Cal File No Longer Compatable?

[wewill]

I started to use my 4170 today and have run into a number of problems.

First, the software tried to connect to port -256. This has never happened before -- it has always gone to the correct port, 12. So, I went into Setup and entered the correct port. The port was then connected.

Next, I got an error message saying "The cal data file is not appropriate for this particular instrument. Please calibrate again." I tried various other Cal files, that have always worked in the past, and got the same message. (If this matters, I wanted to scan from 7.0 to 7.7MHz.)

I rebooted the 4170, and it tried to connect to port -256. After inputting the correct port I got the same cal data file error.

I rebooted the computer. All of the above happened again.

Help!

[wewill]

I just noticed that at the top of the screen it reads "AIM uhf prog version 846." I hope this helps.

Thanks

[Bob]

It looks like your AIM4170 is not communicating with the PC. If it can't communicate,the program defaults to the AIMuhf configuration and it should say DEMO MODE at the top of the screen.

Try deleting the file named: AIM_Init_data.ini that is in the same folder with the exe file and then restart the program. It should say "init data file was not found". Then enter the comm port number, the cal file name that you want to use, and the name of the config file. Close the AIM program and restart it.

-- 73/Bob

[wewill]

I followed your directions and deleted the file. I have re-booted AIM and my computer. I verified the file was empty.

I am still getting a message that "AIM is not responding." Also getting the message "could not open" even though the com port is correct and the 4170 was on before I launched the program.

More suggestions?

[wewill]

I have downloaded the current version of the software and replaced my old software. I deleted the "AIM_INIT_data.ini" file. Then I corrected the port number.

After restarting the program, the title now reads "AIM 4170 prog version 852A."

Next, I tried a calibration with the loads I bought with the unit. However, when I put a short directly on the 4170, I get the message "The Load Impedance is 100000.... (12 0's) instead of 0." There is also a message at the top of the screen that is called "Data from Controller." It ends with "err=0000@ID Num 16862382." I get the same result for a standard calibration and a custom calibration from 6 to 30MHz.

What should I do?

Thanks

[wewill]

I have booted, tried to do a standard calibrate, closed, and re-booted a number of times. About every other time I try to calibrate, when I attach the short, I get the message "Load impedance is approximately 85.7 Ohms instead of 0 Ohms. Want to continue?"

I continued this calibration and got no further error messages.

To check if the calibration works, I loaded the new cal file and attached a 100 Ohm load. The SWR plotted as a straight line at 2 and Z plotted as a straight line at 100 Ohms. Does this sound like a sucessful calibration, despite the warning message?

[Harold]

Windows version?
Serial convertor perhaps.
Bob has said he has had to go to FTDI chip based with Win 7.

[wewill]

I am using Win 7, 32bit. The USB to RS232 converter uses the FTDI chip. Any other ideas are welcome.

Thanks