Bill,
Just keep on taking the medicine and winding in the same way and direction, on
no account reverse, you haven't done anything incorrect, that core becomes full
with about 40 turns on board so you have to add the remainder as a second layer.
Enjoy es 73 de Charles G3OTH

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "k6acj" <k6acj@...> wrote:
>
>
> Regarding RX BPF 160 meter L100, what is the best way to wind 66 turns onto
this core??  The core is full at 40 turns, do I just reverse direction for the
remaining 26 turns or do I jump back to the center of the core and continue to
wind in the same direction ??
>
> Any other 160 meter coil winding hints???  This is a challange ... Bill k6acj
>
> "[___] L100-1 18.7 uH   T30-2 (red)  #30  BPF 160: 66 turns #30 (34") (may
need overwinding)  BPF-1"
>

Alan and Preston, Many thanks for the replies and links. That's very useful
information to help me up the learning curve! Alan, I will certainly look out
for your 40m signal on WSPR.

Thanks again,

73, Brian G3ZOH


--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "Alan" <alan4alan@...> wrote:
>
> Yes, you need to send the audio from the Softrock to WSPR.
> It can be done with two soundcards, just linking them with a cable. I've not
> tried this, I do think it should work reasonably well, others will say you
> will lose too much in the two conversions.
>
> If you look on WSPR net  40m you may see a few spots of G4ZFQ at 100mW, I've
> just got it going with one card and a 48/80 SR6.1TX/RX
> http://yt1dl.veze.net/sdr.html gives the details. For RX you just need one
> VAC.
>
> 73 Alan G4ZFQ
>

Bob, I have a related problem that is really a non problem but of interest.

I have the 6.3 and USB I2C used with Rocky.

If I am in CW Iambic mode in Rocky and turn off my 12 volt power supply to the
6.3 with the USB still plugged into the computer the dash in rocky becomes
activated continuously.  As soon as I turn on the 12 v supply to the 6.3, the
problem stops and the 6.3 functions properly in cw.

My USB is plugged into the PIC socket.

Bob  w4npx

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "g8voip" <g8voi.reeves59@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Brian,
>
> I am not sure what else to suggest apart from the following the logical fault
finding approach and trying to break down the circuit into smaller parts and
isolate what is actually keeping the 'dash' line active after the first time it
has been pulled low.
>
> Removing the SDA and SCL lines from the v6.3 board and temporary fitting pull
up resistors to them would be the first step and approach I would use.
>
> If it still failed like that, immediately clears the v6.3 board from being the
cause.
>
> If you do not want to follow that route, all I can suggest is taking a good
look and making sure you have the right components fitted, resistor values
particularly. You could try changing Q1 on the USB to I2C interface, but really
that is a stab in the dark.
>
> Just one last thought, in the Rocky set up on the 'Transmit' tab, do you have
the 'Enable side tone in RX mode tab' checked, if so, try removing that,
something buried deep in my mind id that it did something strange as the SDA
line is shared with the cw_key_2 function.
>
> Sorry, I cannot suggest anything else,
>
> 73, Bob G8VOI
>
>
> --- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "Brian" <brian.davis@> wrote:
> >
> > No, no U6, just an empty socket.  I'm reluctant to pull the SCL and SDA
lines, since in all other respects, they seem to work fine.  I can change
frequency, check chip stats, etc.  Really stumped as to where to go next.
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "g8voip" <g8voi.reeves59@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi Brian,
> > >
> > > I cannot really think of anything else obvious that might cause your
problem.
> > >
> > > Sounds a bit like something is either floating, or not pulled up or down
correctly. Works fine until you press the 'dash' paddle input, then never
returns completely to its previous state. Sounds like Q1 emitter is not being
pulled up again after Q1 turns off (or Q1 does not turn off properly).
> > >
> > > The only suggestion I can make to try and isolate where the problem is, is
to disconnect both the SCL and SDA lines from the I2C interface to the v6.2
board, then pull them both up via 1k resistors to the 5v rail and test the USB
to I2C interface on its own.
> > >
> > > If that works then has to be something on the main board pulling the SDA
line down.
> > >
> > > Silly question, but you do not still have the PIC U6 fitted on the v6.3
board?
> > >
> > > If I think of anything else I will let you know,
> > >
> > > 73, Bob G8VOI
> > >
> >
>

Hi Bob,

The the cause is that the I2C SDA line, which is also used for the cw_key_2
input relies on the pull up resistor R42 on the main v6.3 RX/TX board. With the
12V power switched off, the line is no longer pulled up, hence making it appear
that the 'dash' input is in the active state, continiously keying.

