G6LBQ Multiband BitX Manual

BUILDING THE G6LBQ MULTIBAND BitX
21st January 2011
Construction of the G6LBQ Multi-band BitX is best done in stages as this will make
troubleshooting much easier as any faults during the build can be narrowed down to a particular
section.
First of all read all documentation and carry out an inventory of parts from the suggested “Bill Of
Materials”. During the build I will suggest alternative parts or component arrangements you can try
to overcome any component sourcing difficulties.
Please visit the BitX Yahoo Group and make sure you have the latest documentation before
commencing your build, the documentation is located in the “Files” section of the BitX Yahoo
group under folder name “G6LBQ – Bitx”.
If you are considering building the G6LBQ Multi-band BitX you can make your own PCB using
the Artwork located in my Yahoo Group BitX folder but I would highly recommend you purchase a
ready etched, screen printed, tinned and drilled PCB from Sunil Lakhani VU3SUA who can be
contacted via email: vu3sua@gmail.com. Sunil also has a website with other useful radio kits which
can be found at http://amateurradiokits.in/
Multiband BitX PCB From Sunil Lakhani
Note the PCB is perfectly rectangular and it is my poor attempt at photographing the PCB which
has distorted the aspect a little!
PAGE 1
A Fully Populated & Completed PCB
The above photo is of a fully populated, finished and working pcb.
PLEASE use this image as a component location/value reference along

with the individual construction stage images.
Pay attention in all the construction stages to the correct orientation of components.
There is a full PCB component layout image in the back of the manual
If you are building using a PCB from Sunil Lakhani there were some errors in the silkscreen
printing during the first production batch so please always use the latest documentation for
component locations and orientation.
IMPORTANT POWER SUPPLY NOTE
During the construction most build stages have some voltage tests you can carry out as a basic
check that the stage is functioning as expected. The voltages measure within this documentation
were all taken with the PCB powered from a power supply providing exactly 13.5 volts, depending
on the exact voltage of your own power supply the readings expected are likely to vary a little but
probably within 5% of the readings documented.
PAGE 2
Stage One - Fitting PCB jumper links
Install all wire jumpers (8 in total) onto the PCB board as illustrated below:
PAGE 3 Next Stage Two

Stage Two – RF Amplifier Section
Components list required for the RF amplifier section:
QUANTITY VALUE DESCRIPTION CODE FITTED

2 10 OHM 0.25W Resistor brn-blk-blk
2 100 OHM 0.25W Resistor brn-blk-brn
4 220 OHM 0.25W Resistor red-red-brn
2 1K 0.25W Resistor brn-blk-red
2 2K2 0.25W Resistor red-red-red
9 100NF (0.1uf) Capacitor 104
2 1N4148 Silicon Diode
1 2N3904 NPN Transistor
1 2SC2570A NPN Transistor
1 4 Pin Male Con 0.1 Pitch Con
Using the photograph below as an illustration fit all parts listed in the stage two components list.
Pay close attention to the orientation of the following components which must be fitted correctly:
2N3904, 2SC2570A & the two 1N4148 Diodes.
When installing the transistors note the flat side orientation, also the diodes must be mounted the
correct way!
If you are unable to source a 2SC2570A for Q1 it can be replaced with an MPSH10 transistor which
is in current production and pin for pin compatible.
PAGE 4 Continued
With all the components in place for stage two solder a 4 pin male PCB 0.1 pitch connector to
facilitate the power supply connections. Note you can of course omit the 0.1 connectors used
throughout the build process and solder all connection points straight to the PCB
DO NOT APPLY VOLTAGE TO THE RECEIVE AND

TRANSMIT POINTS SIMULTANEOUSLY!
Using a multimeter on a current measuring range of a few hundred milliamps
Connect the -VE supply rail to your power supply negative terminal and insert a multi-meter
between the +13.8 VOLTS FOR RECEIVE PCB connection point and your power supply positive
terminal, if everything is OK the measured current drawn in receive mode by Q1 stage should be
approximately 11 mA's.
Again using a multimeter on a current measuring range of a few hundred milliamps

between the +13.8 VOLTS FOR TRANSMIT PCB connection point and your power supply
positive terminal, if everything is OK the measured current drawn in transmit mode by Q10 stage
should be approximately 11 mA's.
Below is a chart showing the expected voltages present on the junctions of Q1 & Q10 transistors,
you can check these voltages against the chart and record your own readings for comparison and
future test purposes.
EXPECTED VOLTAGES FOR Q1 (2SC2570A) RECEIVE RF AMP STAGE

