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

[rick@dj0ip.de]

Actually somebody has, but it is expensive and overkill:
http://www.box73.de/product_info.php?products_id=2266 

73 - Rick, DJ0IP
(Nr. Frankfurt, Germany)


-----Original Message-----
From: TenTec [mailto:tentec-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Ron
Notarius W3WN
Sent: Friday, November 25, 2016 4:27 AM
To: wb5jnc at centurytel.net; 'Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment'
Subject: Re: [TenTec] "Semi-CAT" for analog* TT rigs (was Re: Corsair II
PCInterface)

As prevalent as 5 MHz and 9 MHz based VFO/PTO circuits have been over the
years in so many different analog transmitters and transceivers, I'm
surprised that no one has done just this -- marketed a DDS VFO in an
external enclosure.  You'd think it'd be relatively simple enough to do.

Just think -- a simple, relatively inexpensive device that would greatly
improve any of these old rigs, without requiring any significant (or even
any) modifications or adjustments.

73, ron w3wn 

-----Original Message-----
From: TenTec [mailto:tentec-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Al Gulseth
Sent: Thursday, November 24, 2016 9:06 PM
To: gerd Groos; Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment
Subject: [TenTec] "Semi-CAT" for analog* TT rigs (was Re: Corsair II
PCInterface)

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-counte
> r/
> - 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 at 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
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > TenTec mailing list
> > > TenTec at contesting.com
> > > http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > TenTec mailing list
> > TenTec at contesting.com
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