"Triumvirate Skonk Worx" Website hosted by W0EB, Old Main Page.
Pages last updated by W0EB - 06/30/2023 @ 15:00 UTC
Some example screen captures using the TSW Teensy 4.1 Raduino and the very latest firmware (V1.61)
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Latest from TSW: As of August 1, 2022, TSW has ended operations. The W0EB morse code "Dot Stabilizer" is still offered, but all other
items have been discontinued for many reasons not the least of which is the current part shortage/economic condition of the world. The website will remain in place as will
all documents/firmware for those who may still need it, but no new firmware or hardware for the uBITX will be forthcoming.
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With a small hardware addition our Teensy 4.1 Raduino can now copy CW though due to the wide bandwidth of a normal
V6 uBITX, we don't recommend it for any critical copying that includes callsigns/contest information (CW decoders aren't stricly legal in contests anyway).
Thanks to an open source CW decoding program by K4ICY, our master programmer was able to sucessfully incorporate it into the T4.1's firmware and after extensive testing we've found that it
works pretty well.
It does, however require the addition of tone decoder hardware using the LM567 decoder chip to provide the tone to digital conversion necessary to feed
the decoder routine. TSW has modified an old design that was originally used in telephone dual tone dial decoders and adapted it to use the fixed audio level fed to the
top of the volume control in the uBITX V6 (the VOL-H signal). We are using the SMD version of the 567 which still requires 5 volts to operate. Instructions
for obtaining 5V for the tone decoder are outlined in the construction manual for the kit.
Once a tone decoder board is installed and aligned to the user's desired sidetone frequency, there is an additional function that is available and that is an item
on the main screen of the display called "Spot" which when touched or pressed will very accurately zero-beat a CW signal or steady tone to the sidetone frequency.
This also puts the uBITX transmit frequency right on the incoming frequency of the received signal within a very few Hz.
Expectations were to have the kit ready for purchase shortly after the first week of 2022. Due to a few unforseen supply problems, it has taken a bit longer, but the Tone Decoder
kit is now ready for sale. The price will be $15.00 for a kit of all parts plus $5.00 shipping in the US. Shipping costs for International shipping
are currently running USD$60 or more so it's obviously a prohibitive deal for international customers. Unfortunately this is beyond our control with the current COVID pandemic
still causing havoc throughout the world. Details for ordering may be obtained by sending an email to w0eb (at) cox dot net and requesting the information.
As of January, 2022, We can no longer ship kits out of the US (except maybe to Canada) as the cost of shipping has risen to over $60 USD!
BREAKING NEWS: As of June 1, 2022, The Teensy 4.1 Raduino Kit is temporarily on hold due to non-availability of some critical parts. This notice will be removed
as soon as they are back in stock. Please disregard the first line of the following paragraph for the time being!
The Teensy 4.1 Raduino KIT is also still in stock as we have an adequate supply of Si5351a VFO chips and when those are gone, we have a backup batch of the
Chinese version (MS5351M)on hand. W0EB designed and built a jig to performance test the 5351 chips and the Chinese version turns out to have virtually
identical performance as the original Silicon Labs Si5351a's. Hans Summers, G0UPL of QRP Labs did a much more in depth set of tests on the MS5351M than I did
and posted it on his website. With his permission, I'm including a link to those test results which show the suitability of the MS5351M as a subsitute for the
now no longer available Silicon Labs Si5351a. QRP Labs MS5351 Test Results.
To maintain availability, we recently ordered and received a new shipment of PC boards and other parts for the kits. Right now, we are not adversely affected by the "chip shortage".
NOTE! The TSW Teensy 4.1 Raduino Clone is a KIT, you must build it yourself. We DO NOT sell fully built T4.1 Raduino's and all of our other offers are kits as well, as the cost would be prohibitive (USD $100 or more) for us to assemble them. If you can't build it yourself or have someone build it for you, please don't order one! We've had several persons try to order assembled versions, not understanding the word KIT and thinking it should already be constructed! Also, several persons have misconstrued the fact that the Teensy 4.1 and the display do NOT come with the kit. TSW is NOT a distributor for PJRC (manufacturer of the Teensy) and becoming one would be cost prohibitive. The user must purchase their own Teensy 4.1 from either PJRC or one of their other distributors and use the display that originally comes with the uBITX V6 kit or order one themselves as well.
