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Date: | Tue, 31 Dec 2013 01:41:59 -0800 |
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Thanks all,
I want to thank you all for taking the time to respond to my query
and I appreciate the support for my efforts! As was obvious, the need
to directly read reflected power is not a necessity and depending on how
things progress, I still might be able to provide this but wanted to
make sure it was not required. For the record, I rarely check reflected
power myself. That aside, let me try to clarify a couple things at this
point given by some of your responses.
As noted previously, the "HamPod" is basically a generic hardware
platform that I can use to communicate with devices that are equipped
with a serial port and provide access via their protocol and messaging
to various internal data points. That is how I can use the HamPod to
work with the Elecraft W2 and Power Master 2 meters because they both
are equipped with a serial port and provide sufficient messaging to use
them via their serial ports. In fact, Array Solutions even modified
their firmware to support our community to make this a better product
for us. They were also very willing to loan me a meter for development
so they should be commended for that as well. I should also note that
Elecraft loaned me both a K3 and KX3 for development. I also feel
compelled to mention that the combination of a K3 or KX3 and a HamPod
provides the most accessible solution out there and they are pretty
incredible rigs too! Sorry for that diversion.
The meter I'm currently evaluating to provide accessibility for does
not have a serial port so it will require an internal processor based
circuit to access the hardware directly, much like my SteppIR antenna
controller. So this will be a self contained stand-alone meter much like
the TW-1. It is still pretty early into development with this unit so
I'm still not sure it will work for us but if it does, I can say it will
cover HF through UHF and legal power and beyond through use of up to 2
external coupler selection. So at this point, I can't predict what the
final cost will be but my goal is of course to keep it as inexpensive as
possible but yet still provide an accurate and quality piece of
equipment. I do not intend on adding the ability to measure frequency
with this meter as this would require additional hardware modifications.
As for future suggestions such as an accessible antenna analyzer,
that is on the list of things I want to build. Problem is, all this
stuff takes way too much time as it is and funds are limited and
actually non-existent if you ask the wife! . So while I agree the Array
Solutions 4170 is an incredible piece of gear, at around $570 it's
probably not feasible for the majority of us So it makes more sense to
work with something like an MFJ product. I'm not even sure if the 4170
is adequately accessible through the serial port, but if you want to
donate one, I'll gladly look into it! I also want to add accessibility
for more rigs for the HamPod so the list is open ended plus I've already
added support for some other gear when asked as was the case with the
Power Master 2.
So thanks again for your comments and support and I'll let you know
how things progress.
Thanks,
Rob K6DQ
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