[Amps] Remote monitoring of SSPA

[dsolberg at wi.rr.com]

Conrad,

I operate a solid state 1KW homebrew HF amplifer remotely over the Internet.  I researched solid state amplifier controls that provided the ability to not only protect the amp but also support remote monitoring with a computer.  I found numerous controllers that would provide the fault protection but none that also had remote monitoring ability.

I ended up building my own.  I am using an Arduino micro-controller with the control circuit build on a bread board shield that plugs in to the top of the Arduino. In addition to this controller, I also use a Wave Node SWR/PWR monitor to observe the amplifier power and SWR.  I could have build this in the Arduino controller but I had Wave Node first and I really like it.  

If you have some basic "C" or "C++" programming skills, I would be glad to share my ampilfier controller program with you and also the schematic for the controller shield.  I was planning on building a printed circuit board for the controller but mine works just fine breadboarded so I lost interest in the PCB project. 

Another alternative would be do use the amplifer controller from VK4DD http://vk4dd.com/ and modify the software.  It uses a PIC microprocessor and has a serial LCD display.  You would have to modify the PIC software to allow it to serial "print" to your PC for remote display.

If you don't mind not having a remote display here is another controller that would work http://www.w6pql.com/amplifier_control_board.htm

If you are interested in an Arduino project, I will be glad to go in to this in more detail.  If you find something already build that does everything that you want to do, please share it with the group. 

Attached are two photos of my amplifier controller.  One photo shows the amplifier with the Arduino controller on top of the amp, the other shows what I see when I am operating the amplifier.  I use the same computer display when I am in my shack or operating over the Internet.  The WaveNode display is on the right side of the monitor, the amplifier contoller status from the Arduiono is in the lower window.  


73,

Don
K9AQ
---- Conrad Farlow <conrad at g0ruz.com> wrote: 
> I have been asked to look into the possibility of remote monitoring an 
> SSPA at a distance of a little over 50m. My feelings are that ethernet 
> is the way to go. I will need to monitor supply voltage and current, 
> forward and reflected power, drive power and a few fault conditions. Are 
> there any ready made configurable solutions all ready out there?
> 
> I do not expect there to be problems with RF fields as it is a 1kW on 
> 23cms and there should not be much spill over from the dish. Of course 
> it must be quiet so as to not disturb the weak signal RX.
> 
> Any advice appreciated.
> 
> -- 
> 
> __________________________________________________
> 
> 73
> 
> Conrad G0RUZ IO93FR
> 
> 
> North Wakefield Radio Club
> 
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