Discussion:
[Elecraft] K3 and PW1 control
Greg
2011-06-07 20:21:14 UTC
Permalink
At SeaPac I had a few folks ask about controlling their PW1 from the K3. As
you know the K3 uses BCD data that is compatible with the Yaesu Quadra. So
I did some research today and found this nifty program call DDUtil.

I set the connection port to one of the LP-Bridge virtual ports and they
talk together just fine so far. There is an "Other" tab in DDUtil that
allows you to connect a level converter from a hardware serial port to the
PW1 amp. You set that port in DDUtil and check the enable box. This seems
like it should work fine....but alas...I don't have a PW-1 to test it with.

Here's the PW1 setup info from the wiki page:

IC-PW1

If you wish to have your *ICOM IC-PW1* linear amplifier follow
*PowerSDR* automatically
from band to band this control group is where you set it up.

You will need a *CT-17* or some other *CI-V* level converter.
*Note:* Even though a *CT-17* will work, it is suggested that a *Single
Radio CI-V Interface*, such as the ones sold by
W2ENY<http://members.fortunecity.com/w2eny/single_civ/>,
be used in lieu of the *CT-17*. The reason for this is the *CT-17*
re-broadcasts
every message it receives back to *DDUtil* which increases the CPU overhead
and cuts down the efficiency and response time in *DDUtil*.

Also, the following controls will need to be set for this function.

- *Port* - Select the hardware port number, from the drop-down list, you
wish to use to connect your *IC-PW1* via a *CI-V* level converter.
- *Enabled* - Check to enable the function.
- *Disable Broadcast* - When checked will turn off the broadcast of
frequency data to this port. Leave this control un-checked so frequency data
will flow to the *IC-PW1*.
- *CI-V Address (ra) *- This is the address of the *IC-PW1*. *DDUtil* will
automatically pick this address up when the *IC-PW1* polls *DDUtil*. No
action is required on the user's part and the *ra* box is not accessible
and is shown for information purposes only.
- *CI-V Address (ta)* - This is the hex address used by *DDUtil* during
communication with the *IC-PW1*. It is suggested that the default address
of 33H be used, but any other address between*00~7F* may be used.
- *DTR* - Select this check box if your CI-V adapter or other equipment
requires power from the *DTR* line. Check the manufactures instructions.
- *RTS* - Select this check box if your CI-V adapter or other equipment
requires power from the *RTS* line. Check the manufactures instructions.

Additionally, The user will need to follow the *"Program the CI-V
address"* procedure
in section 3 of the *IC-PW1 Instruction Manual*. If you don't have a copy of
the Instruction Manual one can be downloaded
here<http://www.icomamerica.com/en/downloads/DownloadDetails.aspx?Document=35>
.

This is normally for an exciter, but in this case it will be used for *
DDUtil*. Whenever the *IC-PW1* enters into this mode *DDUtil* will recognize
the query and furnish the appropriate information back to the *IC-PW1*. This
only takes a few seconds and only has to be done once, normally.

See the How To <http://k5fr.com/ddutilwiki/index.php?title=How_To> section
for additional information on this function.

Here's the DDUtil wiki address:

http://k5fr.com/ddutilwiki/index.php?title=Main_Page

73
Greg
AB7R
Joe Subich, W4TV
2011-06-08 00:06:49 UTC
Permalink
So I did some research today and found this nifty program call DDUtil.
In spite of extensive research, I have yet to see DDUTIL working with
any rig other than Flex/PowerDSR. There was certainly no support for
using any transceiver/protocol other than the Flex/PowerDSR when I last
reviewed the on-line information. All of the available information
indicated an intent by the developer to move to tighter integration
with PowerDSR using the proprietary Flex protocols.

While it may be possible to make DDUTIL work with PowerSDR/IF and
LP-Bridge if one is using LP-Pan, it would be nice to see a fully
documented, functional installation of DDUTIL *alone* with the K3
and logging software such as WriteLog, N1MM Logger, Logger32, HRD,
DX4Win, DXLab Suite, etc.