Expected Voltage Own Measured Voltage Reading Log
COLLECTOR 8.76
BASE 1.995
EMITTER 2.711
EXPECTED VOLTAGES FOR Q10 (2N3904) TRANSMIT RF AMP STAGE
COLLECTOR 8.69
EMITTER 2.008
BASE 2.703
PAGE 5 Next Stage Three

Stage Three – 1st IF RX Amplifier (Q2) & 2ND IF TX (Q9)
Components list required for the stage three IF amplifier sections:

2 2K2 0.25W Resistor red-red-red
Using the photograph below as an illustration fit all parts listed in the stage three components list.
2N3904's & the two 1N4148 Diodes.
PAGE 6 Continued
With all the components in place for stage three carry out the following checks to confirm the stage
is working correctly:


terminal, if everything is OK the measured current drawn in receive mode will be approximately 23
mA's, this is the total current now being drawn by Q2 the 1st IF Amplifier and Q1 the RF Amplifier
we assembled in stage 2.
Again using a multimeter on a current measuring range of a few hundred milliamps

positive terminal, if everything is OK the measured current drawn will be approximately 23 mA's,
this is the total current now being drawn by Q9 the 2nd IF Amplifier and Q10 the RF Amplifier we
assembled in stage 2.
Below is a chart showing the expected voltages present on the junctions of Q2 & Q9 transistors, you
can check these voltages against the chart and record your own readings for comparison and future
test purposes.
EXPECTED VOLTAGES FOR Q2 (2N3904) RECEIVE 1ST IF STAGE

EMITTER 1.99
BASE 2.71
COLLECTOR 8.74
EXPECTED VOLTAGES FOR Q9 (2N3904) TRANSMIT 2ND IF STAGE
EMITTER 1.97
BASE 2.7
COLLECTOR 8.76
PAGE 7 Next Stage Four

Stage Four – DDS/VFO Amplifier Driver For First mixer Stage
Components list required for the DDS/VFO amplifier section:

Using the photograph below as an illustration fit all parts listed in the stage four components list.
Pay close attention to the orientation of the 2N3904 transistor.
With all the components in place continue on with stage 5 and then we will do a joint testing of
stages 4 & 5
PAGE 8 Next Stage Five

Stage Five – 1st Mixer Section
Components list required for the 1st Mixer section:

1 ADE-1 Mixer
1 IC Socket Turned Pin Skt
The ADE-1 mixer was chosen as it is an inexpensive device and is specified to work as high as
500Mhz so in theory it ought to be possible to use the Multiband Bitx as the heart of a 6M or even
4M SSB transceiver.
As the ADE-1 is a surface mount device it will need converting to a through hole component for
this project. I found the best way to convert the ADE-1 to a through hole component was to simply
solder it to the top of a turned pin type IC socket but you can also fit veroboard type solder pins to
the PCB and then solder the ADE-1 straight onto the solder pins.
Care must be taken when soldering the ADE-1 to an IC socket or pins, use only a fine tipped
soldering iron and don’t apply excessive heat to the connections, solder one connection then let the
device cool down then move onto the next connection allowing a cool down period.
If using a turned pin IC socket as suggested prepare the IC socket by flooding the turned pins with
solder as per the illustration:
Solder the ADE-1 to the top of the IC socket being careful not to apply to much heat for too long a
period:
NOTE: You can use an 8 pin IC socket and instead of the 6 pin but you will have to cut off 2 of the
unused pins on the socket as the PCB only has holes for the six pins actually needed.
PAGE 9 Continued
Using the photograph below as an illustration fit all parts listed in the stage five's components list.
Pay close attention to the orientation of the ADE-1 device.
With all the components in place for stage four & five carry out the following checks to confirm
these stages are working correctly:

TRANSMIT POINTS FOR THIS TESTING PHASE!
Testing of stage four/five is similar to the previous testing phases but this time we need to connect
the power supply to the boards “All Time” +VE connection. The “All Time” supply point supplies
power to all stages that require power in both receive and transmit modes. The connection is
illustrated below:
PAGE 10 Continued
between the ALL TIME +Ve PCB connection point and your power supply positive terminal, if
everything is OK the measured current drawn should be approximately 43 mA's.
Below is a chart showing the expected voltages present on the junctions of Q3 transistors and ADE-
1 mixer device, you can check these voltages against the chart and record your own readings for
comparison and future test purposes.
EXPECTED VOLTAGES FOR Q3 (2N3904) DDS/VFO RF AMP STAGE

COLLECTOR 9.27
EMITTER 3.78
BASE 4.5
EXPECTED VOLTAGES FOR ADE-1 MIXER STAGE 1
PIN 1 9.26
PIN 6 9.26
PINS 2,3,4,5 0 Volts
PAGE 11 Next Stage Six

