No RF output from Hermes Lite2 ( I am a new User )

[Gerrit Heijting]

No RF output from Hermes Lite2 ( I am a new User )

I do not Know what I did wrong but I cannot get any RF output

Just assembled the new Hermes-Lite2 and started with SDR-Console.

No RF with Straght key also.

Who can help me ?

Gerrit

PA3EIP 

[Ed Grafton]

Simon has setup directions on his site. Be sure to follow them. One is:

• Enable onboard power amplifier - much be selected if the 5 watt PA is to be used.

Ed

[Gerrit Heijting]

Hello Ed,

Thank You for responding.

Following history..

I assembled my new Hermes Lite2.

Power to it and all leds were responding as expected.

Start up my first-time use for SDR Console.

Receive very well and tested transmit.

tx/ip LED light on but no RF out.

Thats logical I did not connect any mic to the pc so there was no modulation

Then I tested Tune stil there was no RF.

I connected a Straight key to KEY/PTT on the front and there was RF !

I could not get SWR ok  with my tuner.

Connect on Dummy load had correct SWR.

During te whole procudure i noticed that RF stopped sometime short after key down.

And next there was no RF.

After reading and finding on Internet i found the radio settings in SDT Console.

default settings SDR Console after install and discovering HL2: Filter board was not enabled But PA was ON.

I think that was a Starter FAIL and PA is now destroyed  ?

cause the filterboard was not enabled and then bad SWR ?

Also Modes - mode specific setting AM and CW was at 100% max rating.

Whats your idea after this story ? 

73's

Gerrit

PA3EIP

 

[Gerrit Heijting]

Hello Ed,

Now checked if PA is disabled/enabled if power comes back no

Transmit window in

SDR=Console :

With PA enabled the IPA is 180 mA if PA disabled IPA stays zero

Power and SWR do not give any rating

Firmware is 73 FP 2 Board ID 5 

is there a way to measure the PA drivers two   AFT504

73's

Gerrit

[n1ig anthony]

I remember having a bunch of settings that needing to be tweaked with SDR Console, but don't remember what they were.

I suggest starting with SparkSDR first, as it's much easier to get set up and working.  

Once you have confirmed if it works, then try another software.

YMMV

Anthony - N1IG

["Christoph v. Wüllen"]

One should work from the start when measuring

a) does RF appear at the low-power output??

b) is the MOSFET Gate voltage there, and can RF be seen at
the gates?

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[Gerrit Heijting]

Today I measured the output at RF1.

There is no output at RF1

Tested with PA enabled and with PA disabled

I ordered a new HL2 Board at makerfabs and that will arrive 14 march 2023

73's 

Gerrit 

PA3EIP

[fakr...@gmail.com]

One thing I noticed when using a different SDR (ADALM Pluto) with SDR Console I could not transmit any RF until I hooked up an actual microphone to the computer.   I am not sure this applies to the HL2 but it might be worth checking.

--Fred

[Gerrit Heijting]

Fred, Thanks for thinking with me !

Today I hooked up an actual microphone to mic input from computer and adjusted the input in windows settings and pointed sdr-console to that.

I did adjust the levels in SDR-Console and got the ALC control to go in red zone.

Still no power level on the tx screen and no output on the connected power meter. HL2 switches to TX but no go

Also dismounted HL2 today and looked very carefully to bridge connector and placed that the other way.

Wondering If the new ordered HL2 will function and if YES can I then send the faulty HL2 Back to Makerfabs....

Ofcourse  I will email with them before I send.

It is User failure or production fault.

Ether way they can repair perhaps and from there we will negotiate.

73's

Gerrit
PA3EIP

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Gerrit,

The CW-only test is a good one. SDR software must still be running and connected to the HL2 for you to see power output. Please make sure that your HL2 is properly assembled for heat dissipation and you haven't knocked of any of the components near the LDMOS devices when assembling. There are details on this wiki:

https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2/wiki/Final-Assembly

Please try the CW key with at least 3 different software packages (software must be connected and running) and measure for output on both connectors. Also, report what software says the current is in all cases.

Please post a high resolution picture of the front and back of your HL2 board.

Go to the web interface for this groups and search for no rf output to see what past posts say.

https://groups.google.com/g/hermes-lite

73,

Steve

kf7o

[Gerrit Heijting]

The "new" ordered HL2 is here !

Mounted this in the case.

