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Progress with Two Radio Automation
Thank you for all the responses. There is certainly a strong desire for =
a better way to fully automate the two radio switching method, and the =
desired goal is well within our reach. Laptop PCs with one LPT port are =
very popular in field day events.
Many people have recognised the complexity of switching needed to =
implement a fully automated and fully protected single operator two =
radio contest station. This complexity may be the reason why the =
challenge has yet to be met. Nevertheless, the following findings and =
development proposal present us with a practical way of achieving the =
mission.=20
This report presents a proposal for consideration by Ken K1EA, and =
includes a draft specification for a Two Radio Auto Control (TRAC) unit =
which will bring a new dimension of safety and satisfaction for two =
radio contesting. Your further comments and input to the draft proposal =
and TRAC unit will be much appreciated. A summary of the research =
findings and proposal are presented below.
Radio selection is currently available with CT.
The good news is that we already have an undocumented feature where pin =
14 on LPT1 provides the required data for radio selection. When CT =
changes (Alt .) to radio 1, pin 14 goes high with about + 4 volts. When =
Ct changes (Alt .) to radio 2, pin 14 goes low with about 0 volts.=20
I have confirmed that this is the case with CT version 9.37. The pin 14 =
data can be used to drive a transistor switch which can then drive the =
desired relay switching systems for: microphone, footswitch, PTT, CW =
keyer, and CW paddles.
Further good news is that Ken has previously advised that CT also =
provides automatic PTT data on pin 16 of LPT1.
Band Selection
Band data is currently provided for radio 1 on LPT1 pins 9, 8, 7, and 2. =
This feature is activated at start-up by using the -AC option. This band =
data does not change when CT is switched between radios.
At present there is no band data available for radio 2. However, the =
following proposal provides an optional way of satisfying the need.
DRAFT PROPOSAL
At present, a voice keyer can be enabled on either a DVP card, or LPT2, =
or LPT1.
If the user elects to have a DVP card or a DVK on LPT2, then LPT1 pins =
6, 5, 4, and 3 would be free and therefore could be enabled with band =
data for radio 2.
Ken, could you please consider this possibility for a future update. In =
this way, all needs can be satisfied to fully automate a two radio =
switching system.
If Ken finds a way of providing the second radio with band data on LPT1 =
(as a user option), then I would be keen to design and build the =
required hardware for a Two Radio Auto Control (TRAC) unit. The TRAC =
unit will provide for both Single Op 2 Radio and Multi-Single using a =
"run radio" and a "mult radio".=20
My draft specification for the TRAC unit contains the following =
features.
INTERNAL LOGIC
Contains protection interlocks for antenna allocation and prevention of =
any transmission if two radios are placed on the same band.
Contains two independant band decoders for radio 1 and radio 2.
Provides amplifier selection with two separate amplifiers for radio 1 =
and radio 2.
Provides filter selection with two separate sets of band-pass filters =
for radio 1 and radio 2.
Provides antenna selection with a choice of beam headings on the same =
band. The programmable antenna logic will drive a remote antenna =
switching matrix for two radios and up to 12 antennas.
CONNECTIONS
The TRAC unit will have connectors for cables to the following devices.
(a) LPT1 via 25 pin computer female connector
(b) Antenna Switch Matrix via 25 pin male connector
(c) Filter Set 1 via 9 pin female connector
(d) Filter Set 2 via 9 pin female connector
(e) Amplifier 1 via 9 pin male connector
(f) Amplifier 2 via 9 pin male connector
(g) Microphone input connector via standard Kenwood connector
(h) Micropone to radio 1 via standard Kenwood connector
(i) Microphone to radio 2 standard Kenwood connector
(j) PTT to radio 1 via a 2 pin coaxial socket
(k) PTT to radio 2 via a 2 pin coaxial socket
(l) Footswitch via 2 wire RCA socket
(m) CW keying to radio 1 via mono phone jack
(n) CW keying to radio 2 via mono phone jack
(o) CW paddles via stereo phone jack
(p) Paddle input to radio 1 via stereo phone jack
(q) Paddle input to radio 2 via stereo phone jack
(r) Remote Control Unit for Multi-Single operation via 25 pin female =
connector.
FRONT PANEL
=20
(1) "RADIO SELECT" with a three position switch to select: (a) Radio 1, =
(b) Auto, or (c) Radio 2. This "Radio Select" switch will allocate the: =
microphone, footswitch, PTT, CW keyer, and CW paddles.
