TOPIC:

New AG was received from Flex Radio on October 3, 2020 (S/N: AG820-0159). Initially, it seemed to work correctly when using Flex-6700 connected to port-A via network cable (I only tried it on one band). But, when I connected Yaesu my FTDX101MP to Port-B using BCD switch setting of switch-4 ON, I could not get several of the bands that I setup in the software to correctly switch in the antenna ports. That was when I discovered something rattleing inside the case, which turned out to be loose nuts and lockwashers from port-B PL-259 connector. I opened the case removed the loose hardware (found the mating hardware in the shipping box, reinstalled it, and re-screwed the case together). I then made up a special test box to allow me to measure the input BCD voltage being input to the AG. I reloaded the firmware and setup the software with a separate band (10M thru 80M) allocated to each of the 8 antenna ports. With only the Yaesu rig BCD output (and network cable & power supply) connected to the AG (with proper pin-2 ON for port A or pin-4 ON for portB), each set of 4 BCD voltage readings from the Yaesu rig, per band, agreed with the AG Quick Start Guide's BCD protocol chart, with L=0V and H=4.8VDC. Not all band BCD inputs would switch an antenna port, indicated by LED not turned ON. And while Port-A and Port-B band switching were both incorrect for some ports, the antenna ports that failed to switch ON, were not all the same ports. Flex Radio refuses to help, stating that it's a 3rd party sale, and they are not responsible. I would have thought that since the unit arrived defective with loose hardware, they would have agreed to replace it. Help!
Dewey Treanor, W0YWW
Florida, USA

321-725-7823

Dear Dewey,

Our main electrical engineer is not in today, gonna discuss this with him and see what we can do.
We will do whatever we can to help, don't worry.

Dear Dewey,

Lab tests confirm that 4.8 is more then enough to switch BCD.

There are two possible scenarios for the behavior you described:

1) There are no jumpers on the the motherboard. (see attachment)
If you unscrew the side panels you will be able to see the motherboard.

2) There is a hardware problem with your motherboard and it needs to be replaced.

Can you please open the device and check for the jumpers? We'll see what to do after that.

Jumpers appear to be OK (see attached photos).

Jumpers do appear to be ok, yes... Then there's some hardware issue and that's impossible to diagnose remotely.
I''ll work with the folks at FlexRadio to organize a service of your switch then.

Getting back to you with instructions in a day or two.

Thanks, very much appreciate your assistance!
73, Dewey

It's been over a week -- any progress?

Dear W00YWW,

I sent you an email, please confirm if you've received it.
Sorry for the delay, we'll get you sorted out!

Received your email -- your solution works for me --- I sent reply email with informaiton that you requested.
Many thanks for your support
73, Dewey

Thanks Dragisa, AG working great now -- really appreciate your great support!
73, Dewey, WØYWW