Flex 6500 GPSDO install - how long does yellow solid light stay on?

N7BCP

Just instsalled the GPSDO option in my Flex 6500.  after radio boot and connecting via SmartSDR 1.3.8 and selecting "Install" on the GPS tab, how long does the solid yellow power light stay lit before it turns to blinking blue?

Walt - KZ1F

I think the first question is does your GPS antenna have a clear view of the southern sky? I think when I first powered up my 6500 w/GPSDO it took a few minutes for the amber light to turn flashing view. Since then it transitions pretty quickly. I am not sure about the 6500 but for Garmins and other GPS devices the initial lock on satellites is always the longest. Once the device knows where it last was it is way easier for it to lock on subsequent power ons.

Walt - kz1f

N7BCP

Thanks Walt - the GPS antenna is glued to the window which faces south.  The radio setup page when viewing the GPS tab bounces between 0 sats visible and 12, the sat tracked is either on 99 or some number between 4-8.  When the sat tracked switces to 99, th lat/long go to zero - grid square is correct.  Its been about 30 minutes so far.

KY6LA_Howard

The GPS antenna needs to see the sky. The writing on the antenna is the bottom of the antenna. Gluing it to the window likely cut off 1/2 the sky. Try sticking it out the window and mounting it horizontally with the lettering on the bottom. BTW. Mine sees satellites OK indoors.

KY6LA_Howard

Also double check if you have it connected to the right SMA connector. NOT the 10MHz connector.

N7BCP

Futzing with the antenna orientation helped - blue light is on and tacking 9 with 15 visible with status locked.  Thanks for the responses.  Happy New Year

Joe WD5Y

Howard, I have not used my GPSDO yet because I am waiting on installing outdoor antenna. I see you mentioned that you have your antenna indoors, does this work ok? I am definitely going to try this if so because for me to get outdoors with antenna is a real bear. Thanks, Joe WD5Y

Walt - KZ1F

I think one goal is to keep the run from the rig to the antenna as short as possible. Mine also is indoors plus there are trees to the south. It works fine and satellite synch occurs within 30 secs. There is likely less signal loss through glass than by adding meters to the cable length.

Walt - KZ1F

Larry you might want to mark this question answered so as to not cede your question to a bunch of folks needing a place to hole up.

k3Tim

I believe some windows have a metallic coating that can attenuate the GPS signal.  Not sure this is the case at hand albeit working.

Enjoy the new found stability!   :-)

Best Regards,

Tim / K3TIM

KY6LA_Howard

Yes I use mine indoors. It's just hanging on a post inside the shack