I searched for possible descriptions in the feed without finding anything helpful, hence my appeal for help:

 

Have been using my uBitX v6 for a about 2 years with no issues. The N8ME/VU3GAO firmware was loaded shortly after the rig was completed.

Hooked up the radio today and began to use it. It worked fine and initially I could bring up the CFG - configuration screen. After adjusting couple of parameters, I dropped back to use it and it would no longer transmit no could I tune frequency. When I tried to go back into the config configuration menu - the screen went white, I could hear receive audio, but I could not get get back to the main screen until after the rig is powered off and back on. Starting the rig back up brings up the main screen, but the rig can't be tuned, and will not transmit. The receiver does work on the last frequency I tuned.

 

Can the Arduino be reset or is this something that will require a reload of the firmware?

 

Thanks for any suggestions that will get this little gem back working again.

 

Jack - KD4IZ

Parkton, MD

 

A quick amendment: I can tune up, transmit, and change frequency while the main screen is displayed after a clean start up. The rig just becomes locked up when I try to bring up the config screen. I do receive audio while the "white screen" is displayed. Just can't transmit or back out of the white screen.

 

Jack - KD4IZ

 

Hey Jack! Perhaps the software has become corrupted. Try reloading the N8ME/VU3GAO file or an alternative like Reed's software.

 

=Vic=

73 Dave WD8AJQ

SE 

Hi Jack,

I'd first rule out mechanical / interconnect issues between the display and the Raduino board.  Your described symptoms seem to, at least loosely, correlate with you physically pushing on the touchscreen.  A connection may become momentarily open or higher resistance.  The display module is not tolerant to over voltages on the SPI bus.  A power droop to the display may create a respective overvoltage and thus a white screen.

 

Regards,

Gary

 

 

 

Thanks for all the words of wisdom provided.

@Gary, the interconnections are fine with the radino and the display. Double checked anyway, but the display and the basic (top) control screen were working - pretty good indication it was in the firmware. The uBitX only white screened on me when I tried to enter config menu. It was the firmware.

@Vic and David: So I finally got a chance to reload the original v6 firmware. It worked, as did another "optimized" variant of the original. So I loaded the Reed version. It is simple, clean, and worked like a charm down through all the setup menus. I stay with it.

I might go back and reload the N8ME/VU3GAO version from source in the future and see if it recompiles, loads and behaves, but I don't really see much of an advantage just now.

CW appeared good. I still need to test the voice side - I may get with Vic on our 40M net (ECARS) and see how the Reed firmware does there.

 

Jack - KD4IZ

Good news, Jack! I like Reed's software better after trying others and have installed it in a couple of other V6 uBitXs for friends.

 

=Vic=

Jack, Glad you got your issue resolved.  BTW, I also use Reed's very well coded and solid firmware.  I have only made some simple customizations/personalization to it. 

Regards,

Gary