Test verry short and no power on dummy load 

Power 6

SWR deep in red.... 

IPA 180

ALC full

No power on connected SWR meter with connected and tested dummyload

What can be wrong now ?

I think something wrong with N2ADR PCB ?

dismounted N2ADR PCB

Checked the bridge connector

Gerrit

PA3EIP

[Miguel Mayorga]

I put mine together yesterday, receiving is fine but no output power, something is wrong.

I try three different software and none of them work for output power. 

Someone with the same issue?

Do I need to adjust BIAS?

Thanks

Miguel. 

KC7IGT 

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[Gerrit Heijting]

I am stuck

I tested now with new board and have no output when tuning.

OP power set to 8 for not getting again a defective output cauttious testing 

So finaly I tested with straight key.

I have 2 watts output and swr is ok is ok.

To be sure I set now OP to 4 and then I have 1 watt output with Straight key.

Next I tested tune and that’s still without output.

Also LSB and shouting in the mic No output on My connected SWR meter.

Transmit LSB window is POWER SWR IPA and ALC engaged.

So what am i doing Wrong ?

Working with swr-console here and had same results with Spark-sdr on the previous board.

Gerrit 

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Gerrit,

If you see power output with CW, then there is nothing wrong with the radio. It is a problem with software or microphone setup. Are you plugging the microphone directly into the HL2? If so, you should not. You must use a computer microphone. Do you have multiple audio devices on your computer, and if so, have you selected the proper device to use for your microphone?

73,

Steve

kf7o

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Miguel,

All Hermes-Lite 2.0 units are screened at the factory to make sure full output power is achieved, so it is likely a user setup issue. There is no need to adjust the bias as that is set and tested at the factory.

Did you enable the PA in the software? (See the wiki, YouTube videos, and search this group for more details.)

Did you try just with a CW key? (SDR software must still be running.)

Did you measure for power on both connectors? You should see low power out on the RF1 if the PA is disabled. 5W on ANT when the PA is enabled. 

What does software report as the bias current when you do attempt to transmit with a CW key?

Did you dislodge any components near the LDMOS devices when installing the heat sinks? See the wiki assembly notes. Also post high resolution pictures of your board.  

73,

Steve

kf7o

[Gerrit Heijting]

Hello Steve,

Steve Quote "If you see power output with CW, then there is nothing wrong with the radio.”

That’s what I think also.

So I am preparing a mail for Simon.

I will mail again If I have answer from Simon

I mail screenshot and settings to him.

Cheers

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/hermes-lite/def29d6b-0ff1-4514-9039-0bc44b46f1afn%40googlegroups.com.

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Miguel,

I received your pictures by private message. I would like to keep the discussion on the list. I didn't notice anything wrong in the pictures. Just to confirm, with PA off, SDR software running and CW key, you see no low power output at RF1? With PA off, you should see no bias current during TX. Is that what you see or do you still see 200mA? Does the TX LED light when you try to transmit? What 3 software packages have you tried? Can you please measure and report the voltage at Vop during transmit:

https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2/wiki/Hardware

Do you have the N2ADR filter board connected to the HL2 with the 2x40 jumper board?

73,

Steve

kf7o

[Gerrit Heijting]

The second board and any software : No output from computer in any way only Straigt key gives power on ant. connector.  Receive is working.

TX does NOT work in TUNE LSB USB CW    FROM COMPUTER

Vox is working on computer and mic signal is seen in Transmit screen

This text I Mailed direct to Simon:

Hello Simon.

 

I am new to HL2 and SDR-Console

The first board did not work and I ordered another.

I tested now with new board and have no output when tuning.

OP power set to 8 for not getting again a defective output cauttious testing 

So finaly I tested with straight key.

I have 2 watts output and swr is ok is ok.

To be sure I set now OP to 4 and then I have 1 watt output with Straight key.

Next I tested tune and that’s still without output.

Also LSB and shouting in the mic No output on My connected SWR meter.

Transmit LSB window is POWER SWR IPA and ALC engaged.

But no output on Radio to Antenna.

Gerrit

PA3EIP

[Miguel Mayorga]

Steve,

I was able to test per your instructions.

I try on the following software packages.

SDR Console v 3.3

Thetis 2.9.0.6

PowerSDR mRX PS

SparkSDR

PA off, SDR software running and CW key = no output power at RF1, With PA off=no bias current. TX LED up perfect.

