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Flex 6700 as SSB 2BSIQ with USB footswitch

sq9orq
sq9orq Member ✭✭
in Contesting
Hello,
I've started training for SSB operation as a 2BSIQ. So far, I've been using two FTDX10s with a MK2R+, but now I want to use a Flex 6700.
Classic audio switching isn't a problem, but for a true SSB 2BSIQ setup, I need two USB footswitches, each assigned to a separate Slice.

I need this Three possible task:
1. When neither footswitch is pressed, the left earphone is on Slice A, the right earphone is on Slice B.
2. When footswitch 1 is pressed, transmission is enabled on Slice A, and both headphones are assigned to Slice B.
3. When footswitch 2 is pressed, transmission is enabled on Slice B, and both headphones are assigned to Slice A.

I can use a USB footswitch, which will create a COM port and use RTS/CTS, or I can use a footswitch that, using a dedicated application, can act as any keyboard shortcut.

Does anyone use this configuration and can help configure it?

It's much easier with CW, as the logging program can manage the headphones while transmitting. With SSB, it becomes more difficult because the footswitch must be used.

Przemek SQ9ORQ - SO9I

Comments

  • KD0RC
    KD0RC Member, Super Elmer Moderator

    Hi Przemek, I am working on that right now. So far, I have the two foot switches (one for each slice) working. Next is the part where the audio is routed appropriately. I have been away for the last couple of weeks, but I am back home and ready to finish the 2BSIQ project. I imagine that I will have something to share in a week or two.

  • sq9orq
    sq9orq Member ✭✭
    Thank you Len.
    I'm waiting for it. I'd like to test it before this year's CQ WW SSB
  • Rich M5RIC
    Rich M5RIC Member ✭✭✭
    edited October 2025

    Hi Przemek

    What you want to achieve is possible.

    At MD7C I use 2 footswitches which are each connected to an RS232 to USB (FTDI) adapter, this creates a com port in windows. You can then assign a port to each slice, so FS 1 for Slice A and FS 2 for Slice B.

    image.png

    If you have USB footswitches that create a com port, no need for this.

    In SmartCAT create 2 x PTT for both footswitches and assign to the relevant slice.

    Also in SmartCAT create an OTRSP port and then assign this to the same port in your logging programme. This will handle the audio switching you require.

    I have this working with DXlog if you need screenhshots of the set-up.

    73

    Rich

  • sq9orq
    sq9orq Member ✭✭
    Thanks Rich for your infomation, but this still no solve my problem about headphones
    I need this Three possible task:
    1. When neither footswitch is pressed, the left earphone is on Slice A, the right earphone is on Slice B.
    2. When footswitch 1 is pressed, transmission is enabled on Slice A, and both headphones are assigned to Slice B.
    3. When footswitch 2 is pressed, transmission is enabled on Slice B, and both headphones are assigned to Slice A.
  • Rich M5RIC
    Rich M5RIC Member ✭✭✭
    edited October 2025

    Have you enabled OTRSP in your logger?

  • Mick W8BE
    Mick W8BE Member ✭✭✭
    edited October 2025

    There is a way to do what you are asking for ( I think). I developed a usb footswitch that sends cat commands to toggle MOX .

    https://github.com/w8be/usb-ptt-arduino-nano-every

    This works very well. It could be modified to include CAT commands to Toggle VFO A/B to active (ZZFR), set the VFO Pan (ZZLB) when the foot switch is depressed. Up on release you could set the VFO A pan to Left and the VFO B pan to Right.

    Since you are using 2 foot switches the code would be reversed for the 2nd foot switch. Obviously it would need to be tested. I am betting you will need to be running split to do this.

    You could take my code and modify it to add the CAT commands. The project uses a Arduino Nano Every to send the CAT commands to the Flex

    Here are the CAT commands…

    image.png

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