DDUtil & Expert 2K-FA Amp Problem with Amp Window

Morrie

I am running DDUtil The Expert 2K-FA Amp. For the passive listener, I am using Serial Port 7.  Steve's instructions indicate that I must also enter that port 7 into the 2K-FA AMP setup port.  This results in error indicting that the same port cannot be used both places even though his instructions indicate that I must do that.  Has anybody else found the cure of this? So, I can't remote control the amp with DDUtil.  The band switch follows the Flex 6500 ok.
.

Mark_W3II

I have a SPE 1.3k FA amp; I connect the USB cable to PC to control amp settings or you could use front panel instead. I use FTDI cable connected between Amp A connector and PC USB. I then use SmartCAT configured to serial port created by FTDI cable. No other software is required. Amp A is configured to Flex. Amp B is set to Icom for my IC9100.

KY6LA_Howard

My 2K-FA works perfectly with DDUTIL..

So best guess .. you have an error in your setup

https://community.flexradio.com/flexradio/topics/spe-expert-amp-support-ddutil-v32200-available 

Suggest that post screen shots of the setup tabs in DDUTIL and a screen shot of Device Manager showing all your ports.

You need a physical serial port connected as a Passive Listener

And a USB cable/port

Also double check your firmware version in 2K-FA

KY6LA_Howard

DDUTIL gives you the ability to turn the amp on and off and change settings.

Mark_W3II

Thanks for the input. I use the app that came with Amp since it lets me configure all Amp settings via RDP if needed.

KY6LA_Howard

DDUTIL also works with RDP plus it controls antennas, amps, wattmeters, etc.

Much more useful than the SPE App

Morrie

Howard, I have use DDUtil for the very beginning! I know Steve very well! The problem is that per the DDUtil instructions for The Amp setup, 3.2.2 REMOTE COMMANDS: Set the serial port to the port where the cable is connected.  AND then, setup for DDUtil 4.0:  Set the amp for the Remote Commands to the serial port connected to the Amp... Read those 2 sections of DDUtil and you will see that you are connection 2 devices to 1 port and that causes an error (You Can't Do That!) Thanks, Morrie, W8FF

Morrie

KY6LA_Howard

Here Are SCREEN SHOTS

1. Device Manager  - I have 5 physical serial Ports and a number of physical USB ports

Serial Port 5 is dedicated as a Passive Listener

USB Port 33 is the USB Port

2.  AMPS Tab

3.  Autodrive Tab

EA4GLI

Do not use the passive listener. You don't need it.

Morrie

Howard, thanks for the info.  For the Passive listener to follow the radio you must have the special cable with the 15 pin (DB15M) connected to connected to port 5.  What cable do you connected to Port33?  Thanks, Morrie, W8FF

KY6LA_Howard

Port 33 is the USB cable Connection.  I set the Port # to 33 in device manager so that it would not conflict with any of the regular serial ports.

My Port #5 is the Serial Port DB9 to DB15M as detailed by Steve at:

http://k5fr.com/DDUtilV3wiki/index.php?title=SPE_1.3/2K

Cat (DB15M)             PC (DB9F)
---------------------------------
TX232 / 9 >----->-----> 2 / RX PC
RX232 / 1 <-----<-----< 3 / TX PC
  Gnd / 4 ----------------- 5 / Gnd

Morrie

Mark_W3II

Have you tried running the "Term" software that came with the SPE AMP?
Have you look at the Windows Device Manager's device list before and after plugging in AMP's USB cable?
You should see a USB Serial Converter and a USB Serial Port appear after connecting the USB cable to the AMP. The USB Serial Port name will also contain the assignment (like COM6).
Have you tried a different USB cable?
Let me know if you would like me to take a look at your system with you using TeamViewer
http://www.radio-ham.eu/download/2kfa... 73

EA4GLI

Have you guys tried to NOT use the Passive Listener? It works for me.... am I the only one?

Mike_W7TUS

Just after I got my 2K-FA I found the USB port wasn’t working.  I’m pretty sure it was the result of a lightning strike that also damaged some other equipment.  After several chats with Bob Hardie (W5UQ) at Expert Linears America he shipped me the appropriate board and I replaced it.  I worked carefully and took pictures as I went along.  No soldering was involved.  It probably took me about an hour from start to finish.  The 2K-FA was designed to be worked on.   The USB port has worked perfectly ever since.  MUCH better than trying to get that beast packed up and shipped.  I did return the original USB board to Bob. 

 

VE2MBT

Hello Mark, This is Marc, VE2MBT, i'll try tonight the TERM software, if it dosent work and if it's OK with you, i would really appreciate if you can connect with Team Viewer. i'am not far for it to work but... but still some functions are NOT working !!! AMP follow the radio, but i CAN'T get the autodrive to work !!! i have programmed 10 watt on the amplifier drive to play safe on my dummy load but as soon as i press OPERATE ( on the linear as it dosent work from the computer ) the flex jump to 60 watts and there is nothing i can do, if i move the slide on the flex, it return back to 60 watts. So only few think like that dosent work !!! operate, low mid high etc... are NOT working from the computer, only from the amp.  Thank's respectfully, Marc VE2MBT

John-K3MA

No, I have been running my 1.3K for 9 months with no Passive Listener without issues.  80% of my operating is from a remote location so I need it to work without problems.

Mark_W3II

Send me your information via my email address on QRZ.COM