FLEX 6300 LOCKS TX FT8 40M

mark1161

On 40 meters the radio will lock up, in TX, if I am using more than 35 watts on FT8. The SWR is reading 1:1. All other bands operate normally at all power settings. To correct the issue, I have to manually shut off MOX so the radio will reset. Any suggestions would be helpful.

73

Mark

KK2L

Mr Radio

Have you tried a different FT8 decoding software , OM Mark?

Tom

mark1161

Hi Tom,

Yes, I am seeing the same problem using JTDX as well as WSJT-x. Thanks for getting back to me.

73

Mark

KK2L

mark1161

I think it has to be related to a match issue with the antenna on that frequency. I also see the same problem on 80 meters. I checked it to compare and found the same thing on that band. There are no issues on the higher bands, however.

KD0RC

Hi Mark, this sounds like RF getting in somewhere. Often, it is not the radio locking up, but the computer or network.

I would start by plugging your computer directly into your radio. If the problem remains, you can start adding ferrites to the computer and radio cables. This includes cables that are not radio-related (power, monitor, mouse, other peripherals, etc.).

If the direct connection solves the issue, then you know that it is related to your network gear and you can concentrate your efforts there.

In my case, I had problems with RF getting into my computer via the ethernet and USB cables. I found that my Flex 6400 is pretty RF-proof, but everything else is pretty RF-susceptible. I got a bunch of mix-31 ferrite beads and large toroidal cores. I have successfully used them on all of my computer and networking cables.

mark1161

Len,

Ok. I will give it a try. You are correct. I am accessing the 6300 thru my network and NOT with a direct connection.

73

Mark

KK2L

mark1161

Len,

Congratulations!!! You nailed it. It was RF getting into my network. Problem solved!

Thanks

73

Mark

KK2L

KD0RC

Excellent, I'm glad that was it!

Erika - KØDD

I found rf in the shack has been an issue with my station since using my 6500. It took very serious as short as possible grounding. And utilizing ferrites on all leads and coaxes. It started with afci breaker to the shack tripping over about 10 watts (also on 40) swapped for regualar breaker. But then monitors shutting off on the computer... Its taken since 2019 continuously hardening the station.... to get so i can run 1500 w and not have issues. Don't quit yet... theres a lot of work left to do good luck Erika K0DD