Vision of an add-on product which would be the remote device for use when the radios become controll

Steve K9ZW

Vision of an add-on product - a sort of FlexControl+ which would be the remote device for use when the radios become controllable over the internet. Would have the features of the FlexControl with added features like jacks/plug-ins for microphones/headsets/speakers/keys, some onboard storage for a copy of the latest software/firmware/drivers to be stored, the hardware/software for the remote audio streams, a few status indicators (mirroring the radio units LED and Status lights for a start), and a few dedicated function keys (a remote forced un-key/reboot/shutdown would be first on that list). Perhaps a few additional plug-ins for doing digital. Ethernet and USB connectivity, and provisions to daisy-chain a second FlexControl+ for multi-radio installations. Full & rich features, and as we're not compromising on the radio itself, not a reduced product driven down to some price point. Would need to be pretty (enough) to be a desk feature. Rational for onboard storage is allow an operator to hook their FlexControl+ to a guest computer and not need to search the net for software downloads, or have a separate thumb drive. Would be very cool! Possible? 73 Steve K9ZW

Graham-KE9H

Steve: Thanks for the input. Yes, Very possible. We will need something like this when we get to remote control over the internet. You have also suggested some additional features. Thanks, --- Graham / KE9H

Steve K9ZW

I'd add to connectivity potentially a Thunderbolt connector as perhaps the FlexControl+ might sit between the Computer and the internet (Ethernet connection). This would be a great workaround for the limited I/O port types and numbers on potential client computers. Wireless and Bluetooth capabilities might be considered too. Some sort of find-the-radio and wake it up would be awesome. Managing "shared slices" from several different radios would be huge. It might ne a necessity for the FlexControl+ to carry the last several versions of the software (SmartSDR, SmartSDR CAT, and future SmartSDR XXXXX modules) to allow for down-version capability when remote upgrading would be unwise. --- As a more comprehensive thought, perhaps a specification for full remote shack automation would make sense, with the FlexControl+ anchoring a system that could expand to remote rotors, switch, amps and more. 73 Steve K9ZW

Graham-KE9H

Hi Steve: Thanks for the additional suggestions. Keep on thinking about this. Yes, where do you hook an iambic key to a laptop or desktop? The likely answer is something like the "FlexControl+" (as you call it) sitting along side. Some of the functionality you are suggesting belongs in the controlling computer, some belongs in the "FlexControl+", and some belongs back at the remote radio site, perhaps in a separate box from the radio and a different box that is not a "FlexControl+" but still needs to be there. But it all deserves to be somewhere in the system. Thanks, --- Graham / KE9H ==

Steve K9ZW

As mentioned in another thread on adding Persistence, the FlexControl+ device(s) will need a decision tree to handle setting configuration tables, reconcile some levels of mismatching, and trigger resolution routines for decisions requiring user input. If a guest, putting everything back as found will be important. Would expect many users will also adopt Profiles for different operating modes. Potential hosts will need to authenticate, and may provided limited remote configuration. The host should return to that station's default/baseline configuration. There will be a need for a different sort of Persistence - the host will need to retain information on the remote configuration, any changes and error logs, as well some level usage logs for troubleshooting and responsibility reasons. The FlexControl+ really should record the same, for the same reasons. Have been thinking about the security and prioritization of a remote - perhaps a FlexControl+ might need software/hardware authentication and an owner controllable permissions/scheduling counsel? Maybe even a PIN/key setup? You sure wouldn't want a buddy logging in while you were operating yourself, or even on the tower doing repairs. Some sort of monitoring of the distance connectivity, perhaps only allowing modes with greater needs when the resources are available, would be another needed routine. And then fail-safes to cover eventualities. A lot to cover. Interesting! 73 Steve K9ZW

W5XZ - dan

Graham, could it be possible to plug some paddles into a USB port? that would be cool, IMHO...73

Graham-KE9H

Hi Dan: Into a USB Port, not likely. Into something like Steve, K9ZW is describing as the "FlexControl+", yes, very likely that it would have a standard key/paddles jack. 73's --- Graham / KE9H

WA6FXT Mike

Another ADD-ON device could be a "Server side" USB Interface. The device plugs into the USB port on the Flex6x00 and allows 'Pass-Through" and local access to the various ports. Local access, so the 6x00 can send Freq / Band data to devices and Pass-Though access, to allow Remote computer / software to control devices (rotors, etc...). Option2: USB based Comm ports, Discrete's (In and Out), all supported by the Linux Kernel and accessible via 6x00 control commands. Send string to 6x00's "comX" to point rotators or control AMPS / TUNERS... Set / Clear / Read discrete bits on interface. Very versitile. Mike