6500 vara aprs 30 tx issue

Jeff Griffin

I'm trying to setup my 6500 to run VARA APRS on the VARA 30m frequency of 10148200. I'm getting the 'interlock is preventing transmission' error. I can key the 6500 in CW mode, but not DIGU on this frequency. Problem can be easily demonstrated by testing with the ATU tune button Does anyone know of a fix for this? Thanks...

73 Jeff kb2m

KD0RC

Hi Jeff, can you post a screenshot of SmartSDR when it is having the issue?

Geoff AB6BT

Jeff…If your TX bandwidth is greater than or equal to 1800 Hz you will be trying to transmit out of band… if I did my subtraction correctly.

Jeff Griffin

TX bandwidth is 600 Hz

Geoff AB6BT

Well, I guess you can rule that out!

KD0RC

I think Geoff is right. VARA transmits up and down from a nominal center frequency depending on the slot chosen.

In the example above, if I were to transmit in slots 1 - 5, I would be in band. Slot 0 is just barely in band, and slots 11 - 15 are out of band. My Out_Of_Band spot is coming up because my TX High Cut filter is set to 3000 Hz.

Jeff Griffin

I had to lower my tx bandwidth a bit as I was transmitting out of band. All is now working . Thanks for the replies. I'm also not at all up on how VARA actually works, but plan on getting more knowledgeable as it's fun getting back on HF APRS it's been awhile…
…

David Ahrendts

Jeff, I'm trying the APRS setup also on 10.148.200 — but I do not have rig control to transmit a beacon. TCP and DCD are green so KISS appears to be talking to the radio through VARA HF. I do see audio input flowing from the FLEX. What am I missing?

Mike-VA3MW

Keep this in mind:

VFO Dial Frequency + TX Audio Low Pass must be less then the band edge.

This is why you can't do USB with a dial frequency of the band edge.

73