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1-7 of 7 messages
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Digital Setup Problems
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by KD0DSH on June 16, 2009
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I started working (or trying to work) with digital modes about 3 or 4 months ago but have had a re-occurring problem with controlling my TX power. I will start explaining with a bit about my station.
Computer: Dell600m
Software: DM780
Interface: West Mountain RigBlaster Plug and Play
Radio: Yaesu FT-897D
After completing the setup instructions I have my radio set for 100 watts output, the digital gain set for about 30, and the wave and master volume controls on my computer set a about 1/3 of their full range. This gave me about 20 watts out when I transmitted.
A few days later I sat down to work the bands, checked all my settings with the notes I took when I set up my station and then transmitted. I found that I was barely moving the needle on my wattmeter. I went through the set up procedure again and was able to get the output I wanted but my volume lvls on my pc were set higher.
This has been a re-occurring problem for me since I have started using digital modes. There have been times when after going through the setup again my volume controls are set the same or lower then my previous set up. I also have had one time where I unplugged my Rigblaster and plugged it back in without adjusting anything and had the power lvl that I should have had to start with.Tonight I have found that I am not able to bring my power output down from 100W no matter what I do.
My thoughts are as such:
Problem with Rigblaster drivers(though they should
have no effect on the audio lvls. I also tried
reinstalling them.)
Problem with laptop hardware
Problem with my software
I should tell you that I am using the 897s internal meters and an external display made by LDG. I am wondering now what the accuracy of those meters are. I have asked yaesu tech support, but they only avoided that question or not answered at all.(I found this disappointing after all the good I have herd of them.)
Any way, that's my problem. I will keep looking for solutions myself, and maybe some of you will have some tips for me.
Thanks and 73s,
KD0DSH
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RE: Digital Setup Problems
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by N4UM on June 17, 2009
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My suggestion is to always operate very close to the center of your transceiver's passband...1500 hz in my case. Make your drive level adjustments at this point. Just to experiment, after you've set your drive level for this point, transmit off frequency...say at 800 hz or 2300 hz and observe your power out. Chances are it will change quite a bit.
When operating in the digital modes I may listen around by playing with the cursor on the waterfall, but when I go to transmit to another station I always tune my transceiver to center that station close to 1500 hz.
You may discover you need to vary your drive level when you change bands also. There is a simple applet available for free download (Quickmix) which will save your mixer settings to a folder. Simply select the mixer settings for the band you plan on using and you won't have to adjust the settings everytime you change bands.
Hope this helps.
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RE: Digital Setup Problems
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by VE3WMB on June 17, 2009
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I agree with N4UM.
You will find that you can't set and forget the
levels. You will see variations from band to band as well as when you
pick a high or low audio frequency for transmitting in a application
that support panoramic tuning.
I bought a SignalLink USB and one of the things that I like about it is that
you can adjust the levels from the front panel of the interface which is
a lot more convenient that messing with sliders in the Windows mixer.
Michael VE3WMB
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RE: Digital Setup Problems
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by KB1NRB on June 18, 2009
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I agree with the last two replys... the passband of your rig and also the strenghts and weaknesses of sound cards are very important considerations.. This is how i operate. i find that sweet spot on a given band, and lock the tx tone frequency there.. then i turn the dial on the rig to navigate the waterfall.. this may be way off base , but it works vy well...
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RE: Digital Setup Problems
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by KD0DSH on June 18, 2009
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Humbled again by the art of Amateur Radio.
Well, I did some experimenting with what all of you said and it sure seems to solve the problem. I feel like I have a bit more control over my power out put too.
Thanks to every one.
73,
KD0DSH
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RE: Digital Setup Problems
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by G0GQK on June 19, 2009
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Pleased to see that you were able to bring the transmission power into control. You did write that you were only able to transmit with a 100 watts. As others have mentioned you have to adjust the power each time you change bands, its like flying a plane, you have to make control adjustments ! Most people have problems when they start using digital modes and with more experience everything will be OK
Mel G0GQK
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RE: Digital Setup Problems
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by WW5AA on June 30, 2009
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The problem most likely is that windows will change your settings when using different applications. If you find this is the problem, go to the Signalink web site and down load a little program that loads your digital volume controls for you automatically. Have fun!
73 de Lindy
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