|
Just installed a cable from my Flex to the LA1K.
Seems to work great but every time I switch bands it puts the amp in standby.
Any way to get around this. Seems odd it would do this when amp stays in operating mode when you are tuning it with RF and no cable.
Rich
|
Thanks Jerry, forgot to check that. ? Well I have heard the direct keying helps with some quirks I have and so far it appears that it actually might fix them. But just got it going about an hour ago and have not tested thoroughly ? Rich ? ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of JERRY
Sent: Saturday, December 14, 2019 6:21 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [la1k] Rig Cable ? I believe that is a consequence of the 1.05J firmware update. If you look at the list of updates it mentions it. Not sure there is a cure other than not using direct keying.
--
73,
Jerry
|
I have some unresolved issues with direct keying using CW. Most of the time I stay in "Normal" mode. I accidentally deleted my earlier post, glad you saw it!
--
73,
Jerry
|
Well my issue is amp inflicted SWR for a brief moment in normal mode. Was told that the cable might help. It looks like it may have. ? What issues are you having. So I can lookout for them.? Mostly CW as well. ? Rich ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of JERRY
Sent: Saturday, December 14, 2019 6:35 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [la1k] Rig Cable ? I have some unresolved issues with direct keying using CW. Most of the time I stay in "Normal" mode. I accidentally deleted my earlier post, glad you saw it!
--
73,
Jerry
|
here?in this thread I brought it up. I also had an email exchange with Mark at Palstar. Tried a few things but it still does it at least as of the 1.05J version.? -- 73,Jerry
|
I had nothing but bypass issues with the rf detection on all bands all modes. I recently went direct and it resolved all my bypass issues. Even with cw. It stays put now. Yes, i noticed the amp will go into standby whenever i switch bands. My antenna switch is manual and im actually glad it waits for me to press it as sometimes i forget to change the antenna and i dont want to damage the amp. I understand it has a safety circuitry to bypass but if i was doing remote i would want it to stay in operation. I would contact Palstar and recommend this option be put into their next firmware upgrade. As of now, i see no option for you. As for the others having the amp go into bypass while direct while using cw, i would look into it a bit further and figure out why. If its swr related, then yes it will go into Bypass mode. If its on 30m or 60m and your using an icom it will go into bypass in cw and maybe even digital due to Icom putting a restriction on their recent radios. Like i said, i fully tested going direct mode on all bands all modes and works flawlessly.?
|
Hello Rich, hope you find this query and are able to help me. Just purchased the Palstar LA-1K amp and am trying to made a cable up for direct keying to my 6600M. Sounds like you were successful and would appreciate your help. I have the FTDI cable but that is where it ends. Can you help a struggling ham?
Gary
VE3DZP
|
Gary,
All you need for direct keying from a flex is a cable with an RCA Phono plug at each end. It doesn't get any simpler. No FTDI/USB required.
Danny K5CG
From: "Gary" <gary-clifford@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2021 9:13:45 AM
Subject: Re: [la1k] Rig Cable
Hello Rich, hope you find this query and are able to help me. Just purchased the Palstar LA-1K amp and am trying to made a cable up for direct keying to my 6600M. Sounds like you were successful and would appreciate your help. I have the FTDI cable but that is where it ends. Can you help a struggling ham?
Gary
VE3DZP
|
Gary . . .
Unless there has been a VERY recent change in firmware, this is
not a correct statement.
There must be band-data at the DB9 jack in order for the LA-1K
to do Direct Keying.
The last sentence on the bottom of page 21 concerns Direct
keying:? "NOTE:? A band data cable is required in this mode.?
The LA-1K reverts to normal keying without the band data cable
connected."
LA-1K users need to know the difference between Normal keying
and Direct keying as implemented by Palstar.
73,
Kent? K9ZTV
On 4/19/2021 10:37 AM, Danny K5CG via
groups.io wrote:
Gary,
All you need for direct keying from a flex is a cable with
an RCA Phono plug at each end. It doesn't get any simpler. No
FTDI/USB required.
Danny
K5CG
Hello
Rich, hope you find this query and are able to help me. Just
purchased the Palstar LA-1K amp and am trying to made a
cable up for direct keying to my 6600M. Sounds like you were
successful and would appreciate your help. I have the FTDI
cable but that is where it ends. Can you help a struggling
ham?
Gary
VE3DZP
|
The manual I have ends at page 11 and band data is not mentioned as required, but I see there is a new version and the note on page 21.
So the point is you need both cables.
From: "Kent Trimble, K9ZTV" <k9ztv@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 11:52:38 AM
Subject: Re: [la1k] Rig Cable
Gary . . .
Unless there has been a VERY recent change in firmware, this is
not a correct statement.
There must be band-data at the DB9 jack in order for the LA-1K
to do Direct Keying.
