A single knob is used as the rf gain or squelch control, depending on a menu setting. It doesn't automatically select squelch in VHF/UHF or rf gain in HF. If the menu selection is for rf gain, then rf gain is manual and squelch is automatic in all bands. If the selection is for squelch, then squelch is manual and rf gain is wide open on all bands. Is it possible that the squelch setting (automatic or manual) is wrong for your rigs when in HF? If there is a hidden menu to adjust the automatic squelch level, I haven't run across it yet.
Cheers and good luck,
Bob VE3HIX
On Monday, December 30, 2019, 03:26:24 PM EST, Jim, ND9M / VQ9JC via Groups.Io <claryco@...> wrote:
Hi Troy,
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Thanks for the suggestion. I agree that the similarity in the problems between the two 857Ds (albeit on different bands) implies there's something in common. And yes, I have used a tuner with each rig at times. However, a lot of times I connected the antennas directly to the rigs, i.e. with no tuner or antenna switch in line, and the symptoms continue.?
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BTW, when the RX quiets in this abnormal way, the S meter drops accordingly; as the RX audio returns, so does the S meter reading. It's as if the RX on that particular band (again, 17M on one rig, 40M on the other) does not get electronically muted when I transmit, thereby not protecting the RX.
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Often, when I key the rig (CW or SSB) and let up, the RX kicks in normally as if there's no problem and it (both rigs) can stay that way for until the next key down but may remain "normal" for an hour, day, or week. And then it returns; the intermittent appearance is what makes me nuts!
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Just for giggles, I swapped control heads and matched the Menu settings; not surprisingly, there's no difference.
