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Ramsey Electronics FZ-146 User Manual

Manual is about: Ramsey FX Series 2 Meter Amateur PLL Synthesized FM Transceiver 140-180

Summary of FZ-146

  • Page 1

    Fx-146 • 1 2 meter amateur pll synthesized fm transceiver 140 - 180 ramsey electronics model no. Fx-146 published in three sections: ? Fx-series general reference information ? Kit assembly phase i: circuit stages a through f ? Kit assembly phase ii: circuit stages g through tx plus: ? Fold-out sche...

  • Page 2

    Fx 146 • 2 a dedication the ramsey fx-series fm transceiver kits are writing a truly new chapter in the annals of the ham radio story. Growing numbers of today's radio amateurs are willing to build, understand, adjust and maintain modern vhf gear capable of digital frequency programming and data com...

  • Page 3

    Fx 146 • 144 fx-146 • 3 table of contents: the ramsey fx-146 tranceiver manual is organized into three sections: general reference information, kit assembly phase 1, and kit assembly phase 2. Fx-146 general reference information notice regarding fx-146 frequency coverage ...............................

  • Page 4

    Fx 146 • 4 important notice the ramsey fx-146 vhf fm transceiver is capable of transmitting as well as receiving on any frequency in the range of 140 to 180 mhz, making it suitable for a wide range of vhf communications requirements. Operation of the transmit function of this equipment requires an a...

  • Page 5

    Fx 146 • 142 output by spreading the coils.) *common faults: ? Low supply voltage. ? Improper tuning. ? Improper output power measurement. Receive section faults: (manual pages ref. 20-21, assm 22-24, assm 30) 1. Poor or no receive. Lots of audio hash. A. Check for proper vco frequency. B. Ensure pi...

  • Page 6

    Fx 146 • 6 introduction to fx-series vhf transceiver kit assembly for the 1990's, ramsey electronics has adopted a "learn as you build" philosophy for all our electronics kits. We feel that licensed ham operators should know about the equipment they use, and also should have the desire to understand...

  • Page 7

    Fx 146 • 140 help after all. Vco & pll faults: (manual pages ref. 21-24, assm.35-36, 43-48, 52-57) 1. Pll not locking. (l7 will not set correct voltage @ tp1) a. Check for proper programming inputs to u6 (pins 10-25). If incorrect, fault lies between diode matrix and inputs to u6. B. Check vco for p...

  • Page 8

    Fx 146 • 8 a message to ham radio beginners: if you have just earned your novice or technician license, or are studying for either of them right now, we'd like to say a special thank you for choosing this ramsey vhf/uhf transceiver as part of your ham radio beginnings. We have tried to make this ins...

  • Page 9

    Fx 146 • 138 good 50 ohm load. Keep these key-down tests as brief as possible. ? Tx52. If you are observing at least 4 watts of rf output, transmitter tuneup is completed. Spread coils l13 and l16 on the main board and l12 and l22 on the low pass board for maximum rf output. These coils are purposef...

  • Page 10

    Fx 146 • 10 enclosure & hardware considerations: the companion cfx case and knob kit is sold as a separate option only as an accommodation to those radio hams who have their own ideas or resources for the "finishing touches." however, a proper case for your fx-series is much more than a "finishing t...

  • Page 11

    Fx 146 • 136 main pc board. 102 #4-40 nuts spacer nut c7 #4-40 screw so-239 female case panel ground jumper fx-146 • 11 this $16 to $18 (plus tax) in basic hardware also presumes availability of all needed drill bits and/or a reamer or punches of sufficient size to make the needed access holes for t...

  • Page 12

    Fx 146 • 12 the ramsey cfx transceiver enclosure kit: the cfx kit is very obviously a fair value and solid investment for the long term performance and worth of your transceiver. As we have mentioned, we make it "optional" only because some of our ham customers have specialized applications requirin...

  • Page 13

    Fx 146 • 134 ? Tx26: c58, the last .1 uf capacitor. ? Tx27: c59, .001 uf. ? Tx28: l13, 1.5 turn hand-wound coil. Review "tc" and tx16. ? Tx29 c73, 18 pf. ? Tx30: c55, .01 uf. ? Tx31: c74, 35 pf trimmer. ? Tx32: c84, 35 pf trimmer. ? Tx33: c64, .001 uf. ? Tx34: l8, 2.2 uh molded inductor (2 red, 1 go...

