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Losing remote Flex6400 during TX with SmartLink, but not when using SMartSDR

W4AFK Bruno
W4AFK Bruno Member ✭✭
in SmartSDR for Windows

Remote Flex 6400 - Losing the connection? Lock-up?

  • Scenario 1 - Using SmartSDR on a colocated computer accessed via RemotePC, there is no problem while transmitting with the Flex nor with the Expert 1.3K-FA amp. On any band it works fine
    • Path: Cable MODEM —> Router —> Local PC w/SmartSDR —> Switch —> FLEX
  • Scenario 2 - Using SmartLink (or Maestro, whioch is the same) from home and while transmitting at ~100W. On several bands, I lose the Flex and the attached amp
    • Path: SmartLink —> Cable MODEM —> Router —> Switch —> FLEX

To recover, I need to remotely power cycle the Flex and the ampo. None of the other accessories connected to the SWITCH are affected (i.e, rotator control, etc.).

I suspected RF pickup sop all line arte filtered. However, if it's RF pickup, then why is it working just fine when using the colocated computer and SmartSDR?

The SmartLink path doesn't go through the colocated computer but direct to the Flex via the switch.

If it's RF at the switch or elsewhere, then that same RF should affect the SmartSDR connection, but it doesn't.

What am I missing?

Comments

  • N5NHJ
    N5NHJ Member ✭✭✭

    Based on your signal path, the router and cable modem are not involved in local scenario 1, but they are part of scenario 2.

    I suspect RF interference is affecting the ISP equipment.

  • W4AFK Bruno
    W4AFK Bruno Member ✭✭

    That was also my first thought … but as none of the cable services in the home seem to be affected (TV, phone, Internet), that's what is confusing me (sigh).

    If the MODEM or router were affected, then I would expect that they would see issues with the other services, but they aren't. Unfortunately, Spectrum blocks access to the MODEM's log as that could have given me some insight. They don't want anyone looking into the logs anymore.

    I did check the router's logs and found nothing abnormal during the time period where I lost the link. As a matter of fact, none of the other peripherals that were connected to the router or the switch were affected.

    If I was at the radio site, I could do more deep diagnostics and tests but I am ~2600 miles away from my remote in Florida (I live near San Diego) and my ham host is not an Internet/LAN/WAN person. He can handle all of the typical stuff but this goes beyond that. I might not have a choice but to fly there and spend a few days troubleshooting … or find a local ham who is more savvy :-)

    In the meantime, I'll keep on "brainstorming" with the hope that someone can help and lead me down a path where I can diagnose this.

    I do have software tools like "PingPlotter 5" and "NetUpTime" so maybe someone with more experience can point me to specific tests that I can run in order to find the root cause.

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