Re: [Flexradio] Question about TX harmonics

[Patrick Greenlee]

Mark, Harmonics are integral multiples of your frequency so whatever was 
happening it wasn't a harmonic of your signal.


How close was the reporting station to your QTH?  Strange things happen 
when someone experiences fundamental overload of their receiver.  If 
able, arrange to have a look at your emissions on a good spectrum 
analyzer.  It might not be something you are emitting but something 
created in his receiver.


One time in the early 60's I was reported to the FCC as causing TVI.  I 
had a 2nd class licensee prepare a fact finding report in response to 
"The Letter" from the FCC.  I was putting out a very clean 3 Watts on 
the CB band and the "ancient" TV I was interfering with  had an IF with 
band width covering the CB freqs.  I was transmitting directly into one 
of the TV receiver's IF circuits.  Solution: Hey dude, get a more modern 
TV. End of story.



On 11/24/2016 11:44 PM, Mark Lunday wrote:

I was attempting to break through the pileup for 5H1WW on 80 CW the other
night.  A ham emailed me the next morning and said he could hear a harmonic
of my CW signal 1.2 kHz down from my main.which unfortunately was right on
top of the DX station.

This is the first time someone has told me about this, but I think I read
somewhere about it happening to another ham on 160 meters.

Does this sound familiar to anyone?  How did you resolve it?  I was running
an amp at the time into an inverted L.

Mark Lunday, WD4ELG
Greensboro, NC  FM06be
wd4...@arrl.net
http://wd4elg.blogspot.com


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Re: [Flexradio] No Output, Flex 1500

[Patrick Greenlee]

Could be but be thankful the turbo encabulator has a tight zig zag cam 
so the thuzle rods didn't cam out on you.


On 3/28/2016 2:46 PM, Hal Reid wrote:

Dudley,

Thanks for the response.

I have reset the database a couple of times and the output remains 
really low. I suspect something is broken. Of course, it receives fine.


It is probably a high level of non-asymmetrical hyperbolic phase 
imbalance, all tied to the Thermo-Encapsulaters you encounter when 
loading the USB drivers.


It may need to go back to Flex.

Hal, K6DPL

-Original Message- From: flexradio-requ...@flex-radio.biz
Sent: Monday, March 28, 2016 1:00 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: FlexRadio Digest, Vol 131, Issue 13

Send FlexRadio mailing list submissions to
flexradio@flex-radio.biz

To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
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You can reach the person managing the list at
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When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
than "Re: Contents of FlexRadio digest..."


Today's Topics:

  1. No output, flex 1500 (Hal Reid)
  2. Re: No Output on Flex 1500 (Dudley Hurry)
  3. DDUtil madness (Jeff Brown)
  4. Re: DDUtil madness (Tim Ellison, W4TME)


--

Message: 1
Date: Sun, 27 Mar 2016 16:56:35 -0400
From: "Hal Reid" 
To: 
Subject: [Flexradio] No output, flex 1500
Message-ID: <0B2F4BEB7DE74B21BBE73D6D39E2E095@Hmmm3>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
reply-type=original

After noticing I wasn't working anybody, I checked the output of my Flex
1500. The best I can measure is way less than a watt, and that is on AM.
It seems that I have had this problem before and resetting the database
fixed it. Not this time.
Is there another fix other than a hardware problem I can try?

Tnx,

Hal, K6DPL

-Original Message- From: flexradio-requ...@flex-radio.biz
Sent: Sunday, March 27, 2016 1:00 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: FlexRadio Digest, Vol 131, Issue 12

Send FlexRadio mailing list submissions to
flexradio@flex-radio.biz

To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
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You can reach the person managing the list at
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When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
than "Re: Contents of FlexRadio digest..."


Today's Topics:

  1. QUESTION about the  VU5K (w...@reagan.com)


--

Message: 1
Date: Sun, 27 Mar 2016 08:05:17 -0500 (CDT)
From: w...@reagan.com
To: FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: [Flexradio] QUESTION about the  VU5K
Message-ID: <1459083917.31441...@webmail.reagan.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"


Just finished setting up my 5000a with the VU5K. I have all the info I 
could
fine on the VU5K, which is not a lot. Anybody have any info on the 
unit,or

where I can look to find more information on the VU5K?
Some of the questions are.

1. The normal output on the VU5K. Have heard apx. 65-70 and some say 100.

2, what ever the output is, at what point would the output start to roll
back ,as the VSR went up?Iam at apx.
1.5 on vhf and 2.1 on uhf on my antennas.

3. If I used a mast mounted preamp, Will the VU5K tolerate the voltage 
feed

imposed on the coax, with no problems.

Any info on the VU5K,I would be happy to pay for copying and mailing 
,or e

mailing.
73
dale wt4t

--

Subject: Digest Footer

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End of FlexRadio Digest, Vol 131, Issue 12
**





--

Message: 2
Date: Sun, 27 Mar 2016 23:20:30 -0500
From: Dudley Hurry 
To: harveywizbang--- via FlexRadio 
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] No Output on Flex 1500
Message-ID: 
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Hal,

The 1500 RF output is really tough,   Are you sure that you reset your 
database to Factory Defaults ??


73,
Dudley
WA5QPZ

Sent from my iPhone





--

Message: 3
Date: Mon, 28 Mar 2016 09:15:12 -0400
From: Jeff Brown 
To: Flex reflector 
Subject: [Flexradio] DDUtil madness
Message-ID: 
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Not sure it DDUtil is broken or the newest 

Re: [Flexradio] Process Lasso

[Patrick Greenlee]

Thanks Alan, terrific suggestion.  I'll give it a whorl when able.

On 3/4/2016 2:00 PM, Alan wrote:

Process Lasso.  You can find it here:

https://bitsum.com/



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Re: [Flexradio] OK, I broke something

[Patrick Greenlee]

Gary, Thanks for the suggested culprit.  Yours is actionable advice and 
not terribly difficult to test. Your recommended setting methodology is 
a good idea whether or not there are observable problems.


PatrickNJ5G

On 3/4/2016 7:11 AM, Gary Huber wrote:
Regarding the freeze... its called DPC or Delayed Procedure Call. Most 
likely one or more sound devices are not set to the same sampling rate 
as the others. The fix is easy (if its caused by sound devices 
sampling), just set all the audio devices, including VAC, speakers, 
audio in, line in, line out, audio out, microphones, etc. to 48000 Hz. 
If all your devices can't support the 48000 Hz sampling rate, then set 
them individually to the highest EVEN sub-multiple or multiple (IE. 
8000, 16000, 24000, 48000, 96000, etc.) N0 44100 Hz sampling rates, 
which is the most likely cause of DPCs.

73 ES DX,
Gary - AB9M
On 3/3/2016 11:16 PM, Mark Lunday wrote:
Patrick you are describing my scenario EXACTLY!  Anyone else able to 
assist?


Mark Lunday, WD4ELG
Greensboro, NC  FM06be
wd4...@arrl.net
http://wd4elg.blogspot.com

-Original Message-
From: FlexRadio [mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On Behalf Of
Patrick Greenlee
Sent: Friday, February 26, 2016 8:17 AM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] OK, I broke something

Mark, my 5K is on a 3 year old tower 'puter I custom built for SDR use.
It can keep up with the radio while simultaneously doing one or two 
software
installs with one or more anti-malware scans plus me surfing the web 
doing
searches but... Every once in a while at random when doing nothing 
but the

radio in receive mode with me not touching a thing the
2.7.2 session freezes.  Click stop and start and all is good for several
seconds to months.  I can't reproduce the problem at will and can't
correlate the problem to any settings or actions but since on average it
only happens at long intervals (months) I just click stop/start and 
try not
to worry about it. Later when I try to set up for remote ops this 
could be a
real problem as I didn't want to have to run something like Team 
Viewer so
as to be able to do the stop/start routine. Meanwhile, when siting at 
the

radio I can "burp" it and be back running in a second or two.

Good luck to you.  If you figure it out or get any good suggestions from
other sources than here please share them here.

PatrickNJ5G



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Re: [Flexradio] FlexRadio Digest, Vol 130, Issue 4

[Patrick Greenlee]

Some confusing Thunderbird is an email client too.

On 2/18/2016 1:49 PM, Larry Loen wrote:

Most older PCs will still run Windows 10.  If you can get Windows 7 onto
it, you can get the free upgrade to 10 and your IEEE card is probably still
supported.

If all else fails, you can run that computer "headless" (look into
something called "TightVNC" to run your old machine remotely from a new
one) and leave the old box under your feet or on a shelf somewhere.

Some higher end PCs will run something called Thunderbird.  It probably has
enough throughput to run Firewire.  Haven't looked, but you can check it
out.

You can also still get and old fashioned desktop for pretty cheap . I just
got an i3 on Craigs List for backup for my own Flex computing and it
upgraded to Win 10 just fine.  200 bucks.  Don't know about IEEE as I now
run a 6300.  But, you should be able, still, to make something like this
work.


Larry WO7R

On Thu, Feb 18, 2016 at 12:11 PM, harveywizbang--- via FlexRadio <
flexradio@flex-radio.biz> wrote:


Dale

Why do you make your decision on a "newer" computer?  There are LOTS of
options to continue using your 5K.  Neal will build you a "screamer" or you
can go cheap with a refurb on amazon or eBay with W7 and put in a FW card.
Don't give up on your 5K .  It is still a GREAT radio.

Sent from an atomic powered IBM Selectric

flexradio-requ...@flex-radio.biz wrote:


Send FlexRadio mailing list submissions to
   flexradio@flex-radio.biz

To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit


http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz

or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
   flexradio-requ...@flex-radio.biz

You can reach the person managing the list at
   flexradio-ow...@flex-radio.biz

When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
than "Re: Contents of FlexRadio digest..."


Today's Topics:

   1. Using a Flex 5000 through USB3 (Dale Taylor)
   2. Re: Using a Flex 5000 through USB3 (Dudley Hurry)


--

Message: 1
Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2016 16:00:45 -0700
From: Dale Taylor 
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz, flexra...@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Flexradio] Using a Flex 5000 through USB3
Message-ID:
   <

ca+kynaowzv3v4k6uffqgmocesjdrkm+jappfkn1y+fr1aua...@mail.gmail.com>

Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

Is it possible to use a Flex 5000 via a USB3 cable and a Firewire adapter?

I am very saddened by the devaluation of my Flex Radio and shocked to see
what upgrading to a 6500 would cost.  Perhaps I should give away my 5000
and just buy a new radio, but I wanted to see if there's any way I could
still use it with a newer computer that no longer has Firewire.

Thanks, Dale Taylor


--

Message: 2
Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2016 19:05:49 -0600
From: Dudley Hurry 
To: Dale Taylor 
Cc: flexradio@flex-radio.biz, flexra...@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Using a Flex 5000 through USB3
Message-ID: <2337b757-ecc2-4c46-a40d-f25ae30f0...@austin.rr.com>
Content-Type: text/plain;  charset=us-ascii

Dale,

USB3 can not support the through put of the FIreWire.   As it can not the

number of full duplex channels .

73,
Dudley
WA5QPZ

Sent from my iPhone



On Feb 17, 2016, at 5:00 PM, Dale Taylor  wrote:

Is it possible to use a Flex 5000 via a USB3 cable and a Firewire

adapter?

I am very saddened by the devaluation of my Flex Radio and shocked to

see

what upgrading to a 6500 would cost.  Perhaps I should give away my 5000
and just buy a new radio, but I wanted to see if there's any way I could
still use it with a newer computer that no longer has Firewire.

Thanks, Dale Taylor
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*

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Re: [Flexradio] Playing wave files

[Patrick Greenlee]

What is the file name and location of that file made when making a 
recording on a F5KA?


TIA

PatrickNJ5G



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Re: [Flexradio] Leads

[Patrick Greenlee]

I have one word for you and it isn't plastics.  OK two words made one 
with a hyphen.


APPLIANCE-OPERATOR

Similar to the modern phenomenon of folks who would  starve to death 
while surrounded by game and vegetation if Walmart didn't have ready to 
use food wrapped in plastic on the shelves, we have many hams who can't 
solder and may not know which end of the soldering iron gets hot.


Memorizing/remembering a few answers to technical questions long enough 
to pass a test doesn't make you technically competent even if it does 
get you legally licensed.


Bless the appliance operators, we need them to keep up the volume of 
equipment sales lest things go out of production.  Even us real (with a 
capital H) Hams don't typically build our own SSB transceivers (no 
solder kits do not qualify.)


Patrick   NJ5G

On 6/15/2015 6:58 AM, Ian Scoble wrote:

 I¹m finding this thread really hard to comprehend, we are all radio hams
and have gone through various
Courses around the world, I would never ever consider buying a lead for any
headset either Radiosport, Heil or Computer
Headset I have sucessfully made all headsets work with every radio I have
used both Flex or YaKeIc. So why not heat up the soldering iron and
get on with it.


Ian


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Re: [Flexradio] Leads

[Patrick Greenlee]

Pascal not up to date  Please, say it isn't so!  How about Ada?

Oh, and I was told those who actually have it call it lysdexia.

On 6/15/2015 12:27 PM, Pete M wrote:

 Cobol fortran and pascal are not up to date language anymore.

 I have dyslexia,



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Re: [Flexradio] No Dumb Questions

[Patrick Greenlee]

AMEN

On 4/29/2015 10:48 AM, Eric Wachsmann wrote:

I'd like to go on record that I personally subscribe to the philosophy that
the only dumb questions are the ones that are not asked.  Everyone comes to
a knowledge of various subjects at different rates and times and it would
be silly of me to disparage someone else for their lack of knowledge in a
particular subject when there are so many things about which I know so
little.

In short, let's be kind of those that are on the earlier edge of the
learning curve for SDR, FlexRadio products, PowerSDR, etc.  I have copied
the Good Reflector Etiquette section from the list guidelines below.
Thanks for your cooperation and consideration of others and keep the
questions coming.


Eric Wachsmann
FlexRadio Systems



4.) Good Reflector Etiquette
*** Please keep all postings cordial *** Restrain the urge to email someone
admonishing them about a posting. The last thing we want to do is to offend
anyone from using the Reflectors due to discourteous and harmful postings.
Overly aggressive postings and negative comments about other posters only
is disrespectful and serves to scare away reflector members. Before sending
your email, take a few moments to read it over to make sure you have not
inadvertently said something you did not mean to say that could hurt
someone’s feelings. Remember, often one word placed incorrectly in a
sentence can change the entire meaning of what you really want to say. . If
you have a complaint about someone or a thread, please email it directly to
list administrator found whose e-mail address is found in the footer of
every reflector post and it will be addressed as quickly as possible.

Please exercise restraint in posting when a thread is being heavily
covered. 30 posts on one topic in a day is usually excessive. Please do not
post asking people to stop a particular thread, no matter how long, off
topic or repetitive it gets. The list administrators will step in when we
feel it is necessary to end a thread.

Please do not post any direct attacks or snide comments directed at a list
member. Enthusiastic arguments and constructive criticism is encouraged,
but please keep everything cordial and friendly. Members who verbally
attack another (either via the list or via direct email) will be moderated
or removed from the reflector.

Personal attacks, flames, or strongly worded derogatory message swill not
be tolerated. (Pausing overnight before pressing the send key really
helps..)

Post that consist of obscene or vulgar,disrespectful, abusive, defamatory,
profane, raciest, or threatening language of any kind, will constitute a
violation of these guidelines resulting in immediate moderation or removal
from the reflectors.

Typed language is naturally colder than spoken language, because it is
stripped of voice inflections and body language. Quite easily, humor can be
taken as insult, especially if subtle. Some users prefer to use symbols
that hint at tone, such as the smiley face: :-) It is safest to frankly
note satirical messages.

To keep everything orderly, the Reflector moderators may intervene when
necessary to preserve the nature of this list. They will do this off-line
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Re: [Flexradio] Monitor Speakers

[Patrick Greenlee]

I have, use, and like the Bose spkrs too and the only RF issue with them 
is my cell phone gets into them when it swaps bits with the tower every 
so often when I'm not talking on that phone.  This is within just a few 
feet phone to spkrs.


Patrick   NJ5G

On 4/15/2015 10:52 AM, Dave Movius wrote:

Agree, Bose Companion II speakers work well -- excellent audio.  I have no
RF issues.  Also available via Amazon. Proper station grounding is
essential to minimize rf issues.

73, Dave,
W7IWW

On Wed, Apr 15, 2015 at 9:46 AM, David P Mitchell n5...@arrl.net wrote:


The monitor speakers from Bose work great (From Target).  However you must
use isolation transformers to de couple the RF.  Clamp on chokes are not
enough.
(Companion® 2 Series III multimedia speaker system ) about 99.00 from
target.

---
David P. Mitchell N5PSM

http://www.arrl.org/BLD02ZU1.htm

On 2015-04-15 08:24, Richard Lawn wrote:


Just got a new 6300 and so far so good! I do need to buy a pair of
computer
monitor speakers. Any suggestions? I'm always concerned about RF getting
into them and have not been all together happy with the WestMountain radio
pair that I have.

Rick, W2JAZ
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Re: [Flexradio] Flex5000

[Patrick Greenlee]

I agree that it could have many features added.  I would enjoy that 
immensely. The likelihood of Flex undertaking this is vanishingly 
small.  We need to bring the wake to a close and not be like my 
relatives in the deep south who are still in denial regarding the 
outcome of the war of northern aggression AKA Civil War.


If you think there is actual support besides cheap talk for improving 
the software, then form a consortium of similar minded folks and put 
your $ where your mouth is and fund someone to make the improvements. 
There is a lot of software talent in the 5K owners group awaiting 
leadership.  Maybe some will volunteer.


I happen to have a BS degree in computer science and an MS in software 
engineering and am well qualified to lead such an effort or participate 
through design and coding. I am mostly retired (I own/operate a 160 acre 
Black Angus ranch with room for antenna farming)  and have several 
hobbies besides ham radio and very little interest in personal 
involvement in the 5K memorial software program should it ever draw a 
breath.


Maybe others are more enthusiastic.  Try to round them up and then we 
will know for sure.  Otherwise we are just wasting time whining.


Patrick   NJ5G

On 3/5/2015 7:46 AM, Jordan Arndt wrote:
My feeling is that the Flex 5000 is still incompleteI also feel 
that I am not alone in this observation


ymmv...73 de Jordan VE6ZT

- Original Message - From: Patrick Greenlee 
patric...@windstream.net

To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2015 6:38 AM
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Flex5000


Flex is paying attention to their customer base.  many Flexers are 
early adopters of technology, many are always looking for the next 
new shinny ball.  Hence the number of Flexers selling 5Ks to buy into 
the new shinny ball of the 6K series.


A Flex radio costs a few K$ and technological obsolescence is only 
partially offset by software enhancements incrementally delivered 
following the Microsoft business model (6K series.) Eventually we can 
weep, wail, and gnash our teeth over the new shinny ball that 
replaces the 6K series if we and Flex are lucky.


Say you bought a Chevy, maybe a Corvette.  Do you expect for years 
and years afterword that GM will be retrofitting it with the latest 
and greatest updates of automotive technology (for free for the 5K) 
or for a few $ annually in the Microsoft business model approach of 
the 6K series.


I think Flex offered a fantastic opportunity with the 5K to keep a 
NEW radio as long as they did via software upgrades before moving 
on up to the 6K technology.  The Model T Ford was a fantastic bargain 
and very versatile but eventually was surpassed technologically and 
not retrofitted ad infinitum with new tech.


What manufacturer of ham radios has done more lately for the ham 
community than flex?  Lets dry our eyes and get on with our lives. I 
will be keeping my 5K thank you.  It is not obsolete compared to the 
rice burners. Someday I will buy another new shinny ball, maybe a 
Flex 6K or 7K or a brand/model not invented yet.


Patrick   NJ5G

From: meric...@tampabay.rr.co
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz; manual...@juno.com
Date: Wed, 4 Mar 2015 21:22:56 -0500
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Flex5000

Companies evolve and disappear as well.  Flex needs to pay 
attention to

their customer base.

Mark Ericksen
AD4MA

-Original Message-
From: manual...@juno.com
Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2015 8:13 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Flex5000

Time marches on and future products evolve and/or disappear.

We've been talking about the Flex 5000A, and some of you might 
remember

the 5000C, but in poking around the internet archives, it brought to
light the originally proposed 300 watt Flex 5000D with the large 
tuning

knob (probably HRO-style) and its 9 LCD touch display.
http://tinyurl.com/kv7uae6
And then the product comparison matrix:
http://tinyurl.com/ltwmet3

Pete, wa2cwa



On Wed, Mar 4, 2015 at 4:17 PM, Ken Danser via FlexRadio 
flexradio@flex-radio.biz wrote:


Something like Never Buy Another Radio Again

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Re: [Flexradio] Flex5000

[Patrick Greenlee]

Flex is paying attention to their customer base.  many Flexers are early 
adopters of technology, many are always looking for the next new shinny 
ball.  Hence the number of Flexers selling 5Ks to buy into the new 
shinny ball of the 6K series.


A Flex radio costs a few K$ and technological obsolescence is only 
partially offset by software enhancements incrementally delivered 
following the Microsoft business model (6K series.) Eventually we can 
weep, wail, and gnash our teeth over the new shinny ball that replaces 
the 6K series if we and Flex are lucky.


Say you bought a Chevy, maybe a Corvette.  Do you expect for years and 
years afterword that GM will be retrofitting it with the latest and 
greatest updates of automotive technology (for free for the 5K) or for a 
few $ annually in the Microsoft business model approach of the 6K series.


I think Flex offered a fantastic opportunity with the 5K to keep a NEW 
radio as long as they did via software upgrades before moving on up to 
the 6K technology.  The Model T Ford was a fantastic bargain and very 
versatile but eventually was surpassed technologically and not 
retrofitted ad infinitum with new tech.


What manufacturer of ham radios has done more lately for the ham 
community than flex?  Lets dry our eyes and get on with our lives. I 
will be keeping my 5K thank you.  It is not obsolete compared to the 
rice burners.  Someday I will buy another new shinny ball, maybe a Flex 
6K or 7K or a brand/model not invented yet.


Patrick   NJ5G

From: meric...@tampabay.rr.co
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz; manual...@juno.com
Date: Wed, 4 Mar 2015 21:22:56 -0500
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Flex5000

Companies evolve and disappear as well.  Flex needs to pay attention to
their customer base.

Mark Ericksen
AD4MA

-Original Message-
From: manual...@juno.com
Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2015 8:13 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Flex5000

Time marches on and future products evolve and/or disappear.

We've been talking about the Flex 5000A, and some of you might remember
the 5000C, but in poking around the internet archives, it brought to
light the originally proposed 300 watt Flex 5000D with the large tuning
knob (probably HRO-style) and its 9 LCD touch display.
http://tinyurl.com/kv7uae6
And then the product comparison matrix:
http://tinyurl.com/ltwmet3

Pete, wa2cwa



On Wed, Mar 4, 2015 at 4:17 PM, Ken Danser via FlexRadio 
flexradio@flex-radio.biz wrote:


Something like Never Buy Another Radio Again

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Re: [Flexradio] Flex 5000 Value

[Patrick Greenlee]

I wouldn't schedule a trip to the Smithsonian just yet to view an 
obsolete SDR know as a Flex 5000 A.  First the rice burners have to 
catch up to the 5K before it can become obsolete.  No improvements does 
not equal obsolete until its features are out classed by the rice burners.


Oh by the way, just for the record I have a BS in comp sci and a MS in 
software engineering.  I'm not currently interested in playing with the 
code but who knows what the future will hold.


Patrick

On 3/2/2015 10:35 AM, Richard Solomon wrote:
One thought ... if Flex released the software then some enterprising 
chap might

take on upgrading it. But I doubt that will happen.

Therefore, I predict the 5000's will continue to decline in value. 
Perhaps in the

future they will be looked on as historical artifacts.

73, Dick, W1KSZ

On 3/1/2015 5:35 PM, manual...@juno.com wrote:

What might perk up interest in buying a used Flex 5000 or 3000 would be
if Flex released a new version of PowerSDR. The last version, 2.7.2, was
issued almost a year ago (March/April 2014). Potential buyers might be
swayed positively if they saw that the software was still being updated
even if for the most part, it was mainly just bug fixes. To me, it could
be a win-win for Flex. New Flex users would come into the fold buying up
the used 3000's and 5000's and existing Flex users could migrate to the
6000 series without sitting on a double investment of equipment.

Pete, wa2cwa


On Sun, 1 Mar 2015 22:32:12 + (UTC) n...@comcast.net writes:

Here's my $0.02 from someone who's trying to sell a plain vanilla
5000a at the moment.

I've been studying values of all the 5000 models as of late pretty
closely.

The last 3 5000a with 2nd RX, tuner and V/U that I saw on QTH went
for around $2300.  A big difference than 6-8 months ago when they
were going for $2800-$3100.

Units with tuners and 2nd RX seem to be in the $1600 to $1900
lately.

Mine is a bare bones unit and I have it advertised on QRZ and
QTH.com for $1500 OBO which I *thought* was a fair price.

I've had 4 responses between the 2 sites and no offers whatsoever.


It's clearly a buyers market right now.

YMMV..
Thomas - n3thn...@comcast.net

- Original Message -
--

Message: 1Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2015 13:02:59 -0600From: Harry Williams
willisw...@msn.comTo: flexradio@flex-radio.bizSubject:
[Flexradio] Flex 5000 ValueMessage-ID:
blu182-ds179cfcee7e32232e84304a84...@phx.gblContent-Type:
text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

I have been thinking of buying a 6500 and sell my Flex 5000. Trying
to determine what its worth today. Mine is a 5000a, 2nd rx, and a
V/U module. Could not find any recent sales that looked like my
config. Any ideas of worth or has anybody seen any recent sales for
a radio like mine?

Thanks,HarryW0LS


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Re: [Flexradio] Flex 5000 Value

[Patrick Greenlee]

Yeah, wishful thinking, but also very true and would be a terrific way 
to proceed but not likely to happen.


Patrick   NJ5G

On 3/1/2015 9:56 PM, Edwin Marzan wrote:

Wishful thinking. These radio's are being treated like old computers.  And new 
software written for old computers is virtually nil. And according to Gerald 
they had only scratched the surface of what the 5000 could do. Without new 
software all bets are off.

Eddie from the BronxAB2VW


To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2015 19:35:24 -0500
From: manual...@juno.com
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Flex 5000 Value

What might perk up interest in buying a used Flex 5000 or 3000 would be
if Flex released a new version of PowerSDR. The last version, 2.7.2, was
issued almost a year ago (March/April 2014). Potential buyers might be
swayed positively if they saw that the software was still being updated
even if for the most part, it was mainly just bug fixes. To me, it could
be a win-win for Flex. New Flex users would come into the fold buying up
the used 3000's and 5000's and existing Flex users could migrate to the
6000 series without sitting on a double investment of equipment.

Pete, wa2cwa


On Sun, 1 Mar 2015 22:32:12 + (UTC) n...@comcast.net writes:

Here's my $0.02 from someone who's trying to sell a plain vanilla
5000a at the moment.

I've been studying values of all the 5000 models as of late pretty
closely.

The last 3 5000a with 2nd RX, tuner and V/U that I saw on QTH went
for around $2300.  A big difference than 6-8 months ago when they
were going for $2800-$3100.

Units with tuners and 2nd RX seem to be in the $1600 to $1900
lately.

Mine is a bare bones unit and I have it advertised on QRZ and
QTH.com for $1500 OBO which I *thought* was a fair price.

I've had 4 responses between the 2 sites and no offers whatsoever.


It's clearly a buyers market right now.

YMMV..
Thomas - n3thn...@comcast.net

- Original Message -
--

Message: 1Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2015 13:02:59 -0600From: Harry Williams
willisw...@msn.comTo: flexradio@flex-radio.bizSubject:
[Flexradio] Flex 5000 ValueMessage-ID:
blu182-ds179cfcee7e32232e84304a84...@phx.gblContent-Type:
text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

I have been thinking of buying a 6500 and sell my Flex 5000. Trying
to determine what its worth today. Mine is a 5000a, 2nd rx, and a
V/U module. Could not find any recent sales that looked like my
config. Any ideas of worth or has anybody seen any recent sales for
a radio like mine?

Thanks,HarryW0LS


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Re: [Flexradio] FlexRadio Digest, Vol 118, Issue 8

[Patrick Greenlee]

It is worth what someone will pay for it in a reasonable time.  None of 
us may agree or be pleased with the reality of the market place but it 
is what it is.  Lots of F5K-A coming on the market.  Supply and demand 
are at work in the free market capitalistic system. I have one and am 
not thrilled with it being devalued but to me it is just a paper loss as 
I will not likely sell it.  Before I would sell cheap I'd keep it as a 
backup rig. It isn't obsolete irrespective of how any game may have 
supposedly changed or advertising hyperbole is worded.  The 5K is still 
better than a whole segment of new radios on the market.


The above is my opinion. You may choose to think otherwise, it is one of 
our privileges not too infringed on yet.


PatrickNJ5G

On 2/28/2015 3:31 PM, Bret Mills wrote:

Boy, I would never sale mine for less then $2500.00 for the fully equipped
FLEX 5000 with the VHF / UHF boards installed, You would be nuts to sell it
for $1500.
A plane Jane no options installed FLEX 5000 for $1500 is about right but
not the one you have.

73's
Bret
WX7Y


On Sat, Feb 28, 2015 at 12:19 PM, Jim Gilliam por...@hotmail.com wrote:


eHam seems to be averaging aroun $1500.

Jim, K6QE


From: flexradio-requ...@flex-radio.biz
Subject: FlexRadio Digest, Vol 118, Issue 8
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Date: Sat, 28 Feb 2015 12:00:03 -0600

Send FlexRadio mailing list submissions to
   flexradio@flex-radio.biz

To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit


http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz

or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
   flexradio-requ...@flex-radio.biz

You can reach the person managing the list at
   flexradio-ow...@flex-radio.biz

When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
than Re: Contents of FlexRadio digest...


Today's Topics:

1. Flex 5000 Value (Harry Williams)
2. QRP amp for Flex-1500 (hmattc...@juno.com)
3. Re: Flex 5000 Value (Chuck Forsberg WA7KGX)
4. Re: Flex 5000 Value (Harry Williams)
5. Re: Flex 5000 Value (Steve Fowler)


--

Message: 1
Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2015 13:02:59 -0600
From: Harry Williams willisw...@msn.com
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: [Flexradio] Flex 5000 Value
Message-ID: blu182-ds179cfcee7e32232e84304a84...@phx.gbl
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

I have been thinking of buying a 6500 and sell my Flex 5000. Trying to

determine what its worth today. Mine is a 5000a, 2nd rx, and  a V/U module.
Could not find any recent sales that looked like my config. Any ideas of
worth or has anybody seen any recent sales for a radio like mine?

Thanks,
Harry
W0LS

--

Message: 2
Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2015 19:17:58 GMT
From: hmattc...@juno.com hmattc...@juno.com
To: willisw...@msn.com
Cc: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: [Flexradio] QRP amp for Flex-1500
Message-ID: 20150227.131758.2462...@webmail-beta03.dca.untd.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252

I am looking for a used RM Italy  HLA-300 qrp amplifier that is in
good working condition to be used with my Flex-1500.

If anyone can help me, please reply to this email

Thanks all

Matthew-KJ4TN



--

Message: 3
Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2015 13:30:32 -0800
From: Chuck Forsberg WA7KGX c...@omen.com
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Flex 5000 Value
Message-ID: 54f0e1f8.5080...@omen.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed

Your Flex is a rare bird thanks ot the u/v board.
160 meters to 70 cm all locked to GPS.  None of the 6k
series can match that.

