Gentlemen,
In order to have the folks at FlexRadio to only have to 'fix' this bug once, I
have put together a quick document outlining the scope and requirements. I
believe it covers what needs to be implemented in PowerSDR and the Flex-1500 to
allow reliable sequencing of external equipment, while maintaining
functionality for users that don't require the use of sequencers.
Please feel free to discuss any changes to the doc below.
Flex-1500 Sequencer Control Requirements - FLEXWIRE PTT IN TX INHIBIT ENABLE
Scope:
Provide a software control option in PowerSDR to inhibit RF transmit until
Flexwire pin 4 PTT IN is brought to ground by any external source, regardless
of the PTT source (MIC, key or digital mode).
Flexwire pin 4 PTT IN, when asserted to ground, should also signal PowerSDR to
switch to TX, regardless of the state of FLEXWIRE PTT IN TX INHIBIT ENABLE.
Requirements:
1. Provide a software control option in PowerSDR labeled 'FLEXWIRE PTT IN TX
INHIBIT ENABLE". Default setting is 'Off', disabled or unchecked.
A. If this option is unchecked; Flexwire pin 4 PTT IN functions as normal,
signaling PowerSDR and the Flex-1500 to transistion to TX when asserted to
ground.
B. When this option is checked; it will inhibit TX until Flexwire pin 4 PTT IN
of the Flexwire jack is held at ground by an external source, such as a
sequencer. When pin 4 in brought to ground by an external source, it signals
PowerSDR and the Flex-1500 to transistion to TX.
By making this an option, users are not required to have to apply a ground to
Flexwire pin 4 in order to transmit.
73
John N6VMO
----- Original Message -----
From: David McKenzie
To: John Maetta
Cc: FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz
Sent: Wednesday, September 08, 2010 6:19 AM
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Flex-1500 external equipment sequencing issue...
I would suggest the option of inhibiting TX unless the FlexWire PTT pin is
based, along with the normal "Delay PTT" that is already in the software (and
not working). This allows for the flexibility required with expensive,
complicated sequenced systems. PTT-Out should still go to ground when pushing
"PTT" on the mic or through a digital program, but no RF until PTT-IN is biased
in this mode.
On Tue, Sep 7, 2010 at 6:48 PM, John Maetta <j.mae...@verizon.net> wrote:
Since I have all my equipment on the test bench, I would be happy to assist
in beta testing the proposed fixes and report my findings.
73
John N6VMO
----- Original Message -----
From: "John Maetta" <j.mae...@verizon.net>
To: <FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz>
Sent: Tuesday, September 07, 2010 3:44 PM
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Flex-1500 external equipment sequencing issue...
> Graham and Tim,
>
> Thanks for your fast response to this issue.
>
> As Jim mentions below, a 'hard' PTT to the Flexwire PTT IN and then on to
> key PSDR is the most reliable method.
> FlexRadio, work your magic and remedy this issue.
>
> 73
>
> John
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "GI1CET" <gi1...@btinternet.com>
> To: <FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz>
> Sent: Tuesday, September 07, 2010 2:15 PM
> Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Flex-1500 external equipment sequencing issue...
>
>
> >
> >
> > Graham
> >
> > This one is currently as of this moment putting my 1500 purchase on
hold,
> can you clarify which issue
> > is going to be fixed,
> >
> > Is it the delayed PTT timing one -
> > (Not sure that I would risk my PA or LNA to a timed PTT rather than a
herd
> sequenced one!)
> >
> > Or is it the items raised by John re use with external sequencers which
> are critical for the use to which
> > I wish to put a new 1500. that is we should be able to apply a
externally
> delayed PTT from an External
> > sequencer to the flexwire port PTT in and have that sent to PSDR as the
> PTT signal.
> >
> > Regards
> >
> > Jim, GI1CET
> >
> > On 07/09/2010 14:43, Graham Haddock wrote:
> >
> > > John:
> > >
> > > This has been assigned software tracking item D317 and it will be
fixed
> > > before
> > > PowerSDR 2.0 goes to official release.
> > >
> > > --- Graham
> > >
> > > ==
> > >
> > > On Tue, Sep 7, 2010 at 7:35 AM, Tim Ellison<telli...@itsco.com>
wrote:
> > >
> > >> The FLEX-1500 is missing the control to set the time delay of RF
after
> PTT.
