QRP Labs QMX User Manual

Exiting bootloader (firmware update) mode:
QMX provides two possible ways to exit firmware update mode:
1) Update the firmware! After updating the firmware, QMX will automatically reboot in normal
operating mode.
2) Power down QMX, and re-apply the power again. QMX will reboot in normal operating mode.
USB Flash memory stick emulation:
In the firmware update mode, the QMX pretends to be a USB Flash memory stick, having a
4MByte capacity and implementing a FAT16 file system. This virtual “Flash stick” contains two
files:
1. the firmware program file of the QMX microcontroller. You may read the file from QMX, or
write a new one, just by dragging files in your file manager application.
2. EEPROM contents: the QMX configuration and log file (if enabled). Again, you can read
the file from QMX or write a new one to QMX, simply by dragging files in your file manager
application.
Note that QMX is not a real USB Flash drive! It only emulates just barely enough USB Flash
drive functionality to be able to achieve the desired purpose of copying firmware and EEPROM
contents in and out. This sometimes confuses people. There is no capability to delete files so don’t
bother to try; similarly, you can’t copy in any other types of files. If you try to delete or copy in other
types of files, it might LOOK like it’s successful; this is just because your PC caches what it thinks
is correct directory information.
On entering the Firmware update procedure, a pop-up window should appear on your PC. On my
system (Linux XUbuntu 18.04) it looks like this:
Click the OK button.
QMX operang manual; rmware 1_00_012 57

QRP Labs QMX Specifications

General

Brand	QRP Labs
Model	QMX
Category	Transceiver
Language	English

Summary

1. Overview of Features

QMX Portability

Highlights the small size and low current consumption for portable operations.

Synthesised VFO Tuning

Details the VFO tuning using a Si5351A chip and rotary encoder, with two VFOs.

CW Keyer and Break-in

Explains the integrated lambic keyer and full/semi break-in operation.

2. Connectors

Paddle Connector Functions

Details the 3.5mm stereo jack for paddle, GPS data, and microphone input.

Audio and DC Power Connectors

Describes the 3.5mm audio output and 2.1mm barrel jack DC input.

3. Display Elements

4. Operator Controls

4.1 Tune Rate

Explains how to adjust the VFO tuning rate using the rotary encoder.

4.2 Keyer Speed

Details how to adjust the CW keyer speed using the 'Select' button and encoder.

4.3 RIT

Explains how to adjust Receiver Incremental Tuning (RIT) using double-click and encoder.

4.4 VFO Mode

Describes selecting between VFO A, VFO B, and Split modes for operation.

5. Menu System

5.1 Saving Current Operating Parameters

Stores current operating conditions like VFO frequency, mode, and keyer speed upon power down.

5.3 Editing Configuration Parameters

Details the process of editing menu parameters using the rotary encoder and buttons.

5.8 Audio Menu

Controls audio settings like volume step and sidetone volume and its absolute/relative mode.

5.11 Keyer Menu

Configures CW keyer settings like mode, swap, weight, and auto-space.

5.16 Protection Menu

Configures protection features like SWR protection, threshold, and supply voltage monitoring.

5.19 Factory Reset

Resets the radio to its default factory configuration, erasing all custom settings.

5.20 Update Firmware

Guides the user through rebooting into bootloader mode for firmware updates via USB.

6. Operating QMX on Digital Modes

WSJT-X Configuration

Step-by-step guide for configuring WSJT-X for audio and CAT control with QMX.

7. Firmware Update Procedure

Entering Bootloader Mode

Explains methods to enter firmware update mode, including button presses and jumpers.

8. Terminal Applications

PC Terminal Emulator Setup

Guides setting up terminal emulators like PuTTY for connecting to QMX.

8.5 Band Configuration

Details configuring parameters for each amateur radio band, including frequencies and PTT.

8.6 Hardware Tests Menu

Accesses tools for optimizing and testing hardware, including filter sweeps and diagnostics.

8.7 PC and CAT Menu

Covers PC interface and CAT commands, including system config and input analysis.

9. Resources

10. Document Revision History