RF Output decreasing with operation

W4EY

Running the contest this morning, I noticed the RF Output monitored on a LP-100A Digital Vector Watt meter start decreasing slowly as I was using the FLEX 6500.  I was not changing any frequency or mode of operation. However, the RF Output slowly decreased downward a few Watts.  Also, I noticed the same RF Output decrease using Digital modes. Retuning the FLEX Auto Tune did not effect the Output.  This seems to have started with the new SmartSDR 1.2.1 upgrade..

Ernest - W4EG

Have you check your power supply?

Your AC voltage may be dropping and this may cause your output power drop.

W4EY

Ernest: Thanks...Yes I monitor my DC Supply. It Has 55 Amp capability so it should be sufficient. This issue just started with the new SmartSDR version. The FLEX appears to stabilize at 4 watts down from the initial RF output when this starts. Did not notice this in the earlier SmartSDR versons.

Will keep a eye on this..To see if it continues.

Thanks 

Tim - W4TME

As the radio warms up, the RF output will decease a little and it looks like this is what you are observing.  I do not think this is a problem with just a drop of a few watts.  Also check your power supply for a voltage drop while transmitting; it needs to be 13.8V at the radio when transmitting to get full power output.

Tom

For me, it never exceeds 80W according to its own wattmeter!! Power supply seems ok, holding 13.8V stable. Tune or CW signal into fully resonant antenna and SWR @ 1.0 in bypass mode or antenna with SWR @ 2.5 tuned with internal tuner, doesnt make a difference. Same for all bands. What this could be?

W4EY

Tim, Thanks. I will watch it for a few weeks. This was just noticed after installing the Updated SDR. I have monitored the DC supply output Volt meter and it does not change when transmitting. My setup is running an external Auto Tuner which is tuned with less than 5 watts set on the FLEX Transmit setup panel. However, after tuning the antenna, I show reduced power if I rset the FLEX in BYP instead of setting the FLEX to ATN. My first step is to tune the antenna external tuner with the FLEX in the Tune position. Then I can switch the FLEX to BYP or ATN with no change in the antenna tuning.
 I will keep a eye on it. Possibly is me trying to be Critical. As we know "Change never hurts anyone or anything"  so I will get use to the RF changes.   Thanks
Again.
Bill
Tennessee Vol

Tim - W4TME

Tom - please submit a HelpDesk ticket so we can investigate this issue further.