What I recommend to all builders of both the USB to I2C interface for the v6.3
TX/RX and the v9.0 RX is to route pin 1 of the USB lead (5V) via a two pole
switch combined with the 12V power to the main board. Doing that simple
modification saves a lot of problems.

When the power switch is off, there is no 5v on the AVR chip so the USB is not
active. Means you can leave the USB lead connected all the time, but the
interface is only powered when you are actually using the SoftRock.

73, Bob G8VOI


--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "w4npx_2" <w4npx@...> wrote:
>
> Bob, I have a related problem that is really a non problem but of interest.
>
> I have the 6.3 and USB I2C used with Rocky.
>
> If I am in CW Iambic mode in Rocky and turn off my 12 volt power supply to the
6.3 with the USB still plugged into the computer the dash in rocky becomes
activated continuously.  As soon as I turn on the 12 v supply to the 6.3, the
problem stops and the 6.3 functions properly in cw.
>
> My USB is plugged into the PIC socket.
>
> Bob  w4npx
>
> --- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "g8voip" <g8voi.reeves59@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Brian,
> >
> > I am not sure what else to suggest apart from the following the logical
fault finding approach and trying to break down the circuit into smaller parts
and isolate what is actually keeping the 'dash' line active after the first time
it has been pulled low.
> >
> > Removing the SDA and SCL lines from the v6.3 board and temporary fitting
pull up resistors to them would be the first step and approach I would use.
> >
> > If it still failed like that, immediately clears the v6.3 board from being
the cause.
> >
> > If you do not want to follow that route, all I can suggest is taking a good
look and making sure you have the right components fitted, resistor values
particularly. You could try changing Q1 on the USB to I2C interface, but really
that is a stab in the dark.
> >
> > Just one last thought, in the Rocky set up on the 'Transmit' tab, do you
have the 'Enable side tone in RX mode tab' checked, if so, try removing that,
something buried deep in my mind id that it did something strange as the SDA
line is shared with the cw_key_2 function.
> >
> > Sorry, I cannot suggest anything else,
> >
> > 73, Bob G8VOI
> >
> >
> > --- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "Brian" <brian.davis@> wrote:
> > >
> > > No, no U6, just an empty socket.  I'm reluctant to pull the SCL and SDA
lines, since in all other respects, they seem to work fine.  I can change
frequency, check chip stats, etc.  Really stumped as to where to go next.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "g8voip" <g8voi.reeves59@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Hi Brian,
> > > >
> > > > I cannot really think of anything else obvious that might cause your
problem.
> > > >
> > > > Sounds a bit like something is either floating, or not pulled up or down
correctly. Works fine until you press the 'dash' paddle input, then never
returns completely to its previous state. Sounds like Q1 emitter is not being
pulled up again after Q1 turns off (or Q1 does not turn off properly).
> > > >
> > > > The only suggestion I can make to try and isolate where the problem is,
is to disconnect both the SCL and SDA lines from the I2C interface to the v6.2
board, then pull them both up via 1k resistors to the 5v rail and test the USB
to I2C interface on its own.
> > > >
> > > > If that works then has to be something on the main board pulling the SDA
line down.
> > > >
> > > > Silly question, but you do not still have the PIC U6 fitted on the v6.3
board?
> > > >
> > > > If I think of anything else I will let you know,
> > > >
> > > > 73, Bob G8VOI
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

----- Original Message -----

From: k6acj

To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Monday, November 30, 2009 11:30 AM

Subject: [softrock40] RXTX 6.3 160 meter core winding

 

Regarding RX BPF 160 meter L100, what is the best way to wind 66 turns onto this core?? The core is full at 40 turns, do I just reverse direction for the remaining 26 turns or do I jump back to the center of the core and continue to wind in the same direction ??

Any other 160 meter coil winding hints??? This is a challange ... Bill k6acj

"[___] L100-1 18.7 uH T30-2 (red) #30 BPF 160: 66 turns #30 (34") (may need overwinding) BPF-1"

Not a very dumb question Brian...

