Alpha 87a remote control

[W9KB]

I am trying to interface the subject amplifier over radio com1...
No joy yet, my settings are as follows:

Mode 5
4800 baud
8 data bits
1 stop bit
No parity
No rts/cts (??)
Com1 terminator 0d hex

I am using a serial level USB convertor out of the remote com1.
Any thoughts?

Ken-W9KB

[ON4AOI]

Hi Ken,
do you get it running without the RRC in between ?
and is this the setup you use ?
pc-> usb-to-rs232-> RRCcom1-> internet -> RRCcom1 -> Alpha

Guy ON4AOI

[sm2o]

Hi

You can only use mode 5 and terminator 0d if you really know that 0d is the terminator.

I can't find any protocol spec on the net so I do not know.

try mode 1 first if you don't know.

if mode 1 works you can try mode 3 which is more effective.

mode 5 is best if you know the protocol

73 de mike

[W9KB]

I have tried the following:

pc-> usb-to-rs232-> RRCcom1-> internet -> RRCcom1 -> Alpha

I will eliminate the RRC link and try again. Spent the weekend setting up XYL's new iMac.. My first real Apple experience other than iPhone or iPad.

After just a fews hours I am a convert, please consider writing RRC software for the iMac.

Ken-W9KB

[ON4AOI]

Ok Then I probably know what is wrong

pc -> USB-to-rs232 -> make short cable db9f to db9m -> RRCremote com1

DB9Female              DB9Male
2                              2
3                              3
4                              7
5                              5

RRCradio com1  to amp

DB9Female              DB25 Male amplifier
2                              3
3                              2
8                              5
5+7                           7

That should do it

Guy ON4AOI

[W9KB]

Guy, Thanks for all the help on both questions. I did just finish a test of my components without the RRC units as follows:

1. pc_serial_out-->9pin-to-25pin homebrew cable-->Alpha87

2. pc_USB---> rs-232 serial convertor-->9pin-to25pin homebrew cable-->Alpha87

Both serial & USB cable systems work FB. I wonder about the wiring of com1 females out of box.
Your suggestion seems like a null cable solution.
Will give it a try.

Thanks & 73

Ken-W9KB

[ON4AOI]

You will have it working when you make the first  cable between usb 232 & RRC       send from my htc hd2 
Guy ON4AOI

[W9KB]

Guy, I looked a your solution again... not quite a null.

I have a couple of questions: Your last posted suggested just a short cable on the control side needs to be made. Looks like I flip the TX & RX signals and pass the RTS out of the box to DTR on the level convertor. I just wanted to be clear since I have a female out on com1.

Thanks & 73
Ken-W9KB

[ON4AOI]

Ken,
yep 2 and 3 are reversed and DTR is connected to RTS
you can find it back in the manual also if you look under expert-1K amp

Guy ON4AOI

[W9KB]

I found success with a null modem adaptor on com1 radio side. My Alpha is happy, although, bar graph info for power, swr, grid current is too slow to be useful. I need to find the message terminator. Walt-HB9ZS, the software author says it a simple 'CR', but I need to look at the actual messages.

Thanks for all the help.

Ken-W9KB

[ON4AOI]

Nice to see its working Ken

Guy ON4AOI

[W9KB]

For group posterity here are my final serial settings for Alpha87a interface on com1:

Mode 5
4800 baud
8 data bits
1 stop bit
No parity
RTS/CTS Yes (Alpha setup manual says NO, however, It must be set to YES)
0d Terminator (CR- Carriage Return in HEX)

Null modem adaptor on Radio side RRC if your cable is wired as described in Alpha87a manual i.e.

               DB-25M           DB-9M
                Pin2----------->Pin3     TXD
                Pin3----------->Pin2     RXD
                Pin4----------->Pin7     RTS
                Pin5----------->Pin8     CTS
                Pin7----------->Pin5     GRD

It could be wired to elimanate null adaptor, by simply flipping TXD/RXD & RTS/CTS.