Thanks TO. That counting by 5's method you showed in one of your videos has saved me some real time winding toroids. And I am glad I have helping hands 😉
I just ordered the kit today. My friend Carl from Chameleon Antennas was getting swamped by AM broadcast at his QTH. He built the filter and said it worked like a charm. I don't need it at my house but will keep it with the xcvr just in case! On another note, heat is a problem. Heat sinks, turning off battery charging while transmitting and using a DC Buck module when connect to a 12vdc supply helps a lot.
This radio would have been a lot more popular if they offered it in the "tinker" sense instead of the "completed product" sense - I think a lot of people got a distaste after it didn't meet up to what was written in the marketing. You're doing a great job of taking a good base and making it even better. Keep on Keepin On!
I ordered one of these when I ordered my rails. btw, gopro sells aa bag/case that fits the X6100 like a glove with the rails on. Will be installing this soon, as always, great video!
Another great video.... I spent an extra $10 for the filter assembled and tested (not a builder). I live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex....lots of AM broadcasts. Thanks!
This is great validation of my chaotic habits. Sometimes I set boards on random, unrelated boards just to stop them from floating around when I solder!
I have been looking for a kit like this for months. I have a (tr)uSDX and live about a mile from a 10,000w daytime AM station transmitter which is awful. I ordered this as soon as I saw your video & just got the kit. Can't wait to build it!
The reason you don't have continuity from pin to pin is that the Capacitors are blocking DC used by the tester. Yes! this is needed by the Xiegu X6100 badly. I have problems mostly on 20 meter bad by overloading of some sort. I am building one but good enough for up to 100 watts. But... for the cost of it... I may order this $20 version to use only on the Xiegu X6100. I see these are for 10W max. Mine will be with double toroids and 1KV caps for higher wattage. I learn a lot from your videos. Thanks for taking the time to post them. I started up in technology in 1994 with a Commodore VIC-20, upgraded to C-64 then the C128 and jumped out to IBM PX, XT, AT and the rest is history. Mention this because I see some of these treasures in the background of your videos. .....uhh forgot to mention the Commodore Plus 4. A hug from San Salvador. 73 Rob YS1RS
If you wrap a few turns of a rubber band around the handles of your pliers, you can use the pliers as a clamp to hold your PC board still while you solder it. Thanks for the vid, too.
Was going to pick this up, get that interference here a lot, sold out. Going to have to keep an eye out for when it's back in stock. Thanks for the video This should solve a few issues here
10:10 looking at the graph on Amazon it's a high pass filter (which makes sense based on where most broadcast am is) so you shouldn't get DC to flow through as that is the lowest of frequencies.
If you don't want to spend too much on a PCB vice then maybe consider getting a set of helping hands. They are pretty cheap and often are good enough at holding the board just enough that it won't slide around when holding it. I still need to take my Xiegu into the field and test my BCI filter on 40 meters to see if it works. I ran it through the nanoVNA and seems correct to me though.
I've got a PCB holder I'm eyeing. The filming and the tiny dpace add another layer of complexity... also I more often make larger boards and they don't suffer from board walk.
I've got a PCB holder I'm eyeing. The filming and the tiny dpace add another layer of complexity... also I more often make larger boards and they don't suffer from board walk.
He should make a 20w version for the G90. I built a VK3IL filter due to the being surrounded by AM Broadcast stations in the SoCal area, the G90 was getting hammered here in the day when that portion of the band is short during day light hours. A small filter like that would be awesome.
Dan says "try it" - he's tested 10w FT8 through it, so 20w SSB should be fine. He's concerned about the capacitors - they are pretty cheap to replace/upgrade
Just bought this kit... not sure if I'm going to by an X6100 (I probably will), but looks like I can use this for any SDR for the same purpose? Maybe I'll buy a second one if I buy the X6100!
So if I use one of those, will that get rid of the solid red “band” on my waterfall that happens sometimes after I transmit? It goes the full length of my waterfall and sometimes has a thinner second “band” preceding or after it! I can’t figure why it’s happening. I’m very new to ham. Only had my general since February. So I’m still learning and there appears to be a lot to learn!
I'm not sure I understand. What I can say is that if you have a nearby AM broadcast station, your Xiegu radio (any of them) will be mostly unusable due to overloading. This filter blocks out all AM Broadcast traffic so you can operate again. During your TX, you should have solid red on the waterfall - that's your signal going out at full power. (or shades of red depending on how much fire you're putting into the wire). If you're saying that after you release PTT you're still seeing solid red, that's probably something misconfigure and worst cast scenario, something is wrong with the radio. I'd need more info. Feel free to join TOADs discord where we can have more brains and share pictures and discuss.
Steve… get yourself a “third hand” at Harbor Freight and add some heat shrink tubing on the claws of the alligator clips. Great for holding small circuit boards for assembly. I have a Panavise workstation for soldering circuit boards. It’s too big for most of the circuit board kits you’ve assembled lately. 73 de KD6UYK (Tim)
@@temporarilyoffline The C64 PCB is too big for a helping hands device. When I was a tech for Star Micronics America in the mid-1980s, such a luxury of have a pcb vise wasn’t realistic. 73 de KD6UYK (Tim).
The Digital multimeter couldn't get a continuity because of the caps. Capacitors only allow AC currents to pass and the continuity test is DC. I learned that in the ARRL Handbook.
If you still have the filter, could you please give me info or link where to buy? I'm currently experiencing an AM problem with my G90😉 thanks in advance.
I was reading the description of the BCI filter and it says “High SWR can damage the filter. The filter should be inserted inline between the transceiver and tuner, rather than between the tuner and antenna.” Can you show how you would install this unit in x6100 between tuner and transmitter
So I got the kit and built it today. I turned down to a local AM broadcast station 1450 and did a test but im seeing no difference at all. I haven't been able to test it in the field where I had problems of interference on ham bands and non Xiegu users didn't.
Nice build skills TO! SON - GET YOURSELF A PCB VISE! 😀 It would be interesting to see how much attenuation of BCB signals is provided by that filter. Keep up the great work Sir! 73 - KF6IF
i know you posted this video a year ago, but id like to ask.... at the time of this recording, the x6100 is your fav qrp radio. that said, here is my question. did you receive am broadcast on any antenna you tried to use? i just got this radio, and im out in the yard making and testing antennas, and ONLY when i use a efhw do i receive am broadcast, on all bands. when i use my wolf river coil vertical, i do not receive those am signals. did you experience this same thing by chance???
I didn't try that setup that you're using - but it makes sense to me that you wouldn't have issues with the wolf river coil - due to the nature of the coil loaded vertical, you're actually using a "Hi-Q" antenna - This antenna will have a very acute V shaped SWR curve (and reject more signals as a result) compared to an EFHW antenna that will have a broad SWR curve (and pick up more signals as a result)
I do appreciate you replying! And I do appreciate this video. I ordered this kit yesterday as a result of your video. I just learned of you channel, and am glad I found it! 73!
Could be. I don't think they are the embarrassed type though. They are pushing the edges of what customers will accept while earning revenue for the next product release. @@chrisb3989
Here you go: 👉 Now available pre-built! 👉👉Amazon: geni.us/gMkc 👉👉eBay: geni.us/k0ALPi 👉 Get your Broadcast Interference Filter (BCI) 👉👉 eBay: geni.us/8DPXOi3 👉👉 Amazon: geni.us/H1L5L
I just noticed this in the amz listing: "Caution: If using a tuner the filter must be placed between the transceiver and tuner. High SWR can damage the filter." This means it's not a great choice for transceivers with built-in tuners...
Less then the overloading on the radio from nearby AM stations (seriously though I didn't measure it). For the people that suffer from BCI, this thing is magic!
Hey, just made a very similar video on this same subject just a few days ago. I have a XIEGO G90 and was plagued by a local AM Station. But I used an off-the-shelf AM Filter from Morgan Systems. vid-> ua-cam.com/video/nVgB5bbbJoU/v-deo.html
I don't know how to tell it not sounding creepy but I think I have kind of fetish on well winded toroids. I just love to watch how there are done 😁🤔 73
Well, it's obvious it can't be tested with DMM - there's a capacitor in series, so no way to check with continuity BNC-BNC with DMM. Can't see the diagram, quick look on it, will save your time on checking again and again your "well done" job. 73, Greg
Just ordered one. Should have it Friday. Interested to see how it behaves with my X6100. I enjoy the videos. XYL says you are going to get me into trouble. Thanks! de W3DMJ
seriously, get yourself a "helping hands". it will improve your soldering experience no end. BTW, there is no dc connection though this kind of filter, the capacitors are in the signal line, the inductors go to ground.
Honestly I didn't watch the whole video TO, but doesn't a filter prevent you from using your tuner? I understand you're not supposed to tune through a filter. 73 de VE3GKT
@@temporarilyoffline filters such as this are designed to work at a particular impedance - tune through them and filter performance could be degraded, the filter could be damaged, or it may not pass the tuner output impedance correctly
So the way to use a tuner with this is antenna->tuner->filter->radio - and remove the filter for tuning and then replace it for operating. Less than ideal, but so is having strong broadcast signals overloading your front end.
@@temporarilyoffline it should be ok for tuning as there will be RF making it through for an autotuner to detect. But yes, you'd have to use an external tuner in the arrangement you described,, which seriously sucks considering a selling point of that rig is the internal tuner
👉 Now available pre-built!
👉👉Amazon: amzn.to/3JSIDNq
👉👉eBay: ebay.us/nvtemZ
Great build of something that can help those who have overloading problems. Thanks for the post.
You bet
Thanks TO. That counting by 5's method you showed in one of your videos has saved me some real time winding toroids. And I am glad I have helping hands 😉
Great to hear!
I just ordered the kit today. My friend Carl from Chameleon Antennas was getting swamped by AM broadcast at his QTH. He built the filter and said it worked like a charm. I don't need it at my house but will keep it with the xcvr just in case! On another note, heat is a problem. Heat sinks, turning off battery charging while transmitting and using a DC Buck module when connect to a 12vdc supply helps a lot.
This radio would have been a lot more popular if they offered it in the "tinker" sense instead of the "completed product" sense - I think a lot of people got a distaste after it didn't meet up to what was written in the marketing. You're doing a great job of taking a good base and making it even better. Keep on Keepin On!
This has been my greatest issue with the x6100! Thank you!
You are welcome!
You have to have this if you own an x6100. What a big difference! Thank you!!!
@@normie5928 Totally agree! 1 for any sub-21w Xiegu radio that you own!
Keep ‘em coming. Saw the invite the other day. Wasn’t around, but hope to join you in the future.
Anytime Bill!
I suspect the reason you didn't get DC continuity between the BNC connectors is that RF signal path is capacitor coupled.
Me too!
I ordered one of these when I ordered my rails. btw, gopro sells aa bag/case that fits the X6100 like a glove with the rails on. Will be installing this soon, as always, great video!
Did you see my bovke case for this rig? I love customizing these things! Those rails are sharp!
Another great video.... I spent an extra $10 for the filter assembled and tested (not a builder). I live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex....lots of AM broadcasts. Thanks!
Awesome, good luck with it!
Thanks for sharing the infor !! On the x6100 / filter solution !!!
Happy to help!
@@temporarilyoffline , I have a question, how many turns you need to do on the rf choke in the filter ??? Thank you!!!
@@fernandoscrenci4874 23
This is great validation of my chaotic habits. Sometimes I set boards on random, unrelated boards just to stop them from floating around when I solder!
Gotta do what ya gotta do!
I have a broadcast station antenna less than a mile from my house. I've been looking for one of these. Thank you.
Awesome, I hope it works well for you.
I have been looking for a kit like this for months. I have a (tr)uSDX and live about a mile from a 10,000w daytime AM station transmitter which is awful. I ordered this as soon as I saw your video & just got the kit. Can't wait to build it!
Excellent, it's a quick build!
@@temporarilyoffline I just built it and it works great!
That was fast!
Little projects like that a nice hunk of blue tac holds em good and still.
Great idea!
Got it. I’ll have one in my BOVKE case soon.
Excellent, I have a case update coming out soon!
The reason you don't have continuity from pin to pin is that the Capacitors are blocking DC used by the tester. Yes! this is needed by the Xiegu X6100 badly. I have problems mostly on 20 meter bad by overloading of some sort. I am building one but good enough for up to 100 watts. But... for the cost of it... I may order this $20 version to use only on the Xiegu X6100. I see these are for 10W max. Mine will be with double toroids and 1KV caps for higher wattage.
