6600 M using the 2 USB ports ?

Ed N5DG

Will the two USB ports on the back of the 6600M support the USB to serial FTDI drivers without connecting to a computer using SSDR  ?

Thanks Ed N5DG

WX7Y

yes if the cables or devices use a actual FTDI chipset like the USB to RS-232 adapters, relay control boards and such. 
If you have higher current devices (like relay Boards) or more then 2 USB ports you can add a POWERED USB hub for more capability.
I have had up to 8 devices on my Flex6700 with the 2 meter AMP, HF AMP, my ATAuto tuner to pre-tune it for the band changes, and my Relay board to switch antenna's. 

I run my station remote so it has a lot of automation. 

73's
Bret
WX7Y

Ed N5DG

Burt Thanks , I'm helping a friend who has the 6600M , after sending my message I downloaded the 6400M / 6600M User Guide so think we'll be alright. 
Thanks have fun , Ed N5DG 

David Decoons, wo2x

Ed, do you have the USB cable guide? https://www.flexradio.com/downloads/usb-cable-interface-guide-pdf/ I am using the Sain Smart USB 8 board driving my antenna switch. Dave wo2x

DonS

You mention the ATAuto tuner.  I assume you mean the original AT-Auto sold by PalStar.  If that is the case what does using the usb to rs232 provide?  Will the AT start tuning using the usb-rs232 as soon as the band change occurs so keying up the radio is not required?  The manual is not too clear on this.

Don - kx9q

WX7Y

Hi Don, I use a FTDI rs-232 cable that goes to the rs-232 on the Tuner and YES it does follow the Radio frequency not only band to band but frequency and moves the tuner as you tune up and down the band to your pre-set memories for those frequencies once you have them set. 
I have upgraded to the Kessler engineering firmware http://kesslerengineeringllc.com/ who supports the AT-Auto  I think the new firmware is required and the settings in the radio "USB Settings" the rs-232 cable set to "CAT" and "follow the TX Slice" in advanced set to 9600 baud. 
Be sure to set the Serial speed in the tuner to 9600 to match the Radio, instructions to set the tuner baud rate is in the Tuner firmware manual.

I think that's all

73's
Bret
WX7Y

DonS

Hi Bret

Thank you for the information.  That will be one of my tasks for today to get the AT set up and working with the 6700.  I am waiting for the new amp but I suspect that may be a month or two away.

Don - kx9q

Rich McCabe

I wish Flex would make these USB ports easier to control on and off from SSDR with one click. I have AT-AUTO, HF-AUTO and a SteppIR vertical that I don't want following the radio all the time.  With the SteppIR box I can change to manual but would be nice to control these things from the Flex with custom labels. As far as that goes I can switch the tuners to manual as well but in my setup its not very convenient.

WX7Y

I'm not sure yet if it is in  "profiles"  but it would be nice to have it so you could have a different profile to Enable and Disable the individual USB device to do exactly what your needing.
Maybe as more and more of us start running remote there will be a bigger voice that this can be added.
Be a good addition for sure.
73
Bret
wx7y

Rich McCabe

I dont think the USB settings are included in any profiles as far as I know. Has not worked for me.

Rich McCabe

This is what I would like to see.

DonS

I made the changes to the AT-AUTO and plugged the cable in and it worked as advertised.  There is a question I have regarding the Auto-report (Enabled/Disabled).  Just what is this reporting and how will you know whether it should be enabled or disabled?  By default it comes disabled, however, for the AT-AUTO it is supposed to be enabled.  I read the USB Cable manual but I did not find any mention of this option.

Don - kx9q

Jeff Schwartz

With a USB hub on one of the Flex USB plugs you can have multiple devices (more than the two USB plugs available on the Flex) hooked up to the Flex. I have the SteppIR, ACOM 2000A and the Elecraft KPA 15000 all hooked up and controlled from the 6600M without the computer involved in any way. So many options for direct control not involving a desktop or laptop computer.