The last sentence on the bottom of page 21 concerns Direct
keying:? "NOTE:? A band data cable is required in this mode.?
The LA-1K reverts to normal keying without the band data cable
connected."
LA-1K users need to know the difference between Normal keying
and Direct keying as implemented by Palstar.
73,
Kent? K9ZTV
On 4/19/2021 10:37 AM, Danny K5CG via
groups.io wrote:
Gary,
All you need for direct keying from a flex is a cable with
an RCA Phono plug at each end. It doesn't get any simpler. No
FTDI/USB required.
Danny
K5CG
Hello
Rich, hope you find this query and are able to help me. Just
purchased the Palstar LA-1K amp and am trying to made a
cable up for direct keying to my 6600M. Sounds like you were
successful and would appreciate your help. I have the FTDI
cable but that is where it ends. Can you help a struggling
ham?
Gary
VE3DZP
|
Dan ...
That is also incorrect. ?You do not need both cables and will risk damage to the amp if you do.
If you want Direct keying, you must have a band-data cable at DB9. ?But you must also key the amp through pin 7 at DB9, not through the PTT jack. ?And never both at the same time. ?Just one cable.
If you want Normal keying, you do not need a band-data cable at DB9, but must key the amp through the PTT jack. ?Just one cable.
73,
Kent ?K9ZTV
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Apr 19, 2021, at 9:17 PM, Danny K5CG via < k5cg@...> wrote: The manual I have ends at page 11 and band data is not mentioned as required, but I see there is a new version and the note on page 21.
So the point is you need both cables.
Gary . . .
Unless there has been a VERY recent change in firmware, this is
not a correct statement.
There must be band-data at the DB9 jack in order for the LA-1K
to do Direct Keying.
The last sentence on the bottom of page 21 concerns Direct
keying:? "NOTE:? A band data cable is required in this mode.?
The LA-1K reverts to normal keying without the band data cable
connected."
LA-1K users need to know the difference between Normal keying
and Direct keying as implemented by Palstar.
73,
Kent? K9ZTV
On 4/19/2021 10:37 AM, Danny K5CG via
wrote:
Gary,
All you need for direct keying from a flex is a cable with
an RCA Phono plug at each end. It doesn't get any simpler. No
FTDI/USB required.
Danny
K5CG
Hello
Rich, hope you find this query and are able to help me. Just
purchased the Palstar LA-1K amp and am trying to made a
cable up for direct keying to my 6600M. Sounds like you were
successful and would appreciate your help. I have the FTDI
cable but that is where it ends. Can you help a struggling
ham?
Gary
VE3DZP
|
Ken,
That is not my understanding at all.
As far as I recall, DIRECT keying is done at the PTT phono input -or- pin 7 of the XCVR Interface, but never both (that potential damage issue). According to the new manual, you now need a band cable for this mode. That was new to me but OK, that is what I have anyway.
NORMAL keying is with NO PTT from the radio at all. The amplifier goes into transmit mode when it senses RF and no band cable is required either as it changes the band from the RF input as well.
Would somebody else please confirm!
From: "Kent Trimble, K9ZTV" <k9ztv@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 9:44:20 PM
Subject: Re: [la1k] Rig Cable
Dan ...
That is also incorrect. ?You do not need both cables and will risk damage to the amp if you do.
If you want Direct keying, you must have a band-data cable at DB9. ?But you must also key the amp through pin 7 at DB9, not through the PTT jack. ?And never both at the same time. ?Just one cable.
If you want Normal keying, you do not need a band-data cable at DB9, but must key the amp through the PTT jack. ?Just one cable.
73,
Kent ?K9ZTV On Apr 19, 2021, at 9:17 PM, Danny K5CG via < k5cg@...> wrote: The manual I have ends at page 11 and band data is not mentioned as required, but I see there is a new version and the note on page 21.
So the point is you need both cables.
Gary . . .
Unless there has been a VERY recent change in firmware, this is
not a correct statement.
There must be band-data at the DB9 jack in order for the LA-1K
to do Direct Keying.
The last sentence on the bottom of page 21 concerns Direct
keying:? "NOTE:? A band data cable is required in this mode.?
The LA-1K reverts to normal keying without the band data cable
connected."
LA-1K users need to know the difference between Normal keying
and Direct keying as implemented by Palstar.
73,
Kent? K9ZTV
On 4/19/2021 10:37 AM, Danny K5CG via
wrote:
Gary,
All you need for direct keying from a flex is a cable with
an RCA Phono plug at each end. It doesn't get any simpler. No
FTDI/USB required.
Danny
K5CG
Hello
Rich, hope you find this query and are able to help me. Just
purchased the Palstar LA-1K amp and am trying to made a
cable up for direct keying to my 6600M. Sounds like you were
successful and would appreciate your help. I have the FTDI
cable but that is where it ends. Can you help a struggling
ham?