Stage SIX – 2ND IF Amplifier Receive Section
Components list required for the 2nd IF amplifier receive section:

1 15K 0.25W Resistor brn-green-orange
1 MC1350P Integrated Circuit
1 IC Holder 8 Pin 8 Pin DIL
1 60PF (optional) Murata Trimmer Brown
Using the photograph below as an illustration fit all parts listed in the stage six components list. Pay
close attention to the orientation of the MC1350P Integrated Circuit and 1N4148 Silicon Diode.
NOTE!
Transformer T1 is a 10.7Mhz IF transformer (recovered from an old CB Radio), it may or may not
be necessary to fit the 60PF brown coloured trimming capacitor in order to tune the IF coil, some IF
coils have an internal capacitor fitted so resonance may be achievable without the trimmer. The
60PF trimmer is manufactured by Murata, if it is not readily available from your own component
supplier you can substitute this for a more common 22PF trimmer and experiment by adding an
additional small parallel ceramic capacitor of a few picofarads & gradually increasing the value
until a peak in signal can be found by either adjusting T1 or the trimmer. The arrangement of T1 &
the trimmer capacitor should easily provide sufficient coverage for IF frequencies between 9 & 11
Mhz.
PAGE 12 Continued
If you decide to purchase a PCB from Sunil Lakhani I recommend you ask him if he can supply one
of the coils he uses in the bandpass filter from his 20Mtr BitX3 kit as this coil has been tested and
works fine along with an additional fixed value ceramic padding capacitor of 82PF.
As an alternative to the TOKO style IF can a very suitable coil can be wound on an Amidon toroid
type T37-2 (Red), wind 26 turns primary and 2 turns secondary using #24 or #26 gauge enamel
covered copper wire. The coil will need padding with a fixed ceramic capacitor of 33PF and the
installation of a 22PF trimmer for tuning:
With all the components in place for stage six carry out the following checks to confirm the stage is
working correctly:

terminal, if everything is OK the measured current drawn in receive mode will be approximately 37
mA's, this is the total current now being drawn by Q1 the RF Amplifier, Q2 the 1st IF Amplifier and
the completed stage six 2nd IF amplifier.
Below is a chart showing the expected voltages present on the MC1350P integrated circuit, you can
check these voltages against the chart and record your own readings for comparison and future test
purposes.
EXPECTED VOLTAGES FOR IC2 RECEIVE 2ND IF STAGE

PIN 1 & 2 11.3
PIN 3 & 7 Ground
PIN 4 3.86
PIN 5 5.65
PIN 6 3.86
PIN 8 11.3
PAGE 13 Next Stage Seven

Stage Seven – 1ST IF Amplifier Transmit Section
Components list required for the 1st IF amplifier transmit section:

1 4.7 OHM 0.25W Resistor yell-violet-gold
1 470 OHM 0.25W Resistor yell-violet-brown
1 1K Capacitor brn-blk-red
1 2K2 Capacitor red-red-red
Using the photograph below as an illustration fit all parts listed in the stage seven components list.
2N3904 transistor & 1N4148 silicon diode.
PAGE 14 Continued
With all the components in place for stage seven carry out the following checks to confirm the stage

positive terminal, if everything is OK the measured current drawn in transmit mode will be
approximately 32 mA's, this is the total current now being drawn by Q9 2nd IF Amplifier, Q10 RF
Amplifier & Q8 the 1st IF Amplifier.
Below is a chart showing the expected voltages present on transistor Q8 2N3904, you can check
these voltages against the chart and record your own readings for comparison and future test
purposes.
EXPECTED VOLTAGES FOR Q8 (2N3904) TRANSMIT 1ST IF STAGE

COLLECTOR 10.1
EMITTER 2.4
BASE 3.1
PAGE 15 Next Stage Eight

Stage Eight – 2ND Mixer Section
2nd
Components list required for the Mixer section:

1 ADE-1 Mixer
1 22 OHM 0.25W Resistor red-red-blk
2 220 OHM 0.25W Resistor red-red-brown
1 IC Socket Turned Pin Skt
As per stage five care must be taken when soldering the ADE-1 to the IC socket or pins, use only a
fine tipped soldering iron and don’t apply excessive heat to the connections, solder one connection
then let the device cool down then move onto the next connection allowing a cool down period.
Using the photograph below as an illustration fit all parts listed in stage eights components list. Pay
close attention to the orientation of the ADE-1 device.
That completes stage eight, there is no initial testing for this stage.
PAGE 16 Next Stage Nine

Stage Nine – Carrier Oscillator Section
Components list required for the carrier oscillator section:

