Juma Clone Amp Firmware

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Michael Morgan

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Nov 3, 2024, 8:16:46 AM11/3/24
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I see lots of people posting about this amplifier with pro/cons etc.  I did buy one to use alongside one of my Hermes Lite 2.  One thing I really wished it had was the remote options that were introduced in the later firmware for the Juma Amps that was modified by 5B4AIY. Has anyone been able to load one of those versions on one of the clones?  I know when I telnet into the serial port I see reference to his callsign, and the menus look very familiar to the original version 1 firmware.

Also out of curiosity the RoWaves "Official Version" shows as backordered.  Are they shipping them?  The price isn't substantially more but I was really unclear if they were available/shipping.

Michael, AA5SH

Digiital aka David

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Nov 22, 2024, 3:51:34 PM11/22/24
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did you happen to every get a answer ? I was thinking of getting the clone as well and one of the really nice features would be the remote/serial connection to the amp. 

Puma

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Nov 22, 2024, 4:16:44 PM11/22/24
to Digiital aka David, Hermes-Lite
Hi,

I was able to update the Juma clone with the latest firmware.


I had to buy a programmer to program it. The PICKit 3 that you can get from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Microchip-Programmer-Debugger-Emulator-Controller/dp/B07WS5JL3Z


Joe,
KD2NFC


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Digiital aka David

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Nov 22, 2024, 4:32:22 PM11/22/24
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Great to hear, so basically the clone takes the juma firmware.  pretty good clone.

Puma

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Nov 22, 2024, 5:27:00 PM11/22/24
to Digiital aka David, Hermes-Lite
It's practically the same as original. Also, the eBay version does not come with the boot loader. You can install the boot loader and latest firmware as well. 

I just dumped the folder where I kept all the Juma PA-100D files to my google drive. Everything should be in there to install the boot loader and firmware, including the remote control program. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1hUjZxdLiu8qhNi1OJin17i58c4xb3bFp?usp=sharing

The boot loader is supposed to allow you to update the firmware using the serial connection on the HL2 using the dsPICbootloader. But since its not installed you have to use the PICkit2 and connect it to the pins located on the backside of the face of the amp to connect directly to the eeprom and program it. Its fun stuff :) use the .hex files with the PICkit2 located in the folders for the boot loader and the firmware version you want to update to. 


I know I read every post in that forum for Juma PA-100D a hundred times to figure this out. LOL!

I also included the files for an ESP32-XPA125B module I built for the band switching using band volts. 

Hope this helps getting you guys started. Good luck. 

Joe,
KD2NFC



Digiital aka David

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Nov 25, 2024, 10:17:25 AM11/25/24
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Wow thats a gold mine of info! Thank you. 
I'm going to order one soon, I may reach out to you once again if I get stuck :) 

Directed By Puma

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Nov 25, 2024, 1:09:08 PM11/25/24
to Digiital aka David, Hermes-Lite
No problem, glad I can help.

Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 25, 2024, at 10:17 AM, Digiital aka David <digi...@gmail.com> wrote:

Wow thats a gold mine of info! Thank you. 

Dean Ferraro

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Nov 29, 2024, 5:55:33 PM11/29/24
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I've been using one of the Chinese Juma PA-100D clones for about 10 months now. It came with FW 1.05q. I was curious since buying it if the FW was upgradable. 
I'll have go through the process of doing this at some point.

On Friday, November 22, 2024 at 5:27:00 PM UTC-5 Puma wrote:

Amogh Desai

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Dec 1, 2024, 1:56:03 PM12/1/24
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Has any one done some review of this Juma clone amp in terms of output quality? I mean things like harmonics, etc.

- Amogh
KM4UQS/VU3DES

G M

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Jan 24, 2025, 11:29:13 PMJan 24
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Hoping you can provide some insight since you actually got this thing upgraded. When I try to connect to the RS232 with the appropriate cable, I only get a bunch of garbled text back. Any suggestions there?

Best,

KD2NFC

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Jan 28, 2025, 12:47:55 PMJan 28
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I had an issue with USB to TTL devices. You need to use a USB to RS232. That is after you updated the firmware to a version that supports the serial connection. 

G M

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Jan 28, 2025, 1:14:31 PMJan 28
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I was able to successfully get both the bootloader/firmware installed with the pickit3 and then updated to 4.01a build 3 after that with the ingenia app using a different ftdi rs232 to usb adapter with some custom cable built to connect to the 3.5mm stereo jack. We're in business. Even the remote control works. Thanks for all the info and work! 

