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Troubleshooting

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Nigel Armstrong edited this page Oct 8, 2025 · 2 revisions

AIOC Troubleshooting

This page provides solutions to the most common issues encountered when using the AIOC.

Common Issues Quick-Start Guide

  • AIOC not detected by computer?

    • First, ensure the USB-C cable is pushed firmly and completely into the AIOC's port. A partially seated cable is the most common cause of this issue.
    • Secondly, ensure the USB-C cable you are using supports data connections. Many cheap cables are power-only cables, and will not allow the AIOC to connect to the host device.

  • Radio is stuck transmitting after using CHIRP?

    • This is a known bug in older firmware. You must update your AIOC's firmware to version 1.2.0 or newer to resolve it.

  • AIOC disconnects only when you transmit?

    • This is Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). See the detailed section on Mitigating RFI below.

  • Intermittent audio or PTT connection?

    • Try gently wiggling the AIOC where it connects to the radio. A poor physical connection is common, especially with some Baofeng models. Sometimes the 2.5/3.5mm jacks can have intermittent connections, so replacing the jacks can help.

Diagnosing Hardware and Connection Faults

Symptom: The AIOC is not detected by the computer, or the connection drops intermittently.

  • Double-check that the USB-C cable is fully seated in the AIOC's port. It requires a firm push to connect completely.
  • Verify the USB cable supports data connection. You can test this with another known-working device.

Symptom: Intermittent PTT or Audio.

  • Inspect the solder joints for cold solder joints. If you see joints that aren't complete, you can re=melt the solder on the problematic lug, while applying gentle pressure.
  • Check connectivity while gently wiggling the jacks. Sometimes the jacks may have intermittent connections internally or at the solder lugs. You may also attempt replacing the jack with another one

Resolving PTT (Push-to-Talk) Issues

Symptom: The radio's PTT is stuck ON after programming with CHIRP.

  • There is a definitive bug affecting all AIOC firmware versions prior to 1.2.0. The old firmware keyed the PTT based only on the DTR serial line, which some drivers would not reset correctly after CHIRP closed the port. Update the AIOC to firmware 1.2.0 or newer.

Symptom: PTT is stuck on after transmitting.

Mitigating RF Interference (RFI)

Symptom: The AIOC disconnects from the host's USB port, but only during transmission.

This is a common issue caused by RF energy from the radio's antenna interfering with the electronics and cabling. When using an HT with its attached antenna, the USB cable can act as part of the antenna system. RF current flows back along the cable and disrupts the sensitive USB data connection, causing it to drop. This is a fundamental radio physics problem, and hasn't been identified as a specific flaw in the AIOC.

Here are a few common solutions for reducing the RFI:

  1. Physical Separation

    • Move the AIOC away: Use a K-type 2-pin extension cable to increase the distance between the AIOC board and the radio's antenna.
    • Move the antenna away: Connect the radio to an external antenna (e.g., a mag-mount or a rooftop antenna) via a proper coaxial cable. This moves the source of the RF far away from the AIOC and computer.
    • Keep the USB away from antenna: Use a right-angle USB cable to avoid the USB cable running parallel to the antenna.

  2. Ferrite Chokes

    • Place one or more snap-on ferrite chokes (RF chokes) on the USB cable and/or the extension cable. These suppress the unwanted RF currents without affecting the data or audio signals. Ensure the ferrites you use are rated appropriately for the frequencies you are transmitting.

Platform-Specific Challenges

Windows

For the initial firmware flash on a new board, Windows requires a special driver. You must use the Zadig tool to replace the default "STM32 BOOTLOADER" driver with a libusb-compatible one before the dfu-util flashing tool will work.

MacOS

There is a known, issue that causes choppy transmit audio and "Transmit timing error" messages when using Dire Wolf, which is fixed in firmware 1.4.0 and later.

Linux

To avoid having to run applications with sudo, you must grant your user account permission to access the serial and HID devices. This is typically done by adding your user to the plugdev and/or audio group.

Android (APRSdroid)

APRSdroid does not currently support PTT control via the AIOC's serial or HID interface. Therefore, transmission is only possible by enabling the radio's built-in VOX (Voice Operated Switch) function, which can be less reliable.

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