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SERIAL DEVICE:
When configured for serial device support, the serial device can operate in one of two modes (each
mode requires the proper external hardware interface):
CI-V port: When the serial device function is set to CI-V, MK2R simulates Icom's CI-V transceive
function and broadcasts the chosen frequency in Icom format even when the radio is not an
Icom transceiver. The CI-V address and baud rate of simulated radio is set in appropriate
field.
One of five frequency sources can be selected: RX frequency, TX frequency, Operating
frequency, VFO A frequency or VFO B frequency. In practice, operation of each setting
depends on the transceiver and its CAT protocol. All settings may not work with some
radios. .
SteppIR: When the serial device function is set to SteppIR, MK2R can control a SteppIR antenna
using the SteppIR native protocol. For information concerning the “Data Out” port and the
SteppIR native protocol, see the SteppIR “Transceiver Interface Users Manual” at
www.SteppIR.com
Controlling a SteppIR antenna with MK2R has three advantages over transceiver emulation:
●
MK2R protects the antenna while the elements are moving (retuning) and will not
allow transmission while the antenna is tuning.
●
When operating in split frequency mode, MK2R can set the SteppIR to the transmit
frequency and prevent retuning between transmit and receive when operating with
wide splits.
●
MK2R adds a small amount of hysteresis and will not retune for small frequency
changes at each 25 or 50 KHz boundary.
NOTE: This function does not replace the SteppIR controller, the original controller is still used.
Connecting a SteppIR controller:
MK2R serial device port must be connected with the SteppIR DATA OUT port using a TTL to
RS-232 converter and cross-wired (“null modem”) DB9F/DB9M cable. Only three wires are
necessary, Serial In to pin 3, Serial Out to pin 2 and pin 5 to pin 5. microHAM make a dual TTL to
RS-232 converter designed for direct connection between MK2R and the DATA OUT port of the
SteppIR controller. Contact your microHAM distributor.
The SteppIR controller must be switched to the General frequency mode and baud rate for the serial
port must be same as the SteppIR controller.
A PS/2 keypad attached to MK2R permits suspending/resuming SteppIR control, selecting 180
degree mode and/or selecting bidirectional mode. Using the keypad allows manual control while
keeping MK2R and SteppIR in sync.
The MK2R firmware supports all SteppIR antennas except Dream Beam.
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