Gregory Smiaris

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Jan 30, 2025, 2:54:56 PMJan 30
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i was unable to get bootloader installed, the pickit programmer start to write the dsPIC30F6014A but at the end i get a fail message "Programming failed at Program Memory address 0x000000".  The Power Amplifier cant boot now. Any help welcome!

G M

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Jan 30, 2025, 3:19:17 PMJan 30
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My experience with the pickit3 standalone programming app was a mixed success. You can try to use the built in "Target Power" feature of the pickit3 to power the chip while writing, or you can try to Hold the power button to give it power long enough to write the image. If it failed, I would suggest erasing before writing the image again. For powering via the pickit3, i think I used 4.5v with both "on" and "MCLR" checked. I would try holding the power button while flashing and see if that helps. You may also need to recheck communications with the chip to make sure it's selecting the right device / chip model/version/whatever.

Make sure to flash the combined bootloader/firmware package first (available at http://www.jumaradio.com/juma-pa100/juma_pa100_software_for_developers.html) if you want to have the bootloader working. Then, you can just flash the 4.01a b3 hex file with the ingenia flash tool using the flash writer mode from the bootloader. I would actually recommend this myself since that way you shouldn't need to go and crack open the case again to reprogram it later on.

Hope this helps.

G M

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Jan 30, 2025, 3:23:13 PMJan 30
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Just to be sure, make sure you have it plugged in correctly when you go to do this. The white triangle on the programmer denotes pin 1, and the one pin surrounded by a box is pin 1 on the board. You don't want to put that thing in and try powering it while incorrectly wired. (while the others are collectively surrounded by one box). Make sure the wire between pin 1 on the programmer and the board match up and you should be good to go.

Gregory Smiaris

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Jan 31, 2025, 11:07:00 AMJan 31
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Dear OM GM,
Your instructions were very helpful and i have already install with pickit3 the Combined PA100 V 1.04 firmware hex & bootloader hex and i have a working firmware with bootloader, but the new problem is that i cant flash the latest firmware with ingenia dsPICbootloader app, always i get the following error message from Ingenia Bootloader when trying to connect for a firmware update:" dsPIC identification failed, error code –5".I use a FTDI usb to serial programmer. I dont know whats going wrong again. Any additional help is welcome again!!

Colin Larsen

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Mar 5, 2025, 5:59:58 PMMar 5
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Hi all, I received my RS-928 version recently and yesterday upgraded it first to the 1.04 with hex+bootloader and then the latest 4.01a. I used a PICkit 2 as I had one on hand and it supports the chip - I had no problem at all with using that older programmer. Holding in the power button on the amp (and of course powering it with 12v) was an absolute must when attempting to upgrade the firmware. The software detects the powered chip and adjusts accordingly. I did the 4.01a update with the PICkit 2 while I had it connected. It looks like I'll need to run through the calibration process at some stage but otherwise everything seems to work just fine. I do need to change the colour of these buttons though :)

Colin
ZL2FL

Joe KD2NFC

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Mar 5, 2025, 10:24:47 PMMar 5
to Colin Larsen, Hermes-Lite
Thats awesome.  It’s easy to do once you get all your bits together.  

I just picked up this USB to serial adapter that has the headphone plug wired to it.  It worked with the remote app no problem. I haven’t tried to flash with it yet but that should work too, just switch the jumpers to swap the serial RX/TX as per the Juma flash update instructions. 


Joe,
KD2NFC 

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 5, 2025, at 6:00 PM, Colin Larsen <colin....@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi all, I received my RS-928 version recently and yesterday upgraded it first to the 1.04 with hex+bootloader and then the latest 4.01a. I used a PICkit 2 as I had one on hand and it supports the chip - I had no problem at all with using that older programmer. Holding in the power button on the amp (and of course powering it with 12v) was an absolute must when attempting to upgrade the firmware. The software detects the powered chip and adjusts accordingly. I did the 4.01a update with the PICkit 2 while I had it connected. It looks like I'll need to run through the calibration process at some stage but otherwise everything seems to work just fine. I do need to change the colour of these buttons though :)

Charlie Morrison

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Mar 8, 2025, 5:22:12 PMMar 8
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I loaded bootloader and firmware V1.04 successfully with PICKit3. Firmware V4.01 loaded, but on restarting amp I get a "checksum error loading defaults" message. The amp starts up fine, but i just wonder why the checksum error

Charlie GI4FUE

Colin Larsen

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Mar 8, 2025, 6:02:58 PMMar 8
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That error should only happen once. It's covered in the upgrade manual. All it's done is loaded the calibration defaults as far as I know, so you'll need to go through that process - also covered in the manual

Colin, ZL2FL

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Charlie Morrison

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Mar 8, 2025, 6:30:35 PMMar 8
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Hi Colin

Thanks for the info... yes the amp is behaving normally, calibration to be done tomorrow...when i find where i put my dummy load!