I learn a lot from your videos. Thanks for taking the time to post them. I started up in technology in 1994 with a Commodore VIC-20, upgraded to C-64 then the C128 and jumped out to IBM PX, XT, AT and the rest is history. Mention this because I see some of these treasures in the background of your videos. .....uhh forgot to mention the Commodore Plus 4.
A hug from San Salvador.
73
Rob
YS1RS
youtube.com/@TemporarilyOfflineRetroTech check out my other channel for retro content!
If you wrap a few turns of a rubber band around the handles of your pliers, you can use the pliers as a clamp to hold your PC board still while you solder it. Thanks for the vid, too.
That's a #ProTip
Was going to pick this up, get that interference here a lot, sold out. Going to have to keep an eye out for when it's back in stock. Thanks for the video This should solve a few issues here
Sold out on ebay and Amazon? Dan will have some more out there soon I'm sure.
@@temporarilyoffline in sure he will. I hope he will. I'm patient.
@joshuacalbick4834 he's on TOADs, maybe reach out to him in the #builders-club channel and see what his ETA is? (TOADs link in description)
Just ordered one off Amazon. Have a nearby AM station that gives me grief. Thanks for sharing.
No problem!
Good idea to mount the microscopic components first. :)
I'll get one if I end up getting the 6100.👍
Go for it!
Pull the trigger Don, you won’t regret it.
Best of you show am BCB attenuation..
This one might help more: ua-cam.com/video/qF5idlbnsds/v-deo.html
10:10 looking at the graph on Amazon it's a high pass filter (which makes sense based on where most broadcast am is) so you shouldn't get DC to flow through as that is the lowest of frequencies.
Exactly!
If you don't want to spend too much on a PCB vice then maybe consider getting a set of helping hands. They are pretty cheap and often are good enough at holding the board just enough that it won't slide around when holding it.
I still need to take my Xiegu into the field and test my BCI filter on 40 meters to see if it works. I ran it through the nanoVNA and seems correct to me though.
I've got a PCB holder I'm eyeing. The filming and the tiny dpace add another layer of complexity... also I more often make larger boards and they don't suffer from board walk.
I've got a PCB holder I'm eyeing. The filming and the tiny dpace add another layer of complexity... also I more often make larger boards and they don't suffer from board walk.
Hi Steve, neat kit and nice video! Did you make the short BNC jumper yourself or is there a commercial source for those?
I got it on amazon: amzn.to/3RX6IGH
@@temporarilyoffline Thanks for the link looks very handy!
I use it for my IC-705 to tuner connection also
He should make a 20w version for the G90. I built a VK3IL filter due to the being surrounded by AM Broadcast stations in the SoCal area, the G90 was getting hammered here in the day when that portion of the band is short during day light hours. A small filter like that would be awesome.
I messaged Dan. We'll see
@@temporarilyoffline awesome sauce!
Dan says "try it" - he's tested 10w FT8 through it, so 20w SSB should be fine. He's concerned about the capacitors - they are pretty cheap to replace/upgrade
@@temporarilyoffline will do caps are cheap. :)
Dan says he's using 200v caps
Just bought this kit... not sure if I'm going to by an X6100 (I probably will), but looks like I can use this for any SDR for the same purpose? Maybe I'll buy a second one if I buy the X6100!
Any SDR below 20w tx (or unlimited RX)
I need one of those for my G90
It's in the works!
So if I use one of those, will that get rid of the solid red “band” on my waterfall that happens sometimes after I transmit? It goes the full length of my waterfall and sometimes has a thinner second “band” preceding or after it! I can’t figure why it’s happening. I’m very new to ham. Only had my general since February. So I’m still learning and there appears to be a lot to learn!
I'm not sure I understand. What I can say is that if you have a nearby AM broadcast station, your Xiegu radio (any of them) will be mostly unusable due to overloading. This filter blocks out all AM Broadcast traffic so you can operate again.
During your TX, you should have solid red on the waterfall - that's your signal going out at full power. (or shades of red depending on how much fire you're putting into the wire). If you're saying that after you release PTT you're still seeing solid red, that's probably something misconfigure and worst cast scenario, something is wrong with the radio. I'd need more info. Feel free to join TOADs discord where we can have more brains and share pictures and discuss.
