Difference between revisions of "UHF R0 Receiver"

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'''WORK IN PROGRESS, DRAFT, DO NOT USE!!!!!!'''
 
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This page covers the UHF Range 0 receiver.  This is a newer design that covers all of R1 (403-433) and the federal band at 380 MHz.   
 
This page covers the UHF Range 0 receiver.  This is a newer design that covers all of R1 (403-433) and the federal band at 380 MHz.   
  
Line 49: Line 47:
 
|}
 
|}
  
 +
== Schematics ==
  
−
The service manual excerpt is in PDF and below.
+
The service manual excerpt is in PDF and below. '''Note the service manual says there are 12 sheets of diagrams, but only has 11.  It looks to be correct.'''
  
 
[[media:UHF Range 0 CRX4022 Service Manual Excerpt.pdf|UHF Range 0 CRX4022 Service Manual Excerpt]]
 
[[media:UHF Range 0 CRX4022 Service Manual Excerpt.pdf|UHF Range 0 CRX4022 Service Manual Excerpt]]
Line 56: Line 55:
 
In PNG format.
 
In PNG format.
 
<gallery heights=100px widths=100px mode="packed">
 
<gallery heights=100px widths=100px mode="packed">
−
UHF Receiver Models TRE6281-TRE6282-TRE6283-TRE6284-1.png|Schematic Sheet 1 of 4
+
UHF_Range_0_CRX4022_Service_Manual_Excerpt-1.png|Schematic Sheet 1
−
UHF Receiver Models TRE6281-TRE6282-TRE6283-TRE6284-2.png|Schematic Sheet 2 of 4
+
UHF_Range_0_CRX4022_Service_Manual_Excerpt-2.png|Schematic Sheet 2
−
UHF Receiver Models TRE6281-TRE6282-TRE6283-TRE6284-3.png|Schematic Sheet 3 of 4
+
UHF_Range_0_CRX4022_Service_Manual_Excerpt-3.png|Schematic Sheet 3
−
UHF Receiver Models TRE6281-TRE6282-TRE6283-TRE6284-4.png|Schematic Sheet 4 of 4
+
UHF_Range_0_CRX4022_Service_Manual_Excerpt-4.png|Schematic Sheet 4
 +
UHF_Range_0_CRX4022_Service_Manual_Excerpt-5.png|Schematic Sheet 5
 +
UHF_Range_0_CRX4022_Service_Manual_Excerpt-6.png|Schematic Sheet 6
 +
UHF_Range_0_CRX4022_Service_Manual_Excerpt-7.png|Schematic Sheet 7
 +
UHF_Range_0_CRX4022_Service_Manual_Excerpt-8.png|Schematic Sheet 8
 +
UHF_Range_0_CRX4022_Service_Manual_Excerpt-9.png|Schematic Sheet 9
 +
UHF_Range_0_CRX4022_Service_Manual_Excerpt-10.png|Schematic Sheet 10
 +
UHF_Range_0_CRX4022_Service_Manual_Excerpt-11.png|Schematic Sheet 11
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
== VCO's ==
 
== VCO's ==
  
−
Note on the schematic the VCO high and Low are reversed.  This seems to be a recurring theme in the Quantar manuals.
+
There are two VCO's each running 73.35 MHz higher than the operating frequency.  The low covers 380-406.5 Receive, 453.35-479.85 operating, and the high covers 406.5125-433 receive, 479.8625-506.35 operating.  
−
[[File:UHF Receiver Models TRE6281-TRE6282-TRE6283-TRE6284 VCO correction schematic.png|thumb|Reversed VCO's]]
 
  
−
There are two VCO's.  A low covers 380-406.5 Receive, 453.35-479.85 operating, and a high covers 406.5125-433 receive, 479.8625-506.35 operating.  
+
Each VCO consists of ceramic coaxial resonator shorted at one end as the inductive component and a laser trimmed tuning capacitor.  The schematic matches the board, as Low and High are not reversed like in the R1-R4 receivers. Test point p2201 can be used to connect steering and vco select voltages to the board for testing.
  
 
As the VCO runs at 73.35 MHz higher than the intended receive frequency the VCO will expect to lock over the following ranges.  The ideal spot for the VCO to operate is between 2 and 10 Volts highlighted in pink below.  This steering voltage width differs from the other UHF receiver modules, due to each VCO needing to cover almost two times the range.
 
As the VCO runs at 73.35 MHz higher than the intended receive frequency the VCO will expect to lock over the following ranges.  The ideal spot for the VCO to operate is between 2 and 10 Volts highlighted in pink below.  This steering voltage width differs from the other UHF receiver modules, due to each VCO needing to cover almost two times the range.
Line 104: Line 109:
  
  
−
The VCO is much like the VCO in the exciter, a sealed unit with no further diagram available from the factory.
+
The advantage to the R0 VCO is it's not a sealed unit, and Motorola provides the complete schematic diagram.  Note on the picture below, the higher VCO will have the shorter resonator (U2250)
  
−
<gallery heights=100px widths=100px mode="packed-hover">
+
<gallery heights=300px widths=300px mode="packed-hover">
−
UHF R2 RX VCO Case on.jpg|UHF R2 RX VCO Case on
+
R0_VCO_up_close_post_mod.jpg|UHF R0 VCO after mod to R2
−
UHF R2 RX VCO case off.jpg|UHF R2 RX VCO case off
 
−
RX VCO case off up close.jpg|UHF R2 VCO Close up
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
= Conversions =
 
= Conversions =
  
−
Converting the boards
+
'''This is a mostly complete final Draft'''  It should be usable for converting R0 units to R2, and provide a general overview of the process.  I've only converted one R0 to R2, but found it to be easier than the R1 to R2 conversion.
  
