Build 9, SDR Console, no transmit power

[Robert Benedict]

build 9, N2ADR board, software version 72.8

running SDR-radio SDR Console V3.0.24

I adjusted the bias  to 100 ma each using N2ADR's program.

The SDR program was set up as specified on the SDR Console HL2 web page: filters set up, power amplifier enabled, Mute RX enabled, sidetone enabled

HL2 Ant connected to power meter on 5 w range

Power supply set to 12.0 volts  

HL2 receives CW and LSB as expected when real antenna connected to power meter (nice!)

The power meter was then connected to a dummy load.

note: power meter/dummy load  tested with another QRP rig and power meter works as expected

"Tune" works and OP power and gain adjusted to get about 3.5 watts out on external meter. Console shows 3.5 watts out, SWR < 1.1.

key in KEY/PTT on HL2

mode CW

on keydown:

  HL2 TX lights, relay clicks

  receiver mutes

  SDR-radio -> IPA runs up only to 200 mA,  no power shown on "PWR" meter

  no output power detected by external power meter or nearby receiver

  no sidetone

Any suggestions?

  73

    bob  KD8CGH

[radi...@mail.com]

Hi Bob

Sounds like you are keying just the ring on the PTT jack. For CW, ring will only put HL2 into TX mode (i.e. manual PTT) but to key TX for CW you need to ground the tip of the jack.

Also in SDR Console, be aware that the TX power for CW is adjusted in the "Radio" panel (below the RX DSP adjustments). The Drive control in the TX DSP panel is inoperative for CW mode (but still active for "Tune").

But because you have no sidetone, it sounds like the tip of the jack is not being keyed.

Another slight issue. Currently if you do decide to use the PTT ring for manual PTT (i.e. not semi-break-in using tip only), for just the first operation of the PTT, the receiver audio mutes but does not unmute. It's only the first time PTT is grounded after starting the radio. Reset audio out level to normal and unmute, and subsequent PTT works fine. Simon is aware and is hopefully sorting it.

73

Max

[Robert Benedict]

Max

  You are correct! Changed to tip and it works.

  It appears the "Tune" power depends on  both "OP Power" on the Radio panel and Drive on the Transmit panel.

    Thanks

        Bob  KD8CGH

[radi...@mail.com]

Hi Bob

Glad that was the answer. Yes, that's true about the drive control for Tune. The "OP Power" is active for all modes. The "Drive" control is not active in CW. I'm not 100% sure of Simon's logic here but I'm sure there must be a reason. Also note there are some gain presets for TX Audio In settings for every band. To find these click three dots next to "Tune" control, then Audio In (Mic) > Gains. These are useful for applying a limit to the gains so that Drive and gains can be operated at 100% slider value with no risk of over-modding the TX. Or they can just be left set to 100% obviously.

Also worthy of mention for CW ops: In the "Radio" panel (the one with "OP Power" adjust). Click three dots, then TX Options to see sidetone presets. I would recommend "Padding" set to 0 mS if at all possible with your soundcard. Higher settings of this can result in some latency issues with sidetone for higher speed sending. At 0 mS I find the sidetone perfectly acceptable up to my maximum capable speed around 30 wpm (sadly I cannot "chat" at that speed though but can manage contest style cut and paste QSOs!). 

I think you will very much enjoy SDRC. It is a very nice GUI indeed and so many features.

For tips and friendly advice I recommend joining the SDRC forum:

https://forum.sdr-radio.com/

73

Max

[Robert Benedict]

Thanks for the tips Max.

    73

     Bob  KD8CGH