QRP Labs QMX User Manual

Cat command set
QMX implements a subset of the Kenwood TS-480/TS-440 CAT command set which is an old
standard, but contains all the necessary commands for WSJT-X and other software to be able to
control QMX, and is old enough that it is widely supported by most software packages.
Additionally QMX provides an extended set of CAT commands Q0, Q1, Q2 and so on until QB.
These commands allow a host program to set and get various configuration parameters of QMX.
Parameters set by the Q commands are not saved in EEPROM, they are valid for the current
operating session only. These commands could be useful for example, if you wish to provide a
particular start-up script of CAT commands in your PC software to configure your QMX a certain
way.
The following lists the commands and responses in alphabetical order:
AG: Get/Set AF Gain
Set: AG0n Sets the audio gain to n. The actual gain setting is the supplied gain in dB. So for
example command AG021; will set the gain to 21dB, in the currently active band. Note that the
gain can also be set in the Terminal Band Configuration application.
Get: Returns the audio gain in dB. For example AG; or AG0; (actual Kenwood TS-480 command)
returns AG0021 for 21dB.
C2: Get/Set Signal Generator frequency
Set: Sets the Si5351A Clk2 output frequency (the signal generator).
Get: Gets the frequency of Si5351A Clk2 (the signal generator)
FA: Get/Set VFO A
Set: Sets VFO A value. Example: FA7030000; sets VFO A to 7.030MHz
Get: Returns the VFO A contents as an 11-digit number. Example: “FA;” returns “FA00007030000;”
FB: Get/Set VFO B
Set: Sets VFO B value. Example: FB7016000; sets VFO B to 7.016MHz
Get: Returns the VFO B contents as an 11-digit number. Example: “FB;” returns “FA00007016000;”
FR: Get/Set Receive VFO Mode
Set: Set VFO Mode: 0, 1, 2 correspond to VFO A, VFO B or Split respectively. This is the case for
both the FR and FT commands (which are nominally Receive and Transmit VFOs) because in
the QMX the VFO mode use does not correspond exactly to TS-480.
Get: Get Receive VFO Mode: 0 means VFO A is used for receive (could be due to VFO mode
being VFO A, or VFO Mode being Split); 1 means VFO B is being used for receive (must be
VFO Mode B).
QMX operang manual; rmware 1_00_012 82

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