−
== R1 to R2 ==
+
As always if you find anything wrong, please edit it or contact me directly.  If you use these instructions please drop me a note [mailto:bryan@bryanfields.net bryan@bryanfields.net].
  
−
The basic premise of converting the R1 to a R2 is four major parts:
+
Converting the boards to different ranges.  Only R0 to R2 has been preformed, but the others should work almost the same.
 +
 
 +
The basic premise of converting the receiver to another range consists of these four major parts:
 
* Convert the VCO for the proper frequency coverage
 
* Convert the VCO for the proper frequency coverage
 
* Modify the Image filter
 
* Modify the Image filter
Line 124: Line 129:
 
* Modify preselector
 
* Modify preselector
  
−
It's important to have a known good working unit on R1 before starting work.  If it is not working at it's intended frequency, fix it first.   
+
 
 +
== R0 to R1 ==
 +
 
 +
Change the module ID.  The unit should work fine as an R1.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
== R0 to R2 ==
 +
 
 +
It's important to have a known good working unit on R0 before starting work.  If it is not working at it's intended frequency, fix it first.   
  
 
It would be good to become very familiar with the schematic and service manual before attempting this.
 
It would be good to become very familiar with the schematic and service manual before attempting this.
Line 140: Line 153:
 
=== Converting VCO ===
 
=== Converting VCO ===
  
−
IC2200 is a sealed unit containing two VCO's.  
+
The VCO is consisits of the coaxial resonators and LASER cut tuning caps.  Each is shorted at one end and open at the other forming a high Q inductor.  
  
−
Check out the schematic! The Diagram is wrong when it shows the upper and lower VCO!
+
First we'll need to remove both coaxial resonators, and move the upper one to the lower position.  This is best done by preheating the board using an under-board preheater at 460f.
  
−
[[File:UHF Receiver Models TRE6281-TRE6282-TRE6283-TRE6284 VCO correction schematic.png|thumb|Reversed VCO's]]
+
[[File:Board_Preheater.jpg|thumb|Underboard pre-heater]]
−
 
 
−
The VCO substrate is ceramic, and sensitive to thermal shock, so be careful about this, as it will crack.  I prefer to leave the VCO in place attached to the pins supporting it on the main PCB while working on it.  To do this means the copper case must come off in one piece with out letting the board drop from the pins.  Obviously the problem with this is to get the VCO hot enough to remove the case will cause the pins to reflow as well.
 
−
 
 
−
Prior to preheating I fashion supports out of aluminum foil or other material and jam them between the PCB and the underside of the VCO. I find one at the bottom middle and two on the top corners is sufficient.  It's important there be some slight upward tension on the PCB from these supports.  This will prevent the VCO board from falling off it's pins when removing the shield.
 
  
 
Once this is done, mask off the area using hole cut in some foil. This is a heat shield for the other parts of the board. Some times you need to use kapton tape to secure the foil in place.
 
Once this is done, mask off the area using hole cut in some foil. This is a heat shield for the other parts of the board. Some times you need to use kapton tape to secure the foil in place.
  
−
[[File:UHF RX prepped for desoldering.jpg|thumb|UHF RX prepped for desoldering]]
+
Once you have this preheated for a few minutes, use the hot air wand with no tip 15 L/m and 650f on the shield.  Move it in a circular pattern while waiting on it to reflow.  
  
−
Setup the board with an under board pre-heater set to 460f. This is important as you want the board to warm up to close to the melting point of solder.  Then the hot air wand will heat it the rest of the way.
+
I find it's easier to remove the lower resonator first, and set it aside. Once this is done, remove the upper resonator and while the board is still warm, apply some flux and reflow it in the lower (U2201) position.
  
−
[[File:Board_Preheater.jpg|thumb|Underboard pre-heater]]
 
  
−
Once you have this preheated for a few minutes, use the hot air wand with no tip  15 L/m and 650f on the shield.  Move it in a circular pattern while waiting on it to reflow.  A dental pick is a good test for reflow, be aware the solder will not all flow at the same time.
+
While the VCO cools down, attach some teast leads to the following points
 +
* Ground
 +
* +10v VCO power
 +
* VCO select
 +
* Variable PS (0-12v) to the steering line.
  
−
Once it's flowed while keeping the heat moving on the VCO case, pull the case straight up with some needle nose pliers.  The case should come clean off, though you may need to rock it back and forth a bit.
+
[[File:R0_RX_VCO_modification_points.png|center|thumb|widths=300px|heights=300px|UHF R0 RX VCO test points]]
−
Careful you don't disturb any of the VCO parts, as they will most likely be reflowed. If you do, don't panic, just look at the before picture and put everything back to how it was on the VCO. It's a pretty easy circuit to figure out.
 
