Mute PC Speakers on PTT Actuation?

Tom OBoyle · April 2020

With the advent of WebSDRs for hearing all the participants on HF Nets, many of us end up with multiple SDRs in our browsers running plus our radio to hear everyone. When I key up to transmit, I need to mute the PC speakers so I don't hear myself in the WebSDRs and then unmute them immediately when done. I know I can use a relay to mute the speakers, but I thought the programmers on here might be able to build a simple, more elegant utility that mutes the audio when it sees the PTT go active and unmute on PTT release.

Thoughts?

Paul - GI4FZD · April 2020

Try catsync software.

Alan · April 2020

Would you consider using a relay controlled by the Flex BIT USB cable, configured to open a set of contacts when the PTT is pushed? Simple.

Otherwise, you will need an "in-between" software application that becomes complex very quickly. The need to get your "PTT" activated boolean function to the other SDR application adds this complexity.

Here is a link to the Flex USB Cable users guide. BIT cable guide starts on page 6.

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

Alan
WA9WUD

Alan · April 2020

Or, instead of using a USB BIT cable to operate the relay, use one of the RCA Jack, TX connections to drive the relay. You would need to get a relay such as this, which is optically coupled and requires very low amounts of current to operate:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S48BVK5/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07S48BVK5&pd_rd_w=x...=

hans weijers · April 2020

Just try CATSYNC for $10.00 and all your problems are gone.
I use it from the beginning with great succes with my Flex-6500.
Downlink the demo here:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/rbgc3jxrklvzm9z/CATSync_Demo_Setup_121.exe?dl=0

And if you like the program buy it here:

https://catsyncsdr.wordpress.com/

Good luck,
Hans PA0HWB

Val DM1TX · April 2020

Wow! I had no clue about it. Now I can use it with my 6500 too. Thanks a lot Hans.

Tom OBoyle · April 2020

Hi Hans -

This is awesome. Can I have multiple SDRs running at the same time? That is something we need to do to hear everyone on the net.

I had never heard of this before.

73 de Tom, N9GUN

hans weijers · April 2020

Hi Tom,
Never tried that, but i think starting up a second program with a different CAT-link to the Flex i could work. perhaps you could use a different slice as well, just try it out, that's what our hobby is all about.
VY 73, Hans PA0HWB

Tom OBoyle · April 2020

I played with CATSYNC and purchased a license. Thanks all!

Val DM1TX · April 2020

I have got a licence yesterday too. Awesome! thanks for the Tipp.

Mute PC Speakers on PTT Actuation?

Open for Comments · Last Updated April 2020

Comments

Leave a Comment

Categories