8000dle - added control functionality

Joe
Posts: 190
Joined: Tue Aug 22, 2017 5:58 pm

8000dle - added control functionality

Postby Joe » Mon Nov 19, 2018 3:24 pm

I just wanted to post some additional hardware functionality that I added to my 8000dle. The hardest part was setting up and mounting the rear panel connections. I added a usb panel connector to allow interfacing the lcd & controller for updates and programming without having to remove panels. I added a remote interface connector for the bootloader function, this was great idea I learned from Scott. I added remote on/off function connector, this took the most time as I had to install a SPDT relay. All remote functions are enabled by grounding through rca connectors. This allows interfacing the 8000 completely through pc remotely. I attached photos of work.

73’s
Joe
WD5Y
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w-u-2-o
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Joined: Fri Mar 10, 2017 1:47 pm

Re: 8000dle - added control functionality

Postby w-u-2-o » Mon Nov 19, 2018 4:05 pm

Great work, Joe! I love that USB connector.

There are a lot of ways to execute a remote relay capability, but I'm a big fan of using the PLC (programmable logic controller) support in DDUtil. I have set up a number of macro buttons in DDUtil that control PLC relays for turning on and off the bootloader switch, remote tuners, and other housekeeping tasks.
Joe
Posts: 190
Joined: Tue Aug 22, 2017 5:58 pm

Re: 8000dle - added control functionality

Postby Joe » Mon Nov 19, 2018 4:12 pm

Thanks Scott, I spent most of the time regarding the connector mounts. I was very pleased with the internal layout and craftsmanship of the 8000. I control most everything with my wavenode wn-2 output relays but now need more relays so will have to check out your suggestion on ddutil as I have it already running to track my amplifier band change. I was not aware of the plc control from ddutil.

73’s
Joe
WD5Y
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w-u-2-o
Posts: 5540
Joined: Fri Mar 10, 2017 1:47 pm

Re: 8000dle - added control functionality

Postby w-u-2-o » Mon Nov 19, 2018 5:16 pm

Hi Joe,

There are a couple of poorly documented DDUtil macro commands that you need to know that allow control of any PLC "point". I can help you with that (we can start a new topic here) if you decide to go that route. I currently have buttons called "Dummy Load", "Bootloader", "Tuner OFF" and it drives my KK1L 2x6 antenna switch automagically. I also have the KPA500 controlled via DDUtil. I have some tuning macros that cycle the tuner, move the amp from operate to standby and back and some other fussy details. I love it!

The PLC is the small white box in the photo below. I control it and other serial ports over the LAN using an Nport device server.

73!

Scott

Image

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