Transmit Drive Power
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Transmit Drive Power
7000 dle Mk11, Thetis v2.9.0 x64
Brand new rig, trying to learn operation. On 6 meters.
Tune:
Set to Power 90. TX meter shows Fwd Pwr 15 W, Ref Pwr 0 W, SWR 1.1:1.
CW transmit:
@ Drive 20 shows Fwd Pwr 9 W, Ref Pwr 0 W, SWR 1.1:1.
Any drive setting >20 there is no power output.
Voltage supplied is 13.8 V.
Certainly I should be getting more forward power. What am I doing wrong?
Brand new rig, trying to learn operation. On 6 meters.
Tune:
Set to Power 90. TX meter shows Fwd Pwr 15 W, Ref Pwr 0 W, SWR 1.1:1.
CW transmit:
@ Drive 20 shows Fwd Pwr 9 W, Ref Pwr 0 W, SWR 1.1:1.
Any drive setting >20 there is no power output.
Voltage supplied is 13.8 V.
Certainly I should be getting more forward power. What am I doing wrong?
Re: Transmit Drive Power
Have you performed a PA Calibration and a Wattmeter cal in Thetis?
Gary NC3Z
Re: Transmit Drive Power
Did you go to Setup > PA Settings > PA Gain and adjust your basic drive settings on each band? Do that first, then you can fine tune things with the offset section. See this video...
eta: LOL! Gary beat me by seconds
eta: LOL! Gary beat me by seconds
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Re: Transmit Drive Power
w-u-2-o wrote:Did you go to Setup > PA Settings > PA Gain and adjust your basic drive settings on each band? Do that first, then you can fine tune things with the offset section. See this video...
eta: LOL! Gary beat me by seconds
Following the video, the most I can get is about 30 W (according to internal meter) at 6m gain of 42.9. SWR is 1.1:1. Does that seem right?
Also, my PA Gain screen is much simpler than the one in the vide. There are no profiles. I have no "Tune" slider on my main screen. Do I need to update my software or firmware?
Re: Transmit Drive Power
MichaelCaditz wrote:Also, my PA Gain screen is much simpler than the one in the vide. There are no profiles. I have no "Tune" slider on my main screen. Do I need to update my software or firmware?
We are assuming you are running the latest software and firmware.
Gary NC3Z
Re: Transmit Drive Power
Yes, you want to be running the latest version of Thetis. You can find it here:
https://github.com/ramdor/Thetis-2.9.0/releases/tag/v2.9.0.6
I recommend the 64 bit version, of course!
https://github.com/ramdor/Thetis-2.9.0/releases/tag/v2.9.0.6
I recommend the 64 bit version, of course!
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Re: Transmit Drive Power
I'll need to update the firmware. I'm looking for the files and instructions.
I have an external SWR and and power meter on order.
I have an external SWR and and power meter on order.
Re: Transmit Drive Power
You don't need to update the firmware. Thetis works with either Protocol 1 or Protocol 2 firmware.
However, if you want to update the firmware...
1. Read this topic and use Bootloader: viewtopic.php?f=18&t=2333
2. Go to this sub-forum and acquire the latest version of Protocol 2 firmware from the first post of the topic associated with your hardware (if you have a brand new 7000 you may need to use the MKIII stuff--make sure to read carefully!): viewforum.php?f=32
However, if you want to update the firmware...
1. Read this topic and use Bootloader: viewtopic.php?f=18&t=2333
2. Go to this sub-forum and acquire the latest version of Protocol 2 firmware from the first post of the topic associated with your hardware (if you have a brand new 7000 you may need to use the MKIII stuff--make sure to read carefully!): viewforum.php?f=32
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Re: Transmit Drive Power
How can I determine which protocol I am running, and the firmware version?
Ah, I found it. Protocol 2. Firmware Ver. 0.0.0 ID: Hermes.
Ah, I found it. Protocol 2. Firmware Ver. 0.0.0 ID: Hermes.
Re: Transmit Drive Power
MichaelCaditz wrote:Ah, I found it. Protocol 2. Firmware Ver. 0.0.0 ID: Hermes.
That can't be correct if you have a 7000.
Update Thetis to 2.9.0.6. Then look at what 2.9.0.6 reports for firmware. Also, the hardware needs to be powered up and Thetis needs to be connected to get the right answer.