Charlie GI4FUE

Colin Larsen

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Mar 8, 2025, 6:40:04 PMMar 8
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Now, if someone can help me with only getting gobbly gook out of the serial port that would be great! Remote and test mode are both working (as in I can see data) but no matter which baud rate I set the data is just rubbish. I note that the loop-back test doesn't show the correct characters as I type them as well, so something is off

Colin, ZL2FL

Charlie Morrison

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Mar 9, 2025, 7:58:04 AMMar 9
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Hi Colin

are the jumpers in the correct position, and what sort of cable are you using? I bought  the one mentioned by Joe a few replies ago and it works out of the box at 9600 baud. The problem I'm having is getting the CAT info from thetis to be recognised by the amp. I have tried setting the amp to both Yaeasu and FT-817, but no joy. Has anyone succeeded in doing this?

Charlie GI4FUE

Colin Larsen

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Mar 9, 2025, 10:40:06 PMMar 9
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Wish I could help you Charlie, that may be my next step! :)

As an update to my gibberish problem, it was in fact the cable(s) I purchased. Neither were USB --> RS232, there were both USB --> TTL ! So I rigged up a USB --> TTL --> RS232 break-out board I had laying around and it works just fine. Now to move onto implimenting node-red to control and monitor it.

Charlie Rubenstein

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Mar 9, 2025, 11:04:38 PMMar 9
to Colin Larsen, Hermes-Lite
Charlie:

Make sure that whatever you are sending data from includes /n/r at the end. 
It needs CR/LF to read the input. Use the same on the output from the amp.

I *think* it defaults to 9600 baud. (I have the Juma, not the clone, so not sure)

73 de Charlie KB8CR

Charlie Morrison

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Mar 10, 2025, 5:17:36 PMMar 10
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Thanks for the info Charlie...I'm basically just wanting to change band on the amp. 

@Colin - glad you got the cables sorted... interested in node red solution, have messed about with node red but not into programming. did get some flows working for my Flex, but havent dabbled since

Charlie GI4FUE

Charlie Rubenstein

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Mar 10, 2025, 6:25:38 PMMar 10
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As for Node Red, if the clone matches the command structure of the real Juma PA100D, I already have written a flow for it on the groups.io Node Red-Ham Radio forum.


Here is what it looks like :



Screenshot 2025-03-10 at 5.03.00 PM.png

Charlie KB8CR

Garett Murphy

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Mar 11, 2025, 9:28:31 AMMar 11
to Charlie Rubenstein, Hermes-Lite
Charlie,

Fantastic work on this flow, btw. I run it wrapped in a native linux app. Works perfectly.Thanks for sharing!

Charlie Rubenstein

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Mar 11, 2025, 11:39:46 PMMar 11
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Glad people are getting to use it !! There is a guy who made a youtube video about it. The Juma is a nice little amp. If the clone can do the same with the firmware, that''s great. 
I got the Juma from Rowaves in Romania, and their support has been top notch. 

I have lots of flows on the groups.io/nodered-hamradio site. Mostly for Flex radios, Elecraft amp/tuner, and satellite things.

73 de Charlie KB8CR

Colin Larsen

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Mar 17, 2025, 8:02:57 PMMar 17
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Hi all

I can confirm that Charlies flow works with my clone amp running 4.01a firmware - so I guess other versions of firmware should also work provided they support the remote control of the amp.

Huge thanks to Charlie for his work on the flow and helping me off-list to get it up and running. I've made some cosmetic changes already :)

73, Colin ZL2FL

image.png

Luca De Biase

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Mar 19, 2025, 7:30:08 AMMar 19
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Hi everyone,
i have a juma clone with firmware 1.05q and would like to upgrade the firmware. I located the pins to connect PCkit 3  but i am unsure which file i have to upload to enable the bootloader.
Can anyone point me in the right direction? I have downloaded all the files shared by KD2NFC but i am a little confused with the quantity of informations...
Thank you in advance
Luca EA8DJR

Colin Larsen

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Mar 19, 2025, 2:34:52 PMMar 19
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Luca, step 1 is to load this file which contains the bootloader fro future updates - or you can also do future updates using the Pickit

The biggest issue I had was getting the correct power when programming. With power to the amplifier and the programmer connected press and hold the power button on the amp. The display will light up but be blank. The Pickit will warn you that it has a powered target, this is normal, proceed to program this version of the firmware/bootloader.