On 02/27/2015 11:02 AM, Harry Williams wrote:

I have been thinking of buying a 6500 and sell my Flex 5000. Trying to

determine what its worth today. Mine is a 5000a, 2nd rx, and  a V/U module.
Could not find any recent sales that looked like my config. Any ideas of
worth or has anybody seen any recent sales for a radio like mine?

Thanks,
Harry
W0LS
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--
   Chuck Forsberg WA7KGX   c...@omen.com   www.omen.com
Developer of Industrial ZMODEM(Tm) for Embedded Applications
Omen Technology Inc  The High Reliability Software
10255 NW Old Cornelius Pass Portland OR 97231   503-614-0430




--

Message: 4
Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2015 20:06:32 -0600
From: Harry Williams willisw...@msn.com
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Flex 5000 Value
Message-ID: blu182-ds1c0e3199a318d5fc4e72d84...@phx.gbl
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1;
   reply-type=original

Thanks to all that responded...that was really helpful...and...maybe I
should re-think the idea of selling..we shall see.

Thanks!
Harry
W0LS

Re: [Flexradio] Test

[Patrick Greenlee]

Please be advised that this is a test, just a test. Had it been the real 
thing we would all be dead by now.

Sleep well tonight your Air Force is.

On 2/8/2015 1:25 PM, Gedas wrote:

Peter, I am with you 1000% !

Gedas, W8BYA

Gallery at http://w8bya.com
Light travels faster than sound
This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

On 2/8/2015 11:38 AM, Peter G. Viscarola wrote:
Yup... the community web site is now the focus of almost everyone's 
attention.


Mark me down as not a big fan of the new site.   I use it because 
there's really no alternative.


The discussions HERE on this list over the years were variously 
engaging, stimulating, frustrating, informative, histrionic, rude, 
funny, and interesting.  I learned a lot here.


The general organization of the Community site just somehow doesn't 
seem as conducive to free-flowing back and forth discussions.  It's 
post a question/problem/idea (you must choose a category) and get a 
response.  The new site IS however nicely conducive to people 
pontificating on topics about which they know little and randomly 
complaining to Flex.


Never mind, now I'm just randomly complaining.  Gad!  I think my post 
could be summed up as I remember the good old days, we had an active 
email reflector, and ...  -- THAT is scary.


Peter
K1PGV

-Original Message-
From: FlexRadio [mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On Behalf 
Of Larry da Ponte

Sent: Sunday, February 08, 2015 2:23 AM
To: Tom k2bew
Cc: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Test

The new web based forum has a feature to send all posts as emails so 
I don't have to scan the web site to see if anything is happening but 
if I want to post I must log in first which is not quite as 
convenient as sending an email.  You can post screen shots and the 
search is pretty good and you can edit your last post if you see you 
made a mistake.  The flex staff post frequently when not crushed with 
work.


-Larry




On Sat, Feb 7, 2015 at 9:45 PM -0800, Tom k2bew 
tombew...@gmail.com wrote:











There is now a online forum on the Flex website where I think most 
traffic that used to be on this list has moved too. I just rejoined 
the list and was really surprized at the lack of messages compared to 
a couple years ago when I was on it and it was very busy.

73,
Tom K2BEW

On Sat, Feb 7, 2015 at 11:58 AM, Bill and Sue  wrote:


Hi all
Just a test.  Did I delete myself from the e mail list.  Have not seen
a comment out here in over a month.  lol Bill N1EHM
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Re: [Flexradio] Flex 5000A w/earbuds

[Patrick Greenlee]

A capacitor in-line of sufficient rating to handle the voltages to be 
encountered and with sufficient capacity to pass the lowest freqs of 
interest will turn off your ear heaters.  Maybe you want to wire in a 
Summer-Winter switch to be able to select cool or warm operation as the 
seasons change.


73,

Patrick   NJ5G

-Original Message- 
From: Bill Guyger via FlexRadio

Sent: Saturday, November 22, 2014 10:04 PM
To: Mike Sonn
Cc: flexradio
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Flex 5000A w/earbuds

Heating in headphones and speakers is usually caused by D.C. coming out of 
the amp. I underline usually maybe something I'm not considering though.


Bill AD5OL

Sent from my iPhone


On Nov 22, 2014, at 8:27 PM, Mike Sonn fatfend...@sbcglobal.net wrote:

Anyone else use earbuds? I've used a set for years with my Flex 3000. I
now have upgraded to a FLEX 5K and when I stuck my earbuds in for the
first time, they were very warm.  I thought I had them leaning against
something warm in the shack, but after sitting on the desk for 10
minutes, they are still warm.  My ear canals won't get cold, but
clearly, there's something strange going on here. Any ideas?
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Re: [Flexradio] Flex 5000A w/earbuds

[Patrick Greenlee]

I once had a tube type lab grade audio power amp with a switch on both 
channels to roll off freqs below 8 Hz for uses such as music so power would 
not be wasted in reproducing infra-sonic signals from such as footsteps 
vibrating a phono cartridge.


Not sure what benefit audio down in the infra-sonic domain has for hams but 
if someone is doing something down there then please speak up as I'm sure 
lots of us would be interested.


Crystal headsets would be immune to the DC.

PatrickNJ5G


-Original Message- 
From: Rob Keijzer

Sent: Sunday, November 23, 2014 7:34 AM
To: Bill Guyger
Cc: Mike Sonn ; flexradio
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Flex 5000A w/earbuds

There is indeed dc on the 5kA phones output.
When I plug in a headphone I hear a loud pop (almost to the
level it makes me think it'll be blown).

I asked once why on earth this is needed, and got the answer that
blocking this DC (by transformers or capacitors) would also block
the lowest audio frequencies.


I simply don't use the headphones output.
BTW: I never heard that high end audio required our equipment to run  DC
through our voice coils.

Rob, PA3CNT

2014-11-23 5:06 GMT+01:00 Bill Guyger via FlexRadio 
flexradio@flex-radio.biz:


Forgot to add grab a voltmeter and check for DC

Bill

Sent from my iPhone

 On Nov 22, 2014, at 10:04 PM, Bill Guyger via FlexRadio 
flexradio@flex-radio.biz wrote:

 Heating in headphones and speakers is usually caused by D.C. coming out
of the amp. I underline usually maybe something I'm not considering
though.

 Bill AD5OL

 Sent from my iPhone

 On Nov 22, 2014, at 8:27 PM, Mike Sonn fatfend...@sbcglobal.net
wrote:

 Anyone else use earbuds? I've used a set for years with my Flex 3000. I
 now have upgraded to a FLEX 5K and when I stuck my earbuds in for the
 first time, they were very warm.  I thought I had them leaning against
 something warm in the shack, but after sitting on the desk for 10
 minutes, they are still warm.  My ear canals won't get cold, but
 clearly, there's something strange going on here. Any ideas?
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--
Rob Keijzer
PA3CNT
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Re: [Flexradio] to order a 6300 or not.

[Patrick Greenlee]

It is what it is, the new shinny ball.  It does things the 5000A doesn't 
do as per the tech weenies. Everyone's decision process has their own 
embedded personal bias, background experience and emotion as well as 
their own desired engineering specifications (sometimes.) It is hard to 
judge whether or not you should make the leap by the criteria expressed 
and unexpressed of others.  There are those who just must have the new 
shiny ball and will ascribe all sorts of attributes to it real and 
fanciful to rationalize their decision.


Is it right for you ?  It isn't solely whether or not it is better at 
some things it is an issue of is it better at the things you need/want 
done.  Fantasmagorical magic doing something you don't need or want to 
do is a waste as far as you are concerned.  You decision, assuming you 
want to make a rational one and not a rationalized one is to determine 
the cost-benefit as it relates to you. What does the new shiny ball do 
that you need done or want to do that you aren't able to do now? Is it 
worth the cost to get that currently missing feature/capability?


Personally, I haven't begun to really wring out my 5000A.  I use it, it  
works, folks comment on my audio quality but there are so many things to 
customize, integrate,
and explore that I haven't played with yet.  It is altogether likely 
that I might move up to a more capable SDR radio in a year or two but 
whether or not that will be a Flex is not determined.


Remember when PC's first started (prior to IBM and Billy Gates 
monopoly.)  There were Tandy 6000 computers running a UNIX variant, 
Radio Shack computers, Heathkit computers, Commodore, IMSAI, and on and 
on. All were at one time the new shiny ball. Few are in use today.  
There will always be the new shiny ball doing something different and 
possibly better.  To murder Shakespeare, out out brief candle, life is 
but a poor player who struts and frets his hour upon the stage and is 
heard no more, a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, 
signifying nothing!


For me, if within a year or two, Flex is doing something with its new 
shiny ball such that I want one then I will probably get one, likely not 
the bottom model. The SDR arena is not stable and there will be new 
players and their shiny new balls which perhaps might attract my 
attention away from Flex.  I can't predict how this will play out.  I 
sincerely hope Flex wins the performance-feature/price competition but 
que sera sera.


Patrick


14/2014 9:44 AM, w...@reagan.com wrote:

 I have had Flex rigs from the first 1000 kit to my current 5000a. I 
have downloaded all the spec sheets, that are out there, and read all the beta 
testing remarks from the various testers. None of which really tell me much 
about how the 6300 will work out in the real world,under day to day hamming. I 
have not seen any comparisons to the performance of the 6300/5000a, weather 
they be suggested improvements over the 5000a or even improvements based on the 
new 6300's technology.
  The 6300, looks great on paper and the engineering write-ups, but what will I 
gain in REAL LIFEday to day operation over my 5000a. Iam not a con tester, 
like to work dx and also rag chew. I do little CW any longer,arthritis in the fingers,the 
5000a could be easily passed up, for this mode.
 I already have a big investment in the computer,I-7 ,to run the 5000a, 
which of course would run the 6300 also,so thats a wash. I like the audio on my 
5000a, use a balanced condenser mic and have received comments on the pleasant 
audio. Would have to go back to the unbalanced on the 6300.
  I run a hex beam and do not need the tuner ,but I also run a vertical 
and a OCF dipole for 160 to 80 meters which I do need the tuner on the 5000a 
for.
   I guess Iam looking for reasons to dump the 5000a and move UP to the 
6300,so far Iam not seeing many,other than being the first guy on the block to 
buy the new model car.
   Thanks for reading,would like to hear other guys thoughts on the 
subject.

73
dale wt4t


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Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?

[Patrick Greenlee]

I have been on a random walk through cyberspace trying to find an 
official definitive description of the annual software upgrade costs and 
conditions for the Flex 6xxx SDR's but no joy. I have waded through a 
morass of marketing hyperbole and received our old friend ERROR 404 but 
can't find the motherlode the official word from Flex.   I'd 
appreciate it if someone could supply a currently working link to 
wherever I can read the official word. I want the ground truth from 
the horses mouth not second hand rant excerpts.


73,

Patrick NJ5G (happy and proud 5KA owner operator)
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Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?

[Patrick Greenlee]

Thanks for the link.  Good info, direct, no nonsense, factual.

I see what all the negative weeping and wailing is about but am not 
convinced it is altogether warranted.  You get a great radio and 
software plus software support of YOUR version of the software.  You 
never loose the capability you have paid for. Later if you think the 
then current version is sufficiently superior to what you have in 
features./functionality you can upgrade, essentially getting a new and 
better radio for $200.


If the Microsoft model (Flexes wording) is actually followed the user 
could wait for more than one major release to go by before buying in 
again.  This would be following the MS model. Consider you have MS 
Windows Vista 1.0 and over time Vista releases ratchet up to 4.4.13 and 
you decide you want to buy version 4.  MS doesn't make you buy versions 
2 and 3.


Am I missing something?  Any official Flex contradiction to my 
interpretation?


73,

Patrick NJ5G


On 5/13/2014 8:36 AM, Ed Wilson wrote:

Try this...straight from the horse's mouth :)

https://community.flexradio.com/flexradio/topics/smartsdr_upgrade_fees

Ed, K0KC


*From:* Patrick Greenlee patric...@windstream.net
*To:* flexradio@flex-radio.biz
*Sent:* Tuesday, May 13, 2014 9:30 AM
*Subject:* Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?

I have been on a random walk through cyberspace trying to find an
official definitive description of the annual software upgrade
costs and
conditions for the Flex 6xxx SDR's but no joy. I have waded through a
morass of marketing hyperbole and received our old friend ERROR
404 but
can't find the motherlode the official word from Flex.  I'd
appreciate it if someone could supply a currently working link to
wherever I can read the official word. I want the ground truth from
the horses mouth not second hand rant excerpts.

73,

Patrick NJ5G (happy and proud 5KA owner operator)

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Re: [Flexradio] Smart SDR s/w?

[Patrick Greenlee]

Thanks to everyone who helped the little old man across the street.

73,

Patrick NJ5G

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Re: [Flexradio] Laptop to use with Flex-1500 portable? Solar charging?

[Patrick Greenlee]

Tough challenge.  You will need plenty of PV surface area to get 
significant amps.  I have a good portion of the roof of my pickup camper 
covered with solar electric panels and in really bright sun near noon I 
get 14-15 amps.  Remember if you charge batteries with this current you 
will loose significant amp hours in the storage and retrieval of power. 
You will be lucky to get back half of what you put in.  Running your 
portable station during periods of good isolation (not insulation) will 
give you much more efficiency as at least some of the power used will 
not have been put into and taken back out of batteries with the high 
losses incurred.


There are more expensive alternatives to standard lead acid batteries 
with higher efficiencies.  If you go this route make sure you have a 
charge controller compatible with the chemistry of the batteries you choose.


I will be powering a recently acquired IC-7100 from my camper's 
batteries and expect to get reasonable operation times as I have about 
360 AH of battery capacity.  I will have to monitor my battery condition 
and not let enthusiasm  for hamming flat the batt. My vehicle starting 
batts (2 ea 120AH 12 volt) are separate from the camper batts so I can't 
mess up and strand myself.  Also I have a backup 120VAC generator which 
I can start from the vehicle starting batts via jumper cables if the 
camper batts are drawn down too low.


My main rig is a Flex 5000 with a large tower but I wanted something 
more suited for mobile  as well as portable ops.  I do strongly miss the 
panafall display.  If I can't be satisfied with the IC-7100 I will, like 
you, be in the market for a very low power drain computer to allow me to 
go mobile/portable with a Flex.


Harbor Freight has a 45 watt solar electric outfit on sale now you might 
take a look at that before going elsewhere. These lend themselves to 
ease of manually positioning them for best sunlight angle to get more 
efficient light capture.  My panels are flat on my roof and only do 
really well for about 6 hours centered on mid day (fairly good in summer 
and so so in winter). Positioning your panels will make a very big 
difference in total energy captured in a day.


Good luck to you in this project.

Patrick NJ5G


http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=solar+panel

On 5/4/2014 3:09 PM, vtnn...@comcast.net wrote:


Several times a year the XYL (N8FPA) and I go car camping and I have been 
considering getting a QRP rig for use on the road.

The rig that I have mainly considering is the FT-817 and getting a NUE-PSK 
modem to use with it for CW and PSK31. I really like the FT-817 as I could 
charge the external batteries that I have (2 Quantum Ham Batteries) from a 
solar panels.

However the Flex-1500 has a lot more capability as it runs PowerSDR and I have 
been using a Flex-5000 for years and cannot imagine not having a waterfall to 
see activity.

So my question is there a decent low cost, low current drain currently 
available laptop that you would suggest to use with a 1500? Is there an easy 
way to charge one with solar panels?

For comparison a fully loaded FT-817 and NUE-PSK is $1400 and a Flex-1500 is 
$700. I figure that I could spend $500 for a low drain laptop and get a lot 
more capability.

Any suggestions will be most appreciated.

73
Zack Schindlder
N8FNR
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Re: [Flexradio] Mic recommendations

[Patrick Greenlee]

Here is a vote for the Heil PR40.  Plenty of other mikes out there and you 
can discuss mikes to death but I have never heard a good argument against 
the PR40 other than it cost more than using a crystal ear bud and gluing a 
plastic funnel to it and shouting into the funnel.


Why drive a screw with a hammer when there is a perfectly good tool for the 
job.


You find me something that has more capability for the buck as applied to 
ham radio and I might want one.  Hasn't happened yet.


Patrick NJ5G

-Original Message- 
From: Scott Blixt

Sent: Thursday, January 09, 2014 4:23 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Mic recommendations

I have a HM-5 mic. And I also have a Flex 3000. Which cord do I need to make 
it work with the Flex?




On Jan 8, 2014, at 12:22 PM, wa1...@gmail.com wrote:

I bought my Flex 3000 used and it came with a Heil HM-5 mic.  It was just 
OK...








Scott Blixt
A Minnesota MadMan





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Re: [Flexradio] S Meter minimum

[Patrick Greenlee]

Left vs right hand hydrospanner .   If I recall the class I took at Chanute 
Field in the winter of 1963-64 correctly the determining factor is which 
hemisphere you are in, north or south as it is related to coriolis effect.


Patrick NJ5G

-Original Message- 
From: Paul Playford

Sent: Monday, January 06, 2014 7:00 PM
To: apbid...@mailaps.org ; FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] S Meter minimum

Left hand or right hand?

Paul

-Original Message- 
From: Alan

Sent: Monday, January 06, 2014 5:36 PM
To: FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] S Meter minimum

A hydrospanner also works well.

73s,

Alan
WA4SCA


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Re: [Flexradio] Important Flex SDR Performance Factors

[Patrick Greenlee]

Knobs?  Get over it.  Knobs or no knobs is not the issue.  Performance, 
ergonomics (other than knobs) cost/performance, support after sales, active, 
knowledgeable, and helpful user group(s), and so forth, these are criteria 
by which a reasoned decision is made.   Besides if you want a super nifty 
programmable multi-function button to end all buttons, you can get one from 
Flex or buy a virtually unused one from someone like me who bought it 
because we had a hard time weaning ourselves off of the mental aberration of 
the unreasoned dependence on buttons/knobs.  I don't use mine (having 
ascended to a higher plane of man-machine symbiosis.)  I'm sure others use 
them to great positive effect.  I keep mine around like the AA types and 
their unopened bottle of booze.  Who knows, some day I may feel the need for 
additional capability (enlightenment?) and plug in the knob.


Eventually you will want to run something like 100 watts (mainstream hamdom 
is not QRP limited.)  You can turn a standard radio down but you can't 
turn a QRP rig up. Back pack, bicycle mobile, or whatever, these are the 
pickles and onions not the meat and potatoes.  And then you might want to 
run  500-600Watts. Do it cleanly with one linear.


Some of us favor buying American... oh travesty... I have the Flex 5000A. 
My backup is a Drake 7. Previous HF rig was Atlas 350XL. Wanna buy off shore 
SDR...  take a look at Apache from India. I have a personal friend with one 
he loves. He has been ham for 42 years and then got the SDR bug.


Knobs?  We don't need no stinkin' knobs!

Patrick NJ5G




-Original Message- 
From: Craig Schroeder

Sent: Friday, December 27, 2013 12:27 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: [Flexradio] Important Flex SDR Performance Factors

Dear Flex Users Group Members,

I have some Christmas money to invest in my first SDR radio.  I am very 
interested in the hobby aspects of SDR, but I must admit that there is a 
certain appeal to old school knobs.


Therefore, the Elecraft KX3 has a certain appeal, but being a newbie, I am 
not clear if the Flex 1500 or 3000 offer SDR performance advantages that are 
more important considerations.  I do understand both systems use the same 
SDR software from Flex Radio.


What advice do you have for me on the most important factors that I should 
consider in purchasing my first SDR radio?


Thank you,

Craig
KD0TXL
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Re: [Flexradio] S Meter minimum

[Patrick Greenlee]

I don't see small stuff like I did when I was younger. Is the screw head 
straight slot, Phillips, torx, star, or what?


Patrick NJ5G

-Original Message- 
From: Ross Stenberg

Sent: Monday, January 06, 2014 12:09 PM
To: FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] S Meter minimum

There is a small plastic screw near the bottom of the meter, make sure that
it is adjusted to zero with the power off.

   73 Ross K9COX

-Original Message- 
From: Bill Feldkamp

Sent: Monday, January 06, 2014 10:06 AM
To: FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: [Flexradio] S Meter minimum

Hi Matthew and Steve,

KJ4TN???s message about the S3 noise level minimum on the Flex 3K describes my
experience as well. While it varies from band to band a bit, my S Meter
never approaches zero, including when the antennas are disconnected or when
I am connected directly to the dummy load. Noise level runs around 100.
Preamps have a small effect. Sent back to the factory last year for new
preamps plus complete checkout and was given assurances every thing was A-OK
at that time. Everything else runs perfect! Using PowerSDR v2.7.2. Maybe a
calibration or adjustment issue?? Not overly concerned but curious just the
same.  Thanks!

Bill, KI4B


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Re: [Flexradio] S Meter minimum

[Patrick Greenlee]

According to old man Rhee, You know him right?  The old guy with just one 
tooth.  Anyway old one tooth rhee says it is a Whitworth style head.


Patrick NJ5G

-Original Message- 
From: Jerry Falletta

Sent: Monday, January 06, 2014 2:07 PM
Cc: FlexRadio Reflector
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] S Meter minimum

Is that a standard or metric Phillips head?
On Jan 6, 2014 2:42 PM, hmattc...@juno.com hmattc...@juno.com wrote:


Is it a phillips head are straight screw?

Thanks for your good humor.

Matthew-KJ4TN
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Re: [Flexradio] Important Flex SDR Performance Factors

[Patrick Greenlee]

I am a retired computer scientist first lisc in 1962 who came back to HF 
after a 13 year hiatus. Studying for the Extra Class I found out about the 
existence of SDR and thought, Gee, shouldn't I have one of those?  I read 
and researched and ordered a Flex 5000A with two receivers and ATU (no VHF 
for me in this radio.)  My previous HF rigs include the Atlas 350XL, and the 
Drake TR-7 (both made in the USA like the Flex) and twiddling knobs on them 
was fun but interacting with the Flex is an order of magnitude or greater 
more fun.


I concur with the comments regarding getting a 3000 or 5000 and not the 1500 
for your only rig. In my opinion a 1500 is a great source of fun when 
conditions and luck converge but as a previous poster stated, likely a 
source of frustration when much of the time you will not have any/many good 
contacts.  Wanna play QRP or QRPP, fine, there is a slider on-screen to turn 
down the drive as low as you want on the 3k and 5k. You can use the 3K or 5K 
at low power but not the 1500 for high power.  There are few or no COTS HF 
amps (someone correct me if I'm wrong) available to take 5 watts in and give 
you at least 100 watts.


Bottom line:  a 3 or 5 K can run high or low power but the 1500 can not put 
out more than a few watts. In many instances the 1500 just doesn't have the 
umph for reliable coms.  You may find someone to talk with but you will 
settle for the limited number who can hear you.  It is frustrating to hear 
so many stations and not be able to be heard much of the time. Given the 
right conditions the 1500 might talk to anyone anywhere but the right 
conditions may be rare.


Welcome to ham radio.  Have fun.

Patrick NJ5G

-Original Message- 
From: David Movius

Sent: Friday, December 27, 2013 9:25 PM
To: 'Craig Schroeder' ; flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Important Flex SDR Performance Factors

Craig,

While I have been a knob radio ham for many years, I became intrigued with
SDR about 1 1/2 years ago.  Without giving up my knob radio, I thought about
getting a Flex 3000 for starters.  Shortly after subscribing to this
reflector, a Flex 5000A came up for sale by a ham who had placed an early
order for the Flex 6000 series radio, so I jumped on his 5000A.

The comments by others up to this point are very applicable in helping make
a good decision.  For full disclosure, I am technically challenged with many
of the nuances associated with the broad opportunities available with SDR.
Somewhat out of naivety I jumped into the SDR arena.  (I have a bad habit to
go where angels fear to tread)

Bottom line, that decision has without a doubt given me the most fun I have
had in ham radio.  There is a learning curve and points of frustration with
the SDR paradigm change, but there is this wonderful community of fellow SDR
enthusiasts who are more than happy to offer assistance and encouragement.
In addition, Neal Campbell has provided invaluable assistance to me (and
many others) getting over a number of hurdles.

Now I am looking forward to soon acquiring one of the new Flex 6000 series
radios.  I am hooked on SDR (literally crazy about it), and will never look
back to a radio with knobs.  A new or updated radio with each upgraded
iteration of the software is amazing -- at least for me.  Support and
service from FlexRadio are also excellent.

You are asking good questions and hopefully you will soon arrive at the
point where your Santa Claus gift can be put to good use.

Cheers and Happy New Year !!

Dave W7IWW



-Original Message-
From: FlexRadio [mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On Behalf Of Craig
Schroeder
Sent: Friday, December 27, 2013 11:28 AM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: [Flexradio] Important Flex SDR Performance Factors

Dear Flex Users Group Members,

I have some Christmas money to invest in my first SDR radio.  I am very
interested in the hobby aspects of SDR, but I must admit that there is a
certain appeal to old school knobs.

Therefore, the Elecraft KX3 has a certain appeal, but being a newbie, I am
not clear if the Flex 1500 or 3000 offer SDR performance advantages that are
more important considerations.  I do understand both systems use the same
SDR software from Flex Radio.

What advice do you have for me on the most important factors that I should
consider in purchasing my first SDR radio?

Thank you,

Craig
KD0TXL
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Re: [Flexradio] 2.7.2 consensus sought

[Patrick Greenlee]

I used to try to avoid consensus as consensus requires compromise where no 
one gets what they want so no one is satisfied.  If lit were done MY WAY at 
least one of us would be satisfied.


But seriously... I am not an early adopter per se. I prefer to wait till the 
smoke settles a bit before jumping in.  In my opinion the smoke has settled. 
I installed 2.7.2  Yesterday.  It went straightforward with one exception. 
It is installed and working fine first try, totally text book.  The one 
exception was a senior moment on my part. It took me too long to realize 
that the database transfer software could only work after installing 2.7.2 
so it would have a legitimate destination into which to make the transfer. 
Once my little light bulb lit a bit (I've been meaning to change to a LED) I 
realized the dumb mistake and all went smoothly.


Uncharacteristically I did read the release notes in advance.

73,

Patrick NJ5G



-Original Message- 
From: Dave Gomberg

Sent: Thursday, December 19, 2013 3:22 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: [Flexradio] 2.7.2 consensus sought

I am running 2.5 and considering upgrading.  Things are running smoothly 
now.
Is it the consensus to upgrade now or wait for a maintenance release or 
?





--
Dave Gomberg, San Francisco   NE5EE Programming since 1961
All addresses, phones, etc. at http://www.wcf.com/ham/info.html
- 



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Re: [Flexradio] PowerSDR-DataTransfer Problem

[Patrick Greenlee]

One of the Laws of Software Entomology states that the removal of 2-3 bugs 
generates at least one new bug.  Another statement issued  frequently by 
software entomologists is that there is ALWAYS AT LEAST ONE MORE BUG.


Frequently heard lament among software maintainers, ...but I only changed 
one line of code and now...)


Hang in there guys, we have really good software and will end up with better 
software soon.  Compared to Microsoft the PSDR software is the paragon of 
virtue, the epitome of software perfection.  Compared to the premature 
releases of buggy not ready for prime time software the Gatesian nightmare 
has foisted off on their beta testers (customers) PSDR is like manna from 
heaven.


You can always tell the pioneers (early adopters), they are the ones with 
the arrows in their backsides.  There will always be a significant number of 
users who want to be first getting a new version running. Bless them as they 
are like the Marines storming the beach taking high casualty rates to pave 
the way for the rest of us. In the olden days smart sysops used to warehouse 
update media (tapes back then) with version numbers ending in zero (or other 
major releases) until the rate of bug fixes died way down and then they 
upgraded to the new version + the updates/bug fixes.


Smart guys wishing to fish through the ice are never the first fisherman out 
on the newly frozen lake. Exercise a little patience and let the brave/fool 
hardy be the guinea pigs. We must learn Patience... PATIENCE... P A T I E N 
C E  But just how ^% ^*  *%^( long will that take!!


Patrick NJ5G


-Original Message- 
From: Burt

Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2013 3:46 PM
To: Paul Playford ; ric5 ; Rich - W3ZJ ; flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] PowerSDR-DataTransfer Problem

Wise move



On Tuesday, December 17, 2013 4:29 PM, Paul Playford w8...@q.com wrote:




Think I will wait for all the bugs to get ironed out.
Rick Kd4jrx


I thought those were features :-)
Paul, W8AEF


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Re: [Flexradio] SDRDataTransfer No Longer Available

[Patrick Greenlee]

Alan and Don, thanks for your advice.  I am doing fine with the old 
version and have no real incentive to upgrade immediately. I like what I 
hear about the new improved lemon scented version and as soon as the fog of 
war clears sufficiently I will upgrade, probably without incident.  For me 
there is no downside to waiting a while.  I use my F5KA daily and have no 
issues.  I currently have the radio and PC separated by 50 ft of cable and 
it works fine. Soon I will try 150 feet or so. No rush, one step at a time.


Patrick NJ5G

-Original Message- 
From: Don

Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2013 9:13 AM
To: [FlexRadio]
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] SDRDataTransfer No Longer Available

Patrick, NJ5G

I would say go for it.  Not everyone is having the problems that
has been listed here.

Good Luck and enjoy.

73
Don, kd6hq

-Original Message- 
From: Patrick Greenlee

Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2013 6:38 AM
To: t...@flexradio.com ; flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] SDRDataTransfer No Longer Available

So (he enquired meekly) is it safe for us mere humans to upgrade to the new
PSDR release yet or should we wait for the wailing siren signal to proclaim
the ALL CLEAR pattern?

Anything besides blind obedience to the instructions required?

Thanks for any assistance as I am NOT a PC guru.

Patrick NJ5G

-Original Message- 
From: Tim Ellison, W4TME

Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2013 8:16 AM
To: apbid...@mailaps.org ; t...@flexradio.com ; flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Cc: 'CC'
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] SDRDataTransfer No Longer Available

Thanks.

Tim Ellison, W4TME
Customer Experience Manager
FlexRadio Systems^(TM)
4616 W Howard Ln, Suite 1-150
Austin, TX 78728
Phone: 512-535-4713 Ext. 223
Email: t...@flexradio.com mailto:t...@flexradio.com
Web: www.flexradio.com http://www.flexradio.com

logo
On 12/16/2013 4:25 PM, Alan wrote:

Tim,

Guy sent you the program update error.  Here is the setupdata error.  I 
trust you will forward it to

Ray.  :)

73s,

Alan
WA4SCA


-Original Message-
From: FlexRadio [mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On
Behalf Of Tim Ellison, W4TME
Sent: Monday, December 16, 2013 3:10 PM
To: apbid...@mailaps.org; t...@flexradio.com; flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Cc: CC
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] SDRDataTransfer No Longer Available

Have you checked to see if you have the latest setup info?

To update, open PowerSDR-DataTransfer and click on the Options
button in
the top right hand corner of the program window.

Click on the button Update Setup Data.  You should get a
message that
your setup data is not up to date and you will be prompted to update
it.  Click Yes to update it.

If you have a reliable Internet connection, check the box that says
Automatically check for Updates and then click the Save
Changes button.

 From this point forward, when ever you start PowerSDR-DT, it
will check
to see if you have the current setup data and program executable and
prompt you to update if you do not.

Tim Ellison, W4TME
Customer Experience Manager
FlexRadio Systems^(TM)
4616 W Howard Ln Ste 1-150
Austin, TX 78728
Phone: 512-535-4713 Ext. 223
Email: t...@flexradio.com mailto:t...@flexradio.com
Web: www.flexradio.com http://www.flexradio.com

logo
On 12/16/2013 4:06 PM, Alan wrote:
 Tim,

 Standard.  2.6.4  2.72 That worked the first time, never more.

 I also have 2.4.4, 2.5.3 and selected them, with the same
error message.

