12v based on receive antenna selection in 6600?

Rich M5RIC

Hi

Does anyone know of a way to send 12v from a Flex 6600 based on what the receive antenna selection is e.g. ANT1, RXA etc

I want to be able to trigger a relay depending on what the antenna is.

I can't see a way of doing it directly from the flex but has anyone else done this, node red is my next option which I'll ask about on the groups.io separate.

Thanks

Rich

Mike-VA3MW

Yes

Use one of the USB relay boards.

It plugs into the back of the radio and you can configure the 'triggers' to do what you require.

https://www.amazon.com/Relay-Module-Controller-Automation-Robotics/dp/B0B5LX5TVY/ref%3Dsr_1_1?crid=8AI7F9S0HS0R&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.JnSnAzaIfPFMTVXpNBR339AQvjQF3V-9-qcH-OOGAq2OiqgIfagbfZnaIOIBccyX4abdWmvY8Z-Cb_IDQszlCIqaPEJi8oNrtETRiy92G3hwafKpk-zCA43jIJCONupMvzNXCixIsw1HWzL_AUHEseg8vnsmGJ0o2Mj6iixaGPXhgmynCi_-69NiHS3xCkZJ9Vu_c_Mnf50tO7JFGSwd7UeuU7h66T9cSRRzVkrzB44.l7OhemifdmMkbVeJrAUv0SISghsKMRk8puDQIEmZ0xo&dib_tag=se&keywords=8-ch+usb+ftdi+relay&qid=1717171887&sprefix=8-ch+usb+ftdi+relay%2Caps%2C144&sr=8-1

Rick N4RZ

The relay board can turn on the 12v for you, but how do you find out what receive antenna is being used based on the USB port on the radio?

Erika - KØDD

If you use one of those relay boards. (I have one) They are inexpensive and do work. But, heavily load the FTDI cable with type 31 Ferrites, and isolate the power through ferrite. and I would also do the same with the field wiring, inside a good-sized metal project box with a sturdy ground **** connected to your shack ground. I had a lot of issues with this board chattering and in turn chattering the remote antenna switch under power. 40m was a huge problem band. Fortunately, my first antenna switch had been a KK1L switch I bought at a hamfest for $25, as it got seriously damaged.

I wired the relays together as I have a tribander, a duo bander and wire antennas fed with balanced tuners. In the end I went with an EA4TX remote box instead of this relay setup, as it can be programmed. But once again a LOT of Ferrite… RF around the shack, station is not any of these devices' friends. Like Kerboom.
Erika DD

Mike-VA3MW

@Rick N4RZ The antennas in use are in the 'Flag' with the frequency. You get to pick the antenna and the trigger will fire the relay. Maybe I don't fully understand your question.

Erika has some good comments. I don't have the same issue she does and didn't have to do all she did with Ferrites. But, that is always a good idea.

Rich M5RIC

I think I get what Rick is asking and I want to know the same.

From the USB Interface Guide you have various cables to choose but it's how you wire these to the relay board.

RX Antenna - The cable will report the frequency of the specified receive antenna (ANT1, ANT2,
XVTR, RXA, RXB)

Does this mean if i want to trigger a relay for ANT1, ANT2 ,RXA, RXB, XVTA and XVTB I need 6 USB cables as they will output each one individually?

David Decoons, wo2x

hi Rich,

Using a USB BIT cable FTDI C232HM (C232HM-EDHSL-0) it gives 10 outputs. Info on BIT cables is in the Flex USB Cable Interface guide.

https://edge.flexradio.com/www/uploads/20200818184951/USB-Cable-Interface-Guide.pdf

An example - plug in the cable and in SmartSDR Settings/USB cables you can double click the cable to edit it.

In this example I set bit 0 to be active high when RX Antenna is RX_A and frequency range is 1.6 to 54 MHz (whole HF + 6 meter band. You can change it to be active on only one band or change the frequency range. Here's a picture of the cable configuration in SmartSDR. Notice it is now set to BIT. Use the BIT output to drive an external relay if current is a concern. If it is low current, the SainSmart USB-8 board will work in place of the cable.

73 Dave wo2x

Presale Technical Support

Rich M5RIC

Thanks Dave, sorry for the delay.

Is it only certain USB relay boards that are recognised by the flex?

I know SainSmart and Denkovi have been used by others, should any 12v USB relay board be useable as a BIT output?

Like this board? Visually it looks very similar to the SainSmart one.

https://amzn.eu/d/0fD0HPaw

Thanks

Rich

Mike-VA3MW

That board should work as it uses an FTDI chipset.

I have one that I sourced in Canada and it works fine.

The good thing is that it is from Amazon, so if it doesn't work, you can always return it.

73

Rich M5RIC

That was my thinking, if they all use the same chip.

Also yes, easy to return.

I am away from the station so will be a trip to try it in the first place, fingers crossed!

Cheers

Rich