Frankford Radio Club

Antenna Selection via

Touchscreen

N3RD – Nov. 9, 20102

Antenna Selection by Touchscreen

Evolution of antenna selection methods: Only one antenna – No selection Manually switching lines – Patch panel Manual coax switches Remote relays – Used at N3RS for all

– Keeps most of coax away from the tables– Lots of relays at N3RS

N3RD – Nov. 9, 20103

Antenna Selection by Touchscreen

Relays in Use at N3RS for Antenna Selection 80m – 4 40m – 2 20m – 4 15m – 4 10m – 4 Many other relays controlled by band

decoders for band changes of filters, etc.

N3RD – Nov. 9, 20104

Antenna Selection by Touchscreen

How to Control the Relays Manual control switches

– Wires and control boxes needed– Not easily moved around in the shack

Software – On Screen

N3RD – Nov. 9, 20105

Antenna Selection by Touchscreen

Antenna Master Software – In beta testing - not yet available Linked to N1MM for band – Buttons change for new band Available at any computer on the network No control wires required to individual positions

N3RD – Nov. 9, 20106

Antenna Selection by Touchscreen

Need some hardware:

“ShackLanRelay Driver”fromHamation

Interfacerelays

N3RD – Nov. 9, 20107

Antenna Selection by Touchscreen

Chassis holds 4 boards with 8 relays each = 32 control relays available

Each relay can be configured for sink or source

Jumpers to wall plate

N3RD – Nov. 9, 20108

Antenna Selection by Touchscreen

Antenna Master’s window takes screen real estate

Each operator wants his own screen layout Green Heron rotator control window also

takes up screen space on the 20m position Options

N3RD – Nov. 9, 20109

Antenna Selection by Touchscreen

Wider monitor– If space on the table permits

Additional monitor– Requires modern OS– Requires two video outputs

N3RD – Nov. 9, 201010

Antenna Selection by Touchscreen

7” TFT touchscreen

Mounted on Al plate w/ rubber feet

Movable

N3RD – Nov. 9, 201011

Antenna Selection by Touchscreen

Doug, W3CF

on 20 SSB.

Moved the

touchscreen

to left of the

radio to min-

imize reach

N3RD – Nov. 9, 201012

Antenna Selection by Touchscreen

N3RD – Nov. 9, 201013

Antenna Selection by Touchscreen

N3RD – Nov. 9, 201014

Antenna Selection by Touchscreen

N3RD – Nov. 9, 201015

Antenna Selection by Touchscreen

N3RD – Nov. 9, 201016

Antenna Selection by Touchscreen

So, what’s next? Voice recognition Eye control (look and blink) Mind control (look and think)

Just remember….

N3RD – Nov. 9, 201017

Antenna Selection by Touchscreen

BEAT YCCC!

and as always

Have Fun!