[WriteLog] Split Functionality for Com Port

[W. Wright, W5XD]

>What I need is a com port that does both: rig control which I can send
>directly to the radio (btw, the radio ignores and rs-232 control
>signals, ie DTR and RTS) and PTT control via RTS which I can send to a
>RigBlaster type of device. Of course, I will have to make a special
>Y-cable to do this, but that is ok.

WL Version 10.18, which is currently in beta test, will 
put the PTT signal on the RTS line of a COMM port that 
is configured for "PC Generates" CW. That COMM port can
also be configured for rig control.

The part of the posting saying "the radio ignores ... DTR and
RTS" is only true for some radios, which is one of the reasons
why you have to put the CW function on the COMM port in order
to get WL to put the PTT function there, too. And the Y cable
can go as many as three ways: rig control, CW output and
PTT output.

The LPT pin 16 PTT output remains. That is, if you have 
a DVK configured on an LPT port, then WL puts a PTT signal
there as it always has, and if you also have CW on a 
COMM port, it now puts PTT there as well.

The PTT commands over the rig control port remain, and
the PTT output of the multi-function keyer board both
also remain options (but the m/f keyer PTT and the
"PC Generates CW" COMM port PTT can't both be on 
at the same time--I'm pretty sure there is no reason
anybody would want that anyway.)

And in all 3 cases, LPT, COMM port, and rig control 
command, the PTT signals are active in all modes: CW, SSB 
and digital modes. And CW has an  overide to turn the PTT 
signal off for QSK operation, and another to delay CW 
output behind the PTT closure.

If someone comes up with yet another requirement for
rig PTT, I will probably pull out the one or two 
remaining hairs on my otherwise bald head.

When will this version be released? It has support for the
IOTA contest of later this month so it needs to come out soon.
But we haven't heard much from our beta testers for a couple
of weeks (beta testers can read this as a hint...).

Wayne, W5XD



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