers from one side to the other?
Also, is there another value of capacitor I can use for the processor fix? I can't find any 47nf disc ceramic caps anywhere, not even DigiKey.
Thanks, Tom.
Doug VE7DRF
Hey Doug, so the capacitor that I used on the header is just a run of the mill Ceramic disk capacitor that you can buy off of Amazon in a bulk assortment for $15,. I used a 47nF, and it is over-kill. Two others I've worked on sounded better with a 10nF capacitor installed. www.amazon.ca/10pf-Capacitor-Multi-Layer-Resistance-Assortment/dp/B07RWM9TMN/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=2S66BFC1UKI7K&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.qBNfiB-Mnah2LuthN077qKv5aT23XiaDdGyIkx9OSuOFmwzbt3zP8mVLcDqxommNx7hLUrXTmu5JjDKhwhHuIuFTnLSIDXFGkoO2U-8RcnmkUXrZ-8BCbAMoSWOj6N2GXFAVtQ64ji627k6NHcs5TL2-ltapeHAgm-ap0vnC7UCEAOIivwQdrCFaN0IbKhUUyMjh45bfT81GYwh7nxZBX6aeZLa9ULaQd77dvgO9hiiWmKlxWDPUahuSvc8f3cLY1pY1pJzsoW0Brrcb5lKPxNQxu9QXwymzsqDLZ70l0N4.rhwtd1RAsGLKj_75woU5XFLE04FPi11hrpwY-_00EmA&dib_tag=se&keywords=450pcs+multi-layer+ceramic+capacitor&qid=1719961429&sprefix=450pcs+multi-layer+cermaic+capacitor%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1
As far as the jumpering of the speaker portion of the k jack, The radio is now well and truly built into its permanent station, so I'm not really wanting to take it appart again, as it is working well enough these days. You might be able to hear me on the Aurora Net from time to time. :) With that said, of all the video and pics I had taken the best did make it into the video. But yes, essentially it's just two wires jumping across to the opposite side of the jack.
73 Doug
-Tom
VE7NGK
@@tomsworkshop5856 Thanks for the reply, Tom. I think I'll forget about the cap replacement. I don't plan to upgrade the firmware, at least not at this time. I have installed the 100k resistor at R23 and done the jumper mod so all is good for now. I'm gathering the parts to build an EFHV antenna to try out using the uSDX+. We'll see how that goes.
@@dougkathydavies3024 You know, I've got a few radios. I love to rag chew, and one of them I use on 80 meters every night, and it sounds good and everything. But the uSDX+ V2 is now installed at my place of work, and gets used at coffee, lunch and after work times. I've hunted 187 parks so far, armed only with a 60' random wire, powered by the OGS-50W amp, and the ATU-100. Out of my fleet of radios, this little thing has become my favorite. I do plan on posting a follow-up video of some other things you can get/do to get the most out of it.. So stay tuned, and good luck! I hope to hear you on the air one day, and hopefuly soon!
I have a USDX white buttons it works great as a receiver you know AM and SSB but the SSB transmit audio quality is unintelligible.
I've tried changing microphones, modifying the PA bias min, max, noise gate, TX drive and still SSB transmit is unintelligible.
I've read that updating the firmware to the latest version helps SSB transmit audio quality so I ordered the Arduino Uno and the cables... we'll see if the transmit audio quality improves.
I may have to program the SDR radio myself to make the transmit audio quality sound good, other comments underneath this video indicate that the SSB transmit signal is not true SSB or that changes in the circuitry are emulated in the SDR....well I'm going to look at the firmware code....i think you can modify the digital filter design coefficients and the like....oh one last thing...the output amplifier is Class E meaning that it attempts to reconstruct the output RF signal using switching, sort of like how switching power supplies construct DC output by filtering the output of a square wave.
BTW is is possible to do the update with only a raspberry pi if you already have that. The arduino programmer is unnecessary.
I have one of these, but didn't realize it was a clone until I had purchased it. It is basically ok for what I paid, but if I had it to do over again, I would buy the real thing. In fact, I probably will purchase one of his soon. Manual is a great guy and deserves the money. Thanks for your time invested. BTW, do you have the firmware link?
Well, if you're looking for the latest, I'd go over to here: github.com/GW8RDI/uSDXOpen?fbclid=IwAR0MN9C83QCF1Jqf92JiBB5VGB2yIvysUgtn6yr5L_Do7c2wAiihL5JjIC4 I hope that helps!
Same here, mind you mine kind of works OK from new, same issues the grounding I fixed using copper foil, added the capacitor, waiting for some smd resistors.
I heard the Baofeng Microphone works on this radio. Is it a better mic as far as audio quality?
I've used the Hand held Baofeng mic with it, but got reports that it sounded very bad. Now, the little ear piece/microphone one that comes with the UV-5RE is one that I think would work very, very well. But I was hoping to find it, and try it before commenting, but I think I must have left it laying on a park bench somewhere. Hope fully someone else has one, gives it a try, and let's us know.
