ATU Not Finding Low SWR in SmartSDR v3.1.12

Craig Gagner

I am running a Flex 6300 and recently upgraded SmartSDR to v3.1.12 from v1, I notice the ATU does not find a good match for low SWR as smoothly as in v1. I have to push the ATU button sometimes several times to get a good SWR. This is occuring on an antenna which had previously tuned right up. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Ha Gei

That is a new feature since a few updates before. Seems it ́s a feature not a bug, as it was claimed many times here, but flex does not care about solving it.

Ken - VE5KC

This is not a direct solution to your problem but with many people having problems  with the internal  tuner, it might be worth looking at.

When I had a Flex 6500, I was not happy with the performance of the tuner. I have never owned a radio with a built in ATU that worked good for me. The only reason I had the tuner in the 6500 was that it was not optional. Unfortunately, for me the Flex tuner did not have enough tuning range for my multi-band wire antennas. When I later bought a Flex 6400 I was happy to have the no tuner option.

I have found that external tuners like the LDG Z11 Pro and MFJ-939 (and  others) work very well. They use RF is sensing and auto tune when a carrier is applied. A click of the SmartSDR tune button and your good to go. The only down side is that I need to have a separate tuner for each antenna, if I use the 6400's antenna switching. I wish the Flex internal tuner would work as good. It would eliminate the need for two external tuners.

I have been operating this way for many years. Using my external tuners works great, never giving me any problems, tunes all bands, even when operating remote.

Jim Gilliam

Never use a Palstar HF-AUTO or you will  be spoiled for life.


Jim, K6QE

Tom Crowley

This has been an issue for the passt 7 + months.   I have to push the tune button multiple times before it tunes something, sometimes it will not tune and sometimes it will.  

Craig Gagner

That's my experience. ATU is a critical feature. Might have to dump v3 and retreat to v1. ATU is much more critical than remote and multiflex. Bummer. Hate it when an upgrade compromises features that previously worked well.

VE7ATJ_Don

Actually, I believe Flex _has_ acknowledged it as a problem/bug, but it seems that the solution is not as easy nor straightforward as we would have liked it to be.  It was first recognized in the releases following 2.4.9.  (I.e. 2.4.9 is the last version with the 'old' version of ATU tuning which works correctly.)  When I first identified the problem, Flex acknowledged it (sorry, I've forgotten the #) and suggested I stay with 2.4.9 until it is resolved.

VE7ATJ_Don

Hi Craig... as I note in my response above 2.4.9 has the 'old' ATU software and works correctly.  (rather than reverting all the way back to v1.x).  Just a thought.

Craig Gagner

Thanks a bunch VE7ATJ. Does my v3 license entitle me to use v2.4.9? 

Craig_KØCF

Yes it does. All versions 3 and below.

Joe N3HEE

Please consult with Flex support before you try rolling back.  There are certain procedures and limitations that need to be understood and followed in order to successfully roll back without corrupting the database.  

N8AUM

Pretty sure FRS is aware of this issue. I to was very disappointed with my 6600 (purchased 1.5yrs ago) which I had to pay EXTRA  for the tuner. Takes 5 or 6 times before it's close enough. I get a chuckle (not really) when people say "JUST BUY THIS OR THAT" in order for the radio to work as advertised!

HamRadioVlog

I only got my 6300 a week ago. Previously had a 3000 and the a 5000. Instantly noticed the flakey ATU. Hope they get it sorted soon and this IS A DEAL BREAKER