Flex-8400 "Unable to connect to the radio"

rich k

Initial setup for Flex-8400. V3.8.20 software. Quick Start Guide, page 16 says, "To start SmartSDR, double click the radio in the Radios area of the dialog box ... When this is done, I receive "Radio Connection Failed", "Unable to connect to the radio. Please try again." Trying again, yields same error message. See attached image. Please assist.

Trucker

You don't need to double click the radio selection pop-up box. Click once to highlight the radio you want to connect to ( your 8400) then click the Connect button once at the bottom of the box. SmartSDR should connect to your radio without any problems.

James

WD5GWY

rich k

Thanks James. I did try that procedure - same result = unable to connect. Possible that some Windows setting is preventing the two-way exchange between the 8400 and the computer. Rich

Trucker

Try turning off Windows Firewall. If SmartSDR is able to connect to the radio then you will have to go into the settings in Windows Firewall and make an exception for SmartSDR so data can pass between the radio and SmartSDR.

James

WD5GWY

rich k

I just tried a different Win11 computer (fresh load of software) and on this machine I instantly connect without no problem. Apparently the original computer has some setting preventing the connection process. I'll ask Tim when he's back from holiday. TU 73 Rich, K3VAT

Trucker

I just looked at the image you posted again, the pop-up boxes being displayed are for DAX and CAT Just double click on the SmartSDR icon on your desktop and wait for the pop-up for SmartSDR to appear. Highlight your radio ( click on the radio listed in the box) then click (once) on the Connect button in the lower left of the pop-up box. If you are wanting to use DAX and/or CAT to connect other software, you configure that in the settings menu. I had misunderstood and thought you were trying to get SmartSDR going first. But if you have SmartSDR going and want to get DAX and CAT going, and you are getting the unable to connect error, the suggestion about Windows Firewall settings is still valid.

James

WD5GWY