Lost 24 and 32db Preamp after TGXL tune

Sergey KN7K

I opened ticket today, but wonder if someone else observed it as well.

I usually run 2 slices (for the last few years). Slice 1 - Steppir, Slice 2- Inverted V for 80/160m and sometimes on upper bands with TGXL. No recent changes on my setup.

Usually I have 24db preamp on higher bands. Today I hit Tune on TGXL on 12m Slice 2 and SWR was around 1.2 and right away I lost receive on that band. Further testing shows that my receive is all good up to +16db, and 24 and 32db receive is gone.

Here is a video to demonstrate:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ob3ssOEP-zZofslbQ7qTZsapd_McIOnV/view?usp=sharing

Setup here : 6600-PGXL-TGXL-AG2x8

Any idea what happened? it sounds like something went wrong with Tune process.

Sergey, KN7K

Sergey KN7K

OK, my radio is shipped to Flex for repair.

Based on Tim input, 2nd slice is always ON, just audio is silenced when FDX is OFF. There is a possibility that 2nd slice overloaded by 1st one.

I live on the small city lot and have 2el Steppir and 80/160 Inverted L that sometimes I use on upper band on the 2nd slice and have 2 instances of JTDX opened. Basically I have 2 slices open: 1st on Steppir, 2nd on Inverted L that I can use on the all bands.

If above model is correct, I need to find a way to disconnect 2nd slice when TX on the 1st and vice versa.

I do not know if adding whole set of Band pass filters will help or just go completely with one antenna connected only and never use a 2nd slice.

My setup 6600-->PGXL-->TGXL-->AG2x8.

I would appreciate some ideas.

Thanks,

Sergey, KN7K

Erika - KØDD

OK, It's time somebody at flex starts talking. The 6600 and PGXL and the "SO2R TGXL" and AG are supposed to be able to play in the SO2R mode. If there's other gear, or parts and pieces needed that word needs to be spoken. Sounds like FDX needs to be turned on?

How I'm building up this station I'm using my two 6500's. But **** Happens. I'm building to do 2 band Simulcast operation. Two full power DXing situations and not this one on and this one off. It is going to take some fancy filtering especially with a Tribander and a Duo bander on my single tower. I expect that filtering to be costly… I also expect to need to do split operations with the second slice open…. I do not desire flames spewing out of the rear of my radios.

I'm personally not brave enough to attempt bringing a 6600 up like that… If I was going to do what I'm planning with newer radios, I'd still be using filters and two physical boxes. Call me old school. Erika K0DD

Sergey KN7K

Thank you Erika.

Well, above model is just a model, as Flex says it should be overload warning engaged and overload protection should kick in, in case one slice overload another. It is either warning/protection circuit is not working or this is a wrong model and in this case there is no clear understanding what killing 2nd receiver. First time repair cost me around $500 and this time $700+ (including shipping), that becoming not very sustainable, unless I have 2nd Antenna completely (physically) disconnected and not use.

I started another thread about BIT cables, but cannot find a signal that will let me to disconnect other slice (Ant) while I TX on the active one.

Sergey, KN7K

KD0RC

Hi Sergey, I would use one of the TX outputs (TX1, TX2 or TX3) to drive an antenna relay that would disconnect the other antenna. You would need to check the appropriate boxes in the Band Settings screen.

Sergey KN7K

Hi Len, I tried to look into it, but fail to understand how to do it. I basically need need 2 PTT OUT that will give me voltage to disable Ant2 when TX on Ant1 and disable Ant1 when TX on Ant2 and opposite. The trick is that both antennas can be used on all bands (almost) - Steppir 40-10m, InvL 160-10m.

If I enable TX1 and TX2 for each band, both of them will be active on all bands. Am I missing something?

Sergey, KN7K