  • Page 14

    Fx 146 • 14 guide to pc board i/o connections: in addition to primary interconnections required for jacks and controls, etc., your fx-series transceiver pc board provides additional access to operating voltages and circuit features to make later customizing as neat and easy as possible. All these po...

  • Page 15

    Fx 146 • 132 however, do not install l9, r32 or l10 until after alignment has been completed. Whether you test now or later depends on how anxious you are to see (and hear) the results of all your hard work. If you are still awaiting your ham license, you can test the fm modulation of buffer stage q...

  • Page 16

    Fx 146 • 16 microphone & speaker information the fx transceivers with the hardware supplied are designed to accept standard icom or icom-compatible speaker-mikes such as mfj-284. The most conveniently available such unit is radio shack no.19-310. Be aware that the receiver audio amplifier is capable...

  • Page 17

    Fx 146 • 130 important: do not install any parts near q8 until after q8 has been installed in accord with the explicit directions in step tx2. If you fail to observe this caution, it will be virtually impossible to perform the installation of q8 correctly. Do not install l9, r32 or l10 until after a...

  • Page 18

    Fx 146 • 18 ramsey fx-series fm transceiver (with emphasis on the pll and vco) mc13135 fx-146 • 129 stage tx: transmitter buffer, driver and final the transmitter section, q10, q9 and q8, is conventional vhf rf circuitry that has proven quite reliable in ramsey transceivers. Just a few circuit notes...

  • Page 19

    Fx 146 • 128 stage tx: transmitter, buffer and final amplifier fx-146 • 19 fx-146 circuit overview the fx-146 vhf fm transceiver circuit theory is explained in progressive stages and in some detail as part of our "learn as you build" approach to electronic kits. Builders are encouraged to study and ...

  • Page 20

    Fx 146 • 20 fx-146 • 127 6. Press the microphone button: the tx led should light, and the receiver should be silenced. 7. Touch a wire from ground to pin 3 of the packet i/o jack. Do the same with any resistor that is 47k or lower. Either way, you should get the same results as in step 6. 8. Disconn...

  • Page 21

    Fx 146 • 126 background noise is audible. Fx-146 • 21 stage cr: integrated fm receiver the mc13135 is a complete fm narrowband receiver from antenna input (pin 22) to audio output (pin 17). The low voltage dual conversion design results in low power drain, excellent sensitivity and good image reject...

  • Page 22

    Fx 146 • 22 connection as well as +dc, d6 is grounded through rf choke l17, which prevents the antenna rf from being shorted to ground. During transmit, d7 passes rf from the transmitter to the antenna, and l17 again prevents loss of rf to ground. During transmit, d6 is blocking transmitter rf from ...

  • Page 23

    Fx 146 • 124 ? M18. Install q11, npn transistor type 2n3904. Be sure to orient flat side as shown. ? M19. Identify and install r46, the yellow color modulation control trimmer potentiometer. It differs from trimmer capacitors by having three terminals. Simply place it in position and solder all thre...

  • Page 24

    Fx 146 • 24 r48 and c85 form yet another low pass filter to ensure that any 5 khz "whine" will not get into the vco. Because the dc charge developed in c85 (.1 uf) would slow down the pll during major frequency swings, such as just going from transmit to receive, d8 and d10 are set up back-to-back a...

  • Page 25

    Fx 146 • 122 stage m: microphone amplifier and ptt circuit if you have studied all preceding circuit explanations, you have a good idea of what the microphone and ptt circuitry is supposed to accomplish. Understanding our design clearly and assembling it correctly will save many headaches and will e...

  • Page 26

    Fx 146 • 26 stage m: microphone amplifier and ptt circuit u4 is a lm324 quad op amp: two are used as a conventional microphone gain amplifier, and the other two are used in the ptt (push to talk) circuit. Capacitor c83 couples microphone audio to u4a and isolates the audio (ac) from the ptt circuitr...

