Maestro usage with amp, auto-tuner(s) and downstream antenna switch

N7CXI

Coming back to the community after a long break, with a 6400 and a Maestro 'B' coming for my new bench - note the "bench" is not in the same room as the "shack".

What's the current thinking about controlling a 3rd-party amp, auto-tuner(s) and a remote antenna switch? Last time I looked, FRS was recommending setting up separate transmit profiles for "Amp On" and "Amp Off", which answered the amp question but sounded a bit clunky. Research turned up nothing on the possibility of controlling other gear... I have a PalStar HF-AUTO for 80-10M and a dedicated 160M remote differential-tee tuner. (at the base of the tower) A DIY 4-port vacuum relay antenna switch is mounted out by the tower to switch between HF antennas, then a single 1/2" hardline run comes back to the house.

This may sound a bit like a troll, but isn't... I don't HAVE to be able to switch antennas or put the amp in standby easily, and if I don't use the amp the ATU in the 6400 will flatten the feedline. I suppose what I'm looking for is whether there is any API or other opportunity to use the Maestro to control my other gear? There's no problem doing it with a Windows PC and software running in parallel with SmartSDR, but it would be peachy if I could hijack a little IO and use the Maestro from my new bench. (or the living room, etc)

Thanks!

Jim N7CXI

N7CXI

Maybe writing an app for my phone to control the peripherals would be the most practical solution.

Alan

Jim

Take a look at our Ham Radio - Node-Red Group

https://groups.io/g/nodered-hamradio

Alan. WA9WUD

N7CXI

Hi Alan,

I assume by that you mean the groups.io group. I’ll take a look, thanks

73,

Jim N7CXI

David Decoons, wo2x

I have already written Node Red flows for the radio, amp, tuner, and 2x8 switch. Runs on a Raspberry Pi, accessible from any web browser.

Will be using it from the ham fest today ;-)

73 Dave wo2x

David Decoons, wo2x

You can adapt any of the flows for Node Red that we have on the groups.io site to fit your needs. That’s the beauty of Node Red. Open source and customizable.

73 Dave wo2x

WX7Y

I can vouch for Dave's Node-RED Flows he mentioned above, I use them every day and once you kinda get the hang of it you can modify and customize it for your own needs, It brings MANY control panels into one WEB page to control and keep an eye your station rather sitting in the shack or running remote.

On my main page I can monitor and make changes on my FL6700, FL6600, PGXL, TGXL, ANT-Genius, External Power meter, Auto Ping important hardware on the network, control DC and AC Power switch's, and the Raspberry Pi itself.

A wonderful station accessory for sure