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Understanding Transmit (TX) Focus
MK2R allows changing transmit focus several ways. The READY lights indicate which radio will transmit in
response to a PTT signal.
Manual TX focus mode
In manual mode, focus (selecting which radio will transmit) is
fully under operator control - the computer CAN NOT change
focus. The operator can select the active radio (change focus)
by pressing the RADIO1 (B14) or RADIO2 (B15) buttons. If
MK2R is in AUTO mode, pressing the RADIO1 or RADIO2
button will cancel AUTO mode and same time move TX focus to
the selected radio.
Another way to change focus in manual mode is with the foot
switches. If Dual foot switch is selected on the SO2R tab,
pressing either foot switch will change TX focus and key the
radio. TX focus will remain on the last selected radio when the
foot switch is released. FS1 jack is used for RADIO1 and FS2
for RADIO2. If Dual foot switch is not selected, either foot
switch will key the radio with TX focus.
In manual mode, MK2R will redirect all CW, FSK, PTT, WinKey and DVK signals to the “active” radio (the
radio with transmit focus) even when the signal was assigned to the other radio.
AUTO TX focus mode
In AUTO mode, focus (transmitter selection) is controlled by the logging program. AUTO mode is selected
by pressing the RADIO1 (B14) and RADIO2 (B15) buttons at the same time. AUTO mode is indicated by
AUTO light. The software can control TX focus in several ways (Parallel port [LPT] signals, a virtual COM
port signal, or by using the microHAM SO2R Control Protocol) depending on the TX focus configuration on
the SO2R tab.
Two PTTs is designed for software that provides a separate PTT signal for each radio including N1MM
Logger, Win-Test and DXLab Suite. With “Two PTTs,” MK2R will change focus in response to the serial
port signals (PTT, 2
nd
PTT, and FSK) or WinKey2 PTT (if the application uses WinKey's SO2R mode). In
“Two PTT” mode, transmitter priority can be “first one wins” or “last one wins”. If “first one wins” is
selected, the second radio will be prevented from transmitting until transmission is complete on the first
radio. If “last one wins” is selected, a transmission on the second radio will interrupt the first radio.
If dual foot switch operation is selected, pressing a foot switch will not change TX focus. When the foot
switch of the unselected radio is pressed, MK2R moves TX focus to this radio temporarily. When the foot
switch is released, MK2R returns to focus to the selected radio and resumes AUTO focus.
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