  
−
Now the VCO should be exposed and you can tack on some test wires to it while it cools down.
+
=== Low VCO ===
  
−
[[File:UHF_RX_VCO_hooked_up_for_mod.png|center|thumb|widths=300px|heights=300px|UHF RX VCO test points]]
+
Hook up to the VCO as shown, we'll do the Low VCO first since it's got a resonator in it.
  
−
Hook up to the VCO as shown, we'll do the Low VCO first.
+
* 10v to power the VCO
−
 
+
* ground the VCO select via 1k resistor to select lower VCO
−
* 8.5 V power to high and low VCO (not at the same time).
 
 
* 0-12 V on the steering line.
 
* 0-12 V on the steering line.
 
* output loops of wire on the VCO output. These are to be looped around a probe and into a spectrum analyzer to view the output.  
 
* output loops of wire on the VCO output. These are to be looped around a probe and into a spectrum analyzer to view the output.  
Line 176: Line 186:
  
 
* The VCO will be 73.35 MHz higher than the intended receiver frequency
 
* The VCO will be 73.35 MHz higher than the intended receiver frequency
−
* '''the sweet spot for the VCO steering voltage is 2.5-7.5 v'''
+
* '''the sweet spot for the VCO steering voltage is 2-10 v'''
−
* each VCO is designed to cover half the range of the quantar.
+
* each VCO is designed to cover half the range of the Quantar.
−
* The Exciter will change VCO's when it hits the range's center frequency +25khz (UHF R2 is MHz) . You can verify this my looking at the steering voltage in the exciter as you change frequencies. A test config file (Codeplug) makes this easy.
+
* The Exciter will change VCO's when it hits the range's center frequency +25khz (UHF R2 is 454.250 MHz) . You can verify this by looking at the steering voltage in the exciter as you change frequencies. A test config file (Codeplug) makes this easy.
−
* with the shield on they move up about 2.5 MHz
+
* from hot to cold Fr changes about 1 MHz. Hotter makes Fr go down, cool makes it go up.
−
* from hot to cold Fr changes about 1.5 to 2 MHz. Hotter makes Fr go down, cool makes it go up.
+
* grinding half the tuning cap off makes Fr go up about 20 MHz.  It's very sensitive.
 
* removing capacitance makes Fr go up.
 
* removing capacitance makes Fr go up.
 
* removing inductance makes Fr go up.
 
* removing inductance makes Fr go up.
−
* tune a bit below the frequency (2 MHz) and adjust the tuning caps
 
 
* you may elect to move the center frequency lower on the lower VCO and higher on the high VCO if you desire a greater tuning range.  I will not be showing this.
 
* you may elect to move the center frequency lower on the lower VCO and higher on the high VCO if you desire a greater tuning range.  I will not be showing this.
−
* Get it close, I'm a perfectionist, but really 1-2 MHz from idea will not matter.
+
* Get it close, I'm a perfectionist, but really 2-4 MHz from ideal will not matter.
−
* at higher steering voltages (>9v) the VCO may get dirty.  This is normal.
+
* the R0 VCO is clean from 0-12v of steering voltage.
 +
 
 +
Put 6.0v on the steering line and note the frequency on the spectrum analyzer.  You can sweep it from low to high and check the coverage is correct per the table above.
 +
 
 +
We're going to align it for a center frequency of 519 MHz. The reason for this is the lower VCO covers 511-527, making the center 519.  The over all shield does not seam to effect the tuning range.  
  
−
Put 5.0v on the steering line and note the frequency on the spectrum analyzer.  You can sweep it from low to high and check the coverage is correct per the table above (it will be about 2MHz higher with the case off).
+
There should be about half or more of the tuning cap left for this to work. If not, you'll need to replace the tuning cap with a factory new unit or grind some of the resonator down like in upper VCO tuning.  .020" is a good starting point if you want to grind the resonator.
  
−
We're going to align it for a center frequency of 517 MHz. The reason for this is the lower VCO covers 511-527, making the center 519, but with the shield off we will see the CF be ~2 MHz lower. The shield adds capacitance to the circuit and this ups the resonate frequency.   
+
With the voltage on the steering line you should see a Fr of about 495 MHz on the spectrum analyzer.
 +
Use a diamond tip grinding tool and remove some of the tuning cap.  A little makes a big difference here, half of the top is about 20MHz. 
 +
Shoot for 519 MHz at 6v of steering voltage.   
  
−
With the voltage on the steering line, cut a 75 mill strip of .250 copper foil. It's not critical, you'll be adjusting it. Place it on the VCO Trombone to short out part of the strip-line. You can safely monitor the output of the VCO and move this at the same time. '''It's best to go lower than the center frequency we want. (515 MHz is a good point)'''. Once you are within a few MHz, let the board cool. You'll find the Fr rising as it cools.  
+
It's normal for the VCO to jump a couple hundred KHZ or so depending on the stability of your power supply. There is no PLL running to lock it.
  
−
Moving the short closer to the trombone end lowers Fr, pulling it further away from the end raises Fr.
+
Do a sweep (2-10v) and ensure it covers the intended range for the Low VCO (511-527 MHz).  You want the coverage to be in the sweet spot of 2v to 10v, if it's not re-adjust it or grind some off the resonator.  Generally this is not that critical.
  