We have a completely redesigned and enhanced Raduino Clone kit that uses PJRC's 600 MHz Teensy 4.1 MPU (only for the uBITX Version 6 at this time).
This MPU is much larger and faster than the original Arduino NANO and has much more I/O. Almost all of this I/O is accessable on numerous, easily accessible DuPont
style headers. Note, however, that TSW does NOT supply the Teensy 4.1 MPU itself with the kit. The user must obtain that from PJRC or one of their other distributors.
The Teensy 4.1 hardware will allow USB Host mode. (An additional cable would need to be added and the case modified in order to use this.)
However, once this is done, Host Mode will allow a keyboard and/or a mouse to be plugged in for control and operation. The Keyboard can also function as
a really nice CW keyer and still allow the keyer paddles or a hand key/external keyer to be plugged in at the same time. A USB hub can be used to plug in
more than one item (mouse AND keyboard).
The software will NOT support Nextion displays and TSW has absolutely NO plans to provide Nextion support with this system.
The Nextion has been found to be a notorious RFI noise generator. Since we believe we have solved most of the tuning noise issue with our careful hardware
layout and latest software, it would be a poor idea to re-intruduce the RFI by using a NEXTION display instead of the factory supplied ILI9341 TFT Color one.
Several people have asked about Nextion support and that absolutely will NOT happen with any TSW projects at this time so please do not ask.
Due to limitations of the "Host mode" programming library (apparently still the same one as the old Teensy 3.6) to simultaneously operate a mouse with a keyboard
hooked up via a hub, both must be of the wired type unless you use one of the inexpensive wireless keyboard/mouse combinations available (I use one from Amazon)
that use only one plug-in "dongle" to handle both the KB and Mouse. All the ones tested so far allow simultaneous KB/Mouse operations so for portable ops
this will probably be the best option.
We now have stable software for the Teensy 4.1 Raduino available in the "Program & DOC Files" directory. It allows Touch, Keyboard and Mouse as well as Keyboard sent CW,
if some hardware modifications are made to add a "Host Mode" Connector.
Almost all of the I/O pins of the Teensy 4.1 that are not used to directly control the uBITX and Raduino are available via DuPont style header pins on the
back side of the T4.1 Raduino PC board so the experimenter has access to everything available. Plenty of digital and analog inputs/outputs to keep you busy for a long
time developing things for this board. (The TSW team is working on expanding the software and all the programming is and will continue to be "open source"
with the caution that if you modify it, you are on your own for troubleshooting problems you create. The TSW team simply will not have the time to sort out
your source code errors so you will have to do that yourself. That being said, we WILL be available to help with problems discovered in our own software.
A bit of the history for this development:
We had good success with the Teensy 4.0 using the adapter, but when we tried to mount the Teensy directly on a custom Raduino board,
for some reason we could not make it work right so abandoned that project.
Fast forward a few months and PRJC has made available a new, larger footprint version of the Teensy called the Teensy 4.1.
After looking at the specs, the TSW team decided to take a chance and make an experimental attempt at using this on a unique Raduino clone
that used the T4.1 plugged directly into the redesigned Raduino board, with no adapter. We chose to mount the T4.1 upside down on the back
side of the board just like the original NANO and our T4.0 adapter did to keep the MPU from interfering with the display as well as for accessability.
We had a very limited run of prototype boards made to test the idea and much to everyone's delight, it worked very well!
An added benefit of the re-design, is that it seems to have eliminated most if not all of the noise problems inherent with the Factory
(and our earlier clone) Raduino using the Teensy 4.0 to NANO adapter.
Except for the very small Si5351 clock/vfo IC, we chose to use all 1206 size SMD resistors and capacitors to make kit construction
a bit easier for those who don't like to work with the smaller 0805 surface mount components TSW uses for our other kits.
