This is a great approach.
Imagine a black box, programmable to supply VFO RF to drive any desired
retro transceiver plus a USB interface and software capable of emulating a
popular rig recognized by most logging programs. You would program the box
with the conversion scheme and offsets used by your radio. Possible other
goodies might include memory channels and a keyer for starters.
This shouldn't be very expensive and would enable our favorite rig to
function in today's computer environment.
The next level option could include a panadapter with a video monitor port.
I've been playing with this idea on my Corsair II and by using the SDRplay
receiver and taping into the output of the first mixer I'm seeing about 40
khz on the screen however due to how things are converted, my display is
flipped so I'm seeing higher frequencies to the left of center.
Question: Would this sell? I for one would be glad to pay $1,000 for such a
device.
Steve N4LQ
On Thu, Nov 24, 2016 at 9:06 PM, Al Gulseth <wb5jnc@centurytel.net> wrote:
> Since we're doing some "what-if" here:
>
> Instead of a frequency counter, how about using a DDS VFO in an _external_
> enclosure - set up along the lines of the 301/302 remote tuning knob ? The
> VFO jumper on the back panel provides a very convenient input point for the
> DDS signal. If implemented properly, in conjunction with the band data
> outputs the DDS VFO could output rig frequency to the control program as
> well
> as possibly allowing computer controlled tuning within the selected band.
> If
> the mode switch was also tied into the system as Gerd suggested, "semi-CAT"
> operation would seem to be possible with minimum modifications to the rig.
> Returning the rig to its normal operational state would simply require
> unplugging a couple of data connectors (along with an RCA cable to the
> accessory 12V output on the back of the rig if powering the DDS VFO that
> way)
> and switching back to the VFO jumper on the back panel.
>
> As stated previously, this one's "above my pay grade" so I'll let someone
> else
> run with this if it's deemed to be a viable possibility.
>
> * "analog" here refers to early Omnis, Corsairs, etc. with remote VFO
> input.
>
> 73, Al
>
> On Thu November 24 2016 3:09:51 pm gerd Groos wrote:
> > *> For a "black box", as cheap as RasPI's are that might be an option to
> > consider*
> >
> > Raspberry will be fine.
> >
> > Hardware:
> > - Use Raspberry
> > - Add dd frequency counter interface, along idea here
> > http://www.swharden.com/wp/2016-10-10-raspberry-pi-rf-frequency-counter/
> > - Add bad data lines, plus SSB/CW mode line interface
> > - Add shielding / EMI measures as required
> >
> > Software:
> > CAT command implementation can be based based on hamlib or Juma TRX-2
> > firmware (source code available for the Jumma TRX, see firmware on their
> > website)
> >
> > Link from Corsair to PC could be by WLAN
> >
> > 73
> >
> > Gerd.
> >
> > 2016-11-24 20:19 GMT+01:00 Al Gulseth <wb5jnc@centurytel.net>:
> > > I didn't look at the C II but the Omni B/C and Corsair 560 all appear
> to
> > > have
> > > a dedicated (isolated) bandswitch wafer tied to the "linear" socket on
> > > the back panel. If' I'm reading the schematics right the individual
> > > bandswitch positions and the common terminal all come out to the
> > > connector, so the voltage/logic level used could be anything reasonable
> > > within the switch rating. The only reason I could see needing diodes
> > > would be to encode it down
> > > to a binary sequence instead of dealing with 9 individual lines.
> > >
> > > That being said, the C II may be different.
> > >
> > > For a "black box", as cheap as RasPI's are that might be an option to
> > > consider
> > > (speaking out of school here as I'm not up to speed on them.)
> > >
> > > 73, Al
> > >
> > > On Thu November 24 2016 9:01:45 am Steve Ellington wrote:
> > > > Corsair II and older TTs.
> > > >
> > > > The band information (+13.8v) is easily available from the bandswitch
> > >
> > > with
> > >
> > > > just the addition of a few diodes on SW4 or SW5.
> > > >
> > > > The frequency information is available via the VFO jack.
> > > >
> > > > A black box is needed to convert this info to interface via a USB
> port
> > > > to the pc and emulate some rig. That's beyond my pay scale.
> > > >
> > > > Is there anyone out there willing to tackle such a project?
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Steve N4LQ
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