−
while monitoring the VCO output on the spectrum analyzer, use a diamond tip Dremmel grinder and remove some of the high impedance end tuning cap on the VCO. Go a very little at a time, it makes a big difference. Use this to bring the VCO frequency up to 517 MHz on the dot. It's normal for the VCO to jump a couple hundred KHZ or so depending on the stability of your power supply. There is no PLL running to lock it.
+
=== High VCO ===
  
−
Do a sweep according the the service manual and ensure it covers the intended range for the Low VCO (again subtract 2 MHz from the intended range with the case off).  You want the coverage to be in the sweet spot of 2.5v to 7.5v, if it's not re-adjust it.
+
The high VCO is a big more complicated, as the old Low VCO resonator will need to ground with a diamond grinder.  It's .850" long and needs to be .670" long.  Grinding needs to be done from the non-shorted side. This will remove the center lead, but it's easy to solder a lead on it once it's installed.  
 +
'''
 +
Go slow with the grinding and don't inhale the dust, it's toxic!'''
  
−
The high VCO is the same, just on the side of the VCO closer to the edge of the main board (bottom).
+
Once the grinding is done, install the resonator and fashion a center lead out of some silver plated wire and solder it in place.
−
The center frequency for tuning the VCO is 533 MHz, meaning get it to 531 or so with with strip-line short and then let it cool.  Once it's cooled trim up the capacitor with a the grinder to bring it on frequency.
 
  
−
Clean it with some solvent and let it dry.
+
Check the Fr on the spectrum analyzer, you want 535 MHz at 6V, it's best to be a bit low (long) with the resonator and then touch up the tuning capacitor with a diamond tip grinder to bring it up the frequency.
  
−
* The case needs to be reinstalled so clean out the holes and set it in place. 
+
[[File:UHF RX VCO coaxial resonator cut down.png|center|thumb|heights=300px|widths=300px|UHF RX High VCO coaxial resonator cut down]]
−
* Make sure the wedges are still under the board and the protective foil mask is in place on the top side.
 
−
* Turn on the pre-heater and let it soak
 
−
* Use the hot air wand to reflow the board solder.
 
−
* Some light pressure on the shield may be needed to seat it, or some flux to reflow the old solder.
 
−
* Solder the under side of the board holes the shield goes into.
 
  
−
Let the VCO cool and test both sides of the VCO once cooled. 
 
  
−
Below is real data from a R1 to R2 conversion.  The before data was taken with the shield off making the frequency about 2 mhz lower.  The pink represents the sweet spot of the VCO tuning voltages.  Note this covers both VCO ranges acceptably.  
+
Do a sweep (2-10v) and ensure it covers the intended range for the High VCO (527-543 MHz).  You want the coverage to be in the sweet spot of 2v to 10v, if it's not re-adjust it or grind some off the resonator.  Generally this is not that critical.  
  
 +
Clean it with some solvent and let it dry. 
  
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
Below is real data from a R1 to R2 conversion.  The before data was taken with the shield off making the frequency about 2 mhz lower. The pink represents the sweet spot of the VCO tuning voltages. Note this covers both VCO ranges acceptably.
−
!!!colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"|Before Mod (shield off)!!colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"|After mod, Shield on
 
−
|-
 
−
|Volts||Low||High||Low||High
 
−
|-
 
−
|0||450||465||491||508
 
−
|-
 
−
|1||456.5||472||498||516
 
−
|-style="background:Pink"
 
−
|2||462.5||478||504||521
 
−
|-style="background:Pink"
 
−
|3||467.5||483||509||527
 
−
|-style="background:Pink"
 
−
|4||472.5||488||514||531
 
−
|-style="background:Pink"
 
−
|5||477.5||492||518||536
 
−
|-style="background:Pink"
 
−
|6||482||497||522||539
 
−
|-style="background:Pink"
 
−
|7||487||501||526||543
 
−
|-
 
−
|8||491||505||530||547
 
−
|-
 
−
|9.2||496.5||510||535||552
 
−
|-
 
−
|10||500||513||537||555
 
−
|-
 
−
|Delta||50||48||46||47
 
−
|}
 
  
−
=== Image filter ===
+
=== Image filter & Mixer ===
  
−
The image filter is a low pass filter which prevents the Local Oscillator from radiating out the receiver antenna port.  This may be debatable as to the necessity of this modification as the cutoff of the R1 image filter is still above the maximum operating frequency of 470 MHz.   
+
The image filter is a low pass filter which prevents the local oscillator from radiating out the receiver antenna port.  This may be debatable as to the necessity of this modification as the cutoff of the R0 image filter is still above the maximum operating frequency of 470 MHz.   
  
 
{| class="wikitable"  
 
{| class="wikitable"  
Line 264: Line 247:
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
This is a spectrum plot of the R1 and R2 traces over laid on each other. R1 is in yellow and R2 is purple.
+
There is no difference in sensitivity, but all units which I convert I modify this for completeness.   
−
As can be seen the R1 filter doesn't start attenuating the signal until 490 MHz, and since this is past the first amplifier stage, loss here is not a huge problem.
 