It was also decided that all the TSW Raduino Clone kits would already have the Si5351a IC soldered in place and
checked for proper connections to ensure the highest probability of successful kit completion and operation. This also makes the kit
far less intimidating for those with limited SMD soldering experience (not really difficult, but does make some apprehensive).
The MPU for this Raduino Clone must be a PJRC Teensy 4.1 and like the NANO on the Factory Raduino and Teensy 4.0 on TSW's adapter,
The Teensy 4.1 will plug in upside down on the back side of the PCB. The photo below shows how to set up the (user supplied) pins
on the Teensy 4.1 to plug into its socket on the T4.1 Raduino Clone. (There is an extra user supplied memory chip shown on the
Teensy 4.1 in the photo that is not necessary and will not be used.)
We strongly recommend that you obtain and use gold plated pins for
mounting your teensy and for the 5 pin headers on the back of it. This will help increase reliability and decrease any succeptability to
corrosion that could cause intermittent connections later on.
WARNING: You MUST cut the indicated jumper (between the two large pads) on the
A working, and we believe stable software version IS now available "Program & Doc Files" directory (use the Teensy 4.1, not the 4.0 version).
Extra features allow for both Keyboard and Mouse control of the uBITX. These options are working and really enhance the operation of the uBITX with
our T4.1 Raduino & software after adding a USB Host Mode cable available from PJRC to your uBITX.
These "extra features", if you choose to use them, WILL require a modification of the uBITX case to add a USB "A" cable
connectionon the back panel. The right sized cable is available from PJRC.com for around $3.00 plus shipping and you can
order it at the same time you order your Teensy 4.1 if you like. The cable plugs into the 5 pin "Host Mode" header on the
Teensy 4.1 itself and allows for a standard USB "A" style keyboard or wired mouse to be plugged in. You can also
use a USB 2.0 hub so both Keyboard and mouse can be connected simultaneously.
You do not HAVE to have the additional cable to use the software, you just won't be able to use a keyboard or mouse for control/CW keyer so
it's a matter of personal choice whether or not to modify the case for the extra USB connection.
Originally we were not going to have a software CW Decoder implemented. We firmly believe that electronic morse decoders make too many mistakes when
band conditions are even slightly noisy and if you cannot properly copy callsigns, you shouldn't be using a decoder.
That being said, several months ago, I found a decoder routine that was quite accurate so collectively, the decision was made to incorporate it in the software.
The drawback turned out to be that there needed to be a very accurate tone decoder assembly added to the Raduino as an external card. Once this was designed and
installed, we made a kit available for it and published the latest version of the software (Version 1.61) in the files section. If the tone decoder is installed,
the software will allow the CW reader routine to be activated and though not accurate enough to use in contests it will work great for general operation AND
will allow copy of the users "sent" CW both in normal transmit and in CWP (CW Practice mode).
An announcement on the BITX20@groups.io reflector, in the uBITX group on Facebook and on this website has been made and the kits ARE available
right now as well as reliable & stable software to make them work.
Thanks a million for your interest,
The
The CR2032 battery is backup power for the on-board Real Time Clock.
uBITX V6 Teensy 4.1 Raduino construction manual.
A comprehensive analysis of the current parts cost (some cheaper/some slightly more expensive, plus labor to install the Si5351a chip) and postage increases by the USPS actually allows us to reduce the price
of the new TSW V6 T4.1 Raduino kit at $35.00 plus shipping in the US (USPS just had a significant rate increase). International kits will be USD $35.00 PLUS international shipping and
the total price will be agreed upon by both parties prior to any international orders being approved. Sorry, but under current world
conditions this is necessary to protect TSW's interests. International postage rates are changing too quickly and we simply
cannot absorb any VAT/Customs duties or replace items lost by other countries postal systems.
The TSW V6 Raduino Clone can be supplied as a bare board for $13.00 post paid in the US. Due to recent US Postal Service rule changes and postage increases, it may
be cost prohibitive to ship the bare boards to anywhere outside of the US (and possibly Canada). Special courier services are possible to other countries, but the cost is very high.
