[arm-allstar] DTMF tones not decoded properly

Tue Apr 2 22:56:12 EDT 2019

Doug,

 After moving my RX audio over to PIN 9 and adjusting the audio levels, I
finally got the DTMF tones to decode and the got my audio levels high
enough that I could control the node. I logged in to one of the hubs in
monitor mode and the incoming audio sounds great. Rather than risk some
audio problem on a popular hub, I tried connecting to one of the other
users here. I could connect to his node but he was unavailable for a QSO.
I'll try again later. So far so good. I was a bit surprised that wiring
with the components you suggested and with the audio boost off, I needed to
set my RX audio to 780 for reliable DTMF decode with my CS750. It could
that that the DTMF level is a bit low on that radio. At that level, it
wasn't too hard to get past the 5Khz deviation mark. in the Simpletune
menu. Hopefully it won't be a problem with normal speech.

Brian /  KK6DOQ

On Mon, Apr 1, 2019 at 6:47 AM B Harvey <bharveytwo at gmail.com> wrote:

> Doug,
>   Huh, I hadn't heard of a power problem and it seems kind of surprising.
> I figured heat dissipation would be the least of the problems with that
> model give that it's 75% heat sink. I don't want to be the one to ignore
> sound advice so I'll scratch that one of the list. I'm about 3/4 of the way
> done with a radioless node so I should be able to give my URi/RPi a test as
> soon as I get time to finish. If everything goes well, I can move on to a
> node radio. I did see the 70cm Alinco in stock at a few of the HRO stores
> but I rather enjoy a walk in to the toy store. I'll let you know how things
> pan out with the radioless node.
>
> Brian/KK6DOQ
>
> On Sun, Mar 31, 2019 at 3:14 PM "Doug Crompton via ARM-allstar" <
> arm-allstar at hamvoip.org> wrote:
>
>> Brian,
>>
>>  The problem with the TYT's is TX failures it appears even on low power. I
>> am not sure if that was corrected but I found intermittent surface mount
>> problems even though internally it looks very well made.
>>
>> The HRO in stock I quoted was for my store but you can order it from any
>> store. It will be shipped from the store that has it.
>>
>>
>> *73 Doug*
>>
>> *WA3DSP*
>>
>> *http://www.crompton.com/hamradio <http://www.crompton.com/hamradio>*
>>
>>
>> On Sun, Mar 31, 2019 at 4:55 PM B Harvey <bharveytwo at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> > Doug,
>> >
>> >  Okay, thanks for the advice. I thought about heading over to the local
>> > HRO yesterday but the website said they didn't have any 70cm models in
>> > stock. Since I'm pretty sure I have all of the parts on hand, I may try
>> to
>> > cobble together a radioless node first in order to test the URI and RPi
>> I
>> > have so far. As an aside, what problems have popped up with the TYTs? Is
>> > that the gobbled display thing? I've heard of it but didn't know it was
>> > that common or specifically associated with Allstar. As I mentioned, I
>> have
>> > one for 220Mhz but don't use it regularly. I would expect my node to be
>> on
>> > 24/7/365.
>> >
>> >
>> > Brian / KK6DOQ
>> >
>> >
>> > On Sat, Mar 30, 2019 at 3:31 PM "Doug Crompton via ARM-allstar" <
>> > arm-allstar at hamvoip.org> wrote:
>> >
>> >> Brian,
>> >>
>> >>  I f you want a solid easy to interface radio I would go with the
>> Alinco
>> >> DR-x35  series. It has a 9 pin D connector on the back. The TYT's have
>> >> been
>> >> problematic for extended use Allstar. Some have the 9 Pin like the
>> alincos
>> >> and other do not but you can easily install one as there is internal
>> >> provision for it.
>> >>
>> >> Ham Radio outlet has the Alinco's and they are in stock.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> *73 Doug*
>> >>
>> >> *WA3DSP*
>> >>
>> >> *http://www.crompton.com/hamradio <http://www.crompton.com/hamradio>*
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> On Sat, Mar 30, 2019 at 2:52 PM "B Harvey via ARM-allstar" <
>> >> arm-allstar at hamvoip.org> wrote:
>> >>
>> >> > Doug,
>> >> >
>> >> >    I didn't really expect something to be wrong with the DMK URI. As
>> for
>> >> > disconnecting the speaker, I did it mainly to make assembly and
>> >> disassembly
>> >> > easier, I can still use the lapel mic. I think my next step may be to
>> >> > recheck the solder joints. If that doesn't work, I'm not sure where
>> to
>> >> go
>> >> > with the UV 82.
