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TX power VU meter and numerical readout are erratic/unstable when 4O3A PGXL amplifier is in OPERATE mode #2393

Description

@LA9AKA

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What happened?

When the 4O3A Power Genius XL (PGXL) amplifier is connected to AetherSDR and placed in OPERATE mode, the TX forward power VU meter (in the TX applet and S-Meter/ANLG gauge) and its corresponding numerical readout become highly erratic during FT8 transmission. The needle and value jump around rapidly and are difficult to read or use as a meaningful power reference.
By contrast, the TGXL SWR/power gauge in the Tuner applet remains stable and easy to read during the same transmission. Additionally, when the PGXL is disconnected or in STANDBY, the VU meter and numerical readout are stable and behave normally — confirming this is specific to the PGXL power feed path.

What did you expect?

The TX forward power VU meter and numerical readout should be stable and smooth when the PGXL is connected and in OPERATE mode, just as they are when the PGXL is absent. The displayed value should represent a readable, suitably smoothed forward power reading from the amplifier output, comparable in stability to the TGXL gauge.

Steps to reproduce

Launch AetherSDR 0.9.6 on Windows and connect to the FLEX-6600 (fw 4.2.18.41174).
Ensure the 4O3A PGXL amplifier is connected and AetherSDR has established a TCP connection to it (visible in the PGXL applet).
Place the PGXL in OPERATE mode.
Transmit a continuous carrier (e.g. press TUNE, or use a CW or digital mode).
Observe the TX applet forward power VU meter and its numerical readout — both are erratic and unstable.
Observe the TGXL Tuner applet power/SWR gauge — it is stable.
Place the PGXL in STANDBY mode and repeat the transmission.
Observe the TX applet VU meter and numerical readout — both are now stable, confirming the erratic behaviour is tied to the PGXL power feed path.

AetherSDR version

0.9.6

Radio model & firmware

FLEX-6600 v4.2.18

Operating system

Windows

OS version and hardware

Win11

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    GUIUser interfacebugSomething isn't workingexternal devicesFlexControl, MIDI, serial port, USB peripheralsmaintainer-reviewRequires maintainer review before any action is takenpriority: mediumMedium priority

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