−
   
 
−
<gallery heights=200px widths=200px mode="packed-hover">
 
−
UHF R1 to R2 RX FILTER no table.png|UHF R1 to R2 RX FILTER no table
 
−
UHF R1 to R2 RX FILTER.png|thumb|UHF R1 to R2 RX FILTER
 
−
</gallery>
 
  
−
There is no difference in sensitivity, but all units which I convert I modify this for completeness.   
+
Below are the parts differences.  All parts are NPO 0805 size ceramic parts.  I remove all the "discard" parts first and then move the couple parts since the board is already hot.   
  
−
Below are the parts differences.  All parts are NPO 0805 size ceramic parts.  I remove all the "Discard" parts first and then move the couple parts since the board is already hot. 
 
 
{| class=wikitable  
 
{| class=wikitable  
−
|+ style="text-align: left;" | R1 to R2 parts differences.
+
|+ style="text-align: left;" | R0 to R2 parts differences.
−
!Part number!!R1!!R2!!Notes
+
!Part number!!R0!!R2!!Notes
 
|-
 
|-
−
|C2050||9.1 pF||8.2 pF||Discard
+
| L2030||10nH||8.2nH||discard
 
|-
 
|-
−
|C2051||16pF||13pF||move to C2053
+
| ||||||
 
|-
 
|-
−
|C2053||18 pF||16 pF||Discard
+
| C2050||9.1pf||8.2pf||discard
 
|-
 
|-
−
|C2054||8.2 pF||6.8 pF||Move to C2050
+
| C2051||16pf||13pf||move to C2053
 
|-
 
|-
−
|C2057||18 pF||16 pF||Discard
+
| C2053||18pf||16pf||discard
 
|-
 
|-
−
|C2059||18 pF||13 pF||Discard
+
| C2054||8.2pf||6.8pf||Move to C2050
 
|-
 
|-
−
|C2070||5.6 pF||3.3 pF||Move to C2076
+
| ||||||
 
|-
 
|-
−
|C2076||7.54 pF||5.6 pF||Discard
+
| C2057||18pf||16pf||discard
 
|-
 
|-
−
|C2079||9.1 pF||5.6 pF||Discard
+
| C2059||18pf||13pf||discard
 
|-
 
|-
−
|C2083||47 pF||22 pF||Discard
+
| C2076||7.5pf||5.6pf||discard
 
|-
 
|-
−
|||||||
+
| C2083||47pf||22pf||discard
 
|-
 
|-
−
|R2449||0 Ohm||0 Ohm||ID Leave
+
| C2079||9.1pf||5.6pf||move to C2301
 
|-
 
|-
−
|R2450||0 Ohm||3300 Ohm||ID Replace
+
| C2070||5.6pf||3.3pf||move to C2076
 +
|-
 +
| C2301||10pf||9.1pf||discard
 +
|-
 +
| R2307||180 ohm||82 ohm||discard
 +
|-
 +
| ||||||
 +
|-
 +
| R2606||5600 ohm||1200 ohm||discard
 +
|-
 +
| R2607||3300 ohm||1200 ohm||discard
 
|}
 
|}
  
Line 309: Line 295:
 
<gallery heights=300px widths=300px mode="packed-hover">
 
<gallery heights=300px widths=300px mode="packed-hover">
 
UHF Image Filter case on.jpg| Shield on
 
UHF Image Filter case on.jpg| Shield on
−
UHF_RX_Image_filter_case_off_R1_to_R2.png | Shield off R1-R2 parts
+
RX_R0_Image_filter_case_off_R0_to_R2.png | Shield off R0-R2 parts
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
−
Using a board pre-heater and hot air wand remove the shield.  It does not go through the board, but be careful you do not over heat it as the inductors will melt.  It's much easier than the VCO shield.  Once off change the parts per the table and reinstall the shield.  Note the orientation of the shield, it's designed with cutouts on the input and output strip-lines.
+
Using a board pre-heater and hot air wand remove the shield.  It does not go through the board, but be careful you do not over heat it as the inductors will melt.  It's much easier than the VCO shield.  Once off change the parts per the table/pictures and reinstall the shield.  Note the orientation of the shield, it's designed with cutouts on the input and output strip-lines.
  
 
* Change the parts under the 1st mixer shield per the table and picture below
 
* Change the parts under the 1st mixer shield per the table and picture below
 
<gallery heights=400px widths=400px mode="packed">
 
<gallery heights=400px widths=400px mode="packed">
−
UHF_RX_First_Mixer_board_R1-R2_mod.png | UHF 1st mixer parts moved
+
R0_to_R2_RX_First_Mixer_board.png | UHF 1st mixer parts moved
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
* Change the inductor L2030 to a 8.2 nH part under the Pre-amp shield per the table and picture below.
 +
<gallery heights=400px widths=400px mode="packed">
 +
R0_Rx_Preamp.png | Pre-amp R0 to R2
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
=== Change the Module ID ===  
 
=== Change the Module ID ===  
  
−
There is one resistor, R2450 by the PLL synth which must be changed to a 3300 Ohm chip to set the RX type to R2.
+
Follow the table above and change R2607 and R2606 to 1200 Ohm parts.  These a located by the synthesizer, but not inside it.
 