Note: DXLab Suite can directly control a PW-1 using the "Secondary
Serial Port" function and the (discontinued) microHAM Band Decoder,
(current) microHAM Station Master, microKEYER II, DigiKeyer II and
MK2R/MK2R+ can regenerate CI-V data to control a PW-1 from the CAT
data of *any* supported transceiver.

73,

... Joe, W4TV
At SeaPac I had a few folks ask about controlling their PW1 from the K3. As
you know the K3 uses BCD data that is compatible with the Yaesu Quadra. So
I did some research today and found this nifty program call DDUtil.
I set the connection port to one of the LP-Bridge virtual ports and they
talk together just fine so far. There is an "Other" tab in DDUtil that
allows you to connect a level converter from a hardware serial port to the
PW1 amp. You set that port in DDUtil and check the enable box. This seems
like it should work fine....but alas...I don't have a PW-1 to test it with.
IC-PW1
If you wish to have your *ICOM IC-PW1* linear amplifier follow
*PowerSDR* automatically
from band to band this control group is where you set it up.
You will need a *CT-17* or some other *CI-V* level converter.
*Note:* Even though a *CT-17* will work, it is suggested that a *Single
Radio CI-V Interface*, such as the ones sold by
W2ENY<http://members.fortunecity.com/w2eny/single_civ/>,
be used in lieu of the *CT-17*. The reason for this is the *CT-17*
re-broadcasts
every message it receives back to *DDUtil* which increases the CPU overhead
and cuts down the efficiency and response time in *DDUtil*.
Also, the following controls will need to be set for this function.
- *Port* - Select the hardware port number, from the drop-down list, you
wish to use to connect your *IC-PW1* via a *CI-V* level converter.
- *Enabled* - Check to enable the function.
- *Disable Broadcast* - When checked will turn off the broadcast of
frequency data to this port. Leave this control un-checked so frequency data
will flow to the *IC-PW1*.
- *CI-V Address (ra) *- This is the address of the *IC-PW1*. *DDUtil* will
automatically pick this address up when the *IC-PW1* polls *DDUtil*. No
action is required on the user's part and the *ra* box is not accessible
and is shown for information purposes only.
- *CI-V Address (ta)* - This is the hex address used by *DDUtil* during
communication with the *IC-PW1*. It is suggested that the default address
of 33H be used, but any other address between*00~7F* may be used.
- *DTR* - Select this check box if your CI-V adapter or other equipment
requires power from the *DTR* line. Check the manufactures instructions.
- *RTS* - Select this check box if your CI-V adapter or other equipment
requires power from the *RTS* line. Check the manufactures instructions.
Additionally, The user will need to follow the *"Program the CI-V
address"* procedure
in section 3 of the *IC-PW1 Instruction Manual*. If you don't have a copy of
the Instruction Manual one can be downloaded
here<http://www.icomamerica.com/en/downloads/DownloadDetails.aspx?Document=35>
.
This is normally for an exciter, but in this case it will be used for *
DDUtil*. Whenever the *IC-PW1* enters into this mode *DDUtil* will recognize
the query and furnish the appropriate information back to the *IC-PW1*. This
only takes a few seconds and only has to be done once, normally.
See the How To<http://k5fr.com/ddutilwiki/index.php?title=How_To> section
for additional information on this function.
http://k5fr.com/ddutilwiki/index.php?title=Main_Page
73
Greg
AB7R
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Greg
2011-06-08 01:35:36 UTC
Permalink
As I said this was not tested since I do not have a PW1. But here is what I
did:

In LP Bridge (I imagine other virtual port programs would work as well) I
set a VCP (COM 13).

In the first port field in the DDUtil ports tab I entered COM 13. DDUtil
immediately picked up the K3 frequency information. I did also change the
polling to 100 for smoother tracking. I cycled through all the bands and
DDUtil tracked fine. I then also connected my LP-100A and Green Heron rotor
controller with no problems.

Since DDUtil is now reading the K3 frequency it seems logical that it will
pass that information to any connected devices such as BCD control, other
amplifiers and the PW1.

I also had PowerSDRIF connected to LP Bridge on COM20 but that has no effect
on the frequency data passed to DDUtil since it is on a different port.

