New Flex 8600 user, about to throw it through the window. Talk me down off the ledge!

KS1C · July 29

As a new user (at least attempting to use), I have hit a level of peak frustration.

First, I desperately need a glossary of terms with a full explanation of each. I'm tired of playing "guess the acronym" and what it means.

Now for the operation. I have the 8600 hooked up to fast wi-fi, using Maestro. I have not yet hooked up the Tuner Genius or the Power Genius.

My big frustration is on receive. I'm seeing lots of spots on the cluster, so the band is alive. But either no signals at all, or at most one or two VERY weak signals and the noise floor is very, very loud. So loud that even with an S3 signal, I cannot hear enough of the audio to attempt a contact. Most of the bands have no signals whatsoever. I get that 10, 12 and 15M can be turned off by solar flares, but 40M? NO signals on 40M?

Something is very, very wrong.

The RF gain is at max, so it's not that.

My antenna is a SteppIR DB-18E. 3 elements from 6-40M. It worked great with my Yaesu FTdx101MP - which I am about to reconnect so I can work some DX.

I have to say as a new user who just spent $15,000+ on a new "super station", I am really unhappy. The documentation is less than good.

I'm spending a lot of time trying different things to discover what they do, where any other HF station I've ever had was simple. Plug in a power supply, mic and antenna and *bingo*, you're on the air.

Can somebody talk me down off the ledge?

W2PP · July 30

the most likely explanation is that you don’t have the correct antenna chosen for a particular slice.

Click on the Ant1 receive and choose Ant 2 or be sure your antenna is actually connected to the Ant you have selected.

Let us know if this doesn’t work.

Peter

Mike VE3CKO · July 30

First off is your address good on QRZ, I'd like to be there to catch your radio as you toss it, lol.

I also have the 8600/SteppIR, on my QRZ page I have a station layout attached below that maybe helpful for connections when you're ready. Don't panic the learning curve on a FlexRadio is pretty fast. You made a great decision just need to be pointed in the right direction to get you started.

You are using the Maestro initially so it is similar but different then using SmartSDR software. Peter to told you to make sure your on the right antenna. To do that on the Maestro, slice A is top left the RX antenna is blue and TX is red. Click on the RX antenna. You'll see a choice in the top half below the RF Gain of ANT1, ANT2, RXA, RXB, XVTA, XVTB. The selected antenna will be highlighted in blue.

You stated the RF gain is at max. What is your AGC-T set to? It is the outer on the slice volume knob.

They are two different things and this could be where you are slightly confused. VA3MW AGC-T video is for SSDR but it will education you for sure. Watching his and other videos will no doubt bring you up to speed quickly. DuckDuckGo video links "FlexRadio Maestro videos"

Mike-VA3MW · July 30

These new user videos might help.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJteC7p59ZU&list=PLcubIF34IGQsV_G1p1JiCNhEzxwlsKHRN

KS1C · July 30

I confirmed that I've selected the right antenna.

Right now, I'm listening to 15M. The only signal I hear is a PA5 at S3. Not even a blip anywhere else in the phone band.

I don't have the ability to sketch out my station connections right now, but I have the 8600 connected to the Maestro via gigabit switch. That's it. There's nothing else to mis-configure.

I have the PGXL and TGXL waiting to be connected, but until this is figured out, they'll be on stand-by.

Russ Ravella · July 30

Hi KS1C,

I don't know if this is helpful, but for what it's worth everything above 17M has been absolutely dead in general here (S. AZ) for the most part for weeks. Do you hear anything on 20M ?

GL Russ KR6W

John K3MA · July 30

You might also want to put on the preamp. It is under ANT - RF Gain. There is a video showing how to properly set it on a Flex. You really need to have it engaged to offset the losses from the preselectors on the Flex.

Here is a link to the video. https://helpdesk.flexradio.com/hc/en-us/articles/204923669-How-to-Determine-the-Correct-Amount-of-RF-Preamp-Gain-for-Different-Band-Conditions

John KB4DU · July 31

Take a deep breath and step down from the ledge.
First, have you read the manual in its entirety. It is among the best written documents in all of ham radio.
Then pick one control to learn. Many of them interact with others, so just one at a time to start.
Generally, a transmitter is a transmitter. What sets radios apart is the receiver, the flex is among the best, mostly due to the controls.

Erik Carling EI4KF · July 31

Alternatively do what any new user is invited to do and that is open a Help Desk ticket and cut to the solution without stress. There is an option to select that you are a new user and you will get all the directed help you need.

https://helpdesk.flexradio.com/hc/en-us/requests/new

KS1C · July 31

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KS1C · July 31

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W2PP · August 1

when you key the radio what was your SWR?
are you seeing band noise on say 80 or 160 meters? I’m trying to understand how well your antenna is working. If you have low SWR and don’t hear any band noise I’d open a help desk ticket. I mean stuff happens!!

Peter

New Flex 8600 user, about to throw it through the window. Talk me down off the ledge!

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