4O3A Antenna Genius 4.1.7 Output Module Issue

Phil VK4KW

My setup consists of:

AG1, AG2 8AB switch and 3 OM relay modules. AG1 is the 'master', with the OM modules plugged into it.

I've just installed 4.1.7 and set up the Super Switch as per the latest instructions. The new firmware was easy to install into both AGs and the same system configuration file has been uploaded to both AGs.

It works nicely for my 4X8 setup - even though the 4X8 is not shown within the 'Stacking' section for some reason.

When in operation, AG1, AG2 and the 8AB switch all seem to work very well. The problem comes, when operating AG2 and trying to select relay outputs within OM2 or OM3. Monitoring the relays status shows 'red' for each active relay configured - but the actual relay does not energise when it should do. OM1 works OK however when selected from an antenna on AG2. When selected from AG1, all relays on OM1 through to OM3 work OK. There was a different antenna selected on each AG so there was no clash.

The same configuration is in each AG.

Anyone else experienced this?

Phil

VK4KW / VK4BAA

Phil VK4KW

I have now submitted a support ticket for this issue.

The 4O3A website does not allow uploading of the config files however - JSON file extensions.....

Phil

Phil VK4KW

Latest firmware still doesn't detail stacking of AG1/AG2/8AB gear.

Latest manual still says that it's a future feature…….

No mention in the manual of the OM relay module control issue though.

4O3A 'Support' suggests purchasing further OM modules for the AG2 control aspect - which won't work of course as it would clash with AG1 selections.

It's a shame, as the gear itself seems to be good quality and generally nicely engineered. The downside is that it doesn't actually perform as described in the sales blurb…..

Mike-VA3MW

Phil, have you reached out to 4O3A directly?

David Decoons, wo2x

AGv4 enables ability to have multiple OM modules.

As Mike pointed out, contact 4O3A sales/support and include a description of your setup (2x16 for example) and they should be able to provide info on what you need and how to configure it.

73

Dave wo2x

Phil VK4KW

Hi Mike / Dave.

Thanks for the replies.

Yes, I've contacted 4O3A directly - to no avail.

AG V4 does allow up to 3 OM relay modules - but only if operating them from AG1 and not from AG2. What would be the point of having two AG units coupled together with an 8AB switch to form a system for 4 rigs and 8 antennas but only allow 2 of the operators (connected to AG1) to utilise the OM relays? I've configured the system and the AG1 & AG2 antenna selection etc works OK - but the the OM control accessibility is limited to AG1 only.

Not impressed.

73,

Phil

David Decoons, wo2x

Well if you are talking about a 2x16 or 2x32 (4 AG) then there are only two radios connected, or one radio with ANT 1 and 2. If you want 4x16 then it requires more switching and this must be a custom configuration from 4O3A.

Dave wo2x

Phil VK4KW

I'm talking about the 4O3A 'Super Switch' as 4O3A call it. It consists of two 2X8 AGs and a single 8AB switch to form accessibility to 8 antenna systems for 4 rigs. It is a format described on the 4O3A website and not a custom configuration.

The actual selection of the antenna ports in relation to band selection/frequency works fine. The 3 OM modules can be fully accessed via the 2 rigs connected to AG1 - but the modules cannot be accessed by the rigs on AG2.

The OM modules provide switching of StackMatch hardware, so all rigs should have full access - but this is not the case.

Phil

David Decoons, wo2x

Phil

check with Alan, WA9WUD. I believe he has that setup with a 6600 and 6700, both in SO2R. (In essence 4 radios)

The 4 O3A team should be returning mid week from the hamfest in Germany.

73 Dave wo2x

Phil VK4KW

Thanks Dave.

I'll get Alan's details and drop him a note.

Cheers,

Phil

Mike-VA3MW

BTW, the OM module is pretty powerful. I had Marko take them through a tour of all the options while I was with them in Germany.

I have a number of ideas for it once I get one installed.

Phil VK4KW

Turns out that Alan is not doing a similar 'thing' to me.

Al reckons that the OM unit will only be accessible from AG1 - which is what I'm finding. I still can't see the point of having a facility featuring 4 rigs and only 2 of the rigs can access the OM units. Seems daft to me and somewhat negates the provision of all antennas to 4 rigs/operators.

I'm thinking that I might have to re-design the system accordingly. Possibly, having two OM units connected to AG1 and a single OM unit connected to OM2, which would allow at least some of the StackMatches to be accessible to the 3rd and 4th rig/operators. The would be insufficient relays to allow full access as two duplicate OM units would be required on AG2 but the 4O3A firmware can only cope with 3 OM units.

Gotta say, I'm not that impressed with the 4O3A gear in this respect…… 🤬

Mike-VA3MW

Phil, if you haven't reached out to 4O3A already, then you may wish to. If you have, give them a gentle nudge.

They are the designers and I heard many antenna switching conversations with them at HAM RADIO on the weekend.

Phil VK4KW

Hi Mike

Yes, I have contacted 4O3A directly - but that was several months ago. I'll get in contact again and see what happens. Have to say, that my expectations are not particularly high at this time though.

Phil VK4KW

Hi Mike.

I sent the note below on this subject. We'll see, but frankly, based on experience to date, I'm not holding my breath….

Phil

#232 - Antenna Genius 4.1.7 Output Module Issue

 Pending  Support Created on 02 Jan 2024, 00:02 Last replied by Dragisa 4O9ITT, 6 months ago

Hi,

Has there been any progress on this issue please?

I understand the suggestion to use additional OM modules in parallel, but the system only caters for 3 OM modules and these are already in use to control Stack Matches etc, so I can’t add 3 more OM modules.

The intention with buying the 4O3A hardware was to enable the construction of the 8X4 Super Switch and then allow all 4 operators to fully access the antenna systems – including the OM modules – from each operating position. The current firmware / software does not allow this to happen however as only operators using rigs connected to AG1 can access all of the OM modules. This limitation means that the provision of the 4X8 system cannot be fully achieved.

Do you plan to remedy this issue please? I love the quality of the 4O3A equipment but I cannot fully utilise it because of this issue.

73,

Phil VK4BAA / VK4KW

From: 4O3A Web Site <admin@4o3a.com> Sent: Friday, January 12, 2024 12:19 AMTo

Subject: Reply to Ticket - #232 Antenna Genius 4.1.7 Output Module Issue [Support]

Hello,A new reply was posted in the private ticket #232 — Antenna Genius 4.1.7 Output Module Issue by Dragisa 4O9ITT (dragisa) with the following contents :

Dear Phil,

Can you please send us your configuration to support@4o3a.com<br /><br />How it seems, with the current version of software you might need additional OM modules for the AG2 that would be wired in parallels with the desired OMs from AG1.<br />You can't really control the AG1's OM's from AG2 with this setup.

73Dragisa 4O9ITT