PA on, SDR Running and CW key = 200mA and no RF power output at ANT.

Vop Voltage = 10.16 Vdc when transmit PA off and PA on same, I can here the T/R relay.

N2ADR filter has the jumper install and check fine at 0 Ohms each pair.

Thanks for the help,

Miguel

KC7IGT

[Gerrit Heijting]

Miguel,

Tested here with SDR-Console 3.2 an 3.3 on 2 win 11 systems no RF

Ordered a second Hermes-lite2 and now tested that with SDR-Console 3.2 an 3.3 on 2 win 11 systems no RF BUT the second HL2 does have RF output with straight key if SDRc is connected.

Tested with Thetis and YES I hav RF with Tune Button. receive ok but not a SSB signal and that can be settings but I am no Thetis hero. ( manny settings )

So Steve found that second HL2 is ok.

On sdr-radio.com    forum i have made a message about this now with screenshot and session report

Got settings back from Max but that was no solution.

Gerrit

PA3EIP

["Christoph v. Wüllen"]

Seems to be clear: there is no AF from the microphone.
To be absolutely sure, do a two-tone test.

> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/hermes-lite/1bcfe719-cd7f-4ff9-bf87-764f3ca93110n%40googlegroups.com.

[yankn...@gmail.com]

Sounds like windows audio settings to me

Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

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[brhl...@gmail.com]

In Thetis try following for SSB:

 

Setup> Audio > enable VAC1

Setup> Audio > Gain(dB) TX 15

[Gerrit Heijting]

Audio working fine I see the audio bar moving when I shout.

Tune is also not working in SDR-Console but Yes it is working in Thetis I found yesterday.

Just look at the screenshot here it was taken with HL2 on swr meter and Dummy load

I did set Drive to max you see it jumps direct to zero and on meter there is no RF

Gerrit

PA3EIP

[James Brown]

No RF output. I traced the problem to a poorly installed T3 which was not mounted close to the pcb. Transformer leads were not pulled through the circuit board holes sufficiently to prevent exposed wires from shorting to each other or core material. A slight pressure or movement during the assembly process could have led to the issue. Visual inspection looked like bare wires were shorted together. Solution was to desolder and pull the leads through pcb till insulation was snug up to pcb and resolder. At this point the transformer was firmly in place and no movement was possible. Output was as expected at this point.

On Monday, March 6, 2023 at 5:10:15 PM UTC-5 pcge...@gmail.com wrote:

[Jiri Culak]

It seems by default - you SCREENSHOT is showing DRIVE to be ZERO!

When you put DRIVE to MAX and click on TUNE, it will go to ZERO (you have separate settings for TUNE and TX). 

Please do the following:

1. Connect Dummyload

2. SDR Console - Enable PA, Enable the Filter board N2ADR, 

3. Go to TX screen and hit TUNE (Should be sending CW DOTS)

4. Move the slider to MAX while the TUNE has been pressed!

Take a screenshot then

Tnx

Jiri

Dne středa 15. března 2023 v 17:37:42 UTC+1 uživatel pcge...@gmail.com napsal:

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Radiojim52,

This is one reason the kit includes extra wire. Sometimes you need to rewind T3 for best power output. I suspect T3 was connected enough to pass the screening test at the factory but came disconnected during shipping and handling. Also, this is why I ask people to test both low and high power. With your problem, you should have seen low power only indicating a problem in the PA.

73,

Steve

kf7o

[Gerrit Heijting]

I tested this and there is still no RF output. ( Tune and pull slider to maxon SDR-Console )

Tested yesterday with Thetis tune this works and this morning made LSB QSO with Thetis on 80 meters

Test SDR-Console 3.2  and 3.3 on two different systems both Win 11

Gerrit

PA3EIP

[Miguel Mayorga]

Steve,

I pack the Hermis along with filter boar and jumper. 

Mail Via USPS and should be there Saturday afternoon. 

Thank you

Miguel

KC7IGT 

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[Steve Haynal]

Hi Miguel and Group,

I received your board today. I also did not see any power out. I applied finger pressure to U7, the AD9866, and did see power out. It required pressure at a certain angle and point on the IC. I inspected the soldering of U7 pins and everything looked good. I resoldered the exposed pad on the bottom of the PCB. That seemed to help a bit but it was still intermittent. I checked all components around the AD866 but saw nothing wrong. I reflowed all connections to the AD9866 with hot air. This caused something to completely break and now I never see power out even with finger pressure. Receive still works. 