 I tried all 3 using Expect mode, same message.

 73s,

 Alan
 WA4SCA




 -Original Message-
 From: FlexRadio [mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On
 Behalf Of Tim Ellison, W4TME
 Sent: Monday, December 16, 2013 2:55 PM
 To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
 Subject: Re: [Flexradio] SDRDataTransfer No Longer Available
 
 More info is needed.
 
 What PowerSDR version was the source database?
 
 Are you using standard or expert mode?
 
 Tim Ellison, W4TME
 Customer Experience Manager
 FlexRadio Systems^(TM)
 4616 W Howard Ln Ste 1-150
 Austin, TX 78728
 Phone: 512-535-4713 Ext. 223
 Email: t...@flexradio.com mailto:t...@flexradio.com
 Web: www.flexradio.com http://www.flexradio.com
 
 logo
 On 12/16/2013 3:33 PM, Alan wrote:
Ray,
 
  Glad they picked up another excellent bit of software!
 
  As usual, I have managed to break it.  After updating
 PowerSDR, and using SDRDataTransfer with
  complete success, I went back to look at the transfer
 program in more detail.  Now, whenever I select
  a source file, any source file including the one I used
 before, I get an error box which says:
 
  Error setting 'SourceFile' value!
  Error setting value:  Object reference not set to an
 instance of an object.
 
  This is followed by a second box:
 
  The database is not a complete database.
  Select a different database of open PowerSDR and re-create
 the database.  Be certain you close
  PowerSDR properly after you have re-created the database.
 
  I have opened and closed PowerSDR, and rebooted with no
 help.  I got my update so it is not an issue

Re: [Flexradio] SDRDataTransfer No Longer Available

[Patrick Greenlee]

-Original Message- 
From: Don

Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2013 9:13 AM
To: [FlexRadio]
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] SDRDataTransfer No Longer Available

Patrick, NJ5G

I would say go for it.  Not everyone is having the problems that
has been listed here.

Good Luck and enjoy.

73
Don, kd6hq

-Original Message- 
From: Patrick Greenlee

Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2013 6:38 AM
To: t...@flexradio.com ; flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] SDRDataTransfer No Longer Available

So (he enquired meekly) is it safe for us mere humans to upgrade to the new
PSDR release yet or should we wait for the wailing siren signal to proclaim
the ALL CLEAR pattern?

Anything besides blind obedience to the instructions required?

Thanks for any assistance as I am NOT a PC guru.

Patrick NJ5G

-Original Message- 
From: Tim Ellison, W4TME

Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2013 8:16 AM
To: apbid...@mailaps.org ; t...@flexradio.com ; flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Cc: 'CC'
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] SDRDataTransfer No Longer Available

Thanks.

Tim Ellison, W4TME
Customer Experience Manager
FlexRadio Systems^(TM)
4616 W Howard Ln, Suite 1-150
Austin, TX 78728
Phone: 512-535-4713 Ext. 223
Email: t...@flexradio.com mailto:t...@flexradio.com
Web: www.flexradio.com http://www.flexradio.com

logo
On 12/16/2013 4:25 PM, Alan wrote:

Tim,

Guy sent you the program update error.  Here is the setupdata error.  I 
trust you will forward it to

Ray.  :)

73s,

Alan
WA4SCA


-Original Message-
From: FlexRadio [mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On
Behalf Of Tim Ellison, W4TME
Sent: Monday, December 16, 2013 3:10 PM
To: apbid...@mailaps.org; t...@flexradio.com; flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Cc: CC
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] SDRDataTransfer No Longer Available

Have you checked to see if you have the latest setup info?

To update, open PowerSDR-DataTransfer and click on the Options
button in
the top right hand corner of the program window.

Click on the button Update Setup Data.  You should get a
message that
your setup data is not up to date and you will be prompted to update
it.  Click Yes to update it.

If you have a reliable Internet connection, check the box that says
Automatically check for Updates and then click the Save
Changes button.

 From this point forward, when ever you start PowerSDR-DT, it
will check
to see if you have the current setup data and program executable and
prompt you to update if you do not.

Tim Ellison, W4TME
Customer Experience Manager
FlexRadio Systems^(TM)
4616 W Howard Ln Ste 1-150
Austin, TX 78728
Phone: 512-535-4713 Ext. 223
Email: t...@flexradio.com mailto:t...@flexradio.com
Web: www.flexradio.com http://www.flexradio.com

logo
On 12/16/2013 4:06 PM, Alan wrote:
 Tim,

 Standard.  2.6.4  2.72 That worked the first time, never more.

 I also have 2.4.4, 2.5.3 and selected them, with the same
error message.

 I tried all 3 using Expect mode, same message.

 73s,

 Alan
 WA4SCA




 -Original Message-
 From: FlexRadio [mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On
 Behalf Of Tim Ellison, W4TME
 Sent: Monday, December 16, 2013 2:55 PM
 To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
 Subject: Re: [Flexradio] SDRDataTransfer No Longer Available
 
 More info is needed.
 
 What PowerSDR version was the source database?
 
 Are you using standard or expert mode?
 
 Tim Ellison, W4TME
 Customer Experience Manager
 FlexRadio Systems^(TM)
 4616 W Howard Ln Ste 1-150
 Austin, TX 78728
 Phone: 512-535-4713 Ext. 223
 Email: t...@flexradio.com mailto:t...@flexradio.com
 Web: www.flexradio.com http://www.flexradio.com
 
 logo
 On 12/16/2013 3:33 PM, Alan wrote:
Ray,
 
  Glad they picked up another excellent bit of software!
 
  As usual, I have managed to break it.  After updating
 PowerSDR, and using SDRDataTransfer with
  complete success, I went back to look at the transfer
 program in more detail.  Now, whenever I select
  a source file, any source file including the one I used
 before, I get an error box which says:
 
  Error setting 'SourceFile' value!
  Error setting value:  Object reference not set to an
 instance of an object.
 
  This is followed by a second box:
 
  The database is not a complete database.
  Select a different database of open PowerSDR and re-create
 the database.  Be certain you close
  PowerSDR properly after you have re-created the database.
 
  I have opened and closed PowerSDR, and rebooted with no
 help.  I got my update so it is not an issue,
  but I wanted to report this.  WIN7 Pro, 32-bit.
 
  73s,
 
  Alan
  WA4SCA
 
 
 
  -Original Message-
  From: FlexRadio [mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On
  Behalf Of Ray, K9DUR
  Sent: Monday, December 16, 2013 10:28 AM
  To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz; K9DUR_Software Yahoo Group
  Subject: [Flexradio] SDRDataTransfer No Longer Available
  
  FlexRadio Systems has been granted an exclusive license to
 distribute
  SDRDataTransfer as part of the PowerSDR installation package.
  The version
  licensed to FlexRadio

Re: [Flexradio] PowerSDR-DataTransfer Problem

[Patrick Greenlee]

I just successfully updated to PSDR 2.7.2

I fussed with the data base upgrader software for a while.  ... and then... 
I installed 2.7.2 OK and retried the database upgrader which then worked. 
From what I saw you have to install 2.7.2 first in order to have a 

destination to which to send the old settings.

Feel free to disabuse me of any misconception.

I don't think I like all the snow in the waterfall picture.  My favorite 
display mode is Panafall, or at least it was.  I don't think the new messy 
version makes weak signal detection easier.  In fact, in my opinion it makes 
it harder.


Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was a user accessible control to set the 
sensitivity/gain for the waterfall.  Maybe there is and I don't know how 
to do it.


Patrick NJ5G

-Original Message- 
From: Ronald G. Parsons

Sent: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 3:53 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] PowerSDR-DataTransfer Problem

It is best to uninstall PSDRDT before installing the update. If you do not,
an entry is left in the Programs and Features Control Panel (at least in Win
7) for the old version. Then if you uninstall the old one, it deletes the
new program, leaving the new entry in Programs and Features

Ron W5RKN


-Original Message- 
From: Alan

Sent: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 3:21 PM
To: 'Rich - W3ZJ' ; flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] PowerSDR-DataTransfer Problem

Rich,

Just tried now, and had no problem downloading it.  I did a full uninstall
of the previous versions,
installed the update, and it is working perfectly.

73s,

Alan
WA4SCA


-Original Message-
From: FlexRadio [mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On
Behalf Of Rich - W3ZJ
Sent: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 2:11 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] PowerSDR-DataTransfer Problem

I see now that there is a new version 1.0.1 of PowerSDR-DataTransfer
available which I suspect is to correct the problem we have
been having.
However, I am not able to Download the new version. When I click Yes
to download the new version, a PROGRAM UPDATE ERROR! occurs
saying among
other things, The remote server returned an error: (404) Not Found.

73, Rich - W3ZJ

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Re: [Flexradio] PowerSDR-DataTransfer Problem

[Patrick Greenlee]

Most excellent.  Thanks, I appreciate the pointer.

Patrick  NJ5G

-Original Message- 
From: Tim Ellison, W4TME

Sent: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 6:27 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] PowerSDR-DataTransfer Problem

Look in the Setup-Display tab.  You can set the waterfall high and low
gain values by band.

Tim Ellison, W4TME
Customer Experience Manager
FlexRadio Systems^(TM)
4616 W Howard Ln, Suite 1-150
Austin, TX 78728
Phone: 512-535-4713 Ext. 223
Email: t...@flexradio.com mailto:t...@flexradio.com
Web: www.flexradio.com http://www.flexradio.com

logo
On 12/18/2013 6:09 PM, Patrick Greenlee wrote:
Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was a user accessible control to set the 
sensitivity/gain for the waterfall.  Maybe there is and I don't know how 
to do it.


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http://www.flexradio.com/ 



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Re: [Flexradio] SDRDataTransfer No Longer Available

[Patrick Greenlee]

So (he enquired meekly) is it safe for us mere humans to upgrade to the new 
PSDR release yet or should we wait for the wailing siren signal to proclaim 
the ALL CLEAR pattern?


Anything besides blind obedience to the instructions required?

Thanks for any assistance as I am NOT a PC guru.

Patrick NJ5G

-Original Message- 
From: Tim Ellison, W4TME

Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2013 8:16 AM
To: apbid...@mailaps.org ; t...@flexradio.com ; flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Cc: 'CC'
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] SDRDataTransfer No Longer Available

Thanks.

Tim Ellison, W4TME
Customer Experience Manager
FlexRadio Systems^(TM)
4616 W Howard Ln, Suite 1-150
Austin, TX 78728
Phone: 512-535-4713 Ext. 223
Email: t...@flexradio.com mailto:t...@flexradio.com
Web: www.flexradio.com http://www.flexradio.com

logo
On 12/16/2013 4:25 PM, Alan wrote:

Tim,

Guy sent you the program update error.  Here is the setupdata error.  I 
trust you will forward it to

Ray.  :)

73s,

Alan
WA4SCA


-Original Message-
From: FlexRadio [mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On
Behalf Of Tim Ellison, W4TME
Sent: Monday, December 16, 2013 3:10 PM
To: apbid...@mailaps.org; t...@flexradio.com; flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Cc: CC
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] SDRDataTransfer No Longer Available

Have you checked to see if you have the latest setup info?

To update, open PowerSDR-DataTransfer and click on the Options
button in
the top right hand corner of the program window.

Click on the button Update Setup Data.  You should get a
message that
your setup data is not up to date and you will be prompted to update
it.  Click Yes to update it.

If you have a reliable Internet connection, check the box that says
Automatically check for Updates and then click the Save
Changes button.

 From this point forward, when ever you start PowerSDR-DT, it
will check
to see if you have the current setup data and program executable and
prompt you to update if you do not.

Tim Ellison, W4TME
Customer Experience Manager
FlexRadio Systems^(TM)
4616 W Howard Ln Ste 1-150
Austin, TX 78728
Phone: 512-535-4713 Ext. 223
Email: t...@flexradio.com mailto:t...@flexradio.com
Web: www.flexradio.com http://www.flexradio.com

logo
On 12/16/2013 4:06 PM, Alan wrote:
 Tim,

 Standard.  2.6.4  2.72 That worked the first time, never more.

 I also have 2.4.4, 2.5.3 and selected them, with the same
error message.

 I tried all 3 using Expect mode, same message.

 73s,

 Alan
 WA4SCA




 -Original Message-
 From: FlexRadio [mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On
 Behalf Of Tim Ellison, W4TME
 Sent: Monday, December 16, 2013 2:55 PM
 To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
 Subject: Re: [Flexradio] SDRDataTransfer No Longer Available
 
 More info is needed.
 
 What PowerSDR version was the source database?
 
 Are you using standard or expert mode?
 
 Tim Ellison, W4TME
 Customer Experience Manager
 FlexRadio Systems^(TM)
 4616 W Howard Ln Ste 1-150
 Austin, TX 78728
 Phone: 512-535-4713 Ext. 223
 Email: t...@flexradio.com mailto:t...@flexradio.com
 Web: www.flexradio.com http://www.flexradio.com
 
 logo
 On 12/16/2013 3:33 PM, Alan wrote:
Ray,
 
  Glad they picked up another excellent bit of software!
 
  As usual, I have managed to break it.  After updating
 PowerSDR, and using SDRDataTransfer with
  complete success, I went back to look at the transfer
 program in more detail.  Now, whenever I select
  a source file, any source file including the one I used
 before, I get an error box which says:
 
  Error setting 'SourceFile' value!
  Error setting value:  Object reference not set to an
 instance of an object.
 
  This is followed by a second box:
 
  The database is not a complete database.
  Select a different database of open PowerSDR and re-create
 the database.  Be certain you close
  PowerSDR properly after you have re-created the database.
 
  I have opened and closed PowerSDR, and rebooted with no
 help.  I got my update so it is not an issue,
  but I wanted to report this.  WIN7 Pro, 32-bit.
 
  73s,
 
  Alan
  WA4SCA
 
 
 
  -Original Message-
  From: FlexRadio [mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On
  Behalf Of Ray, K9DUR
  Sent: Monday, December 16, 2013 10:28 AM
  To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz; K9DUR_Software Yahoo Group
  Subject: [Flexradio] SDRDataTransfer No Longer Available
  
  FlexRadio Systems has been granted an exclusive license to
 distribute
  SDRDataTransfer as part of the PowerSDR installation package.
  The version
  licensed to FlexRadio Systems has been renamed
  PowerSDR-DataTransfer and is
  included with PowerSDR v2.7.2 and later versions.
  
  SDRDataTarnsfer is no longer available for download from my
  website.  There
  will be no further revisions to the previous
 SDRDataTransfer utility.
  Likewise, there will be no further updates to the
 SDRDataTransfer setup
  data.
  
  Updates to the PowerSDR-DataTransfer setup data will be
  provided through the
  FlexRadio Systems website.
  
  All users of SDRDataTransfer should 

Re: [Flexradio] Remoting the F5K Prelim reslults

[Patrick Greenlee]

The experiment continues... Running daily with 50 ft Cat5e cable between 
computer and F5K.  No problems.
Next step is to use the real Cat5e cable length intended.  Awaiting better 
weather before pulling cable through conduit between house and barn.  If I 
could accurately predict when weather would be favorable I would not be 
doing this experiment as I would be sailing the Caribbean in a killer yacht 
ballasted heavily with ham and other hobby gear trying to spend some 
credible portion of my fabulous wealth gained through accurate weather 
predictions.


A very merry Christmas to all and a happy new year. (similar for Hanukah, 
Kwanza, etc.)


Patrick NJ5G  (Death to Vogon poets!)



-Original Message- 
From: Patrick Greenlee

Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2013 10:34 AM
To: kena...@gmail.com
Cc: FlexRadio
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Remoting the F5K Prelim reslults

Ken, I thank you for your comments.  I have done and been many things but 
retired from a DoD lab as a computer scientist (NOT A PC GURU.)  I had to 
grin when you mentioned the ?let them do it in software? comment.  After I 
got a MS in software engineering I taught software engineering and senior 
projects classes for seniors in the Computer science major in evening 
classes in my ?spare? time. Most of the evening students were adults working 
in software wanting to get accepted credentials. Let ?em handle it in 
software was a source of knowing smiles and laughter.


Why not let the menehunes (Hawaiian leprechauns) do it?

Patrick NJ5G

From: Ken Akin
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 9:59 PM
To: Patrick Greenlee
Cc: FlexRadio
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Remoting the F5K Prelim reslults

Patrick -


The answer to why not use VAC to get audio into the radio. I suspect (I 
have not seen the code) that PSDR has no provision to pick up audio from a 
software defined serial port.  The physical radio has 2 audio input paths, 
and nothing else. Could it be done.  The answer offered by managers that I 
could have killed when I was working, sure, why not, it's just software. 
They can do anything.



Flex does have the answer waiting, the 6000 series!  I know that I am going 
to get one, but I have hardly explored the capabilities.



My approach to your desire to not have coax runs with high SWR losses, I 
ended up ignoring the tuner in the 5K and got a remote tuner (I found a used 
SGC230). Works well with the 1500 and the 5K.  However, if I ever update my 
Heath SB200 I have to start all over.  Making Ham radio work is a continual 
puzzle, and actually, I kind of enjoy solving puzzles.


73


Ken  AC0HO




On Wed, Dec 11, 2013 at 3:04 PM, Patrick Greenlee patric...@windstream.net 
wrote:


 Chuck and Ken, thanks for the suggestions.  Both have merit. Right now I 
don?t know what I will try.  I haven?t addressed the issue seriously yet. 
There are multiple ways to move the audio.  Your suggestions are the front 
runners right now.


 Slowly I turn, inch by inch, one-step at a time. Like Charles Winchester 
the third (character on the TV series M*A*S*H ) I want to do one thing, do 
it well and move on.  I thought that moving the transmit audio was a 
separate simpler issue.  If I couldn?t operate the rig with the computer and 
radio separated by a fair distance by means I chose to afford I didn?t need 
to consider other aspects of the exercise.


 Now that operating the rig with the 1394 to cat5e adapter pair has proven 
to work (at least over 50 ft cable) I feel comfortable in working other 
aspects of the exercise.  Given the adapter pair is a money back if not 
satisfied  deal which is promised to work S800 at 324 ft and is being asked 
to work S400 at maybe 150 ft or so  this part looks good.


 Now to move on to transmit audio, receive audio, and keying.  My first 
interest is is in SSB. Later I will explore CW and digital modes, again, one 
step at a time.  I mention the other steps so that we can consider 
intermediate steps in the overall context of the ?Big Picture? and not 
create a solution for any step that is incompatible with later steps.


 Time permitting I will be reading up on how to ?VAC.?  If you, Ken, or 
anyone else wants multiple gold stars by their name tell me what to do and 
how to do it, even if that is just a reference to descriptive material that 
has enough info to enable me to give it a whirl. If everything I need is in 
or referenced by the 5K manual then I shouldn?t need too much assistance.


 Other efforts for after the F5K is remote and working SSB OK  are such 
issues as getting the F5K to speak to the Tokyo Hy-Power LInear in one of 
its native rice burner dialects; Icom, Kenwood, or Yaesu for automatic band 
switching and other issues regarding remote ops for the Tokyo Hy-Power.


 Again guys, thanks for the suggestions.  I am more familiar with the 
analog approach but will take a good luck at VAC and any other suggestions 
that look to have potential merit before it is a done deal.

 Patrick NJ5G

Re: [Flexradio] Tuner Question for Flex-5000

[Patrick Greenlee]

I do have the internal tuner in my 5K and an LDG.  I bypass the internal in 
favor of the external's wider range in my operating situation.  Depending on 
your situation the internal may work just fine.  IF you ever get a linear 
the odds increase that you will need an external tuner.  OF course if you 
get an LDG now sized to your requirement and add a linear later you will 
need an upgrade anyway.


You pays your money and you takes your chances...73,

Patrick NJ5G

-Original Message- 
From: Joe Camilli

Sent: Sunday, December 15, 2013 4:14 PM
To: Flexradio
Subject: [Flexradio] Tuner Question for Flex-5000

I recently upgraded to a Flex 5000. It does not have the internal antenna
tuner. Given the choice would you add the Flex internal tuner or purchase
an external unit from LDG? I only run 100 watts.

Thanks
Joe N7QPP
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Re: [Flexradio] Remoting the F5K Prelim reslults

[Patrick Greenlee]

Ken, I thank you for your comments.  I have done and been many things but 
retired from a DoD lab as a computer scientist (NOT A PC GURU.)  I had to grin 
when you mentioned the “let them do it in software” comment.  After I got a MS 
in software engineering I taught software engineering and senior projects 
classes for seniors in the Computer science major in evening classes in my 
“spare” time. Most of the evening students were adults working in software 
wanting to get accepted credentials. Let ‘em handle it in software was a source 
of knowing smiles and laughter.

Why not let the menehunes (Hawaiian leprechauns) do it?

Patrick NJ5G

From: Ken Akin 
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 9:59 PM
To: Patrick Greenlee 
Cc: FlexRadio 
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Remoting the F5K Prelim reslults

Patrick -


The answer to why not use VAC to get audio into the radio. I suspect (I have 
not seen the code) that PSDR has no provision to pick up audio from a software 
defined serial port.  The physical radio has 2 audio input paths, and nothing 
else. Could it be done.  The answer offered by managers that I could have 
killed when I was working, sure, why not, it's just software.   They can do 
anything.


Flex does have the answer waiting, the 6000 series!  I know that I am going to 
get one, but I have hardly explored the capabilities.


My approach to your desire to not have coax runs with high SWR losses, I ended 
up ignoring the tuner in the 5K and got a remote tuner (I found a used SGC230). 
Works well with the 1500 and the 5K.  However, if I ever update my Heath SB200 
I have to start all over.  Making Ham radio work is a continual puzzle, and 
actually, I kind of enjoy solving puzzles.

73


Ken  AC0HO 




On Wed, Dec 11, 2013 at 3:04 PM, Patrick Greenlee patric...@windstream.net 
wrote:

  Chuck and Ken, thanks for the suggestions.  Both have merit. Right now I 
don’t know what I will try.  I haven’t addressed the issue seriously yet.  
There are multiple ways to move the audio.  Your suggestions are the front 
runners right now.

  Slowly I turn, inch by inch, one-step at a time. Like Charles Winchester the 
third (character on the TV series M*A*S*H ) I want to do one thing, do it well 
and move on.  I thought that moving the transmit audio was a separate simpler 
issue.  If I couldn’t operate the rig with the computer and radio separated by 
a fair distance by means I chose to afford I didn’t need to consider other 
aspects of the exercise.

  Now that operating the rig with the 1394 to cat5e adapter pair has proven to 
work (at least over 50 ft cable) I feel comfortable in working other aspects of 
the exercise.  Given the adapter pair is a money back if not satisfied  deal 
which is promised to work S800 at 324 ft and is being asked to work S400 at 
maybe 150 ft or so  this part looks good.

  Now to move on to transmit audio, receive audio, and keying.  My first 
interest is is in SSB. Later I will explore CW and digital modes, again, one 
step at a time.  I mention the other steps so that we can consider intermediate 
steps in the overall context of the “Big Picture” and not create a solution for 
any step that is incompatible with later steps.

  Time permitting I will be reading up on how to “VAC.”  If you, Ken, or anyone 
else wants multiple gold stars by their name tell me what to do and how to do 
it, even if that is just a reference to descriptive material that has enough 
info to enable me to give it a whirl. If everything I need is in or referenced 
by the 5K manual then I shouldn’t need too much assistance.

  Other efforts for after the F5K is remote and working SSB OK  are such issues 
as getting the F5K to speak to the Tokyo Hy-Power LInear in one of its native 
rice burner dialects; Icom, Kenwood, or Yaesu for automatic band switching and 
other issues regarding remote ops for the Tokyo Hy-Power.

  Again guys, thanks for the suggestions.  I am more familiar with the analog 
approach but will take a good luck at VAC and any other suggestions that look 
to have potential merit before it is a done deal.
  Patrick NJ5G
  From: Chuck Oapos;Neal
  Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 1:58 PM
  Cc: Patrick Greenlee ; FlexRadio

  Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Remoting the F5K Prelim reslults


  Why wouldn't you use your computer soundcard and VAC to get the audio into 
PSDR instead of running a low level audio cables to the Flex?




  



  From: Ken Akin kena...@gmail.com
  To: Patrick Greenlee patric...@windstream.net
  Cc: FlexRadio flexradio@flex-radio.biz
  Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 1:00:34 PM
  Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Remoting the F5K Prelim reslults


  Patrick -


  Coming from a long ago broadcast radio background, I would use a preamp
  with +8 dBm (or more) output if clean. And then use a pad at the radio end
  to drop down to 0 dBm for the balanced audio input on the 5K.


  And, by all means

Re: [Flexradio] Remoting the F5K Prelim reslults

[Patrick Greenlee]

Dale, I couldn't find your comment(s) just my post,quoted.

Joe, That was discussed earlier.  The hardware is twice as expensive for an 
equivalent setup plus the fiber cost. Recall, I have the Cat5e - 1000 ft 
roll. On eBay you can get a S400 to fiber and back pair for $500 + shipping.
Take a look at == 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Newnex-FireNEX-MX-Firewire-S400-Fiber-Optic-Media-Converter-Repeater-1394-NEW-/261238265462


Fiber would reduce opportunity for RFI issues but I don't think my 
particular installation is subject to much RFI ingress opportunities.


Matthew, I guess the word remote in and of itself does not communicate 
adequately. I looked at the web page you gave but see no connection to what 
I'm trying to achieve.  There is no way their SYSTEM is going to get my 
radio physically located close to the nexus of my antenna switching/coax 
runs and allow me to operate it from inside my shack 150 ft away.  Please 
excuse my ignorance if I fail to note the reality and am responding to the 
equivalent of spam.


Tim, et al, if you were doing this what would be your first trial setup for 
remoting the microphone. I assume the keyline shouldn't be a big deal not 
requiring more than some ferrite beads if RFI rears its ugly head. Stereo 
receive audio should make the trip on twisted pair maybe with some ferrite 
and or shielded cable.


Thoughts?

Patrick NJ5G


-Original Message- 
From: Dale Hankins

Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 7:42 PM
To: Patrick Greenlee
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Remoting the F5K Prelim reslults



Sent from my iPad

On Dec 10, 2013, at 8:42 AM, Patrick Greenlee patric...@windstream.net 
wrote:


A while back I mentioned that I was going to try an experiment to remote 
the Flex 5000 A.  I have been delayed due to weather as in UPS wouldn???t 
deliver needed cables.  I have the cables now and the experiment is 
underway.


Problem:  I would like to remote a F5K a couple hundred feet from the 
computer.  Firewire is good to about 15 feet if you are lucky.


Approach:  To exceed the distance limitation imposed by FireWire/IEEE-1394 
I selected a COTS hardware approach using a pair of FireNEX-CAT5-S800 
units which are IEEE-1394 to Cat5 adapters.  These adapters come as a pair 
and handle up to S800 at a distance of up to 100 Meters (324 ft)


The Flex runs at S400 so I figured it oughta work.  Each adapter has a 
RJ-45 port and a pair of 9 pin Firewire ports.  There is also a DC input 
socket (8 to 19 VDC) which is only needed if you try for the longer ranges 
or your IEEE-1394 port on yoiur computer won???t source the needed power.. 
There is an available accessory power supply if you need it.


Indicators on the adapters consist of two LEDs. One indicates it is 
powered up and the other shows Cat5 connectivity.


What I did:   I ordered and received a pair of 3 ft IEEE-1394 cables with 
9 pins on one end and 6 pins on the other.  I plugged the 9 pin ends into 
the two adapters and the 6 pin ends into the computer and the radio. I 
connected the two adapters via a 50 ft Cat5e cable with RJ-45 connectors. 
I turned the radio on and the lights lit up on the two adapters.  I 
started PSDR and the radio operated normally.  This is day two of the 
experiment and there is no indication that the radio and computer are 
connected through two adapters and 50 ft of Cat5e.


I would be pleased to receive suggestions as to what to do or where to 
look to see/detect any deviation in performance due to latency or anything 
else. I am unable to note any difference in normal operation.  I suspect I 
am operating well within the capabilities of these adapters.  I will be 
trying a longer Cat5e cable but since the units are specified for up to 
S800 at up to 100 meters using them for S400 at a couple hundred feet 
should not be a problem. Unless I messed up the arithmetic 100 meters is a 
delay of about 1/3 of a microsecond times the reciprocal of the velocity 
factor. I don???t know the velocity factor of Cat5e but surely it is not 
slower than 0.5 which would give a delay of 2/3 of a microsecond.  So, we 
have bounded the delay.  It is less than 0.6 microseconds.  Maybe one of 
you bright folks could tell me where or how I could observe a negative 
effect caused by that delay.


Manufacturer info:
Newnex Technology Corp.
3041 Olcott St.
Santa Clara, CA 95054
(408)986-9988
Tech assistance: supp...@newnex.com




Any comments or questions are invited.

73,

Patrick NJ5G

P.S.  It is still working fine and I look forward to a longer separation 
test and any replies.


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Re: [Flexradio] Remoting the F5K Prelim reslults

[Patrick Greenlee]

Chuck and Ken, thanks for the suggestions.  Both have merit. Right now I don’t 
know what I will try.  I haven’t addressed the issue seriously yet.  There are 
multiple ways to move the audio.  Your suggestions are the front runners right 
now.

Slowly I turn, inch by inch, one-step at a time. Like Charles Winchester the 
third (character on the TV series M*A*S*H ) I want to do one thing, do it well 
and move on.  I thought that moving the transmit audio was a separate simpler 
issue.  If I couldn’t operate the rig with the computer and radio separated by 
a fair distance by means I chose to afford I didn’t need to consider other 
aspects of the exercise.

Now that operating the rig with the 1394 to cat5e adapter pair has proven to 
work (at least over 50 ft cable) I feel comfortable in working other aspects of 
the exercise.  Given the adapter pair is a money back if not satisfied  deal 
which is promised to work S800 at 324 ft and is being asked to work S400 at 
maybe 150 ft or so  this part looks good.

Now to move on to transmit audio, receive audio, and keying.  My first interest 
is is in SSB. Later I will explore CW and digital modes, again, one step at a 
time.  I mention the other steps so that we can consider intermediate steps in 
the overall context of the “Big Picture” and not create a solution for any step 
that is incompatible with later steps.

Time permitting I will be reading up on how to “VAC.”  If you, Ken, or anyone 
else wants multiple gold stars by their name tell me what to do and how to do 
it, even if that is just a reference to descriptive material that has enough 
info to enable me to give it a whirl. If everything I need is in or referenced 
by the 5K manual then I shouldn’t need too much assistance.

Other efforts for after the F5K is remote and working SSB OK  are such issues 
as getting the F5K to speak to the Tokyo Hy-Power LInear in one of its native 
rice burner dialects; Icom, Kenwood, or Yaesu for automatic band switching and 
other issues regarding remote ops for the Tokyo Hy-Power.

Again guys, thanks for the suggestions.  I am more familiar with the analog 
approach but will take a good luck at VAC and any other suggestions that look 
to have potential merit before it is a done deal.
Patrick NJ5G
From: Chuck Oapos;Neal 
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 1:58 PM
Cc: Patrick Greenlee ; FlexRadio 
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Remoting the F5K Prelim reslults

Why wouldn't you use your computer soundcard and VAC to get the audio into PSDR 
instead of running a low level audio cables to the Flex?





From: Ken Akin kena...@gmail.com
To: Patrick Greenlee patric...@windstream.net
Cc: FlexRadio flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 1:00:34 PM
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Remoting the F5K Prelim reslults


Patrick -


Coming from a long ago broadcast radio background, I would use a preamp
with +8 dBm (or more) output if clean. And then use a pad at the radio end
to drop down to 0 dBm for the balanced audio input on the 5K.


And, by all means, try the simple approach first. Keep life simple.


