External 10 Mhz no longer locks under V3.0.27

Cal N3CAL

Just upgraded my Flex 6600 software from V2.4.9 to V3.0.27.  Prior to upgrading software my 6600 was running perfectly with an external 10 Mhz GPSDO.  It would always boot with external 10mhz and always lock.  Immediately after upgrading to V3.0.27 I noticed the radio now boots to the internal TCXO and shows locked.  If I select the external 10 mhz source it goes to searching but never locks.  I've tried re-booting but 6600 always comes up with internal TCXO selected?? 
Is this a software bug?   I've also done the full reset on the 6600 with no change.  Any ideas?
Cal/N3CAL

Mike-VA3MW

Hi Carl

I use a 10Mhz external clock on a 6600 with V3 and I did check and mine shows locked.  

I do find that the RCA connector cable that I have is not so secure and it has fallen out, but I am sure you checked that.

I am set to Auto and it says External 10Mhz Locked.

What happens if you save your profiles and roll back to 2.4.9?


Mike

Cal N3CAL

I rolled back to 2.4.9 and radio locks to 10 mhz external ref.   I wonder what the radio defaults to if your set to Auto?  Will it select the external 10mhz or does it default to the internal if both are present?   I checked to see what signal level my external signal is at the rig and it's 2.03 vpp. 



Cal/N3CAL

Sergey KN7K

I just received my GPSDO yesterday and connected today.
I have 6600 ver 3.0.27, it shows locked in both "External 10mHz" and "Auto".

Mike, what is prefered settings - External or Auto, if in both cases it shows "Locked" ?
Thanks
Sergey, KN7K

Lee - N2LEE

Cal this just a guess but I wonder if they changed the signal level or timing requirements What gpsdo are you guys using.

Sergey KN7K

I received this one yesterday
https://www.ebay.com/itm/263627123794

Sergey, KN7K

Cal N3CAL

Lee,

I'm using one of the green BG7TBL's   It's been connected and in use with my 6600 for 15 months.  Only had one issue and that was initially the Peak to Peak voltage was 3.31 volts just over the hardware manual maximum listed.  I padded the signal down to 2 Vpp and no more issues until today when I upgraded?   Voltage checked again today still shows 2.0 Vpp. 

Cal/N3CAL

Sergey KN7K

i do not have a scope to measure Vptp, but connected to the radio 2 hours ago and so far ok. Need to monitor longer and need to attach antenna on permanent spot around the window. Currently it works with antenna at 2 bars.

Since I never used it before, do I need to perform calibration aftet it locked?
Sergey, KN7K

WX7Y

Have you tried clicking "Uninstall" on the GPS tab?  
My 6600M works fine with the external GPS here. 

Cal N3CAL

I believe the GPS TAB is only for the Internal GPSDO module you buy from Flex.   It has nothing to do with external 10 mhz reference. 

Cal/N3CAL

Cal N3CAL

Sergey, 

FYI,  the nominal P-P out of the BG7TBL GPSDO is approx. 3.3 Vpp which is right at the Flex max upper limit.  On Version 2.4.9 I initially had issue where 6600 would not boot at all.  I would get a red flash error (fan issue) until I disconnected the external 10 mhz ref.  My P-P voltage was 3.31 V and Flex had me attenuate the signal down to 2.0 Vpp and it's been fine ever since.  I don't know if version 3 will do the same or maybe default back to the TXCO?

Cal/N3CAL

Al K0VM

you may wish to try a power cycle of the radio  if you have not already done so..
AL, K0VM

roger na4rr

Why cant you connect this gps to where the internal GPSDO module from Flex would go.

Lee - N2LEE

Roger that is now how the Flex works. It either has the internal module and interface or the external 10mhz bnc input.

Cal N3CAL

Al,   until I have more time to troubleshoot I've gone back to 2.4.9 and everything is working fine.   73

Cal/N3CAL

Neal Pollack, N6YFM

If it is still not locking for you at 2.0 Volts peak-2-peak, try padding it down to ~1.75 volts P-2-P.
Who knows if your scope was recently calibrated, or if there is some other consideration.
It might be worth trying since all it takes is 2 resistors.

Equally, there is no harm in trying it at 2.25 or 2.5 volts peak-2-peak, in case your calibration is
on the negative side?

Neal

Burch - K4QXX

Cal

I have the same GPSDO as you.  If I can think of it, I will take a look at my setup tonight when I get home from work.  I am using a 6700.

Burch

Bill W2PKY

Cal- 
Did you ever resolve this issue?
Thanks;

Cal N3CAL

Bill,  after a full uninstall of V3.0.27 and reinstall it's now working with external GPSDO.  

Cal / N3CAL