[TenTec] 311 band decoder

[CSM(r) Gary Huber]

I built a band decoder for the Model 253 tuner. The info below is at http://tentecwiki.org/doku.php?id=253banddecoder 



I recently completed a band decoding interface for the TenTec model 253 Automatic Antenna Coupler. The 253 requires a voltage of +10 to +14 VDC at 3 ma on one of seven pins to select the preset tuning information for up to seven memories on each of four switch positions (28 memories). Originally the voltage and pin selection was provided by the TenTec transceiver (band information), but the OMNI-VII does not.

I used DXLab Commander to provide BCD via the computer parallel port to the (solder pads ABCD) UM BCD-10, the band is decoded (J1 1-9) which then pulls down pin 2 of the selected (band) 8L01 DIP Relay, which upon contact closure outputs +12 VDC on pin 14 of the relay to one of seven Band Select pins on the #86027-26 to the 15 pin Molex® on the rear panel of the model 253 tuner. Pins 6 and 8 of the 8L01 DIP Relay are at +12 VDC supplied by +VR of BCD-10. The UM BCD-10 receives +12 VDC from the OMNI-VII Power Supply.

References:
Model 253 Operators Manual pages v, 2-4, 2-5
8L01-DIP-Relay-PDF page 27 (http://www.cotorelay.com/8L.pdf)
http://www.unifiedmicro.com/decoder.html (bcd1.jpg)
http://www.dxlabsuite.com/commander/Help/index.htm

73 es DX,

Gary - AB9M


-----Original Message----- 
From: AL7CR 
Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2011 5:31 PM 
To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment 
Subject: Re: [TenTec] 311 band decoder 

I am using exactly the setup you are attempting.  Luckily I acquired my 
311 with the 253 at a hamfest.

You will need the 311 and two cables.  One cable runs from the 253 (a 
Molex connector) to the side of the 311 box (a DB 25).  The other runs 
from the top of the 311 box (another Molex connector) to the Orion band 
data connector (yet another Molex).  I acquired the Orion to 311 cable 
with the gear and made the 253 to 311 cable.

The 253 has seven band selections and the Orion has ten band outputs.  
Hence 10/12 m , 15/17 m, and 30/40m will be shared by the 311.

I have the manual and schematic for the 311 (four pages) which I would 
be glad to scan and send you as well as the pinout for the cable I 
made.  Just send me an email off list.

I am quite satisfied with the 253 and find that it tunes quickly enough 
even without using the memory features.  It is not instant but finds a 
near perfect match from 10 to 80 m even at the high SWR presented by my 
135 foot doublet.

There is a simple 253 mod that allows you to have 4 memories available 
for each of the seven bands for a single antenna rather than one per 
band for each of the four possible antennas.  Simply open the unit and 
disconnect the coupling on the antenna switch shaft while it is on the 
antenna you wish to use.  The antenna switch will now select one of four 
memories for a given band without changing the antenna.

You might consider an external band switch as suggested in the 253 
manual if you can not find or do not wish to construct an interface.  
The Ten Tec Wiki 253 page has info on a homebrew interface built by 
AB9M.  I believe his note lists the part number of the Molex connector 
and pins required.  I purchased mine from Mouser.

None of this gets you a ready made 311 but perhaps it may be of help.  I 
have never seen one for sale.

73 de AL7CR

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> steve jobes <mailto:w1dxh at aol.com>
> October 13, 2011 1:40 PM
>
>
> Looking for a 311 band decoder to use with my Orion and 253 coupler. 
> Called TenTec today and they no longer have any forsale. Does anyone 
> have one forsale? Thanks.
>
> 73,
> Steve W1DXH
> _______________________________________________
> TenTec mailing list
> TenTec at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
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