PW-1 again

Michael Coslo

I have the opportunity to purchase a PW-1 for a really good price. Searching the archives, I find that yes it will work, and no it won't.  I'll be using N1MM my 6300, probably the Arduino store and forward board used to avoid CI-V collisions between amp and computer, if needed.

Does anyone have a more definitive answer than yes and no? And if you do, could you share the secret sauce?

Rick Ciotti W3DIY

I am using DX Labs which controlled a PW1 as a second radio. This fixed the CIV collisions experienced with HR Deluxe. Sorry don't know if N1MM has that capability.
BTW I ditched the PW1. Had 2 issues which required parts. ICOM service MI waited 3 months for a simple combiner board that fried. Also PS failures are becoming more frequent with the earlier builds. No parts available for component level repairs but they will gladly sell you a replacement PS for $2K. W3DIY

David Decoons, wo2x

Been years since I had a PW-1. I used DDUtil to interface to it. I wrote the instructions on the DDUtil WiKi. Take a look here http://k5fr.com/DDUtilV3wiki/index.php?title=How_To#Setup_a_ICOM_IC-PW1_Linear_Amplifier I probably have more documentation. Will check and post back shortly. Dave wo2x

David Decoons, wo2x

I have a pdf I wrote for interfacing the PW-1 to the Flex 5000 using DDUtil. I am willing to update it for the 6300 if you want to try it out. Email me direct, my call @arrl.net and I will send it. It requires a serial to CI-v interface, such as the one W2ENY sells. Dave wo2x

Michael Coslo

Will do, Dave, and Thanks!

Michael Coslo

I've finally freed up some time from the Party, and am starting on the 6300 to PW-1 interfacing. Working between radios and Software and the amp is proceeding okay, but I do have a question. 

On page one of the pdf  it notes that you want to, on the ACCY1 use pin 2 as gnd, and pin 7 as +13.8. It notes that you use the "FlexWire" connector on the radio (5000?)

I've looked at the Pinouts of the Flexwire, and is it the case that I can simply provide the voltage to the ACCY1 connections? 

David Decoons, wo2x

Yes you should be able to supply 13.8 volts to the amp. Use a 1 amp fuse in series with positive lead. Dave wo2x

Michael Coslo

Got it. I'm just about ready to try it out - will report back in when I succeed or fail.

David Decoons, wo2x

Ok. The 13.8 volts tells the amp that input port is in use. Dave wo2x

Michael Coslo

Okay, I have the 240 volts run, the amplifier powered up, and the DIN cable set correctly for telling the amp what port is what. Next, I'm assuming that VSP_Manager is still needed to send the same commands to both the radio and the USB to serial port? 

David Decoons, wo2x

Follow the instructions. http://k5fr.com/DDUtilV3wiki/index.php?title=How_To#Setup_a_ICOM_IC-PW1_Linear_Amplifier You only need a com port on the PC to a CI-V adapter. That connects to the CI-V port on the amp. Dave wo2x