Introducing CTR2-Dial, a MIDI controller for SmartSDR for iOS/MacOS

Lynn Hansen

Hi,

I'd like to introduce the latest project I've been working on, CTR2-Dial. It's based on the M5Dial from M5Stack. I ported the code from CTR2-MIDI to the M5Dial and gave it more controls and options, not to mention a color touch screen display!

CTR2-Dial provides 42 MIDI button controls that are mapped to functions in SmartSDR like band and mode selection, RIT/XIT on/off, zoom in/out, mute, split, etc. Every button has a user configured label describing it's function. Functions are selected from the Buttons menu. Turn the gray ring on the M5Dial to switch through the menu pages.

In addition, a virtual dial is provided that can be assigned to one of 12 MIDI wheel/slider controls. Each dial control also has a user configured label so you know exactly what you're controlling. Swipe your finger around the perimeter of the display to tune. For wheel controls (frequency control) touch and hold the display for longer than 1 second to shift into high speed (10x) tuning mode. Release to return to normal mode. Turn the gray ring on the M5Dial to select a control or touch the label in the center to open the Dial menu. There are two pages of dial controls to choose from.

When controlling RIT or XIT, touch the center label to zero the offset.

CTR2-Dial also supports a single external encoder (called a knob) and an external CW paddle input, like CTR2-MIDI, or two external encoders (knobs) with no external CW paddle input. The single knob model is show in the lead photo.

When equipped with a single knob you can select from 12 additional MIDI wheel/sliders (including controlling the control selected for the virtual dial control). When equipped with two knobs you can select from six wheel/slider controls for each knob.

Knob labels and MIDI control #s can be edited by the user.

A virtual PTT switch is also provided. Touch the display to key your radio and release to unkey.

Like CTR2-MIDI, CTR2-Dial can connected to SmartSDR for iOS/MacOS using either Bluetooth LE or USB. In fact, you can have two CTR2-MIDIs or CTR2-Dials connected to SmartSDR at the same time. Just connect one using Bluetooth on the CTR2 Controller tool and the other using USB to the MIDI Controller tool.

Visit my web site for more information about CTR2-Dial and my other controllers. I also have a YouTube video demonstrating CTR2-Dial's functions.

73, Lynn, KU7Q