Steve… get yourself a “third hand” at Harbor Freight and add some heat shrink tubing on the claws of the alligator clips. Great for holding small circuit boards for assembly. I have a Panavise workstation for soldering circuit boards. It’s too big for most of the circuit board kits you’ve assembled lately. 73 de KD6UYK (Tim)
Have you seen the commodore 64 build? ;-) when I try the heatshrink on my helping hands, it just comes off fast.
@@temporarilyoffline The C64 PCB is too big for a helping hands device. When I was a tech for Star Micronics America in the mid-1980s, such a luxury of have a pcb vise wasn’t realistic. 73 de KD6UYK (Tim).
The Digital multimeter couldn't get a continuity because of the caps. Capacitors only allow AC currents to pass and the continuity test is DC. I learned that in the ARRL Handbook.
Nice, thanks for helping!
If you still have the filter, could you please give me info or link where to buy? I'm currently experiencing an AM problem with my G90😉 thanks in advance.
There is a link in the description for where you can get one. Dan has a newer version that just came out that filters even better.
I don't own this radio yet. But I might someday. Better buy two and build them. reasons!
This will work with all Xiegu Radios currently - G90, X5105, X6100, X108, G106
I was reading the description of the BCI filter and it says “High SWR can damage the filter. The filter should be inserted inline between the transceiver and tuner, rather than between the tuner and antenna.” Can you show how you would install this unit in x6100 between tuner and transmitter
Radio - coax- Filter- coax - tuner - coax/antenna - you need an external tuner (or resonant antenna) and can't use the radio's built in tuner.
So how would someone check the windings by using a Vna...What are we looking for ...
You're looking for a loss of signal below 1.8mhz where am broadcast would be. I need to make a video on it.
So I got the kit and built it today. I turned down to a local AM broadcast station 1450 and did a test but im seeing no difference at all. I haven't been able to test it in the field where I had problems of interference on ham bands and non Xiegu users didn't.
I await your field report. I don't duffer from BCI either, but is a big problem for some.
UPDATE!!! I got to do a field test and here are the results! ua-cam.com/video/LP26qMVpNX8/v-deo.html
That's excellent!
Nice build skills TO! SON - GET YOURSELF A PCB VISE! 😀 It would be interesting to see how much attenuation of BCB signals is provided by that filter. Keep up the great work Sir! 73 - KF6IF
Hey Phil! I've thought about it a few times.
@@temporarilyoffline Or some blue-tac.
Blue-tac isngood stuff!
Can you please share the circuit diagram.
I don't have it, but K9DP would be the one to reach out to.
We have this little Broadcast Station called WWV a few miles away and it destroys 160m and 80m
WWV be like that 🤣
i know you posted this video a year ago, but id like to ask.... at the time of this recording, the x6100 is your fav qrp radio. that said, here is my question. did you receive am broadcast on any antenna you tried to use? i just got this radio, and im out in the yard making and testing antennas, and ONLY when i use a efhw do i receive am broadcast, on all bands. when i use my wolf river coil vertical, i do not receive those am signals. did you experience this same thing by chance???
I didn't try that setup that you're using - but it makes sense to me that you wouldn't have issues with the wolf river coil - due to the nature of the coil loaded vertical, you're actually using a "Hi-Q" antenna - This antenna will have a very acute V shaped SWR curve (and reject more signals as a result) compared to an EFHW antenna that will have a broad SWR curve (and pick up more signals as a result)
I do appreciate you replying! And I do appreciate this video. I ordered this kit yesterday as a result of your video. I just learned of you channel, and am glad I found it! 73!
@@KU8RLY thanks for subscribing! I did do a follow up on this filter: ua-cam.com/video/qF5idlbnsds/v-deo.html
That is fantastic! VERY glad I found your channel. Definitely have a subscriber here!
Bravo….when I heard of the AM broadcast interference I thought…..surely you just need an inline filter……
Why didn't Xiegu think of this?
@@temporarilyoffline maybe they did think of it but it would cost money to build it in and would be embarrassing to include as an extra?
Could be. I don't think they are the embarrassed type though. They are pushing the edges of what customers will accept while earning revenue for the next product release. @@chrisb3989
Will you send me a link to the part so i can get one
Here you go:
👉 Now available pre-built!
