InstantForum.NET v4.1.4FlexRadio Systems Forumshttp://forums.flexradio.com/postmaster@flexradio-mailman.comFri, 18 May 2012 11:08:54 GMT20http://forums.flexradio.com/Topic3080-55-1.aspxFor me, the connector is rock solid. I use both the supplied 6x6 cable for the main shack computer and a 6x4 for the laptop, and neither of the 6 ends are loose on my F3k.</P><P>73</P><P>Simon M0BOX/G6BOXThu, 26 Aug 2010 15:53:34 GMTm0boxhttp://forums.flexradio.com/Topic3080-55-1.aspxI disagree with the statement that apple are to blame for the poor Firewire connector.</P><P>The mechanical specifications for the socket and the standard are <STRONG>IEEE specification</STRONG>.</P><P>The mechanical specification calls for the cutout in the back plate to be the same shape as the socket.</P><P>This will and does prevent the wrong insertion of the plug.</P><P>Full specifications are available to <STRONG>IEEE members like me</STRONG>.</P><P>Apple only holds the rights to the software as far as i know.</P><P>Bob</P><P>MW0PICWed, 25 Aug 2010 14:43:07 GMTmw0pichttp://forums.flexradio.com/Topic3080-55-1.aspxHi guys</P><P>I have investigated the problem wit the port and it is the PHY chip that has blown.</P><P>They are 64 pin SMD and cost £3.75 . and require SMD soldering skills.</P><P>If you are using a 4 pin FW cable this problem cannot happen as they have no power connections, only data, so no harm will occur if they are plugged in upside down.</P><P>I am sure other people will get this problem .</P><P>I will keep you informed.</P><P>The moral of this story is to use only 4 pin connectors at the PC end and to be extra carefull when reseating a loose plug.</P><P>This problem can also be caused by Hotpluging!</P><P>73</P><P>BobSun, 15 Aug 2010 08:01:23 GMTmw0pichttp://forums.flexradio.com/Topic3080-55-1.aspxI agree there are not many options when using fire wire but it still would have been better to recess the socket a little to add some mechanical stability to such a poorly designed connector, my main PC has this and it does help substantially. </P><P>For me I am still unable to get the Flex-3000 to work properly after two weeks on either of two laptops so I have to be somewhat careful as i am constantly unplugging the lead during my fault finding.Sat, 14 Aug 2010 09:40:11 GMTG6AHYhttp://forums.flexradio.com/Topic3080-55-1.aspxThe physical connector design of the 1394a 6-pin interface is not the best engineered connector. It doesn't provide much friction or a mechanical mechanism for securing the cable. We can blame Apple for that one.Sat, 14 Aug 2010 07:31:14 GMTw4tmehttp://forums.flexradio.com/Topic3080-55-1.aspxHi</P><P>I also have the flex3000 and have noticed how weak the positioning of this connector is, why it was not recessed to give it a better mechanical support is beyond me. Good luck with getting yours fixed, are you sure the port is dead or is it just a faulty connector ?, if it is just the connector it is not a SM type and with a good eye and fine point solder tip you should be able to change it.Sat, 14 Aug 2010 04:32:24 GMTG6AHYhttp://forums.flexradio.com/Topic3080-55-1.aspxHi all.</P><P>I have some reservations about the Firewire conector on the Flex3000.</P><P>Mine was very loose and quite flimsy and kept falling out at the slightest movement of the radio.</P><P>Eventually Sod's law prevailed and it was plugged in the wrong way round !!!!!</P><P>This offered no resistance due to the flexing of the socket.</P><P>I now have a blown 1394 port on my radio!!!!!!!!.</P><P>I live in the UK so i am looking to get it repaired myself as Flex say wrong connections are not covered in the waranty.</P><P>Has anyone experinced a similar problem?Fri, 13 Aug 2010 18:56:28 GMTmw0pic