WHY HAVE AUTOMATION?
We all started out with an IF radio and a manual
band control switch. It was fun pushing this button,
turning that knob, positioning the band select switch for
the proper band. Wait, is the logging program on the
correct band? Standby while I correct the log . (Yawn)
Since then, radios and logging programs have
come a long way. It is now possible to minimize
mistakes with equipment and logging synchronization.
Standard Configuration
IF
Radio
Xvtr 1
PTT
Xvrt 2
Manual Band
Switch
Station Control
Optimal design criteria:
Radio(s) control transverter IF switching, PTT, and
metering. Thus you can operate without running a
logging program.
During contests the logging program then controls
radio(s).
Programs supporting microwave bands
N1MM, Writelog, VHF log, Others
Option 2: Logging program can control transverters
using DX Doubler (N1MM), W5XD (Writelog), and
N3FTI board (VHF log) BCD to 10 line decoder.
KRC-2
Optional
Homebrew
Option 2: Computer control of
band switching
Standard
Radio
IF
Xvtr 1
PTT
Xvrt 2
W5XD box
N3FTI box
DX Doubler
W5XD-serial
N3FTI - Parallel
Computer
DX Doubler - Parallel
(requires USB to
parallel adapter)
Radio to Transverter
SDR-5000A & 1500: I2C to sixteen line decoder.
Nice board available from Phil K3TUF.
You can set up the Power SDR to output any
combination of the 16 lines. I set up for BCD.
Elecraft K3: KRC2 Remote control box. Setup in
radio.
Hermes: Multi pin outputs on board
Other Radios?
Elecraft KRC2
SHACK
SHED
UCB or
N3FTI board
Transverter Configuration
The 4 lower band xverter IFs are 28 Mhz.
The 6 upper bands use 144 Mhz IFs. An
intermediate 28 to 144 transverter is needed
for conversion. Some logic is needed to
decide where the RF is routed. I use 12 volts
on the IF line to key the transverters. This
eliminates the need for 10 PTT routing relays.
With 2 radios it becomes much simpler.
My Station RF Paths
OR
Microwave IF radio
28 or 144 Mhz
Diode Matrix
NN3Q Control Box
It’s a bit of work but it’s
worth it!