WHY HAVE AUTOMATION?We all started out with an IF radio and a manual band control switch. It was fun pushing this button, turning that knob, positioning the band select switch for the proper band. Wait, is the logging program on the correct band? Standby while I correct the log . (Yawn)Since then, radios and logging programs have come a long way. It is now possible to minimize mistakes with equipment and logging synchronization.

Standard ConfigurationPTTIFRadioManual BandSwitchXvtr 1Xvrt 2

Station Control Optimal design criteria: Radio(s) control transverter IF switching, PTT, and metering. Thus you can operate without running a logging program. During contests the logging program then controls radio(s).Programs supporting microwave bands N1MM, Writelog, VHF log, Others Option 2: Logging program can control transverters using DX Doubler (N1MM), W5XD (Writelog), and N3FTI board (VHF log) BCD to 10 line decoder.

KRC-2HomebrewOptional

Option 2: Computer control of band switchingPTTIFStandard RadioW5XD box N3FTI box DX DoublerXvtr 1Xvrt 2ComputerW5XD-serialN3FTI - ParallelDX Doubler - Parallel (requires USB to parallel adapter)

Radio to Transverter SDR-5000A & 1500: I2C to sixteen line decoder. Nice board available from Phil K3TUF.You can set up the Power SDR to output any combination of the 16 lines. I set up for BCD.Elecraft K3: KRC2 Remote control box. Setup in radio. Hermes: Multi pin outputs on boardOther Radios?

Elecraft KRC2

SHEDSHACKUCB orN3FTI board

Transverter ConfigurationThe 4 lower band xverter IFs are 28 Mhz. The 6 upper bands use 144 Mhz IFs. An intermediate 28 to 144 transverter is needed for conversion. Some logic is needed to decide where the RF is routed. I use 12 volts on the IF line to key the transverters. This eliminates the need for 10 PTT routing relays. With 2 radios it becomes much simpler.

My Station RF PathsMicrowave IF radio 28 or 144 MhzOR

Diode Matrix

NN3Q Control Box

Its a bit of work but its worth it!