Eric,
This is well beyond the appropriate level of detail for the WriteLog
reflector.
The appropriate venue to ask these questions is on the microHAM group
(http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/microham) or by direct e-mail to
either mailto:info@microham-usa.com or mailto:supprt@microham.com.
> 4. In a contest where both DVK (in my case, WriteLog SSB Message
> .wav files play) and direct microphone voice input to the rigs
> is desired...both within a single QSO...can MK2R+ handle this?
MK2R/MK2R+ will function with WriteLog's microphone/DVK switching.
WriteLog interfaces with the mic mute/Wave mute functions in the
MK2R "voice" sound card or MK2R+ sound device.
> 5. It appears direct audio input to the TS-480 bypasses COMP
> (internal TS-480 Compression), necessitating .wav files to be
> PRE-Compressed before use. Is there a Compression schema in the
> MK2R+ to provide separate compression on .wav files played
> from WriteLog's SSB Messages?
This is more TS-480 specific but microKEYER, MK2R and MK2R+ all
switch microphone and soundcard (wave output) into the microphone
input. The "direct audio input" is only used for digital modes.
> > (From MICROHAM MK2R+ Features info)
> > - compatible with LPT interface (CT, TR, NA)
>
> Why isn't WL (WriteLog) listed? :-)
You will notice that only DOS loggers are listed in that statement.
WriteLog will only control line 14 (A/B) of the LPT.
> 6. A real BIGGIE...Footswitch control...my DXD has a mod installed
> which enables me to use a footswitch when desired to put the ONLY the
> audio from the SO2R "focus" radio into both ears. This is extremely
> critical when being called by a weak, QRP type signal on the
> Run Radio!
> Does the MKR2+ have this capability?
The footswitch inputs are used for PTT (either single or dual
footswitch). However, MK2R and MK2R+ have eight programmable
switching configurations ... any of them can be configured to
put the run radio in both ears. I strongly suggest you download
the current manual for MK2R/MK2R+ and study its capabilities:
http://www.microham.com/Downloads/MK2R_R_1_1_English.pdf
> 7. My HEIL HC-4 headset uses a 1/8" mono plug for mic and a 1/4"
> stereo phone plug for audio. HOW do BOTH of these plug in right
> next to each other on the back of the MK2R+ ?
MK2R and MK2R+ have 1/4" and 1/8" jacks on the front panel one is
immediately above the other.
> 8. My Dell D-600 notebook computer has only ONE soundcard. Am I
> understanding the the MK2R+ has TWO internal soundcards...
> which can both be used for VOICE (Radio 1 & Radio 2)??? This is
> extremely important for "Contest-Pedition" operation(s).
One sound device is used for voice operation the other sound device
is used for digital mode operation. Both sound devices are stereo
(Radio_1 & Radio_2).
> 9. Is there any problem with the TS-480S friendly KRC2 Band
> Decoder piggybacking to the RS-232 ports on the TS-480 rigs
> interfaced to the MKR2+?
If the KRC2 will operate in a "pass through" mode it can be
interfaced to the MK2R+ (between the Mk2R+ and the radios).
That is the recommended installation mode for the microHAM Band
Decoder with the TS-480.
> 10. Does the MK2R+ enable SO2R Audio RECORDING via WriteLog's
> internal Tools/Soundboard options configuration?
Not at present. WriteLog expects audio recording on the same device
as the microphone input. Hopefully, WriteLog soundboard control will
be extended to allow the audio review input to come from a separate
sound device.
> 12. Will X-KEYS (USB Macro Devices - http://www.piengineering.com )
> or other external USB macro devices connect directly to the
> MK2R+ ? If not, can this capability be added?
No and No. MK2R/MK2R+ do not provide USB outputs.
> 11. Is there a stereo output jack on the MK2R+ (1/8" Mini Stereo
> or 1/4" Stereo) for direct routing of audio to Mini-DV camera
> audio input (or any other external recording unit)?
Yes, the "speaker" jack on the rear panel is in parallel with the
headphone jack.
> 13. MKR2+ Optional antenna relay control...does this work
> with the Array Solutions 6PAK?
The antenna relay control is currently BCD output based on the radio
operating frequency ("band data"). If a programmer adopts the microHAM
control protocol the application will be able to arbitrarily set the
output to 1 of 15 BCD states.
> 15. Is there separate CW Sidetone for remote station use
> local monitoring?
No, MK2R and MK2R+ are designed as locally controlled and operated
devices. They are not suitable for remote use.
> 17. Is there an Ethernet connection and home QTH basic MKR2+
> "control head" for remote operation available or in the works?
No, MK2R and MK2R+ are "single box" devices. They do not have
an ethernet connection or any plans for remote operation.
Your application is so far out and the potential market so small
that I do not expect the factory will have any interest.
73,
... Joe Subich, W4TV
microHAM America
http://www.microHAM-USA.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/microHAM
support@microham.com
> -----Original Message-----
> From: writelog-bounces@contesting.com
> [mailto:writelog-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Eric Hilding
> Sent: Tuesday, November 07, 2006 2:50 PM
> To: writelog@contesting.com
> Subject: [WriteLog] WL & microHAM MK2R+ REMOTE STATION use???
>
>
> It seems I keep running into more folks who are also using
> the TS-480S (or attempting to) for Remote Station use in
> conjunction with WriteLog.
>
> If this is not a topic of interest to you personally, please
> delete this very lengthy post now!
>
> Since Joe, W4TV, has posted WL + MicroHam MK2R+ info here, it
> seems to be an appropriate place to get further into the nuts
> and bolts of this matter.
>
> I'm finding the issues involved in pursuing a fully SO2R
> "Remote Station" venue with dual TS-480S rigs to be quite
> mind boggling, but it is the necessary way of the future for
> many of us with CC&R challenged QTHs.
>
> Personally, I hate using a mouse and want to physically turn
> knobs and push buttons, and know there are others like me. I
> went to Pacificon to talk with the Kenwood folks about
> possibly buying two additional TS-480S control heads, and
> somehow find a tech guru who could figure out how to
> interface these for remote operation with the N4PYsoftware
> program. When I explained my needs to Phil from Kenwood, he
> immediately walked me over to a booth where what I was
> seeking had just been done...but involving BlueTooth. I'm
> now trying to pursuade those "visionary" folks to incorporate
> an Ethernet interface for direct connectivity to some 5GB
> point-to-point gear. That saga continues...
>
> So getting to the MKR2+, this appears to have more promise
> for a Remote SO2R situation than my current DXD (my arms are
> not long enough to reach 4 miles to throw the toggle switches
> when needed and the footswich cable too short :-)
>
> The following is a lengthy list of questions (some non-remote
> SO2R in nature), but I'm posting them here because others may
> have additional thoughts pertaining to the MK2R+ questions
> for Remote SO2R with the TS-480S rigs and WriteLog all
> working together. This is also compatible with a statement
> from a MicroHam webpage:
>
> ===
> If you have an idea for a new product, the need for
> custom designed station control system, or special
> high power RF systems for commercial applications,
> please contact us. We will be happy to assist you
> and offer you fresh solutions to many of the "well known"
> problems which face amateurs at all levels.
> ===
>
> First:
>
> > (From MICROHAM MK2R+ Features info)
> > - compatible with LPT interface (CT, TR, NA)
>
> Why isn't WL (WriteLog) listed? :-)
>
> 1. Am I understanding the MKR2+ has integrated USB to dual
> Serial Port connectivity for RS-232 SO2R rig control purposes?
>
> 2. Regarding Kenwood audio cables, I have a problem with the pre-made
> cables for the DXD...the audio is fuzzy/washing, which I believe is a
> ground related problem in the DXD. How does the MKR2+ handle
> Kenwood TS-480S audio connectivity?
>
> 3. I am currently using SignaLink SL-1+ units to get WriteLog
> .wav file output into the TS-480S rigs). The TS-480 does not allow
> Menu #60 external audio input and "VOX" to work at the same time.
> Can the MK2R+ somehow enable both uses?
>
> 4. In a contest where both DVK (in my case, WriteLog SSB Message
> .wav files play) and direct microphone voice input to the rigs
> is desired...both within a single QSO...can MK2R+ handle this?
