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is it posible to program a F button send a short signal in low power?

AndreNL
AndreNL Member ✭✭
in SmartSDR for Maestro and M models
Hello all,

Short question:
Is it possible to program an F-key so that, when I press it briefly, the radio sends a short transmission on the frequency where the Maestro/FlexRadio is currently tuned?
My preference would be a short signal (about 2–3 seconds) at roughly 10 watts, either a tone or a carrier.

System:
- FlexRadio 8400
- Maestro 3
- Software 3.9

Thanks in advance for any tips! If there’s already an option to do this, I’d be happy to hear about it.
The important part is that the power output is low, even if the radio’s power setting is, for example, 90 watts. Ideally.
The transmitted signal (preferably adjustable) should be limited to 10–15 watts maximum.

kind regards,
Tagged:

Answers

  • VE7ATJ_Don
    VE7ATJ_Don Member ✭✭✭✭

    Hi Andre… I don't have a Maestro, but it does sound a lot like you are wanting an output to let an antenna tuner do it's thing???

    If so, would the TUNE function/button work for you? You can set the Flex to output as much or as little RF as you want (separate from normal output) and I believe it automatically sends out a modulated carrier (CW, I think)…. You have to press it to initiate, then press it again to shut it off, but….

  • AndreNL
    AndreNL Member ✭✭
    Hello Don,

    You are right, I have a CG-3000 on the roof with a wire. The downside is that when switching bands it needs to tune, which usually takes about 2–3 seconds.
    What you suggested (if I understood correctly) might work? Do you have more information on where I can find this or how to configure it?

    The problem is that I don’t want the internal ATU to start tuning. At least, it doesn’t seem wise to me to have both the internal tuner and the external CG-3000 tuning at the same time.

    Thanks in advance for your explanation.

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

    Try this:

    • put the ATU in the radio into Bypass mode (push and hold the ATU button)
    • Set your Tune power to the level you want (Push TX Menu knob or touch the RF Power part of the Maestro display
    • Touch Tune to go into Tune TX - watch your SWR Meter and when it is tuned, take the radio out of Tune.

    You control how long it sends a TUNE signal.

    Would that work?

    Mike va3mw

  • AndreNL
    AndreNL Member ✭✭

    Hello Mike,

    I’m fairly new to the FlexRadio 8400 with a Maestro, and to be honest I just had a look and tried a few things.

    I can indeed set the ATU to “Bypass”.
    What you mean by tune power level – I don’t see a “tune power” setting on the Maestro.
    Also, I don’t seem to have a TX menu button?

    Sorry, I don’t quite follow you – my apologies.

  • Mike-VA3MW
    Mike-VA3MW Administrator, FlexRadio Employee, Community Manager, Super Elmer, Moderator admin
    edited August 2025
    https://youtu.be/oT632iL5L3E?si=E-rSuLhwt36s9LV8&t=405
    https://edge.flexradio.com/www/offload/20240306110553/Maestro-User-Guide-v3.x.pdf
    image.png

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