Inserted characters and deleted characters are still a feature with the zBitx when loaded with the latest, greatest and most-updatest firmware (2 April).
Firmware: v3.051 and v1.06
If you don't know CW, you probably won't see/hear the problems in the video below. If you do, you will.
It is impossible to have a QSO on CW with the zBitx when using the internal keyer in either iambic mode (Update: Or even with a straight key or external keyer).
Compounding the problem - but not shown here due to being on a dummy load - is the lengthy return-to-receive time...about a full second, regardless of the T/R delay dialed in.
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UPDATE (3 Apr):
Several people asked how the zBitx operates in straight key mode with (and w/o) an external keyer.
For those with a zBitx who want to try this out and confirm my results, a stereo cable must be used and the pinout is ring and ground (tip is unused but a mono cable will cause a key-down as soon as the plug is inserted).
I only tested with a straight key since I don't have a stereo-mono (one type on each end) cable required to use an external keyer with this radio. But the straight key results indicate that the same timing issues would be present with an external keyer.
With a straight key, CQ DE AE5X results in the DE being sent as a T. All three of the following dits are omitted. I'm probably tapping the key at 15 wpm. There is also a slight delay between key closure and tone generation.
I'm happy to hear from others here in the comment section who can verify or refute what I'm experiencing.
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Thanks for the video. It’s good to know it’s not just my CW hand, (but bad to know everyone has the same problem too)
ReplyDeleteAlso, I noticed your S-Meter remains up-scale with no antenna like mine does. I know it’s a compact rig with two computers and a display emanating who knows what, but other designs have conquered similar challenges.
Hi Mike - the first radio that comes to my mind that's similar to this one is the mcHF. I should have used it rather than the Argonaut for comparison purposes in the video. The mcHF is over 20 years old, tiny, cheap, all bands and all modes...and keys perfectly.
DeleteI'd also like to say that I'm not "picking on" HF Signals but the radio is advertised as having CW and some people have bought it (and are considering buying it) based on that - they should know that it doesn't perform on that mode. The advertising then, is false and should be retracted. This is a phone and digital rig.
Does SSB function OK or is there a T/R delay in that also? de Mike WE0H
DeleteSSB is delayed as well, about 1 second.
DeleteJohn my results match yours, zBitx vs. a KX3 and an Index Labs QRP++. Thanks for your video.
ReplyDelete...and if I don't use a keyer? I assume full QSK is also absent. THANKS for your early testing.
ReplyDeleteNot even close to QSK, there is a 1-second delay between TX and going back to RX. I've updated the text of the posting to include my tests with a straight key.
Delete73,
John
Thanks for the extra straight key info John. Until that changes, I enjoy great keying and QSK with my QMX.
DeleteWell, that’s a shame. I had high hopes. I have to be able to do cw on it. De n5vwn
ReplyDeleteWhen watching the video I can almost feel the despair when de radio didn't send the "e" a couple of times. Oh dear, this is not good at all. And the 1 sec. delay doesn't sound well either. I hope all will be solved in time. 73, Bas
ReplyDeleteAt least they appear to be working on one of the problems:
Deletehttps://groups.io/g/BITX20/topic/cw_on_zbitx/112041776
My K3NG keyer ist still not working in straight key mode.
ReplyDeleteNo, straight key mode isn't working here either.
DeleteOuch. This is painful to watch. I have a zbitx in the box, but this week has been crazy here and I haven't had time to open it and immediately do a firmware update. I can see now that operating CW is still a serious issue. I hope he can sort out the timing and the latency isn't simply a function of the processor speed. Thank you for the video, John. Cheers, Thomas
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't rush to open the box, Thomas. The longer you wait, the more likely that a new fw version will correct the problem. A rare case of "Procrastination is good"!
Delete73,
John
Tnx, now I am going to buy a mcHF. What is the best seller?
ReplyDelete