No RF output on my new 2MLDPA 2 meter Need help!

DrJ

I have a brand new Down East Microwave 2MLDPA 2 meter amplifier configured at the factory for my 6700. (Setup for common RX/TX and remote operation at the factory ). I THINK I have interfaced the 2MLDPA to my 6700 correctly. However when I switch to the 2 meter band on my 6700 via SmartSDR, and hit tune/transmit, the 6700 shows “red” and SmartSDR shows a transmission ‘spike’ in my panadapter. However, the 2MLDPA shows no “red bars” (no RF output and no lit XMIT light) and no RF output on my SmartSDR meter nor any RF showing going through my SPE 1.3 amplifier that is inline with my 6700 (but obviously in bypass mode for 2 meters ). I have my receive antenna to Ant 1 (which is my HF array) but I have the transmit antenna set to “XVTR”, since I bought the common RX/TX setup. I am receiving local 2 meter repeater output signals with this new setup. Just no RF going out. No matter how much or how little I turn the 6700 RF slider power up or down. Nothing. I checked for the CAT cable under the radio settings menu on SmartSDR, that is interfaced from the 2MLDPA to the 6700 via the Down East supplied serial to USB cable going from the 2MLDPA “aux” output to the 6700 USB input. But SmartSDR does t “see it”(?). All other interface connections seem correct (?). (2MLDPA XVTR to 6700 XVTR, 2MLDPA N-type connection to my 2 meter antenna, 2MLDPA yellow RCA jack to 6700 PTT RCA input). I would appreciate some help! It’s probably something simple (interface/cable wrong? Or a setting on my SmartSDR?). I just can’t get it to transmit any RF on 2 meters. Thanks everyone ! Keith KJ8DO

AH0U

You must enable the USB cable.... go to cable settings and set it up first

Mike-VA3MW

Did you enable the TX port that puts the amp into Transmit? Mike

Larry _ NY8T

The 2MLDPA with remote option doesn't require a TX line to key it, its handled in the USB Cable.

If your 2MLDPA doesn't have the remote option then I think your issue is you are trying to key it with the PTT RCA and that is for keying your 6700 with a trigger or foot switch. You need to have your key line on TX1, TX2 or TX3 RCA and enabled in radio setup.

DrJ

Indeed I do have the remote option but when I plug the LDP a USB into the 6700, either there isn’t enough power from the flex for the USB or it’s not “seeing” the USB.

DrJ

DrJ

When I insert the remote USB from the D PA directly to the 6700 it doesn’t see the USB cable. However when I place it to a powered USB port it saw it, but it still doesn’t recognize it? For lack of a better term. I can receive but no matter what the power, it just doesn’t transmit RF.

DrJ

Yes. As pictured below I have all TX1, TX2, and TX3 enabled, but it is as if they are grayed out on SmartSDR. I have rebooted my 6700 a few times and no matter what I try , no good. Could it be lack of proper power delivered from the 6700 to the LDPA remote USB cable?

Larry _ NY8T

Does your 2MLDPA have the remote option? The remote option version doesn't have a power on off toggle switch on the front of it.

AH0U

Are you transmitting inside the 2 meter band frequency

DrJ

Correct. I have no toggle switch. It has the remote option.

DrJ

Yes

DrJ

I wonder if this amp simply is defective ?

KF4HR

Keith - I have the same setup (6700/2MLDPA).  Is your 2M Frequency Flag indicating XVTR (blue) and XVTR (red), and its red/white "TX" indicator active (lit)?   Also make sure your 2M antenna is connected to the RX/ANT N-connector.  (Sorry if this info seems obvious.)

AH0U

Have you tried both USB ports on that 6700??

AH0U

Have you rebooted the computer?? Power off the radio and remove power cable then restart radio... tried this???

Mack

Keith,

We should be able to get you going. I have a lot of experience with this amp. If you have an iPhone and know how to use FaceTime then I'll help you. You also need to have TeamViewer loaded on your PC. If you want my help then send your phone number and best time to call to w4ax.mack (at) gmail.com. https://www.teamviewer.com/en-us/?pid=google.tv_teamviewer_exact-new_hp.s.us&gclid=CjwKCAjwkcblBRB_EiwAFmfyyybds_QjYH3UV3ussSh_tUyWrv4PjFHal1HMMn5pcCPsO73pZdsbdBoCUdkQAvD_BwE

73,

Mack
W4AX
Alpha Team

DrJ

Mack I do have teamviewer and familiar how to use it. I genuinely appreciate you helping me as well. If you are available sometime today I can email you my ID and codes or call you and voice you my codes with FaceTime and we could also do teamviewer as well. Let me know. My email on QRZ is good! Thanks! Keith KJ8DO

DrJ

The one thing i haven’t done is rebooted the actual Windows 10 computer. I have rebooted and tried literally everything else possible. I will give that a try. Thank you!