[TenTec] VOX Issue with 2059d

Kamal Sirageldin ksira at corpten.com
Sat Sep 9 20:45:32 EDT 2006


Been playing around with 2059d and it seems to have improved TX audio (my
definition of 'improved' is the ability to get closer to the 'loud/robust'
dx pileup cracking audio that 1.372xx versions had.)

All in all, a good step forward in my opinion.

I do see one potentially dangerous 'bug' and it seems pretty repeatable in
my setup:

Operate SSB using VOX.  Leave the VOX setting on.  Then switch modes to CW.
At this point, when you are operating CW, the MIC audio input can still key
the rig from VOX (at least once anyway.)  And, it doesn't just key it for
the duration of the audio - it hangs the radio in transmit.  You can get out
of the transmit mode by pressing the TUNE button twice.  After you get it
out of continuous transmit mode, then the VOX seems not to have this effect
anymore - it only happens once upon switching modes (but once is all it
takes to cause a real problem.)

This makes it possible to go from SSB to CW, operate some CW, then put the
headset down (creating an audio input - noise -  to the MIC) which then keys
the rig with a carrier continuously.  If you happen to be getting up and
away from the radio when you inadvertently key the radio this way, you could
transmit for a very long time....

I'm pretty sure v1.372xx did not have this issue.  In that version(s), when
you went from SSB to CW, the MIC input had no ability to key the radio, and
you could safely walk away from the radio if it was in CW mode without fear
of some sort of audio or noise inadvertently putting you in continuous
transmit.  In my opinion it would be asking too much to have to remember to
manually turn off VOX before you switch modes to CW.

I also noticed that if you operate SSB VOX, then go to CW,  operate CW
normally, then go back to SSB - the VOX will indicate 'ON' but it is really
not on.  You must press it to turn off the VOX indicator and then press it
again to turn it on for real.  Not a huge deal by itself, but it seems to me
that is additional indication of a problem with VOX control and SSB/CW mode
switching.

73,
Kam  N3KS




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