Connection Being Dropped
Hi All:
I recently installed and configured VarAC. I can decode broadcast announcements and ping other stations. However, when I call CQ and another station connects with me, we disconnect after several seconds. This happens even if I and the other station have strong signals.
My set up is as follows:
TS-590 transceiver
PC running Windows 10
A RIGBlaster Advantage interface between the PC and radio
50W transmit power
End-fed wire antenna.
Any idea what the problem is? Attached is a screenshot of my VarAC GUI following an unsuccessful QSO attempt. The log file is appended below.
73
Brian, KD6NRP
01:51:15 > <STARTING CQ CALL ON 40m>
01:51:15 > CQ DE KD6NRP
01:51:25 > CQ DE KD6NRP
01:51:35 > STANDING BY ON SLOT 4
01:51:36 > < END OF CQ CALL >
01:53:46 > CONNECTED TO KE4ZDJ (BANDWIDTH 500)
01:54:00 KE4ZDJ> <R-08>
01:54:00 > PING RESULT: -08dB
01:54:11 > QSO SUMMARY: Frequency: 7.102.000 (40m) Duration: 00:00:24
01:54:11 > DISCONNECTED FROM KE4ZDJ
02:22:22 > INCOMING CONNECTION REQUEST. Still don't know who that is.
02:22:48 > CONNECTED TO KE4ZDJ (BANDWIDTH 500)
02:23:06 KD6NRP> de KD6NRP <R-17>
02:23:13 KE4ZDJ> <QSYU>
02:23:13 > <<QSY UP 750Hz⬆ INVITATION RECEIVED>>
02:23:22 > QSO SUMMARY: Frequency: 7.105.000 (40m) Duration: 00:00:33
02:23:22 > DISCONNECTED FROM KE4ZDJ
02:24:17 > CONNECTED TO KE4ZDJ (BANDWIDTH 500)
02:24:34 > QSO SUMMARY: Frequency: 7.105.000 (40m) Duration: 00:00:17
02:24:34 > DISCONNECTED FROM KE4ZDJ
I tried interfacing my PC directly to my radio via USB cable to get CAT and therefore automatic QSY capability, but no luck.
I went back to my original setup with a RigBlaster Advantage between the PC and TS-590. Later I was was reading the RigBlaster manual and may have found a clue.
It said for FSK operation, I had to go beyond the basic configuration (which I was using) and also use an RS-232 cable between the radio and RibBlaster.
I never used an RS-232 cable for digital operation with my TS-590 and I didn't have a cable on hand, so I ordered one. I will try again to set up CAT when it arrives.
Despite not having FSK capability, I used my radio's two VFOs and programmed the calling frequency in VFO A and a slot frequency in VFO B. After calling CQ, I pressed the VFO button to QSY.
Using this method I had a successful VarAC QSO on Friday evening.
73
Brian