=20
(2) "HEADING SELECT - Radio 1" - with a set of five push buttons for =
five beam headings for radio 1. For example: AF, EU, NA, SA, and OC.
=20
(3) "HEADING SELECT - Radio 2" - with a set of five push buttons for =
five beam headings for radio 2.
=20
(4) "MANUAL SELECT" - Radio 1" - for Auto or Manual band selection.
=20
(5) "MANUAL SELECT" - Radio 2" for Auto or Manual band selection.
=20
(6) "BAND SELECT" - a set of push buttons for manual band selection of =
radio 1 and radio 2.
=20
(7) Status indicators using LEDs
=20
When operating Multi-Single with a "run radio' and a "mult radio", the =
use of a remote control unit will ensure the integrity of the interlock =
protections and the coordination of all antenna selections through the =
antenna switching matrix.
Suggestions for further options or improvements to the draft =
specification will be much appreciated.
Regards,
John - VK4EMM
John_Loftus@vettweb.net.au
------=_NextPart_000_0035_01BDC136.9B6ABBA0
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charset="iso-8859-1"
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<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD W3 HTML//EN">
<HTML>
<HEAD>
<META content=3Dtext/html;charset=3Diso-8859-1 =
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<META content=3D'"MSHTML 4.72.2106.6"' name=3DGENERATOR>
</HEAD>
<BODY bgColor=3D#ffffff>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2>Progress with Two Radio =
Automation</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2>Thank you for all the responses. =
There is=20
certainly a strong desire for a better way to fully automate the two =
radio=20
switching method, and the desired goal is well within our reach. Laptop =
PCs with=20
one LPT port are very popular in field day events.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2>Many people have recognised the =
complexity of=20
switching needed to implement a fully automated and fully protected =
single=20
operator two radio contest station. This complexity may be the reason =
why the=20
challenge has yet to be met. Nevertheless, the following findings and=20
development proposal present us with a practical way of achieving the =
mission.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2>This report presents a proposal for=20
consideration by Ken K1EA, and includes a draft specification for a Two =
Radio=20
Auto Control (TRAC) unit which will bring a new dimension of safety and=20
satisfaction for two radio contesting. </FONT><FONT size=3D2>Your =
further comments=20
and input to the draft proposal and TRAC unit will be much appreciated. =
A=20
summary of the research findings and proposal are presented =
below.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2>Radio selection is currently =
available with=20
CT.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2>The good news is that we already =
have an=20
undocumented feature where pin 14 on LPT1 provides the required data for =
radio=20
selection. When CT changes (Alt .) to radio 1, pin 14 goes high with =
about + 4=20
volts. When Ct changes (Alt .) to radio 2, pin 14 goes low with about 0 =
volts.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2></FONT><FONT color=3D#000000=20
size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2>I have confirmed that this is the =
case with CT=20
version 9.37. The pin 14 data can be used to drive a transistor switch =
which can=20
then drive the desired relay switching systems for: microphone, =
footswitch, PTT,=20
CW keyer, and CW paddles.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>Further good news is that Ken has previously advised =
that CT=20
also provides automatic PTT data on pin 16 of LPT1.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2>Band Selection</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2>Band data is currently provided for =
radio 1 on=20
LPT1 pins 9, 8, 7, and 2. This feature is activated at start-up by using =
the -AC=20
option. This band data does not change when CT is switched between=20
radios.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>At present there is no band data available for radio =
2.=20
However, the following proposal provides an optional way of satisfying =
the=20
need.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>DRAFT PROPOSAL</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>At present, a voice keyer can be enabled on either a =
DVP card,=20
or LPT2, or LPT1.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>If the user elects to have a DVP card or a DVK on =
LPT2, then=20
LPT1 pins 6, 5, 4, and 3 would be free and therefore could be enabled =
with band=20
data for radio 2.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2></FONT><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2>Ken, could you =
please=20
consider this possibility for a future update. </FONT><FONT size=3D2>In =
this way,=20
all needs can be satisfied to fully automate a two radio switching=20
system.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2>If Ken finds a way of providing the =
second radio=20
with band data on LPT1 (as a user option), then I would be keen to =
design and=20