<gallery heights=400px widths=400px mode="packed">
 
<gallery heights=400px widths=400px mode="packed">
−
UHF_RX_R2450_location.jpg| R2450 location
+
R0_Rx_Synth_ID_resistors.png| R0 to R2 ID voltage divider.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
Line 332: Line 323:
 
=== Final testing ===
 
=== Final testing ===
  
−
Once the preceding modifications have been done it's time to test the receiver module with out the preselctor.  
+
Once the preceding modifications have been done it's time to test the receiver module without the preselctor.  
  
 
With the power off install the RX board back in the metal case and slot it into the Quantar chassis.
 
With the power off install the RX board back in the metal case and slot it into the Quantar chassis.
Line 415: Line 406:
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
Use the control and metering screen to check the oscillator voltage at each frequency.  Ideally you should be between 2 and 7.5 volts for 438.00-454.00 and 454.25-470.  The other frequencies are there just to find the range of the VCO's as installed.  If your minimum lock voltage is under 1.5v you may want to re-adjust the VCO in question.  If the high frequency is above 8v you may wish to adjust as well.
+
Use the control and metering screen to check the oscillator voltage at each frequency.  Ideally you should be between 2 and 10 volts for 438.00-454.00 and 454.25-470.  The other frequencies are there just to find the range of the VCO's as installed.  If your minimum lock voltage is under 1v you may want to re-adjust the VCO in question.  If the high frequency is above 11v you may wish to adjust as well.
  
 
Check the sensitivity of the receiver at all locked frequencies.  With out the preselector installed the sensitivity should be better than -121.5 dBm or .2μV for 12dB SINAD.
 
Check the sensitivity of the receiver at all locked frequencies.  With out the preselector installed the sensitivity should be better than -121.5 dBm or .2μV for 12dB SINAD.
  
−
Once this is verified, button it up, install the modified preselector and mark the unit as a R2 modified.
+
Once this is verified, button it up, install the modified preselector and mark the unit as a R2 modified receiver.
  
 
Congratulations!
 
Congratulations!
−
 
  
−
== R3 to R2 ==
+
== R0 to R3/4 ==
  
−
No data on this yet. Should be doable, VCO will be a problem.
+
No data on this yet, may be doable VCO will be a problem.
−
 
 
−
== R4 to R2 ==
 
  
−
No data on this yet, may be doable VCO will be a problem.
+
[[Category:Quantar]]

Latest revision as of 22:48, 30 November 2016

This page covers the UHF Range 0 receiver. This is a newer design that covers all of R1 (403-433) and the federal band at 380 MHz.

Basics

The basic receiver is pictured below. This was designed for the new federal band at 380 MHz and covers the entire 380-433 MHz with a partially redesigned receiver. The VCO is completely redesigned the is not longer a module, but discrete components.

Note the UHF R0 receiver preselector has guide holes for the screws as they can stick quite far out the front. This is a dead give away that you have a UHF R0 from the front.

  • UHF RX R0 Front

  • UHF RX Back

  • UHF RX Case

  • UHF RX Internal

This receiver was designed after the R1-R4 receivers and replaces the R1 unit entirely. However if an R1 is needed for compatibility the R0 will work with a simple change of resistor ROM.

The receiver is a high side injection with the 1st Lo operating +73.35 MHz higher than the receiver frequency.

The SCM knows what type of module is inserted by reading voltage divider resistors on the u2600 A/D Converter. Some of these are on ports used for other things, Change Frequency and Lock and then A8 input is used for ID. Note the resistors have the same labels on the UHF boards but on other bands the same parts have different labels. The R2606 and R2607 form a voltage divider feeding the A8 input with the computed voltage in volts.

Range R2449 Chg Freq R2450 Lock SPACE R2606 R2607 A8 Volts
UHF R0 0 3300 5600 3300 1.9
UHF R1 0 0 1200 1200 2.5
UHF R2 0 3300 1200 1200 2.5
UHF R3 3300 0 1200 1200 2.5
UHF R4 3300 3300 1200 1200 2.5
VHF R2413 R2415 R2812 R2814
VHF R1 0 0 2700 1200 1.5
VHF R2 0 3300 2700 1200 1.5
800/900 R2422 R2414 R2816 R2815
900 0 0 1200 4700 4.0
800 0 0 1200 2700 3.5

Schematics

The service manual excerpt is in PDF and below. Note the service manual says there are 12 sheets of diagrams, but only has 11. It looks to be correct.

UHF Range 0 CRX4022 Service Manual Excerpt

In PNG format.

  • Schematic Sheet 1

  • Schematic Sheet 2

  • Schematic Sheet 3

  • Schematic Sheet 4

  • Schematic Sheet 5

  • Schematic Sheet 6

  • Schematic Sheet 7

  • Schematic Sheet 8

  • Schematic Sheet 9

  • Schematic Sheet 10

  • Schematic Sheet 11

VCO's

There are two VCO's each running 73.35 MHz higher than the operating frequency. The low covers 380-406.5 Receive, 453.35-479.85 operating, and the high covers 406.5125-433 receive, 479.8625-506.35 operating.

