[Amps] Alpha 87a No RS-232

[Roger (K8RI)]

Are you certain the proper command is being transmuted?  If a signal is 
getting there does it still have the proper configuration and 
components?  Can you decode it at the amp? It's suspicious that "both" 
amps exhibit the same problem. At the same time?
I've only seen part of the conversation so I apologize if this has been 
covered.
I assume you have completely shut down the control computer and removed 
all voltages including the AC before rebooting.

I had one computer fail (IIRC only the USB ports were affected) and I 
had to remove all voltages before it'd operate properly. NOTE, the ports 
weren't dead, just some commands were garbage. USB is just RS-232 plus a 
voltage, although not all USB wiring is the same when converted back to 
RS-232 (serial)  At least some new motherboards now have an RS-232 port 
in addition to USB

73, Roger (K8RI)

On 7/2/2018 7:49 AM, Gerry Hull wrote:
> Hello All,
>
> We have two Alpha 87as at K2LE.   They have been rock solid amps for
> decades.
> However, we operate remotely, and rely upon RS-232 using the great DF3CB
> software.
>
> We have the same failure mode in both amps.   The TX side of the serial
> port has failed.   We can command the amp on,
> But that is it.   We have verified multiple times and multiple ways that
> the cable and ports are working perfectly (short TX/RX
> Pins on the amp-side connector and ensure echo on a terminal program).
>
> I see very little about this subject in the archives.  Has anyone else
> experienced this?
>
> Does anybody know if the Max232 chip is soldered?   This is what I suspect,
> since the amplifier is fully functional otherwise.
>
> Is there some master reset we can try with a combo of front panel buttons?
>
> Your collective wisdom appreciated.
>
> 73, Gerry W1VE
> For Andy, K2LE and the team
>
>

-- 
Roger (K8RI)


---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus