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Edited: Mar 10

Xiegu G90 PTT issue, PTT not released

Hi,

I've tried VarAC version v3.3.1 with both CAT and OmniRig. With both options my transceiver does not stop transmitting. So when starting a transmit cycle the transceiver is properly keyed-up, but the PTT is not released and the transceiver keeps in TX mode.

Using Winlink or WSJT-X the keying works just fine.

edit: I'm using a FTDI TTL serial cable for cat control. For audio I'm using the the XGGComs Digimode-3-Xiegu interface.

Thanks,

73s de PE1PUX,

Erik

23 comments

23 Comments

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Trance

Jun 26

I had the identical issues today... and also found the solution that worked for me.

Xiegu G90 & Winlink Express – OH8STN Ham Radio

irad d

Jun 26

Replying to

What was the think you changed that solved it ? Can't understand it from the image you posted.

thank you :)

Trance

Jun 26

Replying to

@irad d sorry, I set all of the options to be identical. Rig being an ic 7200, the address as 94, and that the ptt was also over the same Com port. Until I made those changes, I had the exact same issue as you, running the same 1.78b firmware. It would properly release ptt twice during negotiation, then never release it again, having to shut the rig down. Now all is well.

irad d

Apr 10

Hi Erik. Are you on the Facebook page ? I put it for everyone to assiset. and people has some advice for you. also some says it works ok for them. please read this and engage with them directly to find out how to resolve your problem:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/varahf/permalink/5256255264413703

irad d

Apr 29

Replying to

@pe1pux Any update on this ? maybe a firmware updates fixed it ?

PE1PUX

May 01

Replying to

Hi Irad,

There where no firmware updates until now so i downgraded the rig today. The downgrade also means my rig is set to factory default settings. Unfortunately the result is exactly the same.

When an update is available i will try again.

PE1PUX

May 01

Replying to

Hi Irad,

There where no firmware updates until now so i downgraded the rig today. The downgrade also means my rig is set to factory default settings. Unfortunately the result is exactly the same.

edit: Also upgraded to VarAC 3.6.6 and latest cat file.

When an update is available i will try again.

irad d

Apr 10

Well - I know some X90 folks are using it ok. I just posted in the Facebook group this thread to see if they can jump in and assist in analyzing this with you.

PE1PUX

Apr 08

When killing VarAC after a CQ the transceiver stays keyed up. I waited about 10 seconds then started VarAC again. The transceiver stays in TX mode. Repeated this cycle 3 times.

Then upgrade to v 3.5 on my laptop, also tested 3 times. Results are the same. The TX is never released.

Only way to get the TX to stop is to power down my G90.

Next steps are only tested with version 3.5:

When the transceiver is in TX mode after a CQ call and i disconnect the CAT cable it remains in TX mode. When i then disconnect the data connection (audio in/out) it remains in TX mode. Other way around, so first disconnect data connection then CAT gives same result.

Now for the fun part. When i only connect CAT cable and do NOT connect the data cable (audio in/out) the PTT keying works fine, off course no audio is being transmitted. I've tested 3 full CQ cycles, switching between TX and RX is as expected.

As mentioned before, when only connecting the data connection, thus without CAT, switching between RX and TX also works. Which indicates that the G90 enforces VOX when audio is selected from the LINE (in) jack. The radio allows selecting of audio input source, either MIC or LINE. The LINE is the data (din) jack in the back of the rig. I double checked, the VOX setting is disabled. This setting only seems to be used when the audio input is set to MIC.

Your effort is surely much appreciated!

irad d

Apr 08

ok. next test. start CQ. your PTT will remain keyd as this is the problem.

Kill VarAC. Does this transver stay keyd ?

Start VarAC. Does starting VarAC disable the TX ?

irad d

Apr 08

not giving up yet. I want to see if the CAT command is not OK or the sequence of PTT ON/OFF.

First question - in the SETTINGS - when you TRY PTT ON and OFF, does it work ? or stay on PTT ON ?

PE1PUX

Apr 08

Replying to

In settings, trying PTT ON and OFF works perfectly fine. PTT is toggled instantly when hitting either PTT ON of PTT OFF button.

I reverted PortWaitTimeMs to 100 and restarted VarAC before testing just to be sure.

PE1PUX

Apr 08

Unfortunately that did not work. I also tried a value of 500 and even of 1000. Result is the same in all cases.

irad d

Apr 08

Replying to

Just making sure u restarted varac between changes to load the new vakues

PE1PUX

Apr 08

Replying to

Yes, i did :-)

irad d

Apr 08

I suspect of something Erik.

Please go to VarAC.ini file and increase this parameter.

PortWaitTimeMs=100 --> 200

try again and let me know

PE1PUX

Apr 08

Hi Irad,

Sorry for the late response. I've tested some further with the G90.

When testing PTT ON/OFF it works just fine as expected.

When calling CQ the PTT is kept enabled, so that's not how it should be.

When using the tuning option in the Vara software i noticed the G90 is also set to TX mode, and stopping a tune cycle does not release the PTT mode.

Then i noticed that it works fine as soon as i disconnect my CAT cable. Now the PC is only connected using the sound card interface. Although VOX is disabled the set is keyed-up when i start a tune cycle in the Vara software. This time the PTT is released as soon as i stop the tune cycle.

I find it strange my G90 starts transmitting without CAT so i assume this is a software bug or feature in the firmware (v 1.78) of my G90. When the G90 sees audio on the line in of the data jack in the back the set is set to TX. Which is convenient when you leave your CAT cable at home while in the field :-)

As a workaround i can leave the CAT cable disconnected and use the magical TX triggering as soon as the Vara software sends audio to the soundcard. The downside is i have no automatic frequency control for QSY.

When doing the same kinds of test with Winlink it works just fine in both cases, CAT cable connected or disconnected. Only difference in settings is that i selected the ICOM 7200 as a rig since Winlink has no G90 option.

I've tested VarAC with the ICOM 7200 option, but results are the same as with the G90 selected.

For other reasons i installed everything on another laptop with a fresh Windows 10 install and made sure the FTDI (usb-serial) drivers where up-to-date.

Erik

irad d

Mar 30

Hi Erik. When you Test PTT ON/OFF on the settings screen - does the PTT OFF work?

PE1PUX

Mar 29

Hi,

Unfortunately it's still not working for my G90.

My settings are: