Flex 6600M on for five days?

NA0B · May 2018

My WEMO + relay are ordered, by they will not be here until next week. I leave today for a five day trip.

Can I leave the FLEX 6600M on for these five days? Should I?

I have WEMO switch to shut off the power supply in case of need.

73 de Juan, NA0B

Ken - NM9P · May 2018

My 6500 is on almost 24/7. Think of your flex rig as a radio (computer) server. If it isn’t on, it isn’t available for remote access via Smartlink, SSDR-iOS, or via WiFi from other computers in your network. As long as your antennas are properly protected and there is no lightning danger in the area, there normally should be no problem letting it run. Ken - NM9P

Ken Wells · August 2020

UPDATE:

If you plan to use a WiMo-type remote AC switch, be sure to use a switched relay to activate the radio's RCA REM port for ON/OF switching of the radio.

Use a second Remote AC switch for your power supply. something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017743I7S/ref%3Dppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

But do NOT simply switch the power supply on and off to control the radio in normal use. This can result in switching spikes and transients that could damage the radio. It also un-gracefully turns the radio OFF without letting it save data to the SD Card, which could be problematic.

There are a number of people starting to use NODE RED systems to remote a variety of functions in their shacks.

https://groups.io/g/nodered-hamradio/topics

You may want to check this group out for lots of great information.

Mike-VA3MW · May 2018

I'm up 7x24 as well. Except for the line of thunder storms headed my way. Lightning Maps is a great way to watch in real time. http://www.lightningmaps.org/#y=46.1791;x=-79.4048;z=10;t=3;m=normal;r=0;s=0;o=0;b=0.00;n=0;d=9;dl=7...;

George KF2T · May 2018

Concur with Ken. I've had my 6500 (now 6600) on for pretty much years straight. It is designed as a server, so keeping it on all the time is not a problem.

That said, it's always a good idea to have some way of shutting things down in event of a malfunction or unsafe conditions. A WeMo makes a great **** switch for the power supply. More elegantly (and better for the gear) is a networked switch with contact closures that can turn on and off the rig via the rear panel RCA jack, select a dummy load on a remote antenna switch, and reboot accessories as needed. There are several good ideas around for doing that, many of which are quite economical.

If you are in a lightning-prone area, nothing will save you from a direct hit. Physically disconnecting the cables before you go is probably the safest bet. Unfortunately, that makes it hard to remotely attach them! With good protection and a remote antenna switch to disconnect the rig, you will be good in most circumstances, though. Risk vs. reward.

Ken - NM9P · May 2018

And a good insurance policy for the other times....

George KF2T · May 2018

Ken, I thought you had a special "cloud based" insurance policy with the man upstairs? ;-)

Greg N8GD · May 2018

Me too! Good one, George....

Ken - NM9P · May 2018

I wish it worked that way! LOL!

NA0B · May 2018

Thank you all for you excellent advice and thanks to Michael for the Lighting Maps site.
I do a fair amount of travel for work, so this is very nice.

73 de Juan, NA0B

kb2huk · August 2020

does the screen stay on and active all the time or does it sleep after a while ?

Bill -VA3WTB · August 2020

At this time the Screen stays on all time.

NA0B · August 2020

It stays active. Mine is on 24 X 7 and I have not noticed any effects. I do set the brightness level very low.

Gene Duprey · August 2020

I have in the past turned on my 6500 when leaving on a trip and no issues. I now use a Wemo switch to turn on & off my radio using the relay kit you can get at Flex site or also on Amazon. This works great and you can turn on/off the radio with your cell phone or other device.

Flex 6600M on for five days?

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