build the required hardware for a Two Radio Auto Control (TRAC) unit. =
The TRAC=20
unit will provide for both Single Op 2 Radio and Multi-Single using a =
"run=20
radio" and a "mult radio". </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2>My draft specification for the TRAC =
unit=20
contains the following features.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>INTERNAL LOGIC</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2></FONT>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2>Contains protection interlocks for =
antenna=20
allocation and prevention of any transmission if two radios are placed =
on the=20
same band.</FONT></DIV></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>Contains two independant band decoders for radio 1 =
and radio=20
2.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2></FONT><FONT color=3D#000000 =
size=3D2>
<DIV>
<DIV>Provides amplifier selection with two separate amplifiers for radio =
1 and=20
radio 2.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV></DIV>
<DIV>Provides filter selection with two separate sets of band-pass =
filters for=20
radio 1 and radio 2.</DIV>
<DIV></FONT> </DIV></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2>Provides antenna selection with a =
choice of beam=20
headings on the same band. The programmable antenna logic will drive a =
remote=20
antenna switching matrix for two radios and up to 12 =
antennas.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2>CONNECTIONS</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV>The TRAC unit will have connectors for cables to the following=20
devices.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>(a) LPT1 via 25 pin computer female connector</DIV>
<DIV>(b) Antenna Switch Matrix via 25 pin male connector</DIV>
<DIV>(c) Filter Set 1 via 9 pin female connector</DIV>
<DIV>(d) Filter Set 2 via 9 pin female connector</DIV>
<DIV>(e) Amplifier 1 via 9 pin male connector</DIV>
<DIV>(f) Amplifier 2 via 9 pin male connector</DIV>
<DIV>(g) Microphone input connector via standard Kenwood connector</DIV>
<DIV>(h) Micropone to radio 1 via standard Kenwood connector</DIV>
<DIV>(i) Microphone to radio 2 standard Kenwood connector</DIV>
<DIV>(j) PTT to radio 1 via a 2 pin coaxial socket</DIV>
<DIV>(k) PTT to radio 2 via a 2 pin coaxial socket</DIV>
<DIV>(l) Footswitch via 2 wire RCA socket</DIV>
<DIV>(m) CW keying to radio 1 via mono phone jack</DIV>
<DIV>
<DIV>(n) CW keying to radio 2 via mono phone jack</DIV>
<DIV>(o) CW paddles via stereo phone jack</DIV>
<DIV>(p) Paddle input to radio 1 via stereo phone jack</DIV>
<DIV>(q) Paddle input to radio 2 via stereo phone jack</DIV></DIV>
<DIV>(r) Remote Control Unit for Multi-Single operation via 25 pin =
female=20
connector.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2>FRONT PANEL</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2>(1) "RADIO SELECT" with a =
three=20
position switch to select: (a) Radio 1, (b) Auto, or (c) Radio 2. This=20
</FONT><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2>"Radio Select" switch =
will allocate=20
the: microphone, footswitch, PTT, CW keyer, and CW paddles.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2></FONT>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>(2) "HEADING SELECT - Radio 1" - with a =
set of five=20
push buttons for five beam headings for radio 1. For example: AF, EU, =
NA, SA,=20
and OC.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>(3) "HEADING SELECT - Radio 2" - with a =
set of five=20
push buttons for five beam headings for radio 2.</FONT></DIV></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2></FONT> </DIV></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2>(4) "MANUAL SELECT" - =
Radio 1" -=20
for Auto or Manual band selection.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>(5) "MANUAL SELECT" - Radio 2" for =
Auto or=20
Manual band selection.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2>(6) "BAND SELECT" - a set =
of push=20
buttons for manual ba</FONT><FONT size=3D2>nd selection of radio 1 and =
radio=20
2.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2></FONT> </DIV></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2></FONT><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2>(7) Status =
indicators using=20
LEDs</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2></FONT> </DIV></DIV>
<DIV>When operating Multi-Single with a "run radio' and a =
"mult=20
radio", the use of a remote control unit will ensure the integrity =
of the=20
interlock protections and the coordination of all antenna selections =
through the=20
antenna switching matrix.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Suggestions for further options or improvements to the draft =
specification=20
will be much appreciated.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Regards,</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>John - VK4EMM</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><A=20
href=3D"mailto:John_Loftus@vettweb.net.au";>John_Loftus@vettweb.net.au</A>=
</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV></FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>
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