Flex 6300 Mechanical Noise

Philip KA4KOE

My Flex 6300 makes this semi-periodic noise on receive from inside the case. I understand the fans run all the time. This almost sounds like a hard drive sound. I do not know if this is normal or not. Listen to the linked file from SoundCloud.....

https://soundcloud.com/user-885349244/flex-6300-periodic-buzzing-sound

Philip

Bill -VA3WTB

The only moving parts are fans.

ctate243

I am unable to listen to your audio sample for some reason, but if the noise doesn't sound right I would suggest opening a support ticket.

Ria

There is no HDD, only an SD card with the software in it. What you are hearing is either the case fan or FPGA fan. (don't know if the 6300 has one). 

Al_NN4ZZ

Philip,
There are 3 fans in the 6300.  
1 - case fan
1 - CPU fan
1 - FPGA fan.

More info on the fans on my web page here:
http://www.nn4zz.com/FLEX6700.htm#FANs_

Sometimes cleaning can help and there is a help desk note on the process.

https://helpdesk.flexradio.com/hc/en-us/articles/115001282823-How-to-properly-clean-the-FLEX-6000-Co...

Al / NN4ZZ  
al (at) nn4zz (dot) com
SSDR / DAX / CAT/ 6700 -  V 1.11.12
Win10

Al_NN4ZZ

I listened to the sound byte again and it sounds almost like a buzzing.  So another possibility might be a relay...so something else to consider.  

Al / NN4ZZ  
al (at) nn4zz (dot) com
SSDR / DAX / CAT/ 6700 -  V 1.11.12
Win10

Cal N3CAL

First thought was a relay.  Do you have the tuner option installed? 

Cal/N3CAL

Philip KA4KOE

No I don't. It does this in receive just sitting there.

Ross - K9COX

Periodic fan noise, been there done that. Give an old fashioned whack, clean it, or send it back to Flex. Known issue sad as it is, may even get the dreaded FPGA temp error. Makes me understand why the new Flex depends more on passive cooling and larger, slower fan cooling. You are not alone, luckily mine just went away...for now.

Paul Lourd

Great info. No problems with mine, but I am a little late to the "fan discussion". Did some searching, but it seems there is no way to quiet this beast down?!  After spending the time and effort to create a silent PC, this thing is really loud by comparison!

Bill -VA3WTB

Yes the radio has to deal with much more heat then a computer does. You will hear the fans run at idol speed unless the temp rises to make them increase speed.
I have been talking to some on their new 6600, they say it is much better in this regard.

SteveM

"Yes the radio has to deal with much more heat then a computer does"

Bill, I don't know how you come up with these zingers. It makes my skin crawl. It's like you would say or do anything to apologize for Flex.

Bill -VA3WTB

I could be wrong, I was under the impression a radio PA needs more cooling then most computers do.  I'm sorry I make your skin crawl, such is life.

ctate243

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ctate243

Gang, there are a number of things that can cause fan noise.  they are moving parts, and do not last forever, and occasionally fail, or start to make noise.  if you feel your noise is not normal for your product, the best advice is to open a trouble ticket with the flex support team, so they can validate your issue and if needed co-ordinate rma or service.

Philip KA4KOE

Thanks!