Problem with transmit output as reported by RF Power widget

Walt - KZ1F

This is, perhaps, two issue but could be a single one.
Some time back I noticed an anomalous behavior on digital mode. While watching the RF Power widget (top right corner of SSDR) I noticed that before the transmitter (or control) went to full power it would go about 10% then drop to 0% then go to full (whatever full power was limited to).  This is repeatable. 

Today I noticed a similar situation. I was working PSK on 17mtrs just fine. I switched to 15mtr and noticed DM7809 showed transmitting, DAX showed transmitting, SSDR TX Ready flag at bottom right showed transmitting, SWR widget showed transmitting, RF Power showed 0%. I did hear the relays switch. This persisted. If I depressed TUNE RF Power widget showed full power (as defined by the Power limit which was set at mid way. If I dragged Power level slider to full right I would see on the power RF Power widget about 10% or less.  After rebooting both hardware and software it appeared 'better' but still perhaps a little sluggish. Again, though, depressing TUNE would bring the RF Power widget to full power display 100/125 W.  Note: no one should get hung up on the 'according to display' in the title. If it read 0% nobody responded to my call. When I went to full slider and 10% or less display, I did get responses to the transmission. I believe the widget is accurate with respect to transmitter output.

Walt - kz1f

George KF2T

I have noticed this effect when I inadvertently have my AFSK tones outside the TX passband. The audio level meter will register, but the RF power will not. Or, in the case of being on the edge, will vary with the tone.

Not saying this is "for sure" what you're experiencing, Walt, but I've been puzzled by it once or twice before realizing what was going on.

73,
Geo/KF2T

Walt - KZ1F

Thanks George! I am not sure that is it though as it worked predictably on 17 mtr. I was just now on 15 SSB and noticed occasional irradically weak 'deflection' on the RF Power. If I played with the output level I could get far right deflection but I was also experiencing virtually no registration on the power level. When trying to work into UAE on the anaemic registration they could not hear me. Once I played with it and it showed towards full deflection then they did respond to me. It is also not the mic as on PSK there was no mic. What I did at one point that seemed to work was set the power output to zero and 'transmitted', then set the slider for full right deflection and saw peaks at the 100W level.

Walt - kz1f

Walt - KZ1F

update: I happened to take off the headphones and when it started low, dropped to zero then went full...the transmitter actually cycled off then on again. This could be DM780 but I thought I'd report it nonetheless.

Walt - KZ1F

There is definitely a problem on 15 I have nowhere else. I found if I set the RF Power slider to zero and transmit, then slide the control to full right the RF Power widget (display) shows proper radiated output. I have no  clue why this appears relegated to 15 mtrs.

Walt - kz1f

Tim - W4TME

I have converted this topic to a support HelpDesk ticket (http://helpdesk.flexradio.com) for expedited issue resolution.  If anyone else is experiencing an issue similar to this one, please submit a HelpDesk support ticket for issue resolution.