There are pitfalls with setting it up. For frequency, look at the band you want
to use, e.g. 40m is 7038.6kHz dial frequency. WSPR has a 1.5kHz offset, so is
actually centered on 7040.1kHz. Use USB mode.

The WSPR software and your front end (Rocky, PSDR, etc) have to run
concurrently. You also need virtual audio ports, unless you route the sound out
then in again.

Setting the audio socket is done in a console window. If you get it wrong WSPR
may crash.

Other pitfalls are your PC's clock accuracy (install Dimension 4), and your
Softrock's frequency stability. There's no major problem with an "image signal".
Rocky or PSDR-IQ will largely take care of that.

I had big success with Softrock + WSPR on 40m. I also transmit with 37dBm (5W)
and find spots from Australia/New Zealand regularly.

Cheers,
Rob
(M0RZF)

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "g3zoh" <george.familyuk@...> wrote:
>
> Almost certainly a dumb question but here goes ... I would like to use my
SoftRock Lite receivers for WSPR monitoring but am unclear about the actual
set-up. Do you simply set the SoftRock rx centre frequency so that the WSPR
audio output is in the correct range for the PC soundcard or is there some way
of running Rocky (say) and WSPR software concurrently? Presumably the first
option would leave an image signal to contend with?

Well said Robby, much more detail in your message than in my reply.
Only thing that might still be misconstrued.

"David WW2R has reported that he had to adjust the number of windings on L100-1
(the 66 turn coil on the 160m band) because of the fact that the toroid was not
able to accept 66 turns as a single layer, without winding BACK over some of the
existing winding."

For those still in any doubt BACK is used here to mean BACK in time, not in
REVERSE direction.

73 de Charles G3OTH

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "R R Robson" <rrrobson@...> wrote:
>
> From the Builders' Notes
> Winding Inductors
> To learn how to wind coils and transformers, please read the tips from the
experts and then view the excellent videos on KC0WOXs Website to solidify your
understanding of the task.
>
> Concernimg the number of turns in the windings, David WW2R has reported that
he had to adjust the number of windings on L100-1 (the 66 turn coil on the 160m
band) because of the fact that the toroid was not able to accept 66 turns as a
single layer, without winding back over some of the existing winding.
Overlapping turns caused him to need 69 turns to reach the required inductance
of 18.7 uH.
>
> Pete N4ZR pointed out: "The 160-meter L100 requires 66 turns, but only about
40-45 turns will fit on the core in a single layer. You need to keep winding in
the same direction in a second layer until you complete the 66-69 turns. I wound
69 originally, but on checking with my MFJ-259, which may not be very accurate
the inductance appeared to be a little high.
>
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: k6acj
>   To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
>   Sent: Monday, November 30, 2009 11:30 AM
>   Subject: [softrock40] RXTX 6.3 160 meter core winding
>
>
>
>
>   Regarding RX BPF 160 meter L100, what is the best way to wind 66 turns onto
this core?? The core is full at 40 turns, do I just reverse direction for the
remaining 26 turns or do I jump back to the center of the core and continue to
wind in the same direction ??
>
>   Any other 160 meter coil winding hints??? This is a challange ... Bill k6acj
>
>   "[___] L100-1 18.7 uH T30-2 (red) #30 BPF 160: 66 turns #30 (34") (may need
overwinding) BPF-1"
>

Hi Brian,

In your original question you asked about setting the centre frequency for your
Lite receivers. The centre frequency is always set at the fixed frequency for
the crystal oscillator. For most of the lower frequency versions that is a
quarter of the crystal frequency.

Frequency calibration is done by varying the centre frequency entered in the SDR
program set up.

Once calibrated you just tune to the required frequency using the SDR software,
the centre frequency remains fixed.

If you have more than one receiver you intend using with Rocky, in the set up
select 'multi-band' and you can edit the Rocky.ini file to add additional new
centre frequencies. When you change receivers you can select the appropriate
band / centre frequency from the pull down to the right of the main frquency
display. Makes it a bit easier swapping quickly between two or more receivers.