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Re: Transmit Drive Power
w-u-2-o wrote:MichaelCaditz wrote:Ah, I found it. Protocol 2. Firmware Ver. 0.0.0 ID: Hermes.
That can't be correct if you have a 7000.
Update Thetis to 2.9.0.6. Then look at what 2.9.0.6 reports for firmware. Also, the hardware needs to be powered up and Thetis needs to be connected to get the right answer.
You're right.
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Re: Transmit Drive Power
My first problem is that when tuning, the power meter is showing a maximum of about 24 watts with 1.1:1 SWR. I can't believe that the internal power meter could be so far off, ouT of the box, that it would be showing 24 watts when I'm actually getting the advertised 100.
Before I start changing firmwares I need to assess whether I have a defective unit out of the box and should return it within the 10 day window.
I think I'll contact support and let them know that I suspect I have a defective unit and let them convince me otherwise.
Before I start changing firmwares I need to assess whether I have a defective unit out of the box and should return it within the 10 day window.
I think I'll contact support and let them know that I suspect I have a defective unit and let them convince me otherwise.
Re: Transmit Drive Power
So you are getting 100W per an external power meter, then, correct?
Re: Transmit Drive Power
The internal wattmeter needs to be calibrated, or at least checked against a good external wattmeter and good load. If you cant prove that you are just fumbling in the dark.
Gary NC3Z
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Re: Transmit Drive Power
I don't have an external power meter at this moment. I ordered one but it won't arrive for another week at least. By then my 10 day return window will have closed
I am relying on the internal power meter which suggests my power output is 24 watts and that my load is good because there is 0 watts reflected power.
I understand that using an external meter will give me a more accurate reading. But could the internal meter really be so inaccurate that it's underreporting by 75%?
The instruction manual says calibrate the PA such that I get a reading of 100 watts,, but that is impossible.
I am relying on the internal power meter which suggests my power output is 24 watts and that my load is good because there is 0 watts reflected power.
I understand that using an external meter will give me a more accurate reading. But could the internal meter really be so inaccurate that it's underreporting by 75%?
The instruction manual says calibrate the PA such that I get a reading of 100 watts,, but that is impossible.
Re: Transmit Drive Power
I am sorry but without a good wattmeter you cant really calibrate the PA level nor Calibrate the internal Wattmeter. Pretty simple.
Gary NC3Z
Re: Transmit Drive Power
Yes, without an external meter there's no way to know if it's the transmitter or the internal meter (or both!) that are messed up, either by simple calibration or actually hard broke. And it's easy to understand that at this point you have absolutely no confidence in the unit because you have no way to test it yourself, you are 100% reliant on what the unit is telling you, and there's no way you can trust it at this point. I can't and won't blame you for returning it!
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Re: Transmit Drive Power
w-u-2-o wrote:Yes, without an external meter there's no way to know if it's the transmitter or the internal meter (or both!) that are messed up, either by simple calibration or actually hard broke. And it's easy to understand that at this point you have absolutely no confidence in the unit because you have no way to test it yourself, you are 100% reliant on what the unit is telling you, and there's no way you can trust it at this point. I can't and won't blame you for returning it!
You understand my situation exactly. Thank you
I cannot control when my wattmeter arrives, and meanwhile I am reliant on what the unit and instructions are telling me. The 10 day return window imposed by Apache Labs is what is pressuring me to make a quick decision.
- Mike_N1JEZ
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Re: Transmit Drive Power
Are you using Thetis or PowerSDR mRX PS?
Are you using the "tune" button to transmit?
If PowerSDR, check the attachment and make sure the "use drive power" check box is selected. Otherwise power could be limited due to the "power" setting. In the attachment it's 10 %.
If Thetis, looks at those settings as well.
Mike
Are you using the "tune" button to transmit?
If PowerSDR, check the attachment and make sure the "use drive power" check box is selected. Otherwise power could be limited due to the "power" setting. In the attachment it's 10 %.
If Thetis, looks at those settings as well.
Mike
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73,
Mike, N1JEZ
"A closed mouth gathers no feet"
Mike, N1JEZ
"A closed mouth gathers no feet"
Re: Transmit Drive Power
Excellent point, Mike (N1JEZ)!