You can download the latest version from the Juma forum (4.01a as at the time of writing) and also upload that version using the same method above. I haven't tried using the programmer yet.

Make very sure you get the pins correct between the Pickit and the amp - the white triangle on Pickit to the pin outlined with a square on the amp. The last pin is not required.

Hope that helps a bit.

73, Colin, ZL2FL

Luca De Biase

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Mar 21, 2025, 9:04:08 AMMar 21
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Thank you Colin, so before i had to upload Bootldr_Juma-PA100_v104.hex and then, after verifyng everything is ok, i can upload with the same procedure the file Juma PA-100D.hex that contain v4.00 rev 3.
Then redo the calibration, using a dvm to adjust the voltage correction factor. Is it correct?

Colin Larsen

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Mar 23, 2025, 12:47:06 AMMar 23
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Luca yes that sounds correct, you will need to follow all of the calibration instructions

73, Colin, ZL2FL

Luca EA8DJR

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Apr 28, 2025, 12:01:54 PMApr 28
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Hi Colin,
finally updated to 4.01a . Everyting ok but passed between almost any of the problem noticed in this discussion.
By the way with some patience and reflections and once more reading everything... all went well.
Now i am making the calibration and if i understood well the instructions the voltage calibration is the most effective and doing this one you dont need the current calibration ? Or you need to make everyone of the calibrations?
Thank you in advance.
Luca

Luca EA8DJR

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Apr 29, 2025, 10:57:56 AMApr 29
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Forget my last question. Every step has to be accomplished.
I have to say that with the new firmware most of the problems are solved.
I.e. the readings of max power in oper mode and the reading of hl2 power when in stby mode .
Also the tuning with atu that give momentary high swr is a problem of the past because you can set a time delay in the swr protection.

K C

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Apr 29, 2025, 1:29:55 PMApr 29
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Joe - Does this usb to rs232 cable replace the PICkit?

Colin Larsen

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Apr 29, 2025, 3:08:06 PMApr 29
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The PICkit is only to load the new firmware. The USB/RS232 is for operating.

Colin ZL2FL 

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Colin Larsen

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Apr 29, 2025, 5:00:58 PMApr 29
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Luca

Great news, thanks for the update. I have yet to calibrate mine.

Colin ZL2FL

K C

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May 1, 2025, 9:38:23 AMMay 1
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Sorry, where is the upgrade manual? Are all steps listed on a document?
I have the RS-928 and wish upgrade from 1.05q.

thanks

Luca De Biase

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May 1, 2025, 12:26:06 PMMay 1
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No, there isn't a upgrade manual.
Here i copy the detailed instructions i wrote for my personal use.
Hope the community can use it.

Steps to upgrade the firmware on PA100D clone amplifier from EA8DJR Luca:

This PA100D clone amplifier came with v. 1.05q firmware without a bootloader to update via serial port.
The most recent firmware is v. 4.01a build 3 from 5B4AIY Adrian, his great job was intended to upgrade the original Juma PA100D from OH2NLT and OH7SV, but can be used also with the clone.
This firmware (after correctly calibrated) solve almost any problems i read about the use of this amp, from the incorrect reading of the P.in, the difficulty to use some ATU because
of SWR protection, all the doubts about the effective P.out etc. etc.
All the software and documentation i used was shared by Joe, KD2NFC at this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1hUjZxdLiu8qhNi1OJin17i58c4xb3bFp?usp=sharing

First of all you need to write the bootloader into the unit.

For this you need the interface PCKIT 3 (also old v.2.2 may work), install the software V 3.3, open the amplifier and solder the comb pins tha came with the pckit on the J19 interface
remembering that pin1 is the one marked with a white square and that need to match with the white triangle on the pckit connector. So connect the flat cable provided to pckit with the
black cable aligned with the white triangle, the other side with the black cable aligned with the white square. Connect pckit via the usb cable to your pc.
Download Bootldr_Juma-PA100_v104.hex, press and hold the PWR button on the amp. until the process is finished. Launch the program PCKIT3  v3.3 the program must recognize the eprom type.
Click on button Auto Import Hex+  Write device. Choose the file Bootldr_Juma-PA100_v104.hex and continue. The program will do everithing and will tell you when the procedure ended successfully.
Then click again on the button (Auto Import...) to finish. Release the PWR button on the amp. Done.
 
If it don't work, close the program and redo from start.

Now you have the bootloader working and you can update the firmware with the procedure described in the original PA100D manual thet you find in the google drive shared folder from KD2NFC
with the ingenia dsPICbootloader using the file Juma PA-100D.hex (in the zip relative to V.4.01a build 3).

I had some problem with missing dll with the ingenia so i preferred repeat the procedure with PCKIT3 using the file Juma PA-100D.hex

This firmware is completely different from the v.10x series and will give one error on the first start causing to reload the default calibration.

For this reason you will need to redo the calibration. 
Do not affect the use of the amplifier, just the accuracy of the displayed informations.
You will need a voltmeter which support 20A and a precise watt meter. Take your time,
is important to show correct informations on the display and also you can configure new features.

Before start put the amp on AUTO. The procedure is in the JUMA 100D updated v.4.01a manual.

Hope to help with this small manual, remember to read carefully and that firmware upgrades are always at you own risk!
'73 de EA8DJR Luca

Colin Larsen

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May 1, 2025, 3:44:35 PMMay 1
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You can also update to the latest firmware using the PICkit connection if you wish. While I still had the amp apart it did it that way for convenience. It also saved me mucking about with all the missing dll's  for the software.

Great instructions! 

Colin ZL2FL 

Juergen Sturhahn

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May 2, 2025, 7:21:18 AMMay 2
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Joe KD2NFC

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May 2, 2025, 9:49:59 AMMay 2
to Colin Larsen, Hermes-Lite
Thanks Luca, this is helpful for the group. 

Sent from my iPhone

On May 1, 2025, at 3:44 PM, Colin Larsen <colin....@gmail.com> wrote:



Miguel Iborra

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May 2, 2025, 10:06:58 AMMay 2
to Joe KD2NFC, Colin Larsen, Hermes-Lite

Owen Adair

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Jun 9, 2025, 4:37:44 PMJun 9
to Hermes-Lite
First, thanks to Luca for a great install summary.  Appreciate it!

I bought the Pickit3 and soldered the header in J19 of my Juma clone, but I never get the programmer app (v3.1) to find the Pickit3.   Should it find the programmer without being connected to the amp?  I've tried both ways...doesn't see it.  I hear the PC acknowledge when I plug Pickit3 in, but the app throws an error.

PICkit 3 Programmer 6_9_2025 2_12_48 PM.png

Any thoughts?
Owen KI4GT

Owen Adair

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Jun 9, 2025, 4:37:56 PMJun 9
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Well, I originally couldn't get the pickit3 to be recognized by my computer, but I got past that with a reboot.

I was able to load the  Bootldr_Juma-PA100_v104.hex file, but it got an ominous error. at the end - of course now the amp won't power up.  I went ahead and tried loading the  Juma PA-100D.hex file as well, but it failed too.

I am obviously missing some step here.  Question:  when I started, I went to the File menu, selected Import Hex, selected the fiile and it loaded.  Then I held down the power button on the amp, and clicked the Write button.... which I then got the error below.

Any ideas?

PICkit 3 Programmer - BUR195068601 6_9_2025 3_21_55 PM.png
Thanks
Owen KI4GT

On Friday, May 2, 2025 at 10:06:58 AM UTC-4 Miguel Iborra wrote:

Garett Murphy

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Jun 9, 2025, 4:50:57 PMJun 9
to Owen Adair, Hermes-Lite
Try this again but make sure you have the /MCLR option checked. I believe that's what got it working for me. Good luck! 
Best,

Garett 

Colin Larsen

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Jun 9, 2025, 5:57:11 PMJun 9
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And make sure you keep the power button pressed the entire time it is programming

Colin, ZL2FL

Colin Larsen

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Jun 9, 2025, 5:59:33 PMJun 9
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The error at the end of loading the bootloader 1.04 hex was probably that the calibration data was wiped. Remember to download the Juma manual and follow the calibration steps after you get it up and running.

Colin, ZL2FL

Owen Adair

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Jun 9, 2025, 8:32:44 PMJun 9
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Thanks, all. Tried checking the /MCLR option, and it still failed at the end with the "Programming failed at adress 0x00000" error.   Not sure what to try now.

Also, I did try the Ingenia app to see what would happen, and I'm getting a MFC71.dll not found... even though I installed all the .NET redist pkgs... geesh... really swirling the toilet on this.  :-(

Thanks for any further ideas.

