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1.10.8 problems updating, first impressions

Ria
Ria Member ✭✭✭
edited February 2020 in SmartSDR for Windows
IT hasn't been 100% smooth sailing for me but I did get it working.

Initially after I hit the "update" button the radio just sat for a while, purple light on, updating software.. Eventually I got a "file transfer error." I restarted the process. After about half an hour, nothing, so I figured something was amiss. I did a reset and it came back up to 1.10.8 Beta.

The serial cables work. I use two UGreen USB to RS232 cables with FTDI chips along with an Anker USB hub and they work. I do like that you can assign CAT by antenna which is exactly what I needed for both SO2R contesting and casual rag chewing or DXing. 

For now I am keeping the SteppIR on DDUtil because it will allow me to select forward and 180 as well as retract and calibrate if needed. Maybe if SteppIR integration is eventually desired, SmartSDR can incorporate these controls. It should also incorporate a transmit lockout when SteppIR is tuning, although SteppIR has the $99 tuning relay option or you can buy the N8LP tuning relay. The tuning relay just bypasses the key line on your amp rather than disabling transmit. 

I am hoping SmartSDR for iOS will incorporate the new serial port feature. 

BTW with the SPE Expert in Flex mode it controls the drive power automatically as it did before when connected to SmartSDR CAT. 
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Comments

  • k0eoo
    k0eoo Member ✭✭
    edited November 2019
    Ria, could you expand on the Expert comment just a bit.  I just received my 1.3k-FA and I'm in the process of hooking it up via DDUtil's via the USB to PC cable and the CAT1 via serial/USB adapter to the PC and passive listener.  Are you saying there may be a better way?

    Ria, I just saw Larry's thread on the say question....

    Dennis, k0eoo
  • Ria
    Ria Member ✭✭✭
    edited December 2016
    For basic use where you just want to follow the TX slice and only use one antenna input on the amp, the DDUtil passive listener is fine. However if you want to do SO2R for contesting you want to use both ports on the amp so you can receive through the listening antenna (s) while transmitting. Previously I had to use the SmartSDR CAT program and assign slices A and B to the CAT ports on the amp.

    However, 1.10 allows you to connect the amp directly to the radio and get CAT data from there via USB to serial converter.  You can either tie a slice to a USB to serial adapter, or tie an antenna to it, and it will follow the TX slice. There are other possibilities such as the active slice, active panadapter or RX antennas. 
  • Steve W6SDM
    Steve W6SDM Member ✭✭✭
    edited December 2016
    Like almost all previous SmartSDR versions, this upgrade went in without any problems.  Now I need to read the book in order to understand the applications for the USB feature.

    On my end, I did a clean install.  In the past when I have left previous versions intact, it has never caused a problem but I still like starting off fresh with a new version just to eliminate any potential problems.  Think of it as the digital version of an enema. 
  • k0eoo
    k0eoo Member ✭✭
    edited December 2016
    Thanks Ria, I just found the Flex How-to-guide on using the USB ports, between that and your comments I should be good to go...

    Thanks, Dennis, k0eoo
  • KY6LA_Howard
    KY6LA_Howard Member ✭✭✭
    edited February 2020
    While I was part of the Alpha test group and I did get the USB cables working as proof of concept for my SteppIR and 2K-FA , I quickly reverted back to DDUTIL The USB connections only provide Band Data but do not provide the all important COMTROL I need for remote operation. While Band Data is nice to have it just as important to be able to provide control for devices if you are going to operate remote without a computer. Right now I accomplish most of what I need to do using DDUTIL via Parallels Access Remote Desktop to control my devices. Ideally it would be great to eliminate the PC but only if I still have controls. My 6700 is currently controlling a SteppIR MonstIR via SDA100, a Yaesu GX-2800 Rotor via their RS232B controller and a SPE 2K-FA. I have other devices such as tower raising and lower and cameras to watch what is happening but these are not a direct need for remoting. As I said, Band Data is OK but by itself it is not anywhere near enough control to be able to run devices safely remotely All the Following is currently done by DDUTIL SteppIR Control Functions In addition to band data one needs to be able to do the following: 1. Forward Direction 2. Reverse Direction 3. Bi-Direction. (3/4 for verticals) 4. Home Elements 5. Calibrate Elements 6. Restart 7. Indicate Element Direction - Forward, Reverse, Bidirectional 7. Inhibit transmit during element movement Rotor Control Functions 1. Direction 2. Azimuth Adjustment (currently I use 180 degrees offset since my rotor centers North) 3. SteppIR 80M function - K5FR added the ability to have 90 degree offset for 80M dipoles along the boom) SPE AMPS. 1.3K and 2K FA Steve K5FR and I spent over a year working with SPE so that they would modify their firmware so that their amps could be remotely controlled. The necessary remote control functions are: 1. Power On 2. Power OFF. (You don't want to leave the Amp running 24/7) 3. Standby/Operate 4. Power Level - Low, Med, High 5. Input. - 1 or 2 6. Antenna - 1, 2, 3, 4 7, Tune 8. Display 9. PA Temp Readout 10. SWR alarm BTW....I totally agree with Stu that this is a slippery slope that opens up a huge can of worms. If Flex undertakes to do it So I really hope some third party will do it.
  • Mark Erbaugh
    Mark Erbaugh Member ✭✭
    edited December 2016
    Could operate/standby be simulated by enabling/disabling the TX Out line?
  • k0eoo
    k0eoo Member ✭✭
    edited December 2016
    Thanks Howard & Ria, obviously I will need control as well as band data for my 1.3k-FA so I'll stick with DDUtil for the time being, as I do with the Alpha, Steppir, RC2800PX, LP-100A and modified DX engineering remote antenna switch...
  • Jeffrey Kerber, N3VE
    Jeffrey Kerber, N3VE Member ✭✭
    edited December 2016