73, Bob G8VOI


73, Bob G8VOI


--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "Rob" <robbrown@...> wrote:
>
>
>
> Not a very dumb question Brian...
>
> There are pitfalls with setting it up. For frequency, look at the band you
want to use, e.g. 40m is 7038.6kHz dial frequency. WSPR has a 1.5kHz offset, so
is actually centered on 7040.1kHz. Use USB mode.
>
> The WSPR software and your front end (Rocky, PSDR, etc) have to run
concurrently. You also need virtual audio ports, unless you route the sound out
then in again.
>
> Setting the audio socket is done in a console window. If you get it wrong WSPR
may crash.
>
> Other pitfalls are your PC's clock accuracy (install Dimension 4), and your
Softrock's frequency stability. There's no major problem with an "image signal".
Rocky or PSDR-IQ will largely take care of that.
>
> I had big success with Softrock + WSPR on 40m. I also transmit with 37dBm (5W)
and find spots from Australia/New Zealand regularly.
>
> Cheers,
> Rob
> (M0RZF)
>
> --- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "g3zoh" <george.familyuk@> wrote:
> >
> > Almost certainly a dumb question but here goes ... I would like to use my
SoftRock Lite receivers for WSPR monitoring but am unclear about the actual
set-up. Do you simply set the SoftRock rx centre frequency so that the WSPR
audio output is in the correct range for the PC soundcard or is there some way
of running Rocky (say) and WSPR software concurrently? Presumably the first
option would leave an image signal to contend with?
>

Hi all, Being new to sdr et al, my main interest is microwave bands and using 2m
as an if for 23cm and 3cm.
Am I right in thinking that I need to purchase the v6.3 + the 2m optional extra,
which includes the Si570.

73
John

Hi John,

As Larry said, currently the only SoftRock option for 2m is receive only, using
the v9.0 RX and plug in VHF receive converter.

As standard the v6.3 TX/RX comes with an on board PIC controller to set the
Si570 and provide a limited number of programmed centre frequencies selected by
the DIL switches.

Most people now opt for using the add on USB to I2C interface to provide
continuous tuning which is a lot more flexible.

I use my v9.0 RX and 2m converter on the IF output from my microwave
transverters, and use a 3dB splitter on the receive port to give me the best of
both worlds, panoramic display, plus conventional receiver. Just got to remember
to turn off the PC speakers before transmitting!

73, Bob G8VOI

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, aa9wqham@... wrote:
>
> Welcome to SDR!
>
> The only 2 meter options for Softrocks is the 2 meter converter designed
> for the v9 receiver. There are no RX/TX 2 meter options for the 6.3.
>
> Larry W9AMR
>
>
> In a message dated 11/30/2009 3:32:12 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
> m0els@... writes:
>
>
>
>
> Hi all, Being new to sdr et al, my main interest is microwave bands and
> using 2m as an if for 23cm and 3cm.
> Am I right in thinking that I need to  purchase the v6.3 + the 2m optional
> extra, which includes the  Si570.
>
> 73
> John
>

I have been trying to better understand the details of SDR particularly with
regard to the signal/image I/Q relationships. I have read that if the signal is
below the LO, I lags Q and if above, I leads Q. I have read this from 2
different sources. Is this correct and always true regardless of the SDR design?

To observe this for myself I used my RXTX 6.3 and input a signal below and above
the selected LO using Rocky. Using a dual trace scope I observed the signal
relationships at the Audio Out I and Q (R56 and R55) respectively. The resistor
values are from the schematic of 7/22/08.

When I input a signal below the LO, I leads Q and with a signal above the LO I
lags Q. This is the opposite of the statement in the first paragraph.

Am I misunderstanding something? Am I making an incorrect observation?

Please help as I am trying to understand all these relationships and this may be
one of the last pieces of the puzzle for me.

Thanks, Jim WA4YWM

----- Original Message ----- From: "Preston Douglas"
Subject: Re: [softrock40] SoftRock + WSPR

 You can also use a single sound card if it has two stereo in/out lines, like the Delta 44,

To TX/RX I am using a D44 but only one half, one in one out (1/2). I'm just not able to actually hear the signals.
73 Alan G4ZFQ ------------------------------------
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Hi all sorry for raising this subject again. Though the question is slighly
different. I am looking for a basic PCI soundcard which has drivers for
64bit XP.  I have several old PCI64 and PCI128 cards which would do except
there are no 64 bit divers for these cards. Any ideas?? 48kbps sampling
would suffice.

Alan G3NYK

Start by looking for something without a db-15 gameport. Ac97 compatible chips on motherboards would be a good bed. A no frills via chip might be a good bet if on the hcl

Good Evening All,

The US Thanksgiving Holiday week caused some delays in getting materials and
mailing kits.  However, things are now getting back on track.