Owen KI4GT

Joe KD2NFC

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Jun 9, 2025, 8:44:18 PMJun 9
to Owen Adair, Hermes-Lite
Try with power connected to amp. You can grab the MFC71.dll from the internet or see if this helps. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=21440

Luca De Biase

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Jun 10, 2025, 5:28:03 AMJun 10
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Hi Owen, sorry for the delay, was night here...
1 Keep calm, i also had the amp bricked the first attempt. Forget Ingenia for the moment...use pckit.
2 if the connections are correct you cannot damage your amp.
3 Check the connection on j19. In my case plugging in the connector on the comb pins disconnected the solder of one pin. Check with the dmm and eventually refine with the solder tip.
4 With 12V supply connected to the amp push and hold all the time the power button on the amp. Then start pckit program. The progam recognize the eprom. If not  go to tools > check communications. VDD PCKIT boxes both unchecked. If don't work is the connection cable or connector. Or you released the amp power button.
Let me know.
73 Luca

Luca De Biase

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Jun 10, 2025, 5:39:44 AMJun 10
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Also, when the program recognize the eprom , only use Auto import hex + write device button. Choose the file  Juma PA-100D.hex Wait until confirmation of the process end. Close the window. close pckit. Release the power button on the amp. Power cycle the amp, you will have a error, the firmware load the defaults settings. Recalibrate when possible, but the amp must work.

Owen Adair

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Jun 10, 2025, 3:39:07 PMJun 10
to Hermes-Lite
Hi Luca - thank you for the detailed response.... It's very helpful, but I'm still not writing properly.  Here's what I did:

- Used a DMM to check continuity from the pins at the Pickit3 all the way to the solder pads on J19.  All good.
- Held down power button (LCD lights up, but nothing displays), started pickit3.  It recognizes the PIC as dsPIC30F6014A.
- Clicked Auto Import Hex + Write, selected the Juma PA-100D.hex file.
   - It seems to go through the motions of writing, but then errors immediately when verifying.
- Did a Read operation, which shows all zeros in Program Memory and EEPROM data after read.  No errors.

I did a screen recording of the session which is attached.  Thanks.... I love tinkering, so I'm confident I'll get it going, but not sure why it isn't writing.  Seems to erase just fine. :-)

Owen KI4GT
KI4GT Pickit3 error.mp4

Luca De Biase

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Jun 10, 2025, 5:26:18 PMJun 10
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In your video  yellow you see a quick messages that some configuration file is missing. 
The hex file come from a zip archive with lot of other files. 
Unzip in a folder and tell to pckit to load the hex in this folder, i think the program need also the other files during the writing.

Owen Adair

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Jun 10, 2025, 7:42:37 PMJun 10
to Hermes-Lite
Yeah - I think you are onto something.  I copied all the files from PA-100D v4.01a Build 3.zip into the same folder where Pickit3 is installed, and ran it again... still no joy.   Here is the error message, though.  Sounds like some config should be a part of the hex file.

aScreenshot 2025-06-10 193733.png

Can you send me the hex file you used?

Thanks
Owen KI4GT

Colin Larsen

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Jun 10, 2025, 9:14:02 PMJun 10
to Hermes-Lite
That error message is normal for this and can be ignored.

Luca De Biase

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Jun 10, 2025, 9:32:02 PMJun 10
to Hermes-Lite

Try this. Also try check /MCLR
PA-100D v4.01a Build 3-20250311T103212Z-001.zip

Owen Adair

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Jun 11, 2025, 9:16:13 AMJun 11
to Luca De Biase, Hermes-Lite
Tried that Luca - no joy. 

This is getting weird. 

On Jun 10, 2025, at 9:32 PM, Luca De Biase <lucala...@gmail.com> wrote:


To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/hermes-lite/6ec3dac8-0891-4e87-801a-48b75bf88dd0n%40googlegroups.com.
<PA-100D v4.01a Build 3-20250311T103212Z-001.zip>

Luca De Biase

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Jun 13, 2025, 6:24:37 PMJun 13
to Hermes-Lite
here the backup of original firmware
originalfirmwarePA100clone 105q.hex

Owen Adair

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Jun 13, 2025, 6:48:36 PMJun 13
to Luca De Biase, Hermes-Lite
Thanks!  The old win10 computer had the same behavior. I’m beginning to suspect the amp. I’ll try the old software and see what happens.  Gotta love experimenting!

Owen

On Jun 13, 2025, at 6:24 PM, Luca De Biase <lucala...@gmail.com> wrote:

here the backup of original firmware
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/hermes-lite/a771a770-775f-4053-827e-98e364cae18cn%40googlegroups.com.
<originalfirmwarePA100clone 105q.hex>

Owen Adair

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Jun 17, 2025, 12:42:45 PMJun 17
to Luca De Biase, Hermes-Lite
Thanks - it didn’t work but I think I have figured out what is wrong. When I read the chip I see an “All Protect” flag set in the configuration. I think this means that the code is protected from writing (but apparently not erasing!). 

I’m doing some research to see if there is a way to turn this off. 

Again, appreciate the help!

Owen

On Jun 13, 2025, at 6:48 PM, Owen Adair <wd4...@gmail.com> wrote:



Colin Larsen

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Jun 17, 2025, 3:56:38 PMJun 17
to Hermes-Lite
I'd be tempted to check the authenticity of your PicKit 3. I used an older PicKit 2 which worked perfectly fine. Depending on where you purchased it from, there is a possibility it's got some issues.

Colin

Owen Adair

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Jun 17, 2025, 4:59:55 PMJun 17
to Colin Larsen, Hermes-Lite
I thought of that. 

I bought another one from a different vendor and it had the same result.   What I am seeing now is when I do a read, the configuration in the upper right shows and indication of “All protect” ….that sounds like the chip is write protected and I am wondering if there’s a way to overwrite the code now.  I have already tried turning that off in the menu. 

It’s clear that the write function isn’t actually writing anything. 

Owen KI4GT

On Jun 17, 2025, at 3:56 PM, Colin Larsen <colin....@gmail.com> wrote:



Luca De Biase

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Jun 17, 2025, 5:36:03 PMJun 17
to Hermes-Lite
1 i saw that your pckit software is slightly different than mine.
2 are you running/installed as administrator?
3 you tried "check communication" which eprom it tell you have?
Maybe your prg see a different model of same family.
I am travelling now, cannot check mine, sorry
Luca

Luca De Biase

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Jul 10, 2025, 9:38:31 AMJul 10
to Hermes-Lite
Hi Owen, back from holydays yesterday...
Any update of your firmware writing issue?
Cheers
Luca

Owen Adair

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Jul 10, 2025, 2:00:31 PMJul 10
to Luca De Biase, Hermes-Lite
Hope you had a nice holiday. 

No, I am about out of ideas. I am certain the amp just needs the PIC software rewritten but the two pickit3 devices and one pickit2 devices I’ve tried just aren’t doing it. 

I bought a replacement amp to have to operate, but I’m not even going to open the cover on it. 😎

I’m hoping more people will buy from retevis and try upgrading.  Perhaps I could learn something that would help. 

I appreciate the follow up!

73
Owen KI4GT

On Jul 10, 2025, at 9:38 AM, Luca De Biase <lucala...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi Owen, back from holydays yesterday...

Owen Adair

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Jul 12, 2025, 9:39:08 PMJul 12
to Luca De Biase, Hermes-Lite
<< repeating my response here so everyone can see it>>

Luca -

You are not going to believe this.  It's working now!

I went to the shack this afternoon to take your advice and try an old version of Pickit software.... when I powered up the amp to try it the first time, it came up!  Apparently, my last attempt to flash a couple of weeks ago worked, but I didn't realize it.  The only issue is now I have no idea what I did to fix it.  😀

All smiles here in the shack... I would have hated to have to toss this little gem.  It's a good amp.   Now I need to get familiar with the new software, and get the remote code working.  I want to control it remotely.

Thanks for all your help and I hope hear you on the bands!

Owen KI4GT

On Jul 10, 2025, at 2:00 PM, Owen Adair <wd4...@gmail.com> wrote:



Martin Domino

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Oct 18, 2025, 3:41:46 PMOct 18
to Hermes-Lite
Need help programming Juma clone

it will read from PIC30F6014A fine but won't write to it, it comes up with an error 
"programming failed at program memory address 0x000000, does anyone have an idea what I'm doing wrong.

Skærmbillede 2025.jpg

Martin Domino

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Oct 19, 2025, 11:30:14 AMOct 19
to Hermes-Lite
Ok I got it working, maybe it's old news and maybe I haven't really understood the process.

but my progress comes here.

I used a usb hub with power supply.
downloaded the bootloader as Luca has described
used Notepad ++
to save it as .HEX

Settings in PICKIT3  are as follows

Target vvd source = force pickit
fast programming = ok


press PA and hold
power pickit3 
open pickit software
auto import hex+write device
select _104.hex file
when it is finished click on auto import again

Bingo

for more details please use "steps to upgrade" made by EA8DJR Luca

Owen Adair

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Oct 19, 2025, 12:29:34 PMOct 19
to Martin Domino, Hermes-Lite
Well you may have stumbled on the magic incantation.

I had the exact same issue, and accidentally got mine working…. But don’t know how I eventually got it working.  I will file this away for when I want to upgrade again.

I am really enjoying the ability to control the amp remotely.  I use my HL2 and amp remote a good bit.

