PGXL learnings

Sergey KN7K

Received PGXL 2 days ago and currently learning/testing.
Few questions to other users:

1. PGXL Utility jumps in CW mode on every dot/dit as 0/1500/0/1500.... , it is painful to watch. Is there any averaging or delay in that reading?
It is only happening on PGXL utility, on Amp itself looks normal.

2. Last night had an issue that I cannot explain:
TX on 160m with no Amp, SWR about 1.4-1.5. 
TX on 160m with Amp about 1200W - same SWR
TX on 160m with slowly lowering input power from about 60w to 30w, slowly raising SWR and around 30w input SWR jumps to 3.3 and going to Alarm state.
Raising input power above 40w, shows normal SWR again.

3. I cannot reach full power on 160m and 80m , it is about 1300w.
More drive power resetting back to a lower level - i can see it on Power slider of the 6600. APC is not engaged.

4. I enabled Meffa in settings, checked instructions, I do not see anything on the screen that tell me it is enabled.

Could someone tell is it all normal and how to improve that behavior.
I may have more questions as I learn it.
Thanks
Sergey, KN7K

bahillen

I turned Meffa OFF. I use wire antennas and SWR is probably higher than many others system. With Meffa turned on as I changed power the SWR would go up and sometimes report HI SWR on the utility. I thought I had an antenna problem with chokes, but all went away when I turned off Meffa. I am too busy using my PGXL to analyzing Meffa an how and why is does its thing. It does say it is for SSB and CW. My on observations were with digital. 73 Bill W9JJB

Sergey KN7K

I tested CW only, so it does happening in CW

WX7Y

Sergey KN7K

it came with ver 3.2.15

KF4HR

Sergey KN7K

KF4HR

As soon as I get time I'll check to see if I can replicate your jumping readings but I suspect the fast changing readings you are seeing may be because the Utility is sampling not only the peak CW readings but also the rise and fall of the CW waveform, hence the varying readings.  That's my guess.  Perhaps FRS can weigh in on this.

Reference your comments 2 and 3, it will be interesting to hear whether you see the same conditions into the dummy load.

Patrick

Just a question.  Have you used this 160 m antenna at high power before?  Reason I asked is that, I have a similar experience using a different make amp.  I found that the antenna was breaking down, not sure what, at this point but it was definitely the antenna.  All was normal into dummy load.  In my case the antenna uses coils to shortening the antenna length.  I think moisture, in my case, is the cause of my high power problem.  The Q of the antenna is high with very high voltages present on the coil and the end of the antenna.  Just some thoughts to consider in relation to your problem.  

Sergey KN7K

Yes, i have Acom2000A on my desk that's running full power just fine.
I never seen SWR is 1.4-1.5 at 1500W and 3.1-3.3 at 300-500W on Acom.

When I have time I will try Dummy Load.
Very busy to dig a dirt for tower while Portland rain did not start

Sergey KN7K

Sergey KN7K

Patrick

Thanks for the info.  When I dug the hole for my tower, I was lucky to have a neighbor with a very fine small back hoe that did the 4x4x5 ft base in less then an hour!  

Sergey KN7K

DL4RCE

This looks like something is overheating when connected to the antenna. Sure dies not look good

KF4HR

Sergey - I checked and I cannot reproduce your issue with my PG-XL (using a 160M EFLW).  I'm curious whether you have approached Flex Support about your problem and if so, what was their response? 

Sergey KN7K

KF4HR

Interesting graphs Sergey.  I notice a couple of graphs indicate reactance drops very low, at a couple of points almost to zero (short).  It will be interesting to hear what FRS says.

Bill -VA3WTB

Sounds more like a software tweek to me.

DrJ

You know I have my problem of total "high SWR" on 80 meters, but I have this EXACT PROBLEM that you describe here on 40 meters.   The other bands work perfectly so far.    This is EXACTLY my problem on 40 metes, but NOTHING works on 80 meters, any output above 250-300 watts from the PGXL to ANY of my 1:1 completely resonant antennas on 80 meters, goes immediately to shutdown due the the dreaded red "HIGH SWR".    Did you figure out what the problem was on 40 doing this?
Keith KJ8DO

Sergey KN7K

Hi Keith,
I cannot comment about 40m, my tower is damaged and I do not have an antenna for 40m. All my tests done on Vertical 80m and 160m.
I have ticket opened and as you are and waiting for reply.

Also sent you email.
Sergey, KN7K

Sergey KN7K

Chris DL5NAM

Sergey, your Max Power values are the max what you get out? What input level you need?

73 Chris

Sergey KN7K

Chris, 
Yes Max Power means how much I can get Power output.
I cannot get more than 50w on input, SSDR SW automatically bouncing input power to 50W.
I can do less than 50W from the radio but not more.
Sergey, KN7K

Sergey KN7K

K1UO Larry

Sergey..  The SSDR Software is limiting your power because the Radio SETTINGS tab, then enter the TX Tab, is probably set to 50 watts.  You can change that to whatever you want up to 100% power out for the Radio itself.

Sergey KN7K

Hi Larry,
I will check.
But based on the fact that my SSDR power set to 100w and any time PGXL wake up from Standby, SSDR automatically drops to 50w, I assume there is an automatic set by SW to have it at that level.
Sergey, KN7K

Sergey KN7K

OK, it is indeed in RF PWR settings, i see some bands 100, some 50.
I never touched it, I guess it is remember some of my previous settings.
Yes, I can go higher than 50w.
Thanks Larry, good catch
Sergey, KN7K

Chris DL5NAM

So you have to restart your work with output again. Will nice to see.

Chris

Sergey KN7K

I do not think so, table above was completed with variable power by pressing Tune button, so this is the same as use Power  slider.
Sergey

AC9S