Over fifty of the [SPECIAL SITUATION] v9.0 and v6.3 kits have recently been
shipped out of the total of 180 such kits.  I am hopeful of having the rest of
these kits shipped before the end of the first week of December.  There is still
no word on when the 200 pieces of CMOS Si570 I have had on order since late
October will ship.  The second mailing associated with the [SPECIAL SITUATION]
kit orders will depend on receiving the Si570 devices.

Later this week I will try to make additional PA/Filter kits and USB I2C
Interface kits available on my website.

Thanks for your kit orders and interest in the kits.

73,
Tony KB9YIG

Tony, you are doing a GREAT!! job - you just take  your time and work your own
schedule.  you have no control over when the Si570 chips will be shipped - just
ship when you can.

73 de Ken H> K9FV

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "kb9yig" <kb9yig@...> wrote:
>
> Good Evening All,
>
> The US Thanksgiving Holiday week caused some delays in getting materials and
mailing kits.  However, things are now getting back on track.
>
> Over fifty of the [SPECIAL SITUATION] v9.0 and v6.3 kits have recently been
shipped out of the total of 180 such kits.  I am hopeful of having the rest of
these kits shipped before the end of the first week of December.  There is still
no word on when the 200 pieces of CMOS Si570 I have had on order since late
October will ship.  The second mailing associated with the [SPECIAL SITUATION]
kit orders will depend on receiving the Si570 devices.
>
> Later this week I will try to make additional PA/Filter kits and USB I2C
Interface kits available on my website.
>
> Thanks for your kit orders and interest in the kits.
>
> 73,
> Tony KB9YIG
>

This, as it turns out, was the root of my problem as well - the order of power
on.  I was plugging up the USB prior to powering on the board, which results in
wambliness in the AVR.  Powering up in the correct sequence, results in all
operations normal.  So, I'm happy to report my RXTX is now working perfectly. 
Thanks a ton to everyone that pitched in ideas.

Now, while I wait for the Mobo4.3 to be finished up, I'll incorporate your
double-pole switch idea, and am adding a chu-moy headphone amplifier (Pulls the
mushiness out of the computer driven headphone amplification) in line to the
second sound card. I'll add a power amp when I do the mobo kit.



--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "g8voip" <g8voi.reeves59@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Bob,
>
> The the cause is that the I2C SDA line, which is also used for the cw_key_2
input relies on the pull up resistor R42 on the main v6.3 RX/TX board. With the
12V power switched off, the line is no longer pulled up, hence making it appear
that the 'dash' input is in the active state, continiously keying.
>
> What I recommend to all builders of both the USB to I2C interface for the v6.3
TX/RX and the v9.0 RX is to route pin 1 of the USB lead (5V) via a two pole
switch combined with the 12V power to the main board. Doing that simple
modification saves a lot of problems.
>
> When the power switch is off, there is no 5v on the AVR chip so the USB is not
active. Means you can leave the USB lead connected all the time, but the
interface is only powered when you are actually using the SoftRock.
>
> 73, Bob G8VOI
>
>

Thanks for the 160 core info.  I've built and used all the other modules with
good success and didn't want to find out I was in trouble here.  So, after
building 3 HFProject amps and the SoftRock RXTX 160-10 modules, I'm about done
winding cores for a while.  .....   :o))

