.PCM files....anyone else seeing these

Mike Webb KC0YHM

Flex 6400 / Win 10 ... both using most current software
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Recently, I got a disk getting full message...which made no sesne at all to me...my new pc has a 250 G SSD for the OS and a terrabite for all esle.Turns out the windows temp folder was filling up with .PCM files. Internet research was helpful regarding what they are but the WHY is illusive.
I am certain that they are a result of running Smart SDR. For now, I have to delete the PCM files periodically...any advice on how to avoid creating them?

Steve KD2OM

Do you inadvertently have the record function on?

73,
Steve KD2OM
 

Mike Webb KC0YHM

Hello Steve.
No....not recording...as far as I know.
Recording is off on both slices.
[No microphone is associated with windows voice recorder...JIC!]
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I agree that something associated with SSDR is recording..
If I turn OFF the microphone access to Smart SDR in the windows microphone permissions page, and leave all others...like Alexa and Skype...in the ON position the recording stops. SSDR is the trigger.
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No CAT OR DAX items are open here in FL.
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Mike

Steve K9ZW

@Mike KC0YHM

Files are not created by default.  Perhaps toggle your software settings.

Does the situation repeat after full everything powered-down reboot?  

What other software are you running that might affect things or create its own .pcm files?

I scanned one of my machines and found zero unexpected .pcm files, and also noticed how small the ones I did create were.  

If you are really stumped you could do a help ticket with FRS.

73

Steve
K9ZW

Blog:  http://k9zw.wordpress.com

Dudley WA5QPZ

Mike,

Do a right click on the pcm file then to properties to find out what program is generating the pcm file. 

73,
Dudley
WA5QPZ

K3SF

my suggestion is to play some of the files...and hear what they sound like...that would give a hunt as to where they are coming from....

just a thought

Paul K3SF

Mike Webb KC0YHM

Hello Dudley....good idea....the outcome wasn't helpful to me...maybe you or someone else might think differently...wonder if I have a gremlin?

SteveM

See the following link (HadesCanyon/Cortana/Skype issue): Link

Note the following from a gentleman by the name of Richard Johnson:

MJ Bates, thanks. It affects me, too! The microphone array is/was a useful asset on Hades Canyon. Currently, there are 3 work-arounds:

1) Disable array in Settings>Sound.

2) Disallow Cortana access in Settings>Privacy>Microphone (Webzilla_Stu contributed this, above).

3) Plug in an external USB microphone (Cortana then works without dumping data to Temp).

I did get a call from an engineer from the Windows Feedback Hub, apparently on the issue, but I was in the boondocks in July, with a flaky wi-fi at the motel. So no joy from Microsoft so far.

And this from Shey Liu:

I uninstalled the official old Realtek Audio driver from Intel website and installed this unofficial driver. It seems that the problem has been solved. My Intel Hades Canyons has not generated a new "skwsrefmfx" file so far.

Mike Webb KC0YHM

Hello Paul. 
Could not find a bit of freeware to open it.
Audacity...and a couple others...naturally Media Player...no joy.
I think the fact that stopping SSDR is a clue. The file builds when SSDR starts.

SteveM

Does it really matter? I think you would just hear what your mic was picking-up. See my comment below. Many other (non-hams) have reported this issue which seems to be an interaction between a generic audio driver with a specific flavor of computer hardware.

Dudley WA5QPZ

Mike,

In this light,  make sure that none of the DAX drivers are listed as a default sound device on your PC..  Just in case Cortana  or Skype see it as a default input mic or line input . 

Dudley
WA5QPZ

Mike Webb KC0YHM

The other clue is that the pcm file cant be deleted while SSDR is open.

Mike Webb KC0YHM

Did check and see if DAX was default...no...realtec for in and out...i dont allow mic access to Skype and Cortana...I've been at the PC too long today... going to step away till tomorrow...but no doubt...if SSDR is off...no big PCM files....as soon as its on...something starts up. Thanks for everyones input.

SteveM

So the Realtek driver was the one implicated in the Microsoft thread that I posted. I would try to install a different version of the driver, disable the hardware, or circumvent it by using an external mic (bluetooth, wireless, or wired usb).

In hindsight, I suppose Cortana/Skype were falsely implicated since it seems that any consumer of RealTek audio (in this case, SSDR) will cause the files to be generated.

Robert Guertin

been operating a Flex for over 5 years, never heard of a pcm file. Learn something everyday.

Mike Webb KC0YHM

GM. First thing I did today...after coffee...was to check for driver updates for Realtek...no joy...then I thought...no harm in diabling it and plugging in my USB headset.....no issues....headset worked normally using Plantrionics driver. So, I unplugged the headset and enabled Realtek again...guess what...disabling and then restarting Realtek stopped the recording.
So for now I'll monitor it, expecting the best.
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Should I stumble upon the trigger I'll share it.
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Thanks to all for helping me with good suggestions.
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Mike