Each VCO consists of ceramic coaxial resonator shorted at one end as the inductive component and a laser trimmed tuning capacitor. The schematic matches the board, as Low and High are not reversed like in the R1-R4 receivers. Test point p2201 can be used to connect steering and vco select voltages to the board for testing.

As the VCO runs at 73.35 MHz higher than the intended receive frequency the VCO will expect to lock over the following ranges. The ideal spot for the VCO to operate is between 2 and 10 Volts highlighted in pink below. This steering voltage width differs from the other UHF receiver modules, due to each VCO needing to cover almost two times the range.

Volts Lower VCO Upper VCO
0 430 461
1 437 468
2 443 473
3 448 478
4 452 482
5 457 486
6 461 489
7 465 494
8 469 498
9 473 502
9.2 474 502.3
10 477 506
11 481 509
12 485 513


The advantage to the R0 VCO is it's not a sealed unit, and Motorola provides the complete schematic diagram. Note on the picture below, the higher VCO will have the shorter resonator (U2250)

  • UHF R0 VCO after mod to R2

Conversions

This is a mostly complete final Draft It should be usable for converting R0 units to R2, and provide a general overview of the process. I've only converted one R0 to R2, but found it to be easier than the R1 to R2 conversion.

As always if you find anything wrong, please edit it or contact me directly. If you use these instructions please drop me a note bryan@bryanfields.net.

Converting the boards to different ranges. Only R0 to R2 has been preformed, but the others should work almost the same.

The basic premise of converting the receiver to another range consists of these four major parts:

  • Convert the VCO for the proper frequency coverage
  • Modify the Image filter
  • Change the module ID
  • Modify preselector


R0 to R1

Change the module ID. The unit should work fine as an R1.


R0 to R2

It's important to have a known good working unit on R0 before starting work. If it is not working at it's intended frequency, fix it first.

It would be good to become very familiar with the schematic and service manual before attempting this.

Tools and test equipment you should have (not an exhaustive list)

  • Hot air station
  • Under board pre-heater
  • High quality soldering iron (metcal)
  • Dual voltage variable DC supply
  • Spectrum analyzer and probes
  • Service monitor
  • Experience working with SMD and reflow techniques

Converting VCO

The VCO is consisits of the coaxial resonators and LASER cut tuning caps. Each is shorted at one end and open at the other forming a high Q inductor.

First we'll need to remove both coaxial resonators, and move the upper one to the lower position. This is best done by preheating the board using an under-board preheater at 460f.

Underboard pre-heater

Once this is done, mask off the area using hole cut in some foil. This is a heat shield for the other parts of the board. Some times you need to use kapton tape to secure the foil in place.

Once you have this preheated for a few minutes, use the hot air wand with no tip 15 L/m and 650f on the shield. Move it in a circular pattern while waiting on it to reflow.

I find it's easier to remove the lower resonator first, and set it aside. Once this is done, remove the upper resonator and while the board is still warm, apply some flux and reflow it in the lower (U2201) position.


While the VCO cools down, attach some teast leads to the following points

  • Ground
  • +10v VCO power
  • VCO select
  • Variable PS (0-12v) to the steering line.
UHF R0 RX VCO test points

Low VCO

Hook up to the VCO as shown, we'll do the Low VCO first since it's got a resonator in it.

  • 10v to power the VCO
  • ground the VCO select via 1k resistor to select lower VCO
  • 0-12 V on the steering line.
  • output loops of wire on the VCO output. These are to be looped around a probe and into a spectrum analyzer to view the output.

A few points about VCO tuning:

  • The VCO will be 73.35 MHz higher than the intended receiver frequency
  • the sweet spot for the VCO steering voltage is 2-10 v
  • each VCO is designed to cover half the range of the Quantar.
  • The Exciter will change VCO's when it hits the range's center frequency +25khz (UHF R2 is 454.250 MHz) . You can verify this by looking at the steering voltage in the exciter as you change frequencies. A test config file (Codeplug) makes this easy.
  • from hot to cold Fr changes about 1 MHz. Hotter makes Fr go down, cool makes it go up.
  • grinding half the tuning cap off makes Fr go up about 20 MHz. It's very sensitive.
  • removing capacitance makes Fr go up.
  • removing inductance makes Fr go up.
  • you may elect to move the center frequency lower on the lower VCO and higher on the high VCO if you desire a greater tuning range. I will not be showing this.
  • Get it close, I'm a perfectionist, but really 2-4 MHz from ideal will not matter.
  • the R0 VCO is clean from 0-12v of steering voltage.

Put 6.0v on the steering line and note the frequency on the spectrum analyzer. You can sweep it from low to high and check the coverage is correct per the table above.

We're going to align it for a center frequency of 519 MHz. The reason for this is the lower VCO covers 511-527, making the center 519. The over all shield does not seam to effect the tuning range.

There should be about half or more of the tuning cap left for this to work. If not, you'll need to replace the tuning cap with a factory new unit or grind some of the resonator down like in upper VCO tuning. .020" is a good starting point if you want to grind the resonator.

With the voltage on the steering line you should see a Fr of about 495 MHz on the spectrum analyzer. Use a diamond tip grinding tool and remove some of the tuning cap. A little makes a big difference here, half of the top is about 20MHz. Shoot for 519 MHz at 6v of steering voltage.