73


Ken  AC0HO



On Wed, Dec 11, 2013 at 8:03 AM, Patrick Greenlee
patric...@windstream.netwrote:


 Dale, I couldn't find your comment(s) just my post,quoted.

 Joe, That was discussed earlier.  The hardware is twice as expensive for
 an equivalent setup plus the fiber cost. Recall, I have the Cat5e - 1000 ft
 roll. On eBay you can get a S400 to fiber and back pair for $500 + shipping.
 Take a look at == http://www.ebay.com/itm/Newnex-FireNEX-MX-Firewire-
 S400-Fiber-Optic-Media-Converter-Repeater-1394-NEW-/261238265462

 Fiber would reduce opportunity for RFI issues but I don't think my
 particular installation is subject to much RFI ingress opportunities.

 Matthew, I guess the word remote in and of itself does not communicate
 adequately. I looked at the web page you gave but see no connection to what
 I'm trying to achieve.  There is no way their SYSTEM is going to get my
 radio physically located close to the nexus of my antenna switching/coax
 runs and allow me to operate it from inside my shack 150 ft away.  Please
 excuse my ignorance if I fail to note the reality and am responding to the
 equivalent of spam.

 Tim, et al, if you were doing this what would be your first trial setup
 for remoting the microphone. I assume the keyline shouldn't be a big deal
 not requiring more than some ferrite beads if RFI rears its ugly head.
 Stereo receive audio should make the trip on twisted pair maybe with some
 ferrite and or shielded cable.

 Thoughts?

 Patrick NJ5G


 -Original Message- From: Dale Hankins
 Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 7:42 PM
 To: Patrick Greenlee

 Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Remoting the F5K Prelim reslults



 Sent from my iPad

  On Dec 10, 2013, at 8:42 AM, Patrick Greenlee patric...@windstream.net
 wrote:

 A while back I mentioned that I was going to try

[Flexradio] Remoting the F5K Prelim reslults

[Patrick Greenlee]

A while back I mentioned that I was going to try an experiment to remote the 
Flex 5000 A.  I have been delayed due to weather as in UPS wouldn’t deliver 
needed cables.  I have the cables now and the experiment is underway.

Problem:  I would like to remote a F5K a couple hundred feet from the computer. 
 Firewire is good to about 15 feet if you are lucky.

Approach:  To exceed the distance limitation imposed by FireWire/IEEE-1394 I 
selected a COTS hardware approach using a pair of FireNEX-CAT5-S800 units which 
are IEEE-1394 to Cat5 adapters.  These adapters come as a pair and handle up to 
S800 at a distance of up to 100 Meters (324 ft)

The Flex runs at S400 so I figured it oughta work.  Each adapter has a RJ-45 
port and a pair of 9 pin Firewire ports.  There is also a DC input socket (8 to 
19 VDC) which is only needed if you try for the longer ranges or your IEEE-1394 
port on yoiur computer won’t source the needed power.. There is an available 
accessory power supply if you need it.

Indicators on the adapters consist of two LEDs. One indicates it is powered up 
and the other shows Cat5 connectivity.

What I did:   I ordered and received a pair of 3 ft IEEE-1394 cables with 9 
pins on one end and 6 pins on the other.  I plugged the 9 pin ends into the two 
adapters and the 6 pin ends into the computer and the radio. I connected the 
two adapters via a 50 ft Cat5e cable with RJ-45 connectors.  I turned the radio 
on and the lights lit up on the two adapters.  I started PSDR and the radio 
operated normally.  This is day two of the experiment and there is no 
indication that the radio and computer are connected through two adapters and 
50 ft of Cat5e.

I would be pleased to receive suggestions as to what to do or where to look to 
see/detect any deviation in performance due to latency or anything else. I am 
unable to note any difference in normal operation.  I suspect I am operating 
well within the capabilities of these adapters.  I will be trying a longer 
Cat5e cable but since the units are specified for up to S800 at up to 100 
meters using them for S400 at a couple hundred feet should not be a problem. 
Unless I messed up the arithmetic 100 meters is a delay of about 1/3 of a 
microsecond times the reciprocal of the velocity factor. I don’t know the 
velocity factor of Cat5e but surely it is not slower than 0.5 which would give 
a delay of 2/3 of a microsecond.  So, we have bounded the delay.  It is less 
than 0.6 microseconds.  Maybe one of you bright folks could tell me where or 
how I could observe a negative effect caused by that delay.

Manufacturer info:  
Newnex Technology Corp.
3041 Olcott St.
Santa Clara, CA 95054
(408)986-9988
Tech assistance: supp...@newnex.com




Any comments or questions are invited.

73,

Patrick NJ5G

P.S.  It is still working fine and I look forward to a longer separation test 
and any replies.

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Re: [Flexradio] Remoting the F5K Prelim reslults

[Patrick Greenlee]

Update: if you coil up the 50 ft Cat5e cable into a small tight coil and 
squeeze it into close proximity thus maximizing the inductance it crashes 
PSDR.  This is the only thing I have tried so far that causes a problem.  In 
actual use I suspect this is not a problem.


Patrick NJ5G

-Original Message- 
From: Patrick Greenlee

Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 8:42 AM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: [Flexradio] Remoting the F5K Prelim reslults

A while back I mentioned that I was going to try an experiment to remote the 
Flex 5000 A.  I have been delayed due to weather as in UPS wouldn???t deliver 
needed cables.  I have the cables now and the experiment is underway.


Problem:  I would like to remote a F5K a couple hundred feet from the 
computer.  Firewire is good to about 15 feet if you are lucky.


Approach:  To exceed the distance limitation imposed by FireWire/IEEE-1394 I 
selected a COTS hardware approach using a pair of FireNEX-CAT5-S800 units 
which are IEEE-1394 to Cat5 adapters.  These adapters come as a pair and 
handle up to S800 at a distance of up to 100 Meters (324 ft)


The Flex runs at S400 so I figured it oughta work.  Each adapter has a RJ-45 
port and a pair of 9 pin Firewire ports.  There is also a DC input socket (8 
to 19 VDC) which is only needed if you try for the longer ranges or your 
IEEE-1394 port on yoiur computer won???t source the needed power.. There is an 
available accessory power supply if you need it.


Indicators on the adapters consist of two LEDs. One indicates it is powered 
up and the other shows Cat5 connectivity.


What I did:   I ordered and received a pair of 3 ft IEEE-1394 cables with 9 
pins on one end and 6 pins on the other.  I plugged the 9 pin ends into the 
two adapters and the 6 pin ends into the computer and the radio. I connected 
the two adapters via a 50 ft Cat5e cable with RJ-45 connectors.  I turned 
the radio on and the lights lit up on the two adapters.  I started PSDR and 
the radio operated normally.  This is day two of the experiment and there is 
no indication that the radio and computer are connected through two adapters 
and 50 ft of Cat5e.


I would be pleased to receive suggestions as to what to do or where to look 
to see/detect any deviation in performance due to latency or anything else. 
I am unable to note any difference in normal operation.  I suspect I am 
operating well within the capabilities of these adapters.  I will be trying 
a longer Cat5e cable but since the units are specified for up to S800 at up 
to 100 meters using them for S400 at a couple hundred feet should not be a 
problem. Unless I messed up the arithmetic 100 meters is a delay of about 
1/3 of a microsecond times the reciprocal of the velocity factor. I don???t 
know the velocity factor of Cat5e but surely it is not slower than 0.5 which 
would give a delay of 2/3 of a microsecond.  So, we have bounded the delay. 
It is less than 0.6 microseconds.  Maybe one of you bright folks could tell 
me where or how I could observe a negative effect caused by that delay.


Manufacturer info:
Newnex Technology Corp.
3041 Olcott St.
Santa Clara, CA 95054
(408)986-9988
Tech assistance: supp...@newnex.com




Any comments or questions are invited.

73,

Patrick NJ5G

P.S.  It is still working fine and I look forward to a longer separation 
test and any replies.


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Re: [Flexradio] Remoting the F5K Prelim reslults

[Patrick Greenlee]

Here is my COTS hardware source:

http://www.usbfirewire.com/Parts/rr-firenex-s800.html  In my experience 
these are good reliable folks to deal with.


-Original Message- 
From: Patrick Greenlee

Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 8:50 AM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Remoting the F5K Prelim reslults

Update: if you coil up the 50 ft Cat5e cable into a small tight coil and
squeeze it into close proximity thus maximizing the inductance it crashes
PSDR.  This is the only thing I have tried so far that causes a problem.  In
actual use I suspect this is not a problem.

Patrick NJ5G

-Original Message- 
From: Patrick Greenlee

Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 8:42 AM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: [Flexradio] Remoting the F5K Prelim reslults

A while back I mentioned that I was going to try an experiment to remote the
Flex 5000 A.  I have been delayed due to weather as in UPS wouldn???t 
deliver

needed cables.  I have the cables now and the experiment is underway.

Problem:  I would like to remote a F5K a couple hundred feet from the
computer.  Firewire is good to about 15 feet if you are lucky.

Approach:  To exceed the distance limitation imposed by FireWire/IEEE-1394 I
selected a COTS hardware approach using a pair of FireNEX-CAT5-S800 units
which are IEEE-1394 to Cat5 adapters.  These adapters come as a pair and
handle up to S800 at a distance of up to 100 Meters (324 ft)

The Flex runs at S400 so I figured it oughta work.  Each adapter has a RJ-45
port and a pair of 9 pin Firewire ports.  There is also a DC input socket (8
to 19 VDC) which is only needed if you try for the longer ranges or your
IEEE-1394 port on yoiur computer won???t source the needed power.. There is 
an

available accessory power supply if you need it.

Indicators on the adapters consist of two LEDs. One indicates it is powered
up and the other shows Cat5 connectivity.

What I did:   I ordered and received a pair of 3 ft IEEE-1394 cables with 9
pins on one end and 6 pins on the other.  I plugged the 9 pin ends into the
two adapters and the 6 pin ends into the computer and the radio. I connected
the two adapters via a 50 ft Cat5e cable with RJ-45 connectors.  I turned
the radio on and the lights lit up on the two adapters.  I started PSDR and
the radio operated normally.  This is day two of the experiment and there is
no indication that the radio and computer are connected through two adapters
and 50 ft of Cat5e.

I would be pleased to receive suggestions as to what to do or where to look
to see/detect any deviation in performance due to latency or anything else.
I am unable to note any difference in normal operation.  I suspect I am
operating well within the capabilities of these adapters.  I will be trying
a longer Cat5e cable but since the units are specified for up to S800 at up
to 100 meters using them for S400 at a couple hundred feet should not be a
problem. Unless I messed up the arithmetic 100 meters is a delay of about
1/3 of a microsecond times the reciprocal of the velocity factor. I don???t
know the velocity factor of Cat5e but surely it is not slower than 0.5 which
would give a delay of 2/3 of a microsecond.  So, we have bounded the delay.
It is less than 0.6 microseconds.  Maybe one of you bright folks could tell
me where or how I could observe a negative effect caused by that delay.

Manufacturer info:
Newnex Technology Corp.
3041 Olcott St.
Santa Clara, CA 95054
(408)986-9988
Tech assistance: supp...@newnex.com




Any comments or questions are invited.

73,

Patrick NJ5G

P.S.  It is still working fine and I look forward to a longer separation
test and any replies.

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Re: [Flexradio] Remoting the F5K Prelim reslults

[Patrick Greenlee]

 that developed the IEEE-1394A and B
OHCI controllers and Physical Layer chips worked in my department.  They
were seriously smart people so I mostly left them alone... but some of it
did rub off.  What we learned early in the B development which became the
S800 (and S1600) speeds, that inconsistencies in the standard UTP wiring
can become significant at those speeds.  The issue is crosstalk between the
PAIRS even though each differential signal pair had decent common mode
rejection.  The resultant solution for the high reliability world was to go
to low-cost Plastic Fiber for the transmission medium.  This solved the
CMRR problem at the cost of... cost!  I see the company you chose also has
an industrial version that uses Fiber.. .at 2x the price.

I suspect with some experimenting you'll be able to make your configuration
work.  If you decide to try Shielded Twisted Pair (STP), you'll likely have
to play with grounding.  One to try is to ground the shield on the radio
side but not on the house side.

Good luck!

73,
Greg - K5GJ





On Tue, Dec 10, 2013 at 11:44 AM, Ken Akin kena...@gmail.com wrote:


With the results of very close physical cable bunching, you are getting
cross talk between the two cable ends and the problems that you noticed.

Like Tim, I might expect problems at some power level. I looked and
shielded Cat5 is available. I have no experience with it. When I was
working as a programmer we had tons of basic Cat5 in the operations center
without any problems that I knew about. But no transmitters other than 
cell

phones and the security radios, likely 1 watt or less.

Keep the news coming!

73

KenAC0HO


On Tue, Dec 10, 2013 at 10:36 AM, Tim Ellison t.m.ellison...@gmail.com
wrote:

 I would be interested in how susceptible this configuration is to high
 levels of RF such asthe radio being in the near field of a 1500W
 transmission.



 On 12/10/2013 9:50 AM, Patrick Greenlee wrote:

 Update: if you coil up the 50 ft Cat5e cable into a small tight coil 
 and

 squeeze it into close proximity thus maximizing the inductance it
crashes
 PSDR.  This is the only thing I have tried so far that causes a 
 problem.

  In actual use I suspect this is not a problem.

 Patrick NJ5G

 -Original Message- From: Patrick Greenlee
 Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 8:42 AM
 To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
 Subject: [Flexradio] Remoting the F5K Prelim reslults

 A while back I mentioned that I was going to try an experiment to 
 remote

 the Flex 5000 A.  I have been delayed due to weather as in UPS
wouldn???t
 deliver needed cables.  I have the cables now and the experiment is
 underway.

 Problem:  I would like to remote a F5K a couple hundred feet from the
 computer.  Firewire is good to about 15 feet if you are lucky.

 Approach:  To exceed the distance limitation imposed by
 FireWire/IEEE-1394 I selected a COTS hardware approach using a pair of
 FireNEX-CAT5-S800 units which are IEEE-1394 to Cat5 adapters.  These
 adapters come as a pair and handle up to S800 at a distance of up to 
 100

 Meters (324 ft)

 The Flex runs at S400 so I figured it oughta work.  Each adapter has a
 RJ-45 port and a pair of 9 pin Firewire ports.  There is also a DC 
 input

 socket (8 to 19 VDC) which is only needed if you try for the longer
ranges
 or your IEEE-1394 port on yoiur computer won???t source the needed
power..
 There is an available accessory power supply if you need it.

 Indicators on the adapters consist of two LEDs. One indicates it is
 powered up and the other shows Cat5 connectivity.

 What I did:   I ordered and received a pair of 3 ft IEEE-1394 cables
with
 9 pins on one end and 6 pins on the other.  I plugged the 9 pin ends
into
 the two adapters and the 6 pin ends into the computer and the radio. I
 connected the two adapters via a 50 ft Cat5e cable with RJ-45
connectors.
  I turned the radio on and the lights lit up on the two adapters.  I
 started PSDR and the radio operated normally.  This is day two of the
 experiment and there is no indication that the radio and computer are
 connected through two adapters and 50 ft of Cat5e.

 I would be pleased to receive suggestions as to what to do or where to
 look to see/detect any deviation in performance due to latency or
anything
 else. I am unable to note any difference in normal operation.  I
suspect I
 am operating well within the capabilities of these adapters.  I will be
 trying a longer Cat5e cable but since the units are specified for up to
 S800 at up to 100 meters using them for S400 at a couple hundred feet
 should not be a problem. Unless I messed up the arithmetic 100 meters
is a
 delay of about 1/3 of a microsecond times the reciprocal of the 
 velocity
 factor. I don???t know the velocity factor of Cat5e but surely it is 
 not

 slower than 0.5 which would give a delay of 2/3 of a microsecond.  So,
we
 have bounded the delay. It is less than 0.6 microseconds.  Maybe one of
you
 bright folks could tell me where or how I could observe

Re: [Flexradio] Another way to rempote an F5K

[Patrick Greenlee]

Tim, I will post the results, good bad or indifferent.

Greg, I have an LDG AT-1000Pro II Auto Tuner which is currently deployed 
next to the F5K and Linear. It has a wider range than the built in ATU so I 
bypass the built-in in favor of the LDG.  The LDG is a nice tuner but... I 
still often manually optimize it before engaging warp drive. Another project 
is remoting the tuner with its 8 buttons while keeping the accessory analog 
meter with 3 buttons and 7 indicator LEDs in the shack.  The MFG of the 
tuner says you can’t extend the analog meter more than about 3 ft. 
Balderdash!  It can be done, it just isn’t so simple as splicing in a long 
cable.


There are 4 towers involved, One is a Hy-gain Hy-Tower 8 band vertical atop 
a metal barn (base at 23 ft and 52 ft of antenna), another (call it #2) is a 
customized tilt-over/crank-up about 100 ft or so north of the Hy-Tower for 
supporting a K4KIO hex beam, #3 is 141 ft north of #2 and has a 40 ft high 
base with legs on 14 ft centers (yes, feet not inches) made of 4 ID tubing 
with 1/4 inch walls which is to support another automatic crank-up, and then 
another 141 feet north of #3 is #4 which is a Rohn 25 tilt over free 
standing made of 4 each 10 ft sections and a 9 ft top section which takes a 
mast which will have insulators added to its legs so I can make it into a 
DIY Hy-Tower.  Off to the west of #4 is the site for some rhombic 
experiments (Beverage site not selected) which are only in the thinking 
stage just now.  To help control costs while getting decent performance I am 
using mostly Andrew 1/2 inch hard line coax. Still when you daisy chain well 
over 500 ft of cable and have a few coax switches in-line losses add up.


A good question from you, Greg.  We'll see how this plays out.

73,

Patrick AF5CK



-Original Message- 
From: Tim Ellison

Sent: Wednesday, November 27, 2013 2:33 PM
To: Patrick Greenlee
Cc: t...@flexradio.com ; Burt ; Flex Radio
Subject: Re: Another way to rempote an F5K

Good luck.  Let me know how it works out.

Happy Thanksgiving

-Tim
---
Tim Ellison, W4TME
Product Management
FlexRadio Systems
(Sent from my iPad)

On Nov 27, 2013, at 3:20 PM, Patrick Greenlee patric...@windstream.net 
wrote:


I don't know if anyone else in the community is interested in separating a 
Flex5000A farther from its companion computer than the limitation of the 
firewire cable but I am preparing to test a candidate solution. Depending 
on the results of the test I may be able to remote my F5K well over 100 ft 
from the computer.  I am hoping that placing the radio with its ATU 
seriously closer to the antenna will allow the ATU to do a better matching 
job, get more power going out the antenna and not circulating it around 
erroneous zones.


The method I am preparing to test (pending the arrival of a couple short 9 
pin to 6 pin IEEE-1394/ Firewire cables) uses a satisfaction or money back 
guarantee adapter pair.  These adapters takesa 9 pin Firewire input (the 
adapter is female 9 pin) and has a RJ-45 (Female Ethernet/Cat5/Cat6 ) 
connector/socket. for output.  There are two identical adapters used.  One 
connects to the F5K and the other to the computer.  Alternatively you can 
use 6 pin to 6 pin cables with adapters at one end to get 9 pin male.  I 
prefer an adapter free cable.


I will be using Cat5e cable to interconnect the two adapters.  The 
adapters support the full 800 Firewire data rate and are backward/downward 
compatible 400, 200., 100 so should work fine (says here in the fine 
print.) The adapters are powered by the Firewire port or can use an 
accessory power supply.  The accessory PS I got is 12 VDC at up to an amp. 
The power requirement is DC from 8 to 19 volts.  Long runs may require 
15-19 volts but shorter runs can use 12VDC or less depending on cable 
length, conductor size, et.  AC input is OK from 100 to 240 VAC at 50-60 
Hz/


Sorry to not be able to drop the other shoe yet, I like instant 
gratification as much as the next guy but the Thanksgiving holiday may 
delay the cable delivery a bit.


There are no controls on the adapters.  There is no software programs or 
drivers.  Just hook it up and it should run. I queried the seller about 
latency and was told the latency was essentially due to the length of the 
cable and its velocity factor. I cannow violate the laws of physics, 
cap'n! This approach has the possibility of beating some of the other 
approaches requiring multiple Skype accounts and multiple computers.  Any 
way you slice it you still have to turn the radio on and off remotely. 
Anyone here old enough to remember the computer to keyboard interfaces 
that used solenoids and rubber fingers to type on a typewriter? A solenoid 
with rubber finger to press the off/on switch will git 'er done and you 
don' have to ship the radio back and forth to its mama, lose it for a 
couple weeks in queue, or risk a DIY oops.


The adapter pair is a tad under $400 + shipping but if it works

[Flexradio] Another way to rempote an F5K

[Patrick Greenlee]

I don't know if anyone else in the community is interested in separating a 
Flex5000A farther from its companion computer than the limitation of the 
firewire cable but I am preparing to test a candidate solution. Depending on 
the results of the test I may be able to remote my F5K well over 100 ft from 
the computer.  I am hoping that placing the radio with its ATU seriously 
closer to the antenna will allow the ATU to do a better matching job, get 
more power going out the antenna and not circulating it around erroneous 
zones.


The method I am preparing to test (pending the arrival of a couple short 9 
pin to 6 pin IEEE-1394/ Firewire cables) uses a satisfaction or money back 
guarantee adapter pair.  These adapters takesa 9 pin Firewire input (the 
adapter is female 9 pin) and has a RJ-45 (Female Ethernet/Cat5/Cat6 ) 
connector/socket. for output.  There are two identical adapters used.  One 
connects to the F5K and the other to the computer.  Alternatively you can 
use 6 pin to 6 pin cables with adapters at one end to get 9 pin male.  I 
prefer an adapter free cable.


I will be using Cat5e cable to interconnect the two adapters.  The adapters 
support the full 800 Firewire data rate and are backward/downward compatible 
400, 200., 100 so should work fine (says here in the fine print.) The 
adapters are powered by the Firewire port or can use an accessory power 
supply.  The accessory PS I got is 12 VDC at up to an amp. The power 
requirement is DC from 8 to 19 volts.  Long runs may require 15-19 volts but 
shorter runs can use 12VDC or less depending on cable length, conductor 
size, et.  AC input is OK from 100 to 240 VAC at 50-60 Hz/


Sorry to not be able to drop the other shoe yet, I like instant 
gratification as much as the next guy but the Thanksgiving holiday may delay 
the cable delivery a bit.


There are no controls on the adapters.  There is no software programs or 
drivers.  Just hook it up and it should run. I queried the seller about 
latency and was told the latency was essentially due to the length of the 
cable and its velocity factor. I cannow violate the laws of physics, cap'n! 
This approach has the possibility of beating some of the other approaches 
requiring multiple Skype accounts and multiple computers.  Any way you slice 
it you still have to turn the radio on and off remotely.  Anyone here old 
enough to remember the computer to keyboard interfaces that used solenoids 
and rubber fingers to type on a typewriter? A solenoid with rubber finger to 
press the off/on switch will git 'er done and you don' have to ship the 
radio back and forth to its mama, lose it for a couple weeks in queue, or 
risk a DIY oops.


The adapter pair is a tad under $400 + shipping but if it works as it should 
it is very straight forward.


Patrick AF5CK




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Re: [Flexradio] Microphone Recommendation?

[Patrick Greenlee]

Mike, I played the sounds on the Heil site url you supplied. I sort of agree 
with your Swiss Army knife comment but not in the way I think you intended 
it. I agree that different colorations (eq's)  are needed for different 
purposes.  This can be approached by selecting from a huge array of 
available mikes (your Swiss Army knife approach, I think) with or without 
different down stream eq's.  My claim is that once you have electronically 
captured an accurate representation of the op's voice this representation 
can be electronically manipulated to get the result of any existing mike or 
mike to come along in the future. This is my use of Swiss Army knife, eq 
(and or other electronic manipulation) to get whatever characteristic(s) 
desired.  The required mike is one that can accurately capture a 
representation of the op's voice.  Once that is achieved any effect possible 
to achieve by means of other microphones can be duplicated with electronic 
processing of the accurate signal from the Hi-Fi mike.


Thanks again for the URL to the recorded sounds.  That audio clip tends to 
make my case for me, a good mike, many possible results, a Swiss Army knife 
of different results available through processing.
The Heil PR 40 may not be the highest of Hi-Fi mikes but it is sufficient 
for my purposes and apparently for a bunch of Flexers. Maybe not perfect, 
but good enough.


I hope to catch your melodious tones on the HF bands.

73

Patrick  AF5CK

Original Message- 

From: Michael Walker
Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2013 3:51 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Microphone Recommendation?

I'm glad you enjoyed it.  Personally, it is about getting the message
through.

I just ran CQWW and I know that if I had not used the HC5 element (really
sharp and annoying) there are many stations that would have not copied me.

I also can honestly say that those that were using a DX like shaping, I 
had

problems copying.

There is no 1 perfect element (just like a swiss army knife).You need
different 'shapes' for different tasks.

Listen to this about the HC6.  Pay attention to how each of his shapes
sound.  http://www.heilsound.com/amateur/press/hc6.mp3

I recorded all of my 1600 QSO's from CQWW.  I will try to find some great
DX audio and some really bad DX audio.  It won't be until next week 
though.

When I do, I will share them.

Mike va3mw





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Re: [Flexradio] Microphone Recommendation?

[Patrick Greenlee]

10 guys will offer up at least 12-15 opinions.  I use a Heil PR 40. I get 
good audio reports.  Fellow Flexers have recorded and rebroadcast me so I 
could hear myself and it sounded (for better or worse) just like what I have 
come to know is my voice.  I have heard other Flexers using Heil PR 40 and 
they sounded broadcast quality and this was without a bunch of high dollar 
accessory audio gear.  Of course if you go for the penetrating DX sound 
(like fingernails on the chalkboard) the PR 40 will still work but its 
quality is wasted, in my less than humble opinion.


I'm sure there are other solutions that would be satisfactory.  I haven't 
tried a lot of mikes on my F5KA.  The PR 40 was suggested to me. I liked the 
ones I heard on the air.  I bought one and am completely satisfied. A quote 
from a fictional doctor on Mash (TV not movie), I do one thing, I do it 
well, I move on.  I can only sound so much like myself. I can only be 100% 
satisfied.


Again, there are probably other good answers but I have other problems to 
work on and consider the mike issue solved.


Best of luck to you and 73

Patrick AF5CK

-Original Message- 
From: Michael Walker

Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2013 10:08 AM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Microphone Recommendation?

This will open a big can of worms,.   :)

But, you will find the the Heil mics are purpose designed for SSB
communications.

Every ham needs to listen to Bob on Triagulation http://twit.tv/tri8 ... it
is a long podcast, but the discussion on Bell Labs was very cool.

Mike va3mw



On Thu, Oct 31, 2013 at 9:29 AM, TM tm.st...@verizon.net wrote:


Well, I am finally getting around to buying a mike for my Flex 3000.  Have
really enjoyed CW and some of the digital modes with it for the last two
years and would like to give SSB a shot.  The last mike I bought was a
D-104, and the last phone entry in my logs dates to the 70s.  So, just
wondering what the Flex users have found to be a good choice.  Doubt that 
I

will use it a bunch, so would probably go for something other than top of
the line, studio grade.

Thanks for any suggestions.

73, Tom
K1FR


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Re: [Flexradio] Microphone Recommendation?

[Patrick Greenlee]

Don't you think a good Hi-Fi mike that accurately reproduces the sound field 
driving it is all the mike you need?  Once you have an accurate electronic 
representation of the actual audio you can process/distort it in any way 
needed/wanted.  It isn't required to have a mike distorted in some 
particular way to get the final distorted audio desired. There is no sound 
quality reproduced by any microphone that can not, in theory, be 
electronically manufactured from a starting point of an accurate Hi-Fi 
representation of the original sound field (operator's voice.)


There was a time when shortcomings in what was doable in electronic 
processing of a microphone signal made selecting microphones with some 
special distortion built in a necessity to achieve certain desired, for 
whatever reason, distortions of the true audio input.


Back in the olden times when I couldn't afford fancy audio processor 
equipment to compete with or emulate the DX gurus I'd just tuck a stick in 
the waist band of my jockey shorts, take it up like a tourniquet about 5-9 
revolutions (depending on the desired  effect) and then shout into the 
microphone through a toilet paper tube. On-air comparisons rated my thrifty 
approach the equivalent of the big guru's RF processors, companders, and 
compressors.


Patrick AF5CK

-Original Message- 
From: Michael Walker

Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2013 3:51 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Microphone Recommendation?

I'm glad you enjoyed it.  Personally, it is about getting the message
through.

I just ran CQWW and I know that if I had not used the HC5 element (really
sharp and annoying) there are many stations that would have not copied me.

I also can honestly say that those that were using a DX like shaping, I had
problems copying.

There is no 1 perfect element (just like a swiss army knife).You need
different 'shapes' for different tasks.

Listen to this about the HC6.  Pay attention to how each of his shapes
sound.  http://www.heilsound.com/amateur/press/hc6.mp3

I recorded all of my 1600 QSO's from CQWW.  I will try to find some great
DX audio and some really bad DX audio.  It won't be until next week though.
When I do, I will share them.

Mike va3mw


On Thu, Oct 31, 2013 at 4:36 PM, KC2TN kc...@comcast.net wrote:


For an excellent guide to setting up a Flex audio chain see this YouTube
video.
http://www.eteksciki.info/video/2trJjUObLkY.html

There are enough adjustments in the embedded mixers and equalizers that
most microphones can be made to sound great!
If you don't overdrive the DIGITAL audio chain.

Also, for a textual copy of these adjustments see:
http://www.w1aex.com/psdrgain/psdrgain.html

Joe - KC2TN


Sent from my iPad

On Oct 31, 2013, at 9:29 AM, TM tm.st...@verizon.net wrote:

 Well, I am finally getting around to buying a mike for my Flex 3000.
 Have really enjoyed CW and some of the digital modes with it for the last
two years and would like to give SSB a shot.  The last mike I bought was a
D-104, and the last phone entry in my logs dates to the 70s.  So, just
wondering what the Flex users have found to be a good choice.  Doubt that 
I

will use it a bunch, so would probably go for something other than top of
the line, studio grade.

 Thanks for any suggestions.

 73, Tom
 K1FR


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Re: [Flexradio] Any recommendations on a good foot switch?

[Patrick Greenlee]

Lee, when I search on foot switch on the HF web site I am offered only two 
switches, momentary and lock-on/lock-off (plus well pumps and winches for 
some reason.)  I have some of both of these switches in my workshop to 
control q router table, scroll saw, etc.  I did have an infantile failure of 
one switch but exchanged it no hassle.  I modified one of the momentary ones 
to use with my Flex 5000A  XCVR rewiring it and repurposing the power cord 
(cut off the three prong AC and replaced with appropriate radio connector 
(Male RCA in my case) to plug into my radio. My 1000 watt amp is right up 
against the Flex but there are no RFI problems.  Had there been I would have 
replaced the wire with a shielded one.


I have been using these switches for a few years now with no problems.  The 
guts are dead simple and sufficiently robust.  If you kick the crap out 
of one for a long time I suppose you could eventually wear out the hinge 
pins or the area where they are mounted but they would be easy to 
fix/replace as the hinge pins are machine screws with nylock nuts.  If you 
are super heavy footed clumsy maybe you should be buying one of those super 
industrial ones like are used in heavy duty industrial applications like 
steel mills and such.


I'm not particularly careful of these switches and I'm 6' 2 220 lbs with 
size 13 boots.  I use some of them while standing and so they aren't treated 
particularly gently. Even if one failed out of warranty and was irreparable, 
they are dead cheap.  I was very unimpressed with their appearance but liked 
the price so when originally buying some I hedged my bets and bought a spare 
of each type.  I'm still waiting for one to fail to be able to congratulate 
myself on foresight of having a spare.