Gary
VE3DZP
|
One more clarification, when I say "Band cable" I mean the Serial USB CAT cable that goes into the RS-232 Band Control, not the XCVR Interface DB9.
I am using the Phono PTT input with RS-232 CAT serial into the RS-232 DB9. 2 cables.
From: "Danny K5CG via groups.io" <k5cg@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 10:01:46 PM
Subject: Re: [la1k] Rig Cable
Ken,
That is not my understanding at all.
As far as I recall, DIRECT keying is done at the PTT phono input -or- pin 7 of the XCVR Interface, but never both (that potential damage issue). According to the new manual, you now need a band cable for this mode. That was new to me but OK, that is what I have anyway.
NORMAL keying is with NO PTT from the radio at all. The amplifier goes into transmit mode when it senses RF and no band cable is required either as it changes the band from the RF input as well.
Would somebody else please confirm!
From: "Kent Trimble, K9ZTV" <k9ztv@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 9:44:20 PM
Subject: Re: [la1k] Rig Cable
Dan ...
That is also incorrect. ?You do not need both cables and will risk damage to the amp if you do.
If you want Direct keying, you must have a band-data cable at DB9. ?But you must also key the amp through pin 7 at DB9, not through the PTT jack. ?And never both at the same time. ?Just one cable.
If you want Normal keying, you do not need a band-data cable at DB9, but must key the amp through the PTT jack. ?Just one cable.
73,
Kent ?K9ZTV On Apr 19, 2021, at 9:17 PM, Danny K5CG via < k5cg@...> wrote: The manual I have ends at page 11 and band data is not mentioned as required, but I see there is a new version and the note on page 21.
So the point is you need both cables.
Gary . . .
Unless there has been a VERY recent change in firmware, this is
not a correct statement.
There must be band-data at the DB9 jack in order for the LA-1K
to do Direct Keying.
The last sentence on the bottom of page 21 concerns Direct
keying:? "NOTE:? A band data cable is required in this mode.?
The LA-1K reverts to normal keying without the band data cable
connected."
LA-1K users need to know the difference between Normal keying
and Direct keying as implemented by Palstar.
73,
Kent? K9ZTV
On 4/19/2021 10:37 AM, Danny K5CG via
wrote:
Gary,
All you need for direct keying from a flex is a cable with
an RCA Phono plug at each end. It doesn't get any simpler. No
FTDI/USB required.
Danny
K5CG
Hello
Rich, hope you find this query and are able to help me. Just
purchased the Palstar LA-1K amp and am trying to made a
cable up for direct keying to my 6600M. Sounds like you were
successful and would appreciate your help. I have the FTDI
cable but that is where it ends. Can you help a struggling
ham?
Gary
VE3DZP
|
Hi Dan . . .
I can't speak to keying the amp via the USB connection from a
Flex because I have neither a Flex nor do I use a USB cable for
anything other than firmware updates.? Clearly we are
approaching cabling from two different perspectives while
employing two different exciters.
I use DB9 for three reasons:? (1) to permit Direct keying;? (2)
to permit the amp to follow the transceiver frequency without
having to generate RF; and (3) to facilitate full break-in
keying using a QSK-2500 external T/R switch for which timing is
critical and Direct keying is mandatory.
I'm curious what the SELECT MODE OPTION screen on your LA-1K
says when you are operating without band-data appearing at DB9.
When band-data and amp keying are disconnected from my DB9, that
screens reads "DIRECT KEYING --? Band Control Cable Must be
Connected (Cable Not Detected)" and the amp won't key until I
manually select NORMAL.
When DB9 is connected, the screen reads "DIRECT KEYING -- Band
Control Cable Must be Connected (Cable Detected)".
73,
Kent? K9ZTV? ?
On 4/19/2021 10:17 PM, Danny K5CG via
groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
One more clarification, when I say "Band cable" I mean the
Serial USB CAT cable that goes into the RS-232 Band Control,
not the XCVR Interface DB9.
I am using the Phono PTT input with RS-232 CAT serial into
the RS-232 DB9. 2 cables.
From:
"Danny K5CG via groups.io"
<k5cg@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 10:01:46 PM
Subject: Re: [la1k] Rig Cable
Ken,
That is not my understanding at all.
As far as I recall, DIRECT keying is done
at the PTT phono input -or- pin 7 of the XCVR
Interface, but never both (that potential damage
issue). According to the new manual, you now need a
band cable for this mode. That was new to me but OK,
that is what I have anyway.
NORMAL keying is with NO PTT from the
radio at all. The amplifier goes into transmit mode
when it senses RF and no band cable is required either
as it changes the band from the RF input as well.
Would somebody else please confirm!
Dan ...
