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Interlock Bug?

K9YK
K9YK Member ✭✭
in SmartSDR API

I'm using software interlock via the API for the first time. I'm sending this command to the radio to establish the interlock:
c3|interlock create type=amp name=ShackCtrl serial=111-1111-111 valid_antennas=XVTB

I have RCA TX3 associated with slice that is transmitting out the XVTB port. What I'm noticing is that the radio holds back the generation of RF until my app responds with 'interlock ready', but it keys the RCA TX3 port immediately even though the interlock is in place.

This seems wrong to me. If I need to make my amplifier change bands prior to transmission, I want it to make that band change before the amp receives the PTT signal from RCA TX3. An amplifier shouldn't be changing bands while it's keyed up (regardless of whether there is RF being generated or not).

Am I missing something here? Is there something I need to do differently with the interlock command to make this work correctly?

Answers

  • Eric-KE5DTO
    Eric-KE5DTO Administrator, FlexRadio Employee admin
    edited December 1

    Given what I know about the interlock system, I think what you're seeing is expected in the current design. It sounds like you'd like the design to take into account the RCA outputs as well as the RF output. I can pass this along as a feature request (SMART-12106) to our software team.

    If I take a step back to think about what you're trying to do, it sounds like you just want to key your amplifier only when on a certain band (or bands). If this is the case, I wonder whether a USB Cable is a better option as I think we support that functionality natively with a USB "bit" cable. It's another option to consider.

  • K9YK
    K9YK Member ✭✭

    @Eric-KE5DTO What I'm really trying to do is switch the keying output from RCA TX3 between two different transverters. I have the RCA TX3 output connected to a SPDT relay. From the relay NO/NC outputs I'm routing to the keying inputs of two different transverters keying inputs.

    With the API I'm watching which slice (and band) is set for TX. When I see that change, I flip my relay to route the keying signal from RCA TX3 to the correct transverter for the band. I need the interlock PTT Request via the API so I can set my relay in the correct position, and it need it to not allow RCA TX3 low until I release the interlock.

    The way it is now, I end up with a bunch of relay chatter because the interlock isn't being honored by the radio for the keying signal. The use case becomes a big problem when you have multiple instances of WSJT-X telling the radio to switch bands (via CAT "auto switch TX") and then keying up the radio immediately.

    I could see this also being a problem for anyone who needs to set bandpass filters in an amplifier when the TX band changes and the radio is keyed rapidly. The bandpass filter change would need to complete before the amplifier is keyed.

  • Eric-KE5DTO
    Eric-KE5DTO Administrator, FlexRadio Employee admin

    That is a little different than what I was picturing, but I still think the USB "Bit" Cable may be a good option for you. I would recommend you check out the documentation for USB Cables in the SmartSDR Software User Guide (Ch 34.2.2 specifically).

  • K9YK
    K9YK Member ✭✭

    I have a RPi that connects to the API and controls a whole bunch of things in the shack (think Node Red, but all my own code). It also supports manual overrides for any of the automatic/radio following rules. I tried using a bit cable once a while ago, but the configuration options in SSDR for the bit cable didn't support all of my use cases (plus no manual overrides either).

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

    @K9YK You may want to track down VE3KH. He is using Bit Cables for his entire VHF/UHF/Microwave station. He runs 2 - 8 Relay boards that plug into the back of the radio. Very powerful once you set the triggers.

  • K9YK
    K9YK Member ✭✭

    @Mike-VA3MW Thanks Mike. Looks like I posted just before you. I tried going down that path in the past, but couldn't get the bit cable configuration to do everything I wanted. I've had my solution implemented for a couple of years now. I'm having to expand capabilities because I've added a 3rd transverter to my 6600 (Two transverters connected to XVTR-B using a diplexer - 222 & 432. 2m sits by itself on the XVTR-A port).

    Also, do we know for sure that the bit cable changes occur prior to the keying output going low? And with what delay time? I already have everything working with my current API integration, it's just a sequencing issue with the interlock that's causing unnecessary relay chatter. Thankfully I don't have a hot keying issue since the radio is holding back generation of RF until I release the interlock.

    ShackControl1.jpg ShackControl2.jpg

    It sits in the rack just below the 6600.

    ShackControl3.jpg ShackControl4.jpg

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