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Flex 6400 Keying Amplifier

kpaine
kpaine Member ✭✭
edited August 2024 in Peripherals & Station Integration
I had to send my PGXL in for service and in the meantime, I would like to run a backup amplifier in its place. The problem I am having is when I plug the RCA in to ACC1 (or use any other of the RCA's) the amp keys and won't unkey. I have looked at every setting I can find and it is happening on 2 different amplifiers.

I am using a ALS-500M and a HealthKit SB-220. I use a keying relay between the HealthKit and the Flex. Both amps are performing normally on my Icom-7300. I would love to get this one solved!

Setup is Flex 6400 Smart SDR 3.7.3, Heathkit SB-220 .

Thanks for the help.
WB5SKM

Best Answer

  • David Decoons, wo2x
    David Decoons, wo2x Member, Super Elmer Moderator
    Answer ✓

    hi Ken

    I assume you mean TX1 and TX2 and not Accy.

    If only TX3 is working then most likely the driver IC (small surface mounted) for both TX1 and TX2 are shorted.

    Due to the size, location, surface mounting, and no schematic available, it is best you send the radio for repair.

    73

    Dave wo2x

Answers

  • David Decoons, wo2x
    David Decoons, wo2x Member, Super Elmer Moderator

    You want to use TX1 on back of radio and in Settings/TX Band Settings check TX1 for the bands where you are going to use the amp.

    No need to use ALC with the ALS500 amp, just watch your drive power is set correctly.

    73

    Dave wo2x

  • kpaine
    kpaine Member ✭✭
    Dave Thanks for the quick response.

    I understand how everything works in the sequencer, and I probably should have been more clear about that. The trouble is even with the ACC 1 and ACC 2 not checked as soon as the RCA is inserted into ACC1 or ACC2 the relay is keyed and won't unkey. The ACC TX RCA has the same issue. I thought this applied to all three ACC RCA plugs but this morning I have discovered that ACC3 is working as expected.

    Any insight as to why the relays's would be "stuck closed, or active" on ACC1, ACC2 and ACCTX?

    Ken WB5SKM
  • kpaine
    kpaine Member ✭✭
    That is unfortunate. :/

    I am already going through serious withdrawals not having my PGXL. I was thinking I was not going to be able to run my Flex in the contest and state QSO's this weekend contemplating running my IC-7300 all weekend was frightening, and it was a dark dark place to be. I think I'm going to have to get my PGXL back, run it with my 6400 until the 8600's are widely available. Order an 8600 and after I get it send in my 6400 for repair get it back and rack mount it in a go box with my ALS-500M and a tuner and have the coolest portable rig on this side of the MS river.

    Thanks for the quick responses and the help!!

    Ken WB5SKM

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