👉👉Amazon: geni.us/gMkc
👉👉eBay: geni.us/k0ALPi
👉 Get your Broadcast Interference Filter (BCI)
👉👉 eBay: geni.us/8DPXOi3
👉👉 Amazon: geni.us/H1L5L
I just noticed this in the amz listing: "Caution: If using a tuner the filter must be placed between the transceiver and tuner. High SWR can damage the filter." This means it's not a great choice for transceivers with built-in tuners...
Not as elegant, but you can put a tuner after the filter.
That feeling when TO shows you a $20 kit to solve a problem the day after you spent $100 on.
I'm here for you before or after brother
@@temporarilyoffline Thanks, man.
I need exactly this but for a G90 so up to 20 watts, any thoughts? Any suggestions how I could beef this up for 20 watts?
Check the other comment, the short answer is its probably ok.
@@temporarilyoffline thanks! Saw that after I commented *shrug*
@@temporarilyoffline Dude this completely solved my issue! Thanks much!
Awesome! I love it when a plan comes together!
o... how is that proof it works if you didn't show the receive WITHOUT it and then WITH it?
I mentioned in the video that I don't have any BCI in my area to demonstrate with. But there I'd a future video coming out showing it on the NanoVNA.
Great! Now.....if you could just fix the birdies on the (tru)SDX..... 😀 Thanks Steve
That would be nice!
Its a pity its not $20 landed in Australia. $60 here in Australia.
Shipping is a bear. Reach out to K9DP directly and he might be able to make you a better deal direct.
What is insertion loss of the BCI filter pls?
Less then the overloading on the radio from nearby AM stations (seriously though I didn't measure it). For the people that suffer from BCI, this thing is magic!
Well I mean cos of power loss on TX….
Well I mean cos of power loss on TX….
Well I mean cos of power loss on TX….
Well I mean cos of power loss on TX….
Ya know you can start winding the toroid in the middle of the wire and not have to pull so much wire through the toroid for each pass.
#ProTip
"Fine tip pointy-tool" where can I get one? hihi🤣
It's actually a "chip lifter" I know you were joking, but I find it really useful for working on computer boards and radios: amzn.to/3RZsaut
I like to take a macro picture with my phone and then zoom in on a computer to count loops
That's a great idea!
Hey, just made a very similar video on this same subject just a few days ago. I have a XIEGO G90 and was plagued by a local AM Station. But I used an off-the-shelf AM Filter from Morgan Systems. vid-> ua-cam.com/video/nVgB5bbbJoU/v-deo.html
Going to watch now!
I don't know how to tell it not sounding creepy but I think I have kind of fetish on well winded toroids. I just love to watch how there are done 😁🤔 73
Real recognizes real.
Well, it's obvious it can't be tested with DMM - there's a capacitor in series, so no way to check with continuity BNC-BNC with DMM. Can't see the diagram, quick look on it, will save your time on checking again and again your "well done" job. 73, Greg
Some people's kids man
Just ordered one. Should have it Friday. Interested to see how it behaves with my X6100. I enjoy the videos. XYL says you are going to get me into trouble. Thanks! de W3DMJ
We'll have to keep the next few videos between us then!
seriously, get yourself a "helping hands". it will improve your soldering experience no end. BTW, there is no dc connection though this kind of filter, the capacitors are in the signal line, the inductors go to ground.
Thanks!
Get rid of AM broadcast by getting rid of Xiegu X6100 😂
It is interesting, new firmware developed by Oleg R1CBU has this issues or not.
The X6100 is fun to play with. Can't get rid of it, nothing else fits that niche.
Honestly I didn't watch the whole video TO, but doesn't a filter prevent you from using your tuner? I understand you're not supposed to tune through a filter. 73 de VE3GKT
Yes, Dan mentions that on his website - I don't think it's the tuner so much as the SWR, but I'm not sure what the real answer is.
@@temporarilyoffline filters such as this are designed to work at a particular impedance - tune through them and filter performance could be degraded, the filter could be damaged, or it may not pass the tuner output impedance correctly
So the way to use a tuner with this is antenna->tuner->filter->radio - and remove the filter for tuning and then replace it for operating. Less than ideal, but so is having strong broadcast signals overloading your front end.
@@temporarilyoffline it should be ok for tuning as there will be RF making it through for an autotuner to detect. But yes, you'd have to use an external tuner in the arrangement you described,, which seriously sucks considering a selling point of that rig is the internal tuner