That is also incorrect.
?You do not need both cables and will risk
damage to the amp if you do.
If you want Direct keying,
you must have a band-data cable at DB9. ?But you
must also key the amp through pin 7 at DB9, not
through the PTT jack. ?And never both at the
same time. ?Just one cable.
If you want Normal keying,
you do not need a band-data cable at DB9, but
must key the amp through the PTT jack. ?Just one
cable.
73,
Kent ?K9ZTV
On Apr 19, 2021, at 9:17 PM, Danny K5CG via
< k5cg@...>
wrote:
The manual I have ends at page
11 and band data is not mentioned as
required, but I see there is a new version
and the note on page 21.
So the point is you need both
cables.
From: "Kent
Trimble, K9ZTV" <k9ztv@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, April 19,
2021 11:52:38 AM
Subject: Re: [la1k] Rig
Cable
Gary . . .
Unless there has been a VERY
recent change in firmware, this is
not a correct statement.
There must be band-data at the DB9
jack in order for the LA-1K to do
Direct Keying.
The last sentence on the bottom of
page 21 concerns Direct keying:?
"NOTE:? A band data cable is
required in this mode.? The LA-1K
reverts to normal keying without
the band data cable connected."
LA-1K users need to know the
difference between Normal keying
and Direct keying as implemented
by Palstar.
73,
Kent? K9ZTV
On
4/19/2021 10:37 AM, Danny K5CG via
wrote:
Gary,
All you need for
direct keying from a flex is a
cable with an RCA Phono plug at
each end. It doesn't get any
simpler. No FTDI/USB required.
Danny
K5CG
Hello
Rich, hope you find this query
and are able to help me. Just
purchased the Palstar LA-1K
amp and am trying to made a
cable up for direct keying to
my 6600M. Sounds like you were
successful and would
appreciate your help. I have
the FTDI cable but that is
where it ends. Can you help a
struggling ham?
Gary
VE3DZP
|
Correction . . .
When I said "to permit the amp to follow the
transceiver frequency without having to generate RF" I meant
band-change, not frequency.
Sorry.
73,
Kent? K9ZTV
On 4/19/2021 11:26 PM, Kent Trimble,
K9ZTV wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Hi Dan . . .
I can't speak to keying the amp via the USB connection from a
Flex because I have neither a Flex nor do I use a USB cable
for anything other than firmware updates.? Clearly we are
approaching cabling from two different perspectives while
employing two different exciters.
I use DB9 for three reasons:? (1) to permit Direct keying;?
(2) to permit the amp to follow the transceiver frequency
without having to generate RF; and (3) to facilitate full
break-in keying using a QSK-2500 external T/R switch for which
timing is critical and Direct keying is mandatory.
I'm curious what the SELECT MODE OPTION screen on your LA-1K
says when you are operating without band-data appearing at
DB9.
When band-data and amp keying are disconnected from my DB9,
that screens reads "DIRECT KEYING --? Band Control Cable Must
be Connected (Cable Not Detected)" and the amp won't key until
I manually select NORMAL.
When DB9 is connected, the screen reads "DIRECT KEYING -- Band
Control Cable Must be Connected (Cable Detected)".
73,
Kent? K9ZTV? ?
On 4/19/2021 10:17 PM, Danny K5CG via
groups.io wrote:
One more clarification, when I say "Band cable" I mean
the Serial USB CAT cable that goes into the RS-232 Band
Control, not the XCVR Interface DB9.
I am using the Phono PTT input with RS-232 CAT serial
into the RS-232 DB9. 2 cables.
From:
"Danny K5CG via groups.io" <k5cg@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 10:01:46 PM
Subject: Re: [la1k] Rig Cable
Ken,
That is not my understanding at all.
As far as I recall, DIRECT keying is
done at the PTT phono input -or- pin 7 of the XCVR
Interface, but never both (that potential damage
issue). According to the new manual, you now need a
band cable for this mode. That was new to me but OK,
that is what I have anyway.
NORMAL keying is with NO PTT from the
radio at all. The amplifier goes into transmit mode
when it senses RF and no band cable is required
either as it changes the band from the RF input as
well.
Would somebody else please confirm!
Dan ...
That is also incorrect.
?You do not need both cables and will risk
damage to the amp if you do.
If you want Direct
keying, you must have a band-data cable at
DB9. ?But you must also key the amp through
pin 7 at DB9, not through the PTT jack. ?And
never both at the same time. ?Just one cable.
If you want Normal
keying, you do not need a band-data cable at
DB9, but must key the amp through the PTT
jack. ?Just one cable.
73,
Kent ?K9ZTV
On Apr 19, 2021, at 9:17 PM, Danny K5CG via
< k5cg@...>
wrote:
The manual I have ends at
page 11 and band data is not mentioned
as required, but I see there is a new
version and the note on page 21.