bill k6acj



--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "g3oth" <g3oth@...> wrote:
>
> Well said Robby, much more detail in your message than in my reply.
> Only thing that might still be misconstrued.
>
> "David WW2R has reported that he had to adjust the number of windings on
L100-1 (the 66 turn coil on the 160m band) because of the fact that the toroid
was not able to accept 66 turns as a single layer, without winding BACK over
some of the existing winding."
>
> For those still in any doubt BACK is used here to mean BACK in time, not in
REVERSE direction.
>
> 73 de Charles G3OTH
>
> --- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "R R Robson" <rrrobson@> wrote:
> >
> > From the Builders' Notes
> > Winding Inductors
> > To learn how to wind coils and transformers, please read the tips from the
experts and then view the excellent videos on KC0WOXs Website to solidify your
understanding of the task.
> >
> > Concernimg the number of turns in the windings, David WW2R has reported that
he had to adjust the number of windings on L100-1 (the 66 turn coil on the 160m
band) because of the fact that the toroid was not able to accept 66 turns as a
single layer, without winding back over some of the existing winding.
Overlapping turns caused him to need 69 turns to reach the required inductance
of 18.7 uH.
> >
> > Pete N4ZR pointed out: "The 160-meter L100 requires 66 turns, but only about
40-45 turns will fit on the core in a single layer. You need to keep winding in
the same direction in a second layer until you complete the 66-69 turns. I wound
69 originally, but on checking with my MFJ-259, which may not be very accurate
the inductance appeared to be a little high.
> >
> >   ----- Original Message -----
> >   From: k6acj
> >   To: softrock40@yahoogroups.com
> >   Sent: Monday, November 30, 2009 11:30 AM
> >   Subject: [softrock40] RXTX 6.3 160 meter core winding
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >   Regarding RX BPF 160 meter L100, what is the best way to wind 66 turns
onto this core?? The core is full at 40 turns, do I just reverse direction for
the remaining 26 turns or do I jump back to the center of the core and continue
to wind in the same direction ??
> >
> >   Any other 160 meter coil winding hints??? This is a challange ... Bill
k6acj
> >
> >   "[___] L100-1 18.7 uH T30-2 (red) #30 BPF 160: 66 turns #30 (34") (may
need overwinding) BPF-1"
> >
>

Cool stuff here. Can't wait to read up. Chris

I must have missed something. What is this about [SPECIAL SITUATION]?

Rgds, David

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "kb9yig" <kb9yig@...> wrote:
>
> Good Evening All,
>
> The US Thanksgiving Holiday week caused some delays in getting materials and
mailing kits.  However, things are now getting back on track.
>
> Over fifty of the [SPECIAL SITUATION] v9.0 and v6.3 kits have recently been
shipped out of the total of 180 such kits.  I am hopeful of having the rest of
these kits shipped before the end of the first week of December.  There is still
no word on when the 200 pieces of CMOS Si570 I have had on order since late
October will ship.  The second mailing associated with the [SPECIAL SITUATION]
kit orders will depend on receiving the Si570 devices.
>
> Later this week I will try to make additional PA/Filter kits and USB I2C
Interface kits available on my website.
>
> Thanks for your kit orders and interest in the kits.
>
> 73,
> Tony KB9YIG
>

Rob,

Why is the PC's clock an issue with WSPR? Is it accuracy or stability or both
that is a problem?

Why install Dimension 4 (link http://www.thinkman.com/dimension4/)? I would
think NTPD would work much better; it is the "gold" standard. NTPD is free,
Dimension 4 is not. NTPD is typically installed by default by most Linux/Unix
distributions (with the exception of OpenBSD, see below). A Precompiled Windows
NTPD binary installer is freely available here:

http://www.meinberg.de/english/sw/ntp.htm

When I speak of NTPD I'm referring to the "real" NTPD from Dr. David Mills of
the University of Delaware, not OpenNTPD which is part of the OpenBSD project. I
find NTPD to be superior to OpenNTPD, but it is my opinion only.

NTPD is quite sophisticated and therefore a bit harder to set-up though. But it
is worth it if disciplining the PC's clock is truly necessary for WSPR operation
- which I question. I've never used WSPR though, so I'm certainly no expert.

With NTPD, if you have a GPS receiver with NMEA serial output and 1-PPS output,
you can GPS discipline your PC via the an RS-232 serial port.

* More on NTPD here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ntpd

http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~mills/ntp/html/index.html

* The NTP server pool project where you will find servers to sync with:

http://www.pool.ntp.org/en/

Best 73's, David WB4ONA

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "Rob" <robbrown@...> wrote:
>
>
>
> Not a very dumb question Brian...
>
> There are pitfalls with setting it up. For frequency, look at the band you
want to use, e.g. 40m is 7038.6kHz dial frequency. WSPR has a 1.5kHz offset, so
is actually centered on 7040.1kHz. Use USB mode.
>
> The WSPR software and your front end (Rocky, PSDR, etc) have to run
concurrently. You also need virtual audio ports, unless you route the sound out
then in again.
>
> Setting the audio socket is done in a console window. If you get it wrong WSPR
may crash.
>
> Other pitfalls are your PC's clock accuracy (install Dimension 4), and your
Softrock's frequency stability. There's no major problem with an "image signal".
Rocky or PSDR-IQ will largely take care of that.
>
> I had big success with Softrock + WSPR on 40m. I also transmit with 37dBm (5W)
and find spots from Australia/New Zealand regularly.
>
> Cheers,
> Rob
> (M0RZF)
>
> --- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "g3zoh" <george.familyuk@> wrote:
> >
> > Almost certainly a dumb question but here goes ... I would like to use my
SoftRock Lite receivers for WSPR monitoring but am unclear about the actual
set-up. Do you simply set the SoftRock rx centre frequency so that the WSPR
audio output is in the correct range for the PC soundcard or is there some way
of running Rocky (say) and WSPR software concurrently? Presumably the first
option would leave an image signal to contend with?
>

