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Aurora Power Slider Bar

rodgowdy
rodgowdy Member ✭✭
in Aurora
I've been using my Aurora for a couple days now on SSB, WSJT-X, FLDIGI, and CW (to key down for power test).
The power slider bar has never gone above 150 watts (RF is set to 100%). Most of the time it barely breaks 50 watts. I'm a new Flex user, so there's that....

Answers

  • Mike_NC7I
    Mike_NC7I Member ✭✭

    Interesting; I will be anxious to hear about this.

  • Eric W1NEJ
    Eric W1NEJ Member ✭✭
    edited January 28

    Are you talking about the RF Pwr meter with is right above the SWR meter?

    But you mention the slider bar, which sets the max power, which is in percent, so I am a bit confused by your question.

    Also, what is your SWR? If it is above 1.7:1 the power will automatically fold back to protect the amp. But in such a situation I would assume you are using the ATU. Note the ATU can be used at full power up to uncorrected SWR of 3:1; after that you should not run full power.

    Max transmit and tune power can be set in the TX Band settings; are these set for less than full power?

  • KD0RC
    KD0RC Member, Super Elmer Moderator

    Hi Rod, can you check to see what your Max Power is set to?

    image.png
  • Tom C
    Tom C Member ✭✭
    edited January 28

    My power out seems to indicate total watts…adjustment slider is percent though.

    image.png

    Tom

    N9RU

  • rodgowdy
    rodgowdy Member ✭✭
    Hi Len,
    It won't let me paste the screen shot, but yes, Max Power is 100%
    Yes, I'm talking about the RF Power Meter. I have a screen shot that shows SWR about 1.2.
    Max transmit power is 100% and Tune power is 10%.
    Wish I could paste a screenshot!!!!!!!!
    Thanks,
    -Rod KU0W
  • Eric W1NEJ
    Eric W1NEJ Member ✭✭

    Rod:

    Slider to set power is in percent

    Meter to read power output is in watts.

    If you set Tune Power to the highest setting, what power are you getting?

    Is the ATU able to tune your antenna for low SWR? What is the SWR when the tuner is not active?

    IMG_6985.JPG
  • KD0RC
    KD0RC Member, Super Elmer Moderator

    Hi Rod, If your Max Power is OK, set the tune power up to 100% and click the Tune button (not the ATU or MEM button). If your power is still limited, you should submit a help desk ticket. Don't forget to set Tune Power back down to 2% (or where ever you normally have it).

  • rodgowdy
    rodgowdy Member ✭✭
    edited January 28
    Hi Eric,
    I guess I can't paste a screenshot because I'm the author? Very frustrating....
    I set Tune power to 100% and clicked the Tune button, max watts is still less than 150w.
    -Rod KU0W
  • Eric W1NEJ
    Eric W1NEJ Member ✭✭

    Is Max power (screen shot above) and in TX band settings set to 100%.

  • KD0RC
    KD0RC Member, Super Elmer Moderator

    Hi Rod, you will be able to post pics after you have some more activity here. It is apparently how the Vanilla forum software works.

    It is time to submit a helpdesk ticket.

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

    A few thoughts:

    • Makes sure your Mic Level Meter is peaking at -5dBm when in digital modes
    • Use your TX Mic Gain to adjust accordingly
    • Does the radio produce full power in TUNE mode with the TUNE bar at 100% - this will show you that the radio is able to produce 100%

    Let us know, Mike

  • Mike58
    Mike58 Member ✭✭

    If you are using an external tuner, this is a post from Mike VA3MW

    "You can use an external antenna tuner with an Aurora.

    • Put the Aurora Tuner in Bypass mode (must be off 100% of the time when using an external tuner)
    • Set your TUNE slider to about 5% to provide about 10 watts drive. You can use lower if required.
    • Put the Radio in TUNE
    • Follow the procedure to TUNE your external Tuner"

    Mike

    N9ZX

  • rodgowdy
    rodgowdy Member ✭✭
    Hi Mike-VA3MW,
    No, the radio only produces ~150 watts when the tune slider is set to 100% and I click the tune button.
    I've watched a ton of your videos, thanks for all you do.
    -Rod KU0W
  • Eric W1NEJ
    Eric W1NEJ Member ✭✭

    Curious if this happens on all bands for which you have antennae or all bands if you have a dummy load?

    You still have not confirmed you have max TX power set to 100% in the TX Band Settings (separate from the Radio Setup). You set it there for each band, and in the Radio Setup (TX tab) you set the it for the overall max TX power.

  • rodgowdy
    rodgowdy Member ✭✭
    edited January 28

    I have posting privileges now! These screenshots show RF Power slider at 100%, radio setup Max power setup at 100%. The Tune button is clicked "on".

    Screenshot (5).png image.png
  • Mike-VA3MW
    Mike-VA3MW Administrator, FlexRadio Employee, Community Manager, Super Elmer, Moderator admin

    Thanks, the TUNE test is a good test.

    Can you test into a dummy load? I opened a support ticket for you.

  • Eric W1NEJ
    Eric W1NEJ Member ✭✭

    you still have not confirmed that Max power is set to 100% in the TX band settings which is separate from the set up. I know it’s a long shot, but it would be nice to see that that is not the issue.

  • rodgowdy
    rodgowdy Member ✭✭

    Thanks for everyone's comments, a ticket was created and we're working the problem.

    -Rod KU0W

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