6400M Turning Off The Front Display

I'm debating buying either the 6400 or the 6400M. My main question at this point is when leaving the radio on so it can be used remotely is it possible to turn off the front display on the 6400M

KC9NRN

5 Posts
2 Reply Likes

Posted 2 years ago

2 years ago

Tim - W4TME, Customer Experience Manager

9178 Posts
3525 Reply Likes

What is your concern about leaving the display on?

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2 years ago

KC9NRN

5 Posts
2 Reply Likes

If I'm not there then there is no need for the display to be on. I know burn-in isn't as much of an issue these days but this is an LCD and if possible when I'm not using it I would like to be able to either dim it to zero or turn the display off or heck, maybe have a screen saver that we can set that displays our call sign on the display if it's being used via PC or remote.

This is still considered a server isn't it? I never leave the monitor on anything that may be left on 24x7, it's an unneeded waste.

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2017-06-15T16:02:33+00:00

Kevin - KS0CW

89 Posts
11 Reply Likes

a screen saver mode would be a nice feature for those of us inclined to keep the radio on and don't want the room to be illuminated by the display that draws attention of the XYL of an unoccupied room that's not dark---:(

2017-06-15T18:05:23+00:00

Neal - K3NC, Elmer

502 Posts
176 Reply Likes

Might even be a good idea for the Maestro!

2018-01-16T09:44:47+00:00

Tim, VK6EI

7 Posts
0 Reply Likes

Certainly seems to be a great idea, considering the radio here is mainly going to be used remotely.

Tim, VK6EI

2018-01-16T18:57:09+00:00

Ria - N2RJ, Elmer

2296 Posts
933 Reply Likes

Why get an M if you are mostly using it remotely? Just get the regular non M and a Maestro.

2018-05-30T13:46:56+00:00

KC9NRN

5 Posts
2 Reply Likes

Because mostly doesn't mean always, in the winter when I'm home I'll be sitting there or using it from a different room, I like to have options and for something sold as a server with a screen I expect to be able to turn that screen off or use screen saver.

1 year ago

Reggie

90 Posts
8 Reply Likes

Was this option implemented on the 6600M?

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2018-01-16T14:04:16+00:00

Tim - W4TME, Customer Experience Manager

9178 Posts
3525 Reply Likes

No. The front panel is on all the time so that you can interact with the radio directly and enable the front panel display. Due to the display type, burn in is not an issue.

2018-05-30T13:48:04+00:00

KC9NRN

5 Posts
2 Reply Likes

The XYL can be an issue, burn in for me was the last reason. Not needing the display on all the time was my main reason.

1 year ago

Wayne

614 Posts
88 Reply Likes

I second a screen saver mode would be great, no hardware delay just an update to the SDR software 2.x.xx and would work on maestro and flex M models via the built in computer. I'm sure it would not take a rocket scientist or a month to add something simple like this to the software as a free update.

After the warranty expires it may be as simple as installing an spst toggle switch to turn off the screen backlighting if flex chooses not to add it to the software.

My 2 cents ... Sometimes its the little things that p... you off :-)

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1 year ago

Wayne

614 Posts
88 Reply Likes

I was looking at all the provided documentation on the SmartSDR latest version. Lo and behold the Screen Saver is supported in the SmartSDR API available as documentation.

private ScreensaverMode _screensaver;
        /// <summary>
        /// Sets the screensaver mode to be shown on the front display of
        /// the radio (Model, Name, Callsign, None).
        /// </summary>

etc. etc. etc.

Since it is already supported in the latest SmartSDR Software for windows it should be a piece of cake for it to be included into an update for use with the 6400M/6600M and as shown is setup to show the Radio Model, name, and Callsign.

Somehow as customers we should be able to gather enough support to move this to the top of the update list since it would be quick and easy to implement.

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1 person likes this

1 year ago

Rich McCabe

1105 Posts
238 Reply Likes

Still have hopes that Flex gives us the option for a multi-meter on the front display when we are using SmartSDR.

I am hoping multi client when released will allow knob control and allow a different display.

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12 months ago

Dan Parsons - WT7Q

35 Posts
3 Reply Likes

Any update on this? It is badly needed.

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1 person likes this

2018-05-30T13:50:02+00:00

KC9NRN

5 Posts
2 Reply Likes

Since it runs an OS this is easy peasy, for some reason this isn't worthy of implementing.

2018-06-09T09:30:31+00:00

Tim, VK6EI

7 Posts
0 Reply Likes

I guess not... Too hard basket, but I doubt it...

2018-06-12T16:42:00+00:00

Wayne

614 Posts
88 Reply Likes

Seems like you could just find the vcc line to the front panel and put in a mini toggle switch to turn off. the display when its not wanted, cant be that difficult since the production pictures on the flex site show the front panel as a complete assembly with just a ribbon cable connecting it so if you took the power away it be like having a non M model.

2 months ago

Dan Parsons - WT7Q

35 Posts
3 Reply Likes

I see there's another major software release for these radios. I still can't find a way to turn off the front panel LCD when not in use. What gives? Honest question.

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1 month ago

Doug

139 Posts
50 Reply Likes

I see this thread is 2 years old. If the light in the room is a problem just toss a hand towel over the front of the radio. Problem solved

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1 month ago

Dan Trainor

84 Posts
19 Reply Likes

Take a cardboard box and place over the radio. Or write a small SW utility to make a call to FlexAPI to turn on screen saver :)

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1 month ago

Mark - WS7M

1257 Posts
472 Reply Likes

My personal suggestion is a non-M radio but then buy yourself a separate Maestro.

This way you get the best of both. You get a radio you can park in your shack and leave on 24/7. You can connect to it via computer or laptop on your WiFi

AND with a separate maestro you can have that updates during the SuperBowl making contacts or out on your back deck under an umbrella with a Margarita in hand working DX.

Having the maestro separate from the radio makes all the difference to me.

Mark WS7M

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6400M Turning Off The Front Display

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