Fkex USB port or computer USB or RS-232 between Flex-6500 and Expert 1.3K-FA

Lewis Cheek

Anyone using USB port and FTDI cable to connect and control 1.3K-FA? Have NOT attempted to construct 9 pin to 15 pin adapter cable just yet, a project for tomorrow. However, should I just use DDUTIL and use either a standard ( mother board ) 9 pin rs232 or use signal out of Flex.

My goal is to have Expert follow Flex as needed.

73
Lew
N4CO

Lawrence Kellar KB5ZZB

I'm using one on my Expert 2K-FA

David Livingston

I had Dan at Expert Linear make me a cable. It works perfect on my 6700. Plugged it in, turned on the radio, amplifier and it functioned perfectly the first time. 

Lewis Cheek

Dan, you using usb connection on Flex, or computer?

Lew

John VK3XM

Hi Lew,  I am using a FTDI USB cable between the Flex and the 1.3K I followed the cable build instructions in the SPE manual and it worked first time. 
In fact I have taken the CAT control one stage further. I now have both my Icom and Flex controling the amp and also my Ultrabeam antenna.  Which ever rig is selected it controls the amp and tunes the antenna.
Good luck, hope this helps.

John VK3XM

Lewis Cheek

Thanks for comments, I have it working via using Expert Amp software via USB connection, and a USB to 9 pin serial adapter connected to USB port on Flex. While this may NOT be best solution at least I'm able to control amp and have it follow band changes. Will polish later.

73
Lew
N4CO

Ria

I have mine setup on my 1.3k, in SO2R config with my 6700 with a separate receive antenna (dipole). 

You said you have it working via usb connection to the amp, do you also have one of the CAT ports on the 1.3k hooked up as well? I made my own cables. 

Lewis Cheek

I do, constructed adapter cable to go from 9 pin to 15 pin.

Ria

Then you're pretty much all set.  If you set the CAT to "Flex" you can have the amp control drive power per band and power level. This way it is set and forget. 

Wayne VK4ACN

John
Glad you got it working
73
Wayne

WB9IXS

What USB device are you using between the rig and the amplifier. I have tried a couple different USB to serial devices and none of them show up in the USB cables menu.
Jim

Ria

Genuine FTDI is officially supported. Flex sells them. You can also get them from digikey and mouser. Like this: http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/FTDI/UT232R-200/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMsgIz308WEU07Iz/oFKn/jyKnaTFFX%2bBSY= I use a ugreen adapter which claims to be genuine FTDI: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QUZY4L0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_-6w.ybGTF8YY6 Nothing else but FTDI will work.

WB9IXS

I found another USB to serial device that works great. It is from SParkFun and sells for $14.95.

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9873

Ria

Genuine FTDI should always work. That said, this is TTL signal level, but I guess you connect it to the TTL in of the amp's 15 pin port and it will work. This board lacks a RS232 transceiver, it just has the FTDI chip. They do sell another dongle for $15 which has RS232 signal levels and a FTDI chip and RS232 transceiver.

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11304

Hank Wolfla

I can get my flex to see the serial usb cable, and the parallel cable, but not both at the same time on a USB hub   Any suggestions on how I get my 6500 to see both of my USB cables.  The Flex gives me the cable type, etc on each cable but when I connect both cables nothing changes.  
Thanks for anyone's help.  73,  Hank K9LZJ