search

softerhardware / Hermes-Lite2

A second generation low-cost amateur HF software defined radio transceiver.
http://www.hermeslite.com
227 stars 80 forks source link

Hardrock ATU support #157

Open kddanner opened 3 years ago

kddanner commented 3 years ago

Since the serial output isn't being used for anything else, and it shouldn't affect anything negatively, can we get it added to gateware where it will ask the Hardrock amp's internal ATU to tune on the next TX by sending the HRTU1; command? I guess like send this command right before starting the TX initiated by the spot button? HR50 and HR500 both use this same command.

softerhardware commented 3 years ago

Hi,

Yes, this seems possible. Do you want to take a crack at it? The file: https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2/blob/master/gateware/rtl/extamp.v

would have to be updated to send the correct code to the HR50 as a start based on a new port signal "tune" being true.

Is that command that needs to be sent the 6 ascii characters HRTU1; ?

Steve

kddanner commented 3 years ago

Steve I did look at the code several times, hoping I could muddle my way through it. It just doesn't make any sense to me. You are correct, six characters, HRTU1; which tells these amps to tune on the next TX.

softerhardware commented 3 years ago

Currently the HL2 supports the AH4 tuning protocol. It will send RF for about 2 seconds and if the correct response is not seen on the tuner control lines, then it stops sending. Is this enough time for the HR50 to tune? The idea would be to send the HRTU1 command when the existing tune in the protocol is sent, but since we don't have feedback from the HR50, RF will only last for 2 seconds.

In the long run I don't want to support all types of tuner interfaces. I'd rather have the HL2 support a pass through to the RS232 connector so software can then set whatever it likes.

kddanner commented 3 years ago

Hi Steve. I'm not seeing the RF ending after 2 seconds here. Gateware is 72p8, in Quisk I do have antenna tuner set to tune. I do see the half second delay before getting RF. I don't see that delay if antenna tuner is set to none. Either way Quisk continues to show RF until the spot button is clicked again to turn it off.