[VHFcontesting] Transverter interfacing with FT290RII

[Mark Spencer]

Support for digi modes is another issue as well.   Currently I have a setup where the microphone essentially plugs into the sequencer and the sequencer essentially plugs into the radio microphone input.  Works well for SSB but requires some  plugging and un plugging of cables to switch to digi modes.   The need to typically key the radios via a different PTT line when using the data input on the radios vs the microphone input also complicates things.

Also on my to do list is to figure out how to deal with my Icom 7300 while running digi modes on 50 MHz via it's USB interface which will add some more complexity to the sequencing scheme.   I'd like to be able to tie that radio into a sequencing scheme as well but currently I just use vox switching on the amp connected to the 7300.  The simplicity of simply having one USB cable from the computer to the radio is nice, but I would rather be able to sequence the 7300 and the amp (which is how the 2M station works.)

Lots to do and as I mentioned earlier this year I'm taking a bit of step back from digi mode operation in the rover (for some other reasons) for the time being.

73

Mark S
VE7AFZ

Aligned Solutions Co.
mark at alignedsolutions.com
604 762 4099

> On Feb 14, 2018, at 9:39 AM, Mark Spencer <mark at alignedsolutions.com> wrote:
> 
> On my to do list is to figure out if I can safely wire a foot switch (or maybe a hand held pistol grip style PTT switch) in parallel with the PTT lead(s)from the microphone(s).   I'm not 100 percent certain that the microphones will appreciate having the PTT lead grounded if the PTT button isn't depressed.  Other wise I'll need to work out an "OR" gate scheme to handle multiple PTT inputs.
> 
> Also need to sort out if applying PTT via the microphone connection is functionally the same as applying PTT via the "send" input on some of my radios when using CW.
> 
> 
> I like to keep the roving setup as simple and fool proof as possible from an operating perspective.  
> 
> 73
> 
> 
> Mark S
> VE7AFZ
> 
> Aligned Solutions Co.
> mark at alignedsolutions.com
> 604 762 4099
> 
>> On Feb 14, 2018, at 9:10 AM, Sean Waite <waisean at gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> It seems like that method will work, just toss a switch in line for when you want to use CW to ground PTT for the duration. Wire it so that either the switch (or foot switch ) will ground ptt, or the hand mic will. 
>> 
>> As for operating while driving, just connect the PTT switch to your gas pedal and drive faster! 
>> 
>> Sean WA1TE 
>> 
>>> On Wed, Feb 14, 2018 at 11:08 AM Mark Spencer <mark at alignedsolutions.com> wrote:
>>> Interesting..
>>> 
>>> Apparently I'm not the only one working thru these issues.  With my Icom radios I like to intercept the PTT line from the microphone, route the PTT line thru a sequencer, then key the radio, amp, etc via the sequencer.   It seems safer that way but yes sending CW with this scheme is a bit more complicated than using SSB.  I should probably add a foot switch for CW and need to ponder how to tie that into the the PTT scheme.
>>> 
>>> I also have a FT290 put aside for future use as an IF radio in my rover so this topic is of interest to me.
>>> 
>>> 73
>>> Mark S
>>> VE7AFZ
>>> 
>>> mark at alignedsolutions.com
>>> 604 762 4099
>>> 
>>>> On Feb 14, 2018, at 7:02 AM, Sean Waite <waisean at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> That might be where being able to flip a switch would come in handy. If I'm
>>>> reading the documentation right, the DEMI transverters prefer you don't use
>>>> full- or semi-break in with CW anyway, so you'd want it to just stay on
>>>> until you're done transmitting. That's a good point though, espec