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CAT Control getting knocked offline during CQ-WPX-SSB

Posted: 31 Mar 2025, 14:30
by kq4aji
Hello all,
I was using LOG4OM2 in Contest Mode during the last weekend's CQ-WPX-SBB contest and the CAT control (OmniRig) kept being knocked offline.
After about 5 times in 60 minutes, I started troubleshooting:
  • I changed the USB cable, the old had one choke on the computer end, the new one had chokes on both ends
  • I checked the CAT control and radio settings and the were the same: RIG1: IC-7300, COM3, baud rate 19200, bits 8, none, stop 1, RTS High, DTR High, Poll 500 ms, Timeout 4000ms, RIG2 None
  • I looked in the log (didn't save it) :x and it said "[OmnirigEngine] CAT Control False, Radio Timeout" or something similar
  • I turned off VOCAP service
  • I run with the x4 cluster views detached showing the 10m 15m 20m and 40m bands ("Menu>view>View cluster" to create the detached view)
  • I also noticed that these views were throttling as expected due to the contest but I've seen that before
None of these seemed to help as I worked contacts over the weekend and the dropout continued.

Seems like some kind of latency issue between the prg and the radio.

Here is the ASK:
What settings should I change to prevent this? Any help is appreciated!

BTW: I think LOG4OM2 is a great program and I don't mind using it in the Contest Mode as I am a casual contester only looking to pick up needed callsigns, I do upload my contest logs

Re: CAT Control getting knocked offline during CQ-WPX-SSB

Posted: 31 Mar 2025, 16:06
by G4POP
Sounds more like RF in the shack than a software issue, I worked a 24 hour contest last weekend and not one Omnirig disconnect

Re: CAT Control getting knocked offline during CQ-WPX-SSB

Posted: 31 Mar 2025, 16:19
by kq4aji
Thanks Terry,
I'll check for RF. I have a large Air Bauln looped from coax at the feed point and not an issue before.

The only other change is an added diplxer and both ends of the feed line (coax) to be able to use a HF and VHF/UHF antenna on the same feedline.

(2 radios, diplexer, feedline, diplexer, 2 antennas)

Thanks for the reply

Re: CAT Control getting knocked offline during CQ-WPX-SSB

Posted: 31 Mar 2025, 22:06
by kq4aji
Just checked with my analyzer on SWR meter mode and running my hand along the coax with no fluctuations, all bands. Steady as she goes.

Anyone else have any ideas?

Re: CAT Control getting knocked offline during CQ-WPX-SSB

Posted: 02 Apr 2025, 12:06
by GU4XEA
I had similar with the CAT lead from my radio FTDX-10 putting RF into my PC via the cable - killed it with a couple of those clip on ferrite clamps.

GU4XEA - Paul C