Dear All,

I am trying to get my SunSDR DX connected to my ACOM 1200S with the right cable.
I have set the band manager in the right config (first trying switching between 40M & 20M).
Hoping that when I switch bands in EESDR3 automatic also the ACOM 1200S will switch to the same band.

Has anyone experience in this setup?

Thank you kindly for your suggestions.

Tim

How do I setup a correct COM PORT to connect RADIOSYNC with CAT with my ACOM1200S????
Do I need to add a new COM PORT?
My OS is MACOS.

Thank you for all the help!

Yes, you should use a USB to serial adapter attached to the Mac. I actually use an old MacBook running just RadioSync sitting on top of my amp, to connect to my SPE 2KAF via RS-232 and then controlled over WiFi from both my SunSDR and Anan7000, both of which have TCI servers in them.

Doug

Thank you Doug for reply!
So if I understand you correct I need 2 Mac's?
One MAC for EESDR3 and a other MAC to controle my ACOM1200S?
Now I have a cable connected directly connected from my SUNSDR2 DX (EXT CTRL) to the ACOM 1200S (CAT/AUX). But is this not the right way to do this?

Ps. Can you suggest a good serial to USB cable to me?
Thank you kindly for your response.

Tim

Hi Tim,

No, I did not mean to imply you needed two Macs. In your case, just run RadioSync on the same Mac you are running EESDR3, and have it connect to your amp via a USB to Serial adapter. There are many out there, if you look at Don from MLDX's website, he has some good FAQs on adapters (chip sets inside them) to avoid.

In my case, my amp is a long distance from my operating position, and I use a second old MacBook sitting on top of the amp to simply avoid running serial cables (or USB cables) around to it. In this case you can use a second instance of Radio Sync that is connected to the TCI server on your main Mac or PC.

Doug

Hi Doug,

Thank you for your fast reply!
A great help. I now understand.

All the best, Tim

Hi Doug,

I am getting it to work. But just a few questions.
I got the right usb to serial cable.
Radio Sync configured (see image)
Amplifier is switching on ;-)
But the amplifier is giving a CAT error.
What are you CAT amplifier settings?

Many thanks, Tim

Well, I use an SPE amplifier, not an Acom. Taking a quick look at the 1200S, it appears as though there is an RS232 connector on it. There is a chance (50/50) that you might need a null modem adapter to reverse the RX and TX connections. I needed one on the SPE. You'll also have to look at their documentation and review the baud rate supported, perhaps it is set on the 1200S menu configuration.

If you try to use the CAT connector on the 1200S you would need a custom cable to match the serial adapter to it.

Doug

Dear All,

Now I just use the USB-COM cable form my IMAC to the PA.
RADIO SYNC Connection between IMAC an PA gives GREEN lights. (see Image) So, that's good ;-)
Also the PA turns on and off by activating RADIO SYNC.
But no BAND SWITCHING…..from selecting different bands in EESDR3
I set my BAND MANAGER correct as suggested. (see Image)
I have set the ACOM 1200S to the corresponding settings of RADIO SYNC.
But the PA gives still a CAT ERROR.

I do not know what I do wrong,....
Any help form all you guys is very helpfull.

Kind regards, Tim

Now with images.

Did you connect to the RS232 connector on the amp, or the CAT/AUX connector?

If you are using the RS232 connector, have you tried a null modem adapter?

Doug

Hi Doug,

Yes I am using the RS232 port on the amp.
No band switching when I change bands in EESDR3.
Also used the 0-Modem, no difference at all.
ACOM 1200S gives CAT ERROR.

I have added some images for your info.











Any ideas?

All the best Tim

Well, first remember I have never used an Acom SS amp ...

If you look at Acom's website, they do have both an owners manual and a CAT document. They imply that they intend for you to use the CAT port (15 pins) for this, which would require a custom cable to adapt the three RS232 signals (RX/TX/GND) back to the 9 pin connector on your USB RS232 cable. This is similar to what SPE does. If you do try this, you may have to invert the RX and TX connections (or use your null modem adapter) if it is backwards.

Since you are using the RS232 port, I don't think the amps setting in the CAT area are what you want. Are there settings for the RS232 port? You are not currently trying to use the CAT port, but what they call the "Remote RS232" port.

www.acom-bg.com/products/amplifiers/acom-1200s-solid-state-18-54-mhz-linear-amplifier

I know that Val at Acom is very good at customer service. You should probably email them and ask if the remote port can be used the way you are trying to, or if you have to use the CAT port and custom cable lash up. I think the main reason they have the 9 pin RS232 port is to connect their remote control head.

Hi Doug,

Thanks again.
I will contact Val at ACOM.
Perhaps I can only use AUX to use CAT with the special cable.
Keep you posted on my progress.

Best, Tim

Dear Doug,

I found the problem!
I now use the EXT/CTRL socket from the SUNSDR2 DX to my AUX socket on my ACOM 1200S.
But I had my drive power in EESDR3 to low. (50%). Moved it up to 100% and now it is switching bands from EESDR3 to my ACOM1200S.
I think there was a to low signal to the AMP.



Ps.
I only use the RS232 socket on the AMP for my Acom Ebox.

All the best, Tim