1 5K6 0.25W Resistor grn-blu-red
1 120K 0.25W Resistor brn-red-yell
1 Carrier Xtal Freq To Suit IF
1 4.7uh Inductor
1 22PF Murata Trimmer Red
1 30PF Murata Trimmer Green
2 220PF NP0 Capacitor 221
2 47UF 50Volt Electrolytic Cap
1 78L09 Regulator
The carrier insertion oscillator comprises of a colpitts oscillator, buffer stage and switching
transistor for USB/LSB selection. The frequency of the carrier xtal will be dependant on the choice
of IF frequency used. Common IF frequencies for this project inc 9Mhz, 10Mhz, & 11Mhz
The components list for this stage details a 22 PF and 30PF trimming capacitors for the carrier
adjustments (USB/LSB) you can however use 22PF trimmers in both locations and add additional
padding capacitors to the trimmers if required. The PCB has additional pads/holes for fitting
padding capacitors should it be found necessary. If using a 22PF (Murata Red) trimmer in place of
the suggested Green 30PF trimmer you could try adding a 8.2PF NP0 type capacitors as padding.
PAGE 17 Continued
Using the photograph below as an illustration fit all parts listed in the section nine's components list
but do not fit Q4 the 2N3904 adjacent to the T1 2nd IF can just yet! Pay close attention to the
orientation of the 2N3904 transistors, 78L09 regulator & 47uf electrolytic capacitors.
Fit a 2 Pin PCB 0.1 pitch connector to facilitate the connection of a USB/LSB switch or omit and
hard wire a switch straight to the PCB after completion.
Unfortunately when drawing out the PCB for this project I made an error in the pad positions for
transistor Q4 so a little work around is required to correct this. Please take the remaining transistor
for Q4 location and sleeve the base and emitter legs with approximately 6mm of thin sleeving and
reform the transistor legs as shown and solder in place as above.
You may if you prefer substitute Q4 – 2N3904 for a general purpose silicon NPN transistor with
pin-outs to match the PCB pads/holes.
PAGE 18 Continued
With all the components in place for stage nine carry out the following checks to confirm the stage

everything is OK the measured current drawn in receive mode will be approximately 53 mA's, this
is the total current now being drawn by Q3 transistors, ADE-1 mixer number 1, Q5 & Q6 the carrier
oscillator and buffer amp transistors.
If you have a frequency counter you can connect this to the emitter junction of Q6 or 0.1uf mixer
coupling capacitor and check that the oscillator is running.
Below is a chart showing the expected voltages present on the 78L09 regulator and the junctions of
Q5, Q6 & Q4 transistors, you can check these voltages against the chart and record your own
readings for comparison and future test purposes.
EXPECTED VOLTAGES FOR 78L09 REGULATOR

OUTPUT PIN 8.9
EXPECTED VOLTAGES FOR Q5 (2N3904) OSCILLATOR

COLLECTOR 8.07
EMITTER 4.3
BASE 4.6
EXPECTED VOLTAGES FOR Q6 (2N3904) OSCILLATOR BUFFER STAGE
COLLECTOR 8.07
EMITTER 3.9
BASE 4.29
EXPECTED VOLTAGES FOR Q4 (2N3904) USB/LSB SWITCH
COLLECTOR 0 Volts or millivolts.
EMITTER Later when the
USB/LSB switch is
BASE fitted voltages will
depend on switch
position!
PAGE 19 Next Stage Ten

Stage Ten – Audio Output Amplifier
Components list required for the audio output section:

1 2R7 OHM 0.25W Resistor red-vio-gold
1 4k7 0.25W Resistor yell-vio-red
1 120K 0.25W Resistor brn-red-yell
3 100uf 25Volt Electrolytic Cap
1 LM380-8 Integrated Circuit
1 IC Socket 8 Pin DIL
1 78L09 Regulator
1 4k7 Potentiometer
Using the photograph below as an illustration fit all parts listed in the stage Ten's components list.
Pay close attention to the orientation of the 2N3904 transistor, 1N4148 silicon diode, LM380-8
integrated circuit & all electrolytic capacitors.
PAGE 20 Continued
Fit a 5 Pin & 2 Pin PCB 0.1 pitch connectors to the PCB to facilitate the connection of the 4K7
volume control and speaker, if you are not using the 0.1 PCB connectors make some temporary
connections so the stage can be tested.
Refer to the final connections and wiring illustration at the end of the manual for details on
connecting the 4K7 volume control and speaker.
With all the components in place for stage ten carry out the following checks to confirm the stage is
working correctly:

terminal, if everything is OK the measured current drawn in receive mode will be approximately
54mA's, this is the total current now being drawn by Q1 the RF Amplifier, Q2 the 1st IF Amplifier,
IC2 the 2nd IF amplifier and IC1/Q7 Audio output Stage.
If the current consumption test is OK it should be possible to hear a gentle hiss in the loudspeaker.
Below is a chart showing the expected voltages present on the LM380-8 integrated circuit and Q7
2N3904 transistor, you can check these voltages against the chart and record your own readings for
comparison and future test purposes.
EXPECTED VOLTAGES FOR Q7 (2N3904) AUDIO OUTPUT DRIVER

