SPE Expert 1.5 Band Not Permitted using 6700 and Smart SDR V 3.6,8

Terry Erlacher

Previously working for years, now getting Band Not Permitterd using 6700 and Smart SDR V 3.6.8. USB Connection to Flex show good. With Radio TX1 to Amp Relay 1, the amp goes to TX screen and all buttons unreponsive. I have attached screen shots of the Flex USB settings. My Icom 7600 works fine on input 2, Tried Flex 6700 on Input 2 with no joy. Full disclosure on August 30th there was a lightning ground strike nearby, which damaged a TV, computer switches, and Internet Router. The USB a B connector on the SPE Amp appears to be inoperable, not showing up in device manager, nor can the Terminal 1.5 USB acquire a USB String. Perplexed as to why the ICOM follows band changes whilst the Flex does not.

Thanik in adavnce for assistance, 73 Terry KC4DV

Terry Erlacher

Len, I replaced the USB to RS32 cable with FTDI chip set. The cable from RS232 to the amp DIN connector is homebrew, passed continuity testing. SPE 1.5FA amp is now following the radio Bandswitching

However the Flex 6700 is not keying the amp. Only transmits drive power. The RCA Cable from Flex TX1 to Amp RLY 1 switches the amp display to Radio Transmit ( RTX). Attached are my TX and Band Settings, with RCA TX1 checked for the bands that have antennas. The amp works fine with the Icom IC-7600

KD0RC

Hi Terry, I do see that you have your TX Delay set to 0. I have mine set (very conservatively) to 40 for use with my KPA 500 amp. I wonder if your amp is detecting hot switching and therefore not responding to PTT. Try setting TX Delay to 30 or 40 ms and see if that makes a difference.

I would also check the back of the radio to be extra sure that you have TX1 plugged into the amp PTT-IN jack.

KD0RC

Hi Terry, have you tried a new cable yet? I think that is where I would start.

Also, although not related to your issue, I would upgrade your 6700 to 3.8.19. It is stable, fixes some bugs, and adds some new features (like squelch on voice modes).

David Decoons, wo2x

As Len stated, set TX Delay to 40 to make sure it is not hot switching.

Next, try TX2. I have seen cases of driver IC for TX1 out go bad.
Dave wo2x

Terry Erlacher

Thanks Len and Dave, TX2 and 3 work also changed the RCA TX line values as suggested. This problem appeared after the ground lightning strike which selectively damaged electronics equipment but spared others, all of the failed equipment was on the houses east side, predominantly North East corner. Repair and replacement tally so far $800. Will check with Flex to see if the TX1 repair is worthwhile