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[TenTec] "Semi-CAT" for analog* TT rigs (was Re: Corsair II PC Interface

To: gerd Groos <df9ts.cw@gmail.com>, Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec@contesting.com>
Subject: [TenTec] "Semi-CAT" for analog* TT rigs (was Re: Corsair II PC Interface)
From: Al Gulseth <wb5jnc@centurytel.net>
Reply-to: wb5jnc@centurytel.net, Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec@contesting.com>
Date: Thu, 24 Nov 2016 20:06:26 -0600
List-post: <tentec@contesting.com">mailto:tentec@contesting.com>
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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> >
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