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High SWR shown only on 10 meters

Dave KD5FX
Dave KD5FX Member ✭✭
in FLEX-8000 Signature Series

Background - 8600 with 3.9.19.37287 S/W

Just upgraded to latest S/W today and cold booted radio afterward along with the PC.

I noticed this problem while on 3.9.18 so I upgraded to 3.9.19 just to see if it went away, it didn't. I show a high SWR all over the 10 meter band, around 1.9 to 2.0:1 over the whole band while I am connected to a dummy load that measures 1.1:1 on my external SWR meter and it also shows the same low SWR on my Elecraft KAT-500 External antenna tuner and the KPA amp. All other bands the Flex SWR meter agrees with the external SWR readings. I swapped out all the jumper cables between radio/amp/coax switch/SWR meter/dummy load and that didn't change the Flex's SWR error.

If I plug a dummy load directly into the back of the Flex the SWR is correct, it's reads very low. If I bypass the Elecraft amp and tuner the SWR still reads high on the FLEX.

I hooked up my trusty old reliable Kenwood TS-2000 to the same coax the 8600 used and it shows a low SWR, about a 1.2:1 while the FLEX shows 1.9 on the same coax at the same frequency. All other bands are OK.

What could cause this?

Comments

  • Mike-VA3MW
    Mike-VA3MW Administrator, FlexRadio Employee, Community Manager, Super Elmer, Moderator admin

    I would first reset the radio and make sure that the ATU isn't confused.

    If that doesn't solve it, you'll need to open a support ticket since it is still under Warranty.

  • Dave KD5FX
    Dave KD5FX Member ✭✭

    Thanks, Mike. Wouldn't the new software load and I did a cold boot after that have reset the radio? It was messed up before and after the new s/w and cold boot it's still messed up.

    Dave

  • KD0RC
    KD0RC Member, Super Elmer Moderator
    edited August 2025

    Hi Dave, no, that is just a boot. First do an export of your profiles then do a factory reset. After the export, turn off the radio. Then press and hold the power switch until it turns white. Wait for the process to finish with a solid green light.

  • Dave KD5FX
    Dave KD5FX Member ✭✭

    Radio reset complete. Same problem. I'll file a support ticket.

    Thanks guys! 73, Dave

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