Hi, Rick!
I think the simplest way is just to design a tiny device with controller,
RS-232 interface, and some relay driver. The firmware should emulate
one of the popular rotator standard (like yaesu GS-232 - it is really simple
and you do not need to support full set of command - just two or even one
should be enough). Also this controller may do some other useful things
(indication and manual control of direction switching).
Another variant is write a little program (for PC) which receives data on
COM port (and process them as standard rotator) and switchs relays using
signals (just like PTT/CW works) from the other LPT/COM port. Then you
need to set up COM port loop (either hardware or software). IMHO the
first way is right and better then the second. But if you have skills in PC
programming and no skills in embedded one, it may work for you.
In any case you need then just to configure your log to use the standard
rotator control...
Feel free to ask more. I know what I am talking about. You can see the photo
of
my homemade rotator controller (which rotates my quads) here:
http://skydan.in.ua/downloads/rot.jpg
It support computer control as well...
Regards,
Oleg
73 de UR3IQO
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rick Mintz" <Rmintz@Rochester.rr.com>
To: "CQ-Contest" <cq-contest@contesting.com>
Cc: "N1MM Logger" <N1MMLogger@yahoogroups.com>; <writelog@contesting.com>
Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2007 2:10 AM
Subject: [CQ-Contest] Switching relays from contest software
Hi gang,
I have a 3 element 40 meter parasitic vertical array. The radiation patterns
on this system are controlled by a series of matching networks, switched by
mechanical relays. The switchbox is in my shack.
I would like to activate the available patterns from either Writelog or N1MM
buy sensing the calculated beam heading for each country as it is entered
into the QSO entry field.
Both programs will display the short path route to a DXCC entity. Any ideas
on how I could access this heading information to activate relays?
For example: A heading of
0 to 90 degrees = pattern 1
91 – 180 = Omni pattern
181 – 270 = pattern 2
Rick W1TY
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