[TenTec] Some Apparent Problems With Computer Control With My Argonaut VI RIgs

Fri Dec 29 17:43:28 EST 2017

Kudos to Lee!

I tried toggling the automatic notch button in the N4PY Orion interface 
software, and the radio started working like it should. This bug has 
plagued me for some time!  I worked with Carl N4PY on this, and could 
not find a solution.  I never use the auto notch, so I hadn't thought of 
that.

Now, I have to build 3 homebrew interface circuits that Rick DJ0IP, gave 
me.  Then I can work CW with the Argo VI rigs on 6 meters, 2 meters, and 
222 MHz.  The Argo VI switches the amplifier output only in QSK mode.  
And that is too fast for my DEMI transverters and my Mirage amplifiers.  
This will give me something to do during our winter blizzards...

Thanks!

Steve WA9JML

On 12/29/2017 11:10 AM, Lee wrote:
> Steve, I use an Argonaut VI daily for routine operations including 
> handling RRI/NTS traffic (averaging 100 or so messages per month) and 
> almost always have the radio on computer control.  I use flrig, N4PY, 
> Winlink Express and sometimes WSJT-X somewhat successfully.  I have 
> discovered a few bugs, one of which effects sound on SSB but not CW as 
> I recall.  I have not tried AM.  I am deaf so I don't have any use for 
> AM  :-).  It is important to have the radio running before starting 
> any of the control programs as the radio is providing the serial port 
> which the software needs to see.
>
> I don't know if any of the following applies to your problem but maybe 
> something will help.
>
> When I start N4PY control program in SSB mode I often (but not always) 
> get what looks like noise, but no signal output.   I can recover 
> signal audio by cycling the Auto notch button on and off. From that 
> point forward the radio and software work well for the balance of the 
> session.  I have never experienced this on CW during start-up that I 
> recall but I now automatically cycle Auto notch on start-up so I would 
> not notice.  If you start the software before the radio is turned on 
> N4PY will complain that it cannot find the serial port but re-booting 
> the control software with the radio running sets things right.
>
> flrig works well using the Eagle radio selection.  If you start flrig 
> before turning the Argonaut on, flrig clears it's serial port 
> configuration and of course cannot find the radio when you do turn it 
> on.  Just a few seconds to reconfigure flrig but not necessary if the 
> radio is running first.  One strange thing with flrig is that when I 
> change modes from CW to USB (probably LSB also) the bandwidth changes 
> to 3000 hz.  The radio works but there is intermittent noise bursts in 
> the demodulated signal which causes errors in decoding the various 
> digital modes I am using. Drop the BW back to 2800 or less and all is 
> well.  Might this be similar to the "popping" you describe?
>
> Winlink Express works ok using the Orion and Eagle selection EXCEPT on 
> shutdown it leaves the BW control locked and not available from the 
> front panel control.  Recycle the Argonaut or simply start flrig or 
> N4PY and then shut it down.  The radio configuration is restored.
>
> WSJT-X appears to work properly on start-up and shut-down but I rarely 
> use this.
>
> So, my take away from all this is that various programs do different 
> things during start-up and shut-down and those differences are 
> manifested as described.  Could anything like that be happening with 
> your software?
>
> I have 9 Argonaut VI's (it's a family radio project...7 hams in the 
> family...with a couple spares on hand), some version 1 and some 
> version 2, and all work as described so it is something that is likely 
> different during start-up or shut-down in the control program.  I have 
> not pursued this with the software vendors as I have a simple fix for 
> each but...maybe someday.....
>
> After I get things running I could not ask for a better radio...the 
> Argonaut is outstanding!   :-)
>
> Good luck in finding the bug and please keep us posted.
>
> 73,
>
> -Lee-
> WA3FIY
>
>
> ------ Original Message ------
> From: "Steve Berg" <wa9jml at frontier.com>
> To: "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment" <tentec at contesting.com>
> Sent: 12/28/2017 8:14:03 PM
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Some Apparent Problems With Computer Control 
> With My Argonaut VI RIgs
>
>> I have been trying to use different software to control my Argonaut 
>> VI rigs that I use with VHF transverters.  It seems that when I plug 
>> a USB Cable into the back of the radios, and turn on the rig, and 
>> then turn on the computer, the computer loads the device driver, and 
>> this seems to affect the SSB and AM modes of the receiver, but not so 
>> much when it is run on CW.  There seems to be a great deal of popping 
>> noise, and distortion so that I cannot even copy stations or beacons 
>> when using LSB or USB.  The noise is there even on CW, but it is much 
>> less.  This renders my Argo VI radios useless on voice or digital 
>> modes.  When I unplug the USB cable, the noise stops or is greatly 
>> reduced.  It does this with USB cables that are plain but shielded, 
>> and with those with ferrite chokes installed.  This has been plaguing 
>> my station for months.  Does anyone have any ideas on what is 
>> happening?  I have 3 Argo VI rigs, one with the older driver, and two 
>> with the newer driver.  It works the same on all three radios.
>>
>> Help?
>>
>>
>> Steve WA9JML
>>
>>
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