So the point is you need
both cables.
From: "Kent Trimble,
K9ZTV" <k9ztv@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, April
19, 2021 11:52:38 AM
Subject: Re: [la1k]
Rig Cable
Gary
. . .
Unless there has been a VERY
recent change in firmware, this
is not a correct statement.
There must be band-data at the
DB9 jack in order for the LA-1K
to do Direct Keying.
The last sentence on the bottom
of page 21 concerns Direct
keying:? "NOTE:? A band data
cable is required in this mode.?
The LA-1K reverts to normal
keying without the band data
cable connected."
LA-1K users need to know the
difference between Normal keying
and Direct keying as implemented
by Palstar.
73,
Kent? K9ZTV
On 4/19/2021 10:37 AM,
Danny K5CG via
wrote:
Gary,
All you need for
direct keying from a flex is a
cable with an RCA Phono plug
at each end. It doesn't get
any simpler. No FTDI/USB
required.
Danny
K5CG
Hello
Rich, hope you find this
query and are able to help
me. Just purchased the
Palstar LA-1K amp and am
trying to made a cable up
for direct keying to my
6600M. Sounds like you were
successful and would
appreciate your help. I have
the FTDI cable but that is
where it ends. Can you help
a struggling ham?
Gary
VE3DZP
|
Part of the confusion I realized is the ambiguity in terms, which was why I tried to clarify what I meant by "band data".
The two DB9s on the back are labeled "XVCR Interface" (BCD band select and key pin), and the "RS-232 Band Control". Both of which provide "band data" but in different ways.
As I mentioned, I'm using the RS-232 Band Control input which reads the Kenwood CAT protocol for frequency data, and the Phono PTT input for direct keying (both cables connect directly to the Flex).
My Direct Keying selector says it finds that cable, but when I disconnect the RS-232 Band Control cable the mode select complains that the band cable must be connected and that it is not found, so that appears to work the same as you've described regardless of which connector the band data comes from.
Considering this is plug-n-play for the Flex and it was cheaper to buy an off-the-shelf FTDI USB Serial cable and the make a shielded RCA to RCA cable than to buy the FTDI break out cable for BCD which I think was $40, that was the simplest solution for me.
Back to the original post, Gary?VE3DZP has a Flex 6400M and it will work using the simpler/cheaper cable pair without having to fashion a custom (expensive) cable specifically for the XCVR Interface. "KISS".
Danny
From: "Kent Trimble, K9ZTV" <k9ztv@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 11:26:07 PM
Subject: Re: [la1k] Rig Cable
Hi Dan . . .
I can't speak to keying the amp via the USB connection from a
Flex because I have neither a Flex nor do I use a USB cable for
anything other than firmware updates.? Clearly we are
approaching cabling from two different perspectives while
employing two different exciters.
I use DB9 for three reasons:? (1) to permit Direct keying;? (2)
to permit the amp to follow the transceiver frequency without
having to generate RF; and (3) to facilitate full break-in
keying using a QSK-2500 external T/R switch for which timing is
critical and Direct keying is mandatory.
I'm curious what the SELECT MODE OPTION screen on your LA-1K
says when you are operating without band-data appearing at DB9.
When band-data and amp keying are disconnected from my DB9, that
screens reads "DIRECT KEYING --? Band Control Cable Must be
Connected (Cable Not Detected)" and the amp won't key until I
manually select NORMAL.
When DB9 is connected, the screen reads "DIRECT KEYING -- Band
Control Cable Must be Connected (Cable Detected)".
73,
Kent? K9ZTV? ?
On 4/19/2021 10:17 PM, Danny K5CG via
groups.io wrote:
One more clarification, when I say "Band cable" I mean the
Serial USB CAT cable that goes into the RS-232 Band Control,
not the XCVR Interface DB9.
I am using the Phono PTT input with RS-232 CAT serial into
the RS-232 DB9. 2 cables.
From:
"Danny K5CG via groups.io"
<k5cg@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 10:01:46 PM
Subject: Re: [la1k] Rig Cable
Ken,
That is not my understanding at all.
As far as I recall, DIRECT keying is done
at the PTT phono input -or- pin 7 of the XCVR
Interface, but never both (that potential damage
issue). According to the new manual, you now need a
band cable for this mode. That was new to me but OK,
that is what I have anyway.
NORMAL keying is with NO PTT from the
radio at all. The amplifier goes into transmit mode
when it senses RF and no band cable is required either
as it changes the band from the RF input as well.
Would somebody else please confirm!
Dan ...
That is also incorrect.
?You do not need both cables and will risk
damage to the amp if you do.
If you want Direct keying,
you must have a band-data cable at DB9. ?But you
must also key the amp through pin 7 at DB9, not
through the PTT jack. ?And never both at the
same time. ?Just one cable.
