Diversity

From DDUtil

The Diversity feature of the F5K radio is quite useful for high noise low signal conditions such 160, 80 or 40 meter operation.

See W9OY's excellent Blog for more insight and how-to information on the Diversity operating mode.

Several things on the radio need to be configured in order to utilize the Diversity feature and DDUtil offers some automation for this configuration.

• Open the Diversity form
• Press the Enable button on the Diversity form.
• Turn off Split (if on)
• Turn on VFO Sync
• Turn on RX1/RX2 Mode/Filter Sync
• Set antennas as needed
• Other settings as desired

Using the Macro function in DDUtil these operations can be completely automated. We're still working on the last two steps.

Below are two example macros that setup and restore the radio to/from Diversity operation using a combination of Flex CAT and DDUtil macro commands.

Notice:
There are new CAT commands required for some of the following examples that are not available before PowerSDR 2.0.20. In the interim contact me directly for the new PSDR CAT files.
On

• ZZDF1;ZZDE1;ZZSP0;ZZSY1;DDDV1;ZZOA1;ZZOB5;ZZOC3;

ZZDF1;	Load the Diversity form
ZZDE1;	Turn on the Enable button on the Diversity form 
ZZSP0;	Turn off Split (if on)
ZZSY1;	Turn on the VFO Sync
DDDV1;	Turn on RX1/RX2 Mode/Filter sync
ZZOA1;	Set RX1 antenna to Ant 2
ZZOB5;	Set RX2 antenna to RX2In
ZZOC3;	Set TX antenna to Ant 3

Off

• ZZDE0;ZZDF0;DDDV0;ZZSP0;ZZSY0;ZZRS0;ZZOA1;ZZOB6;ZZOC1;

Note: The shut down sequence is critical to proper operation of the F5K after diversity operation is over.

ZZDE0;   Disable the Diversity form Enable button (important)
ZZDF0;   Close the Diversity form
DDDV0;   Turn off RX2 Mode/Filter Sync
ZZSP0;   Turn off Split
ZZSY0;   Turn off VFO Sync.
ZZRS0;   Turn off RX2
ZZOA1;   Set RX1 antenna to Ant 1
ZZOB6;   Set RX2 antenna to RX1Tap
ZZOC1;   Set TX antenna to Ant 1

Obviously, many other command combinations are possible and some sequencing is required not to undo something already set. Experiment and have fun.

Here are links to Flex CAT and DDUtil Macro commands.

• PowerSDR CAT Command Reference Guide]
• DDUtil Macro Commands