Thank You Tom! Awesome videos!! 👍👍👍
Most welcome!
I just got my usdx+ and it has no reception on all bands. I am using long wire antenna. Compared with tecsun pl330 and the same antenna, reception is very good on this little reciever. Has someone had this issue? I did a fix with connecting the ground to the case only. Did not solder the resistor and capacitor yet.
That’s very odd. I’d make sure the noise filter and attenuators aren’t turned up. But that would be a new problem I’ve not run into. All 3 of mine can hear a pin drop on the far side of Mars.
Are there mar mod for this...
I can to tx on 6675 MHZ ????
Being this is an open source design you could theoretically re design the filters in the PA stage. However, being MARS operations require reliable equipment, with skilled operators this radio should never ever be used for that service.
I have one of those Rigs it came with no Arial can you tell me where I can get one love your Vidios
Hey, well, there's so many different antenna combinations available that it really does depend on what you're planning to do. Set it up in a car, take it out into parks, or set up some sort of home station. I'd suggest doing some searches for HF antennas on here. There's lot's to learn. I hope that helps. And, depending on time, I do want to create a video about the random wire antenna. (You'll need a tuner to use one,) but they do an OK job across the all bands if you get them set up just right.
If you're new to the hobby I'd suggest contact your local ham club, they are always wanting to talk and help new comers along. :)
73!
Tom
Do you know what watt rating the SMD resistor should be that goes under the speaker? 73
The one I used was 1/16th (0402.) Physically the tinyest thing I've ever soldered. 1/8th (0805) would be easier to use.
If that not work (to small to get solder, you can try a axial model 100k, if done that l, it works perfect, and nice in place.
Thanks for the video and the improvement ls you made Tom
I have done all
'73
The toroids for the 15m and 10m filters should yellow core.
I've heard this a couple of times, but mine does seem to do OK and 15 12 and 10, for as often as those bands have been open for me.. So I'm not complaining.
He should get a mic so we can hear him!
I'm always open to equipment upgrades. But, as an Amateur with limited resources, I tend to run hand me down equipment.
Besides, I've only got one more video in the works, and I'll have created all the content I intend to. After all, I'm not paid in anyway to make these videos. And was only hoping that some folks might be helped by my experiences and find their own value in them.
Спасибо Том! Очень полезные советы!) Удачи 73)
Добро пожаловать!! 73!
Mars mod for this...
Так этот шунт нужно будет удалить?
Если вы имеете в виду конденсатор в шапке, то да, если собираетесь обновлять прошивку.
Привет! Подскажите пожалуйста где можно взять прошивку
Найдите группу USDx USDR в Facebook, она есть в разделе файлов.
@@user-eo9lz5pv6z
Open source is not intellectual piracy
It was open source. No violation. Also you bought a second version of this radio which was known to be bad. The original company had stopped making these. You should have done your homework before buying it. I own two of the original versions of this radio and have worked all over the world with fine audio reports.
Well, and that's the reason for this video. For others who are doing that research. I now own 2 of these radios. And, like you, I get glowing signal reports, now. The original one featured in this video is in daily service, and has logged many, many contacts, and has even done net control duty. As far as the legitimacy of this radio, and all those based on it's foundation. It could truly be called a disaster with the licensing changing in mid flight. Not to mention the addition of clones of clones. But I'm glad you are enjoying yours as much as I am enjoying mine.
Thanks, Tom. It is so funny how clones of clones of clones show up. Sadly, they get worse as time goes on! But it is great how popular QRP has become. I started in 1968 and there was never talk of it. Thank you for telling guys how to fix the later versions.
Great video de ve7kfx
Thanks!
@Tom's Workshop I bought one of these rigs and got burned too oh well :(
I don't want to be hypocritical, but now that I've got mine working, I'm really enjoying it. Ya, it still sounds not 100% on TX. But it is a hoot. Its receiver is much better than the one in the RS-918, (mcHF) and even better than the one in my Yaesu FTDX401B. (All tubed.) So, it's got some good points. I hope that you can get yours working, as I tend to have a very good signal into your part of the world on 80 meters. But that tends to not happen as often as I'd like due to work. It could be fun to chat uSDX to uSDX! You can find me often on 3.968 7pm evenings and 7.230 Sunday afternoons helping with the Western Social, if you're interested. 73's!! de VE7NGK
@Tom's Workshop hey Tom I would love to chat more with you over the air! Sorry for not seeing your reply earlier. I think I have a 100k resistor so I should be able to get the audio fixed on mine. I feel bad for buying this rig now that I know the product was a rip off. It is an amazing product for sure!
@@CanuckHam Cool, hope to chat. And yes, I know what you mean. I'm currently conflicted my self.