6600M: Integrating the Q5 5BVUX - band data connection

Hi All,

Yet another question on integrating my station with the Flex 6600M...

I have a Q5 5BVUX that works very well with the 6600M. It has separate RX/TX and I am using XVTR and RX ports B for the rf connection between the radio and transverter. No issues here. TX and RX settings all fell into place and preforms extremely well - so **** just testing on 144 and 432. At the moment I am switching the 5BVUX manually. I know band data is available from the 6600M that is compatible with the Q5 by using the correct BCD encoding setting - HF+VHF.

Now the questions:

1) What is the most elegant way of getting the band data from the 6600M to the 5BVUX while preserving the independent PTT lines for each of the 5BVUX bands? Think amps for each band feeding separate antenna systems.

2) Do I use a Flex FTDI parallel cable wired to the band data pins on the 5BVUX accessory connector? Do I use a Q5 FTDI cable that is USB to their interface, but doesn't appear to breakout the independent PTT lines. Both cables appear to be a bit short. I would like something of order 6ft between the 6600M and 5BVUX. I suppose I could just extend the Flex cable.

3) Is there a breakout board available using the FTDI chip set that would make bit line available. Same as the Flex cable but just a board. This would allow a standard USB cable and then a bit level cable from the board to the 5BVUX.

Thanks!

Chuck de NJ6D / N7KU