Are you familiar with the bathtub curve?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bathtub_curve

Makerfabs only does short duration testing. They don't do extended burn-in testing. I suspect your AD9866 was fine for the initial Makerfabs testing, but started to fail shortly after and is now completely failing for TX. So it is an "Early Infant Mortality" per the bathtub curve.

Here are you options:

1. We can arrange a repair, exchange or return with Makerfabs. I'm not sure if they have boards in stock right now.

2. I can arrange a local repair for you. I do not do this type of surface mount component replacements. I use ZelPro solutions. I usually wait until I have several board requiring repair. I also don't have any AD9866 parts so would need to order that. It could take 4-6 weeks. I may be able to provide you a loaner, but all my HL2s are pretty old and most have their own problems which I know how to work around. Perhaps I could repair some other boards from Makerfabs and then send you one of those.

I am sorry that your are one of the typically 2% to 3% who end up with a defective board.

73,

Steve

kf7o

[Miguel Mayorga]

Steve,

Thank you for taking the time to troubleshot the radio.

I have many radios to play and I can say that I can wait for a Fix or Replacement, I test the  receiver and WOW, nice receiver.

If Markerfabs have one available now, I take it :-), Now that new Thetis came out can wait to try it.

Again, thank you for your time and do what you think is best.

Miguel

KC7IGT

[Žilvinas Atkočiūnas]

The same symptoms on mine (March batch) board  - pushing it hard with insulated stick awakes TX output.

On mine board the thermal pad of U7 is not soldered:

 https://photos.app.goo.gl/SPfc1PhvSAuCZbby6

I will try to solder it tomorrow.

73 Zilvinas LY2SS

[Žilvinas Atkočiūnas]

Steve,

The almost happy owner of second hl2. The first one worked solid (but I sold it).

Now exactly the same behavior as yours on latest, 2023 March batch- no output power.

I pushed down U7 with insulated stick pretty hard, and then it started to work as it should - almost 6Watts output.

Once I remove the stick, it stops to work within few seconds.

With just the finger, there's no need to push that strong, but spectrum is very distorted.

After your story with hot air re-soldering attempt I guess I am stuck - shipping the board is expensive from EU to US or Makerfabs because of customs procedures.

I guess I should order AD9866 and resolder it myself.

Zilvinas LY2SS

 

2023 m. kovo 19 d., sekmadienis 08:21:43 UTC+2 softerh...@gmail.com rašė:

[Boudewijn (Bob) Tenty]

What is about the average drive setting in SparkSDR for the USB mode.
(I know it is relative as it also depends at the mic setting and the voice)

Bob VE3TOK

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Zilvinas,

It may still be worth making sure the exposed pad of the AD9866 is well soldered, and reflow the AD9866 connections.

73,

Steve

kf7o

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Miguel,

Thanks for your patience. Makerfabs or I will get back to you.

73,

Steve

kf7o

[Matt W]

I might be experiencing the same issue. But it also could be a problem between Mic and Chair as they say; I'm a new user and struggled a bit with the configurations on various SDR applications with the HL2. But I had SDR Console working early on with the HL2 and receiving was all good. You might have seen my thread where I was having issues with PowerSDR but I got through all of those.

For FT8 work, I went to SparkSDR and WSJT-X as many others seem to have done. That setup went pretty well, but I notice that when transmitting from WSJT-X with PA enabled, I got 0 watts output in SparkSDR. I also get no deflection on an inline MFJ tuner set to 30W range. So I removed WSJT-X from the equation and focused on SparkSDR.
No matter what I tried, I got the same. I set Drive up to a higher level like 50 or 80 or 150. I used PTT and the laptop mic, and a USB mic. I see the RF spectrum display in SparkSDR showing peaks when I transmit (around -100 or -120), and the SWR reading what look like random values. But 0 Watts.

Seeing the earlier messages here, I connected a TinySA to the RF1 output and I saw a peak at the frequency I was using, but low on the scale. If I disable PA in SparkSDR, I see a much higher output from RF1 in transmit.

When PA is enabled, and using a handheld SWL radio, I can hear my voice while using PTT in SparkSDR, although the signal is not clear. So something is transmitting. I have tried putting some pressure on U7 with the eraser-end of a pencil, and nothing seems to change.

