I am using a Flex 6700 with WSJT... I now want to use my QSKIIc sequencer for QRO EME... I set up a virtual com port and set it for PTT RTS/DTR and set WSJT to PTT RTS and it seems to command the PTT in the Flex OK but any ideas of how to get a command to the PTT input port on the sequencer???
Tnx, bc AH0U

On 12/04/2020 21:28, AH0U wrote:

I am using a Flex 6700 with WSJT... I now want to use my QSKIIc sequencer for QRO EME... I set up a virtual com port and set it for PTT RTS/DTR and set WSJT to PTT RTS and it seems to command the PTT in the Flex OK but any ideas of how to get a command to the PTT input port on the sequencer???
Tnx, bc AH0U

Hi BC,

you need to key the sequencer input with WSJT-X, and use the last sequenced output to key the Flex via its external PTT connection. Unfortunately it doesn't look like the sequencer USB virtual COM port can be used as a PTT input, shame because that would save some expense. It is worth contacting QSKllc to see if the sequencer MCU can be programmed to use the USB virtual COM port RTS signal as a PTT input. Barring that you will probably need a separate USB to serial interface and use the RTS or DTR signal from that as the sequencer PTT input, then select the WSJT-X "Settings->Radio->PTT Method" to RTS or DTR and "Settings->Radio->PTT Method->Port" to the virtual serial port COM number.

If you are trusting you could use one of the PTT outputs of the Flex to key the sequencer and add sufficient Tx delay in the Flex menus to ensure the sequencer completes before RF is output. If you do that you must test carefully that the Flex is doing what you need, particularly when returning to Rx. Personally I would avoid relying on the Flex for failsafe sequencing and stick to an external keying circuit with WSJT-X providing the keying input to the sequencer.

73
Bill
G4WJS.

Bill thank you for the reply that is what I have thought... my problem is that I use HRD and WSJT is set up per their instructions with rig as HRD so when I set PTT Method tp DTR or RTS and thej com port to the value of the com port I established in the Flex virtual port software, when I test the PTT in WSJT it keys the Flex.... I cant seem to find a way to separate the PT function from the CAT control....  Make any sense??
Thanks again I really appreciate your stepping up to help

From my earlier EME experience, regardless of radio equipment and configuration one may use, you need to key the sequencer first and let it then key all the other devices in proper sequence.   That is what a sequencer is designed to do.  

Usually it is, in order from receive to transmit:  Mast mounted preamp deactivated > PA keyed > IPA keyed > transverter keyed > transceiver keyed.   Then just reverse things when going from transmit to receive.   And for each of those steps, there should be some confirmation, usually current sensing, to assure the device or relay has changed as required.  Failure to change as required will then stop the sequence. 

Be sure to design and engineer it correctly or you will be burning up preamps, connectors and PA's as well as other items.   If one is going to do this "half baked" then they should keep their credit card or checkbook handy.

73

Bob, K4TAX

On 13/04/2020 03:34, AH0U wrote:

Bill thank you for the reply that is what I have thought... my problem is that I use HRD and WSJT is set up per their instructions with rig as HRD so when I set PTT Method tp DTR or RTS and thej com port to the value of the com port I established in the Flex virtual port software, when I test the PTT in WSJT it keys the Flex.... I cant seem to find a way to separate the PT function from the CAT control.... Make any sense??
Thanks again I really appreciate your stepping up to help

Hi BC,

you don't have to use the "Setting->Radio->PTT Method->CAT" option in WSJT-X when using HRD as a proxy rig control program, you can select "Setting->Radio->PTT Method->RTS" (or DTR), and specify a different virtual serial port in "Settings->Radio->PTT Method->Port" to the one that HRD connects with the Flex on. That separate virtual serial port can be a separate USB to serial adapter with its RTS (or DTR) hard wired to the sequencer input. WSJT-X will not send CAT PTT commands in such an arrangement. My other suggestion is to speak to the QSKllc folks about whether the sequencer can be programmed to use the RTS (or DTR) line of its own virtual serial port (normally used for programming) as a PTT input.

Check the HRD docs or ask them if a separate COM port can be used for PTT other than the one used for CAT control. If they can do that then you can set it all up using HRD. The old free version of HRD I use for testing doesn't allow that, but they may have improved matters since then.

73
Bill
G4WJS.

Agn, tnx... that is what I have been trying but there seems to be no way in WSJT to set up a PTT port to use to key the sequencer that is not the same port WSJT uses to key the rig.....no matter what port I use in WSJT using RTS/DTR it keys the rig and the sequencer sits there undisturbed... very frustrating :(