Using N1MM Logger With SmartSDR/SmartCAT, FlexControl, and K1EL WinKeyer Jim Reese WD5IYT October 11, 2013

Transcription

1 Using N1MM Logger With SmartSDR/SmartCAT, FlexControl, and K1EL WinKeyer Jim Reese WD5IYT October 11, 2013 This document will explain the configuration process for interfacing the FLEX series radios to N1MM Logger. The software packages used for this install are: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SmartSDR Version 1.0 SmartSDR CAT (included with SmartSDR 1.0) N1MM Logger Version The hardware used for this install is: Gateway PC with Intel I5 processor, 6 GB RAM FlexRadio Systems FLEX FlexRadio Systems FlexControl (USB control knob) K1EL WinKeyer USB I am primarily a CW operator, so my objective was to incorporate the K1EL WinKeyer using the rear panel Accessory connector on the FLEX- 6700, while still using the built- in iambic keyer with a set of paddles plugged into the radio s front panel key jack. This diagram shows the connections between the various pieces of the puzzle:

2 Once all the devices are connected, you can start installing the software. Start by installing SmartSDR V1.0. Follow the instructions provided with the software, and please read the release notes. Make sure you do not un- check the box that copies the SmartSDR CAT installer to your hard drive. SmartSDR CAT is not automatically installed, so you must install it after you have installed SmartSDR. There is a link to SmartSDR CAT Setup in the Windows Start Menu under FlexRadio Systems, SmartSDR v Once SmartSDR and SmartSDR CAT are installed, you should check which COM ports have been created for the various devices. N1MM can only access COM1 through COM8, so you have to make sure the CAT interface and the WinKeyer have been assigned to COM ports at COM8 or below. Do this by looking at the Windows Device Manager in the control panel. Here s what my install looks like:

3 My FlexControl was assigned to COM9. This is fine, because N1MM does not need direct access to the FlexControl. SmartSDR CAT has assigned COM14 and COM4. We will address this momentarily. The USB Serial port assigned to COM3 is the WinKeyer. This configuration is just fine, so close the Device Manager window. Next, open the SmartSDR CAT window by clicking the icon in the task bar. You should see a window like this:

4 The window should show your radio, serial number and IP address. The thing you want to check is the Connect 3 rd Party Program to Port: If the port number is less than COM8, you re all set for N1MM. Now it s time to install N1MM Logger. You can get the install files from here: index.php?page=homepage If you have never used N1MM Logger before, I strongly suggest you read the install documentation before installing the software. Once you have N1MM Logger installed, open the program and select the Config, Configure Ports, Mode Control, Audio, Other menu.

5 In the Configurer dialog, select Flex in the Radio drop down box next to the COM port that SmartSDR CAT is using for the 3 rd Party Program. Press the Set button next to the Radio selection and verify the port settings.

6 Next, check the CW box on the COM port that has your WinKeyer attached, then press the Set button next to that port. Verify the port settings. Click OK on each box and exit back to the Configurer screen. Select the WinKey tab in the Configurer screen and set up the WinKey options you desire. The only required setting for this configuration is to set the WinKey Pin 5 Function to PTT.

7 Press OK to close the Configurer. I recommend exiting N1MM Logger at this point. You should now be ready to test everything. Start SmartSDR CAT first, then start SmartSDR. If your FlexControl is properly set up, the Mode light on the FlexControl should light when the SmartSDR starts. Connect to your radio, and then start up N1MM Logger. If you have everything working, the radio frequency should appear in the main N1MM Logger window title bar. Tune the radio and make sure the frequency in N1MM follows the radio. Put the radio in CW mode and select one of the messages in the N1MM main window, the WinKeyer should assert PTT and send the message. If these two things work, you re all set!