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dx engineering RR8B Band Control

EBSDallas
EBSDallas Member ✭✭
edited April 2019 in FLEX-6000 Signature Series
After moving to a new location I'm finally going to have my tower re-installed.  I'm planning on using a DX Engineering RR8B remote antenna switch near the top of the tower.

From what I can tell from other posts, it should be possible to control this from band/frequency information generated by my 6500.  I haven't purchased the switch yet and would appreciate any information anyone can give me before I do.

Thanks.

Everett

Answers

  • Lee - N2LEE
    Lee - N2LEE Member ✭✭
    edited August 2018
    Everett, any antenna switching system such as the DXE requires a band decoder. This takes the Frequency put out by the Flex (or any radio) to be converted to Relay or VDC in order to do the activate the remote switch (relays).  You will need a Band Decoder to interface between the Flex and the DXE ant switch. 

    Lee

  • EBSDallas
    EBSDallas Member ✭✭
    edited September 2018
    Lee

    Thanks for the reply.

    I should have added that the plan, as it now stands, is to roll-my-own decoder around the Unified Microsystems decoder board.  That's subject to change too based on input from other users.

    Regards.

    Everett
  • Lee - N2LEE
    Lee - N2LEE Member ✭✭
    edited August 2018
    If you are going that route you might also consider the RemoteQTH board. Its a little more expensive but its pretty flexable. I am use it on a different radio but would be interested to see how it works with the Flex.

    https://remoteqth.com/wiki/index.php?page=Band+decoder+MK2

    Lee






  • Jim K4JAF
    Jim K4JAF Member ✭✭
    edited September 2018
    Check the reflector posts, this has been covered in the past.  You can go either BCD or RS232.  I use the FTDI USB cable from the Flex to a sainsmart switch board to control my remote antenna switch box.  You could us a USb to BCD also with the a BCD controller board such as the unified micro.  Much easier I think with the Sainsmart board which is available from Amazon if I remember correctly.

  • Jim K4JAF
    Jim K4JAF Member ✭✭
    edited September 2018
    Also the USB calble is available for I beleive less than $10 from Amazon, I purchased one and works fine.  The part number was listed on the reflector as well.  I like using the Sainsmart board as you can program different antennas for parts of each band if you so desire and have multiple antennas for each band.  

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