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Re: Transmit Drive Power
Do you know someone local to you that can loan you a watt meter?
It is all but impossible to get accurate readings with the internal watt meter until you follow the steps in the calibration instructions in the video posted earlier.
James
WD5GWY
It is all but impossible to get accurate readings with the internal watt meter until you follow the steps in the calibration instructions in the video posted earlier.
James
WD5GWY
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Re: Transmit Drive Power
Trucker wrote:Do you know someone local to you that can loan you a watt meter?
It is all but impossible to get accurate readings with the internal watt meter until you follow the steps in the calibration instructions in the video posted earlier.
James
WD5GWY
Understood, James. I'm working on it. Thanks.
Re: Transmit Drive Power
Do you have an antenna tuner that has a wattmeter?
Mark
Mark
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Re: Transmit Drive Power
K1LSB wrote:Do you have an antenna tuner that has a wattmeter?
Mark
Not yet. To be honest, I thought I could buy a radio, erect an antenna, install software, and it would all work without an array of external test instruments. But I now know better, and they're on the way.
Re: Transmit Drive Power
Hi Everyone,
I just saw this posting by coincidence and I am having a similar issue. I have a 200D running 2.9.0.2 Thetis. This is not my first Anan. I did have a 100D. I have now reloaded the software twice swiping the AppData files to make sure I had a clean re-install. Now the problem...I am getting 0 watts output in TUNE and/or MOX. TUNE is set to 25 watts I have checked the PA settings, and the software is properly configured for this radio, I do hear the relay clicking in the radio when I PTT and I do have two wattmeters (one on the tuner and an external one). The same result after two clean installs...no RF output. I have made no changes to the software except to select the correct radio. I have to be missing simple here.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
Mark
KK2L (formerly WA2DIY)
I just saw this posting by coincidence and I am having a similar issue. I have a 200D running 2.9.0.2 Thetis. This is not my first Anan. I did have a 100D. I have now reloaded the software twice swiping the AppData files to make sure I had a clean re-install. Now the problem...I am getting 0 watts output in TUNE and/or MOX. TUNE is set to 25 watts I have checked the PA settings, and the software is properly configured for this radio, I do hear the relay clicking in the radio when I PTT and I do have two wattmeters (one on the tuner and an external one). The same result after two clean installs...no RF output. I have made no changes to the software except to select the correct radio. I have to be missing simple here.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
Mark
KK2L (formerly WA2DIY)
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Re: Transmit Drive Power
Into a dummy load rated 100 w from DC to 50 ghz 50 ohms (using internal meter, I don’t have an external RF power meter yet . . . it’s on the way)
On 6 m I get zero forward power at any PA gain below 48. At 48.3 I get 36 watts and that’s the max. Below that it quickly drops to zero. This behaviour is almost identical to using my outdoor 6m antenna.
Other bands, into the dummy load, things are better:
10 m 100 watts @ 46.3
15 m 100 watts @ 46.0
20 m 100 watts @ 47.5
40 m 100 watts @ 47.8
On 6 m I get zero forward power at any PA gain below 48. At 48.3 I get 36 watts and that’s the max. Below that it quickly drops to zero. This behaviour is almost identical to using my outdoor 6m antenna.
Other bands, into the dummy load, things are better:
10 m 100 watts @ 46.3
15 m 100 watts @ 46.0
20 m 100 watts @ 47.5
40 m 100 watts @ 47.8
Re: Transmit Drive Power
KK2L wrote:I have a 200D running 2.9.0.2 Thetis.
The latest version of Thetis is 2.9.0.6. https://github.com/ramdor/Thetis-2.9.0/ ... g/v2.9.0.6
I am getting 0 watts output in TUNE and/or MOX...I have made no changes to the software except to select the correct radio. I have to be missing simple here.
Is this on every band, or just 6M?
Since you are an experienced user, it seems unlikely you've made any mistakes. Since you are using Thetis "out of the box" it seems unlikely you accidentally clicked the "receive only" option.
Where did the 200D come from? Could it simply be broken?
BREAK
Mike: as you undoubtedly know, it will not be possible to determine if you have a bad PA or simply a poorly calibrated internal power meter until you get your external power meter. Have you communicated with the supplier (I'm assuming it's HRO?) so that they are prepared to take it back if it turns out not to be a calibration issue?