If you want Normal keying,
you do not need a band-data cable at DB9, but
must key the amp through the PTT jack. ?Just one
cable.
73,
Kent ?K9ZTV
On Apr 19, 2021, at 9:17 PM, Danny K5CG via
< k5cg@...>
wrote:
The manual I have ends at page
11 and band data is not mentioned as
required, but I see there is a new version
and the note on page 21.
So the point is you need both
cables.
From: "Kent
Trimble, K9ZTV" <k9ztv@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, April 19,
2021 11:52:38 AM
Subject: Re: [la1k] Rig
Cable
Gary . . .
Unless there has been a VERY
recent change in firmware, this is
not a correct statement.
There must be band-data at the DB9
jack in order for the LA-1K to do
Direct Keying.
The last sentence on the bottom of
page 21 concerns Direct keying:?
"NOTE:? A band data cable is
required in this mode.? The LA-1K
reverts to normal keying without
the band data cable connected."
LA-1K users need to know the
difference between Normal keying
and Direct keying as implemented
by Palstar.
73,
Kent? K9ZTV
On
4/19/2021 10:37 AM, Danny K5CG via
wrote:
Gary,
All you need for
direct keying from a flex is a
cable with an RCA Phono plug at
each end. It doesn't get any
simpler. No FTDI/USB required.
Danny
K5CG
Hello
Rich, hope you find this query
and are able to help me. Just
purchased the Palstar LA-1K
amp and am trying to made a
cable up for direct keying to
my 6600M. Sounds like you were
successful and would
appreciate your help. I have
the FTDI cable but that is
where it ends. Can you help a
struggling ham?
Gary
VE3DZP
|
Ah so!
That clears up the confusion, Danny.? Thanks much.
I suspected the lower DB9 operated similarly to the upper DB9
but had no first hand knowledge.
Your initial post gave the impression that only a PTT cable was
required for Direct keying, there being no mention of either DB9
jack.? That's where I took issue.
All is well and I trust Gary has profited by our discussion.
It's a great amp!
73,
Kent? K9ZTV
?
On 4/19/2021 11:57 PM, Danny K5CG via
groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Part of the confusion I realized is the ambiguity in terms,
which was why I tried to clarify what I meant by "band data".
The two DB9s on the back are labeled "XVCR Interface" (BCD
band select and key pin), and the "RS-232 Band Control". Both
of which provide "band data" but in different ways.
As I mentioned, I'm using the RS-232 Band Control input
which reads the Kenwood CAT protocol for frequency data, and
the Phono PTT input for direct keying (both cables connect
directly to the Flex).
My Direct Keying selector says it finds that cable, but
when I disconnect the RS-232 Band Control cable the mode
select complains that the band cable must be connected and
that it is not found, so that appears to work the same as
you've described regardless of which connector the band data
comes from.
Considering this is plug-n-play for the Flex and it was
cheaper to buy an off-the-shelf FTDI USB Serial cable and the
make a shielded RCA to RCA cable than to buy the FTDI break
out cable for BCD which I think was $40, that was the simplest
solution for me.
Back to the original post, Gary?VE3DZP has a Flex 6400M and it will work using
the simpler/cheaper cable pair without having to fashion a
custom (expensive) cable specifically for the XCVR
Interface. "KISS".
Danny
Hi Dan . . .
I can't speak to keying the amp via the USB connection
from a Flex because I have neither a Flex nor do I use a
USB cable for anything other than firmware updates.?
Clearly we are approaching cabling from two different
perspectives while employing two different exciters.
I use DB9 for three reasons:? (1) to permit Direct
keying;? (2) to permit the amp to follow the transceiver
frequency without having to generate RF; and (3) to
facilitate full break-in keying using a QSK-2500
external T/R switch for which timing is critical and
Direct keying is mandatory.
I'm curious what the SELECT MODE OPTION screen on your
LA-1K says when you are operating without band-data
appearing at DB9.
When band-data and amp keying are disconnected from my
DB9, that screens reads "DIRECT KEYING --? Band Control
Cable Must be Connected (Cable Not Detected)" and the
amp won't key until I manually select NORMAL.
When DB9 is connected, the screen reads "DIRECT KEYING
-- Band Control Cable Must be Connected (Cable
Detected)".
73,
Kent? K9ZTV? ?
On 4/19/2021 10:17 PM, Danny
K5CG via groups.io wrote:
One more clarification, when I say "Band cable" I
mean the Serial USB CAT cable that goes into the
RS-232 Band Control, not the XCVR Interface DB9.
I am using the Phono PTT input with RS-232 CAT
serial into the RS-232 DB9. 2 cables.
From:
"Danny K5CG via groups.io" <k5cg@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 10:01:46 PM
Subject: Re: [la1k] Rig Cable
Ken,
That is not my understanding at all.