>> >> >
>> >> >    As far as radios go, what radios are you aware of that are popular
>> >> and
>> >> > work well as a node radio? I'm not married to the idea of using an HT
>> >> as a
>> >> > node radio. I just happened to have the UV 82 laying around and
>> rarely
>> >> > used. I don't intend to go mobile with this node rather, it'd stay at
>> >> home
>> >> > are remain permanently wired in place. I have a TYT 9000 in 220mhz
>> and
>> >> it
>> >> > seems like an okay radio. I was thinking of the same model in 70cm
>> as I
>> >> > understand they have a header that allows aux connections. It just
>> >> needs to
>> >> > be brought to the outside of the radio. The Alinco DR435T is also a
>> >> > reputable choice from what I hear but no one seems to stock them.   I
>> >> like
>> >> > Kenwood mobiles as well. Are you aware of any of those that would
>> work
>> >> > without major surgery such as realignment.? (I don't have the tools
>> for
>> >> > that)
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> > Brian / KK6DOQ
>> >> >
>> >> > On Fri, Mar 29, 2019 at 10:34 PM "Doug Crompton via ARM-allstar" <
>> >> > arm-allstar at hamvoip.org> wrote:
>> >> >
>> >> > > Brian,
>> >> > >
>> >> > >  Not sure what to say. If you have taken the 4.7 K resistor to pin
>> 21
>> >> out
>> >> > > and it still needs to be a max level with boost on there is
>> something
>> >> > > different in that radio or possibly the DMK is not functioning
>> >> properly
>> >> > > which would be unusual. Minus test equipment like a scope it would
>> be
>> >> > hard
>> >> > > to diagnose. BTW there is no reason to disconnect the speaker. It
>> is
>> >> good
>> >> > > to leave it connected for testing. All you need to do is turn it
>> down.
>> >> > The
>> >> > > volume control should have no effect on the rx level if you
>> connected
>> >> to
>> >> > > the high side of the pot.
>> >> > >
>> >> > >
>> >> > > *73 Doug*
>> >> > >
>> >> > > *WA3DSP*
>> >> > >
>> >> > > *http://www.crompton.com/hamradio <
>> http://www.crompton.com/hamradio>*
>> >> > >
>> >> > > On Sat, Mar 30, 2019 at 12:28 AM "B Harvey via ARM-allstar" <
>> >> > > arm-allstar at hamvoip.org> wrote:
>> >> > >
>> >> > > > Doug,
>> >> > > >
>> >> > > >
>> >> > > >    This is the link to the Hamvoip.org  tutorial for using an
>> >> Baofeng
>> >> > UV
>> >> > > 82
>> >> > > > as a node radio. ( https://hamvoip.org/hamradio/UV82_mod/
>> >> )According
>> >> > to
>> >> > > > it,
>> >> > > > there is a 4.7Kohm resistor in series with the lead to Pin 21. I
>> >> > > confirmed
>> >> > > > this and measured the resistance to confirm before I removed it.
>> >> (FYI,
>> >> > > > there's also one in series with the transmit line. I thought
>> >> something
>> >> > > > seemed off as well. I would have expected plenty of gain
>> especially
>> >> > with
>> >> > > > the setting at 999 and no resistor. Although I've disconnected
>> the
>> >> > > speaker,
>> >> > > > I have checked the volume with a lapel/mic and all seems normal.
>> >> This
>> >> > > was a
>> >> > > > working radio and I hadn't detected any problems prior to setting
>> >> it up
>> >> > > as
>> >> > > > a node radio. I did a resistance check of all of the DB25 pins to
>> >> radio
>> >> > > > solder points. I'm within  a few percent of 4.7Kohms on the RX
>> and
>> >> TX
>> >> > > lines
>> >> > > > and about 2 ohms on the ground. Since the PTT and COS are
>> working, I
>> >> > > didn't
>> >> > > > measure those. I suppose the tutorial could be wrong and I'm on
>> the
>> >> > > ground
>> >> > > > side of the volume pot but I'd expect no signal at all from
>> there.