    Howard, I have a 6700 and 1.3, what is the issue with leaving the amp on 24/7

    Thanks,

    Jeff N3VE

  • KY6LA_Howard
    KY6LA_Howard Member ✭✭✭
    edited December 2016
    I am typically gone from the USA for periods in excess of a month. Or more.

    While radio does not heat up the Shack leaving the amp on sure does.

    Just don't like leaving it running all the time. There are other controls equally as important such as setting power levels, selecting antennas etc. on my SteppIR being able. To reverse/forward is crucial
  • KY6LA_Howard
    KY6LA_Howard Member ✭✭✭
    edited November 2019
    Things go wrong when ur remote that would not be much of an issue if you are local On this trip I worked some DX awhile changing planes at JFK. In rushing to catch the plane to LONDON, I invertently left my 6700 in tune mode. I did not catch it until I got on the air again from our apartment in Paris 3 days later. It seems that the TX timeout did not persist so the radio kept on transmitting for at least 3 days Imagine the mess if the2KW Amp had been running Fotunately DDUTIL also has a standby /operate control so the Amp was not enabled if it had been turned on BOTTOM LINE. There is a lot more control needed than simple Band data in order to operate remote SAFELY
  • Tim VE6SH
    Tim VE6SH Member ✭✭
    edited February 2020

    Ria

    Do you have a schematic of exactly how you hooked up the 6700 and the 1.3 for SO2R? Are you controlling one port with SSUTIL and the other from the Flex USB? or both ports from the Flex?

    Thanks

    73

    Tim VE6SH

  • Ria
    Ria Member ✭✭✭
    edited December 2016
    Flex ----> Amp
    Ant 1 ---> Input 1 (PL259  and 50 ohm coax)
    Ant 2 ---> Input 2

    TX1  --->  RY 1 (RCA shielded phono plug, mono)
    TX2  --->  RY 2

    CAT A -->  CAT 1  (DE9S to DA15P)
    CAT B -->  CAT 2 

    Cable wired as follows:

    DE9S (Flex)    ------------------>  DA15P (Amp)
    Pin 2 (RXD)     ------------------>  Pin 9 (TXD)
    Pin 3 (TXD)     ------------------>  Pin 1 (RXD)
    Pin 5 (Ground) ------------------>  Pin 4 (Ground)

    Additionally I've soldered the drain wire to the dsub connectors' shields. 


    Then you can do the N1MM+ SO2R setup per the K9CT guide.  However, you also have to create separate TX profiles that enable TX1 and TX2 and these profiles will be active on different slices. 
  • Tim VE6SH
    Tim VE6SH Member ✭✭
    edited December 2016

    Thank you Ria!

    I should have time over the holidays to get this squared away. Much appreictaed.

    73

    Tim

  • Ria
    Ria Member ✭✭✭
    edited December 2016
    I leave stuff on all the time. It's not a tube amp. It'll be fine.

    The only concern would be the fans. 