As far as I recall, DIRECT keying is done
at the PTT phono input -or- pin 7 of the XCVR
Interface, but never both (that potential
damage issue). According to the new manual,
you now need a band cable for this mode. That
was new to me but OK, that is what I have
anyway.
NORMAL keying is with NO PTT from the radio
at all. The amplifier goes into transmit mode
when it senses RF and no band cable is
required either as it changes the band from
the RF input as well.
Would somebody else please confirm!
Dan ...
That is also incorrect.
?You do not need both cables and will
risk damage to the amp if you do.
If you want Direct keying,
you must have a band-data cable at DB9.
?But you must also key the amp through
pin 7 at DB9, not through the PTT jack.
?And never both at the same time. ?Just
one cable.
If you want Normal keying,
you do not need a band-data cable at
DB9, but must key the amp through the
PTT jack. ?Just one cable.
73,
Kent ?K9ZTV
On Apr 19, 2021, at 9:17 PM, Danny K5CG
via
< k5cg@...>
wrote:
The manual I have ends at page
11 and band data is not mentioned
as required, but I see there is a
new version and the note on page
21.
So the point is you need both
cables.
From:
"Kent Trimble, K9ZTV" <k9ztv@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, April 19,
2021 11:52:38 AM
Subject: Re: [la1k] Rig
Cable
Gary . . .
Unless there has been a
VERY recent change in
firmware, this is not a
correct statement.
There must be band-data at
the DB9 jack in order for
the LA-1K to do Direct
Keying.
The last sentence on the
bottom of page 21 concerns
Direct keying:? "NOTE:? A
band data cable is
required in this mode.?
The LA-1K reverts to
normal keying without the
band data cable
connected."
LA-1K users need to know
the difference between
Normal keying and Direct
keying as implemented by
Palstar.
73,
Kent? K9ZTV
On
4/19/2021 10:37 AM, Danny
K5CG via
wrote:
Gary,
All you need for
direct keying from a
flex is a cable with an
RCA Phono plug at each
end. It doesn't get any
simpler. No FTDI/USB
required.
Danny
K5CG
Hello Rich,
hope you find this
query and are able to
help me. Just
purchased the Palstar
LA-1K amp and am
trying to made a cable
up for direct keying
to my 6600M. Sounds
like you were
successful and would
appreciate your help.
I have the FTDI cable
but that is where it
ends. Can you help a
struggling ham?
Gary
VE3DZP
|
>"Your initial post gave the impression that only a PTT cable was required for Direct keying, there being no mention of either DB9 jack.? That's where I took issue." And you were correct, it was my mistake.
From: "Kent Trimble, K9ZTV" <k9ztv@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2021 11:05:33 AM
Subject: Re: [la1k] Rig Cable
Ah so!
That clears up the confusion, Danny.? Thanks much.
I suspected the lower DB9 operated similarly to the upper DB9
but had no first hand knowledge.
Your initial post gave the impression that only a PTT cable was
required for Direct keying, there being no mention of either DB9
jack.? That's where I took issue.
All is well and I trust Gary has profited by our discussion.
It's a great amp!
73,
Kent? K9ZTV
?
On 4/19/2021 11:57 PM, Danny K5CG via
groups.io wrote:
Part of the confusion I realized is the ambiguity in terms,
which was why I tried to clarify what I meant by "band data".
The two DB9s on the back are labeled "XVCR Interface" (BCD
band select and key pin), and the "RS-232 Band Control". Both
of which provide "band data" but in different ways.
As I mentioned, I'm using the RS-232 Band Control input
which reads the Kenwood CAT protocol for frequency data, and
the Phono PTT input for direct keying (both cables connect
directly to the Flex).
My Direct Keying selector says it finds that cable, but
when I disconnect the RS-232 Band Control cable the mode
select complains that the band cable must be connected and
that it is not found, so that appears to work the same as
you've described regardless of which connector the band data
comes from.
Considering this is plug-n-play for the Flex and it was
cheaper to buy an off-the-shelf FTDI USB Serial cable and the
make a shielded RCA to RCA cable than to buy the FTDI break
out cable for BCD which I think was $40, that was the simplest
solution for me.
Back to the original post, Gary?VE3DZP has a Flex 6400M and it will work using
the simpler/cheaper cable pair without having to fashion a
custom (expensive) cable specifically for the XCVR
Interface. "KISS".
Danny
Hi Dan . . .
I can't speak to keying the amp via the USB connection
from a Flex because I have neither a Flex nor do I use a
USB cable for anything other than firmware updates.?
Clearly we are approaching cabling from two different
perspectives while employing two different exciters.
