Flex 6600 RFkit-S network possible?

Raul Pla

Im new to the Flexradio scene and find it fantastic. I have the 6600 on network plus a PGXL, all is fine. Im adding an RFkits 2KS amp, it has an Ethernet port. This may replace PGXL or add to the shack's 2nd antenna system.

The RFkits paper to interface to the Flex 6600 is saying I will use the USB port between the radio and the RFkits amp. I was hoping to be all Ethernet. Is this correct?

Will the RFkits amp show up on the SSDR program to control it from there? Thanks for the help on this…

Mike-VA3MW

For the RFKit, you will have to use the USB Port on the Flex to RS232 to the RS232 input on the RFKit. I don't think they have done an Ethernet interface yet, but you can ask on the RFKit email group as there is a lot of Flex users on it.

NR4O

It is possible to have the RF-Kit amp track the Flex radio frequency. But, it requires a helper application to send properly formatted OTRSP radio info UDP packets that sends the radio frequency to the RFkit. Applications like N1MM+ and FR Stack ( https://www.mkcmsoftware.com/Flex/Index ) can be used to send the UDP packets. You also will need to have a RealVNC connection that remotely displays the RFKit screen in a window on your desktop.

No need to use the USB connection to the RFKit, although that works directly with the Flex radio. No helper application required.

As Mike said, you can get more info on the RFKit groups.io forum(b26-pa.groups.io).

Eric - NR4O

David Decoons, wo2x

I will add that with a Raspberry Pi on the network, you can load Nod Red server on the Pi, then load the Flex Radio flow and RF Kit flow, both which I have authored. Then set the 2KS to get radio info via UDP. The two Node Red flows will get the Flex TX frequency and translate to properly formatted UDP packets to the amp.

The Pi can be anyplace on the network. Advantage is other equipment in the shack (rotor control, AC relays, etc) can also be connected to the Pi. Node Red can be accessed from any web browser and with the 2KS allows antenna switching as well as forward power and reflected power metering.

Bonus, there is a flow for the PG XL also.

More info on the Node Red for Ham Radio group. Oh and the Flex Radio flow works with the 6000 and 8000 series radios.

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

73 Dave wo2x