AAIO PCB Kit
No enclosure
$58.00$38.00
Out of stock
The Almost-All-In-One is a compact, versatile PCB that plugs directly into the headphone and paddle jacks of the QRP labs QMX and QCX transceivers. The board relocates the 3.5mm jacks to the side while tapping into these circuits to add amplified audio output and various inputs. This lightweight modular board serves as a platform for many possible configurations.
Ordering options:
Speaker and Mic
None: No speaker or mic are included
Speaker and Mic: 20x30 speaker and compact electret mic are included
Speaker: 20x30mm Speaker is included
Mic: Compact electret mic is included
Power
DC barrel jack: Includes a 5.5x2.1mm DC barrel jack.
USB-C Trigger 12v: Includes a 12v USB-C Trigger.
USB-C Trigger 9v: Includes a 9v USB-C Trigger.
NO ENCLOSURE INCLUDED
Visit the Store to shop enclosure kits or check out my Printables for free 3D-printable enclosure files, try searching “AAIO” for other community designed solutions.
This DIY kit features all through-hole components, making assembly straightforward for most experience levels. Every QMX/QCX radio is hand-built, meaning individual units vary slightly in the alignment of their 3.5mm and power jacks. Consequently, an assembled AAIO may not fit multiple radios. Using a single AAIO on a different radio can cause significant stress and premature failure of the input jacks.
If you own multiple QMX/QCX radios, you have three standard options:
Build one AAIO for one radio, then de-solder and realign the 3.5mm jacks on your other radios to match the previously assembled AAIO.
House the radio and AAIO together and don't use the 3.5mm plugs.
Build a dedicated AAIO for each radio.
The Fine Print
Use at Your Own Risk: The AAIO is an independent project and is provided as-is. This kit is intended for educational, evaluation, or hobbyist assembly. By purchasing and installing this board, you accept all risks. The creator/seller accepts no liability from the use or misuse of this product.
Trademark Notice: QMX and QCX are registered trademarks of QRP Labs. This project is entirely independent and is not affiliated with, authorized, or endorsed by QRP Labs.
Input voltage: 6v-15v
Audio output power: Up to 1w
Assembled board with PTT weight: 8.3 grams
Assembled DC barrel jack weight: 3.5 grams
Assembled USB-C trigger weight: 3.2 grams
Speaker Weight: 2.7 grams
Mic weight with pigtail: ~0.3 grams
Amplifier: The onboard amplifier is a Texas Instruments LM386N-4 with a recommended operating range of 5-18v. For this application I am suggesting 6-15v.
Speaker: The speaker is a 20x30mm 8ohm driver with a frequency range of 560Hz~10kHz. This speaker is self resonant at 700Hz which in my testing provided a ~6dB bump in SPL at 700Hz when compared to other commonly available 20x30 speakers making it the clear winner for an all around lightweight speaker with emphasis at the most common CW frequency.
Microphone: The microphone is a compact omnidirectional -24dB electret that matches the sensitivity recommended by QRP Labs for the QMX.
Power: Stick with the 5.5x2.1mm DC barrel jack that is standard on the radio or move to a modern USB-C PD trigger. The trigger options use an off-the-shelf board with an Injoinic IP2721_MAX12 IC. This chip supports Type-C, PD2.0, and PD3.0, but only requests 5V, 9V, or 12V meaning it cannot trigger higher voltages.
The 9V and 12V triggers are identical boards. The output voltage is configurable using a pull-up resistor on the board:
Pulled High: 12V
Floating: 9V
Pulled Low: 5V (Do not use)
Type-c devices that do not have PD protocols will result in a 5v output. The QMX will fail to boot. Do not attempt to run your QMX at 5v. If your PD device does not have a 12v profile than it will output 9v. Always test the triggered output voltage with a meter before plugging the AAIO into your QMX.
For advanced users a 15v trigger in the same form factor can be had. Some use cases like doubling up finals can utilize the higher voltage, this is not a typical configuration.