Interfacing Thetis/PowerSDR with Expert 1.5K Amplifier

[Kristian J]

I just received my HL2 and have been running Icoms for a few years, it's time to try something new.

Does anyone have any pointers on running the Expert line of amplifiers with Thetis or PowerSDR?

The Expert is able to bandswitch using the Kenwood protocol if that helps.

Any pointers are greatly appreciated!

[dh1tt]

Easy but not a HL2 related case.

In advance...... the SPE USB Port is ONLY for use with SPE GUI or firmware upgrade. It's NOT usable for CAT bandswitching from PC!!!

What you need is a USB/RS232 converter.

After you installed the driver, u will find the COM Port number of this converter in the devicemanager. Enter this Comport in Thetis Cat menue ..... serbaud in Thetis and the Amp has to be equal!

Connect the TX pin of the 232 side of the converter with the RX pin of the 15pin SPE D-Sub and of course ground.

Use Flex or Kenwood Cat protocols.

Good Luck!

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[G4ZAL]

Another option that does not rely on any computer specific software is to have the HL2 do the 'informing' to the amplifier.

This is useful if you and the PC are physically located away from the HL2/amp perhaps in another room.

The HL2 outputs serial data when using the db9 companion board.

https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2/tree/master/hardware/companions/db9

https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2/wiki/docs/HL2HR50.pdf

I could not get my amp to 'read/accept' this Kenwood protocol serial data, so used an Arduino nano to read the serial data from the db9 companion and convert it to BCD format which I then connected to my amp (I also added the PTT line to switch the amp)

Now, it does not matter if I use Thetis/PowerSDR/SparkSDR/Quisk etc, the HL2 informs my amp of the correct frequency (and does the PTT signalling).

I used this code as the basis for my interface - maybe you can use it to make icom CI-V voltages for your amp??

https://github.com/michvhf/Hermes-Lite-2-Xiegu-interface

Have fun!

Nigel

[Reid Campbell]

Thetis has a TCI server. Have a look at the Setup|General|Serial/Network/Midi Cat|Network|TCI Server

I know nothing more about it than where to find it in the Setup menu but I believe TCI is an Expert thing?

Cheers 

Reid
Gi8TME/Mi0BOT

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[dh1tt]

Hello Nigel,

of course, there are different ways. And often it depends what goals you reach. 

Using OC/BCD to controll any device direct from the TRX could be an advantage for some (of course vy special) reasons. That's the way I do it with my Anans and OC is why I subscribed for the new, hopefully soon upcoming extension boards.

BTW: In my setup, I do have Arduinos as banddecoders too. Modified for my personal use and finally I "designed" (what a great word for a really clueless person like me) my own PCB for clean installation....

It's been a long road, but I'm grateful and have learned a lot of new things over that many years. And above all thanks to SDR technology and of course the wonderful, unrivaled HL2 project.

Many roads lead to Rome and maybe you agree that for Kristian, using an RS232 adapter is the easiest and fastest way to switch his amp?

73s,

Oliver

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[dh1tt]

Reid,

it is an Expert thing. Expert Electronics aka SunSDR.

Kristian is using an Expert Amplifier by SPE, different brand/company.... sadly this Amps do not support TCI.

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[Reid Campbell]

Ahaa, OK, that not confusing at all then.....:-)

[G4ZAL]

Hi Oliver,

Completely agree that a USB adapter could be the fastest/easiest way to band change his amp, providing it is close enough for a short-ish cable connection (and as we say "there is always more than one way to skin a cat" !).

I also use OC/BCD on my Anan, which is why I went that route for my HL2 interface - I 'designed' a circuit board too, a bit of vero board with a few header pins !!

Looking forward to the new extension board as well.

Maybe we can have another HL2 <--to--> HL2 chat sometime...

Nigel, G4ZAL

[Kristian J]

USB to serial from the PC running Thetis, just txd/rxd/gnd needed along with an RCA cable to the amplifier relay.

She works pretty well, not quite as plug and play as the Icoms but it's working!

4W of drive gives me 350-400W output on low, 5W gives me ~6-700 on mid.

Thanks all.