Anyone have success in connecting DXBase 2007 to Flex 6300?

Gary w8vi

I just received a 6300 today and cant figure out how to send info from my old logging program DXBase 2007 to the Flex. With other rigs I could send the date, time, Freq, mode etc. to DXBase via Com ports. I downloaded DDutil_V3  but not sure what to do next.

Windows 10, 64 Bit, Intel I7 HP desktop. Smart SDR v 1.10.16

Thank you for any assistance.

73, Gary W8VI

Bob K8RC

Try telling the logger that the Flex is a Kenwood. 

The 6x000 series responds to that command set through a CAT port.
.

Gary w8vi

Thank you Bob, for some reason I am unable to open Smart SDR Cat program. Smart SDR and DAX are running correctly. That could be the problem.

Also connected a USB cable from the Flex to Com 1 serial connection on the PC. DXBase is not connecting to com 1. Set at 4800 baud and Kenwood TS-480 settings. 

Thanks,
Gary

Bob K8RC

CAT should start when your computer boots. Try rebooting the computer. If it doesn't start then it needs to be reinstalled. 

As for the USB cable approach, are you sure you have a true FTDI chipset in your cable? The radio doesn't support the chipset of the Oriental knock-offs that are so cheaply available everywhere.

.

Gary w8vi

I tried another USB to USB cable and Windows does not recognize it either- no beep like when you plug in other cables or new port number. Uninstalled / reinstalled Smart SDR and CAT is not starting. Their is a SmartSDR CAT icon but when you push it - nothing happens.  

Wonder if USB ports are defective on the 6300?

Ria

Gary, You don't use the USB ports. You create a virtual port in SmartSDR CAT, then point DXBase to that port. The CAT data goes via ethernet from the rig to the PC.

Craig_KØCF

Gary,

SmartSDR CAT starts automatically when Windows boots. Look on the task bar at the bottom of the screen and find the Blue "CAT" icon. Click on it and SmartSDR CAT will pop up. From this screen you will see that two ports have been created for you already - Com 4 and TCP 5002. You can use Com 4 to connect DXBase or create a new one.

73,
Craig, KØCF

Gary w8vi

Ria and Craig,

Thank you for taking the time to reply.

I was able to get SmartSDR CAT to load correctly on a second PC then connected it to the 6300. While installing the Flex VSP Driver Windows 10 "blue screened" and rebooted. Smart SDR then sent a pop up saying that Flex VSP did not load correctly and requested that I install the program again. This time it loaded correctly and now SmartSDR CAT starts up automatically.

Next I tried connecting the CAT's Virtual Com port 4 to DXBase's Com 4 but so far was unable to connect the two but thanks to your help I'm finally heading in the correct direction. DAX and the SmartSDR program are running great with no issues.

Both PC's I tried are HP 8200 Intel I7's with 8 GB ram and running Windows 10, 64 bit. The first PC is for Ham Radio use and still wont start SmartSDR Cat after removing the whole program twice. I will try removing everything Flex related in the Program Files before reinstalling. Something is causing the Flex VSP driver not to load or run correctly in the main PC.

Another question - what are the USB ports on the back of the 6000's series currently used for and how can I tell if they are working correctly?

Thanks again and loving the performance of the Flex 6300.

Gary

Bob K8RC

I use a 6300 USB port to automatically bandswitch my solid state PA. So the amp is always good to go without any intervention (except, of course, being powered up).

In this case, the interface between radio & amp provides a convenient "happy light" that tells me everything is working.

Gary w8vi

Thanks to the process of elimination was able to get DXBase to communicate with the 6300 by un-checking DTR High, CTS and RTS High in the Kenwood TS2000 Radio settings section of DXBase. Baud rate speed does not matter and used Com 4 from SmartSDR CAT.

Thanks again everyone for your assistance.

73, Gary