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FlexRadio 8400M Reboot Issue first notice After Upgrading to SmartSDR 3.9.19

Flexed
Flexed Member ✭✭
in FLEX-8000 Signature Series

Team,

After upgrading to SmartSDR 3.9.19, I’m experiencing an issue with my FlexRadio 8400M during transmit. I followed the upgrade process as outlined—installing SmartSDR 3.9.19, updating the front panel, and finally updating the Maestro.

The issue occurs when I attempt to transmit. Pressing the ATU or Tune button causes the system to immediately reboot. If I try transmitting via PTT at low power, it holds for a second or two before restarting again. I’ve already performed a factory reset on the units (after backing up my profiles), but the issue persists.

Reception appears to be functioning normally. I also tried switching to a second antenna in case it was antenna-related, but the results were the same.

I’ve attached videos to demonstrate the behavior.

Please advise on the next steps.

Thank you,

https://photos.app.goo.gl/6BTs188MqzZmDJgDA

Comments

  • Erik Carling EI4KF
    Erik Carling EI4KF Member ✭✭✭✭

    Seeing that you have already taken the correct steps to solve it, but unsuccessfully, open a help desk ticket.

  • VE7ATJ_Don
    VE7ATJ_Don Member ✭✭✭✭

    I agree with Erik on the Help Desk Ticket, but it sounds to be like RF might be getting into the PC or the Maestro — possibly through the ethernet connection. chockes on the connecting cables may help.

  • KD0RC
    KD0RC Member, Super Elmer Moderator

    I would try a factory reset after exporting profiles. If that doesn't solve it, submit a help desk ticket, as Erik and Don have suggested.

  • Erik Carling EI4KF
    Erik Carling EI4KF Member ✭✭✭✭

    One thing though in case it is relevant… my 8400M is more susceptible (than the 6400M that it replaced) to this software crash issue if the PSU voltage is not high enough. So it might be worth checking volts. Don mentions RF and although you are using low power and tried 2 antennas, it is a good point that really needs a dummy load to rule out completely. It may be that the software upgrade is a red herring and something else has changed. Or maybe you could revert to 3.9.18 and see if your previously perfect stability returns?

  • Flexed
    Flexed Member ✭✭

    Good point. Voltage was checked using another rig with the same requirements. A ticket has been opened, but most likely they'll follow up on Monday. Hopefully, I won’t have to send it back for repair.😥

  • Trucker
    Trucker Member ✭✭✭✭

    Install FRStack and after it connects to the radio, Select Meters from the menu and select voltage. It will display what the radio is seeing at the input. It's possible that you need to plug and unplug the PowerPole connector on the back of the radio to clean any corrosion that may have built up enough to cause a low voltage problem that will make the radio reboot. I even had to go inside the radio ( 6600M) and pull the internal fuse in and out along with cleaning the pins on the fuse to clear up a similar problem. ( the internal fuse isn't as easy to get to as the hardware manual makes it seem. But, it can be done......carefully)

    James

    WD5GWY

  • Flexed
    Flexed Member ✭✭

    I performed a second reset on the radio. While it was idle—no transmission taking place—I left it powered on as I reviewed documentation and comments from this group. Suddenly, the radio shut down on its own and wouldn’t turn back on, even after pressing the power button. I disconnected the power cord from the power supply for two minutes, as I had done during the first reset. After reconnecting it, the radio powered back on, and I was able to transmit normally.

    I'm really puzzled by what's going on. I imported my profiles and everything seems back to normal, but again, the only change I made was upgrading the software—which I considered went smoothly, aside from the TX issue previously described.

    Trucker,

    I track my power with the Alinco 13.8 with only the Flex Connected, and internally with my mini node red that I built, again everything looks healthy there.

    image.png
  • johnn1jm
    johnn1jm Member ✭✭

    I've had a similar issue with my 6600 after upgrading to .19. After maybe sitting idle in receive after 8 hours plus or minus, the radio would disconnect from SSDR and reboot. I've done a factory reset and after leaving on overnight all is good do far. I also have a 6400 that stays on 24/7 and no problems with .19.

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