Flex-6700 With Ameritron Automatic Antenna Switch RCS-12

Richard

Has anyone had success incorporating the Ameritron RCS-12 with the Flex 6K Line?  Seen some posts that basically say "Should" but none that have answers "Yes".  Anyone have comments.  6700, USB Adatper Null or Std Cable, Enabled... No Joy.

N4VGE

I hope someone has an answer.  I am looking at the RCS-8L for my 6700.

Kari Gustafsson SM0HRP

Yes I have tested it and it works with the USB cables to BCD version of cables and configuration. No problem. Gl.

Cosmos (Alan KB5CUS)

I use the Ameritron RCS-10, same 8 outputs. And with Tx Delay for relay amp keying in the Flex, it's quite cheaper that the RCS-12. As an interface I bought the Dankovi USB 8 relay pcb...  Inexpensive route... Works great ...  Had it on my 6500 & is now on my 6600.

Link to Dankovi USB pcb in Bulgaria...  Cost $ 26.50 + shipping...
http://denkovi.com/usb-eight-channel-relay-board-for-automation

N4VGE

I like the pictures, thank you.

Richard

Kari,  Can you supply a vendor and P/N's for those items.   I purchased a USB to DB9 Converter and I have used both a DB9 Std Cable and also tried a DB9 Null Modem Cable.   The Set Up using the Null Cable seems to at least communicate to the RCS-12 but still when I walk through the Programming of the RCS-12  and go back and run through the bands the Switch does not follow the bands that I programmed the switch to.  You obviously are using something different in your interconnecting set up.

Richard Griest - N4RWG

Richard

Kari,  Can you supply a vendor and p?n's for those items.   I purchased a USB to DB9 Converter and I have used both a DB9 Std Cable and also tried a DB9 Null Modem Cable.   The Set Up using the Null Cable seems to at least communicate to the RCS-12 but still when I walk through the Programming of the RCS-12  and go back and run through the bands the Switch does not follow the bands that I programmed the switch to.  You obviously are using something different in your interconnecting set up.

Richard Griest - N4RWG

Ernest - W4EG

If more Flexers do as you did, and post photos with their mod's!
This forum would be better than what we have now.
Thanks

Kari Gustafsson SM0HRP

Hi, I would be delighted. Use these cables Mouser: https://www.mouser.se/ProductDetail/895-C232HM-EDHSL-0 and the Flexmanual: 
 http://www.flexradio.com/downloads/usb-cable-interface-guide-pdf/. From the Flex you get the band data out on the USB to BCD pins of the USB interface cable and connect them to the RCS-12 with a db9 break out box like the below. I know Mouser has them.  This worked right from the beginning.  GL! 
    

Richard

Thank you and I have ordered the cable.  It has a "April" Delivery but that is not a problem and will use the RCS-12 in the Manual Mode until then.  The DB9 Cable from the Breakout Box to the RCS-12.  Just to verify.  Is it a normal DB( to DB9 or a Null Modem DB9 to DB9?   TNX es 73's

[Deleted User]

April delivery for a cable????   Go Figure

Kari Gustafsson SM0HRP

Hi, I just connected the pin connectors from the USB to BCD cable direcly to the break out box. BCD 1 TO BCD 1 etc. You may try the UK manufakturer who makes the cable FTDC something. I bought 1 set there. I can check tomorrow. Need to jump to bed it is close to midnight here. 73s.

Kari Gustafsson SM0HRP

Hi, here the manufacturer in UK have them: https://shop.clickandbuild.com/cnb/shop/ftdichip?productID=301&op=catalogue-product_info-null&am... 
73s Kari 

Richard

Kari... TNX.. I can live with the April Delivery.  They have Confirmed the date and I will contact you if there are questions.... Thanks again for the help and directions.

KI4P

love the pics! 

KI4P

well, heres my project using the Denkovi board, i mounted in the Ameritron box just to make it more compact, i can use it with flex and auto switch by band and/or freq or flip switch and use it manual.
middle pic is before i started. works slick as a button. especially if remote

Nick Manzo

Quick  question , the blue common wear does this land on the cricuit? 
My RCS-4 has 24 volt AC  and maybe 12 v dc , The circuit diagram on the RCS-4 not helpful. 
 

KI4P

the blue is 12v from supply. i can send more pics if interested. just send me your email

W7NIK

please send me pictures, nickw7nik@gmail.com  

W7NIK

The RCS-4 does  not have the terminal block, it uses coax,  not sure how to interface this.

KI4P

Nick
see the following if you havent already
https://community.flexradio.com/flexradio/topics/ameritron-rcs-4-sainsmart-connection-points

avhamguy

> @"Cosmos (Alan KB5CUS)" said:
> I use the Ameritron RCS-10, same 8 outputs. And with Tx Delay for relay amp keying in the Flex, it's quite cheaper that the RCS-12. As an interface I bought the Dankovi USB 8 relay pcb...  Inexpensive route... Works great ...  Had it on my 6500 & is now on my 6600.
>
>
@"Cosmos (Alan KB5CUS)" Alan The pictures are great. Would it be possible for you to shed some light on how you wired the Dankovi with the RCS-10? I have the SainSmart board and want to use to control my RCS-10.

Thanks!