Looking all over for Band Data

K1UO Larry

Since there is no serial port on the 6x00 series and I dont see any provision for BCD data on the ACC connector how does Flex plan on controlling external accessories (Bandswitching, Amp, SteppIR controller, etc) without the use of a computer? Is there something planned with the USB ports to cover this aspect? How far into the future is this planned? Inquiring minds want to know.

Al_NN4ZZ

Larry, I emailed Steve H and asked about it last year, here is the his reply. Also posted his reply on my FAQs page. http://www.nn4zz.com/FLEX6700.htm#FAQs_-_Frequently_Asked_Questions Regards, Al / NN4ZZ

K1UO Larry

Thanks Al...since its been nearly a year since the answer to your Nov 12 question....maybe we can get an fresh update here on the status of this "problem".

Al_NN4ZZ

Dan, Here is a diagram showing the BCD data from one of my other radios to an amplifier. The BCD data requires 4 lines. That is one reason an external dedicated interface box might be the best solution. It could be attached via the accessory USB port on the radio or be network attached. Regards, Al / NN4ZZ CLICK to enlarge -- see highlighted BCD signals.

W5XZ - dan

cool, Al. maybe there is some magic box that will translate I2C to BCD...

K1UO Larry

An interesting protocol Dan...been doing a little reading up on it... I²C is appropriate for peripherals where simplicity and low manufacturing cost are more important than speed. Common applications of the I²C bus are: Reading configuration data from SPD EEPROMs on SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, DDR2 SDRAM memory sticks (DIMM) and other stacked PC boards Supporting systems management for PCI cards, through an SMBus 2.0 connection. Accessing NVRAM chips that keep user settings. Accessing low speed DACs and ADCs. Changing contrast, hue, and color balance settings in monitors (Display Data Channel). Changing sound volume in intelligent speakers. Controlling OLED/LCD displays, like in a cellphone. Reading hardware monitors and diagnostic sensors, like a CPU thermostat[citation needed] and fan speed. Reading real-time clocks. Turning on and turning off the power supply of system components. A particular strength of I²C is the capability of a microcontroller to control a network of device chips with just two general purpose I/O pins and software. Many other bus technologies used in similar applications, such as Serial Peripheral Interface Bus, require more pins and signals to connect devices. http://search.yahoo.com/r/_ylt=A0oG7mhdoFpShzAAhaxXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTEzb3U2cGE1BHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMwRjb2xvA2FjMgR2dGlkA1NXSU1DMV8x/SIG=1232sokib/EXP=1381699805/**http://www.coptonix.com/files/i2crs232slave.pdf

W5XZ - dan

yeah, bubba, das what i'm talkin about....not that < I > know anything about I2C...

Al_NN4ZZ

Another potential feature of a dedicated external box is it could provide multiple protocols with several connectors for each - BCD - CAT - CiV And eventually when peripherals are all network attached, and the box is no longer needed it can simply be disconnected. ( that could be quite a few years away though ) Regards, Al / NN4ZZ

W5XZ - dan

that's why I have these really sharp guys down in Austin on the payroll !! < grin >

Greg

I am using a Microham StationMaster for amp and antenna control. Presently it has to be connected to a computer. You only need to run the Microham Router software to set it up. But, the box needs to be tethered to something to get the serial data for frequency and mode monitoring. If the USB ports on the radio were able to be used for a USB to serial adapter and the Flex settings panel had an option to set the output type on that port (kenwood 2K, Flex...etc) then the StationMaster could connect directly to the radio and provide a multitude of output controls. 73 Greg