When will TGXL F/W v1.2.17 be available on the Flex Website?

KH6XX

Might anyone know why Flex isn't making available on their website the download for the TGXL v1.2.17 when it is needed for SmartSDR v3.9.18 to take full advantage of the enhancements? The current available version is v1.1.20.

Downloading and installing software not available on the Flex website but rather directly from the 403A website seems to be installing software not tested/sanctioned by Flex and that can lead to support issues.

Randy, KH6XX

David Decoons, wo2x

go to https://4o3a.com/images/downloads/tuner_genius/TunerGeniusUtility_v1.2.17.exe

73 Dave wo2x

KH6XX

Yes Dave, but why isn't it on the Flex Website? To many of us, it means it is not completely tested and sanctioned by Flex. Unrelated, had a previous issue with the AG after I downloaded a newer release directly from 403A, only to find out by Flex that version was not supported. I get it… 403A writes the software for the PGXL, TGXL and AG's. Why isn't the download available on the Flex website if it is now required with the latest version of SmartSDR, which is a Flex release?

Russ Ravella

Hi KH6XX,

Let me just interject something here FWIW … several of us are having issues with the new updates. In my case, especially running in MultiFlex mode, I'm seeing very frequent radio crashes. I submitted a ticket which led to replacing my SD Card which didn't help. Long story here but I ended up regressing the TGXL's v1.2.17 from 4O3A's site back to the previous v1.2.11 still on Flex's site as you're saying here, and it utterly fixed the problem. Now everything works perfectly except the new TGXL integration feature which is of course now no-op. I definitely miss that but at least I'm benefiting from the bug fixes in SSDR v3.9.18.

So, I'm guessing Flex is deliberately not posting links to v1.2.17 and the newer AG version until they're sure they're working properly. Just a note: it's not actually clear that v1.2.17 is the problem. It could be that, something in the TGXL integration code in v3.9.18 or the interface between the two. I'm still working with Tim on it.

GL Russ KR6W

KH6XX

Hi Russ,

Thanks for the info. I also am running AG's. IF I were to update to SSDR v3.9.18, can I continue to run the TGXL utility using v1.2.11 if I do not want to use the new TGXL features imbedded in the new version of SSDR? It seems the new features are not the full features found in the utility which may be needed. I am running v4.1.8 on the AG's. With everything working most of the time, I'd hate to upgrade for the sake of upgrading and all the headaches that usually follow. I was actually waiting for SSDR v3.9.19+ to be released . I don't know how the AG's factor into the situation.

Randy

WX7Y

What I noticed and found here was NOT the Flex Radio rebooting with 1.2.17 but the TGXL would Disconnect and re-connect to the radio about every minute, this kind of drove me nuts seeing the connection pop up, I also backed out of TGXL 1.2.17 to 1.2.11 and no more multiple connections.

One more thing I noticed that with 1.2.17 if the Radio and Node-Red was connected to the tuner then the Tuner genius APP will NOT connect unless I turned off both SmartSDR and NODE-RED and did a power reset to the Tuner, with 1.2.11 I sometimes have to do a Tuner power reset to get the app to connect but I DON'T have to shut SmartSDR down or Node-RED.

There is defiantly something going on with the Connecting scheme that needs changed in TG 1.2.17, it's like it went BACK to only allowing one TCP connection like long ago when we where testing things and had these kind of problems and the Tuner definitely needs the ability to have MORE than two TCP connections and if the TCP connection is dropped then it should reset without having to reboot the Tuner.

FLEX should at least send out a warning if you use TG 1.2.17 then be prepared for these issues that MAY or MAY NOT crop up with 3.9.18.

Russ Ravella

Hi Randy,

Yup, you can run the new SSDR v3.9.18 with TGXL v1.2.11 and AG v4.1.8 and shouldn't have any problem. The only functional difference that I'm aware of is, as you know, you'll lose the TGXL ←> SSDR integration. And as you say, that integration doesn't include the full functionality the utility has anyway, though to me it would still be quite useful.

Although it doesn't seem to be getting a ton of attention on the forums, there are enough reports of problems like this that we might hope it'll get Flex and 4O3A's attention and they'll fix it.