COLLECTOR 1.68
EMITTER 0
BASE 0.7
EXPECTED VOLTAGES ON LM380-8 AUDIO OUTPUT IC
PIN 1 0
PIN 2,4 & 5 Ground
PIN 3 0
PIN 6 6.17
PIN 7 12.57
PIN 8 6.35
PAGE 21 Next Stage Eleven

Stage Eleven – AGC & S-Meter
Components list required for the AGC & S-Meter section:

4 10K 0.25W Resistor brn-blk-ora
1 100K 0.25W Resistor brn-blk-yell
2 150K 0.25W Resistor brn-grn-yell
1 270K 0.25W Resistor red-vio-yell
1 1M2 0.25W brn-red-grn
3 50K Preset 503
1 10K Preset 103
1 5K Preset 502
2 2.2UF 50Volt Electrolytic Cap
1 LM324 Integrated Circuit
Using the photograph below as an illustration fit all parts listed in the stage eleven components list.
Pay close attention to the orientation of the 1N4148 silicon diode, LM324 integrated circuit & all
electrolytic capacitors.
PAGE 22 Continued
If you are using the 0.1 PCB connectors fit a 3 Pin & 2 of 2 Pin type to facilitate the connections of
the AGC line to the 2nd IF stage, AGC speed switch and S-Meter. if you are not using the 0.1 PCB
connectors and hard wiring you can ignore these connection points for now.
With all the components in place for stage eleven carry out the following checks to confirm the
stage is working correctly:

everything is OK the measured current drawn in receive mode will be approximately 57mA's, this
is the total current now being drawn by Q3 DDS/VFO amp, ADE-1 mixer number 1, Q5 & Q6
carrier oscillator/ buffer transistors and IC4 the AGC/S-Meter circuit.
EXPECTED VOLTAGES ON LM324 AGC IC

PIN 4 13.25
PIN 11 Ground
The voltages on the other pins of the LM324 will be very much dependant on the alignment of the
47K pre-set connected to pin 3 of the LM324 via 150K resistor, referring to the layout photo on the
previous page this is the bottom left pre-set. A preliminary adjustment of this pre-set can be made
which will also help to confirm the AGC circuit is working and also set the threshold level.
With your multimeter connected to PIN3 of LM324 adjust the 50K pre-set for a reading of 4 volts.
The 10K pre-set will be adjusted later on in the alignment section.
PAGE 23 Next Stage Twelve

Stage Twelve – Microphone Pre-Amp
Components list required for the Microphone Pre-Amp section:

3 10K 0.25W Resistor brn-blk-ora
1 100K 0.25W Resistor brn-blk-yell
1 50K Preset 503
1 NE5534 Integrated Circuit
Using the photograph below as an illustration fit all parts listed in the stage twelve components list.
Pay close attention to the orientation of the NE5534 integrated circuit & all electrolytic capacitors.
There is actually a rogue resistor in this stage! The 220 OHM shown on the photo is a remnant from
my experimenting and is not needed but you will need to fit a wire link in its place!
PAGE 24 Continued
The NE5534 Op-Amp IC is a low noise device but you can substitute this for any general purpose
Op-Amp like the LM741.
There is a 50K pre-set for adjusting the microphone gain of the Op-Amp but depending on your
choice of microphone you may need to experiment with the gain of the Op-Amp by changing the
value of the feedback control resistor 100K between pins 2 & 6.
If you are using the 0.1 PCB connectors fit a 2 Pin type to facilitate the connections of the
microphone. If you are not using the 0.1 PCB connectors and hard wiring you can ignore this
connection point for now.
With all the components in place for stage eleven carry out the following checks to confirm the

approximately 36 mA's, this is the total current now being drawn by Q10 RF Amplifier, Q9 2nd IF
Amplifier, Q8 1st IF Amplifier and IC3 Microphone Pre-Amplifier
Below is a chart showing the expected voltages present on the NE5534 integrated circuit, you can
check these voltages against the chart and record your own readings for comparison and future test
purposes.
EXPECTED VOLTAGES FOR IC3 MICROPHONE PRE-AMPLIFIER

