While tuning, hitting CW key will drop transmitter but radio stays at tune power

Robert Cheek

I got the rig in an odd mode the other day.  I was in CW mode but only had a few watts output no matter where I put the RF Power slider.  I discovered the Tune Pwr slider would control the power.  Then I noticed the Tune button was still blue.  Well, today I discovered how I got into that mode.  I was in CW mode, clicked the Tune button to tune up the external antenna tuner and I bumped the paddle and the TX dropped.  The rig would transmit but at Tune Pwr setting. The Tune button stays blue.  I clicked the Tune button and all went back to normal. 

Is this normal operation?  I could not find this "feature" in the SW users manual   I am using 1.9.7 version of SmartSDR. 

k3Tim

Hello Robert.

I observed this 'feature' some time back and didn't report as it seemed not so important a 'use case'.  Reverified  this and it can be duplicated with Maestro as the control, in which case the tune LED stays red. 

I'd say "best practice' is not to hit the bug when tuning (assuming one uses a bug for CW).

Best,
Tim

Tim - W4TME

It is not normal operation.  This behavior has been entered into our bug tracker as issue #4166.

Robert Cheek

The first time I saw this I think that I hit the keyer paddle by accident and didn't notice until I saw the power output was 5 watts.  It was a bit confusing because I was calling a cw net and really needed full power!

Most of the electronic keyers I have that have a "tune" mode will drop the key line when the paddle is tapped.  It would be nice if the Flex did the same thing.  But I can't see where dropping the TX and staying in tune mode would be normal.

Robert Cheek

Thanks Tim.  Not a big thing, but a surprise if you are not expecting it!