>
> 5. It appears direct audio input to the TS-480 bypasses COMP
> (internal TS-480 Compression), necessitating .wav files to be
> PRE-Compressed before use. Is there a Compression schema in the
> MK2R+ to provide separate compression on .wav files played
> from WriteLog's SSB Messages?
>
> 6. A real BIGGIE...Footswitch control...my DXD has a mod installed
> which enables me to use a footswitch when desired to put the ONLY the
> audio from the SO2R "focus" radio into both ears. This is extremely
> critical when being called by a weak, QRP type signal on the
> Run Radio!
> Does the MKR2+ have this capability?
>
> 7. My HEIL HC-4 headset uses a 1/8" mono plug for mic and a 1/4"
> stereo phone plug for audio. HOW do BOTH of these plug in right
> next to each other on the back of the MK2R+ ? I couldn't find the
> headphone audio jack on the MicroHAM back-panel layout. I have a
> Kenwood RJ-45 adaptor for the mic but without a long extension
> cable for the RX audio, this is always pain-in-the-butt ;-(
>
> 8. My Dell D-600 notebook computer has only ONE soundcard. Am I
> understanding the the MK2R+ has TWO internal soundcards...
> which can both be used for VOICE (Radio 1 & Radio 2)??? This is
> extremely important for "Contest-Pedition" operation(s).
>
> 9. Is there any problem with the TS-480S friendly KRC2 Band Decoder
> piggybacking to the RS-232 ports on the TS-480 rigs
> interfaced to the MKR2+?
>
> 10. Does the MK2R+ enable SO2R Audio RECORDING via WriteLog's
> internal
> Tools/Soundboard options configuration?
>
> 11. Is there a stereo output jack on the MK2R+ (1/8" Mini Stereo
> or 1/4" Stereo) for direct routing of audio to Mini-DV camera
> audio input (or any other external recording unit)? If not, this
> is a needed feature...especially since more ops are also going
> "live" on the net. Yes, this would be very functionallly convenient.
>
> 12. Will X-KEYS (USB Macro Devices - http://www.piengineering.com )
> or other external USB macro devices connect directly to the
> MK2R+ ? If not, can
> this capability be added? The reason is to have certain
> MK2R+ operational
> control right-at-my-fingertips ON the keyboard (I am having 6
> banks of 10 X-KEYS
> custom mounted on a new Ergonomic Keyboard).
>
> 13. MKR2+ Optional antenna relay control...does this work
> with the Array
> Solutions 6PAK?
>
> 14. What about Array Solutions StackMatch or Comtech stacking
> switches?
>
> 15. Is there separate CW Sidetone for remote station use
> local monitoring? For SO2R
> Remote, due to latency issues, trying to monitor CW back from
> the rig just won't
> cut the mustard.
>
> 16. Is there a Doomsday (Crash/Fail Safe) relay or mechanism to still
> allow at least Radio 1 thru-put for continued operation in the event
> of a massive MK2R+ failure?
>
> 17. Is there an Ethernet connection and home QTH basic MKR2+
> "control head"
> for remote operation available or in the works? Just like
> the company who
> now has the Black Box decoders to enable the TS-480S control
> heads to be
> at the home QTH and interface with the remote rig "bodies",
> being able to have
> the basic MKR2+ installed at the remote site and Ethernet
> connectivity to a
> mini-control panel on the other end appears to be a
> necessity. Acom and
> other amps have remote modules (albeit via hardwire
> connections). Taking this
> approach vs. some kind of TSR software front-end that uses
> valuable resources
> and also requires use of the #&^@ "mouse" would be more
> effective for high-speed
> SO2R CW Contesting.
>
> {Pause}
>
> I'm sure I will have some additional questions later :-)
>
> For those who think low latency SO2R "Remote Station"
> operation is impossible Science Fiction, think again. It
> does require, however, Manufacturer "Visionaries" to help
> pull it all together.
>
> MicroHAM appears to be on the cutting edge here and perhaps
> the most likely candidate to provide the needed solution in
> this matter for those of us pursuing such a venue.
>
> Tnx & 73...
>
> Rick, K6VVA
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> WriteLog mailing list
> WriteLog@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/writelog
> WriteLog on the web: http://www.writelog.com/
>
>
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