Automatic Bandswitching for the PW1 with the Flex 6xxx

Ed Johnson

For those wishing to interface a Flex 6xxx to an ICOM PW1 amplifier, we have a module that will do this automatically without using the CAT commands or interfering with logging programs.  It connects to the Flex USB port and provided all the feature to the PW1 like pass through, auto antenna selection, etc.  It even prevents transmitting while the PW1 is changing bands.  For info, email ed@w2ph.com for more details.

Mike-VA3MW

You can use the BM-5 Bandmaster from Array solutions to interface between the FlexRadio and a PW-1.

https://www.arraysolutions.com/station-automation/bandmaster-5

W8ASA

Too bad it's no longer available. I really wanted to order one. Ken W8ASA 

Brad

The DDUtil software will work. I use it just for that.

W8ASA

How do you get the control signal from DDutil to the amplifier? Do you use a CT17 or other similar device?

Brad

Yes a CT-17.

dave

What happened? I was looking to buy the interface box and I get no response. Can you share?

W8ASA

I spoke with W2PH on the phone a month or two ago. He told me he was out of the circuit boards and wasn't going to get any more. Too bad for us.

Ed Johnson

Guys,

Due to lack of interest at the time, we discontinued the ABS for the PW1. To complicate matters even more, we sold the PW1 and have no way to test the ABS. Sorry,

Ed W2PH

Dutch

Is there a possibility that I could get a schematic of this PCB if the company no longer has any interest?

John K3MA

Or you could purchase one that I no longer need. My email is good on QRZ.com

John K3MA

TechVP1

I sure would be interested if someone has an ABS unit that is no longer being used. I can appreciate all of the work that went into it. My email is good on QRZ. Karl N7TWP

W8ASA

I sold my ABS and PW1 some time ago. It's so sad that ICOM has stuck with their CI-V. It doesn't make sense any more. Even with my IC-7610, I was having continual problems with the PW1. Now, with my 6400 and PGXL, there are zero communication problems. My 7610 is connected to the PGXL using CI-V, and it still hiccups (hiccoughs for you purists) from time to time.

BrianB

VA3MW, what cables are needed to use the BM-5 with the flex ? are they available pre maid from array solutions ?

Mike-VA3MW

The FlexRadio outputs its CAT data with a USB/RS232 adapter on the back of the radio.

https://www.flexradio.com/documentation/usb-cable-interface-guide-pdf/

I suspect it will plug into the 9 pin radio port on the back of the BandMaster (I don't have one to test). But it will likely be something called a Null Modem Gender Bender (9 Pin Female on both ends with pins 2 and 3 crossed). You could ask BandMaster for advice as well.

You won't break anything if it is the wrong one.

https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-10-Feet-RS232-Serial-SCNM9FF/dp/B00006B8BJ/ref%3Dsr_1_4

That one is 10ft long. A shorter one should be available on Amazon.

KB2LMN

Ok guys I’m brand new here so don’t be too ruff on me beating this dead horse. Has anyone come up with a way to use the IC-PW1 with a 6400 without a computer and have band switch and ALC?
If anyone is selling one of the modules that I’ve heard of I am interested.

73 KB2LMN

Mike-VA3MW

Yes, you can use the BandMaster from Array Solutions to do that for you. It will take the data from the radio and send it directly to the PW-1. See the posting above.

ALC will just plug right into the radio from the amplifier. There is no computer involved.

73

KB2LMN

Mike, I picked up a Bandmaster V and was wondering how exactly it hooks to the amp I have USB to 6400 and power supply hooked up. Do I use the CI-V plug to the IC-PW1 remote input?

Mike-VA3MW

If you call Bandmaster, they should be able to help you.

But, 100% guessing, you need to set a Hex address in the BM which is the Hex address on the PW1 and then make sure the Baud rate between the PW 1 and the BM is the same.

Others who have done this might be able to comment.

Enrique Rabczuk

Hello Mike. I need the instruction to install the Automatic BandSwitching for PW1 and FlexRadio 6400.

Please if anyone has the instructions, send them to me at cp6ua48@gmail.com

thank you

Mike-VA3MW

The PW1 and a Flex 6400 require a hardware interface.

I recommend you locate a BandMaster V from Array Solutions.

This is how W2PP did it.

https://community.flexradio.com/discussion/7700638/getting-bandmaster-v-to-talk-to-flex-6700