  • Page 27

    Fx 146 • 120 c60 until instructed to do so. Adjustment procedure: 1. Check pc board carefully for missed connections, wire trimmings or untrimmed wires bent down, etc. 2. Connect speaker and dc supply voltage. 3. Obtain or make a non-metallic alignment blade capable of adjusting l7 and c81. 4. Set f...

  • Page 28

    Fx 146 • 28 fx-146 quick program reference standard 2 meter band repeater pairs and selected frequencies program as follows: 1. Install diodes at 16k, 8k, 4k and no diodes at 32k, 2k ,1k positions. 2. Plus install diodes at 512 through 1 positions as needed per this quick reference chart. 3. For rep...

  • Page 29

    Fx 146 • 118 frequency programming and channel switch preparation before completing the transmit functions of this vhf fm transceiver, we should now verify that the pll frequency synthesizer gives performance as desired and as designed. Regardless of whether you pursued the vco/ receiving tests prop...

  • Page 30

    Fx 146 • 30 freq = receive frequency/repeater output n = frequency (khz) ? 5 khz some common packet frequencies: nasa sts orbiters and ussr mir transmit on: and may also listen on various frequencies for which an auxiliary offset can be programmed on your fx-146. National simplex frequency: ramsey f...

  • Page 31

    Fx 146 • 116 ? H2: r69, 1k (brown-black-red). ? H3: r114, 1k (brown-black-red). ? H4: r65, 1k (brown-black-red). ? H5: r67, 10k (brown-black-orange). Install the following diodes, be sure to orient the cathode banded end correctly. (diodes are type 1n914/1n4148): ? H6: d19 ? H7: d15 ? H8a: d13 ? H8b...

  • Page 32

    Fx 146 • 32 through 1k programming positions. If an auxiliary split is needed or if you are not licensed to transmit in a band portion, do not install diodes in simp, +rpt or -rpt positions. Using computer basic as a diode matrix programming aid the purpose of the following basic program is to be as...

  • Page 33

    Fx 146 • 114 the rx/tx offset programming matrix diode placement in this matrix follows the same binary number principles as used for frequency programming. This matrix is connected to the 16 programming inputs of u6 through the four binary adders (u7-u10). Fewer programming positions are provided o...

  • Page 34

    Fx 146 • 34 316 if nk 320 if nl => 8 then mm = 1 325 if nl > 8 then nm = nl - 8 326 if nl 330 if nm => 4 then nn = 1 335 if nm > 4 then nx = nm - 4 336 if nm 340 if nx > 2 then oo = 1 345 if nn = 2 then oo = 1 346 if nx = 3 then pp = 1 347 if nx = 1 then pp = 1 400 print “32768 - “; aa 405 print “16...

  • Page 35

    Fx 146 • 112 we suggest in the strongest possible terms that you work at getting it clear before doing any further work on your transceiver. Freq n= 32 k 16 k 8k 4k 2k 1k 512 256 128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1 144.00 28,800 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 148.00 29,600 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 146.52 2...

  • Page 36

    Fx 146 • 36 programming the 'minus' offsets we showed the plus offsets first to prepare you for the minus offsets. The offsets are entered into the fx synthesizer through the binary adders, u7- 10. Notice that we said adders and not subtractors; in binary there is 'no such animal' as a subtractor. W...

  • Page 37

    Fx 146 • 110 stage h: frequency programming: understanding and building the diode matrix the labeling of the 16 parallel programming inputs of u6 should have a familiar ring to anyone with at least some understanding of computer principles, which should include all of us by now. Even though our desi...

  • Page 38

    Fx 146 • 38 fx-146 programming summary programming your fx-146 is really quite simple; all it takes is a clear mind, a scratch pad and a calculator. In closing, let's find the proper n value for a common noaa weather channel, 162.55 mhz. First, find n: 162550 ÷ 5 = 32,510 then, convert to binary: ca...

  • Page 39

    Fx 146 • 108 ? G18a. Insert and solder u10 as in step g15a. Soldering the remaining pins for u7, u8, u9 and u10 may be done either as a single operation or at any other pace preferred by you to ensure careful work (no missed pins, no solder bridges). As you complete the soldering of each ic, mark it...

