During contesting, using N1MM+ to send macros for CW, some users have experienced the Radio PTT "hanging" after sending a macro.
There are several possible causes for this:
- CAUSE: Sending from the CW Paddles to "tail-end" a message or serial number after the "exchange" macro BEFORE the macro has finished sending, or before the radio has returned to receive after the Macro was sent.
Occasionally, this can confuse the radio's T/R timing.
SOLUTION: Set a shorter time for the CW DELAY (also known as "CW Hang Time" )
This is found in the "Radio Controls Panel" in the "P/CW" sub-panel.
In the picture below, the CW DELAY is set to 150
If this is too long for your operation, use the slider to reduce it, but NOT below the value you have set for the TX DELAY.
- CAUSE: Having the TX DELAY Longer than the CW Delay.
The "TX DELAY" setting sets a delay for the radio sending any RF until the Amplifier and Tuner are able to switch from Receive mode to Transmit Mode. This prevents "Hot-Switching" the amplifier with RF already flowing from the radio. "Hot-Switching" causes Key Clicks on your signal, dropped initial "dits," and generates transients that can damage your amplifier, your radio, or both.
If the CW DELAY is set to Shorter than the TX DELAY, it may lead to ley-clicks on the "un-key" side of the CW note, and may cause timing issues while sending.
SOLUTION: When using an amplifier, always set an appropriate length of TX DELAY to allow the amplifier to fully switch to Transmit Mode.
* In SmartSDR for Windows: The TX DELAY setting is found in the "Settings > Radio > TX" tab.
* On the Maestro or M-Model Radio Front Panel: The TX DELAY is found in the "MENU > Transmit" tab.
NOTE: This is NOT the same as the CW DELAY (hang time).
You should always set the CW DELAY to be a little longer than the TX DELAY.
For example, if TX DELAY is 20, use at least 30-40 (or longer) for the CW DELAY.
- CAUSE: N1MM+ is set to use Hardware or Software PTT for CW.
It is not necessary to use hardware or software PTT for CW. Just keep the "Break-in" button turned ON, and the radio will automatically key up whenever the Winkeyer Emulator or CWX call for CW to be sent.
SOLUTION: Turn OFF the "PTT Via Radio Command" for CW
Open N1MM+ "Config > Configure Ports> Hardware" tab
Select the COM Port for your radio (COM31 in this example) and turn OFF the option for "PTT Via Radio Command CW Mode."
If you have TWO Radio Ports in use (For SO2R or "Enhanced SO2V") be sure to do the same for the Second Radio COM Port (COM32 in this example).
These methods have proven effective in several recent cases of N1MM+ PTT "Hanging" reports.