>> >> > > >
>> >> > > >
>> >> > > > Brian / KK6DOQ
>> >> > > >
>> >> > > > On Fri, Mar 29, 2019 at 6:14 PM "Doug Crompton via ARM-allstar" <
>> >> > > > arm-allstar at hamvoip.org> wrote:
>> >> > > >
>> >> > > > > Brian,
>> >> > > > >
>> >> > > > >  Since this is a homebrew project please tell me what resistors
>> >> you
>> >> > > have
>> >> > > > in
>> >> > > > > the RX path. Generally audio is taken from the high side of the
>> >> > volume
>> >> > > > pot
>> >> > > > > then fed to pin 21 of the DMK URI. I forget if that is what you
>> >> are
>> >> > > using
>> >> > > > > for a FOB? The 'B' boost item in simpleusb-tune-menu needs to
>> be
>> >> > > enabled.
>> >> > > > > Something is not right if you need to be at 999 and you are
>> >> directly
>> >> > > > > connected from that point in the radio to the FOB. You should
>> be
>> >> able
>> >> > > to
>> >> > > > > achieve a 5khz level on the item 2 bar graph with a setting of
>> >> around
>> >> > > > > 500-700.
>> >> > > > >
>> >> > > > >
>> >> > > > > *73 Doug*
>> >> > > > >
>> >> > > > > *WA3DSP*
>> >> > > > >
>> >> > > > > *http://www.crompton.com/hamradio <
>> >> http://www.crompton.com/hamradio
>> >> > >*
>> >> > > > >
>> >> > > > > On Fri, Mar 29, 2019 at 8:56 PM "B Harvey via ARM-allstar" <
>> >> > > > > arm-allstar at hamvoip.org> wrote:
>> >> > > > >
>> >> > > > > > Don,
>> >> > > > > >
>> >> > > > > >     I checked the codeplugs for the radios I've been using.
>> All
>> >> are
>> >> > > set
>> >> > > > > to
>> >> > > > > > wideband so I don't think I have a problem there. In the
>> simple
>> >> USB
>> >> > > > tune
>> >> > > > > > menu I checked the levels and with the default settings, for
>> >> RX, I
>> >> > > was
>> >> > > > > > barely moving the "VU" meter. Even when I increased the
>> setting
>> >> to
>> >> > > > 999, I
>> >> > > > > > didn't get much more that 1/3 of the way to the 3khz mark.
>> >> However,
>> >> > > > after
>> >> > > > > > raising it to 999, I could get proper decodes of all of the
>> >> numeric
>> >> > > > > digits
>> >> > > > > > in the CLI menu. My next step was to remove the 4.7Kohm
>> >> resistor in
>> >> > > the
>> >> > > > > RX
>> >> > > > > > line as shown in the UV 82 node radio tutorial on Hamvoip.
>> That
>> >> > > seemed
>> >> > > > to
>> >> > > > > > make no difference at all. Even though I get proper decodes
>> in
>> >> CLI,
>> >> > > > they
>> >> > > > > > still don't resolve to working commands over the Allstar
>> >> network.
>> >> > Any
>> >> > > > > other
>> >> > > > > > suggestions? As I mentioned earlier, pre-emphasis and
>> >> de-emphasis
>> >> > are
>> >> > > > > > currently disabled.
>> >> > > > > >
>> >> > > > > > Brian / KK6DOQ
>> >> > > > > >
>> >> > > > > > On Fri, Mar 29, 2019 at 1:18 PM "Don Backstrom - AA7AU via
>> >> > > > ARM-allstar" <
>> >> > > > > > arm-allstar at hamvoip.org> wrote:
>> >> > > > > >
>> >> > > > > > > On Fri 29-Mar-19 11:37, "B Harvey via ARM-allstar" wrote:
>> >> > > > > > > > I can't test actual
>> >> > > > > > > > levels or wide / narrow mode so I'll have to wait until I
>> >> get
>> >> > > home
>> >> > > > to
>> >> > > > > > try
>> >> > > > > > > > those out.
>> >> > > > > > >
>> >> > > > > > >         From our tech write-up: "If you are having issues
>> ...
>> >> and
>> >> > > are
>> >> > > > > > > experiencing audio levels or DTMF decoding/encoding
>> >> difficulties,
>> >> > > > use a
>> >> > > > > > > service monitor to check to see if the module is actually
>> >> > programed
>> >> > > > to
>> >> > > > > > > Wideband mode"
>> >> > > > > > >
>> >> > > > > > > > Another thing that occurred to me is that perhaps I'm too
>> >> close
>> >> > > > > > > > to the node when I'm transmitting from my HT and I may
>> have
>> >> > some
>> >> > > > > > de-sense
>> >> > > > > > > > thing going on.