NOTE: Voltages measured with 50K gain pre-set in mid position
PIN 1 10.77
PIN 2 6.27
PIN 3 6.53
PIN 4 Ground
PIN 5 5.9
PIN 6 6.56
PIN 7 13.02
PAGE 25 Next Stage Thirteen

Stage Thirteen – RF Driver Section
Components list required for the RF Driver transmit section:

1 2k2 0.25W Resistor red-red-red
1 FT37-43 Amidon Toroid
T2 transformer is made using an Amidon FT37-43 core. Wind 8 bifilar turns on the core using 0.28
(0.25 – 0.29mm will do) enamel covered copper wire as per the illustration:
The coil should take about 6 – 7 inches max of wire, 1 turn on the toroid is equal to 1 pass through
the centre.
PAGE 26 Continued
Using the photograph below as an illustration fit all parts listed in the stage thirteen components list,
Pay close attention to the orientation of the 2N3904 transistor.
If you are using the 0.1 PCB connectors fit 4 of the 2 Pin type to facilitate the connections of the
Bandpass Filter, Receive Antenna Point, TX PA Module. If you are not using the 0.1 PCB
connectors and hard wiring you can ignore this connection point for now.
With all the components in place for stage Thirteen carry out the following checks to confirm the

approximately 65 mA's, this is the total current now being drawn by Q10 RF Amplifier, Q9 2nd IF
Amplifier, Q8 1st IF Amplifier, IC3 Microphone Pre-Amplifier and Q11 RF Amplifier.
PAGE 27 Continued
Below is a chart showing the expected voltages present on Q11 2N3904 , you can check these
voltages against the chart and record your own readings for comparison and future test purposes.
EXPECTED VOLTAGES FOR Q11 (2N3904) RF AMPLIFIER

COLLECTOR 10.55
EMITTER 2.53
BASE 3.23
PAGE 28 Next Stage Fourteen

Stage Fourteen – IF Xtal Filter Section
The BitX transceiver is usually constructed with a ladder type xtal filter using 10 or 11Mhz xtals but
for convenience I built my prototype PCB with a xtal filter salvaged from a scrap CB Radio along
with the 10.692Mhz carrier oscillator xtal, trimmer capacitors and the 4.7uh series inductor. The
filter is usually found in the range of Ham International CB radios or those using the same chassis.
The markings on the filter are “MCF SCM-107”.
If you prefer to build the BitX multi-band with the standard ladder filter you can use my little add-
on PCB.
Crystal Filter Artwork G6LBQ 17/12/2010
PCB dimensions = 32MM by 20MM
NOTE: Artwork looking at top of PCB or component side!
A Ready Made PCB Is Available From Sunil Lakhani vu3sua@gmail.com
Artwork for the PCB is also available at the BitX Yahoo group in the “Files” section under folder
name “G6LBQ – Bitx”.
PAGE 29 Continued
The picture below shows a close up of the multi-band BitX with the ex CB Radio commercial filter
fitted:
If you intend using the standard BitX ladder filter arrangement with the additional drop-in PCB you
will have to remove the two 18PF capacitors as illustrated, these capacitors are only required for the
commercial filter option.
This PCB is for the standard BITX ladder crystal filter comprising of 4 crystals and 3 capacitors,
once constructed this PCB can be fitted to G6LBQ Multi band BitX in place of the commercial
filter used.. The PCB is constructed as per my diagram below and drops straight into the multi-band
PCB using stiff wire connections which form a PCB stand-off.
The PCB layout is not to scale and is for illustration only. The five green pads are the connection
points made to multi-band BitX PCB using stiff wire stand-offs. These connection points line up
with the crystal filter holes on multi-band Bitx board.
PAGE 30 Next wiring diagram

PCB Wiring Diagram
PAGE 31 Next schematic diagram

Schematic Diagram
PAGE 32 Next Alignment Details

Alignment of the Multiband BitX
IF Section
The main receive section has only one adjustment which is the trimmer capacitor across IF coil T1,
adjust for maximum signal, be careful not to adjust the IF so it becomes unstable, if you find a point
when adjusting the trimmer that the MC1350 becomes unstable back the trimmer off a little.
Carrier Oscillator (BFO)
The adjustment to the carrier oscillator frequency will depend on the choice of IF frequency
selected. With a ladder filter arrangement the easiest way to align the oscillator is to tune to a
known frequency/signal on another receiver/transceiver and make adjustments for both USB and
LSB modes. If using the CB Radio type filter adjust for 10.692Mhz and 10.695Mhz.
AGC Circuit
The AGC should have had a preliminary adjustment at the stage eleven testing stage (adjustment of
50K pre-set for 4 volts on pin3 of LM324)
Adjust the AGC gain to suit or set the pre-set as per the above image as a starting point and make
fine adjustment if required.
Microphone Gain
Adjust the 50K pre-set adjacent to the NE5534 Op-amp for a clean SSB signal.
PAGE 33 Continued
S-Meter Adjustment
There are two pre-set adjustments in the S-Meter circuit, the 5K pre-set is used to zero the meter
whilst the 50K pre-set is used to adjust the meter level.
First of all make sure there is no antenna connected to the BitX and turn the 50K “Set Level” pre-
set fully clockwise, now adjust the 5K “Set Zero” pre-set so the meter needle just reaches zero. The
adjustment to set the S-meter level can now be performed by adjusting the 50K pre-set against a
known signal using another receiver/transceiver or by using a signal generator and adjusting for an
S9 signal with 50 microvolts input.
NOTE
The S-Meter used is a 200uA type but there should be enough adjustment available for other signal
level and VU meters
PAGE 34 Next full Bill Of Materials