  • Page 40

    Fx 146 • 40 fx-series transceiver glossary the following is a deliberately informal collection of: ? Technical terms useful to know in understanding your fx- transceiver design. ? Acronyms (phrases expressed by first letters of words: example: pll = phased locked loop) ? Selected electronics industr...

  • Page 41

    Fx 146 • 106 r48 and c85 form yet another low pass filter to ensure that any 5 khz "whine" will not get into the vco. Because the dc charge developed in c85 (.1 uf) would slow down the pll during major frequency swings, such as just going from transmit to receive, d8 and d10 are set up back-to-back ...

  • Page 42

    Fx 146 • 42 elements connected to rf ground, the horizontal elements are called a "groundplane." high = in solid-state circuitry, to say a given device pin or circuit point is at a "logic high" is to say that it shows a + dc supply voltage at that point. Switching to the opposite state (low) or back...

  • Page 43

    Fx 146 • 104 work together for channel programming. ? The phase detector (or "phase corrector") which compares the 5 khz reference frequency with the "intended" 5 khz output of the divide by n counter and sends correcting pulses to the vco to keep the output of the n divider right at 5 khz. ? A "loc...

  • Page 44

    Fx 146 • 44 controlled, compared with another frequency, as is done in a pll circuit. See phase detector, pll. Rssi = "received signal strength indicator," a function of the mc13135 ic and comparable circuits which permits measuring of the relative strength of a received signal. A few microamps of v...

  • Page 45

    Fx 146 • 102 inserted into this circle is the frequency synthesizer (u6 with u3), which compares the output of the vco with the output of its own 10.24 mhz. Reference oscillator (see y2) and also with the frequency programming which you have set up. After making these comparisons, it gives an instru...

  • Page 46

    Fx 146 • 46 fx- troubleshooting guide the fx- transceiver is designed to w-o-r-k with a minimum of adjustment or alignment. By imprinting the location and correct orientation of each component on the pc-board itself in addition to publishing detailed assembly steps, we have virtually guaranteed the ...

  • Page 47

    Fx 146 • 100 stage g: the pll synthesizer: understanding and assembly fx-146 • 47 despite the detail of our explanations, be sure you set one channel up for 146.52 mhz simplex before you pursue troubleshooting. It is very important to have a clear understanding of how to program the frequency synthe...

  • Page 48

    Fx 146 • 48 note on replacement parts: if you lose or damage parts during assembly or testing, you may, of course, order any needed replacement parts by writing or faxing the ramsey electronics, inc. Factory. Some of the more common parts may also be picked up at radio shack or other local parts dis...

  • Page 49

    Fx 146 • 98 vco and receiver test procedure: m 1. Make sure work area is tidied up and that the pc board has been checked for stray scraps of wire, etc. M 2. Use your own hookup wire and potentiometer to connect to tp1, +8v and gnd as illustrated. M 3. Turn power switch off and squelch fully counter...

  • Page 50

    Fx 146 • 50 g: pll frequency synthesizer h: diode matrix, frequency programming m: microphone amplifier and ptt tc: transmit coil and rf choke preparation tx: transmit buffer, driver and rf final part value or id step note: [ ] [ ] c1 .001 a16 [ ] [ ] c2 .001 a13 [ ] [ ] c3 .001 a14 [ ] [ ] c4 .001 ...

  • Page 51

    Fx 146 • 96 ? E20. Install r35, upright, 100k ohm (brown-black-yellow). R35 is between positions for d5 and c62. Steps e1-e20 are presented as a group primarily as a help in visualizing the location of the vco on the pc board. You have built up the vco itself and the capacitance multiplier voltage f...

  • Page 52

    Fx 146 • 52 [ ] [ ] c53 .01 d10 [ ] [ ] c54 56 pf e3 [ ] [ ] c55 .01 tx30 [ ] [ ] c56 10 pf tx5 [ ] [ ] c57 .001 f12 [ ] [ ] c58 .1 uf tx26 [ ] [ ] c59 .001 tx27 [ ] [ ] c60 220 uf elec. Tx25 [ ] [ ] c61 .001 tx17 [ ] [ ] c62 .001 m37 [ ] [ ] c63 .01 tx43 low pass filter board [ ] [ ] c64 .001 tx33 ...

