Maestro latency to 6400

Pastor · September 2022

This question may have already been addressed, although I will ask it again. I have a Maestro and I am attempting to use Flex SDR Smartlink to connect to my 6400. The connection at both points is via an ethernet with good local internet directly to the respective Routers.
The problem is that the Maestro has a latency issue, with drop outs of receive audio.

Not that it should matter, but the maestro is in California and the 6400 is in Tenn, thus attempting to use Flex SDR Smartlink for the internet connection. Does anyone have any ideas on how to correct this problem and obtain a better connection.

Mike-VA3MW · September 2022

Hi

There is a difference between latency and dropped packets. You can see up to 200ms latency on the tablet in the Maestro.

There are more details here: https://community.flexradio.com/discussion/8023291/rx-audio-latency

73

Pastor · September 2022

I guess my question is, what is steps do I take to improve my connection speed and lower the packet loss.
Its my understanding that their are many hams who use their Maestro over the internet with little packet loss.

There must be a solution to improve connection.

Mike-VA3MW · September 2022

You might always have packet loss. It is the way UDP communications function.

You can have latency but zero packet loss just to help clarify the difference. When operating remote, most of the communications is out of our control as our information travels via shared networks.

For SSB communications, we may never hear the difference. For Digital, it will result in a possible reduction in audio data should the path become bottlenecked. This is why we have always recommended using a remote PC that is local to the radio for your best digital operation. This way, you can remotely connect to the remote PC for modes such as FT8, RTTY, etc.

This also reduces the amount of data flowing outbound from your network and that improve your performance.

I hope that helps explain something that is very complex but in a few words. We can elaborate more if you wish.

I have operated LOTS of contests with my Maestro remotely and I have never had the latency prevent me from making a contact. Just remember, and Contesting contact doesn't always take the first station he heard. He takes the first callsign he copied completely.

Pastor · September 2022

Hey Mike,

Thank for the reply and your help. Imp replying to you questions and statements:

If this is true why is it that some connections are good and others are not, why does this happen?
Can this be improved via settings?

Just to clarify I don’t use FT8 or any other digital communications, the issue has been with voice only. I am trying NOT to complicate things, small step first. Just want to get it to work first (walk before running).

Please no more elaboration, it just confuses small minded simple folk, who don’t have the technical background that so many engineers in the Flex world have… LOL

If this is true, then why is there such a poor connection when the Maestro is linked to the 6400 radio. The packet loss is high or in simpler terms, the connection is poor. I say it is poor because, I can see that the green bars on the Maestro turn yellow and you can hear the signals/ station on the Maestro seems to be very choppy in reception.

Please note that both the Maestro is connected via Ethernet and so it the operating radio 6400.

Pastor · September 2022

thanks for your help

John KB4DU · September 2022

Is the Maestro connected directly to the radio, or is there a router or switch in between?

Pastor · September 2022

Not that it should matter, but the maestro is in California and the 6400 is in Tenn, thus attempting to use Flex SDR Smartlink for the internet connection. Does anyone have any ideas on how to correct this problem and obtain a better connection.

Trucker · September 2022

I think Mike gave you good information. Just having an ethernet connection at both ends doesn't guarantee good data thru put. It is all about the quality of the connection ( download/upload speed) and the hardware in-between. Even bad ethernet cables can cause problems and dropped packets.

There is a lot of good information here about remote operating. I hope you are able to solve your problem.

James

WD5GWY

Pastor · June 8

UPDATE: I got my Maestro serviced by FLEX, the internal battery was bad. I can now use my Maestro via my Home Network to connect to my own Flex Radio 8400. I can also connect using my Maestro to my friends QTH in California via my home network using the FLEX Smartlink.

Problem: I Can not use FLEX Smartlink to Log into my FLEX radio at my own QTH, nor can anyone else log into my radio using Smartlink. Apparently since I use STARlink it does not allow Port Forwarding and Smartlink is unable to work.

Suggestions from Flex Support, Flex forums and online YouTubes propose that I needed a router after my STARlink router and a VPN, for port forwarding. My understanding is that there is no IP address therefore I can get out with Smartlink, but I can’t get in to my system/network using Smartlink.

I recently installed an Asus router after my STARlink router, and I purchased a plan for a VPN. I thought the second router and the VPN would do something for port forwarding. Can anyone assist me on how to get my FLEX Smartlink to work at my home with my STARlink setup?

I'm limited in my knowledge of what to do next. I thought that once I had the VPN and the ASUS router it would provide me with port forwarding.

QUESTIONS: Do I need to change settings on my ASUS router, or FLEX Smartlink or my STARlink or my VPN? I'm thoroughly confused, not enough detailed information out there on what to do next.

FLEX Support was vague and not detailed enough, thus no Joy.

KJ6YXI

Maestro latency to 6400

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