G6LBQ MULTIBAND BITX BILL OF MATERIALS
Last Updated On January 7th 2011
# COMPONENT QTY DESCRIPTION
DIODES
1 1N4148 10 General Purpose Silicon Diode
TRANSISTORS
1 2SC2570A 1 NPN Transistor Low Noise High Frequency RF Amp
2 2N3904 10 NPN Transistor TO92
INTERGRATED CIRCUITS
1 LM380-8 1 8 Pin DIP Audio Amplifier
2 MC1350P 1 8 Pin DIP IF Amplifier With AGC
3 LM324 1 14 Pin DIP Quad Op Amplifier (AGC Control circuit)
4 NE5534 1 8 Pin DIP Op Amplifier (Microphone Amp) Low Noise
MIXER COMPONENTS
1 ADE-1 2 MiniCircuits 6 Pin Frequency Mixer (Usually available on E-bay!)
2 6 PIN IC Sockets 2 6 Pin Turned Pin IC Sockets For Mounting ADE-1's
ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITORS
1 100UF 25 VOLT 5 Radial Electrolytic Capacitor
2 47UF 25 or 35 VOLT 4 Radial Electrolytic Capacitor
5 2.2UF 50 or 63 VOLT 2 Radial Electrolytic Capacitor
MULTILAYER CERAMIC CAPACITORS
1 100NF 50 VOLT 36 Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor 5mm 50 VOLT X7R
2 10NF 50 VOLT 4 Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor 5mm 50 VOLT X7R
3 10NF 63 VOLT 1 Polyester Film (Used for AGC Feed To LM324)
CERAMIC NPO CAPACITORS
1 18PF NPO 2 Ceramic NPO Capacitors Only Needed With CB Radio Xtal Filter
2 220PF NPO 2 Ceramic NPO Capacitor 5mm 50/100 VOLT
TRIMMING CAPACITORS See additional construction notes regarding choice of trimmers, usage & alternatives with padding!
1 9 To 60PF 1 Murata Brown 5MM 9/60PF (Used to provide additional tuning to IF coil)
2 5.2 To 30PF 1 Murata Green 5MM 5.2/30PF (Used to tune Carrier Xtal)
3 4.2 To 20PF 1 Murata Red 5MM 4.2/20PF (Used to tune Carrier Xtal)
TRIMMING POTENTIOMETERS
1 50k OR 47k Preset 3 6MM TruOhm Cermet Type or any with 5mm spaced pins
2 10K Preset 1 6MM TruOhm Cermet Type or any with 5mm spaced pins
3 4K7 or 5K Preset 1 6mm TruOhm Cermet Type or any with 5mm spaced pins
RESISTORS 0.25W
1 2R7 1 0.25W Axial Resistor
2 4R7 1 0.25W Axial Resistor
3 22R 1 0.25W Axial Resistor
8 1K 11 0.25W Axial Resistor
9 2K2 6 0.25W Axial Resistor
18 1M2 1 0.25W Axial Resistor
CRYSTAL
1 Carrier Crystal 1 10.692 MHZ Ex CB Radio SSB Carrier Crystal. See Notes For Alternative
2 Crystal Filter 10.695 MHZ Ex CB Radio SSB Crystal Filter. See Notes For Alternative
INDUCTORS
1 4.7uh Inductor 1 RF inductor 4.7uh (You may need to vary this value to pull carrier xtal)
2 IF Transformer 1 IF Transformer (Use old CB Radio IF can from 10.7 stage) or See Notes
3 FT37-43 1 Amidon FT37-43 Core for winding PA driver transformer.
NYLON CONNECTORS & CRIMP PINS
1 2 PIN MALE 10 2 Pin PCB Male Connectors 0.1” Spacing With locking Ramp
2 2 PIN FEMALE 10 2 Pin Female Connectors 0.1” Spacing With locking Ramp
9 Crimp Pins 32 Crimp Pins for The Female connectors
PCB
1 Main PCB 1 Main PCB Either Etch or purchase from Sunil: vu3sua@gmail.com
OPTIONAL LADDER XTAL FILTER COMPONENTS