Owen KI4GT

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Luca De Biase

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Oct 19, 2025, 6:28:06 PMOct 19
to Hermes-Lite
Hi Owen,
what are you using for remote controlling the juma clone?
Regards,
Luca

Owen Adair

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Oct 19, 2025, 9:05:59 PMOct 19
to Luca De Biase, Hermes-Lite
Use Node Red running on my windows machine and a script written for the Juma amp.  See if this helps. 


On Oct 19, 2025, at 6:28 PM, Luca De Biase <lucala...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi Owen,

Owen Adair

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Oct 19, 2025, 9:08:47 PMOct 19
to Luca De Biase, Hermes-Lite

Luca De Biase

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Oct 20, 2025, 6:23:19 PMOct 20
to Hermes-Lite
Thanks Owen, i already used it, it works well.now i am working with a friend to remote control my juma clone directly via thetis using new functions of the last thetis development version.
I will post the results asap.
73
Luca 

K C

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Oct 21, 2025, 7:18:51 AMOct 21
to Martin Domino, Hermes-Lite
Can you give a link to the pickit3 you used?
I would really like to get this working.
k5kip

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Garett Murphy

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Oct 21, 2025, 7:49:46 AMOct 21
to K C, Martin Domino, Hermes-Lite
Here's the one I used successfully for my fw upgrade. Found on Amazon, so ymmv. 



Walter Keen

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Oct 21, 2025, 6:14:51 PMOct 21
to Garett Murphy, K C, Martin Domino, Hermes-Lite
I just got a retevis clone (rs-928)

Where are other people connecting to do this upgrade, is it to the 6 pin connector i would have to solder in (j19) in the picture attached?




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Walter Keen

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Oct 21, 2025, 9:31:11 PMOct 21
to K C, Martin Domino, Hermes-Lite
I ordered a pickit 3 clone, but have a mplab snap i got from mouser i think for $15, supposedly supports this chip but does not power the circuit/etc.

Anyone know if the mplab snap works ?

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Joe KD2NFC

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Oct 22, 2025, 11:13:42 AMOct 22
to Walter Keen, Garett Murphy, K C, Martin Domino, Hermes-Lite
Yes, J19 is what you want. The square pad is pin 1. 

Joe
KD2NFC

On Oct 21, 2025, at 6:14 PM, Walter Keen <agua...@keenartstudios.com> wrote:

I just got a retevis clone (rs-928)

Where are other people connecting to do this upgrade, is it to the 6 pin connector i would have to solder in (j19) in the picture attached?

<1000006263.jpg>

Martin Domino

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Oct 22, 2025, 11:35:45 AMOct 22
to Hermes-Lite
j19c.jpgj19.jpg

here is a picture of my pinheader assembly, i was a bit hesitant about soldering "backwards" but assumed that the connectors would go through the printed circuit board.
i tried to remove the display by soldering it out, but without success.

i would encourage you to check out Rowave's home page they have changed their prices.

rowaves.com/juma-pa-100d-100w-hf-linear-pa/

all the best from OZ9MSD

Luca De Biase

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Oct 22, 2025, 3:26:34 PMOct 22
to Hermes-Lite
I do the same and worked... Please read the instructions i wrote several messages up...

Fernando Rodriguez

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Oct 22, 2025, 10:50:33 PMOct 22
to Hermes-Lite
Is there a step-by-step tutorial to change the firmware to the Juma clone? I have all the files, but I don't have the manual on how to do it from the first step. Thanks.

K C

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Oct 25, 2025, 11:19:24 AM (12 days ago) Oct 25
to Hermes-Lite
A year latter, I am going to try again.
I have picket3 as recommended by Garrett above.
I have soldered the pins on J19, looks ok.
When I look at the ribbon cable, I should connect the triangle on the connector to the square j19 pad, correct?
 
It seems as though this is a cross over cable... so at the amp, the triangle will be the red wire, but at the picket the triangle will be the purple wire? That does NOT seem correct.
Help please.

k5kip 

Luca De Biase

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Oct 25, 2025, 5:43:10 PM (12 days ago) Oct 25
to Hermes-Lite
I updated the firmware more than a year ago but if i remember well white triangle in pckit must match to white square on juma. Don't care of the small black triangle on the cable. Same cable color on the triangle and on square.
73
Luca

Garett Murphy

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Oct 25, 2025, 11:01:09 PM (12 days ago) Oct 25
to Luca De Biase, Hermes-Lite
Correct. On the pickit3 and the Juma pin 1 should be the same colored wire. So white arrow on pickit3 and the square pin on the Juma are pin 1 and should be same color. Color matters not so long as it's the same one on both ends. 


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