Jim,
while we all would love to have an accurate replacement for something like
the TW-1, remember that the Power Master 2, and I believe also the LP100 are
accessible when connected to a computer. I read my forward and reflected
power, as well as my SWR, with my PM2. In addition, the PM2 can be
configured to open the amp key line when a high SWR is detected, to prevent
transmission of high power into a bad load. Also, the PM2 can be
configured to open the amp key line if output power exceeds a preset level.
So, meters such as the PM2 and LP100 provide more than just speaking power
and SWR like the TW-1 does.
73, KD7GC
Alan R. Downing
Phoenix, AZ
-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Jim Gammon
Sent: Thursday, January 02, 2014 1:51 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Development of a talking power/SWR meter
Ok Rob well just wanted you to know that I for one, am behind
your work in whatever way possible to make the development of a
talking Power, SWR meter possible. Wishing you the best for the
new year, and 73, Jim WA6EKS
----- Original Message -----
From: Rob <[log in to unmask]
To: [log in to unmask]
Date sent: Wed, 1 Jan 2014 21:05:57 -0800
Subject: Re: Development of a talking power/SWR meter
Hi Jim,
I'm just following up to say I greatly appreciate your support
and
well wishes! While your suggestion is very thoughtful, I
certainly do
not want you guys supporting me in this way. I am the one
putting myself
in this situation so I'm the one that has to deal with the
consequences.
But again, thanks for the support!
Rob
K6DQ
my
On 12/31/2013 11:29 AM, Jim Gammon wrote:
Hi Rob, let me add my voice in thanks to you for taking on such
a
project. I think that if all of us on the list would be willing
to kick in even just $20.00 toward helping you realize the goal
of a stand-alone accessible meter that would work on Hf, VHF,
and
UHF on any rig, would be a very worthy cause. This would allow
you to buy one or more meters upon which to experiment and use
as
a platform to develop a prototype meter. Happy new year and I
wish you great success in all of your endeavors in 2014. 73,
Jim
WA6EKS
----- Original Message -----
From: Rob <[log in to unmask]
To: [log in to unmask]
Date sent: Tue, 31 Dec 2013 01:41:59 -0800
Subject: Talking SWR/Power Meter Question Follow Up
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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