Hi All:
I recently installed and configured VarAC. I can decode broadcast announcements and ping other stations. However, when I call CQ and another station connects with me, we disconnect after several seconds. This happens even if I and the other station have strong signals.
My set up is as follows:
TS-590 transceiver
PC running Windows 10
A RIGBlaster Advantage interface between the PC and radio
50W transmit power
End-fed wire antenna.
Any idea what the problem is? Attached is a screenshot of my VarAC GUI following an unsuccessful QSO attempt. The log file is appended below.
73
Brian, KD6NRP
01:51:15 > <STARTING CQ CALL ON 40m>
01:51:15 > CQ DE KD6NRP
01:51:25 > CQ DE KD6NRP
01:51:35 > STANDING BY ON SLOT 4
01:51:36 > < END OF CQ CALL >
01:53:46 > CONNECTED TO KE4ZDJ (BANDWIDTH 500)
01:54:00 KE4ZDJ> <R-08>
01:54:00 > PING RESULT: -08dB
01:54:11 > QSO SUMMARY: Frequency: 7.102.000 (40m) Duration: 00:00:24
01:54:11 > DISCONNECTED FROM KE4ZDJ
02:22:22 > INCOMING CONNECTION REQUEST. Still don't know who that is.
02:22:48 > CONNECTED TO KE4ZDJ (BANDWIDTH 500)
02:23:06 KD6NRP> de KD6NRP <R-17>
02:23:13 KE4ZDJ> <QSYU>
02:23:13 > <<QSY UP 750Hz⬆ INVITATION RECEIVED>>
02:23:22 > QSO SUMMARY: Frequency: 7.105.000 (40m) Duration: 00:00:33
02:23:22 > DISCONNECTED FROM KE4ZDJ
02:24:17 > CONNECTED TO KE4ZDJ (BANDWIDTH 500)
02:24:34 > QSO SUMMARY: Frequency: 7.105.000 (40m) Duration: 00:00:17
02:24:34 > DISCONNECTED FROM KE4ZDJ
I tried interfacing my PC directly to my radio via USB cable to get CAT and therefore automatic QSY capability, but no luck.
I went back to my original setup with a RigBlaster Advantage between the PC and TS-590. Later I was was reading the RigBlaster manual and may have found a clue.
It said for FSK operation, I had to go beyond the basic configuration (which I was using) and also use an RS-232 cable between the radio and RibBlaster.
I never used an RS-232 cable for digital operation with my TS-590 and I didn't have a cable on hand, so I ordered one. I will try again to set up CAT when it arrives.
Despite not having FSK capability, I used my radio's two VFOs and programmed the calling frequency in VFO A and a slot frequency in VFO B. After calling CQ, I pressed the VFO button to QSY.
Using this method I had a successful VarAC QSO on Friday evening.
73
Brian
I think I know what the problem is: I have not been able to figure out how to set up my radio use CAT to automatically QSY.
Other hams have reported difficulty getting their TS-590 to use CAT. One said the port on the TS-590 is susceptible to being damaged by static electricity.
Attached e two screenshots related to my unsuccessful CAT configuration.
73
Brian
Seems like the QSY failed. only one of you guys QSYed. the disconnecttion happened after the QSY
Nothing stands out in the VARA screen. So it does seem you can get a PING so TX and RX are working. Is it possible you are getting RF back into your setup?
Hi Gary:
I have attached a screenshot of Vara HF.
73
Brian
More importantly can you send a screenshot of VARA HF?