We have also decided to offer a bare PCB WITH just the Si5351a soldered in place (US & Canadian orders only at this time) for those who have well stocked parts bins but
don't really want to deal with soldering the tiny Si5351a Clock/VFO chip. The same continuity/short tests will be run on this board just like the board in
the full kit. Price for this (available in the US & Canada only at this time due to postage fluctuations, etc.) will be $20.00 plus shipping for
US purchasers and $20 USD PLUS postage for our Canadian friends. Any Canadian Customs/VAT charges are the responsibility of the ordering party as TSW cannot be
held responsible for these.
A full kit of parts with the Si5351a IC already soldered in place and continuity checked, will be $35.00 plus postage to the US and its possessions.
For our Canadian friends, the full kit will be $35.00 USD + shipping. (Canadian Customs/VAT will be the recipients responsibility).
As of January, 2022, TSW can no longer ship any of our kits or parts internationally except maybe to Canada due to the extreme increases in shipping costs!
This is now further complicated due to the war between Russia and the Ukraine disrupting shipping routes.
Boards and kits are NOW AVAILABLE for order - email W0EB via the link at the bottom of this page for further instructions on ordering.
Software is available in the "Program & DOC Files" section under "TSW T4.1 Raduino Software" and the software operating manual is available here for download
along with a special version V1.55.1, which makes the T4.1 Raduino conform to the Thai band plan as well as blocking the ability to transmit on frequencies
outside of the ham bands. The "Thai" version is selectable in the "SET" menu as well as band plans for Region 1, 2 and 3. The manual for that version is contained
in the zip file for V1.55.1.
TSW Software Manual for the Teensy 4.1.pdf
Check back often for further updates please.
Shortly after the HF Signals (India) uBITX transceiver Version 6 hit the market,
the TSW group produced a Raduino Clone for it that could use an Arduino NANO like the factory version did and operate with
the factory's software or, with an adapter also produced by TSW, use a Teensy 4.0 by PJRC in place of the NANO with our own
software for much faster display updates, easier calibration and much better Iambic keyer CW operation.
Teensy 4.1 due to the fact that the incoming 5 Volts from the USB programming connection
will conflict with the 5 Volts powering the Raduino (and subsequently the Teensy 4.1).
Since they are from different sources, they will not be exactly the same voltage. This could
very well destroy the Teensy 4.1 AND even the Raduino in worst case situations. It IS recommended that you initially program your Teensy 4.1
for the first time prior to installing it in the Raduino and/or cutting the indicated jumper. After the jumper is cut, programming will have
to be done with the Teensy 4.1 mounted in the Raduino and the Raduino powered up either by connecting power to the main pins or installing it in a
V6 uBITX and powering the radio.
For some reason we are having trouble getting it to work reliably
with combinations of wired/wireless devices at this time. There ARE some nice alternatives. Fairly inexpensive wireless Keyboard/Mouse combinations
using only 1 plug-in "Dongle" are available and all that have been tested so far allow simultaneous keyboard AND mouse operation so this may be
your best option. Using wired keyboard and mouse combinations seems to work well without any issues, it's just when mixing them the problem occurs. We believe
this to be a Library problem but haven't been able to pin it down yet. Single "dongle" wireless KB/Mouse combinations all have worked well.
team.
The new Raduino T4.1 clone kit (after user assembly) shown from the front side.
The new Raduino T4.1 clone kit (after user assembly) shown from the back side.
Almost all available I/O connections have been brought out
on DuPont headers for ease of access for experimentation.
The assembled, plug-in battery socket will be part of the kit but
the battery itself is user supplied.
For reasons I'd rather not try to explain here, I can't put PayPal order links on any of these pages. Sorry for the inconvenience, but all
you have to do is follow the directions and contact W0EB via this or any of the other email links on these pages for ordering or further information. team,
W0EB, TSW Project Coordinator.
team members:
Jim, W0EB - Engineer and Project Coordinator,
Jim, N5IB - PC Board Layout Engineer and procurement specialist,
Ron, W2CTX - Master Programmer.
Contact Jim, W0EB.
Contact Ron, W2CTX.
Page, link pages & all images copyright (c) 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021. Last updated by W0EB - 06/30/2023 @ 15:00 UTC