Steppiir

W7NIK · September 2019

I am new to flex , I have. 6300 with sda100 controller. I have read some stuff on this web site . I am not sure where I connect this sda100? Looks like I have make a lot of different cables , I am guessing the db9 connector on the back of the radio ?

Mack · September 2019

Nick,

The connector on the back of the radio is an HD DB-15 not DB-9. Do not ever connect a peripheral there.

I run three SteppIR controllers. Please download the USB Configuration Guide and look at the example there. https://www.flexradio.com/downloads/usb-cable-interface-guide-pdf/

You can very easily build your own interface cable if you have basic soldering skills.
Here is the cable wiring diagram:

Image httpsd2r1vs3d9006apcloudfrontnets3_images1807548RackMultipart20190922-32480-1adc6qz-SteppIR_Wiring_Diagram_inlinepng1569161071

Several cautions:
1. You must use the top DB-9 connector on the SDA-100 (it says data out). No, I'm not making a mistake it is data out.
2. You must use a genuine FTDI chipset in the USB to DB-9 connector that plugs into the USB port on the back of your radio.
3. On the SDA-100 set the radio type to Kenwood, 19,200, 8, N, 1
4. Configure the USB Settings in SmartSDR or Maestro to set the cable as shown in the USB guide.
5. Make sure Autotrack is ENABLED using the button on the front panel of your SDA-100.

That's it. Pretty simple. Ask questions if you get stuck.

73,

Mack
W4AX
Alpha Team

Mike-VA3MW · September 2019

Thanks Mac

The document that describes how to connect devices directly to the radio can be found here:

https://www.flexradio.com/downloads/usb-cable-interface-guide-pdf/

Not only can the Steppir be connected, so can many other devices, all at the same time.

Mike va3mw

W7NIK · September 2019

Wow !!! Unbelievable support, grateful for the response

W7NIK · September 2019

The USB / db9 Ftdi is the only style I should? . I have older one that did show up in smart sdr software . I also have wavenode sensors for RF power , can this be added to the usb on the back of the radio ?

Mack · September 2019

Yes, the USB to serial cable must use an FTDI chip. No, the Flex cannot read PowerNode sensors. A radio can only output frequency, band, PTT type data for USB.

W7NIK · September 2019

I have a Startech Ftdi cable , recognized by the 6300 , I checked the pin out
I have followed the instructions .
I cannot get to work. Do I need the antenna connected.? Works when I do manual .
I get the flashing tuning.

I loaded the drivers on my computer the startech was updated. I plugged it in the back of the 6300 and I do not know what USB port it is . My smartCAT has only one port. com 1

I even tried DDUtil going through the 6300 usb port still not able to connect

Still not working
My usb log

06:14:32 (TX): IF000141344000100+0000000000020000000;
06:14:34 (RX): IF;
06:14:34 (TX): IF000141344000100+0000000000020000000;
06:14:35 (RX): IF;
06:14:35 (TX): IF000141344000100+0000000000020000000;
06:14:36 (RX): IF;
06:14:36 (TX): IF000141344000100+0000000000020000000;
06:14:37 (RX): IF;
06:14:37 (TX): IF000141344000100+0000000000020000000;
06:14:38 (RX): IF;
06:14:38 (TX): IF000141344000100+0000000000020000000;

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