Smart SDR Freezing Up

jtr8151

Good afternoon, I am having several issues and hoping this community might be able to help me out. First the hardware/software:
FLEX 6600 running 3.8.20.34503
Smart SDR v2.9.45 on a Macbook M3 Pro (2023) running Sequoia 15.1.1

Two issues I am having, one via WAN and one via LAN.

WAN Issue: Connect via Smartlink via the WAN IP address, everything runs and functions properly upon boot, regardless if I am running SSB or FT8, after several minutes (no consistency in time) the waterfall stops working, pressing the PPT button the S meter doesn't change and I can no longer hear. Same thing happens with FT8. I will just be RX in FT8/4 and all the sudden the audio stops and the waterfall just freezes. In reading some similiar issues on these forums, I read that the network MTU might be too high, I have adjusted that down to 1300 w/o any change. Sometimes it takes 5 minutes to happen, sometimes it takes 30 seconds.

LAN Issue: Using Smartlink I connect to the LAN IP: 192.x.x.x, immediately it connects, however the waterfall isn't working and no audio.

I'm not thinking this is a firewall issue as I have opened up the correct ports/forwarded them and can connect without issue. I am thinking this has something to do with Mac OS as I wasn't having issues prior to updating to Mac OS 15.

Hopefully I explained that well, and hopefully someone might have some ideas. Thanks!

KD0RC

When connecting on your LAN, you should not use SmartLink.

If you still have problems on your LAN, try directly connecting your computer to your Flex. The idea is to isolate the problem. If a direct connection has problems, try a different Ethernet cable. If that doesn't help, export your profiles and do a factory reset.

If the direct connection solves the problem, then you likely have an issue with some component of your networking gear.

If none of this helps. it would be best to submit a help desk ticket.

jtr8151

Apologies, I am not using Smartlink with LAN, only on a WAN connection. I do not run into these issues on a Windows computer, only a Mac, thus reducing the issue to the Mac and/or SmartSDR Mac OS software.

Mike-VA3MW

@jtr8151

To add one what Len says both failures are common to the same root cause. Moving forward I would recommend you focus on using a LAN connection and not SmartLink.

If we focus on the LAN side make sure you first test by not using any WiFi at all and use a LAN cable to test. This should also eliminate any possible Firewire issues, but to be sure, just turn it off for any testing issues.

If the problem still exists and your are not using WiFi the problem might be your router. Make sure it is a good quality Router as not all routers are the same and some can't handle the realtime communications. I often suggest using a 100mb router even if just for testing.

You are in the 'change something' phase of problem solving and by doing that you can help show what is working and what might be part of the root cause.

I hope that helps,

Mike WA7IJV

If MacOS inbound firewall is enabled, what happens if you temporarily disable it?

System Settings > Network > Firewall

That firewall has been reported to cause UDP packet issues in Sequoia. I've seen the issue locally between Mac SmartSDR and my mini (and disabling the firewall does "resolve" - although I don't necessarily advocate that workaround).

I don't use SmartLink, so was just a thought…

Mike

jtr8151

I happen to have a second Macbook (not a MBP) but is running 15.1. The issue didn't happen at all (running on wifi). The firewall is not enabled on my MBP. Additionally, I am running all prosumer grade Ubiquiti APs, Gateway and switches. My network and the radio do not appear to be the issue. I will try uninstalling SmartSDR and reinstall and see if that resolves the issue. Furthermore, which I failed to issue is my MBP is employer owned (and managed) and it is possible a profile installed as a result may be causing my issues. If that is the case I will be SOL, at least I have ruled out my radio/network being the issue. Thanks everyone for their input!

K3SF

check privacy & security setting for network permission for smartsdr has been enabled…your employer may have restricted network security

Paul K3SF

Andrew Rose

I have the same problem using new Mac-Mini Sequoia 15.1.1. My old iMac Ventura 13.7.1 is perfectly ok with the same configuration.

K3SF

check security & privacy setting so that SmartSDR is set enabled

Sequoia has really tightened down security and has messed with loopback too

i run macbookair M1 with Sequoia…now at 15.2

The MBA is my testbed before i move anything to main shack computers

In the shack I run mac mini's both intel and M1 they are on Sonoma cause of issues introduce with Sequoia

Paul K3SF

ct1drb

Hello all,

I have a similar problem.

I have a Mac mini M4, macOS 15.2 and SmartSDR 2.9.45.

My firewall is off, no VPN installed in my computer, SmartSDR app is on at Local Network settings and it does not work at all. The local apple office suggested me to re-installed the OS and it did not help to solve my problem. Emailed to Marcus and he does not know why it happens.

In Windows there is no problem. With xSDR6000 app, from 2022, I do not have problems and it works very well.

If someone could help me would be welcome here.

Best 73 and have a nice weekend.

CT1DRB/OK8RB

David Quental

K3CDY

You could possibly eliminate SmartSDR as the culprit by trying a different SDR app. Check out Dogpark SDR. They have a free evaluation version that you can at least use for 15 minutes at a time.

ct1drb

Hello William and all,

tks for your idea, in fact Dogpark SDR works well with my Flex6600. At first it had some problems but then I figured out how to work with it and now no problem at all even with firewall on.

Best 73 all.

CT1DRB/OK8RB

David Quental

PS: will be at ARRL 10 meters Contest in CW.