  • Page 53

    Fx 146 • 94 vco circuit summary: the control voltage for the d3 and d23 varactor diodes is supplied through r47 and r25 by the output of u5:a in the pll synthesizer circuit. We know already that there must be a 21.4 mhz difference between the receive and transmit frequencies of the vco. This swing c...

  • Page 54

    Fx 146 • 54 fl: filters [ ] [ ] d7 ba482 pin m34b see t-r switch theory [ ] [ ] d8 1n914 or 1n4148 g34 works with d10,c85: see pll theory [ ] [ ] d9 1n914 or 1n4148 a18 [ ] [ ] d10 1n914 or 1n4148 g35 see d8 [ ] [ ] d11 1n914 or 1n4148 m31 assures positive switching by u4d [ ] [ ] d12 1n914 or 1n414...

  • Page 55

    Fx 146 • 92 stages e - f: transceiver vco (voltage controlled oscillator) and buffer stages fx-146 • 55 l: inductors (coils, transformers, chokes): q: transistors (all types): [ ] [ ] l1 455 khz lb53303hk cr23 fm quadrature adjust [ ] [ ] l2 .015 uh dr20 q2 input bandpass filter [ ] [ ] l3 not used ...

  • Page 56

    Fx 146 • 56 r: resistors (fixed, trimmers, and panel-mounted) [ ] [ ] q5 2sc2498 npn rf f8 vco common base buffer [ ] [ ] q6 2n3904 npn b9 carrier detect switch [ ] [ ] q7 2sc2498 npn rf e9 vco [ ] [ ] q8 sd1127 or mrf237 tx2 transmit final amplifier [ ] [ ] q9 2n3866 npn rf tx1 transmit driver [ ] ...

  • Page 57

    Fx 146 • 90 stage dr assembly: be very attentive to capacitor values (in picofarads) and to coil descriptions throughout this section. ? Dr1. Correctly identify and install pin diode d6. It is the only ba479 used in the circuit, and its number is stamped plainly on the diode body. Be sure to orient ...

  • Page 58

    Fx 146 • 58 [ ] [ ] r43 10k g26 [ ] [ ] r44 22k g20 [ ] [ ] r45 82 ohm 1/2w tx23 [ ] [ ] r46 10k trimpot m19 [ ] [ ] r47 10k g31 [ ] [ ] r48 10k g33 [ ] [ ] r49 10k m9b [ ] [ ] r50 10k m9a [ ] [ ] r51 47k m10 [ ] [ ] r52 10k g27 [ ] [ ] r53 22k g21 [ ] [ ] r54 200 or 220 (1/2w) dr3 [ ] [ ] r55 10k g...

  • Page 59

    Fx 146 • 88 stage dr: receiver tuned rf input and preamp fx-146 • 59 [ ] [ ] r71 100k h22-h40 u6 counter input pulldowns [ ] [ ] r72 " " " [ ] [ ] r73 " " " [ ] [ ] r74 “ “ “ [ ] [ ] r77 " " " [ ] [ ] r78 " " " [ ] [ ] r79 " " " [ ] [ ] r80 " " " [ ] [ ] r81 " " " [ ] [ ] r82 " " " [ ] [ ] r83 " " "...

  • Page 60

    Fx 146 • 60 v: voltage regulators [ ] [ ] r103 47k g28 [ ] [ ] r104 10k g29 [ ] [ ] r105 100 ohm f16 [ ] [ ] r106 10k f15 [ ] [ ] r107 10k m35 [ ] [ ] r108 2 ohm b3 [ ] [ ] r109 47k b10 [ ] [ ] r110 10k tx12 [ ] [ ] r111 4.7k m25 [ ] [ ] r112 4.7k m29 [ ] [ ] r114 1k h3 [ ] [ ] r115 1k tx42 [ ] [ ] ...

  • Page 61

    Fx 146 • 86 frequency of the signal generator frequency plus 21.4 mhz. Because we have not yet constructed any of the input circuitry (stage dr), you would also hear any signal on the signal generator frequency minus 21.4 mhz. Fx-146 • 61 [ ] [ ] s1 on r7 (volume) a2 dc on-off [ ] [ ] s2 12 position...