So I don't seem to have a loose component there, but I'm not getting real power out of the HL2. Can someone advise on other troubleshooting I could try? thank you!

[Steve Haynal]

Have you tried with a CW key? The radio software must still be running.

73,

Steve

kf7o

[Matt W]

Hm I am not in the CW way, yet, so I have none. :-D  I guess I could rig something up. Could I try MOX from another app?

[Kristofer Danner]

Just making sure because you didn't mention it, with the PA on do you see RF on TX at ANT? That is where it should be, RF1 is only for TX when the PA is disabled.

KD

[Jiri Culak]

Just short the CW key jack. It will create carrier. Push button will do the job. 

Jiri

Ps I received mine today. I will check. 

Odesláno z iPhonu

21. 3. 2023 v 7:05, Matt W <mwo...@gmail.com>:

Hm I am not in the CW way, yet, so I have none. :-D  I guess I could rig something up. Could I try MOX from another app?

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[Jiri Culak]

Hello all

I have just received my spare board and I opened the box, remove the antistatic package and looked. Visual inspection shows that none of the chips got ground plane soldered. Maybe we should create flash bulletin to inform makerfabs and all new board owners to doublecheck, and possibly solder themselves

Jiri
I can attach pix if you want 

Odesláno z iPhonu

21. 3. 2023 v 7:05, Matt W <mwo...@gmail.com>:

Hm I am not in the CW way, yet, so I have none. :-D  I guess I could rig something up. Could I try MOX from another app?

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[Franco Spinelli]

Please an image of your HL2 with "none of the chips ground plane soldered".

I just received my HL2 and and I want to compare it with your image.

Regards

Franco Spinelli

IW2DHW

[Matt W]

Hi all, yes I was just testing on the RF1 output just to see if there was some signal per an earlier post. Today I connected a bare 3.5mm plug into the KEY jack to do some testing. I was running SDR Console. In SDR Console, N2ADR filter settings were engaged for the radio.

In order to prevent blowing out the TinySA's frontend, I set its internal attenuator to -10dB. Then I connected a short SMA cable inline with a -20dB barrel attenuator that I had. I set SDR Console Transmit pane to 28035khz. Then I did some testing by connecting the KEY terminals. SDR Console did play sidetone via the PC speakers. With the TinySA ref level manually set to 0, I was seeing approximately -33dBm power on the display. see image:

So if the attenuation is accurate, does this mean I was getting about 3dBm power output, which translates to 2mW (didn't do the math myself, used a website) ?

Trying with just standard TX and USB and using my standard dipole, using the USB mic I could get a weak signal on a nearby SW radio, even with the drive set pretty high in SDR Console. The power meter (set 30W range) on my MFJ tuner didn't move.

Thanks!

-Matt

[Matt W]

And sorry if it was not clear, these tests were all via the ANT connector. :-P

[Matt W]

and oops, -33 + 30 = -3 ...dBm :-P

On Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 12:33:32 PM UTC-7 Matt W wrote:

[Žilvinas Atkočiūnas]

Guys,

I have my U7 exposed pad soldered by professional mobile phone repairman.

(I have hot air station, but I did not risk this time also repair price was only 5EUR in my case)

Power is OK now, made two successive 5 min duration tests on 160 and 20m bands:

Here are screen shots right at the end of second test on 20m band:

spectrum on tinysa:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/GHDnQwKUcW89tQEu5 

screen shot of quisk (current, Pout and Temp on status bar):

https://photos.app.goo.gl/PSaNmg3AvsQTg8Zy7

Hope this could help.

73! Zilvinas LY2SS

[Clifford Heath]

> On 21 Mar 2023, at 10:56 pm, Jiri Culak <m0i...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I have just received my spare board and I opened the box, remove the antistatic package and looked. Visual inspection shows that none of the chips got ground plane soldered. Maybe we should create flash bulletin to inform makerfabs and all new board owners to doublecheck, and possibly solder themselves
>
> Jiri
> I can attach pix if you want

Please do send pictures - but start a new thread, don't add to this one.

Clifford Heath.

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Matt,

Was the PA enabled or disabled for this most recent test at the ANT connector? PA enabled -> ANT output of up to 37dBm, which may be too much for your tiny SA even with the attenuation. PA disabled -> RF1 output put to 19 dBm which would be a good place to measure with the setup you describe.

Can you please measure and report Vpa, Vop and Vbias with a voltmeter during TX with CW key? These can be identified here:

https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2/wiki/Hardware

What does software report as the bias current when your TX with CW key?