GL Russ KR6W

KH6XX

Thanks to all for your comments. They are much appreciated.

WX7Y

If you haven't yet I would do a 4O3A trouble ticket as well for the Tuner Genius firmware, They are two different companies and the Software is written by 4O3A for the Genius products NOT FLEX.

John K3MA

I see that on the Flex site the FW 1.2.17 for the TGXL is still not showing. I have now upgrade to SmartSDR V4 and have been having frequent disconnects that I have narrowed down the PGXL in the hardware stack of 6600M, TGXL SO2R, PGXL and AG 2x8. I am now thinking I also need to try downgrading the TGXL back to FW 1.2.11 to see if this is the real cause of the issue after I upgrade to SmartSDR V4.

John K3MA

I completed the downgrade back to TGXL 1.2.11 and after a dozen band/mode changes there have been no disconnects. However, I lose the TGXL applet integration into SmartSDR.

Does anyone know what the status is of Flex testing and approving TGXL 1.2.17 or making the TGXL applet available with 1.2.11?

Russ Ravella

Hi John,

I have the same problem if by "disconnects" you mean "crashes". Also, the meters in the new TGXL window in SSDR essentially don't work at all in my setup with TGXL v1.2.17. And of course, the feature goes away with v1.2.11.

To answer your question, Flex has essentially "approved" TGXL v1.2.17 in the sense that they no longer explicitly list 4O3A firmware. Instead they now provide a link directly to 4O3A's firmware page which is essentially saying, "That's their f/w. Here's a link to whatever they're showing as the latest releases". That makes sense because they were never responsible for AG or TGXL f/w anyway and co-developed PGXL f/w until a while back when they handed it back to 4O3A.

So the questions you might actually want answered are, 1) is 4O3A aware there are issues with v1.2.17 and, 2) are they working on them ? My understanding is the answers to both are "yes".

It would definitely be a good idea to submit a help ticket directly to 4O3A since they're responsible for the issue. Let them know exactly what you are seeing.

GL Russ KR6W

John K3MA

Hi Russ. Yes, you could also call it a crash. On the desktop SmartSDR suddenly disappears and is replaced with the Disconnected message. Best I can tell, it tries to reboot, reconnect, and restart the SmartSDR GUI, but usually fails, or if it does succeed, the next operation causes it to crash again, and the only fix is a cold reboot.

I can't say I much like the separation of hardware sales from firmware support. It only leads to confusion and complications for the customer. I could say a lot more about my feelings about this business practice, but I will keep it to myself. If, "That's their f/w" is the decision that Flex has made, then I will need to adapt to it. They have been very supportive when it comes to TGXL hardware service and support. I will reach out to 4O3A and let them know of my issue.

Russ Ravella

Hi John,

Yup, sounds like exactly what I'm seeing. Are you also not seeing the meters work properly in the new TGXL window in SSDR on the PC ? I have to start and restart everything to get them to work but the first time I do almost anything like switch profiles, they stop working again. So frustrating ! I can understand why it's happening in principle but I can't understand why it seems to be so different from user to user. So weird …

Agree the separation between Flex and 4O3A is frustrating. But in a way, it's sort of inevitable. 4O3A is a hard core commercial RF transmitter/amplifier company run by the owner of a ham contest superstation. So they're basically the perfect company to make this stuff. Given that Flex wanted to build an integrated ecosystem (one of their best attributes in my opinion), rather than trying to develop their own in-house expertise in that niche area, they picked the perfect company to team with.

It so happens that company is in Montenegro so that adds to the separate sources issue. But they came up with some amazing hardware and I guess the way to look at it is, the ecosystem integration element which resides in the f/w is still "under construction" though it's HUGELY better than it was early on. I'm really hoping they'll nail this TGXL f/w thing and we'll finally be there in terms of 4O3A f/w.

Great that you're going to connect with them and best of luck !

73 Russ KR6W

F4BPO

Same as Russ with this version for TGXL my radio crashed on band change

imnee

Hi guys,

I'm new to Flex and SmartSDR. I was having a fit getting things to work and discovered firmware was in two places. I thought I was golden.

