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KMTronic USB Relay Controller - experiences

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Mike-VA3MW
Mike-VA3MW Administrator, FlexRadio Employee, Community Manager, Super Elmer, Moderator admin
in Peripherals & Station Integration

Has anyone actually used this USB relay controller (FTDI) on a FLEX-6000 series radio?

I have one on order, but I have yet to receive it yet. From what I can tell, it 'should' work.

It is more expensive than the Sainsmart, but it is well packaged.

73

https://www.kmtronic.com/usb-relays.html/USB-Relay-Controller-Eight-Channel.html
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Comments

  • Willi Wild
    Willi Wild Member ✭
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    Hello,
    I have been using the KMTRONIC with its 8 switchable relays for years.
    It is very reliable and the advantage is that it does not require a provider. I use it to switch all my devices via IN, such as Flex (on/off and remote), various PAs, transverters. For stronger currents, I added additional relays with 20 A
  • David Decoons, wo2x
    David Decoons, wo2x Member, Super Elmer Moderator
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    What Mike is asking, is if anyone has used the KMTronics with the USB plugged into the radio. This allows the KMTronic to be configured as a bit or BCD cable with relays.

    This would be useful for such applications as having the KMTronic select specific relay (or relays) based on band or frequency. You could wire it up to an Ameritron RCS 8 controller for example and have automatic antenna selection when switching bands.

    Or have relays which switch bandpass filters when switching bands.

    These are just two examples. I have done it using the SainSmart USB-8 board but wondering if anyone has used the KMTronic unit?

    73 Dave wo2x

  • Mike-VA3MW
    Mike-VA3MW Administrator, FlexRadio Employee, Community Manager, Super Elmer, Moderator admin
    edited March 2024
    Options

    Thanks Willi -- I'll add it to my list of cool stuff!

    Just to confirm, you are using the USB one connected to the back of the radio?

  • David Decoons, wo2x
    David Decoons, wo2x Member, Super Elmer Moderator
    Options

    Yes SainSmart to back of radio. External 12 volts to board and wired as I sent you. Programmed SmarSDR as a bit cable.

    In my example I paralleled relay out (N.O.) if two or more bands used the same antenna. I still have the experimenter’s box with the cable to the W2IHY 1x4 antenna switch someplace.

    Dave wo2x

  • Mike-VA3MW
    Mike-VA3MW Administrator, FlexRadio Employee, Community Manager, Super Elmer, Moderator admin
    Options

    Thanks... here is a draft document I am working on, so I thought I would share it with those watching.


    Using USB External Relays (1).pdf


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