>> >> > > > > > >
>> >> > > > > > >         That obviously can also give you issues. Also
>> remember
>> >> > > *low*
>> >> > > > > > power.
>> >> > > > > > >
>> >> > > > > > >         Doug and David are the experts here, especially on
>> all
>> >> > the
>> >> > > > > other
>> >> > > > > > > settings. I'm just an interested HamVoip user chiming in on
>> >> DTMF,
>> >> > > as
>> >> > > > we
>> >> > > > > > > did battle with those issues for quite some time before
>> >> > discovering
>> >> > > > the
>> >> > > > > > > 818 probs and others like issues.
>> >> > > > > > >
>> >> > > > > > >         One other note on DTMF: on many HTs when you PTT
>> and
>> >> then
>> >> > > key
>> >> > > > > > your
>> >> > > > > > > DTMF
>> >> > > > > > > code in you get output from your HT speaker - which *can*
>> >> lead to
>> >> > > > real
>> >> > > > > > > feedback probs as your mike is open and listening during
>> PTT.
>> >> > Find
>> >> > > > the
>> >> > > > > > > setting and disable tone output from DTMF entry. Also,
>> watch
>> >> your
>> >> > > > > > > background noise/conversation/etc at anytime you are using
>> PTT
>> >> > even
>> >> > > > if
>> >> > > > > > > just to key in DTMF - you're OTA!
>> >> > > > > > >
>> >> > > > > > >         Good luck,
>> >> > > > > > >
>> >> > > > > > >         - Don - AA7AU
>> >> > > > > > > _______________________________________________
>> >> > > > > > >
>> >> > > > > > > ARM-allstar mailing list
>> >> > > > > > > ARM-allstar at hamvoip.org
>> >> > > > > > >
>> http://lists.hamvoip.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/arm-allstar
>> >> > > > > > >
>> >> > > > > > > Visit the BBB and RPi2/3 web page - http://hamvoip.org
>> >> > > > > > >
>> >> > > > > > _______________________________________________
>> >> > > > > >
>> >> > > > > > ARM-allstar mailing list
>> >> > > > > > ARM-allstar at hamvoip.org
>> >> > > > > >
>> http://lists.hamvoip.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/arm-allstar
>> >> > > > > >
>> >> > > > > > Visit the BBB and RPi2/3 web page - http://hamvoip.org
>> >> > > > > >
>> >> > > > > _______________________________________________
>> >> > > > >
>> >> > > > > ARM-allstar mailing list
>> >> > > > > ARM-allstar at hamvoip.org
>> >> > > > > http://lists.hamvoip.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/arm-allstar
>> >> > > > >
>> >> > > > > Visit the BBB and RPi2/3 web page - http://hamvoip.org
>> >> > > > >
>> >> > > > _______________________________________________
>> >> > > >
>> >> > > > ARM-allstar mailing list
>> >> > > > ARM-allstar at hamvoip.org
>> >> > > > http://lists.hamvoip.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/arm-allstar
>> >> > > >
>> >> > > > Visit the BBB and RPi2/3 web page - http://hamvoip.org
>> >> > > >
>> >> > > _______________________________________________
>> >> > >
>> >> > > ARM-allstar mailing list
>> >> > > ARM-allstar at hamvoip.org
>> >> > > http://lists.hamvoip.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/arm-allstar
>> >> > >
>> >> > > Visit the BBB and RPi2/3 web page - http://hamvoip.org
>> >> > >
>> >> > _______________________________________________
>> >> >
>> >> > ARM-allstar mailing list
>> >> > ARM-allstar at hamvoip.org
>> >> > http://lists.hamvoip.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/arm-allstar
>> >> >
>> >> > Visit the BBB and RPi2/3 web page - http://hamvoip.org
>> >> >
>> >> _______________________________________________
>> >>
>> >> ARM-allstar mailing list
>> >> ARM-allstar at hamvoip.org
>> >> http://lists.hamvoip.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/arm-allstar
>> >>
>> >> Visit the BBB and RPi2/3 web page - http://hamvoip.org
>> >>
>> >
>> _______________________________________________
>>
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>> ARM-allstar at hamvoip.org
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>>
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>>
>