  • Page 62

    Fx 146 • 62 the ramsey fx transceiver kit warranty please read carefully before calling or writing in about your kit. Most problems can be solved without contacting the factory! Notice that this is not a "fine print" warranty. We want you to understand your rights and ours too! All ramsey kits will ...

  • Page 63

    Fx 146 • 84 ? Cr11. Install c8, .1 uf disc capacitor (marked .1 or 104). ? Cr12. Install c13, .1 uf disc capacitor (marked .1 or 104). ? Cr13. Install c14, 27 pf disc capacitor (marked 27). ? Cr14. Install c26, .01 uf disc capacitor (marked .01 or 103). ? Cr15. Install c6, .1 uf disc capacitor (mark...

  • Page 64

    Fx 146 • 64 fx-146 transceiver assembly phase 1: circuit stages a through e-f fx-146 master parts list before beginning assembly, take some time to check and organize these kit components in such a way that you can find them easily and not lose any or confuse them. Leave parts supplied on tape strip...

  • Page 65

    Fx 146 • 82 "dr" of this project. The purpose of the "dr" circuitry is to filter out or at least diminish other signals while boosting signals in the 146 mhz region. 2. The first if converts the incoming 146.52 mhz signal down to 21.4 mhz. In order to do this job, the ic's 1st if mixer needs another...

  • Page 66

    Fx 146 • 66 ? 4 47 pf (c12,28,30,c31) ? 2 56 pf (c19,54) ? 10 100 pf (may be marked 100 or 101) (c17,20,22,25,32,35,45,46,47,50) additional dis c capacitors: ? 22 .001 uf (may be marked .001, 102 or 1nf) (c1,2,3,4,10,23,24,38,39,43,44,52,57,59,61,62,64,77,83,86,88,89) ? 16 .01uf (may be marked .01, ...

  • Page 67

    Fx 146 • 80 stage cr: fm receiver circuit dual conversion superhet with if filters fx-146 • 67 controls, hardware and misc.: ? 1 volume control potentiometer with switch (may be any value from 10k to 100k) (r7,s1) ? 1 10k squelch control potentiometer (r13) ? 1 12-position rotary switch (s2) ? 1 3.5...

  • Page 68

    Fx 146 • 68 very important pc board assembly information for a-l-l our builders! 1. Your fx- transceiver pc board is double-clad with plated- through holes. What this means in practice is that it is very important to select and install correct part values the first time around. This type of board ma...

  • Page 69

    Fx 146 • 78 ? B3. Install r108, 2 ohm (red-black-gold). ? B4. Install c33, .01 uf disc capcitor (marked .01 or 103). ? B5. Install c41, .1 uf disc capacitor (marked .1 or 104). ? B6. Install c34, 470 uf electrolytic. Watch out for correct polarity. ? B7. Similarly, install c29, 330 uf electrolytic. ...

  • Page 70

    Fx 146 • 70 21. Use the extra spaces provided throughout this manual to write down the details of any changes or revisions noted on additional sheets that may be supplied with your kit. 22. You will be installing various wires for switches, controls and jacks very early in the assembly procedure. Th...

  • Page 71

    Fx 146 • 76 stage b: receiver audio amplifier the secret to the fine performance of the lm380 audio amplifier lies in careful selection and physical positioning of the several external components required to complete its circuit. The lm380 is a self contained general purpose audio amplifier capable ...

  • Page 72

    Fx 146 • 72 stage a: dc power input regulation & distribution and packet radio i/o connector (j1) fx-146 • 75 ? A13. Install c2, .001 uf disc capacitor. It may be marked .001 or 1 nf or 102. (102 means a one, a zero and two zeros which equals: 1000 pf. 1000 pf is the same as .001 uf. This notation (...

  • Page 73

    Fx 146 • 74 ? A10. Study the pc board, locate the triangular set of 3 holes for vr2 (type 7805), and insert vr2 so that the flat metal tab side is toward the center of the board. Press vr2 in as far as it will go, solder and trim. ? A11. Near vr2, install c100, a 4.7 or 10 uf electrolytic, oriented ...