Do you have an oscilloscope? If so, please measure and report the sine wave produced during TX with CW key at pins 3 and 4 of DB3. DB3 is a four pin footprint and pin 1 is the square. The silkscreen label DB3 is on the top of the PCB near the AD9866. Also at pins 1 and 4 of DB2. DB2 is the 4 pin footprint right above the Vop test point in the wiki page picture.

73,

Steve

kf7o

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Jiri,

You will not see solder in these holes. Makerfabs uses only a thin layer of solder paste over the entire thermal pad as is correct for this type of assembly. They do not solder the access holes. The access holes are only there for manual assembly. In fact, the holes may be a problem for the accepted automated way with solder paste. If you look very closely, you may see some solder where the IC meets the PCB. That is all you should see.

73,

Steve

kf7o

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Zilvinas,

Good to hear your HL2 is working. I hope the repair lasts.

73,

Steve

kf7o

[Matt W]

Hi, Steve! wow, will do my homework, thanks for the suggestions. I do have a decent VOM and I do have a scope which is on loan but is nearby. Will report back, thank you again for troubleshooting info!

[Matt W]

On Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 11:26:50 PM UTC-7 softerh...@gmail.com wrote:

Hi Matt,

Was the PA enabled or disabled for this most recent test at the ANT connector? PA enabled -> ANT output of up to 37dBm, which may be too much for your tiny SA even with the attenuation. PA disabled -> RF1 output put to 19 dBm which would be a good place to measure with the setup you describe.

RE: input level safety on TinySA, yes this was definitely on my mind. The TinySA docs say do not exceed +10dBm input. I figured with 20dB inline, and 10dB onboard, the 37dBm would only be +7 worst case. But yes better to be safe than sorry. I do have a separate 10dB barrel attenuator so I will use the two in series to be safe. Ref: https://tinysa.org/wiki/pmwiki.php?n=Main.Transmitters 

Yesterday I updated the firmware and re-ran the onboard self-tests, and re-ran the calibration with the supplied cable. All looked good but I'll use more attenuation. Thank you!

[Mike W]

Caution, The TinySA maximum input is..

+5dBm into the LOW input and +10dBm into the HIGH input.

The +19dBm from the HL2 is way too much. put a suitable attenuator between the HL2 and the TSA

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/hermes-lite/bf31c3fb-ff7d-49ab-ad97-8c12e62a3bebn%40googlegroups.com.

[Matt W]

Hi Steve, here's some diagnostic info but I think the findings here pretty much nix the need for a scope or spectrum analyzer at this point.

Voltages with unit running via SparkSDR, PA on, KEY input leads shorted:

Vop: 10.17v
Vpa: 0.026v
Vbias: 10.02v
Vsupply: 13.75v

That Vpa doesn't look good. So then I did the Hardware page resistance checking (unit powered off):

+3V3 and GND: 533 ohm
+2V5 and GND: inf
+1V2 and GND: 419 ohm (the VOM continuity beep sounds briefly at first)
Vbias and GND:  inf
Vsupply and GND: inf
Vop and GND: inf
Vpa and GND: 0 ohm / short
+3V3 and +2V5: inf
+3V3 and +1V2: inf
+2V5 and +1V2: inf

These don't look good either, particularly the short :-P

Looking around the top and bottom of both boards it seems clean; I can't see any obvious crossed pins or solder blobs. I can take some pictures if that might help.
Thanks!

[Matt W]

ugh so embarrassing, sorry, low blood sugar after the gym i left the VOM in continuity mode  :facepalm:

+3V3 and GND:  956 ohm
+2V5 and GND:  786 ohm
+1V2 and GND: 363 ohm 
Vbias and GND:  58.5k
Vsupply and GND: 19.5M and rising
Vop and GND: 1.63k
Vpa and GND: 17.4k
+3V3 and +2V5: 1.71k
+3V3 and +1V2: 1.39k
+2V5 and +1V2: 1.16k

Also, these readings are taken without the shim in place so i wonder if there was a short being created there. more info later.

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Matt,

No problem. I'm still interested in the corrected Vpa voltage reading as well as the requested oscilloscope measurements when you get a chance. I'm not sure I've followed or understood everything you've tried, so I'm not yet convinced there is a real hardware problem. The oscilloscope measurements should be conclusive. If there is a problem, you can send just the boards to me. I will send more details including shipping address in a private e-mail if we conclude there is a hardware problem.