Nothing wrong with the other suggested sources given here (except maybe the 
price.) As regards safety foot switch as a search argument on the HF 
site it only shows you safety banner tape, the commercial equivalent 
of Police line, doo not cross!


Patrick AF5CK


-Original Message- 
From: Lee Mushel

Sent: Saturday, October 19, 2013 11:57 PM
To: Jim Jerzycke ; flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Any recommendations on a good foot switch?

You can go to eBay and search for the general term foot switch but I think
most of you would be happier with what comes when you ask for safety foot
switch.   If you have a kinky bent you can even go to the tatoo sources.
They use foot switches too!   I got mine as a gift that once belonged to a
silent key!

Lee   K9WRU
- Original Message - 
From: Jim Jerzycke kq...@verizon.net

To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Sent: Saturday, October 19, 2013 9:03 PM
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Any recommendations on a good foot switch?



Looks identical to the Linemaster Hercules one I have.

I think you could drive an Abrams tank over it, and *maybe* chip the 
paint.


73, Jim  KQ6EA


On 10/20/2013 02:56 AM, Drax Felton wrote:


These ones are good
http://www.ssccontrols.com/homepage-heavyduty.htm



-Original Message-
From: FlexRadio [mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On Behalf Of 
Duane

- N9DG
Sent: Saturday, October 19, 2013 5:51 PM
To: 'Alan NV8A'; flexradio@flex-radio.biz; Frank Coffey
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Any recommendations on a good foot switch?


The Motorola switches I've seen all seem to be OEM branded Linemaster
Clipper series switches, look to be either dual 632-S (SPDT), or 635-S
(DPDT) models. So no need to look for anything Motorola specific to get 
that
level of ruggedness. And they are rugged, I think you could even drive 
your

car over them if you are so inclined.

The Linemaster Clipper type switches also come in a wide treadle 
versions.
And pretty much any of them can be found easily on that big auction site. 
I

have picked some up over the years and never paid more than about $20 for
any one of them, usually brand new, new condition. For my use I just 
screwed

the various Clipper 63x foot switches I have down to a 16x48 inch wood
platform under the radio bench, so they don't move no matter what. The
clipper series are also quite repairable, as the internal switch is just 
a

generic microswitch which are readily available from many sources.


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Re: [Flexradio] Pr40 and the 5000a

[Patrick Greenlee]

I have my PR40 plugged directly into the front panel Microphone connection 
and it works fine.  I have the transmit profile set for 30 for Mic. Some of 
my other profiles have the Mic set at 35.  Do not close talk the PR40 and 
keep an eye out for the ALC and NEVER go positive.


Patrick AF5CK

-Original Message- 
From: Robert Costa

Sent: Sunday, October 13, 2013 8:03 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: [Flexradio] Pr40 and the 5000a

All,

Dealing with ingress issues and an oscillating microphone, I decided at 
Pacificon to make the leap and buy a Heil PR40 and all of the goodies for my 
Flex. The question is: Does the microphone have enough output for the 
balanced input or does it have to go through a Pre-Amp first?


Any thoughts?

73
KB6QXM
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Re: [Flexradio] $10 Foot switch and $10 Headset/Boom Microphone for FlexRadio

[Patrick Greenlee]

Ditto

I have been using a Harbor Freight N.O. momentary contact foot switch for a 
couple years. They have lock-on/lock/off foot switches too if that fits your 
needs but I prefer the momentary contact type.  I had a few comments 
directed my way about needing shielding/grounding but ignored the naysayers 
and pressed on with no regrets.  A little rewiring and I repurposed the 
power cord as the pedal to radio cable, reusing their strain relief.  Pretty 
easy project and so far so good, works like a charm + 20 dB. Switch cable is 
within 3 ft of my 1000W amp and the flex 5000A and no problems.


I have the Heil boom mike but prefer the Heil PR40 on an articulated boom.

73,

Patrick AF5CK

-Original Message- 
From: Carol F. Milazzo, KP4MD/W6

Sent: Monday, October 07, 2013 3:36 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: [Flexradio] $10 Foot switch and $10 Headset/Boom Microphone for 
FlexRadio


Harbor Freight Tools power tool foot switch ($11 with 25% discount coupon)
modified for use as a foot operated push to talk switch with the FlexRadio.
Photo journal at
https://picasaweb.google.com/114032640816757126398/10FootSwitch

The $9 Inland 87052 headset is quite comfortable and provides excellent
received sound and transmitted audio quality and level with the FlexRadio
1500 and 3000.  It appears physically identical to the $49.95 MFJ-393
headset/microphone.
Photo journal at
https://picasaweb.google.com/114032640816757126398/10HeadsetBoomMicrophoneForFlexRadio

Carol Milazzo, KP4MD/6
http://www.qsl.com/kp4md
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Re: [Flexradio] E C H O ECHO echo

[Patrick Greenlee]

Thanks for sharing.  Sounds entirely plausible.  At least the new 6000 
series should be immune to these vagaries, I guess.  In don't see a 6K in my 
future at this time.


Thanks again for your insight.

Patrick AF5CK

-Original Message- 
From: a...@aol.com

Sent: Sunday, June 16, 2013 2:26 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] E C H O ECHO echo

Patrick,

Did you receive any system updates following the last successful operation 
of your Flex radio? I've experienced more works one day but not the next 
caused by operating system updates than anything.


I experienced a sound card issue at one time caused by an update.  The OS 
updated, and that update causes an issue with the sound card when using 
certain programs. I had to manually update the sound card driver to 
compensate for the OS update.


Maybe something you might want to check.

73


On Jun 16, 2013, at 9:08 AM, Patrick Greenlee patric...@windstream.net 
wrote:


Wayne, I immediately suspected RFI as well but... How can I have RFI with 
the drive set to zero and a dummy load on the output?  That should 
seriously reduce the RF available to make I.  Either of these actions 
should eliminate any near field problems but with belt and suspenders, 
dummy load and zero drive how can I have RFI?


Everything is bonded together with braid from every component going to a 
common connection and then to a 8 ft ground rod only 3 ft from the rig. (I 
drilled a hole in the slab floor and put in a ground rod.)


One evening it works great and the next morning (and subsequently) it is 
reverb city.


Argh...

Patrick AF5CK

-Original Message- From: k4...@fastmail.fm
Sent: Saturday, June 15, 2013 5:39 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] E C H O ECHO echo

Patrick, I had the same problem with my 5000 and it turned out to be
rfi.
Some station rewiring and reorienting the antenna further away from the
shack solved the problem.

73
Wayne
K4ELO


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Re: [Flexradio] Flex 5000A and RFI

[Patrick Greenlee]

Freon compressors in HVAC systems take something on the order of 30 min or 
longer to achieve their design efficiency.  Over sized units or units 
running in marginally needed circumstances cool the space, satisfying the 
thermostat but not circulating much air over the evaporator coils so they 
don't dehumidify very well.  A smaller unit will run longer (especially run 
longer after achieving its design efficiency) and do a much better job of 
dehumidifying.  Proper dehumidification reduces the need for lower 
thermostat settings to achieve equivalent comfort.  Also the smaller unit 
has many fewer starts and stops which contribute to their longevity as well 
as spending a higher percentage of their time running after getting up on 
their efficiency curve.


Most HVAC contractors are salesmen/installers, not HVAC engineers.  They 
make more money selling you a larger unit and get fewer callbacks because 
they do  cool the space.  Unfortunately they don't do the job as well or as 
economically regarding running costs or equipment repair costs as a right 
sized unit.  How to right size the unit with unpredictable demand?


Multiple compressors, variable speed compressors, or multi-speed compressors 
are all approaches used to match cooling capacity to a moving target and 
save on running and maint costs.


Multi-compressor setups should be no more RFI prone than the occasional 
start or stop transient of a contactor making or breaking,  Ditto for 
multi-speed units.  However, variable speed units can have widely varying 
RFI signatures depending on how the speed controller is designed.  Seems 
from what I read here that no one is experiencing RFI from their variable 
speed units.


The RFI generated when an electromechanical contactor makes or breaks can be 
eliminated by replacing the electromechanical contactors (HD relays) with 
solid state relays than make at the zero crossing of the voltage waveform 
and therefore don't make sparks and break at the zero crossing of the 
current waveform and again do not make sparks (switching transients.) Solid 
state relays designed to do the above are available as COTS (Commercial Off 
The Shelf) equipment from multiple suppliers.


I have three reversible heat pumps, one of which is geothermal, and hydronic 
heat with zone controllers, remote control air duct dampers and water valves 
and so I have a multitude of things switching on and off and am glad to 
report I have not noticed any RFI from these sources.  I can hear my 
electric fence but not so strongly that it interferes with an otherwise 
readable signal (most of the time) but on occasion if it rains and some 
plant wet with rain leans over near a hot wire it will arc and generate a 
stronger RFI.  The fence operates at or above 10,000 volts and is a low 
impedance source, pulsing at about a rate of about 1 pulse per second.


I think wall warts are the source of the little mice I see running to and 
fro across my pan scope on the F5KA but they very rarely interfere enough to 
warrant taking action against them.


Patrick AF5CK

-Original Message- 
From: Jon Hall

Sent: Wednesday, June 19, 2013 7:05 PM
To: Terry Fox
Cc: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Flex 5000A and RFI

I think the idea with the inverter technology compressors is that they vary
the compressor speed to maintain the temperature instead of cycling the
compressor on and off. The Mitsubishi unit I have runs the fan continuously
and the compressor drops to very low speed to maintain temperature. It's
how they are able to achieve 20+ SEER ratings.

Jon...kf2e


On Wed, Jun 19, 2013 at 1:53 PM, Terry Fox t...@knology.net wrote:


Not directly related, but I have a Chigo ductless mini-split here in the
shack.  The problem that I had with it is that in cool mode, the fan is
always running while the compressor turns on and off as necessary.  It has
a handheld remote control, so I figured out (with a LOT of Internet help)
the IR coding to turn the whole unit on and off.  I now have an Arduino
with a small temperature probe that turns the Chigo on at a programmable
temperature, and turns it off at a lower settable temp.

I'm still playing with the user interface software.  I'm using a 2x16 LCD
and five switches, similar to the popular Arduino LCD shields.  I can
provide some info if anyone is interested.
73, Terry, WB4JFI


-Original Message- From: Jon Hall
Sent: Wednesday, June 19, 2013 1:23 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Flex 5000A and RFI


I have two of the Mitsubishi split heat pump/AC units installed in the
building with my shack. I tried turning them on and off and can't see any
difference in noise levels.

Jon...kf2e
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Archives: 

Re: [Flexradio] E C H O ECHO echo

[Patrick Greenlee]

Wayne, I immediately suspected RFI as well but... How can I have RFI with 
the drive set to zero and a dummy load on the output?  That should seriously 
reduce the RF available to make I.  Either of these actions should eliminate 
any near field problems but with belt and suspenders, dummy load and zero 
drive how can I have RFI?


Everything is bonded together with braid from every component going to a 
common connection and then to a 8 ft ground rod only 3 ft from the rig. (I 
drilled a hole in the slab floor and put in a ground rod.)


One evening it works great and the next morning (and subsequently) it is 
reverb city.


Argh...

Patrick AF5CK

-Original Message- 
From: k4...@fastmail.fm

Sent: Saturday, June 15, 2013 5:39 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] E C H O ECHO echo

Patrick, I had the same problem with my 5000 and it turned out to be
rfi.
Some station rewiring and reorienting the antenna further away from the
shack solved the problem.

73
Wayne
K4ELO


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[Flexradio] E C H O ECHO echo

[Patrick Greenlee]

I have the F5KA model with twin RX, and ATU. One evening it was working like 
a champ and the next morning it sounded like a Mexican broadcast station 
with the reverb turned way way up.


Here is the situation:

I made no intentional change to the setup and if something changed I don't 
know what it was except tremendously degraded audio on transmit resulted.


I turned off my powered speakers, plugged in the Heil headphones, and 
transmitted with the Monitor function activated.  Super reverb sounding.  It 
was suggested that I have RF in the shack and that transmitting into a dummy 
load was a good diagnostic.  It is my understanding (possibly flawed) that 
with the Drive set to zero there is no RF output and hence no RF in the 
shack. Just to be super sure and not ignore the suggestion I was given, I 
hooked output connection #1 on the Flex's back panel via a short coax to a 
dummy load.


Now when I transmit and monitor via the headphones I get the exact same 
sounding audio from the monitoring.  This makes me think that perhaps it 
isn't an RF in the shack problem as had been suggested to me.


Another suggestion I got was to record a good sounding signal off the air 
and retransmit it and note whether it had the distortion or not.   N O T !!! 
Sounded fine.


Digression for cause:  If you go into a quiet auditorium or theater and 
loudly clap your hands together once and count the seconds until the 
reverberation fades to inaudibility you will have measured the time it takes 
for approximately a 60dB  reduction in amplitude.  (This assumes more or 
less normal hearing.)


While in Monitor mode and listening with the Heil ProSet Elite phones I key 
the radio via the foot switch to transmit, smack the table top with my 
dinger to make an impulse noiseto be picked up by the Heil mike and it is at 
least 6 seconds before the ensuing reverberation I am listening to via the 
phones dies down to inaudibility.  I have impaired hearing so my measure is 
conservative.  Someone with good hearing would likely get more like 8 
seconds.


My microphone is a Heil PR 40 in case you were wondering.
I would like to hear any suggestions as to the cause and or cure of this 
problem, anything at all short of extraterrestrial alien intervention. 
Don't be afraid you will insult my intelligence or hurt my ego or as is so 
very very important these days negatively impact my self esteem.  Twisted 
inclined plane my ego, I just want to make it work again so I can go back to 
having fun with this terrific radio.


TIA for your consideration and assistance,

73

Patrick AF5CK



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Re: [Flexradio] FlexRadio Manual

[Patrick Greenlee]

Fools rush in... OK, someone tell me what a volunteer needs to do. If I can 
do it I will.  It would not be my first rodeo.


Better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness. And my favorite 
from Mao's Little Red Book,  A journey of a thousand miles begins with a 
single step.


Patrick AF5CK Tentative candidate volunteer.

-Original Message- 
From: Duane Reese

Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2013 12:08 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: [Flexradio] FlexRadio Manual

Jon/George,

As Neal said he is always glad to have volunteers to help with the WIKI.

As for the manual, all the updates have errata lists and it should be an
fairly easy task to take these lists and incorporate them in the manual and
the WIKI.  A good community project would be to make a list of all the
errata and then ask for help in incorporating them into the current manual.

I f one of you take the organization and management of this project I would
be glad to help with one or two of the errata lists.  Breaking it up would
get other volunteers and you could coordinate and collate all the responses
into a update?

Go for it,

Duane
N6DMR







Reply to:

  1.  Owners Manual (N1naz)
  5. Re: Owners Manual (Jon Hall)
--

Message: 1
Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 13:10:29 -0400
From: N1naz n1...@comcast.net
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: [Flexradio]  Owners Manual
Message-ID: 3080CBD2F3334CBB8B5DA915BA80C6DC@DadPC
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

Kind of unacceptable don?t you think? There has been so many changes to all
of the flex line of radios and PowerSDR that the present manuals only touch
on the basics and some of them are now very misleading or outright wrong!
More time and money needs to be spent on keeping these manuals up to date.
Even the Wiki page is out of date!

George N1NAZ

Message: 5
Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 17:36:24 -0400
From: Jon Hall jh...@hallsweb.org
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Owners Manual
Message-ID:
CA+NCKHSabcGAXHCzZCu+fHbwTRPTHdf8rTm7Wey5=gvwfk-...@mail.gmail.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Yes, the documentation is really poor. Not only are their documents all
dated, even the online resources give the appearance of neglect. It must
impact on the number of support requests they get.

For a radio that is computer centric most of the computer info on the site
is out of date as well. I looked for the fireware cards on their recommended
list from 2008 and none of them are still available.

Jon




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Re: [Flexradio] Owners Manual

[Patrick Greenlee]

Everyone has a personal opinion regarding manuals.  That is fine except 
where you think your personal preference trumps my needs.  I too would like 
a complete and up to date manual and PDF or similar is fine as I have a 
printer.  I would accept a hypertext version even though it precludes 
traditional printed copies.  After all if I don't have a computer to read 
the manual on I won't be running a Flex radio. I want a manual not a license 
to participate in a scavenger hunt trying to find a tidbit here or there. 
I'm not trying to dictate to anyone what they do with information, how they 
get it or how they store/access it but a complete manual with TOC, 
chapters, etc. is not a bad thing, traditional or hypertext.


I have managed software developments and I know that the developers prefer 
slinging code over documenting.  More functionality is nice but if the users 
can't employ it, then so what.  Here I sit with one of the niftiest products 
in the world, the true cat's meow of ham radios and I have to participate in 
an ongoing scavenger hunt for what should be in the basic documentation. I'm 
happy for the individuals who have the time to devote to find out how to use 
this technological marvel and I do appreciate it when they share their 
knowledge but if a proper manual were available mere mortals could employ 
any features available without need to sit at the feet of the priesthood.


I realize we are beating a dead horse and units of output will not be in 
proportion to units of input.  Ask for what you will but The Team is off 
chasing the new shiny ball and what was the new shiny ball is now a step 
child.  History will repeat itself. Corporate philosophy/culture, even in a 
young company, is a powerful influence and the most likely outcome as 
regards the manual for the new shiny ball is a repeat of the situation we 
have now. Functionality will easily win out over documentation in the 
contest for attention.  Sales are effected much more strongly by nifty 
features than by the quality of the documentation.  Wait a year and history 
will repeat itself. There will be posts bemoaning the lack of sufficient 
documentation to employ the whoopee capabilities of the 6K series.


I would be absolutely thrilled to be proven wrong but don't suspect to 
receive even mild titillation.


Regarding the idea that the concept of centralized and complete 
documentation is obsolete...  BOVINE EXCREMENT!!!  If you think the 
maintainers and operators of the nation's warfighting capability are reduced 
to web searches and burning incense at the shrine of self appointed gurus 
you are out of touch with reality.  Many manuals are electronic now but 
still complete.  You don't maintain a joint strike fighter, or even a 
predator drone by looking around the internet to find  bits of data to put 
in your iPad.RANT: MODE=OFF


Patrick AF5CK

-Original Message- 
From: Bill Tynan

Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2013 7:06 PM
To: John Kramer ; Gedas
Cc: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Owners Manual

John:

I'm sure that Goodreader and Apple must be better at storing things than
Windows with Outlook Express and/or Windows Live Mail. I lost all of the
many files I had stored. I don't even know what the last OSCAR number issued
was, and I am in charge of issuing OSCAR numbers.

73,

Bill Tynan, W3XO

--
From: John Kramer jkra...@iafrica.com
Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2013 4:48 PM
To: Gedas w8...@mchsi.com
Cc: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Owners Manual

With the introduction of the Apple iPad tablet, I now have ALL my 
manuals/service manuals etc all on my tablet.
There is an app called Goodreader for the iPad. Make files in Goodreader 
for the various manufacturers, and
download your manuals off the internet and into your iPad. Generally 
speaking, my iPad is always with me
wherever I go, so ALL my manuals including VHF/UHF HT, mobile, HF, 
amplifiers, ATU, noise cancelling units
etc etc are all on there, and easy and quick to get to. I also have lots 
of other ham apps on the tablet, so it is really

convenient to have everything on there and take it with me.
All new manuals that arrive in the boxes, stay untouched and go into my 
filing cabinet, and remain in new

condition - something that buyers appreciate if I sell the item one day

73
John, ZS5J



On 26 May 2013, at 11:21 PM, Gedas w8...@mchsi.com wrote:

George gets a Gold star IMO !  Exactly my thoughts.  There are tons of 
things I wish I knew more about my radio to make it even more enjoyable. 
Many times I am forced to go hunting for tips  tidbits using forums, 
online groups,  over-the-air nets in the hopes of getting an answer. The 
process can take days or even weeks !  And even then the info found is 
usually not directly from Flex so who knows if it is right.  What's wrong 
with putting it in hard writing once in a while ? An updated manual is 
not asking for too much 

Re: [Flexradio] Owners Manual

[Patrick Greenlee]

Not to worry re the F5K as there is a body of knowledge out there sufficient to 
do well with it. Pity it isn’t organized better but that is the reality. The 
F5K is, and will become more so, the best radio for the buck EVER thus far.  
Don’t expect the market to be saturated and prices to drop precipitously as 
there are lots of folks out there who will be happy to buy a used F5K.  There 
are already a fair number of folks selling F5K in prep for delivery of their 
6K.  Prices are fair, just not super low like there was a reason to panic and 
dump the F5K’s as there isn’t.  I know of people who are still waiting for 
color TV to be perfected before they buy one. Folks of that ilk will likely 
still be waiting when the next new shiny ball beyond the 6K is announced.  
There is no final end to improvements.  At some point the smart thing to do is 
to buy into the technology you want.  Or if you want wait till the 8K comes out 
and the 7K prices fall.

Patrick AF5CK

From: Edwin Marzan 
Sent: Monday, May 27, 2013 1:29 PM
To: Patrick Greenlee ; flexRadio@flex-radio.biz 
Subject: RE: [Flexradio] Owners Manual

I plan to pick up one of the many Flex 5000A's that will become available when 
the new game  changer radios are finally shipped. After reading these posts I 
am a bit concerned...


 From: patric...@windstream.net
 To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
 Date: Mon, 27 May 2013 07:53:16 -0500
 Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Owners Manual
 
 Everyone has a personal opinion regarding manuals. That is fine except 
 where you think your personal preference trumps my needs. I too would like 
 a complete and up to date manual and PDF or similar is fine as I have a 
 printer. I would accept a hypertext version even though it precludes 
 traditional printed copies. After all if I don't have a computer to read 
 the manual on I won't be running a Flex radio. I want a manual not a license 
 to participate in a scavenger hunt trying to find a tidbit here or there. 
 I'm not trying to dictate to anyone what they do with information, how they 
 get it or how they store/access it but a complete manual with TOC, 
 chapters, etc. is not a bad thing, traditional or hypertext.
 
 I have managed software developments and I know that the developers prefer 
 slinging code over documenting. More functionality is nice but if the users 
 can't employ it, then so what. Here I sit with one of the niftiest products 
 in the world, the true cat's meow of ham radios and I have to participate in 
 an ongoing scavenger hunt for what should be in the basic documentation. I'm 
 happy for the individuals who have the time to devote to find out how to use 
 this technological marvel and I do appreciate it when they share their 
 knowledge but if a proper manual were available mere mortals could employ 
 any features available without need to sit at the feet of the priesthood.
 
 I realize we are beating a dead horse and units of output will not be in 
 proportion to units of input. Ask for what you will but The Team is off 
 chasing the new shiny ball and what was the new shiny ball is now a step 
 child. History will repeat itself. Corporate philosophy/culture, even in a 
 young company, is a powerful influence and the most likely outcome as 
 regards the manual for the new shiny ball is a repeat of the situation we 
 have now. Functionality will easily win out over documentation in the 
 contest for attention. Sales are effected much more strongly by nifty 
 features than by the quality of the documentation. Wait a year and history 
 will repeat itself. There will be posts bemoaning the lack of sufficient 
 documentation to employ the whoopee capabilities of the 6K series.
 
 I would be absolutely thrilled to be proven wrong but don't suspect to 
 receive even mild titillation.
 
 Regarding the idea that the concept of centralized and complete 
 documentation is obsolete... BOVINE EXCREMENT!!! If you think the 
 maintainers and operators of the nation's warfighting capability are reduced 
 to web searches and burning incense at the shrine of self appointed gurus 
 you are out of touch with reality. Many manuals are electronic now but 
 still complete. You don't maintain a joint strike fighter, or even a 
 predator drone by looking around the internet to find bits of data to put 
 in your iPad. RANT: MODE=OFF
 
 Patrick AF5CK
 
 -Original Message- 
 From: Bill Tynan
 Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2013 7:06 PM
 To: John Kramer ; Gedas
 Cc: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
 Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Owners Manual
 
 John:
 
 I'm sure that Goodreader and Apple must be better at storing things than
 Windows with Outlook Express and/or Windows Live Mail. I lost all of the
 many files I had stored. I don't even know what the last OSCAR number issued
 was, and I am in charge of issuing OSCAR numbers.
 
 73,
 
 Bill Tynan, W3XO
 
 --
 From: John Kramer jkra...@iafrica.com
 Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2013 4:48 PM
 To: Gedas w8

Re: [Flexradio] The Dirty Little Secret of Firmware

[Patrick Greenlee]

OK, no new cases.  What if Flex stopped releasing newer better versions of 
Power SDR?  Many of us would not be particularly bothered.  Power SDR with 
all its current shortcomings (whatever you perceive them to be) is currently 
pretty darned good.  What makes you think the 5000 couldn't be supported for 
a good long time? How many radio cases have you ever seen wear out? Software 
doesn't wear out. Current owners should not panic as the end of the world is 
not upon us. It is unlikely that SSB, AM, CW, RTTY, and other currently 
supported digital modes will be replaced by new modes the 5000 won't do.


I had a Hayes brand 300 baud telephone modem.  I did not wear out its case. 
It worked flawlessly until taken out of service and replaced by a 1200 baud 
unit with syllabic rate voice detection which in turn was replaced by newer 
technology (lather, rinse, repeat.)  The  Hayes is still perfectly operable, 
just not compatible with current speed modems.  I still have my HP-45 pocket 
calculator and it works fine when taken out of its presentation case. It 
still does everything it ever did which was and is a lot, just not as much 
as a considerably cheaper Casio or TI.


So long as the Flex 5000 on my desk works and (heaven forbid) I don't wear 
out the case, it can continue to do what it has been doing, working quite 
well on all the modes of interest to me.  At some point the 5000 may be as 
obsolete as the Hayes 300 baud modem but that is not in the foreseeable 
future even if the current release of Power SDR is the last release ever. In 
some ways I like the 5000 better as it is a better fit to MY REQUIREMENTS. 
We don't drive a Ferrari or a Lamborghini and we find the Prius to be a 
better fit to our requirements.


Stopping production of the 5000 does not make ours less useable, it just 
deprives others the joy of having one.  Others will have to look to Apache 
or whomever if they won't/can't spend the $ for a 6000 series.  Get over it.


Life is hard and then you die. In the interim (the hard part) deal with 
reality as best you can.


Maybe if we are lucky, if/when Flex stops supporting Power SDR they will go 
public with the source code and some of us will be able to craft some 
enhancements for ourselves and maybe others.


In nature it is adapt or die.  I invite you to do as I do, wish for the best 
but deal with reality.


Patrick AF5CK

-Original Message- 
From: Les Rayburn

Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 1:50 PM
To: Ron Kolarik
Cc: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] The Dirty Little Secret of Firmware

I disagree.

SDR changes the paradigm because it would allow a manufacturer to offer
bands like 222 or 902 that are not available worldwide at an affordable
cost. It also allows
a single RF deck to serve the many multiple facets of amateur radio such
as weak signal work, satellites, digital modes like D-STAR, FM, APRS,
even Digital ATV with suitable software.

With the exception of the Yeasu FT-736R, no rig has ever bee offered
that covered all VHF bands up to 1296 (and even it skipped 902). I think
such a radio would
sell very well indeed.


--
--
73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF
121 Mayfair Park
Maylene, AL 35114
EM63nf

6M VUCC #1712
AMSAT #38965
Grid Bandits #222
Southeastern VHF Society
Central States VHF Society Life Member
Six Club #2484

Active on 6 Meters thru 1296, 10GHz  Light


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[Flexradio] Support for automatic band switching of linear

[Patrick Greenlee]

Please excuse me for not finding the answer to this question before posting 
here but I did try for a while (wiki is silent on this) Googled too but no 
joy.


I have a Tokyo High Power Solid State Linear Amplifier Model HL-1.5KFX that 
can easily be interfaced to any of the big three rice burners, Icom, Yaesu, 
or Kenwood for automatic band switching by using the appropriate accessory 
cable.


I use the amp with my F5KA and have been manually switching bands on the 
amp.  It works but this is klunky and dependent on my memory (not 100% 
reliable and not likely to improve over time.) I believe I recall something 
about there being software to support programing automatic band switching 
with this combination of equipment (Flex5000A and Tokyo HP HL-1.5KFX.)


Am I hallucinating or is there software available capable of being programed 
to do this.


If yes, what is it called?

If not then why not?

Shouldn't this be eminently doable?

TIA for any consideration and 73 from

Patrick AF5CK


-Original Message- 
From: John Seney

Sent: Friday, May 10, 2013 1:14 PM
To: FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: [Flexradio] Sold Flex 5000A $2375

Thanks to the list - Have a great weekend and good DX!

73,

WD1V - Manchester, NH


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Re: [Flexradio] Support for automatic band switching of linear

[Patrick Greenlee]

Thanks bunches, Wayne.  I'm off to get the latest and greatest 2.x.x 
release. I read the notes on it and it seems to be good stuff.


On another topic... would you mind sharing your thoughts and or practices 
regarding ALC when you were running the Flex into the THP amp?  For 
instance, If you monitored the ALC value on the flex TX meter (upper right 
corner of the display to the right of S Meter) How much is too much?


Patrick AF5CK

-Original Message- 
From: k4...@fastmail.fm

Sent: Friday, May 10, 2013 1:55 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Support for automatic band switching of linear

When I had that combo running, I used DDUtil to connect to the amp for
auto band switching.  Set the THP for Kenwood - should work fine, it did
for me.

73
Wayne
K4ELO

On Fri, May 10, 2013, at 01:40 PM, Patrick Greenlee wrote:

Please excuse me for not finding the answer to this question before
posting
here but I did try for a while (wiki is silent on this) Googled too but
no
joy.

I have a Tokyo High Power Solid State Linear Amplifier Model HL-1.5KFX
that
can easily be interfaced to any of the big three rice burners, Icom,
Yaesu,
or Kenwood for automatic band switching by using the appropriate
accessory
cable.

I use the amp with my F5KA and have been manually switching bands on the
amp.  It works but this is klunky and dependent on my memory (not 100%
reliable and not likely to improve over time.) I believe I recall
something
about there being software to support programing automatic band switching
with this combination of equipment (Flex5000A and Tokyo HP HL-1.5KFX.)

Am I hallucinating or is there software available capable of being
programed
to do this.

If yes, what is it called?

If not then why not?

Shouldn't this be eminently doable?

TIA for any consideration and 73 from

Patrick AF5CK


-Original Message- 
From: John Seney

Sent: Friday, May 10, 2013 1:14 PM
To: FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: [Flexradio] Sold Flex 5000A $2375

Thanks to the list - Have a great weekend and good DX!

73,

WD1V - Manchester, NH


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Re: [Flexradio] Temp display short cut?

[Patrick Greenlee]

Agreed, Tim.  IEEE1394 specs are not in FlexRadio’s control.  I am just griping 
about the ease of bumping a cable and maybe dislodging the connector. Not your 
fault. I have seen no other traffic on this item so maybe it is just me 
worrying too much over a non problem.  If I were the commissar of connectors 
for IEEE their would be a more positive physical connection, perhaps as an 
optional accessory.

Anyway the important part is that my F5K is working non stop with no glitches 
since Mon PM.  Case closed, kudos to Dudley the wizard.

Patrick   AF5CK

From: Tim Ellison 
Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 3:26 PM
To: Patrick Greenlee 
Cc: flexradio@flex-radio.biz 
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Temp display short cut?

Understood.B GL with the new cable.


