SmartSDR Maestro and PC Compatibility Dual Slice

ClevelandEric

I have a Flex 6400 with slice A & B, a Windows 11 PC, and a Maestro. I want to setup the Maestro to control one slice for SSB/CW, and the other slice for WSJT.
I know I need to switch the TX PTT between Maestro and the PC. I plan to use only one at a time. Everything is on the same LAN.
I am having no luck getting the Maestro on one slice and the PC on the other slice at the same time. I tried turning on just the 6400 and the Maestro connected to slice B. I then started the PC, brought up SmartSDR, then SLICE on the PC, and tried to connect to slice A on the 6400. When I tried to do this, it forced the Maestro to switch to slice A and then neither the Maestro nor the PC could control the 6400 until everything was restarted. If I never turn on the Maestro and only connect with the PC it works fine. Likewise, if I turn off the PC and only use the Maestro it works fine.
Shouldn’t I be able to get both the Maestro and the PC connected to the 6400 at the same time as long as they are on different slices?

John KB4DU

I think this is a terminology issue. With two connections, using Multiflex, each connection gets its own “A” slice, even when the two devices are controlling separate slices.

KD0RC

Hi Eric, there are two ways to connect multiple clients (e.g. SmartSDR, Maestro) to your 6400 at the same time. You don't mention the version of software that you are using, so for this discussion, I assume 3.xx.

The first way is to connect using MultiFlex. Each client can control a slice independently from the other. Note that they will each call their slice 'A'. Whichever client presses the PTT first, transmits which locks the other out until PTT is released. Note also, that while the clients may be on different bands, they will share a receive antenna.

The second way is to put your Maestro in SmartControl mode. Now the Maestro will mirror whatever SmartSDR is doing. You will only see the panadapter/waterfall on SmartSDR, but you can use either the knobs on the Maestro or the mouse/keyboard on SmartSDR. In this arrangement, PTT follows the red TX indicator on the flag. Note that you will have the normal 'A' and 'B' slices.

Check the SmartSDR and Maestro manuals for a more complete description.