[TenTec] Advantages of computer control for s DX'er - N9DG's VHF+ lineup

[Lee Crocker]

<<Why 20W drive through attenuators?
1. Provides a level of safety for "if" (actually
"when") I
accidentally hit the TX with 100w output, the
transverters
will only see 6-7dB of overdrive, should be
survivable. An
ALC and/or IF TX lower power setting alone approach
without
attenuation could allow several watts or more of power
to
reach the transverter TX side (usually releases
smoke).>>

Duane's above paragraph exactly points out the benefit
computer control could provide.  With very little
change in Carl's program an absolute fixed upper value
less than 100W lets say 20W could be entered into a
register in the transverter screen of the program and
then you have the protection needed to prevent the
release of smoke.  A simple example but one that
proves the point.  I almost never use the controls on
the radio, with the present exception being the RF
gain control and I expect that will be fixed in the
next firmware upgrade.  

Carl's program has substantially expanded the feature
set of the Orion for example, and I forsee a time when
a simple markup language or macro language will allow
you to rapidly customize your radio as an integral
part of your total communications system

For example lets say you have a 3-500 amp on antenna A
of the Orion and an 8877 on antenna B, in software you
could set up parameters that would limit your drive
level on antenna B to no more than 45W therefore
protecting your 8877, while maintaining 100W on
antenna  A for the 3-500 amp.  You can easily then run
2 seperate pileups on 2 differnt bands with 2
different antennas, using the upgraded N4PY scratch
pad memories, doubling your DX ability.  

Or lets say you have a K9AY array on the rx antenna
and with that array you always use the Orion preamp,
but on your main vertical you prefer 6db of
attenuation.  You may also need the vertical to be
detuned when you are using the K9AY so it doesn't
louse up the pattern of the array, but you want the
vertical not detuned when you are listening on the
main antenna.  You could set this up in software and
bingo your preamp/atenuation and include with that an
output from a top ten device that keys a relay that
detunes the vertical when ever the K9AY is chosen, and
your setup is always correct for a given antenna
choice.  

The advantages are obvious and no serious DXer or
contester of the very near future will be without
total software control.  If he is without software
controle he will soon be a has-been on the DX
Contesing circuit.  The improved productivity is
obvious.  You want proof? Look at the N1MM effort. 
Try standing up to someone running N1MM using the old
paper and pencil dupe method, while twiddling your
knob.

73  W9OY

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