Tim Ellison
On 5/6/2013 4:20 PM, Patrick Greenlee wrote:

  OOPS... Sorry Tim, et al... I forgot to mention that Dudley covered that with 
me as well.B If I have any crashes with the new cable I will try other slots as 
Dudley and now you recommend.B I am much more interested in having it work OK 
than understanding why it doesnb t.
  B 
  Like when being bit by a dog. I care more about making him stop biting than 
understanding why he he bites. Once the biting is stopped THEN I might be 
interested in why he was biting.
  B 
  Patrick AF5CK
  B 
  From: Tim Ellison 
  Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 2:09 PM
  To: Patrick Greenlee 
  Cc: flexradio@flex-radio.biz 
  Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Temp display short cut?
  B 
  Patrick,

  There is one other thing that you can try that we have found to work on i7 
PCs, but I would not try it until you know if the new cable is going to help.

  There is a PCIe bus timing problem we have discovered with some i7 PCs.B We 
have found that plugging the PCIe 1x Firewire card into an empty 8x or 16x 
slot, can resolve connectivity and intermittent problems.B We are not sure what 
causes this.B It may be overclocking that the BIOS does by default or something 
else.

  The Firewire connectors and how they fit are beyond our control.B They are to 
specification as per the IEEE.B Because they are recessed connectors, I do not 
think there is a connectivity issue at play here.


  Tim Ellison
  On 5/6/2013 2:56 PM, Patrick Greenlee wrote:

Tim, Yes it is an i7 AND I have gone through the recommended sleep 
deprivation therapy advised by the home team at flex.B I also just moments ago 
plugged in the new firewire cable Dudley had mailed out to me and transferred 
the snap-open/closed ferrites to the new one at the computer end as instructed. 

Radio is working so all I can do now is observe the MTBF with the new 
cable. As instructed by Dudley I have installed the legacy driver.B I think 
that until or unless there is further malfunction we are in a wait and see 
monitoring mode. 

If there is anything else regarding i7 besides the sleep issue please tell 
me what to do. 
Thanks for jumping in, you guys are as good as it gets in customer service 
without being a close blood relative. 

Not a failing of Flex but I am less than happy with the wishyB washy 
seating of the firewire connector at the radio and the computer end. I wish it 
had a thumbscrew or wire bail or something to secure it better to the computer 
and the radio. It needs a more positive retention system.B Maybe I should get 
some of those peel-off adhesive pads that accept snap ties and put one on 
either side of the IEEE 1394 sockets and use a plastic wire tie or little bread 
wrapper twisty to hold the connector a bit more positively. Perhaps I obsess 
too much.B Of late I have had a couple folks compare me to a character on the 
TV series The Big Bang Theory. The shoe may not be exactly my size but it 
isn't that bad of a fit. 

73, 

Patrick AF5CK 

-Original Message- From: Tim Ellison 
Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 7:03 AM 
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz 
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Temp display short cut? 

Is your PC an i7? 

Tim Ellison 
On 5/5/2013 2:16 PM, Patrick Greenlee wrote: 

  In the manner of our late great prez RMN, Let me make one thing 
perfectly clear! This post is NOT a vote of no confidence for Dudley who is a 
Flex Wizard.B I'm just querying the brain trust just in case someone may have 
useful input. This august group has a lot of grey matter in fine working order 
and may think of something overlooked. 

  I have an F5K which has been working really swell for months with no 
problems encountered loading new S/W releases.B I'm not doing anything fancy, 
just SSB using only one of the RCVRs. I upgraded to the latest S/W and then... 
Everything works fine again except PSDR crashes at random but frequent 
intervals.B Sometimes throwing an error window about an external device raising 
an exception and sometimes not.B Sometimes cycling the on/off on-screen switch 
restores operation till another crash and sometimes that just causes the 
exception error to display.B Rebooting the computer

Re: [Flexradio] [FlexEdge] FlexRadio 6700 at Visalia IDXC 2013

[Patrick Greenlee]

I have more or less sufficient credentials to understand and appreciate the 
software development for the Flex 5000 and have no reason to think the 6000 
series won't be of similar quality. I have a BS in computer science and a MS 
in software engineering and taught S/W engineering to computer science 
seniors in the BSCS university program's evening classes as well as senior 
projects classes. I know good work when I run it.


The two most impressive pieces of software I have encountered lately are 
(alphabetical order, no quality comparison intended): Power SDR and the 
Toyota Prius Hybrid control software.  This is not to say the fly by wire 
software of the Joint Strike Fighter and other programming of that ilk or 
any number of NASA programs aren't true wonders but I have no direct 
experience with those.


KUDOS to the S/W development folks behind our terrific radios.

Patrick AF5CK

-Original Message- 
From: Stu Phillips

Sent: Tuesday, May 07, 2013 8:52 AM
To: radio...@frontiernet.net
Cc: Flex Edge ; Flex Radio
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] [FlexEdge] FlexRadio 6700 at Visalia IDXC 2013

Dennis,

Key extract from my post:


Some things to keep in mind
 this was alpha level software 




AND it was 3+ weeks ago.  The world moves a lot in 3 weeks and so does
software development - if you haven't experienced the productivity and
development rate of modern software teams, a) your missing out on a great
experience and b) you don't have a frame of reference.

There was a MIC gain control and it was used to set the MIC level - but it
was externalized by the client (SmartSDR).

Unlike PowerSDR where all the UI and DSP software are combined in one
piece of software, SmartSDR is a THIN client - its basically a user
interface.

All the DSP functionality runs on a dedicated processor within the radio
itself.

So you have three key elements.
- Functionality (like Mic Gain) in the radio
- A connector to allow that to be driven over the Ethernet
- A control on the user interface to provide end user control

For Visalia, the piece that was missing was the connector.

It was a simple matter to add it but changing the spark plugs on the car
the night before the race is ill-advised.

Oh, BTW, the connector appeared the day after Convention.

Stu K6TU


On 5/7/13 5:48 AM, radio...@frontiernet.net radio...@frontiernet.net
wrote:


Boy, sounds like the SmartSDR has a long way to go if it doesn't even
have mic gain or EQ capability

Dennis KXEOO



- Original Message -
From: Stu Phillips s...@ridgelift.com
To: Flex Radio flexradio@flex-radio.biz, Flex Edge
flexe...@flex-radio.biz
Sent: Monday, May 6, 2013 9:29:53 PM
Subject: [FlexEdge] FlexRadio 6700 at Visalia IDXC 2013

Work and life intruded to make this a day late




http://bit.ly/13p5bKQ

Here's the promised post about the experiences we had with the first
on-air public appearance of the FlexRadio 6700.

Next post up - probably a few days given the work schedule this week -
more impressions of the receiver in the 6700 and running multiple
slices/panadaptors




Thanks to those who sent me their comments - some on the blog, some via
email.
Enjoy!
Stu K6TU
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Re: [Flexradio] Temp display short cut?

[Patrick Greenlee]

The radio has had no malfunction since installing the new cable. Thanks so 
much. You flex guys are the best!

I ran the radio from yesterday PM when I pout the new cable on and let it run 
overnight and it is still running just fine.  I am ecstatic (stoked for your 
guys in CA) with the service I have received.

A terrific radio brought to us by some great folks.

Patrick AF5CK
From: Tim Ellison 
Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 3:26 PM
To: Patrick Greenlee 
Cc: flexradio@flex-radio.biz 
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Temp display short cut?

Understood.B GL with the new cable.


Tim Ellison
On 5/6/2013 4:20 PM, Patrick Greenlee wrote:

  OOPS... Sorry Tim, et al... I forgot to mention that Dudley covered that with 
me as well.B If I have any crashes with the new cable I will try other slots as 
Dudley and now you recommend.B I am much more interested in having it work OK 
than understanding why it doesnb t.
  B 
  Like when being bit by a dog. I care more about making him stop biting than 
understanding why he he bites. Once the biting is stopped THEN I might be 
interested in why he was biting.
  B 
  Patrick AF5CK
  B 
  From: Tim Ellison 
  Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 2:09 PM
  To: Patrick Greenlee 
  Cc: flexradio@flex-radio.biz 
  Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Temp display short cut?
  B 
  Patrick,

  There is one other thing that you can try that we have found to work on i7 
PCs, but I would not try it until you know if the new cable is going to help.

  There is a PCIe bus timing problem we have discovered with some i7 PCs.B We 
have found that plugging the PCIe 1x Firewire card into an empty 8x or 16x 
slot, can resolve connectivity and intermittent problems.B We are not sure what 
causes this.B It may be overclocking that the BIOS does by default or something 
else.

  The Firewire connectors and how they fit are beyond our control.B They are to 
specification as per the IEEE.B Because they are recessed connectors, I do not 
think there is a connectivity issue at play here.


  Tim Ellison
  On 5/6/2013 2:56 PM, Patrick Greenlee wrote:

Tim, Yes it is an i7 AND I have gone through the recommended sleep 
deprivation therapy advised by the home team at flex.B I also just moments ago 
plugged in the new firewire cable Dudley had mailed out to me and transferred 
the snap-open/closed ferrites to the new one at the computer end as instructed. 

Radio is working so all I can do now is observe the MTBF with the new 
cable. As instructed by Dudley I have installed the legacy driver.B I think 
that until or unless there is further malfunction we are in a wait and see 
monitoring mode. 

If there is anything else regarding i7 besides the sleep issue please tell 
me what to do. 
Thanks for jumping in, you guys are as good as it gets in customer service 
without being a close blood relative. 

Not a failing of Flex but I am less than happy with the wishyB washy 
seating of the firewire connector at the radio and the computer end. I wish it 
had a thumbscrew or wire bail or something to secure it better to the computer 
and the radio. It needs a more positive retention system.B Maybe I should get 
some of those peel-off adhesive pads that accept snap ties and put one on 
either side of the IEEE 1394 sockets and use a plastic wire tie or little bread 
wrapper twisty to hold the connector a bit more positively. Perhaps I obsess 
too much.B Of late I have had a couple folks compare me to a character on the 
TV series The Big Bang Theory. The shoe may not be exactly my size but it 
isn't that bad of a fit. 

73, 

Patrick AF5CK 

-Original Message- From: Tim Ellison 
Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 7:03 AM 
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz 
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Temp display short cut? 

Is your PC an i7? 

Tim Ellison 
On 5/5/2013 2:16 PM, Patrick Greenlee wrote: 

  In the manner of our late great prez RMN, Let me make one thing 
perfectly clear! This post is NOT a vote of no confidence for Dudley who is a 
Flex Wizard.B I'm just querying the brain trust just in case someone may have 
useful input. This august group has a lot of grey matter in fine working order 
and may think of something overlooked. 

  I have an F5K which has been working really swell for months with no 
problems encountered loading new S/W releases.B I'm not doing anything fancy, 
just SSB using only one of the RCVRs. I upgraded to the latest S/W and then... 
Everything works fine again except PSDR crashes at random but frequent 
intervals.B Sometimes throwing an error window about an external device raising 
an exception and sometimes not.B Sometimes cycling the on/off on-screen switch 
restores operation till another crash and sometimes that just causes the 
exception error to display.B Rebooting the computer and or just restarting PSDR 
seems to have the same result making no difference. 

  By telephone Dudley professionally guided me through installing the 
legacy 1394 driver

Re: [Flexradio] Temp display short cut?

[Patrick Greenlee]

Tim, Yes it is an i7 AND I have gone through the recommended sleep 
deprivation therapy advised by the home team at flex.  I also just moments 
ago plugged in the new firewire cable Dudley had mailed out to me and 
transferred the snap-open/closed ferrites to the new one at the computer end 
as instructed.


Radio is working so all I can do now is observe the MTBF with the new cable. 
As instructed by Dudley I have installed the legacy driver.  I think that 
until or unless there is further malfunction we are in a wait and see 
monitoring mode.


If there is anything else regarding i7 besides the sleep issue please tell 
me what to do.
Thanks for jumping in, you guys are as good as it gets in customer service 
without being a close blood relative.


Not a failing of Flex but I am less than happy with the wishy  washy seating 
of the firewire connector at the radio and the computer end. I wish it had a 
thumbscrew or wire bail or something to secure it better to the computer and 
the radio. It needs a more positive retention system.  Maybe I should get 
some of those peel-off adhesive pads that accept snap ties and put one on 
either side of the IEEE 1394 sockets and use a plastic wire tie or little 
bread wrapper twisty to hold the connector a bit more positively. Perhaps I 
obsess too much.  Of late I have had a couple folks compare me to a 
character on the TV series The Big Bang Theory. The shoe may not be 
exactly my size but it isn't that bad of a fit.


73,

Patrick AF5CK

-Original Message- 
From: Tim Ellison

Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 7:03 AM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Temp display short cut?

Is your PC an i7?

Tim Ellison
On 5/5/2013 2:16 PM, Patrick Greenlee wrote:
In the manner of our late great prez RMN, Let me make one thing perfectly 
clear! This post is NOT a vote of no confidence for Dudley who is a Flex 
Wizard.  I'm just querying the brain trust just in case someone may have 
useful input. This august group has a lot of grey matter in fine working 
order and may think of something overlooked.


I have an F5K which has been working really swell for months with no 
problems encountered loading new S/W releases.  I'm not doing anything 
fancy, just SSB using only one of the RCVRs. I upgraded to the latest S/W 
and then... Everything works fine again except PSDR crashes at random but 
frequent intervals.  Sometimes throwing an error window about an external 
device raising an exception and sometimes not.  Sometimes cycling the 
on/off on-screen switch restores operation till another crash and 
sometimes that just causes the exception error to display.  Rebooting the 
computer and or just restarting PSDR seems to have the same result making 
no difference.


By telephone Dudley professionally guided me through installing the 
legacy 1394 driver and confirmed that I have a good TI chipset.  It is 
capable of bidirectional streaming at the 800 data rate whereas the F5K is 
now streaming both ways full time at 400 data rate vice the previous S/W 
release using interrupt driven service for the 1394 data. Dudley told me 
this new demand on the firewire interface is even more demanding of a 
good cable and the driver.  So, Dudley is having a new cable mailed to 
me to arrive real soon now.


Yesterday the MTBF for crashing was on the order of a couple hours whereas 
before Dudley's intervention it was on the order of a couple minutes. 
This afternoon things took a turn for the worse. Invoking PSDR and 
clicking on [Start] in Panafall display mode gives a uniform Pink 
waterfall that moves down ward at the normal rate filling the entire space 
with a nice restful pink. There is no audio. Repetitively clicking the 
[Start/Stop] on-screen button doesn't elicit different behavior.


Suggestions?

Patrick AF5CK

-Original Message- From: Les Keppie
Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2013 5:32 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Temp display short cut?

Ctl and Shift together  then I



On Thu, 14 Feb 2013 10:27:25 +1100, Steven Hess flameb...@gmail.com
wrote:


What is the keystroke combo to get the temperature pop-up displayed in
PSDR? My mind has gone blank.

Steven






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Re: [Flexradio] Temp display short cut?

[Patrick Greenlee]

Jim, I'm not a guru but in the info Flex has is instructions on how to keep 
the i7 from putting some of the cores to sleep when not tasked.  Putting 
unused cores to sleep saves power (Energy Star consideration) but has 
overhead/latency in going that route.  The info tells you how to setup so 
they all stay awake.


73,

Patrick AF5CK

-Original Message- 
From: Jim Barber

Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 12:49 PM
To: omni...@gmail.com
Cc: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Temp display short cut?

:-)

That made my day, thanks.

I should have asked what the specific potential issues were with the i7. 
Dudley mentioned a couple that I can check into. I ask because I have a 
5000A running with an i7, as well as several pro-audio workstations with 
various models of that processor.  If there are bonafide issues with them or 
the associated chipsets then I would like to know what they are.


73,
Jim N7CXI



Sent from mobile wireless



 Original message 
From: William H. Fite omni...@gmail.com
Date: 05/06/2013  10:30 AM  (GMT-08:00)
To: Jim Barber audio...@q.com
Cc: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Temp display short cut?

It is a category of CPUs made by Intel.

On Mon, May 6, 2013 at 12:28 PM, Jim Barber audio...@q.com wrote:
Ok, I'll bite. If its not too much of a distraction what does the reference 
to the i7 mean?


73,
Jim N7CXI

Sent from mobile wireless



 Original message 
From: Tim Ellison t.m.ellison...@gmail.com
Date: 05/06/2013  5:03 AM  (GMT-08:00)
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Temp display short cut?

Is your PC an i7?

Tim Ellison
On 5/5/2013 2:16 PM, Patrick Greenlee wrote:

In the manner of our late great prez RMN, Let me make one thing
perfectly clear! This post is NOT a vote of no confidence for Dudley
who is a Flex Wizard.  I'm just querying the brain trust just in case
someone may have useful input. This august group has a lot of grey
matter in fine working order and may think of something overlooked.

I have an F5K which has been working really swell for months with no
problems encountered loading new S/W releases.  I'm not doing anything
fancy, just SSB using only one of the RCVRs. I upgraded to the latest
S/W and then... Everything works fine again except PSDR crashes at
random but frequent intervals.  Sometimes throwing an error window
about an external device raising an exception and sometimes not.
Sometimes cycling the on/off on-screen switch restores operation till
another crash and sometimes that just causes the exception error to
display.  Rebooting the computer and or just restarting PSDR seems to
have the same result making no difference.

By telephone Dudley professionally guided me through installing the
legacy 1394 driver and confirmed that I have a good TI chipset.  It
is capable of bidirectional streaming at the 800 data rate whereas the
F5K is now streaming both ways full time at 400 data rate vice the
previous S/W release using interrupt driven service for the 1394 data.
Dudley told me this new demand on the firewire interface is even more
demanding of a good cable and the driver.  So, Dudley is having a
new cable mailed to me to arrive real soon now.

Yesterday the MTBF for crashing was on the order of a couple hours
whereas before Dudley's intervention it was on the order of a couple
minutes.  This afternoon things took a turn for the worse. Invoking
PSDR and clicking on [Start] in Panafall display mode gives a uniform
Pink waterfall that moves down ward at the normal rate filling the
entire space with a nice restful pink. There is no audio. Repetitively
clicking the [Start/Stop] on-screen button doesn't elicit different
behavior.

Suggestions?

Patrick AF5CK

-Original Message- From: Les Keppie
Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2013 5:32 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Temp display short cut?

Ctl and Shift together  then I



On Thu, 14 Feb 2013 10:27:25 +1100, Steven Hess flameb...@gmail.com
wrote:


What is the keystroke combo to get the temperature pop-up displayed in
PSDR? My mind has gone blank.

Steven






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Re: [Flexradio] DPC 2.6.4 VS 2.3.5 V ?

[Patrick Greenlee]

I just replaced the original provided firewire cable with a new one from 
Flex (transferring the ferrites) and it restored operation to my radio which 
got very unstable after loading in the latest S/W release. Dudley guided me 
through installing the legacy firewire driver.


It was explained to me that the prev S/W used an interrupt driven firewire 
data transfer protocol and the new release runs full 400 data rate both ways 
streaming all the time. This places a heavier demand on the firewire card, 
cable, and driver. HE instructed mem to go with the legacy driver, new 
cable he had sent, and to be sure I had a good approved firewire card.  I 
have a TI chipset capable of streaming both ways at 800 data rate.  So with 
new driver, a good card, and now a good cable I am back up and running for 
about an hour and a half with no crashing.


Patrick AF5CK

-Original Message- 
From: paim

Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 6:18 AM
To: flexe...@flex-radio.biz ; flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: [Flexradio] DPC 2.6.4 VS 2.3.5 V ?

is any one done test  the new firewire 2.6.4 vs 2.3.5 ? dpc  is the new fire 
wire any better ?
i have load one of my flex on vista 32bit  all okay but didn't done it yet 
on win7   pro  64 bit .any comment ?


vy 73
E.P  g0uut
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Re: [Flexradio] Temp display short cut?

[Patrick Greenlee]

OOPS... Sorry Tim, et al... I forgot to mention that Dudley covered that with 
me as well.  If I have any crashes with the new cable I will try other slots as 
Dudley and now you recommend.  I am much more interested in having it work OK 
than understanding why it doesn’t.

Like when being bit by a dog. I care more about making him stop biting than 
understanding why he he bites. Once the biting is stopped THEN I might be 
interested in why he was biting.

Patrick AF5CK

From: Tim Ellison 
Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 2:09 PM
To: Patrick Greenlee 
Cc: flexradio@flex-radio.biz 
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Temp display short cut?

Patrick,

There is one other thing that you can try that we have found to work on i7 PCs, 
but I would not try it until you know if the new cable is going to help.

There is a PCIe bus timing problem we have discovered with some i7 PCs.  We 
have found that plugging the PCIe 1x Firewire card into an empty 8x or 16x 
slot, can resolve connectivity and intermittent problems.  We are not sure what 
causes this.  It may be overclocking that the BIOS does by default or something 
else.

The Firewire connectors and how they fit are beyond our control.  They are to 
specification as per the IEEE.  Because they are recessed connectors, I do not 
think there is a connectivity issue at play here.


Tim Ellison
On 5/6/2013 2:56 PM, Patrick Greenlee wrote:

  Tim, Yes it is an i7 AND I have gone through the recommended sleep 
deprivation therapy advised by the home team at flex.  I also just moments ago 
plugged in the new firewire cable Dudley had mailed out to me and transferred 
the snap-open/closed ferrites to the new one at the computer end as instructed. 

  Radio is working so all I can do now is observe the MTBF with the new cable. 
As instructed by Dudley I have installed the legacy driver.  I think that 
until or unless there is further malfunction we are in a wait and see 
monitoring mode. 

  If there is anything else regarding i7 besides the sleep issue please tell me 
what to do. 
  Thanks for jumping in, you guys are as good as it gets in customer service 
without being a close blood relative. 

  Not a failing of Flex but I am less than happy with the wishy  washy seating 
of the firewire connector at the radio and the computer end. I wish it had a 
thumbscrew or wire bail or something to secure it better to the computer and 
the radio. It needs a more positive retention system.  Maybe I should get some 
of those peel-off adhesive pads that accept snap ties and put one on either 
side of the IEEE 1394 sockets and use a plastic wire tie or little bread 
wrapper twisty to hold the connector a bit more positively. Perhaps I obsess 
too much.  Of late I have had a couple folks compare me to a character on the 
TV series The Big Bang Theory. The shoe may not be exactly my size but it 
isn't that bad of a fit. 

  73, 

  Patrick AF5CK 

  -Original Message- From: Tim Ellison 
  Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 7:03 AM 
  To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz 
  Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Temp display short cut? 

  Is your PC an i7? 

  Tim Ellison 
  On 5/5/2013 2:16 PM, Patrick Greenlee wrote: 

In the manner of our late great prez RMN, Let me make one thing perfectly 
clear! This post is NOT a vote of no confidence for Dudley who is a Flex 
Wizard.  I'm just querying the brain trust just in case someone may have useful 
input. This august group has a lot of grey matter in fine working order and may 
think of something overlooked. 

I have an F5K which has been working really swell for months with no 
problems encountered loading new S/W releases.  I'm not doing anything fancy, 
just SSB using only one of the RCVRs. I upgraded to the latest S/W and then... 
Everything works fine again except PSDR crashes at random but frequent 
intervals.  Sometimes throwing an error window about an external device raising 
an exception and sometimes not.  Sometimes cycling the on/off on-screen switch 
restores operation till another crash and sometimes that just causes the 
exception error to display.  Rebooting the computer and or just restarting PSDR 
seems to have the same result making no difference. 

By telephone Dudley professionally guided me through installing the 
legacy 1394 driver and confirmed that I have a good TI chipset.  It is 
capable of bidirectional streaming at the 800 data rate whereas the F5K is now 
streaming both ways full time at 400 data rate vice the previous S/W release 
using interrupt driven service for the 1394 data. Dudley told me this new 
demand on the firewire interface is even more demanding of a good cable and 
the driver.  So, Dudley is having a new cable mailed to me to arrive real soon 
now. 

Yesterday the MTBF for crashing was on the order of a couple hours whereas 
before Dudley's intervention it was on the order of a couple minutes. This 
afternoon things took a turn for the worse. Invoking PSDR and clicking on 
[Start] in Panafall display mode

Re: [Flexradio] Temp display short cut?

[Patrick Greenlee]

In the manner of our late great prez RMN, Let me make one thing perfectly 
clear! This post is NOT a vote of no confidence for Dudley who is a Flex 
Wizard.  I'm just querying the brain trust just in case someone may have 
useful input. This august group has a lot of grey matter in fine working 
order and may think of something overlooked.


I have an F5K which has been working really swell for months with no 
problems encountered loading new S/W releases.  I'm not doing anything 
fancy, just SSB using only one of the RCVRs. I upgraded to the latest S/W 
and then... Everything works fine again except PSDR crashes at random but 
frequent intervals.  Sometimes throwing an error window about an external 
device raising an exception and sometimes not.  Sometimes cycling the on/off 
on-screen switch restores operation till another crash and sometimes that 
just causes the exception error to display.  Rebooting the computer and or 
just restarting PSDR seems to have the same result making no difference.


By telephone Dudley professionally guided me through installing the legacy 
1394 driver and confirmed that I have a good TI chipset.  It is capable of 
bidirectional streaming at the 800 data rate whereas the F5K is now 
streaming both ways full time at 400 data rate vice the previous S/W release 
using interrupt driven service for the 1394 data. Dudley told me this new 
demand on the firewire interface is even more demanding of a good cable 
and the driver.  So, Dudley is having a new cable mailed to me to arrive 
real soon now.


Yesterday the MTBF for crashing was on the order of a couple hours whereas 
before Dudley's intervention it was on the order of a couple minutes.  This 
afternoon things took a turn for the worse.  Invoking PSDR and clicking on 
[Start] in Panafall display mode gives a uniform Pink waterfall that moves 
down ward at the normal rate filling the entire space with a nice restful 
pink. There is no audio. Repetitively clicking the [Start/Stop] on-screen 
button doesn't elicit different behavior.


Suggestions?

Patrick AF5CK

-Original Message- 
From: Les Keppie

Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2013 5:32 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Temp display short cut?

Ctl and Shift together  then I



On Thu, 14 Feb 2013 10:27:25 +1100, Steven Hess flameb...@gmail.com
wrote:


What is the keystroke combo to get the temperature pop-up displayed in
PSDR? My mind has gone blank.

Steven




--
Using Opera's revolutionary email client: http://www.opera.com/mail/

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Re: [Flexradio] Temp display short cut?

[Patrick Greenlee]

Please disregard my stupid error ... my overly sensitive touch pad sent the 
mail before I changed the title and deleted the temperature stuff.

Gore was right... A mind is a terrible thing to lose.

Sorry

-Original Message- 
From: Patrick Greenlee

Sent: Sunday, May 05, 2013 1:16 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Temp display short cut?

In the manner of our late great prez RMN, Let me make one thing perfectly
clear! This post is NOT a vote of no confidence for Dudley who is a Flex
Wizard.  I'm just querying the brain trust just in case someone may have
useful input. This august group has a lot of grey matter in fine working
order and may think of something overlooked.

I have an F5K which has been working really swell for months with no
problems encountered loading new S/W releases.  I'm not doing anything
fancy, just SSB using only one of the RCVRs. I upgraded to the latest S/W
and then... Everything works fine again except PSDR crashes at random but
frequent intervals.  Sometimes throwing an error window about an external
device raising an exception and sometimes not.  Sometimes cycling the on/off
on-screen switch restores operation till another crash and sometimes that
just causes the exception error to display.  Rebooting the computer and or
just restarting PSDR seems to have the same result making no difference.

By telephone Dudley professionally guided me through installing the legacy
1394 driver and confirmed that I have a good TI chipset.  It is capable of
bidirectional streaming at the 800 data rate whereas the F5K is now
streaming both ways full time at 400 data rate vice the previous S/W release
using interrupt driven service for the 1394 data. Dudley told me this new
demand on the firewire interface is even more demanding of a good cable
and the driver.  So, Dudley is having a new cable mailed to me to arrive
real soon now.

Yesterday the MTBF for crashing was on the order of a couple hours whereas
before Dudley's intervention it was on the order of a couple minutes.  This
afternoon things took a turn for the worse.  Invoking PSDR and clicking on
[Start] in Panafall display mode gives a uniform Pink waterfall that moves
down ward at the normal rate filling the entire space with a nice restful
pink. There is no audio. Repetitively clicking the [Start/Stop] on-screen
button doesn't elicit different behavior.

Suggestions?

Patrick AF5CK

-Original Message- 
From: Les Keppie

Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2013 5:32 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Temp display short cut?

Ctl and Shift together  then I



On Thu, 14 Feb 2013 10:27:25 +1100, Steven Hess flameb...@gmail.com
wrote:


What is the keystroke combo to get the temperature pop-up displayed in
PSDR? My mind has gone blank.

Steven




--
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Re: [Flexradio] FlexRadio Digest, Vol 95, Issue 20

[Patrick Greenlee]

I have both a Samsung and an Acer side by side on the 'puter running the 
Flex5000.  Even when I have had RF in the shack problems when running a KW 
(since fixed) these monitors were not bothered nor did they contribute to 
the problem so far as I can tell.


73 and good luck

Patrick AF5CK

-Original Message- 
From: Rick Langford

Sent: Monday, March 25, 2013 12:13 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] FlexRadio Digest, Vol 95, Issue 20

Several samsungs in the shack no issues here

Also acers seem to work well also no problems with the ones I've used near 
or in the shack






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Re: [Flexradio] Eham review - K1EL VLF Converter and its Use with FlexRadios

[Patrick Greenlee]

Once upon a time a long time ago in a town far far away (San Diego) I was 
the branch head in charge of SSIXS  (Satellite Submarine Information 
Systems) for FCDSSA (Fleet Combat Direction Systems Support Activity) SSIXS 
is a message store and forward system that provides broadcast content to be 
transmitted via Navy VHF/UHF SATCOM to be received by submarines at sea (Two 
way capability.)  SSIXS also provides one way broadcast message traffic to 
the VLF keying site to send low data rate messages to submerged subs 
trailing long wire antennas as deep as 60 ft.  It is not at all unusual to 
have these VLF transmissions received from nearly any location depending on 
conditions and your receiving situation. Expect the transmissions to be 
encrypted. Oh, by the way... The British Royal Navy has a version of our 
software that we sold to them and maintain and they operate their own 
transmission sites.


For more info I suggest Jane's.

Patrick AF5CK


-Original Message- 
From: Jim Barber

Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2013 7:14 PM
Cc: Flex Radio
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Eham review - K1EL VLF Converter and its Use with 
FlexRadios


Interesting.
Probably lots of silence and nav beepings out here on the west coast, tho.

73,
Jim N7CXI

On 3/10/2013 2:13 PM, Ken Alexander wrote:

Hi Terry,

There are sixteen longwave broadcast frequencies between 153 kHz and 279 
kHz, spaced 9 kHz apart (except for 177 and 183, which have remained on 
some older layout). Several of the stations are reasonably strong here in 
Ontario (I'm in Newmarket) but less so than most shortwave broadcasters. 
All stations broadcast in their local languages, so you'll only find 
English on 198 kHz (BBC) and 252 kHz (Ireland).


When conditions are good and quiet (low K-Index) then the band wil open up 
a little and you can hear multiple stations on each frequency and weaker 
stations from eastern Europe and Russia fading in.


In addition to broadcasters there are Navtex weather broadcasts to 
shipping on 518 kHz, and DGPS (differential GPS) stations that support 
shipping navigation.  There are time stations on 60 kHz and 77 kHz and 
naval communications in encrypted digital modes down even lower.



I have had good luck with my Flex-1500 and a 500 kHz lowpass filter I 
built to keep the mediumwave broadcasters out.  I use a 6 ft diameter 
active loop antenna, which provides good reception.


73,

Ken Alexander
VE3HLS




  From: Terry Maurice ve3...@execulink.com
To: Lee Mushel herbe...@centurytel.net
Cc: vtnn...@comcast.net; Flex Radio flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2013 4:20:40 PM
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Eham review - K1EL VLF Converter and its Use with 
FlexRadios


Interesting, comments on the K1EL converter and its use with the Flex 
radios.


