Hi Mike!
Hi Kevin!
I'm not running the V/U module, but you might find my experiences
interesting...
I run five Downeast Microwave transverters with my FLEX-5000A
( 144, 222, 432, 902, and 1296 )
I use the split XMIT & receive configuration ( XVTX and XVRF )
I operate both SSB and CW. ( no FM or AM operation )
My transverters were ordered for "0dbM / Split IF"
After experiencing the FLEX-SDR for VHF & UHF weak signal work, I will
never
go back to conventional radios!
Things I have learned...
Drive levels ( power) in the XVTR Setup sometimes change for no apparent
reason to 40 or 16. When they do, it is very difficult to change them
back
and make it stay at 100%. Making the power stick at 100% requires
shutting
down & restarting - sometimes a couple of times. Seems to happen after
going
to HF operation, then back to VHF/UHF.
I have to run the transverter drive ( power )level at 100%, this allows
the
transverters to just make rated power.
The pre-amp is defaulted to off, you must turn it on for each band.
I watch the RF output of the transverters either with their built-in
bar-graph display or with a Bird 43 - that is what tips me off that my
drive
level has dropped. Yes I wish the TX Meter would read relative power
out
when using transverters, but I guess it is designed to only read from
the
main 100 watt output directional coupler.
I'm looking forward to adding 2304 and 10 GHz transverters as soon as
the
budget allows.
73
Lloyd N9LB EN52hv
-----Original Message-----
From: flexedge-boun...@flex-radio.biz
[mailto:flexedge-boun...@flex-radio.biz]On Behalf Of Michael Noble
Sent: Saturday, January 29, 2011 10:11 AM
To: flexe...@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [FlexEdge] 5000a with VU question
Thanks Kevin,
I have had similar experiences since it arrived. It also took me a
couple
days of "fiddling" to get any output at all on VHF. Dont even mess with
FM
just sends the whole radio in a downward spiral. I too have numerous
meters,
and due to the inconsistant readings i dont know what to believe
anymore. I
was also looking into the Array Solutions meter and modules to use as a
trusted standard. Also, Kevin Feeney posted a message last week in
reference
to an Elecraft Transverter he hooked up for last weeks VHF contest. He
too
is unable to drive the transverter to full output. With his spectrum
analyzer he measured the drive level at the external transverter jack
at -2dbm significantly less than specified. Im curious if the internal
transverter share the same signal path and drive levels just routed
either
internal or external. Either way, like i said i love the radio however,
I
wish i could reach a certain level of comfort that i dont have a
hardware
issue that needs addressed, preferrably while under warranty.
Mike
73
From: ve...@cogeco.ca
To: michael_...@msn.com; flexe...@flex-radio.biz
Subject: RE: [FlexEdge] 5000a with VU question
Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2011 09:31:51 -0500
Hi Mike
Since I received my upgrade, I have also been questioning the V/U power
output, and the HF/6 power ouput. It is very disappointing that Flex
doesn't
measure its power output and display on PowerSDR ... a feature that I
was
shocked to find missing since a sampler circuit shouldn't have been a
big
deal. When I first got my V/U 5000 back from upgrade, I was convinced
for
a
while that I had no power output ... but after toggling power enable
on/off
and restarting PSDR (fiddling), it seemed to work. Then over the next
few
days it didn't seem to have consistent power out etc. 432 seemed to
sensitive to the termination being used (Bird meters and terminations).
For
certain the HF power out was approx 15% lower than when it went for the
upgrade, and I needed to bump up my VDC PS by 05.V or so to get the
5000
internal Voltmeter to 13.8. I got busy and ignored it for a few months
as
I
was busy with antennas. I recently received Array Solutions V and U
power
sensors to use with my Powermasters. My measurements right at the back
of
the 5000 showed V=50W and U=55W. So, to be honest, over the last 3
months
since I had the upgrade, I cannot be certain if there is any problem or
not
... I have used so many different wattmeters, cables, loads, etc that
the
results have been confusing and inconsistent! A little disappointing
for a
guy in the test & measurement business with a fleet of wattmeters! With
the
known issues about the Antenna routing ... perhaps there are some cases
where funny things happen. I think I have witnessed this ... but I
cannot
be
certain. Hopefully these are just as a result of bugs that will be
cleaned
up in the next PSDR revision (soon?). I still would like to know why my
Power Out on HF (which I don't use) and 6m went from 100W down 85W from
before to after the V/U installation ... not really a big deal since
the
amp
only needs 40W drive anyway ... but a curiosity none the less!
73 Kevin
-----Original Message-----
From: flexedge-boun...@flex-radio.biz
[mailto:flexedge-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On Behalf Of Michael Noble
Sent: January-29-11 2:25 AM
To: flexe...@flex-radio.biz
Subject: [FlexEdge] 5000a with VU question
Hi All,
I have a 5000a with the V/U unit running psdr 2.0.16. Use it primarliy
for
vhf weak signal. There are a couple common issues that i am
experiencing
such as the transverter power settings bouncing all around the place.
My
main issue of concern is that i am not getting anywhere near the rated
output of 60 watts on 2 meters. Its pushing it at 18-20 watts CW, FM
even
significantly less. 7-9 watts. Are there V/U units out there getting
full
output with the beta of psdr or do i maybe have a hardware issue. I do
h
ave the "use XVTR power for tune" box checked. It is working
wonderfully,
made numerous sucessful EME contacts but cant drive my PA to full
output
at
18 watts. Any insight will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike
W8GMC
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