Rob, just noticed Dimension-4 is free for non-commercial use. Sorry. David

--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "Rob" <robbrown@...> wrote:
>
>
>
> Not a very dumb question Brian...
>
> There are pitfalls with setting it up. For frequency, look at the band you
want to use, e.g. 40m is 7038.6kHz dial frequency. WSPR has a 1.5kHz offset, so
is actually centered on 7040.1kHz. Use USB mode.
>
> The WSPR software and your front end (Rocky, PSDR, etc) have to run
concurrently. You also need virtual audio ports, unless you route the sound out
then in again.
>
> Setting the audio socket is done in a console window. If you get it wrong WSPR
may crash.
>
> Other pitfalls are your PC's clock accuracy (install Dimension 4), and your
Softrock's frequency stability. There's no major problem with an "image signal".
Rocky or PSDR-IQ will largely take care of that.
>
> I had big success with Softrock + WSPR on 40m. I also transmit with 37dBm (5W)
and find spots from Australia/New Zealand regularly.
>
> Cheers,
> Rob
> (M0RZF)
>
> --- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "g3zoh" <george.familyuk@> wrote:
> >
> > Almost certainly a dumb question but here goes ... I would like to use my
SoftRock Lite receivers for WSPR monitoring but am unclear about the actual
set-up. Do you simply set the SoftRock rx centre frequency so that the WSPR
audio output is in the correct range for the PC soundcard or is there some way
of running Rocky (say) and WSPR software concurrently? Presumably the first
option would leave an image signal to contend with?
>

Hi Brian,

Good to hear all is ok now.

I really think incorporating a switch for both the USB 5V and the main 12V
supply is the best approach.

I found that problem through experience in the early days of the v9.0 RX and
problems with the USB side. Although that was actually due to a bug in the
firmware, using the switch resolved the problem.

Since then I automatically do that on every kit I build. Besides which, I did
not want to keep on unplugging the USB lead every time I finished using the
SoftRock and likewise did not want the AVR permanently powered up and running
when the PC was running and the SoftRock was not in use.

73, Bob G8VOI




--- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "Brian" <brian.davis@...> wrote:
>
> This, as it turns out, was the root of my problem as well - the order of power
on.  I was plugging up the USB prior to powering on the board, which results in
wambliness in the AVR.  Powering up in the correct sequence, results in all
operations normal.  So, I'm happy to report my RXTX is now working perfectly. 
Thanks a ton to everyone that pitched in ideas.
>
> Now, while I wait for the Mobo4.3 to be finished up, I'll incorporate your
double-pole switch idea, and am adding a chu-moy headphone amplifier (Pulls the
mushiness out of the computer driven headphone amplification) in line to the
second sound card. I'll add a power amp when I do the mobo kit.
>
>
>
> --- In softrock40@yahoogroups.com, "g8voip" <g8voi.reeves59@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Bob,
> >
> > The the cause is that the I2C SDA line, which is also used for the cw_key_2
input relies on the pull up resistor R42 on the main v6.3 RX/TX board. With the
12V power switched off, the line is no longer pulled up, hence making it appear
that the 'dash' input is in the active state, continiously keying.
> >
> > What I recommend to all builders of both the USB to I2C interface for the
v6.3 TX/RX and the v9.0 RX is to route pin 1 of the USB lead (5V) via a two pole
switch combined with the 12V power to the main board. Doing that simple
modification saves a lot of problems.
> >
> > When the power switch is off, there is no 5v on the AVR chip so the USB is
not active. Means you can leave the USB lead connected all the time, but the
interface is only powered when you are actually using the SoftRock.
> >
> > 73, Bob G8VOI
> >
> >
>