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SmartSDR - USB Cables

David KT5V
David KT5V Member ✭✭
in SmartSDR for Windows
In the SSDR menu - Settings>USB Cables, I'm missing the pop-up window with the table of USB cables connected directly to the Flex.

My set-up Win 11, SSDR 4.01, 6400 + KPA500 connected via USB to the flex.

If I click the menu item, no window appears. If I hover over the taskbar icon, it shows as window but is blank. I looked at the display settings to see if it was off screen somehow but couldn't find it. Also tried other tricks to find non-visible windows without success.

The USB connection to the KPA500 is working fine - band changes follow the Flex like normal. Additionally, I tried SSDR macOS - no problem, the USB Cable table window opened normally. I also have a Maestro and also no problem, the USB Cable table window opened normally,

Some things I've tried to no avail....
1. Downgraded to v3.10.15. Still no USB Cable window. I suppose I could go further back to see when this first became an issue. I haven't looked at this window in over a year.
2. Reinstalled v4.01. no window.

Any thoughts on next step(s)?

73 and Happy Thanksgiving
David KT5V

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Comments

  • KD0RC
    KD0RC Member, Super Elmer Moderator

    Hi David, I would export profiles, then do a factory reset on the radio. If that doesn't help, submit a help desk ticket.

  • David KT5V
    David KT5V Member ✭✭
    Hi Len, thanks for the reply. I should have mentioned that I tried a factory reset, but no change. I'll submit a support ticket after the holiday.
    73 de David KT5V

    PS - Len, I also use your Flexicraft utility - works great, thank you.
  • KD0RC
    KD0RC Member, Super Elmer Moderator

    Thanks David, I appreciate it!

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

    Are you using a FTDI cable?

  • David KT5V
    David KT5V Member ✭✭
    Good morning, Mike - yes, FTDI.
  • Mike-VA3MW
    Mike-VA3MW Administrator, FlexRadio Employee, Community Manager, Super Elmer, Moderator admin

    Given that a reset did not fix it and it is a FTDI cable, it comes down to a few things.

    • Broken FTDI device
    • Broken USB connector on the radio
    • Fake FTDI device

    mike

  • David KT5V
    David KT5V Member ✭✭
    Mike, the FTDI cable appears to be working fine. It's controlling the KPA500 normally. As a check, I also moved the KAT500 USB cable to the USB on the Flex - it also does not show up in the USB Cable window in SSDR (windows), but the KAT500 is being controlled normally.

    Note also that the USB cables shows up correctly in the Window under SSDR (MacOS) and my Maestro. I think that this would not be the case if one of your three bullets were causing the problem. I'm going to swap out the cable just to be sure and report back. Thanks!
  • David KT5V
    David KT5V Member ✭✭

    Follow-up - switched out the USB cable with another FTDI cable. No change. No USB Cable window in SSDR (windows). New cable showed up fine on Maestro and in SSDR macOS. Still open to suggestions. 73 de David KT5V

  • k4em
    k4em Member, Unconfirmed ✭✭

    I had to purchase a specific USB cable to work with my RF-Kit RF2K-S amplifier. I purchased it from Mouser. The part number was, FTDI NMC-2.5. The NMC means Null Modem Cable, the 2.5 is the length in meters. It works perfectly, I just followed the Flex 6000 manual instructions, same instructions will work for the 8000 series radios. I have an 8400 and it's been working great with the FTDI NMC cable.

    Dave

    k4em

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

    When I use my RF2K I just use a FTDI cable on the radio, another similar on the amp and than a $5 Null Modem Gender Bender (yes, they do make them) to tie the 2 cables together. Or, you can easily make one with 2 9 PIN Females. Cross wire pins 2 and 3 (pin 2 to pin 3 on the other side) and pin 5 to pin 5. This works very well as well. I did the same thing on the KPA500.

  • David KT5V
    David KT5V Member ✭✭

    Thanks Mike and Dave - all good advice. This may be a matter of not explaining the problem well enough. But I don't think the issue is the cable, unless I'm missing something.

    1. The KPA500 band change functions exactly as it should as per Elecraft's application note on interfacing with Flex. The Flex is communicating with the KPA500 just fine with the FTDI cables I've tested.
    2. The "Settings > USB Cable" menu item in Smart SDR for macOS reports the cable correctly.
    3. The same menu item on my Maestro reports the cable correctly.
    4. BUT in Smart SDR windows, "Setting > USB Cable" doesn't even open the window with the USB cable table window, much less report the cable correctly.
    5. I've tried three different FTDI cables - all function correctly with the KPA500 and all report normally in macOS SSDR and the Maestro.

    As everything functions as it should, this is more of a curiosity than an urgent problem, but I'm still open to suggestions.

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

    If you haven't, reset the radio. (sorry if you mentioned that). If that doesn't fix it, it sounds like the radio might have to come home, but let the support team make the call.

  • David KT5V
    David KT5V Member ✭✭

    Hi Mike, yes, I did a hard reset. Should I submit a support ticket?

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

    Yes, make sure you outline all the steps you have taken so far.

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