I use DB9 for three reasons:? (1) to permit Direct
keying;? (2) to permit the amp to follow the transceiver
frequency without having to generate RF; and (3) to
facilitate full break-in keying using a QSK-2500
external T/R switch for which timing is critical and
Direct keying is mandatory.
I'm curious what the SELECT MODE OPTION screen on your
LA-1K says when you are operating without band-data
appearing at DB9.
When band-data and amp keying are disconnected from my
DB9, that screens reads "DIRECT KEYING --? Band Control
Cable Must be Connected (Cable Not Detected)" and the
amp won't key until I manually select NORMAL.
When DB9 is connected, the screen reads "DIRECT KEYING
-- Band Control Cable Must be Connected (Cable
Detected)".
73,
Kent? K9ZTV? ?
On 4/19/2021 10:17 PM, Danny
K5CG via groups.io wrote:
One more clarification, when I say "Band cable" I
mean the Serial USB CAT cable that goes into the
RS-232 Band Control, not the XCVR Interface DB9.
I am using the Phono PTT input with RS-232 CAT
serial into the RS-232 DB9. 2 cables.
From:
"Danny K5CG via groups.io" <k5cg@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 10:01:46 PM
Subject: Re: [la1k] Rig Cable
Ken,
That is not my understanding at all.
As far as I recall, DIRECT keying is done
at the PTT phono input -or- pin 7 of the XCVR
Interface, but never both (that potential
damage issue). According to the new manual,
you now need a band cable for this mode. That
was new to me but OK, that is what I have
anyway.
NORMAL keying is with NO PTT from the radio
at all. The amplifier goes into transmit mode
when it senses RF and no band cable is
required either as it changes the band from
the RF input as well.
Would somebody else please confirm!
Dan ...
That is also incorrect.
?You do not need both cables and will
risk damage to the amp if you do.
If you want Direct keying,
you must have a band-data cable at DB9.
?But you must also key the amp through
pin 7 at DB9, not through the PTT jack.
?And never both at the same time. ?Just
one cable.
If you want Normal keying,
you do not need a band-data cable at
DB9, but must key the amp through the
PTT jack. ?Just one cable.
73,
Kent ?K9ZTV
On Apr 19, 2021, at 9:17 PM, Danny K5CG
via
< k5cg@...>
wrote:
The manual I have ends at page
11 and band data is not mentioned
as required, but I see there is a
new version and the note on page
21.
So the point is you need both
cables.
From:
"Kent Trimble, K9ZTV" <k9ztv@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, April 19,
2021 11:52:38 AM
Subject: Re: [la1k] Rig
Cable
Gary . . .
Unless there has been a
VERY recent change in
firmware, this is not a
correct statement.
There must be band-data at
the DB9 jack in order for
the LA-1K to do Direct
Keying.
The last sentence on the
bottom of page 21 concerns
Direct keying:? "NOTE:? A
band data cable is
required in this mode.?
The LA-1K reverts to
normal keying without the
band data cable
connected."
LA-1K users need to know
the difference between
Normal keying and Direct
keying as implemented by
Palstar.
73,
Kent? K9ZTV
On
4/19/2021 10:37 AM, Danny
K5CG via
wrote:
Gary,
All you need for
direct keying from a
flex is a cable with an
RCA Phono plug at each
end. It doesn't get any
simpler. No FTDI/USB
required.
Danny
K5CG
Hello Rich,
hope you find this
query and are able to
help me. Just
purchased the Palstar
LA-1K amp and am
trying to made a cable
up for direct keying
to my 6600M. Sounds
like you were
successful and would
appreciate your help.
I have the FTDI cable
but that is where it
ends. Can you help a
struggling ham?
Gary
VE3DZP
|
The 2020 version of the manual at palstar.com is in print order. Not very good for reading in PDF form. Following the pages down from side to side then up on the opposite pages, whew! I get dizzy.
So I split the 2020 manual PDF into individual JPG images - one per page, then split each page into two images, then ordered the images by page number, and printed all into a PDF. It's the same book, but with the cover and page 1 at the start and page 22 and back cover at the bottom. How we typically read PDF files.
Download if you want.
Danny
|
Excellent, Danny.
Thanks a bunch for doing this.
Make sure it ends up archived in the FILES section of the group
(or wherever).
73,
Kent? K9ZTV
On 4/21/2021 9:44 AM, Danny K5CG via
groups.io wrote:
The 2020 version of the manual at palstar.com is in print order.
Not very good for reading in PDF form. Following the pages down
from side to side then up on the opposite pages, whew! I get
dizzy.
So I split the 2020 manual PDF into individual JPG images - one
per page, then split each page into two images, then ordered the
images by page number, and printed all into a PDF. It's the same
book, but with the cover and page 1 at the start and page 22 and
back cover at the bottom. How we typically read PDF files.
Download if you want.
Danny
|
Jerry Raia