    However with the SPE Expert you can turn it off (soft power off) and it will still accept USB commands to turn on. So this can help provide some longevity to the fans if you want to turn it off. 
  • Ria
    Ria Member ✭✭✭
    edited December 2016
    If the amp had been running it would have faulted off and went into standby, depending on the power level. Or it would have kept running if it was set to "MID" or "LOW." However I should note that Vatican Radio uses a 1K-FA as a driver amp for their DRM service so at lower power it has been run in continuous duty. 
  • KY6LA_Howard
    KY6LA_Howard Member ✭✭✭
    edited December 2016
    My real concern with 2K-FA and the Monstir running all the time was the potential for a continuous 12KW ERP Carrier whiping everybody local out. Just not a good operating practice. Plus of course, the wear and tear on the fans. Since I am 100% solar power costs are not an issue Bottom Line: I spent so much time working with SPE and Steve K5FR together all the features I needed to control remotely that I don't want to givethem up.
  • Ria
    Ria Member ✭✭✭
    edited December 2016
    Understood. But if you remote you should have a master **** switch anyway just in case. A carrier at 100 watts is just as bad as one at 1.5kw. I have a Raspberry Pi and a relay box on the 12v side of my station and a web interface. This way I can **** the exciter in case of emergency. Eventually I want to put a master switch for 240v so I can **** the amp as well and a GSM control so I can override in case home internet goes down. 
  • KY6LA_Howard
    KY6LA_Howard Member ✭✭✭
    edited December 2016
    I already have a couple of Datalogger remote 8 port switches image
  • W1IMD
    W1IMD Member ✭✭
    edited December 2016
    You didn't have the three minute timer enabled in DDUtil?
  • mikeatthebeach .
    mikeatthebeach . Member ✭✭
    edited December 2016
    Have had to replace the front right side mini-muffin fans on the 2K-FA a few times,
    they get squeaky after awhile, for SSB, you can turn off fans, but for CW must have
    these Fans on.

    These Fans are cheap $5 to $6 on Ebay from China, usually after 
    2  years one of the two fans will make a horrible noise

    The Back Fans are Temperature Driven usually not a problem if 2K-FA is left on
    all the time

    73 Mike

  • KY6LA_Howard
    KY6LA_Howard Member ✭✭✭
    edited December 2016
    I have had the squeaky fans too Yet another reason not to leave it running all the time BTW. Totally forgot about the 3 minute timer in DDUTIL. Thanks for reminding me
  • k0eoo
    k0eoo Member ✭✭
    edited December 2016
    Ria, one more question.  so with your SPE 1.3k-FA setup using V1.10 the amp follows the TX band change and with the PTT TX1-3 you control keyup, but how do you control the amp power ON/OFF and Operate/Standby, (via the SPE software or how?).
  • Ria
    Ria Member ✭✭✭
    edited December 2016
    Hi Dennis,

    I use either the Term software that SPE provides or DDUtil. SPE actually uses a different port for that. The CAT1 and CAT2 ports are for CAT and the USB or "PORT" ports are for remote control of the amp. 

  • Larry _ NY8T
    Larry _ NY8T Member ✭✭✭
    edited December 2016

    If anyone is interested, on the SPE Yahoo Group you can download a mini console to control an SPE amp.


    image
  • Tim VE6SH
    Tim VE6SH Member ✭✭
    edited December 2016
    Ria

    For CAT are you going direct from the USB ports on the Flex or through a hub? I have a new Anker Hub I would like to try.

    73

    Tim VE6SH
  • Ria
    Ria Member ✭✭✭
    edited December 2016
    I use the anker hub but direct connections also work.
  • Mike W8MM
    Mike W8MM Member ✭✭
    edited July 2019
    My upgrade experience was different among my three 6700's.

    I decided to upgrade all the radios from my Maestro.  The Maestro update went well.

    The Signature model 6700 with the GPSDO running v1.8.4 upgraded smoothly, no problems.

    The other two, more recent, 6700's (non-GPSDO, v1.8.4) both got perma-stuck showing "updating software" with the purple power light lit.  This flummoxed me a bit and I tried re-reading various information to see what I should do.  Finding nothing satisfying, I attempted pushing front panel buttons to no avail.  Then, I removed 12V power by pulling the PowerPole connector from the back of the radio.

    I let the radios sit for 5 minutes unpowered, then plugged them back in to 12V.  They both immediately returned to saying "updating software", but began to click some relays after a few moments and finally went through "Calibrating" and now work just fine.

    Just thought someone would like to know.
  • Jay Nation
    Jay Nation Member ✭✭
    edited January 2017
    Mike 

    That hang happens sometimes, you handled it correctly.

      SDRgadgets

    #FlexRadio IRC chat

      73, Jay - NO5J

  • Mark WS7M
    Mark WS7M Member ✭✭
    edited January 2017
    Jay... still need my address for shipping that beam?   Perfect time to get it weather tested here in Colorado!  :-)
  • Tim VE6SH
    Tim VE6SH Member ✭✭
    edited February 2017
    Ria

    I have set up the 6700 to the SPE 1.3  as you described. I was previously using DDutil through a com port to control the amp (non-SO2R) and drive levels. That worked fine.

    Now using the setup for SO2R I cannot drive the amp (relays click and shows reduced power 40-50w) no matter what power setting. Also changing the drive level on the SPE does not make the slightest difference.

    Strangely, if I enable the SPE in DDutil it sets the proper drive levels as I had them before despite the fact the com port I was using previously is no longer connected to the SPE! The SO2R works fine, but I have to still use DDutil.

    Any ideas?

    Thanks

    73

    Tim VE6SH

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