[Amps] Alpha 87a No RS-232

[Gerry Hull]

H
​ey Mike,

Well, a lot of experience with serial... too many years.
First off, if you go the USB route, FTDI is the ONLY way to go.
Everything else is simply terrible.

Since I am usually controlling remote stations, I prefer RS-232.
Why?  Because I can eliminate a computer at the station side.
I use Serial to TCP.   I buy surplus DigitPort PortServers on ebay.
I've bought a ton of them, some for as little as 99 cents for a 16-port
server.   Why?  DigiPort Servers are still sold.  They have a Windows 10
driver, and they work flawlessly.    There are other brands that will work
well.

The 87a, in my 43 years as a ham, is one rock solid amp.  The ones we
have at K2LE have just been a brick on the table... put 30W in, get 1500
out.
For decades.  So, this is a PITA to fix, but sure happy with the amps.

Gerry W1VE​

On Wed, Jul 4, 2018 at 7:59 AM Mike <w5cul at sbcglobal.net> wrote:

> Since it is a serial connection, has anybody thought about or tried
> modifying the comm Link to a USB to serial.  FTDI makes a packaged USB to
> Serial adapter, the chip is in the package.  I purchased one about a year
> ago to install in my AIM4170 as I was tired of fighting with these off
> board
> adjunct USB to Serial adapters that would invariably loose connection
> during
> a scan.  It was a drop in replacement for the analyzer and it works great.
> But for the 87A, I would think one would have to manufacture a small metal
> plate to mount the adapter to that would fill the gaps on either side that
> would be present when you pull out the DB25 connector.  Just something I
> have been thinking about for a while given most modern PC's do not have
> serial ports with a DB9 or DB25 connector, and thus you are relegated to an
> off board adjunct adapter for such older comm links.
>
> Mike
> W5CUL
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Amps [mailto:amps-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Billy Mac
> Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2018 6:51 PM
> To: 'Gerry Hull'; amps at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [Amps] Alpha 87a No RS-232
>
> Yes, they are solder in.
>
> Billy  AK5DX
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Amps [mailto:amps-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Gerry Hull
> Sent: Monday, July 2, 2018 6:49 AM
> To: amps at contesting.com
> Subject: [Amps] Alpha 87a No RS-232
>
> Hello All,
>
> We have two Alpha 87as at K2LE.   They have been rock solid amps for
> decades.
> However, we operate remotely, and rely upon RS-232 using the great DF3CB
> software.
>
> We have the same failure mode in both amps.   The TX side of the serial
> port has failed.   We can command the amp on,
> But that is it.   We have verified multiple times and multiple ways that
> the cable and ports are working perfectly (short TX/RX
> Pins on the amp-side connector and ensure echo on a terminal program).
>
> I see very little about this subject in the archives.  Has anyone else
> experienced this?
>
> Does anybody know if the Max232 chip is soldered?   This is what I suspect,
> since the amplifier is fully functional otherwise.
>
> Is there some master reset we can try with a combo of front panel buttons?
>
> Your collective wisdom appreciated.
>
> 73, Gerry W1VE
> For Andy, K2LE and the team
>
>
> --
> Gerry Hull, W1VE  Hancock, NH USA
> Member: ARRL, YCCC, YCCCN, CW Ops
> gerry at w1ve.com ph: 1-617-CW-SPARK (find me)
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