KE9NS with VSP Manager plus SSDR and SSDR CAT/DAX

G4NRT

I have SmartSDR running extremely well with SmartSDR CAT and DAX on my Windows 10 machine.  I run a FlexRadio 6700 / Maestro and FlexRadio 6300 all with no issues.

I have now acquired a FlexRadio 1500 and I want to be able to run that alongside.  I have chosen to use PowerSDR v2.8 from KE9NS. I now need to install some equivalents of SmartSDR CAT and DAX.

In his various videos, Darrin mentions/recommends using VB Cable to give me virtual audio cables and VSPManager from K5FR for the virtual COM ports.

I downloaded VSPManager but there are lots of caveats about installation and it states that I should be removing all other virtual port drivers before installing VSPManager.  I really don't want to have too do that unless it is really necessary.  It has taken time to get everything working well as it is.

Is this really necessary or is there an alternative virtual COM port programme I can use to create the necessary ports to run digital modes on the 1500?

Perhaps someone who has resolved this issue could give me some recommendations.

Thanks and 73,

David G4NRT/Z21NRT

Keith Flint

I would recommend that you use a separate PC foe your Flex 1500 and software. You will need to install a full version of Flex software before you can run PowerSDR, as you will note in his install notes. Please read his install notes before trying to install his software.
Keith
W7ZAC

DH2ID

I can run SSDR with the Flex-6500 and PSDR with the Flex-1500 side-by-side.
My audio cables are VAC https://software.muzychenko.net/eng/
and my virtual cables are VSPE http://www.eterlogic.com/Products.VSPE.html
Alex - DH2ID

Bob- W5TX

David, you might want to look at VSPE. 32 bit version free.

G4NRT

Thanks

G4NRT

Thanks Alex!

G4NRT

Did you need to uninstall any SSDR components in order to install VSPE?

Keith Flint

Why?

G4NRT

AS I mentioned in my original post, the author of VSPManager says to uninstall all other virtual com port drivers before installing VSPManager.  I just wanted to be sure I was not going to mess anything up if I go ahead and install VSPE.  Also, it seems like I will have to buy VSPE as I need the 64bit version.  I do not want to buy a programme that I cannot use!

Thanks!

Bob- W5TX

David, I have not tried VSPE in the manner in which you need, however since you need to commit a hardware port to VSPE I would think they might work together. At any rate you could test with 32bit version.

Mick

Hello David
I may be able to assist and will contact you off-group to your QRZ.com e-mail.
73
Mick M0GWD  Portsmouth

G4NRT

Thanks Mick. I'll look for your email

G4NRT

With very grateful thanks to all who responded and especially to Mick M0GWD, I have got it all working with WSJT-X for FT8.  I have purchased the 64bit version of VSPE and also downloaded and installed VB-Cable which is taking care of the audio side of things. It is working very well and I am getting out very well indeed - especially since I amp only running 10watts!
It is all co-existing on my Windows 10 computer with SSDR and DAX and CAT.

David G4NRT/Z21NRT

Mick

Hello David

Glad that it worked out and many thanks for the kind comments.
All the best.

73

Mick M0GWD

Bob- W5TX

Super David, have fun.

Mark JS

I can run two programs side-by-side on Windows 10 64bit using https://www.virtual-serial-port.org/
It works stably, the settings are simple and the plus of the software is that during an emergency reboot, the virtual com port is not deleted.

Mike VE3CKO

I have a 6700, and I had a 5000A working side by side. Sold the 5000A but recent re-acquired another 5000A. I thought I knew PowerSDR/virtual/vac well as KE9NS instructions, https://ke9ns.com/flexpage.html#vsp are golden. Installed VSPmanager and setup with WSJT all was working great, but now WSJT only sometimes connects, audio is not the issue it's the communications. Uninstalled and reinstalled VSPmanager so many times, rebooted etc. I know VSPmanager is working as I can connect with HRD. Even if I swap comports of the working HRD comp port with WJST, same thing, doesn't connect:

Hamlib error: Invalid parameterInvalid parameter
1:rig.c(817):rig_open entered
rig_settings_get_path: path=.hamlib_settings
rig_settings_load_all: settings_file (.hamlib_settings): No such file or directory
rig_open: cwd=C:\WSJT\wsjtx
rig_open: C:\WSJT\wsjtx/hamlib_settings does not exist
rig_open: async_data_enable=0, async_data_supported=0
serial_open: COM54
serial_open(229): open failed#1
serial_open(229): open failed#2
serial_open(229): open failed#3
serial_open(229): open failed#4
serial_open: Unable to open COM54 - No such file or directory
port_open: serial_open(COM54) status=-6, err=No such file or directory
rig_open: rs->comm_state==0?=0
1:rig.c(1023):rig_open returning(-6) IO error
IO error
IO error
while opening connection to rig
Timestamp: 2023-10-06T18:15:18.802Z

Reading this thread I noticed G4NRT mentioned "the author of VSPManager says to uninstall all other virtual com port drivers before installing VSPManager". I have not done that as yet but thought to reach out here to get some opinions.

Mike VE3CKO

Yeah, finally broke down and uninstalled the FlexVSP and after re-installing VSP Manager all is well. Must be a Windows 11 thing as I had no issues with Windows 10 using SmartSDR & PowerSDR or SmartSDR & Thetis at the same time.

Didn't want to but it looks like now I must run a separate computers using Windows 11.