Hello John, RFI can have may causes, we just have to eliminate them "one by one". If you wish, you can send me a picture as you mention. I have some questions for you and some possible test to make if you wish. The questions will help us to figure out if you have a bad antenna or coax causing RFI, a computer that is too sensitive to RFI, Grounding, or something else. These test will get you started. Log the results.
1. Do you have a dummy load? Do you have the problem using the dummy load? How about another antenna? 2. Because this is a test, you can remove almost all cables, leaving only three cables connected. Still connected will be Coax, 12vdc and the cable going to computer connected. While you are at it, check to see if the remaining cables are tight and fully connected. Now with all of those removed (including all speakers), Do you still have the lock-up? IF so, at what power level? If not, start to reconnect the removed cables until you have the problem again. That would be the cable we need to look at for a "fix". 3. What relays are clicking? 4. Just to be clear on something you said before. If you have the Flex up and running, but transmit with another radio (at power), will the Flex lock up then? 5. You said that your computer was not totally enclosed. That is why number 4 (above) can help tell us something. Do you have another computer that will drive your Flex? Feel free to send the results to me and I will be glad to stick with you on this. 73, Bruce, W8HW, [email protected] I fix ham radios and have fixed two way radios for 40 years. ----- Original Message ----- From: W1JCW To: W8HW Sent: Monday, September 12, 2011 2:46 PM Subject: 5K software shut down QRO / 75w drive, chattering relays Bruce - Good write up, thanks for taking the time to do so. I don't have any cables crossing. Flex on one side up on a shelf, PC is to the left down on the PC desk. The flex is above two other radios that are not turned on during the issue. The issue can occur if I have the flex drive up to about 75w without the amp engaged. I thought it was just qro, and I can hear the relays clicking with the ssb analog output. I do have a computer with plexiglass partial side and lights in it though. The flex is 10' from the PC, to my left. I can send you pics of that would help too. I can try some ferrites on the other cables, ptt / bal line out for to my W2IHY 8 BAND eq box. PC speakers, ground and coax to pos 1. I try and keep the setup simple. 73- W1JCW John From: W8HW Sent: Monday, September 12, 2011 1:23 PM To: W1JCW ; [email protected] Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Flex 3K and 5K software shut down QRO. Hello John, I had the same issue at first. I now can run full 1.5kw with no issues. The trick is to think simple (see below). One thing that is almost always overlooked is equipment placement. Put everything that is computer on one side of the Flex and everything RF on the other side with NO CABLES crossing. EXAMPLE In my case I have the computer stuff on the left side of the operating desk. The Flex on the desk. Amp and tuner on the Right side of desk. The antenna cables go to the right of the amp and tuner. Again, NO CABLES CROSSING. Going from only one inch separation to several feet makes an amazing difference. Now if you still have any issue, it will be low level and will take few ferrites (if any) to fix it. I can remove all grounding (for testing) and still do not have RFI. Let the cables cross and it is a different story. Please let me know how you make out and feel free to ask any questions with direct email. I have been a ham for 50 years and have always looked at equipment placement and that has paid off. The best part is that it is free. 73, Bruce, W8HW, [email protected] I fix ham radios and have fixed two way radios for 40 years. _______________________________________________ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List [email protected] http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ Knowledge Base: http://kc.flexradio.com/ Homepage: http://www.flexradio.com/