> > >> This defect has been entered into the developers bug tracker and
the
> > >> software engineers notified of it.
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> -Tim
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> -----Original Message-----
> > >> From:flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz [mailto:
> > >> flexradio-boun...@flex-radio.biz] On Behalf Of John Maetta
> > >> Sent: Tuesday, September 07, 2010 5:16 AM
> > >> To: 'FlexRadio Group'
> > >> Subject: [Flexradio] Flex-1500 external equipment sequencing issue...
> > >>
> > >> Gentlemen,
> > >>
> > >> My plans were to use the Flex-1500 for digital, CW and SSB EME
> (moonbounce)
> > >> and replace my TS-790 with transverters.
> > >> My current configuration is WSJT, VAC, Serial Port Manager and
PowerSDR
> > >> 2.0.8. This combination seems to work well together and it was time
to
> > >> interface the Flex-1500 and PowerSDR to my EME equipment.
> > >>
> > >> But, after several attempts to reliably interface the Flex-1500 with
my
> > >> sequencer to control my mast mounted preamp, driver amp and power
amp,
> I
> > >> have determined the following:
> > >>
> > >> When WSJT transmits, the PowerSDR and the Flex outputs Flexwire PTT
out
> and
> > >> RF immediately, as verified by a watt meter. The Flexwire PTT is
> asserted
> > >> to
> > >> late to start any sequencer and will cause the RF to destroy the
preamp
> or
> > >> amplifier relays by 'hot keying'.
> > >> Also, the Flex-1500 can not be keyed by the last event in the
sequence.
> > >> Applying a PTT from the sequencer to either the MIC jack or the
> Flexwire
> > >> PTT
> > >> In jack will key the Flex-1500, but not key PowerSDR and transmit.
> > >>
> > >> So bottom line, we need to have two programmable delays.
> > >> 1) PowerSDR TX delayed from PTT inputs (CAT, flexwire HW PTT and mic
> PTT)
> > >> and...
> > >> 2) PTT Flexwire output delayed from PTT inputs. Then we can get to a
> > >> minimum
> > >> configuration for VHF/UHF use.
> > >>
> > >> Come on Flex, help us transverter operators out. Give us that delay
> > >> between
> > >> Flexwire PTT and PowerSDR, whether PTT is initiated from MIC,
Flexwire
> PTT
> > >> In or digital mode. Sequencing external equipment is a basic
operating
> > >> procedure that VHF/microwave enthusiasts employ. Right now, the
> Flex-1500
> > >> doesn't seem to deliver that operability for a radio that was
> advertised as
> > >> " The FLEX-1500 comes packed with features that make it ideally
> positioned
> > >> to be the ultimate low cost, high performance IF deck for
VHF-microwave
> > >> transverter operation. " True, if you use just the Flex1500 with a
low
> > >> power transveter and don't have expensive external equipment such as
a
> > >> preamp, drivers and power amps.
> > >>
> > >> If any of you Flex-1500 users have reliably conquered this problem,
> post up
> > >> your method(s).
> > >>
> > >> 73,
> > >>
> > >> John N6VMO
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> _______________________________________________
> > >> FlexRadio Systems Mailing List
> > >> FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz
> > >> http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
> > >> Archives:http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/
> > >> Knowledge Base:http://kc.flexradio.com/ Homepage:
> > >> http://www.flexradio.com/
> > >>
> > >> _______________________________________________
> > >> FlexRadio Systems Mailing List
> > >> FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz
> > >> http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
> > >> Archives:http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/
> > >> Knowledge Base:http://kc.flexradio.com/ Homepage:
> > >> http://www.flexradio.com/
> > >>
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > FlexRadio Systems Mailing List
> > > FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz
> > > http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
> > > Archives:http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/
> > > Knowledge Base:http://kc.flexradio.com/
> Homepage:http://www.flexradio.com/
> > >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > FlexRadio Systems Mailing List
> > FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz
> > http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
> > Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/
> > Knowledge Base: http://kc.flexradio.com/ Homepage:
> http://www.flexradio.com/
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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http://www.flexradio.com/
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