Hi all, I am intending to have a go at simple Packet Radio, likely using PSK31, on 11Mtrs (It's legal to do this now, on certain frequencies)
I have got it all set up and working on both RX and TX using a very nice bit of software called fldigi, which is easy to install via the Linux repositories (yes, I use Linux (Mint)). All it requires is suitable attenuation of the RX and more so, the TX audio so as to be able to use the computers sound card. I have done that and got the levels correct.
However, for now, I'm having to manually switch between RX and TX using a basic toggle switch because I cannot source a USB to serial port adapter, with a relay (or solid state switch) to operate the rigs PTT. The fldigi software toggles the RTS and DTR pins of an RS232 (Serial) port, so I need a board / adapter that simulates an RS232 and has a buffered output of the RTS and / or DTR pins (as the standard current capability of an RS232 is insufficient, I believe).
Now I have spent hours trying to find such a thing, with no success. This surprised me as I would have thought there would be quire a demand for such a thing, not just for radio, but for other applications.
Can anyone assist ?
USB to RS232 adapter for PTT switching, help needed finding one.
- ghost123uk
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USB to RS232 adapter for PTT switching, help needed finding one.
John, on the S. Cheshire / N. Shropshire border. 26TM953 / muppet handle "Grey ghost"
Don't just monitor, key up and talk, otherwise everyone thinks no one else is out there !!!
Don't just monitor, key up and talk, otherwise everyone thinks no one else is out there !!!
- ch25
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Re: USB to RS232 adapter for PTT switching, help needed finding one.
DIY http://mixw.net/img/serialcon_t.gif and you can use current usb converter
Or http://sigma-shop.com/product/100/usb-r ... -chip.html should do the trick.
Or http://sigma-shop.com/product/100/usb-r ... -chip.html should do the trick.
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You can't have too many antennas...
- ghost123uk
- Radio Addict
- Posts: 758
- Joined: 19 Aug 2012, 13:46
- Call Sign: 26TM953
- Location: S. Cheshire
Re: USB to RS232 adapter for PTT switching, help needed finding one.
The DIY bit looks simple enough, however, the unit I have now does not have physical 9 pin connections. It is a virtual com port and the relay(s) are driven by HEX commands, not simple RTS and DTR pins high/low inputs. This applies to the one you linked to below, making it unsuitable for use with fldigi type software.ch25 wrote:DIY http://mixw.net/img/serialcon_t.gif and you can use current usb converter
I'm really surprised these are virtually impossible to findch25 wrote:Or http://sigma-shop.com/product/100/usb-r ... -chip.html should do the trick.
It looks like I will have to order a USB to a "real" RS232 port, and make up that simple transistor switch. Thanks for the diagram
John, on the S. Cheshire / N. Shropshire border. 26TM953 / muppet handle "Grey ghost"
Don't just monitor, key up and talk, otherwise everyone thinks no one else is out there !!!
Don't just monitor, key up and talk, otherwise everyone thinks no one else is out there !!!