After upgrading everything to the latest, things seemed better, but now I'm experiencing new issues that align with what you guys are reporting. Things will be going along fine and SmartSDR will disappear. Reboot/Reset to get going again. The crash seems to be aligned to transmitting or a band change.

Today I have a "No Band Data" message on the TGXL. Nothing I do seems to resolve the issue. This is likely new user error.

Flex 8600M
SmartSDR v4.0.1
PGXL 3.8.9
TGXL 1.2.17
2x8 Ant Switch


73 Doug KT4DM

F4BPO

Do not use TGXL 1.2.17 it makes the radio crash all the time...

Dewey WØYWW

I've used v1.2.17 since it came out, with no issues. I found that my prior issues, regardless of software version, went away, when I increased the supply voltage (now use 24VDC).

F4BPO

Really ?

I will give it a try

WX7Y

TGXL 1.1.17 does work with version SmartSDR 4.1.3 just fine I think if I remember right SSDR Version 3.9 would make the Radio crash, Always a good Idea to use a bit higher voltage on the TGXL than 13.8 V most people use, Here I run close to 14.5V to the Radio and 19V to the TGXL Tuner.

F4BPO

What kind of power supply you guys use for 19v or 24v ?

Thanks

Dewey WØYWW

Sorry, not much help to you, but I found in my power supply dongle collection, a previously discarded ResMed CPAP machine power supply, rated at 24VDC @ 4A. — works great.

Bill AB7AA

The TGXL specs call for 12-16V. Why is it safe or desirable to run higher voltages? Did I miss something somewhere?

Bill AB7AA

Mike58

The SO3A documentation calls for 15VDC which is what I supply to it. I have not come across anything that said 24VDC. Also I'm running firmware version 1.2.17 into a legacy radio and amp with no issues.

Mike N9ZX

Dewey WØYWW

My notes show that Flex Radio stated that operation below 15VDC is not recommended and can cause erroneous operation. And, that Max supply voltage is 25VDC. I know 4O3A literature states 16VDC.

Dewey WØYWW

Found the article:

Tuner Genius XL DC Power Requirements
Tim Ellison

There have been occasions where providing power for a Tuner Genius XL (TGXL) using a 13.8 VDC power supply has resulted in voltage sags, resulting in anomalous operation with the TGXL. Operating the TGXL using a 13.8 VDC power supply that is also supplying DC power to other devices may not be sufficient.

The TGXL has a minimum working input voltage of 15 volts. It can operate on voltages up to 25 VDC. Operating the TGXL below the minimum voltage threshold is not recommended.

Several TGXL owners have been using 18VDC @ 2A switching power supplies with good results . Here is an example of a power supply available from Amazon that is compatible with the TGXL's coaxial power connector:

Note: Any third-party products mentioned in this article have not been endorsed by FlexRadio or 4O3A.

Bill AB7AA

Thanks for the voltage info. I'll kick it up..

Bill AB7AA

WX7Y

I use one of these
This way it runs from my 14V Radio Power supply through a WEB Power switch for control on my remote station.
73
Bret WX7Y

https://www.amazon.com/converter-waterproof-transformer-bcarand-vehicles/dp/B0B74CXHW6/ref%3Dsr_1_22?crid=WRX6APFXF6K8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Olyf_w_pP9rlgEXa8f0xtKN1wHjJiUoZElXb787OSM9tdn1_gxsFxhJJrd9fsbZSm0lzv1Cb5uv7rVyqNEFRMQKmVWqs0uSDV5Q6jEZ1ahhdmENfj6ZiQYx5LW3e15P6FWJ8KS7nub2CkqRrRdAotxRlCMnjHqmt3EP9q7IeAZJsPffHvoIft0xbE9yOE70LFZWGwFluZ2zkfW8Db9-29nB-WcFarLkES-5ycKgGXJc.lMcuV3uhTYNbiHkNVfA5bjsDKtnO1tJ7HQIhbem2M1o&dib_tag=se&keywords=19v&qid=1765389231&sprefix=19v%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-22&th=1

F4BPO

https://helpdesk.flexradio.com/hc/en-us/articles/35066246909979-Tuner-Genius-XL-DC-Power-Requirements

Here it says up to 25v indeed. With a 24v power supply the radio does not crash anymore with the 1.2.17 indeed.