73
Greg
AB7R
Post by Joe Subich, W4TV
So I did some research today and found this nifty program call DDUtil.
In spite of extensive research, I have yet to see DDUTIL working with
any rig other than Flex/PowerDSR. There was certainly no support for
using any transceiver/protocol other than the Flex/PowerDSR when I last
reviewed the on-line information. All of the available information
indicated an intent by the developer to move to tighter integration
with PowerDSR using the proprietary Flex protocols.
While it may be possible to make DDUTIL work with PowerSDR/IF and
LP-Bridge if one is using LP-Pan, it would be nice to see a fully
documented, functional installation of DDUTIL *alone* with the K3
and logging software such as WriteLog, N1MM Logger, Logger32, HRD,
DX4Win, DXLab Suite, etc.
Note: DXLab Suite can directly control a PW-1 using the "Secondary
Serial Port" function and the (discontinued) microHAM Band Decoder,
(current) microHAM Station Master, microKEYER II, DigiKeyer II and
MK2R/MK2R+ can regenerate CI-V data to control a PW-1 from the CAT
data of *any* supported transceiver.
73,
... Joe, W4TV
At SeaPac I had a few folks ask about controlling their PW1 from the K3.
As
you know the K3 uses BCD data that is compatible with the Yaesu Quadra.
So
I did some research today and found this nifty program call DDUtil.
I set the connection port to one of the LP-Bridge virtual ports and they
talk together just fine so far. There is an "Other" tab in DDUtil that
allows you to connect a level converter from a hardware serial port to
the
PW1 amp. You set that port in DDUtil and check the enable box. This
seems
like it should work fine....but alas...I don't have a PW-1 to test it
with.
IC-PW1
If you wish to have your *ICOM IC-PW1* linear amplifier follow
*PowerSDR* automatically
from band to band this control group is where you set it up.
You will need a *CT-17* or some other *CI-V* level converter.
*Note:* Even though a *CT-17* will work, it is suggested that a *Single
Radio CI-V Interface*, such as the ones sold by
W2ENY<http://members.fortunecity.com/w2eny/single_civ/>,
be used in lieu of the *CT-17*. The reason for this is the *CT-17*
re-broadcasts
every message it receives back to *DDUtil* which increases the CPU
overhead
and cuts down the efficiency and response time in *DDUtil*.
Also, the following controls will need to be set for this function.
- *Port* - Select the hardware port number, from the drop-down list,
you
wish to use to connect your *IC-PW1* via a *CI-V* level converter.
- *Enabled* - Check to enable the function.
- *Disable Broadcast* - When checked will turn off the broadcast of
frequency data to this port. Leave this control un-checked so
frequency data
will flow to the *IC-PW1*.
- *CI-V Address (ra) *- This is the address of the *IC-PW1*. *DDUtil*
will
automatically pick this address up when the *IC-PW1* polls *DDUtil*.
No
action is required on the user's part and the *ra* box is not
accessible
and is shown for information purposes only.
- *CI-V Address (ta)* - This is the hex address used by *DDUtil*
during
communication with the *IC-PW1*. It is suggested that the default
address
of 33H be used, but any other address between*00~7F* may be used.
- *DTR* - Select this check box if your CI-V adapter or other
equipment
requires power from the *DTR* line. Check the manufactures
instructions.
- *RTS* - Select this check box if your CI-V adapter or other
equipment
requires power from the *RTS* line. Check the manufactures
instructions.
Additionally, The user will need to follow the *"Program the CI-V
address"* procedure
in section 3 of the *IC-PW1 Instruction Manual*. If you don't have a copy
of
the Instruction Manual one can be downloaded
here<
http://www.icomamerica.com/en/downloads/DownloadDetails.aspx?Document=35>
.
This is normally for an exciter, but in this case it will be used for *
DDUtil*. Whenever the *IC-PW1* enters into this mode *DDUtil* will
recognize
the query and furnish the appropriate information back to the *IC-PW1*.
This
only takes a few seconds and only has to be done once, normally.
See the How To<http://k5fr.com/ddutilwiki/index.php?title=How_To>
section
for additional information on this function.
http://k5fr.com/ddutilwiki/index.php?title=Main_Page
73
Greg
AB7R
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
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