It's normal for the VCO to jump a couple hundred KHZ or so depending on the stability of your power supply. There is no PLL running to lock it.

Do a sweep (2-10v) and ensure it covers the intended range for the Low VCO (511-527 MHz). You want the coverage to be in the sweet spot of 2v to 10v, if it's not re-adjust it or grind some off the resonator. Generally this is not that critical.

High VCO

The high VCO is a big more complicated, as the old Low VCO resonator will need to ground with a diamond grinder. It's .850" long and needs to be .670" long. Grinding needs to be done from the non-shorted side. This will remove the center lead, but it's easy to solder a lead on it once it's installed. Go slow with the grinding and don't inhale the dust, it's toxic!

Once the grinding is done, install the resonator and fashion a center lead out of some silver plated wire and solder it in place.

Check the Fr on the spectrum analyzer, you want 535 MHz at 6V, it's best to be a bit low (long) with the resonator and then touch up the tuning capacitor with a diamond tip grinder to bring it up the frequency.

UHF RX High VCO coaxial resonator cut down


Do a sweep (2-10v) and ensure it covers the intended range for the High VCO (527-543 MHz). You want the coverage to be in the sweet spot of 2v to 10v, if it's not re-adjust it or grind some off the resonator. Generally this is not that critical.

Clean it with some solvent and let it dry.

Below is real data from a R1 to R2 conversion. The before data was taken with the shield off making the frequency about 2 mhz lower. The pink represents the sweet spot of the VCO tuning voltages. Note this covers both VCO ranges acceptably.

Image filter & Mixer

The image filter is a low pass filter which prevents the local oscillator from radiating out the receiver antenna port. This may be debatable as to the necessity of this modification as the cutoff of the R0 image filter is still above the maximum operating frequency of 470 MHz.

Sensitivity for 12 dB SINAD of R0 to R2 receiver before and after image filter.
Frequency Befor mod After Mod
483.000 -123.2 dBm -123.5 dBm
454.000 -122.7 dBm -123.1 dBm
454.250 -122.7 dBm -123.1 dBm
470.000 -121.7 dBm -122.4 dBm

There is no difference in sensitivity, but all units which I convert I modify this for completeness.

Below are the parts differences. All parts are NPO 0805 size ceramic parts. I remove all the "discard" parts first and then move the couple parts since the board is already hot.

R0 to R2 parts differences.
Part number R0 R2 Notes
L2030 10nH 8.2nH discard
C2050 9.1pf 8.2pf discard
C2051 16pf 13pf move to C2053
C2053 18pf 16pf discard
C2054 8.2pf 6.8pf Move to C2050
C2057 18pf 16pf discard
C2059 18pf 13pf discard
C2076 7.5pf 5.6pf discard
C2083 47pf 22pf discard
C2079 9.1pf 5.6pf move to C2301
C2070 5.6pf 3.3pf move to C2076
C2301 10pf 9.1pf discard
R2307 180 ohm 82 ohm discard
R2606 5600 ohm 1200 ohm discard
R2607 3300 ohm 1200 ohm discard

Some parts (C2050-C2054) are under a soldered on shield cage between the preamplifer and the 1st mixer.

  • Shield on

  • Shield off R0-R2 parts

Using a board pre-heater and hot air wand remove the shield. It does not go through the board, but be careful you do not over heat it as the inductors will melt. It's much easier than the VCO shield. Once off change the parts per the table/pictures and reinstall the shield. Note the orientation of the shield, it's designed with cutouts on the input and output strip-lines.

  • Change the parts under the 1st mixer shield per the table and picture below

  • UHF 1st mixer parts moved

  • Change the inductor L2030 to a 8.2 nH part under the Pre-amp shield per the table and picture below.

  • Pre-amp R0 to R2

Change the Module ID

Follow the table above and change R2607 and R2606 to 1200 Ohm parts. These a located by the synthesizer, but not inside it.

  • R0 to R2 ID voltage divider.

Preselector

The preselector modifications are covered elsewhere.

Final testing

Once the preceding modifications have been done it's time to test the receiver module without the preselctor.

With the power off install the RX board back in the metal case and slot it into the Quantar chassis.

Power the station on and program a test code plug with the following frequencies.

Lock? Steering voltage Sensitivity
425.000
430.000
433.000
435.000
438.000
454.000
454.250
470.000
473.000
475.000
478.000
480.000
485.000
490.000

Use the control and metering screen to check the oscillator voltage at each frequency. Ideally you should be between 2 and 10 volts for 438.00-454.00 and 454.25-470. The other frequencies are there just to find the range of the VCO's as installed. If your minimum lock voltage is under 1v you may want to re-adjust the VCO in question. If the high frequency is above 11v you may wish to adjust as well.

Check the sensitivity of the receiver at all locked frequencies. With out the preselector installed the sensitivity should be better than -121.5 dBm or .2μV for 12dB SINAD.

Once this is verified, button it up, install the modified preselector and mark the unit as a R2 modified receiver.

Congratulations!

R0 to R3/4

No data on this yet, may be doable VCO will be a problem.

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