FlexControl slice manipulation.

Bob G W1GLV

The new scheme for Flex Control introduced in V1.4.3 has a flaw in one of the selections. When I choose "Change Active Slice", I expect the change to be complete. The TX flag does not change with this selection, everything else does. Is this a flaw or was it designed that way?

Tim - W4TME

This is not a flaw, but works as designed.  

We made the decision early on in the development of SmartSDR that transmit has to be under positive user control, meaning that only the user can designate which slice is the transmit slice and not a different radio function.  The "active" slice, by definition, is the slice that is frequency controlled by a tuning device, like your mouse or a FlexControl and it has nothing to do with designating if the slice is a transmit slice or not. The FlexControl active slice feature works the same as if you clicked on a non-active slice to make it active.

Bob G W1GLV

Tim, I don't see the value of selecting the active slice via a controlling device and not carry the TX flag with it. I have an ICOM IC-7100 and when you go from VFO A or B the transmit function walks with it.

Tim - W4TME

It works exactly the same as when you click on a slice to make it active.  This is what the FlexControl is doing; allowing you to make a slice active without having to move you hand to grab the mouse, to click the slice and then move your hand back to the FlexControl.  This feature is a workflow saver, which is really what the FlexControl does for you in addition to providing a tactile feel for slice tuning.

If you want to change the active slice selection behavior to make TX follow the active slice, then I suggest you write this program change request for TX to follow the active slice as an Idea post in the community so others can comment on it and vote it up.