ss6900n V6

Hi Folks.

Technical question.
SS6900n V6

Squelch on low level settings pulses, audio sounds like static.
I'm thinking its the analogue squelch threshold BUT

Anyone experts got other thoughts on what could be causing that?

Paul Gray

Hi Paul,

We just had some talk in another recent posting about squelch controls but on a SS9900.


The squelch control doesn't work very well in SSB modes on pretty much any radio due to the obvious variance in signal of an SSB transmission so not normally used. However with AM/FM use it clearly has advantages so that we don't hear the hash/static noises between transmissions making operation more comfortable. I know that might be obvious to some so bear with me.

On the other posting a member mentioned their SS6900 also had an 'ASQ' setting which according to the manual is the automatic squelch and it seems that this comes into operation during AM/FM modes. It may be either worth setting this value higher to increase the squelch operation or set it to the lowest and use the manual squelch as normal.

If the signal received varies such as during mobile operations then the squelch setting might be just at that border level so kicks in and out creating the pulsing you speak off. This could also occur during apparent empty channel listening due to variance in the noise level received.


I hope that helps Paul. I don't tend to use squelch much except with FM modes and even then will turn it down if I get that 'flutter' when talking to a mobile FM station. I did mention in the other posting that the ASQ doesn't appear as useful as first seems.

All sounds archaic but I think that's the fun of radio so I wouldn't worry that there's anything wrong with your radio. 


All the best,
Victor

Thanks for your reply Victor.
It's like every problem in radio, ask enough times and someone will have a fix or a reason why for whatever ails you.

Pouring over the schematic, the squelch circuit(s) are 'basic' to say the least and very little spike filtering. So I'm going to play around with the components a little, add some high freq shunts (which might sound wrong but has worked before) slowing it's response a bit allowing the driver to cope better with spiking QRM.

If I crack it, I'll let you know.
73's
Paul Gray

Fantastic stuff there Paul.   

It's always best to never presume someone's level of expertise with such radio questions but offer the broadest help where possible. 

So nice to hear that you have certain expertise with electronics and your conclusions sound perfect to alleviate the problem to hand. It wouldn't be the first time myself that I've added capacitors to squelch circuitry to either delay the 'pop' response or indeed as you mention better able to handle noise spikes.

I for one would be happy to hear the results of your experimentation/solutions and although such electronics skills are fast fading out I'm sure others would be interested too.

Well done. Look forward to your results.


All the very best,
Victor

Thanks for your reply Victor.
Initial "croc clip" capacitor tests are happening slowly BUT, SWMBO has more pressing projects for me to do "First, before I lose you for a week or two".

I've got a notion that I'm going to have to address a high noise floor first which means getting my QRM filter BACK from a  'ham' .

(Why don't full license hams HAVE TO learn to build things for themselves again?)

Take care,
Paul

Ha! Ha! No worries there Paul.  

My own projects are often like a thousand car train and the Missus doesn't realise I can't just stop and start at will.
Mind you, she often throws the 'wrong type of leaves' on the tracks too!

We're at that festive time of year that otherwise occupies us so I hope you get to enjoy them and fit projects in later.


All the very best,
Victor

Enjoy. I'm going to!!!!!
73's Hippy Xmas (Beer optional).