73,

Steve

kf7o

["Christoph v. Wüllen"]

3 dBm or 2 mW mean 0.32 V(eff) at 50 Ohm, that is 0.45V peak or 0.9 Volt Vpp.

I think this is about what you expect from the modem chip and should be a decent
power level to drive the PA.

> Am 21.03.2023 um 20:33 schrieb Matt W <mwo...@gmail.com>:
>
> Hi all, yes I was just testing on the RF1 output just to see if there was some signal per an earlier post. Today I connected a bare 3.5mm plug into the KEY jack to do some testing. I was running SDR Console. In SDR Console, N2ADR filter settings were engaged for the radio.
> In order to prevent blowing out the TinySA's frontend, I set its internal attenuator to -10dB. Then I connected a short SMA cable inline with a -20dB barrel attenuator that I had. I set SDR Console Transmit pane to 28035khz. Then I did some testing by connecting the KEY terminals. SDR Console did play sidetone via the PC speakers. With the TinySA ref level manually set to 0, I was seeing approximately -33dBm power on the display. see image:
>

> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/hermes-lite/3d772c41-6091-41a7-b6fb-0dffe867d79an%40googlegroups.com.
> <SA_230321_114042.jpeg>

[Matt W]

Hi Steve, yes I've been a bit all over the map, hopefully this will add some clarity. I have managed to eliminate whatever was shorting Vpa to ground (must be something with shim alignment...I verified the thermal compound was non-conductive)

With SparkSDR set to 7025 khz, CW KEY jack shorted, output from ANT into dummy load:

Voltages:

Vpa: 7.98
Vop: 10.17
Vbias: 10.02
Vsupply: 13.65

You can see SparkSDR says the HL2 is pulling ~620mA for a forward power of ~0.81W. The only time I can see much more than 0 power in SparkSDR is with the CW KEY jack shorted. Software transmit of SSB mode via PTT for example, I get no real power output.

Here are the scope screencaps I hope these are useful. Let me know if something's amiss. I used the Auto Set in Digilent Waveform to obtain what looked like useful ranging on the readings. Thanks!

DB3, Pin 3:

DB3, Pin 4:

DB2, Pin 1:

DB3, Pin 4:

[Matt W]

The last scope screen is DB2 Pin 4. 🙄

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[KC3QVF]

I am having a similar low-power PA problem.  What's an adequate oscilloscope to troubleshoot this problem?

73

[Alan Hopper]

Hi, I notice in the spark image you have the drive at 0, I can't remember what affect this has when triggering the radio directly but my guess it that it will reduce output.

73 Alan M0NNB

[n1ig anthony]

Pretty sure drive needs to be rolled up to max or near it, for any real power. 

[David Butler]

Hermes Lite 2 received a few days ago - March 2023 with N2ADR board connected

SRD Console V3.2

Receive performance is excellent.

SDR Console Transmit > Options > Hermes Lite > Configuration > Enable Filter Board and Enable onboard power amplifier are both checked.

USB microphone connected to PC and selected as input device in Windows 11 Control Panel.

OP Power slider set to Max.

PTT using SDR Console Transmit > Tune option = relay clicks, TX LED on, no power output at ANT as measured by my Elecraft W2 power meter

PTT using Key/PTT socket = relay clicks but no power

However....

Momentary switch connected to Key/PTT tip when pressed I hear a tone and get a power reading of 7W (software shows ~1700mA)

So CW tone produces power, tune and Key/PTT do not produce power.

is this a config issue or a hardware one?

If it is hardware what is the simplest test before I go randomly poking around?

I'm happy to resolder components but need a hint.

Thanks

David M0IR

[Ed Grafton]

David, in the upper right TX window, put drive to 100. Mid right check audio in Gain. 75% or so. 

Check all Windows audio settings.

Took me a while, too.

If CW produces a carrier, you will be able to transmit. Should just be settings.

Also, after clicking "Tune" slider is all the way left as a default. Move "Tune" slider to the right. It will auto reset to 0 after time or band change.

Ed

[Alan Hopper]

Hi David and All,

this sounds very much like an SDR Console config issue maybe pa enable, drive or audio setup, I'm afraid I'm not an SDR Console user.

Just to clear up my comment about drive on SparkSDR, It will affect power on tx triggered by the cw direct input to the hl2 but will still have some ouput when set to zero as the drive control of the HL2 has limited range.  The drive control works differently if triggering tx from the pc, here the range of the drive control is extended by reducing the sent IQ signal for low settings, zero drive is zero output when used from the pc.  The Pa also needs enabling in Spark in the Radio settings menu.

73 Alan M0NNB

[David Butler]

Ed - You were spot on!

A config issue in SDR Console.

Thanks for providing a really clear answer to solve my problem.

73 David M0IZR

[David Butler]

Thanks Alan - you are right - a config issue that I had made in SDR Console which is now resolved

[Matt W]

Thank you, Alan, Ed, and Anthony N1IG for the recommendations, I've made some good progress getting real power out of the HL2 in SparkSDR and SDR Console. Thetis 2906 HL2 output power still at 0 watts for me, not sure what I'm doing wrong there.

[Matt W]

Yikes, in Thetis, I did not have PA Control set to ON since I had moused over it and the popup said "Enables Apollo ATU" (even though the next tab is 'ATU'). I can actually see my 15m FT-8 TX getting out there. It's a miracle!

[Ed Grafton]

That version of Thetis may "Work" with a bunch of tweaks. Download this:  Release v2.9.0.6-HL2-beta2 · mi0bot/OpenHPSDR-Thetis (github.com)

Unzip it to a folder on your desktop. Then, run the Thetis.exe IN THE FOLDER. Not the one you already have installed. Pick the Hermes Lite 2 from the dropbox in the settings & then a few tweaks. You must keep your Thetis 2906 installed by my understanding.

Ed

[Matt W]

Oh yes sorry I should have been more clear, I am using 2.9.0.6-HL2-beta2. I think I had skipped over that config section since the filter settings were an easy button push compared to other setups out there.

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Matt,

Your ~1.8Vpp scope reading is consistent with what is expected if your TX drive level is set to 0. You need to configure your software properly.

73,

Steve

kf7o

[Steve Haynal]

I am reposting to this thread to keep conversations in the open and since the mail bounced for me.

Hi Zilvinas,

Please respond to the group unless it is something of a very personal or private nature. For an open hardware project, it is good to keep communication open too. I think some other software is setting your TX drive to 0. When you start Quisk, make sure your TX drive is set to maximum.

Some boards may have solder in the hole. It depends on how much solder paste is applied. It isn't necessary to see solder in the hole.

73,

Steve

kf7o

On Fri, Mar 24, 2023 at 1:54 PM Žilvinas Atkočiūnas <zilvinas....@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello Steve,

This is Zilvinas from googlegroups bothering you again. I am writing directly because I don't want to additionally "stir the pot" in the group without the clear reason and also have some doubts.

After what seemed successful resoldering of AD9986  epad I am experiencing randomly repeated strange behaviour.

I am not that "active ham" and this complicates replicating the problem - it's only the second evening but I noticed that after a few hours of listening I push the spot button on quisk for CW generation (latest version for linux) and the Pout is about 1W instead of 5W.

It restores back to normal if I power cycle the HL2. 

I did not  have time to catch what causes that (is that software glitch or (I am beginning to suspect) - unsoldered U6 clock chip epad)

I hope to try it investigate on weekend (I have some tools - oscilloscope and TinySA)

Also I am (bit) puzzled by your answer to Jiri in group:

"You will not see solder in these holes. Makerfabs uses only a thin layer of solder paste over the entire thermal pad as is correct for this type of assembly. They do not solder the access holes. The access holes are only there for manual assembly. In fact, the holes may be a problem for the accepted automated way with solder paste. If you look very closely, you may see some solder where the IC meets the PCB. That is all you should see"

On my board, U2 has a large solder blob in the hole - I would say it was manually (additionally?) soldered in the factory.

While  U7 (and U6)  I am 99% sure had no solder paste on the pads at all.

So something went wrong there...

Sorry for disturbing.

Best regards

Zilvinas

[Matt W]

Steve, thank you and sorry for the late reply, work was very work-y this week.
Ok thanks yes after getting my head around things, it seems all my issues were operator error, which is embarrassing, but a good result still.

The only thing I noted is that the resistance between GND and 1V2 is ~450 Ohm when the unit is powered off and cold. The document says at least 500 Ohm but no ill effects that I can see. 

Thank you and the mailing list members for all your help and patience!

-Matt

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