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Connecting(?) USB to Serial adapter for the FLEX-6000 series to SainSmart USB 8 CH relay board

bob2020rs
bob2020rs Member ✭✭
in SmartSDR CAT
Hello, I purchased the FlexRadio USB to Serial adapter for the FLEX-6000 series cable to hook up a SainSmart USB 8 CH relay board. The relay board has a USB 2.0 type b, and the FlexRadio cable has the standard USB end. How do you connect the two. I watched the FlexRadio video “Flex 6000 - What is the USB port for on the back of the radio” https://youtu.be/T7bia-pZbBU. I am guessing I need an adapter cable? Any help will be very much appreciated. Thank you.

73,

Bob KB8BYW

Best Answers

Answers

  • Larry _ NY8T
    Larry _ NY8T Member ✭✭✭
    edited November 2021


  • KD0RC
    KD0RC Member, Super Elmer Moderator

    Hi Bob, I think the board that you have requires a computer, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, or some other dedicated solution between the board and the Flex to make it work. I don't think that it natively takes Flex API or CAT commands to change the relays.

    An Arduino or Teensy would be a cheap solution but would require programming. A Raspberry Pi could be used with Node Red and would require programming, but the Node Red support here and in the nodered-hamradio io-group is fantastic. There may already be a solution for this - you would need to look at what is available.

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

    The other way to go is a relay board that has an individual control line for each relay. Then you could use the USB to parallel cable that Flex sells.

  • bob2020rs
    bob2020rs Member ✭✭
    Thank you Len, thank you Larry. I will need to look into this a bit deeper. I saw the video that Mike VA3MW made, and thought all I need is a relay board and the cable he mentioned, and I’m in business. Thanks again guys!

    73,

    Bob, KB8BYW
  • Larry _ NY8T
    Larry _ NY8T Member ✭✭✭
    edited November 2021

    I have the sainsmart USB relay board and all I use is one of these cables. maybe give us a link to the exact sainsmart board your using. The USB to Serial cable in the video is used for a differant application than what your tryin to do.

    71bhL-Kx6+L._AC_SL1500_.jpg


    https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-USB-2-0-Cable-Male/dp/B00NH11KIK/ref=sr_1_3?ascsubtag=1ba00-01000-org00-win10-other-nomod-us000-gatwy-feature-SEARC&keywords=usb%2Bcable&qid=1637604654&sr=8-3&th=1

  • KD0RC
    KD0RC Member, Super Elmer Moderator

    So, I think I have a misunderstanding... Larry, does the SainSmart board plug directly into the Flex or into a computer that is plugged into the Flex using a different USB port? In other words, do you need a program on the computer to drive the relay board?

  • KD0RC
    KD0RC Member, Super Elmer Moderator

    Thanks Larry, I didn't realize that the SainSmart protocol was in the Flex (or that the Flex protocol is in the SainSmart...). So Bob, ignore my answer and go with Larry's.

  • bob2020rs
    bob2020rs Member ✭✭

    😃 Success, the relay board works after help from Larry and Len! Thank you both for taking your time to help me with my issue! I am smiling ear to ear! Take care guys and I hope only good comes your way!

    73,

    Bob, KB8BYW

  • KD0RC
    KD0RC Member, Super Elmer Moderator

    Thanks Bob. The credit all goes to Larry. I did not understand that the board would work by directly connecting it to a Flex USB port.

    In any event, I am glad you got it working!

  • bob2020rs
    bob2020rs Member ✭✭

    Hi Len, Yes, Larry was able to answer all the questions! Because you asked Larry for information, that in turn helped me solve my issue. That’s why I was thanking you both! I am lucky y’all were out there, and willing to assist. Thanks again, take care, and happy holidays to one and all!

    73,

    Bob, KB8BYW

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