1 Xtals 10MHZ 4 Set of 4 matched xtals to form IF filter as oppose to CB style filter
Please contact Sunil: vu3sua@gmail.com for a matched set!
2 Carrier Xtal 1 Carrier crystal to suit IF crystal filter frequency.
5 Ladder Filter PCB 1 Optional PCB for Ladder Filter, drops straight into main PCB
PAGE 35 Lastly a full page component layout

G6LBQ Multiband BitX Manual

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G6LBQ Multiband BitX Manual

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BUILDING THE G6LBQ MULTIBAND BitX

21st January 2011

Multiband BitX PCB From Sunil Lakhani

The above photo is of a fully populated, finished and working pcb.

PLEASE use this image as a component location/value reference along

IMPORTANT POWER SUPPLY NOTE

PAGE 3 Next Stage Two

Components list required for the RF amplifier section:

QUANTITY VALUE DESCRIPTION CODE FITTED

DO NOT APPLY VOLTAGE TO THE RECEIVE AND

Again using a multimeter on a current measuring range of a few hundred milliamps

EXPECTED VOLTAGES FOR Q1 (2SC2570A) RECEIVE RF AMP STAGE

PAGE 5 Next Stage Three

Components list required for the stage three IF amplifier sections:

QUANTITY VALUE DESCRIPTION CODE FITTED

DO NOT APPLY VOLTAGE TO THE RECEIVE AND

Using a multimeter on a current measuring range of a few hundred milliamps

Again using a multimeter on a current measuring range of a few hundred milliamps

EXPECTED VOLTAGES FOR Q2 (2N3904) RECEIVE 1ST IF STAGE

PAGE 7 Next Stage Four

Components list required for the DDS/VFO amplifier section:

QUANTITY VALUE DESCRIPTION CODE FITTED

PAGE 8 Next Stage Five

Components list required for the 1st Mixer section:

QUANTITY VALUE DESCRIPTION CODE FITTED

DO NOT APPLY VOLTAGE TO THE RECEIVE AND

EXPECTED VOLTAGES FOR Q3 (2N3904) DDS/VFO RF AMP STAGE

PAGE 11 Next Stage Six

Components list required for the 2nd IF amplifier receive section:

QUANTITY VALUE DESCRIPTION CODE FITTED

DO NOT APPLY VOLTAGE TO THE RECEIVE AND

EXPECTED VOLTAGES FOR IC2 RECEIVE 2ND IF STAGE

PAGE 13 Next Stage Seven

Components list required for the 1st IF amplifier transmit section:

QUANTITY VALUE DESCRIPTION CODE FITTED

DO NOT APPLY VOLTAGE TO THE RECEIVE AND

EXPECTED VOLTAGES FOR Q8 (2N3904) TRANSMIT 1ST IF STAGE

PAGE 15 Next Stage Eight

QUANTITY VALUE DESCRIPTION CODE FITTED

PAGE 16 Next Stage Nine

Components list required for the carrier oscillator section:

QUANTITY VALUE DESCRIPTION CODE FITTED

DO NOT APPLY VOLTAGE TO THE RECEIVE AND

EXPECTED VOLTAGES FOR 78L09 REGULATOR

EXPECTED VOLTAGES FOR Q5 (2N3904) OSCILLATOR

PAGE 19 Next Stage Ten

Components list required for the audio output section:

QUANTITY VALUE DESCRIPTION CODE FITTED

DO NOT APPLY VOLTAGE TO THE RECEIVE AND

EXPECTED VOLTAGES FOR Q7 (2N3904) AUDIO OUTPUT DRIVER

PAGE 21 Next Stage Eleven

Components list required for the AGC & S-Meter section:

QUANTITY VALUE DESCRIPTION CODE FITTED

DO NOT APPLY VOLTAGE TO THE RECEIVE AND

EXPECTED VOLTAGES ON LM324 AGC IC

The 10K pre-set will be adjusted later on in the alignment section.

PAGE 23 Next Stage Twelve

Components list required for the Microphone Pre-Amp section:

QUANTITY VALUE DESCRIPTION CODE FITTED

DO NOT APPLY VOLTAGE TO THE RECEIVE AND

EXPECTED VOLTAGES FOR IC3 MICROPHONE PRE-AMPLIFIER

PAGE 25 Next Stage Thirteen

Components list required for the RF Driver transmit section: