Can you tell me the reason?

bg2qmo

My flex 6400 radio has been experiencing a problem where the software cannot find the radio after booting up since the second half of last year. Various methods have been used, such as replacing Ethernet switches and routers, changing fixed IP addresses, using automatic IP acquisition, and using separate routers for computers and radio stations. Sometimes the radio station needs to be repeatedly turned on for several hours before it can start up normally. Initialize several times, but still haven't solved the problem. I found that the radio can be turned on when the internet port light is constantly green, but if it flashes alternately in green and orange, it won't work. The Chinese agent's assistance in testing also proved that there was a problem.

The manufacturer's response was that the radio should be taken back to America to replace the mainboard. At that time, the shipping cost and fix fee .... 8400 has not been launched in China yet, and the old machine is not easy to use, it's too uncomfortable.

My friend helped test and found that the temperature of one chip was very high, over 80 degrees Celsius. Currently, I have attached a copper heat to the chip, removed the aluminum cover of the chip next to it, attached a mobile phone heat dissipation fan to the heat sink, and placed two large fans on the left side of the case. SmartsDR has returned to 3.4.21, and I turn on various fans every day before I can turn on the radio normally. I don't know if any other HAM has encountered this problem before, maybe it can be solved this way, and I also want to know the reason.

Gord-VA7GP

Ni Hao, @bg2qmo

I am curious: did your new cooling improve SmartSDR? Can SmartSDR now reliablly find your radio, every time?

I am like you - I would not like a package external temperature at 80 Celsius - the actual chip inside will be much hotter still!

Mike-VA3MW

It sounds like the request to send it home is the correct one for some reason and so they can get to the root cause.

You should not have to add additional cooling to resolve the issue as that is a temporary solution to the symptom, not the root cause.

It is unfortunate it has to come from so far, but there isn't much that be done to work around that as there are many test jigs that are involved in realigning the radio.

bg2qmo

@Gord-VA7GP Yes, My radio works as well as before. I just need to start all cooling fans before remote up my raido. After that, it works very well.

bg2qmo

@Mike-VA3MW I know it should be taken back to factory. It will spend half a year on the way and cost half a radio price for repair. I'd rather buy a new 8400 but it is not for sale now. How can I chase the dxpeditoins for this half year, I can not work on my old yeasu ftdx1200 after I have tried flex. Pain but have to enjoy it.