A question for those who have listened on the VLF bands.  Is there much in 
the way of activity there, other than beacons?  I know that these 
frequencies are used in Europe for commercial broadcasting, but are these 
signals receivable in North America other than in coastal areas?


Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks

Terry

On 09/03/2013 14:46, Lee Mushel wrote:

Zack,

I certainly wish I had known about the K1EL a few years ago when I first 
applied for membership in the MF Experimental Group.   I had one of the 
first Flex5000As and I thought that with a resource like that plus 
virtually unlimited space for an antenna that I would be able to make a 
contribution to this effort.   And I hurriedly put up a 1,500 ft. 
beverage and assembled a 12 ft. dia. loop as well.   As is indicated in 
the review you mention, I slowly and painfully learned about things like 
lack of sensitivity at low frequencies of the 5000A and what broadcast 
band images were along with the nature of filters and a lot of other 
stuff as well!  I had put together K1ELs keyer but somehow had managed 
to miss the existence of his converter! I do hope that your posting will 
save a lot of fellows the pain I went through since 500 kHz surely isn't 
anything like 80 meters!


73

Lee  K9WRUWD2XSH-32
- Original Message - From: vtnn...@comcast.net
To: Flex Radio flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Sent: Saturday, March 09, 2013 12:45 PM
Subject: [Flexradio] Eham review - K1EL VLF Converter and its Use with 
FlexRadios



Found an interesting review by K0OD about using the K1EL systems VLF 
converter with a Flex-5000.

http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/5541
K1EL http://www.k1el.com/
73
Zack
N8FNR





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Re: [Flexradio] DIY 10 MHz sources for putting Flex 5000A DEAD ON orreally close

[Patrick Greenlee]

Not dried up.  $75 or so on evilBay now.

-Original Message- 
From: Richard Solomon

Sent: Tuesday, February 19, 2013 3:59 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] DIY 10 MHz sources for putting Flex 5000A DEAD ON 
orreally close


A while back, over on the evil empire, they were selling both the
GPSDO and
RbO that were scrapped out of Agilent systems. The didn't have the inter-
connect cables, but they were easy to make.

I bought one just to experiment with, but quickly decided that for my
needs, the
GPSDO was all I needed.

Alas, they seem to have dried up.

73, Dick, W1KSZ


On 2/19/2013 12:59 PM, Jerry Flanders wrote:
I think the most important thing to remember in the Rb vs GPSDO debate is 
that without some other standard like a GPSDO or better to compare to or 
calibrate against, you never know that your Rb oscillator is actually 
on-freq. The LPRO-101 has an adjustment to vary its freq. How would I know 
that adjustment pot didn't get jostled during shipment?  Lastly, since we 
know the early Rb units were subject to failure due to aging of the Rb 
tube, how would I know the one I was considering has much life remaining ?


Bottom line - I would HAVE to be able to check/calibrate it, but against 
what primary reference?


Without a GPSDO to compare the Rb to, I think buying a Rb one would be a 
crap-shoot.  After thinking it through, I skipped the Rb step and went 
straight to the GPSDO.


Jerry W4UK

At 11:47 PM 2/18/2013, Brian Lloyd wrote:
On Mon, Feb 18, 2013 at 7:35 PM, Richard Solomon 
w1...@earthlink.netwrote:


 I also have both (two RbO's and 4 GPSDO's). I'll take the GPSDO any
day.


This is not a, which one is better, question. It is a question of what 
is

the job you are trying to do.

It is useful to understand the differences. Certainly the long-term
stability of the GPSDO is better because the reference oscillator is 
always
being corrected back to the correct time, i.e. long term number of 
cycles.

But in the short term, variations in the GPS satellite geometry can cause
the GPSDO to exhibit short-term frequency errors. Of course, long-term
these are corrected back out but if one was comparing one would notice
small short-term variations in the frequency of the GPSDO while the RbO
showed more stability. So the question is, which is more important?

Of course, could could have a GPS-disciplined Rb reference. Now you get 
the

best of both worlds, i.e. dead-nuts accurate long term stability with
outstanding short-term stability.

And the other thing that many people seem to forget about is the phase
noise of the disciplined reference oscillator. That may have substantial
effect on the performance of the receiver over and above the frequency
accuracy.

So, when it comes to the question of, which is better, an Rb reference
oscillator or a GPS disciplined oscillator, the answer is a resounding,
it depends.

I still hold that, for most people looking to increase the frequency
stability and accuracy of their Flex 1500 or 5000, an Rb reference like 
the

LPRO-101 is simpler for the following reasons:

   1. No outside GPS antenna needed.
   2. The LPRO-101 runs on a single 19V supply (I use an old laptop power
   supply) while the Thunderbolt needs +5V, +12V, and -14V. I use a cheap
   laptop DC supply to run my LPRO-101 from the shack 12V supply.
   3. The output of the LPRO-101 may be fed to the external reference 
input

   with no attenuation.
   4. The LPRO-101 has relatively low phase noise.

Like I said, I have both but find the LPRO-101 Rb reference easier to use
and its accuracy still exceeds the tuning accuracy of the radio.

--
Brian Lloyd, WB6RQN/J79BPL
3191 Western Dr.
Cameron Park, CA 95682
br...@lloyd.com
+1.767.617.1365 (Dominica)
+1.916.877.5067 (USA)
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Knowledge 

[Flexradio] DIY 10 MHz sources for putting Flex 5000A DEAD ON or really close

[Patrick Greenlee]

http://www.diyphysics.com/2012/02/14/d-i-y-10-mhz-atomic-clock-frequency-standard-using-surplus-rubidium-oscillator/

or

http://www.diyphysics.com/2012/02/19/d-i-y-gps-disciplined-10-mhz-frequency-standard-gps-based-universal-time-clock/

73,
Patrick AF5CK 



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Re: [Flexradio] Panafall artifacts and things that make me go, HMMMM...

[Patrick Greenlee]

Thank you very much for the link to the cal routine.  Maybe that will help.
I don't think the flaws I mentioned matter much but ... if I can exorcise 
the

evil things from my baby I will be happier.

Thanks again,

Patrick AF5CK

-Original Message- 
From: Dave WCDHB

Sent: Saturday, February 09, 2013 12:09 PM
To: 'Patrick Greenlee' ; flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: RE: [Flexradio] Panafall artifacts and things that make me go, 
H...


Patrick

For the Mirrored images you may want to run image calibration on both RX1  
2


http://kc.flexradio.com/KnowledgebaseArticle50140.aspx?Keywords=image+calibration



-Original Message-
From: FlexRadio [mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On Behalf Of 
Patrick Greenlee

Sent: Saturday, February 09, 2013 9:26 AM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: [Flexradio] Panafall artifacts and things that make me go, H...

F5000A with 2nd RCVR and ATU

I ordinarily operate with the panafall display.  There are several artifacts 
displayed. I donbt know if they just come with the territory or my radio is 
different. Can they be removed or reduced, or should they be ignored?  They 
donbt appear to cause operational problems but they are visual clutter and 
distracting. One of the main offenders is always about 0.8970MHz lower (to 
the left) of the tuned freq and does not vary its position with band changes 
or tuning changes or mode or...  This is the same in different bands.  When 
switching bands this trace often deposits a bright dot and then resumes its 
steady trace.  This is unchanged by preamp or other things I have tried. 
This trace is there on all bands and all modes with no antenna connected or 
with an antenna.  Careful inspection of the pan display part of the panafall 
shows a little bbumpb in level indicative of a weak but noticeable signal 
which correlates to the waterfall trace.


With no antenna the average S-Meter reading for the various bands is as 
follows:
AGC-T 120, AF 50, main rcvr audio gain at max. Using the Bose powered stereo 
spkrs with gain at max.


BanddBmperceived noise level
160   -121   vy low but distinctly audible
80-121slightly louder
60-121inaudible
40-118inaudible
30-119inaudible
20-116  low/moderate
17-115   slightly less than 20M
15-115   barely audible
12-115   loud
10-120  vy loud
6  -117 vy loud, a bit louder than 10M

Please excuse my ignorance (remember ignorance can be cured.)  Why is it 
that the audio noise doesnbt at least roughly track with the S-meter 
reading. Nothing was changed in the setup of the radio except the band when 
the above was observed. The antenna coax was bOPEN.b


I sometimes see mirror image signals on both sides of and equidistant from 
the tuned freq.  Tuning with the mouse roller back and forth in freq causes 
the mirror image freqs (observed by both pan and waterfall simultaneously 
with panafall) to move toward or away from each other as I increase and 
decrease the tuned freq.


Sometimes these equidistant mirror images are families of traces either side 
of the tuned freq and move in and out as you tune up and down (holy 
Etch-a-Sketch, Batman.)  Sometimes a mirror image pair can be made to cross 
over the tuned freg and swap sides. An entertaining light show but not what 
the radio is about.


Even with these and other unexplained phenomena I still enjoy the radio and 
if these gremlins are just part of the Flex 5000 then so be it, I will still 
enjoy this rig very much.


73,
Patrick AF5CK
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[Flexradio] Normal noise?

[Patrick Greenlee]

With my F500A using just the primary RCVR and irrespective of the antenna in 
use (haven’t tried a dummy load) when I change bands starting at 6M and 
clicking on 10, 12 etc to 40 or 80, 15M is always significantly quieter than 
all the others mentioned. This is true on my modified Hy-Gain Hy-Tower vertical 
as well as a Carolina WIndom.  I find 15M quieter than the other bands re noise 
level with the external antenna tuner in bypass or engaged (tuned or untuned) 
with either antenna or no antenna.


Is this normal?  If not, what if anything is causing this?

Any insight into this would be appreciated.

73,
Patrick AF5CK
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[Flexradio] Panafall artifacts and things that make me go, HMMMM...

[Patrick Greenlee]

F5000A with 2nd RCVR and ATU

I ordinarily operate with the panafall display.  There are several artifacts 
displayed. I don’t know if they just come with the territory or my radio is 
different. Can they be removed or reduced, or should they be ignored?  They 
don’t appear to cause operational problems but they are visual clutter and 
distracting. One of the main offenders is always about 0.8970MHz lower (to the 
left) of the tuned freq and does not vary its position with band changes or 
tuning changes or mode or...  This is the same in different bands.  When 
switching bands this trace often deposits a bright dot and then resumes its 
steady trace.  This is unchanged by preamp or other things I have tried.  This 
trace is there on all bands and all modes with no antenna connected or with an 
antenna.  Careful inspection of the pan display part of the panafall shows a 
little “bump” in level indicative of a weak but noticeable signal which 
correlates to the waterfall trace.

With no antenna the average S-Meter reading for the various bands is as follows:
AGC-T 120, AF 50, main rcvr audio gain at max. Using the Bose powered stereo 
spkrs with gain at max.

BanddBmperceived noise level 
160   -121   vy low but distinctly audible
80-121slightly louder
60-121inaudible
40-118inaudible
30-119inaudible
20-116  low/moderate
17-115   slightly less than 20M 
15-115   barely audible   
12-115   loud
10-120  vy loud
6  -117 vy loud, a bit louder than 10M

Please excuse my ignorance (remember ignorance can be cured.)  Why is it that 
the audio noise doesn’t at least roughly track with the S-meter reading. 
Nothing was changed in the setup of the radio except the band when the above 
was observed. The antenna coax was “OPEN.”

I sometimes see mirror image signals on both sides of and equidistant from the 
tuned freq.  Tuning with the mouse roller back and forth in freq causes the 
mirror image freqs (observed by both pan and waterfall simultaneously with 
panafall) to move toward or away from each other as I increase and decrease the 
tuned freq.

Sometimes these equidistant mirror images are families of traces either side of 
the tuned freq and move in and out as you tune up and down (holy Etch-a-Sketch, 
Batman.)  Sometimes a mirror image pair can be made to cross over the tuned 
freg and swap sides. An entertaining light show but not what the radio is about.

Even with these and other unexplained phenomena I still enjoy the radio and if 
these gremlins are just part of the Flex 5000 then so be it, I will still enjoy 
this rig very much.

73,
Patrick AF5CK
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Re: [Flexradio] Normal noise?

[Patrick Greenlee]

Rob, W E L L  D U - U H !!! That was easy. Thanks, I hadn’t noticed.  How 
about an EASY fix for the gremlins mentioned in my next email?

From: Rob Keijzer 
Sent: Saturday, February 09, 2013 10:02 AM
To: Patrick Greenlee 
Cc: flexradio@flex-radio.biz 
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Normal noise?

Patrick,

When you change bands do the sliders on the left move to different settings?
The positions (as well as the preamp settings) are stored on a per band basis.

That way it may seem that there is a difference in behaviour.

Rob, PA3CNT




2013/2/9 Patrick Greenlee patric...@windstream.net

  With my F500A using just the primary RCVR and irrespective of the antenna in 
use (haven’t tried a dummy load) when I change bands starting at 6M and 
clicking on 10, 12 etc to 40 or 80, 15M is always significantly quieter than 
all the others mentioned. This is true on my modified Hy-Gain Hy-Tower vertical 
as well as a Carolina WIndom.  I find 15M quieter than the other bands re noise 
level with the external antenna tuner in bypass or engaged (tuned or untuned) 
with either antenna or no antenna.


  Is this normal?  If not, what if anything is causing this?

  Any insight into this would be appreciated.

  73,
  Patrick AF5CK
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[Flexradio] Equipment grounding, s tatic discharge and such...

[Patrick Greenlee]

Would anyone recommend any changes?

I have a Flex 5000A with twin RCV and ATU sitting adjacent to my tower 
computer with Astron switching supply sitting on top of the tower.  The coax 
runs from the operating position through my wood shop to an outside wall 
where it goes outside into a plastic J-box in which there is a static 
arrestor with replaceable cartridge wired to a ground rod.  From there the 
coax goes underground in a PVC conduit to my barn where it is run inside to 
a one input -five output remote controlled coax switch and thence up to and 
through the peak of the roof to a 1:1 BALUN with coax in and wingnut/studs 
out where one side is attached to the metal roof and the other side to the 
base of the Hy-Gain Hy-tower 5 band vertical with no radials (metal bld is 
counterpoise.)  A friend recommended I drive a ground rod to ground the 
metal building and I will do that soon.


The Flex is connected to the computer via the Flex provided Firewire cable 
(came with ferrites at both ends) but the computer and Flex are not bonded 
together and neither is grounded other than their AC plugs having a ground 
connection (U-ground) and they are plugged into the same GFCI outlet.  The 
Cat 5 telephone wire I used for remote control of the 5 position coax switch 
runs in the conduit with the coax.


We have a 10 station intercom/radio that experiences very mild RFI in some 
instances.  The satellite TV RCVR and all the TV's distributed around the 
house experience no noticeable RFI. We have 12 cordless telephones plus the 
two base station phones (two systems) and experience no RFI.


Any recommended changes. additions,. or deletions?  What about adding 
another replaceable gas tube cartridge arrestor thingy at the base of the 
antenna on the coax side of the BALUN?  What about shorting one of the 
unused coax outputs on the 5 position coax switch shield to center conductor 
and bonding that to the building so hopefully a static discharge would not 
propagate toward the radio installation via the coax when the coax switch 
was switched to that position. This would require the operator to switch the 
coax switch to that Grounding position when not operating.  My thought on 
this is that it is better to blow up a 5 position coax switch than a nice 
Flex 5000A!


73 from Patrick AF5CK, standing by for comments and suggestions.



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Re: [Flexradio] Need AVC

[Patrick Greenlee]

If you don't mind a little complication you can get what you want from a 
voltage controlled amplifier, typically an audio amplifier IC whose volume 
is controlled by a DC voltage.  You rectify a sample of your audio, scale it 
with a pot and apply it to control the gain.  Depending on the component 
selected you may need to invert the sense of the control voltage.


Alternatively you can buy a COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) device intended 
to level the volume on a TV so commercials are not super loud compared to 
the program. These are readily available and not expensive. They are stereo, 
i.e. two audio channels and usually are RCA phono plug in and out. The ones 
I have used have a control to adjust how aggressive the leveling is.  Turned 
way up there are few amplitude dynamics left in the audio.


73 Patrick AF5CK

-Original Message- 
From: Robert Logan

Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2012 7:20 PM
To: David Edwards
Cc: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Need AVC

Various older Handbooks, including my 1962, have a simple circuit of diodes 
to lessen nearby blasts of audio.  It's called a noise limiter, and works 
between the audio out and the headphones on the principle of diode current 
limiting.  Not an AVC circuit but it may help.  Bob, NZ5A


Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 19, 2012, at 7:08 PM, David Edwards w...@verizon.net wrote:

Is there anyway to implement an AVC on the flex 5K? I am using 5K, powerSDR 
2.5.3, and windows 7 64 bit. When listening to weak DX that is near the 
noise floor and loud stateside stations calling your ear drums get blown out 
when the locals are calling. The AGC raises and lowers all boats. Need an 
AVC, Maybe there is some way to put one between the Flex and the speaker, 
anyone know of such a device?


thanks
de
WB1S
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Re: [Flexradio] Latency Lessons Learned-Computer Tune Ups

[Patrick Greenlee]

I have been using System Mechanic Pro for several years. It has improved 
over time from pretty good with a few glitches to really really good and 
virtually never ever even a slight hickup and never a loss of data. 
Currently I have it on 5 PC's, 3 running Win7 and two running XP. Works fine 
no problems. One of the Win7 boxes is a s--t hot custom job running the Flex 
5K.


You can elect to approve in advance before it does any of its myriad fixes 
and preventative measures but the last few years I let it automate 
everything possible and it just works.


Your mileage may vary but I like it a lot.  I freely confess I am not a PC 
wizard/guru/nerd but with a BS in computer science and a MS in software 
engineering I think I have a fair background from which to judge.  It isn't 
freeware but at about $25 a year for all the PC's in the house (unlimited 
personal use) I think it is a bargain.


73 Patrick AF5CK

-Original Message- 
From: Neal Campbell

Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2012 10:12 AM
To: tnriv...@bellsouth.net
Cc: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Latency Lessons Learned-Computer Tune Ups

To build on what Tim and Terry have to say..

Registry cleaners
I just do not believe in them and most of those speed up utilities
(especially the ones advertised on tv) bump up the number of problems
your system has with thousands of these registry conflicts. The main
argument against them is that if Microsoft thought a registry cleaner
was needed, they would have built one (or made it part of the OS and run
on a regular basis like they do the disk defragment). I have screwed so
many systems up  myself by running these things. Unless you really
really want to, I would leave them alone.

Speed up utilities
I try out almost all of these utilities and always get the feeling I am
being manipulated. I especially love the web-spam you see everywhere now
telling you how many problems you have when it has never analyzed your
system. Then, once they identify a problem, did they use best practise
in resolving it? Can you actually see how they resolved it?  The only
one I recommend is from Auslogics.com. There is another website with a
similar name that does system recovery, etc at auslogic.com but thats
not the one I am pointing you to. Go to www.auslogics.com and buy
boostspeed. It is very thorough (yes it has registry stuff for those
that really love it), rtc. It is judicious in what it recommends and
does a good jub of not doing a broad action when a feather touch is
required. I have not tried any of their other products. Based on my
satisfaction with BoostSpeed I decided to try their antivirus but its
incompatible with Anti-MalwareBytes which is my favorite virus/malware
tool so I could not try it.

DPC Sleuthing
I have been really happy to see more people sleuthing their DPC issues.
Updating drivers is usually a good thing (with the exception of
Realtek's latest GBe driver, use the 2011 one). When sleuthing:
1. Make sure you install the latest drivers for graphics device,
ethernet device, sound devices, disk controllers. Do not wait for
Microsoft to recommend a version, go to the manufacturers website and
see if they offer a driver. Use that one.
2.Disable bluetooth devices (uninstall them if you can)
3.Disable memory card reader devices (uninstall them if you can)
4. If DPCs are a recent problem, go to System Restore, find a recovery
file from a time things were working and look at the affected programs
to get a clue what additions you made to your computer and see if
anything might have introduced the issue
5. Uninstall any program you do not use.
6. Experiment! Start a program and see if DPCs go up. If so, the program
is tickling the device with a bad driver. Disable devices in the Device
Manager and see if the DPCs dramatically drop. If so, you have a
suspect! See if you can find a better driver for  it. If you cannot,
leave it disabled. Its just bad engineering.
7. If its still not fixed, you probably need an expert to look or a new
computer.
8. Just because they call themselves Geeks at Best Buy, etc. doesn't
mean they know a DPC if it hits them. Their main job is to sell you
products (really) so do not trust them completely, especially when they
recommend a new drive, computer, etc.

73
Neal
On 12/6/2012 10:16 AM, Terry N Rivers, MD wrote:

Flexers:

  I admit that 2 weeks ago I didn't know what a Delayed Procedural 
Call

(DPC) was or understand the importance of latency issues on a computer
supporting a Flex radio.

When my Flex 5000's SSB modulation became a problem on 12 and 15m I was
concerned, but thought it was a radio settings issue (and began fiddling
with sampling rates and buffer sizes).

When the modulation died on 17m as well, I began to read the reflector 
info

on signal distortion, and found a very valuable post by Tim (Aug '12)
regarding Latency Mon software and determining DPC and latency status. To 
my

horror, after the download I found that my HP i7 system was 

Re: [Flexradio] Sweeping noise/signal across band

[Patrick Greenlee]

I also see things running back and forth across the panadapter, relatively 
localized humps a few dB above background. I don't hear them when they 
transit my operating freq.  I typically operate in Panafall Mode and every 
once in a while I see a horizontal trace as some source sweeps through in 
freq.  They pique my interest but these anomalies do not interfere with my 
operation. I'll check the UPS idea as there is one in the next room and 
another on a different floor. When a band is quiet I do hear a steady 
repeated noise pulse on approximate 1 sec rep rate but I suspect it is my 
electric fence charger.  Luckily it is just noticeable and not a problem, I 
wouldn't want to risk the herd wandering where they shouldn't  because I had 
to shut down the hot wire to talk on the radio.


73 Patrick AF5CK

-Original Message- 
From: K0DAN

Sent: Saturday, December 01, 2012 7:56 PM
To: Bob Kay ; flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Sweeping noise/signal across band

Good point! I got this advice from someone earlier...but it wasnbt the UPS. 
Nor was it anything else in my QTH domain. It comes and goees but does not 
bother me too much. Part of the problem is the Flex panadaptor shows you 
stuff thatbs there but you were aware of. Drives you crazy, but not a major 
nuisance.


When trying to track down on-site QRM/QRN by using the trip-breaker 
technique, it gets dicey powering stuff (Flex + Monitor + PC) unless you 
have a totally portable station. I have a Flex 5000 I run with a PC/Monitor. 
AFAIK they are all bcleanb, but running them 100% off the power grid is 
problematic. When I substitute a battery or alternate PC, I have perhaps 
killed one noise source but introduced a new one.


I will worry about it when these noise humps are S9+. Right now they are 
below b115dM, not on all bands, and are just annoyances.


73

Dan
K0DAN

From: Bob Kay
Sent: December 01, 2012 07:48 PM
To: K0DAN
Cc: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Sweeping noise/signal across band

Check your UPS supply. You've described my situation exactly. I contacted 
UPC and they had no interest in solving it. Unplugged the UPS and the 
problem is gone.



On Saturday, December 1, 2012, K0DAN wrote:

 There can be many sources of this. First and easiest thing to do is find 
out if you're the cause of your own noise.


 If possible, power your Flex from a battery or UPS, and use a laptop under 
battery power as the PC. Then turn off all circuit breakers at your QTH and 
see if anything changes. The breaks will kill any vampire power from your 
QTH (power supplies, wall warts, HVAC fans, etc.). If the noise changes or 
goes away, now start turning circuits back on and see what brings back the 
noise. At that point you can better ID the source and look for mitigation.


 If tripping your breakers doesn't do it, it's your neighbors and/or in 
your environment, and might not be feasible to identify or resolve, esp in 
FL condo.


 GL es 73

 Dan
 K0DAN

 -Original Message- From: Steve Fowler
 Sent: December 01, 2012 04:15 PM
 To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
 Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Sweeping noise/signal across band

 Welcome to urban noise pollution!  At least that's my best guess.  I have
 switch mode power supplies in my house along with the PWM motor controller
 on my furnace that make noise like that.  The one I had that acted exactly
 like yours was a SMPS powering my security cameras.  The frequency changes
 with minor variations in the load, which causes the drifting you see, and
 the long wires feeding my cameras make great transmitting antennas.  You
 can track down and reduce or eliminate the noise coming from your own
 house, but then you'll start picking it up from the neighborhood and 
beyond.



 On Sat, Dec 1, 2012 at 3:50 PM, konrad schultz konra...@hotmail.com 
wrote:







   Anyone having a similar problem.  I see (on the panafall) and hear in 
the
   headphones a sweeping signal or noise that regularly and slowly goes 
across
   the band in time.  Right to left and then back.  Adds 20 db of noise to 
a
   -119 db threshold on 20M CW.   I am using my FLEX 3000 portable here at 
our
   condo in SW FL.  Ant is a portable dipole mounted on a camera tripod 
using
   two MFG 20M whips and stands 3-6 feet off the ground.   50 Ohm coax. 
New
   Lenovo laptop.  All seemed to work fine at our QTH up north on 80M 
dipole -

   which is up in two trees. Thoughts?  Best, Konrad W1KON
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Re: [Flexradio] PSDR generated broad noise on 21.076

[Patrick Greenlee]

Perhaps the wiring of the radio picks up extraneous signals which are too 
weak to retain amplitude when the dummy load is plugged in. The dummy I 
assume is about 50 ohms.  That would load weak sources pretty heavily and 
drag them down into the noise or lower especially if they were of high 
impedance origin.


73 Patrick AF5CK
--
From: Steve Sterling f...@sgsterling.com
Sent: Friday, November 30, 2012 10:44 AM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] PSDR generated broad noise on 21.076

So John-- if a mismatch can't cause the receiver front end to oscillate, 
why when I completely disconnect antenna leads from the SO-239 connectors 
in the back of my Flex 5K, totally open connection, I get wild broadband 
oscillations and spurs across the spectrum on most bands averaging -95dbm, 
but if I hook up a dummy load, it all goes away instantly, and I get a 
nice flat baseline at abt -138dbm or so?


And why when I plug in a matched antenna, those wild oscillations and 
spurs go away, and I just have normal band noise and signals? A closer 
match doesn't increase the oscillations, it makes them go away.  It's not 
power supply noise.


On 11/30/2012 7:02 AM, John Sweeney wrote:
This could be from a noisy switching power supply.  I had the kind of 
noise as described and changing power supplies cleared it up.  A good 
linear type power supply may help.  No such noise as described now, so 
not characteristic of a Flex Radio.


Could even be noise from a close by wall wort supply, even picked up with 
the dummy load.


A mismatched antenna will not cause noise on receive.  By using a closer 
matched antenna you are increasing the atmospheric noise and general 
signals to cover up the possible power supply hash noise.


73. John. N3WT.



On Nov 30, 2012, at 8:46 AM, Drax Felton draxfel...@gmail.com wrote:

I see this all the time too.  Especially pronounced on 6 meters where I 
can chase these but not tune them in as they move.


I assumed that all radios have glitches the Flex just lets you see them 
at -130db



Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 29, 2012, at 5:23 PM, Steve Sterling f...@sgsterling.com wrote:

My Flex 5000 receivers do not like off-normal (50 ohm) antenna loads. 
Unplug the antenna, or put an unmatched antenna on them and they create 
all kinds of weird oscillations, big wide humps across the spectrum.


Examples:

* short the receiver inputs, all OK, baseline down there below
  -135dbm, all bands
* put the inputs on 50 ohm dummy load, all OK, all bands
* open the antenna input (pull the line) and it goes nuts,
* hook my SteppIR up, but tuned to a different band, many times (not
  all) the receivers go nuts; same with mistuned G5RV
* tune any of the antennas anywhere close to 50 ohms-- receivers
  behave well, best I can tell (noise may be covering up any
  oscillations that are well below my local noise floor).

I just figured this is the way these receivers worked, and they don't 
effect my operations. Is the antenna you are using a good match?


Steve  WA7DUH

On 11/29/2012 1:22 PM, py...@terra.com.br wrote:

Been playing with JT65HF which on 15m is confined to the 2KHz  in USB
on 21.076.  I-ve noticed a broad noise covering just about all of that
segment and imagined it to be one more of the many noises generated by
a big city, but the other day I left the antenna disconnected and the
noise is still there!  Wonder if anyone else has noticed this and if
there is a way to make it go away or move frequency!  I´m using PSDR
2.3.5 / Windows 7 on a Flex3000 and have tried other buffer and
scanning rate settings, but nothing seemed to make a difference. It is
-126dB without an antenna and has a cyclic sound to it.73 Rolf, PY1RO
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Re: [Flexradio] Sweeping noise/signal across band

[Patrick Greenlee]

Smacking poles with a big hammer (with or without a transformer mounted on the 
pole) will also help identify loose connections which may cause interference. 
Even a portable AM broadcast band receiver can be used as the detector when 
smacking poles.  The power company may not be too anxious to believe you or 
take action but are required by law to take care of the problem.  A note to the 
FCC will eventually git 'er done if they are not interested in getting someone 
out to fix the problem.

73 Patrick AF4CK


From: Bob Kay 
Sent: Sunday, December 02, 2012 8:35 AM
To: Patrick Greenlee 
Cc: K0DAN ; flexradio@flex-radio.biz 
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Sweeping noise/signal across band


Here is how I locate it. I have an AOR 8000 portable receiver. I dial in the 
offending freq and go hunting around the house. I've located a noisy 
transformer on the pole. Smack the pole with a baseball bat. The vibration will 
usually vibrate the laminations and you will hear it! 


Sniffing the breakers will tell you what circuit it's associated with

On Sunday, December 2, 2012, Patrick Greenlee wrote:

  I also see things running back and forth across the panadapter, relatively 
localized humps a few dB above background. I don't hear them when they transit 
my operating freq.  I typically operate in Panafall Mode and every once in a 
while I see a horizontal trace as some source sweeps through in freq.  They 
pique my interest but these anomalies do not interfere with my operation. I'll 
check the UPS idea as there is one in the next room and another on a different 
floor. When a band is quiet I do hear a steady repeated noise pulse on 
approximate 1 sec rep rate but I suspect it is my electric fence charger.  
Luckily it is just noticeable and not a problem, I wouldn't want to risk the 
herd wandering where they shouldn't  because I had to shut down the hot wire to 
talk on the radio.

  73 Patrick AF5CK

  -Original Message- From: K0DAN
  Sent: Saturday, December 01, 2012 7:56 PM
  To: Bob Kay ; flexradio@flex-radio.biz
  Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Sweeping noise/signal across band

  Good point! I got this advice from someone earlier...but it wasnb  t the UPS. 
Nor was it anything else in my QTH domain. It comes and goees but does not 
bother me too much. Part of the problem is the Flex panadaptor shows you stuff 
thatb  s there but you were aware of. Drives you crazy, but not a major 
nuisance.

  When trying to track down on-site QRM/QRN by using the trip-breaker 
technique, it gets dicey powering stuff (Flex + Monitor + PC) unless you have a 
totally portable station. I have a Flex 5000 I run with a PC/Monitor. AFAIK 
they are all b  cleanb  , but running them 100% off the power grid is 
problematic. When I substitute a battery or alternate PC, I have perhaps killed 
one noise source but introduced a new one.

  I will worry about it when these noise humps are S9+. Right now they are 
below b  115dM, not on all bands, and are just annoyances.

  73

  Dan
  K0DAN

  From: Bob Kay
  Sent: December 01, 2012 07:48 PM
  To: K0DAN
  Cc: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
  Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Sweeping noise/signal across band

  Check your UPS supply. You've described my situation exactly. I contacted UPC 
and they had no interest in solving it. Unplugged the UPS and the problem is 
gone.


  On Saturday, December 1, 2012, K0DAN wrote:

   There can be many sources of this. First and easiest thing to do is find out 
if you're the cause of your own noise.

   If possible, power your Flex from a battery or UPS, and use a laptop under 
battery power as the PC. Then turn off all circuit breakers at your QTH and see 
if anything changes. The breaks will kill any vampire power from your QTH 
(power supplies, wall warts, HVAC fans, etc.). If the noise changes or goes 
away, now start turning circuits back on and see what brings back the noise. At 
that point you can better ID the source and look for mitigation.

   If tripping your breakers doesn't do it, it's your neighbors and/or in your 
environment, and might not be feasible to identify or resolve, esp in FL condo.

   GL es 73

   Dan
   K0DAN

   -Original Message- From: Steve Fowler
   Sent: December 01, 2012 04:15 PM
   To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
   Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Sweeping noise/signal across band

   Welcome to urban noise pollution!  At least that's my best guess.  I have
   switch mode power supplies in my house along with the PWM motor controller
   on my furnace that make noise like that.  The one I had that acted exactly
   like yours was a SMPS powering my security cameras.  The frequency changes
   with minor variations in the load, which causes the drifting you see, and
   the long wires feeding my cameras make great transmitting antennas.  You
   can track down and reduce or eliminate the noise coming from your own
   house, but then you'll start picking it up from the neighborhood and beyond.


   On Sat, Dec 1, 2012 at 3:50 PM, konrad

Re: [Flexradio] Lots of lightly used Flex Radios for sale.

[Patrick Greenlee]

At some point it is not, will the hardware work, but does anyone remember 
how to run/fix the hardware.  In the USAF ('63-'67) I was 
instructor-operator of an Instrument training flight sim that pretended to 
be a F-80 Shooting Star or T-33 jet trainer. It was nearly all vacuum tubes 
(including diodes) except for selenium rectifiers and a couple solid state 
devices. It was a bunch of interconnected analog computers (absolutely 
nothing digital except two position power switch ) ON/OFF.


About 10 years ago I saw one in the Fayetteville, Arkansas air museum (same 
exact make/model/variant that I used) and the docent (retired colonel) said 
some electronic engineering types from the university looked it over and 
proclaimed it non-repairable. My translation of non-repairable (after having 
inspected it) is collectively we don't have a clue about tube type analog 
computers filled with autosyns, selsyns, rate servos, position servos, 
shaped card potentiometers, and on and on... much less angle of attack, true 
flight path elevation angle and such


Radio gear can be this way too. Anyone built, used or even adjusted a 
coherer/decoherer lately?


The rate of obsolescence varies from appliance operator to tech weenie. 
When the gear is out of warranty or at least when it is old enough to not 
have a strong following it becomes unmaintainable for the appliance operator 
whereas the tech weenie might keep it going for decades.


Flex gear like the 5000 might be kept running indefinitely with the current 
release of software when there is no formal support for newer/better. Only 
if there are custom electronic devices embedded in the system for which 
there is no practical work around would maintenance get quite difficult in 
case of a failure.


I hope that if for any reason Flex abandons the software that it does the 
right thing and donates the source code to the community or at the least 
publishes the interfaces so that other software might be attempted (not 
trivial.)


If the ENTIRE program were open source there are some of us who might tinker 
a bit with it. Among the many entries in the synopsis of my checkered past 
after the physics, math, and electronic engineering of the early days (large 
rocks were still hot) came a retreading in BS computer science and MS 
software engineering. I did some time in the trenches as analyst and 
programmer and I'm not smart enough to know better than to dabble a bit in 
my dotage. I suspect there are plenty of other folks in the community whose 
capabilities and experience far exceed mine.


I suspect a Flex such as my new 5000 can last as long as I do and 
significantly longer in the hands of another tech weenie.


73 Patrick AF5CK
--
From: George Works wor...@hughes.net
Sent: Thursday, August 23, 2012 10:28 AM
Cc: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Lots of lightly used Flex Radios for sale.

Patrick, you are no doubt right on all points. There are still 50 year-old 
computers, like the IBM 1620, around in museums and I suppose they still 
work. The real issue is, will the early adopters who bought the Flex 6000 
series still be happy with 50 year old technology, or will they have long 
since replaced it with a series of shiny new radios that have 
breathtakingly better performance, and fit in a shirt pocket?

George


On 23-Aug-12 11:17, Patrick Greenlee wrote:



--


Won't the RohS solder fail in Flex before 50 years?


Availability of Win7... Firewire... etc. Obsolescence, scarcity, worry 
worry etc.


I bought a Samsung clone of a PC XT with switchable clock speeds of 4 and 
8 MHz  with an 80386 CPU around 1987 after donating my Tandy 6000 Unix 
based multi-user 'puter to the Starvation Army. Somewhere in the early 
90's I gave it to a friend complete with user friendly data base in the 
guise of an on-screen Rolodex (HP software, really nifty)


OK, flash forward to present day... He still has the computer, it still 
works fine, it is his daily user, and it his only computer. He has all 
the word processor, data base, and other productivity software he needs. 
He is NOT a New Shiny Ball kinda guy.  He is not anti-tech having been 
the Pres and CEO of a HoverCraft design and manufacturing company.  He 
also knows how to use a brace and bit, hand planes, and hand saws.


Some of us will be able to operate our Flex 5000 (and other models) long 
after the naysayers are pushing up daisys.  Old tech isn't bad tech if it 
meets the requirements. I didn't give up swimming because I'm not up 
there with the most recent incarnation of Mark Spitz or give up running 
because Prince Harry and Usain Bolt are both faster than me.  I swim well 
enough and run fast enough for my purposes and suggest that the Flex 5000 
will meet the requirements for a lot of us for decades.


73 Patrick AF5CK


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[Flexradio] Lots of lightly used Flex Radios for sale.

[Patrick Greenlee]

--


Won't the RohS solder fail in Flex before 50 years?


Availability of Win7... Firewire... etc. Obsolescence, scarcity, worry worry 
etc.


I bought a Samsung clone of a PC XT with switchable clock speeds of 4 and 8 
MHz  with an 80386 CPU around 1987 after donating my Tandy 6000 Unix based 
multi-user 'puter to the Starvation Army.  Somewhere in the early 90's I 
gave it to a friend complete with user friendly data base in the guise of an 
on-screen Rolodex (HP software, really nifty)


OK, flash forward to present day... He still has the computer, it still 
works fine, it is his daily user, and it his only computer.  He has all the 
word processor, data base, and other productivity software he needs.  He is 
NOT a New Shiny Ball kinda guy.  He is not anti-tech having been the Pres 
and CEO of a HoverCraft design and manufacturing company.  He also knows how 
to use a brace and bit, hand planes, and hand saws.


Some of us will be able to operate our Flex 5000 (and other models) long 
after the naysayers are pushing up daisys.  Old tech isn't bad tech if it 
meets the requirements. I didn't give up swimming because I'm not up there 
with the most recent incarnation of Mark Spitz or give up running because 
Prince Harry and Usain Bolt are both faster than me.  I swim well enough and 
run fast enough for my purposes and suggest that the Flex 5000 will meet the 
requirements for a lot of us for decades.


73 Patrick AF5CK 



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Re: [Flexradio] Lots of lightly used Flex Radios for sale.

[Patrick Greenlee]

The death knell of ham radio will be when sufficient corporate (and 
governmental) interest in bandwidth/frequencies outweighs the 
interest/political clout of an ever shrinking club populated mostly by 
ever decreasing numbers of aging folks with dwindling clout and relevance. 
The graying of ham radio is only one facet of its eclectic problem set.  Ham 
radio will not suffer a slow dwindling death of a thousand cuts due to its 
graying. When the political clout thing toggles such that those who profit 
by or desire to use the bandwidth for commercial reasons out weighs the 
clout of the ham community (as a whole, worldwide) then rapid regulatory 
change will occur and virtually overnight ham radio, as we know it, will be 
as obsolete as heliograph, talking drums, smoke signals, etc..  It may be 
difficult to recognize what will be left of ham radio in 20 years.


In the mean time I intend to party on and not get too emotional too far in 
advance, not start crying before I'm actually hurt.  Ham radio is rapidly 
becoming irrelevant. I'm not pleased by this fact but there it is pure and 
simple. We delude ourselves into thinking our role in emergency 
communications is so useful that we will continue to be rewarded with our 
electromagnetic sand box in which to play (become trained for emergency 
service) ad infinitum.  Not so.  We are getting ever closer to an ubiquitous 
Star Trek communicator functionality with cell phones, sat phones, VOIP, 
etc. that ham radio is becoming, in many respects, as cutting edge as the 
crank the handle to ring the operator phones.


I truly enjoy a good QSO and providing for it by technical means not 
available to lay folk suits me fine (I also dabble in CW) but that is 
because my expectations, standards, and what makes me feel good was set by 
standards of an older time.  Cowboy action shooting and Civil War 
reenactment appeal to others of the anachronistic bent.


Flex Radio is a darned good way to get our techie fix and fulfill our need 
to connect with someone to talk to at random. I am a big supporter of Flex 
radio.  They provide a darned good service to my chosen community. I wish 
them all the best in the future, whatever it holds for them.


73 Patrick AF5CK

-Original Message- 
From: Lee Herbst

Sent: Thursday, August 23, 2012 11:01 AM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Lots of lightly used Flex Radios for sale.

Here's a question that I haven't seen come up in this thread that I
think is more important whether we can use a particular rig or not in
50 years. Will amateur radio still be around in 50 years? The average
age of hams is going up each year and it seems more and more difficult
to get young people interested in the hobby. Although, I am happy to
say that I have both of my sons (ages 13 and 10) interested and the 13
year old is close to testing for his Tech ticket. I am just concerned
that the hobby will disappear before the next 50 years pass. As a
community we need to work harder and find innovative ways to get
younger people involved in the hobby, or it is going to fade away. My
age? 49.

73,

Lee - AK4WN

On Thu, Aug 23, 2012 at 11:28 AM, George Works wor...@hughes.net wrote:

Patrick, you are no doubt right on all points. There are still 50 year-old
computers, like the IBM 1620, around in museums and I suppose they still
work. The real issue is, will the early adopters who bought the Flex 6000
series still be happy with 50 year old technology, or will they have long
since replaced it with a series of shiny new radios that have 
breathtakingly

better performance, and fit in a shirt pocket?
George



On 23-Aug-12 11:17, Patrick Greenlee wrote:




--


Won't the RohS solder fail in Flex before 50 years?



Availability of Win7... Firewire... etc. Obsolescence, scarcity, worry
worry etc.

I bought a Samsung clone of a PC XT with switchable clock speeds of 4 and
8 MHz  with an 80386 CPU around 1987 after donating my Tandy 6000 Unix 
based

multi-user 'puter to the Starvation Army. Somewhere in the early 90's I
gave it to a friend complete with user friendly data base in the guise of 
an

on-screen Rolodex (HP software, really nifty)

OK, flash forward to present day... He still has the computer, it still
works fine, it is his daily user, and it his only computer. He has all 
the
word processor, data base, and other productivity software he needs.  He 
is
NOT a New Shiny Ball kinda guy.  He is not anti-tech having been the 
Pres
and CEO of a HoverCraft design and manufacturing company.  He also knows 
how

to use a brace and bit, hand planes, and hand saws.

Some of us will be able to operate our Flex 5000 (and other models) long
after the naysayers are pushing up daisys.  Old tech isn't bad tech if it
meets the requirements. I didn't give up swimming because I'm not up 
there

with the most recent incarnation of Mark Spitz or give up running because
Prince Harry and Usain Bolt

Re: [Flexradio] Lots of lightly used Flex Radios for sale.

[Patrick Greenlee]

Many of us were more influenced by his companions but in the interest of 
inclusiveness I will not demand that you don't ask and don't tell.


-Original Message- 
From: Ross Stenberg

Sent: Thursday, August 23, 2012 12:57 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Lots of lightly used Flex Radios for sale.

I have taken up pool because of Prince Harry.

Some of us will be able to operate our Flex 5000 (and other models) long 
after the naysayers are pushing up daisys.  Old tech isn't bad tech if it 
meets the requirements. I didn't give up swimming because I'm not up there 
with the most recent incarnation of Mark Spitz or give up running because 
Prince Harry and Usain Bolt are both faster than me.  I swim well enough 
and run fast enough for my purposes and suggest that the Flex 5000 will 
meet the requirements for a lot of us for decades.





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[Flexradio] Lots of lightly used Flex Radios for sale.

[Patrick Greenlee]

This has been explained but may bear repeating/amplification.

Flex customer demographics include a high percentage of tech weenies and a
fair number of  whatever is the latest greatest new shiny ball folks.  Some
folks have to have the latest tech gadgets whether or not they understand
the technology. This is not to say that techies aren't interested if their
wad permits. The 5000 is still one of the best most capable radios
available for anywhere near its selling price.  The new radios promise to be
EVEN MORE.  So the folks who have to have the new shiny ball will bail on
the 5000 to get the next latest thing. Ditto the tech freaks to whom better
is worth a lot.

Hype aside, the  Game Changer is an evolutionary change (likely a true
evolutionary LEAP) but still not a REVOLUTIONARY  change. SDR was a
revolutionary change compared to the traditional hardware implementations
of radios.

Given you are shopping performance  vs price you will find the 5000 to have
a better figure of merit (divide performance by price) than lots of
traditional radios, radios incorporating some DSP, and likely the new Flex
offerings too.  Still if you want higher tech and better performance and are
willing to pay for it, the new Flex is the good deal.  The cutting edge of
tech typically costs disproportionately more than a half step or more back
from the bleeding edge..

Tech doesn't stand still.  Buyers of the NEW flex radios should savor the
moment (months/years) of superiority before Flex or some other outfit makes
another leap forward. It wasn't that long ago that the IBM PC booted from
floppies and ran a clock speed of 4.77 MHz and was THE thing nearly every
tech weenie wanted. Technological obsolescence comes at an ever accelerating
rate. It is the way of the world.  Until or unless there are fundamental
changes in operating modes not conveniently handled by a 5000 They should
serve well for many more years.  Collins S-Line gear still works well and
does what it always did.  The 5000 may turn out to be the SDR equivalent.

73 Patrick AF5CK


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Re: [Flexradio] Flex 5000 VU module

[Patrick Greenlee]

Wouldn't you want to be careful regarding how lossy the coax is? Too lossy 
and you have to shed all the watts of energy in a short length of coax so 
heating might be a problem where a less lossy but longer coax/attenuator 
would distribute the heat over a larger surface area and not get so hot.


Patrick

--
From: Mike Valentine m...@valentine1.com
Sent: Sunday, August 12, 2012 9:15 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Flex 5000 VU module

Why not work around the problem by making an attenuator to knock the 52 
watts down to the 20 watts you need?


A cheap piece of RG-58 or smaller (lossier) coax of the right length 
attached to the input of your amp is a guaranteed way to make it work 
right.


You want a 50/20 = 2.5:1 attenuator which is darn near exactly 4 dB.  Wind 
off 4-dB-loss of coax and put it between the T/R relay and the input of 
your amplifier.   You can use your watt meter to prove you've done it 
right and test the power output before you hook it up.


One caution, make sure the coax can handle 50 watts @ the frequency of 
interest.


Bonus advantage:  The 4 dB pad will make the amplifier think it's in a 
pure 50 ohm system instead of looking askance at the output impedance of 
the VU5K.  Potential instability problems from things popping outside the 
Smith Chart circle are magically pulled back inside ;-)


I just love pads!

73,

Mike - W8MM


On Aug 12, 2012, at 5:32 PM, Lyle Fisher wrote:


I am trying to drive an amp with 20 watts with my VU5K. I can not get a
steady ouput from it. It will start out at 20 watts for a few seconds and
then it will slowly drop to 14-15 watts after 30 seconds. At full output 
I

am getting 52 watts and it will remain steady within 2 watts. But at the
lower wattages it will not.

The case gets very hot also after about 10 minutes of running. If I run a
fan on the Flex 5K case, that l helps the output drifting. I took the 
bottom

cover off and the fan is working. It doesn't seem like it does much.

I sure would like a solution to this problem

Lyle N0LWF

-Original Message-
From: flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz
[mailto:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On Behalf Of
flexradio-requ...@flex-radio.biz
Sent: Sunday, August 12, 2012 12:00 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: FlexRadio Digest, Vol 88, Issue 12

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Today's Topics:

  1. Flex 5000 VU module (Jerry Coufal)
  2. Re: Flex 5000 VU module (Terry Maurice)
  3. CWDecoder transmit problem (John Vandenberg)
  4. LOW POWER OUTPUT ON 2M (Steve Tripp (K1IIG))
  5. Re: LOW POWER OUTPUT ON 2M ( Robert Costa, KB6QXM )
  6. Using FLEX-3000 above 30 MHz with transverter (Ronald G. Parsons)
  7. Re: LOW POWER OUTPUT ON 2M (David Painter)
  8. Re: LOW POWER OUTPUT ON 2M (Brian Lloyd)
  9. Re: LOW POWER OUTPUT ON 2M (Steve Tripp (K1IIG))
 10. Re: LOW POWER OUTPUT ON 2M (David Painter)
 11. Re: LOW POWER OUTPUT ON 2M (Brian Lloyd)


--

Message: 1
Date: Sat, 11 Aug 2012 13:08:11 -0600
From: Jerry Coufal jerr...@comcast.net
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: [Flexradio] Flex 5000 VU module
Message-ID: 006a01cd77f4$a7498030$f5dc8090$@net
Content-Type: text/plain;   charset=us-ascii

I have the same problem. As I understand the low RF power output of the 
Flex
5000A VU module is a known defect associated with trouble ticket DE725 / 
SW

Defect #703.



Jerry

_





[Flexradio] Flex 5000 VU module

toddp12
Fri, 10 Aug 2012 17:18:12 -0700



I just purchased a 5000a with VU module, on 144 mhz FM  output is 42watts
this

is into a dummy load with Bird Meter, on SSB output only 15-20 watts. 
Anyone



else had this problem? Thanks Todd



   N4QWZ





--

Message: 2
Date: Sat, 11 Aug 2012 16:02:19 -0400
From: Terry Maurice ve3...@execulink.com
To: Jerry Coufal jerr...@comcast.net
Cc: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Flex 5000 VU module
Message-ID: 5026ba4b.4020...@execulink.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Given the power output of the Flex 5000A with the VU5K option the only 
thing
it is capable of doing is driving a linear amp.  Even at that, it is not 
all
that stable at very low power output levels, so be careful just what kind 
of

linear you might choose to drive with the Flex.

Don't make the mistake that I did and try to operate the Flex 5000A with
VU5K installed 

Re: [Flexradio] studio 1 from woodbox wow

[Patrick Greenlee]

Not according to their list of RECEIVERS with which it works. (See the web 
page)


--
From: paim paimg0...@btinternet.com
Sent: Saturday, August 11, 2012 7:54 AM
To: Reflector flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: [Flexradio] studio 1 from woodbox wow


Buppa
do you think may be later this program can work with the flex
look very nice
http://www.woodboxradio.com/studio1.html

vy 73
E.P  g0uut/dl9fcc
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Re: [Flexradio] Play Button

[Patrick Greenlee]

If you put PSDR in demo mode can't you then use any of your pre-recorded 
files as input in place of off the air signals?  Or alternatively, I haven't 
got a clue, don't realize it, and should be quiet when the big kids are 
discussin' stuff.


73 Patrick AF5CK

-Original Message- 
From: N7BCP

Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 8:17 AM
To: Larry Bryan
Cc: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Play Button

I believe this feature is designed
to playback over the air so requires you to be transmitting.

-Larry

On 11.07.2012, at 15:10, Larry Bryan la...@w8lig.com wrote:


I had not tried the record feature until last night while trying to chase
down RF in my audio. I discovered that while I could record, the play
button was not doing anything. Has this be disabled or is there some
process to use the play button.

I've been using Audacity to play the quick file. Also is there a way to
change the storage location of this PSDR audio file?

--
Larry
W8LIG
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[Flexradio] Must turn on PSDR twice

[Patrick Greenlee]

I think my installation of PSDR is acting more or less “normal” except when I 
first click the “Start” button after a boot or reboot and invoking PSDR I don’t 
get audio. I click it off and then on again and I get audio. This is a “for 
sure” not a maybe.Subsequent recycling, i.e. turning off and on again acts 
normal.  I don’t mind much but am curious as to the reason.

73 Patrick AF5CK
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Re: [Flexradio] Must turn on PSDR twice

[Patrick Greenlee]

Thanks, George. I have no clue as to inner workings of PSDR or VAC but aspire 
to more understanding.  Turning PSDR on then off then on again to get it 
working is not much of a problem but it piques my curiosity and makes me wonder 
why it acts that way.  Maybe when I know more about VAC and other “internals” 
of PSDR I can figure it out or even fix it.

Meanwhile, if anyone else knows or suspects what causes it or better yet how to 
fix it, maybe they will share the info with us.

73 Patrick AF5CK



From: geo...@gloria.us 
Sent: Friday, July 06, 2012 6:46 AM
To: Patrick Greenlee 
Subject: RE: [Flexradio] Must turn on PSDR twice

Hi Patrick:

I have a similar problem with all audio on my PC.  I have VAC installed and 
think it may be related to that.

George
K2CM
   Original Message 
  Subject: [Flexradio] Must turn on PSDR twice
  From: Patrick Greenlee patric...@windstream.net
  Date: Fri, July 06, 2012 4:39 am
  To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz

  I think my installation of PSDR is acting more or less “normal” except when I 
first click the “Start” button after a boot or reboot and invoking PSDR I don’t 
get audio. I click it off and then on again and I get audio. This is a “for 
sure” not a maybe.Subsequent recycling, i.e. turning off and on again acts 
normal. I don’t mind much but am curious as to the reason.

  73 Patrick AF5CK
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Re: [Flexradio] Must turn on PSDR twice

[Patrick Greenlee]

Can't reproduce now where have I heard that before? The car, A/C, 
blender, microwave, or whatever only makes the funny noise for the XYL never 
for me) Apparently there are several of us experiencing the same or similar 
anomalous behavior so it is neither an operator hallucination nor a 
particularly rare event.


I hadn't thought of the default sample rate. Thanks for that idea, Rod. I'll 
investigate that on my equipment.  I suppose I can open up the FGS (AKA blue 
icon) and play with the sample rate.  I had set mine to 192k.  I too am 
running W7, Pro 64 version.


I'm ba-ack... Did  few quick experiments. If FGS has 48k sample rate it 
takes two starts to get sound.  Reopen FGS and sample rate has been set to 
96k (was 48k.)  If I set FGS to 96k then only one start is needed to get 
sound and FGS remains with 96k. If I set FGS to 192k then two starts are 
required to get sound and reopening FGS the rate was set to 96k.


Synopsis:  If FGS sample rate is set to 96k it stays at 96k and only one 
start is required to get a good start.


If sample rate in FGS is set to 48k or 192k then two starts are required and 
the sample rate in FGS is reset to 96k, by the gremlin(s)


Easily reproduced on my completely stock installation. I have no other 
software running in conjunction with PSDR (haven't gotten that sophisticated 
yet.)


So apparently my REAl problem is that I can't run any other sample rate than 
96k.  96k is OK but I'd like to be able so set it to other values.


Any of you gurus got any ideas?

73 Patrick AF5CK

--
From: Rod Brink k...@comcast.net
Sent: Friday, July 06, 2012 10:26 AM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Must turn on PSDR twice

I too have this problem.  I believe it's related to the default Sample 
Rate that comes up on startup in Flexradio Global Settings (blue icon on 
the desktop).  If the default doesn't match the sample rate last used in 
the main program (in Setup/Audio), it takes two starts to get them in 
sync.  In my case I always run at 96k but the default in Global Settings 
frequently (but not always) comes up 48k.  Then it takes two starts.  If 
the default comes up 96k it takes only one start.


I'm running W7.  Don't know if that has anything to do with it.

I've mentioned this before to Flex Support but apparently they don't see 
this happening in the lab.


73,
Rod KQ6F
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[Flexradio] Thanks again to all who replied, both on and off list.

[Patrick Greenlee]

Thanks again to all who replied, both on and off list.

The down side is there are, I'm sure, plenty of folks like me who are lurking 
in the background hanging on every word published here that may be of use now 
or in the future but unless the hints, suggestions, and recipes for success go 
through the reflector we remain ignorant, doomed to repeat the same 
difficulties already solved but not shared and forced to ask the same questions 
over again which has to be more boring and distasteful to the others than a 
more complete on-list thrashing of the problem the first time.

73 Patrick AF5CK in South Central Oklalhoma

(Aspiring to be a journeyman Flexer (right after I complete my rooftop Hy-Gain 
Hy-Tower install so I can xmit as well as rcv.)



--
From: Marshall n5...@live.com
Sent: Monday, July 02, 2012 2:04 PM
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] CW Skimmer not decoding I/Q

 Thanks for all the replies. I followed a suggestion by Bill, W9OL, and set 
 the CWS Signal I/O device to Flexradio Audio, which I understand to be the 
 direct I/Q data from the Firewire driver. This is working perfectly, and I 
 like that I do not have to change PowerSDR settings to use VAC for a 
 digimode program like DM780. If there are drawbacks to this approach, I 
 would appreciate feedback.
 
 Tim, at your suggestion, I tried setting the Win7 Audio device to 2-channel, 
 which I did before starting the radio or any programs, but it does not work. 
 I must be missing some other setting on VAC, but I think I will give up for 
 now.
 
 Thanks again to all who replied, both on and off list.
 
 73,
 Marshall N5JPJ
 
 
 
 
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Re: [Flexradio] Switching ancillary gear with PSDR

[Patrick Greenlee]

Jim (et al), Am I satisfied with artificial grounds?  I don’t know as I haven’t 
done them yet but from what I have read and info from an EE/ham friend with 35 
years antenna design experience, I don’t have too many good choices.  I will be 
putting a DXE-BAL-050-Series at the base of the Hy-Tower and a DXE-FCC-050-A 
where the coax comes out of the ground to enter the building containing the 
shack.  I will be putting a Polyphaser lightning protector there next to the 
entry to the bld too.

I am open for suggestions.  There are lots of possible if not really practical 
options not the least of which is remoting the F5K inside the metal bld on 
which the antenna is being mounted.  That involves considerable more 
technological complexity. I’m going to try (unless I get some super duper 
suggestions) the approach outlined.

73 Patrick AF5CK


Sent: Sunday, June 17, 2012 8:16 PM
To: patric...@windstream.net ; flexradio@flex-radio.biz 
Subject: RE: [Flexradio] Switching ancillary gear with PSDR

I am not a hirech guru.  But that hasn't stoppped me from ponitificating 
before.  
You want to connect DDutil to PowerSDR.  DDu has the capability to switch 
hardware things by band or by macro.  You connect it to PSDR with a virtual 
serial cable.  There are a couple of good VSP programs, such as VSPE and 
VSPmgr.  VSPmgr is written by the author of DDutil, Streve Nance. 
DDu can switch antenna switches, and a few auxiliary switches.  Review it at 
k5fr.com, and find the Yahoo group, to see what hardware can be switched.   
Are you satisfied with artificial grounds?
Jim KJ2P
 

 From: patric...@windstream.net
 To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
 Date: Sun, 17 Jun 2012 13:40:08 -0500
 Subject: [Flexradio] Switching ancillary gear with PSDR
 
 I'm in information overload (and loving it, mostly.) Could some of you hitech 
 gurus point me toward where the most understandable explanation of how to use 
 PSDR to remotely switch equipment would be found? The good news is I have a 
 new Flex Radio (5K) and the not so good news is my shack under development to 
 house it is on the second floor. So... I'm investigating artificial grounds 
 and related topics. 
 
 I'm thinking it should be relatively straight forward to tune my ground 
 connection from shack to grounds rod(s) to series resonance for each band or 
 sub band of interest with a little fiddling to construct a collection of 
 fixed artificial grounds and select the one to use automatically with PSDR. I 
 can easily handle the tuning of the individual artificial grounds but need a 
 little nudge in the right direction (OK picked up and bodily thrown toward) 
 the info for getting PSDR to do that automatically for me.
 
 First respondent with an answer approved by a simple majority of contest 
 judges will have their name or call sign entered into a drawing where they 
 may qualify to win a swell prize.
 
 73 Patrick AF5CK
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Re: [Flexradio] Switching ancillary gear with PSDR

[Patrick Greenlee]

Tim and the group, I am installing a Hy-Gain Hy-Tower multiband vertical 
antenna on top of a metal bld about 200 ft from my shack. Shack is on second 
floor. I will be trenching in 3 inch PVC conduit from bld with shack 
(house/shop/garage) to the bld with antenna which is a 36x71x18 (at eaves) 
metal bld with 2:12 pitch gable roof. I will be fabricating a base mount to 
attach through the roof to a pipe truss in the center of the bld. This will 
replace the cubic yard of steel reinforced concrete normally used. To 
accommodate stronger winds and reduce strength requirements of the base 
mount I will guy the top of the triangular tower section (24 ft) with 
Phillystran. The DX engineering DXE-BAL-050-Series will be installed at the 
base of the antenna. Polyphaser lightning protection and a DXE-FCC050-H05-A 
will be installed at the point where the coax comes up out of the ground and 
enters the house/garage/shop.


Thanks to Tim for the suggestion to just tie all equip in the shack to a 
single point. That will be one of my candidate solutions. I assume that the 
computer running PSDR is included in that ground community.


Thanks to everyone for their consideration.

73 Patrick AF5CK

-Original Message- 
From: Tim Ellison

Sent: Sunday, June 17, 2012 6:31 PM
To: Patrick Greenlee
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Switching ancillary gear with PSDR

Can't answer the question completely because you only described on half of 
the RF circuit; what is your antenna?


If your shack is on the second floor, you do not need (or want) an RF ground 
because you are too far away from the actual ground (earth) that what ever 
you install will radiate.


If your antenna is balanced, then all you need to do is ground the coax 
shield at the dwelling ingress point (a good place for a lightning arrest / 
DC drain) and the place a common mode choke after the grounding point.  If 
you have an unbalanced antenna, a few more common mode chokes will probably 
be necessary.  This will keep a lot of RF out of the shack.


In the shack, just ground all of you RF hardware to a common single point 
ground so they are all at the same potential.


-Tim
---
Tim Ellison, W4TME
Product Management
FlexRadio Systems
(Sent from my iPad)

On Jun 17, 2012, at 2:40 PM, Patrick Greenlee patric...@windstream.net 
wrote:


I'm in information overload (and loving it, mostly.) Could some of you 
hitech gurus point me toward where the most understandable explanation of 
how to use PSDR to remotely switch equipment would be found?  The good 
news is I have a new Flex Radio (5K) and the not so good news is my shack 
under development to house it is on the second floor. So... I'm 
investigating artificial grounds and related topics.


I'm thinking it should be relatively straight forward to tune my ground 
connection from shack to grounds rod(s) to series resonance for each band 
or sub band of interest with a little fiddling to construct a collection 
of fixed artificial grounds and select the one to use automatically with 
PSDR. I can easily handle the tuning of the individual artificial grounds 
but need a little nudge in the right direction (OK picked up and bodily 
thrown toward) the info for getting PSDR to do that automatically for me.


First respondent with an answer approved by a simple majority of contest 
judges will have their name or call sign entered into a drawing where they 
may qualify to win a swell prize.


73 Patrick AF5CK
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Version: 2012.0.1913 / Virus Database: 2433/5076 - Release Date: 06/17/12


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