I haven't tried this application, but all the digital apps pretty much
work the same. There was a Flex Wiki that had good detailed
explanations but I don't think it is operational anymore.
These digital apps all have these general features-- audio in, audio out
and transceiver control (PTT and possibly frequency control). With a
non-SDR radio (e.g. Kenwood, Icom and Yaseau), the digital app runs on
your computer, uses the computer soundcard for audio in/out, and
typically a serial port and RS-232 cable/adapter for transceiver
control. Usually something like a Rig Runner box is also needed to
convert the analog audio levels between the non-SDR transceiver and the
computer soundcard.
Since the Flex PowerSDR resides in the computer, as well as the digital
application, there is no point in bring either the audio or control sigs
outside of the computer. No need to convert the digital audio to analog,
run it through a rigrunner box just to interface with the rig's mic and
speaker interfaces.
PowerSDR has a Virtual Audio Cable (VAC) interface. However, it does
not look like a sound card to FreeDV or any other digital app. Another
app called Virtual Audio Cable is required to make the virtual audio
connection between your digital app (FreeDV) and PowerSDR. The Virtual
Audio Cable performs the function of RigRunner, performing the audio
interface work. This VAC interface software is available from Eugene
Muzychenko at http://software.muzychenko.net/eng/vac.htm
Get version 12. It does cost like $25.00 but is worth every penny. A lot
of work and knowledge goes into this interface software and Eugene isn't
getting rich with it. Don't try to use the trial version, it puts a
little unwanted recording out on your transmitted signal.
PowerSDR also has a CAT interface so that the digital app can perform
transceiver control. It can be configured to look like a modern Kenwood
radio, thus on the digital application side, you tell it you have a
Kenwood! Like with the audio, you will need to obtain a CAT virtual
interface cable program which simulates the RS-232 serial com cable that
would be required in a non-SDR transceiver. The best is called VSP
Manager, written by Steve Nance K5FR. It is only available to licensed
hams for the purpose of interfacing. No cost that I know of.
http://k5fr.com/ddutilwiki/index.php?title=VSP_Manager.
This is getting long. The Flex Radio knowledge base has articles on how
to set up both VAC and CAT interfaces. Basics are in the PowerSDR manual
too. To rap up:
* 2 virtual audio cables, one for each direction of the audio are
created in the Eugene Muzychenko's VAC application.
o The PowerSDR receiver audio out is attached to one of these
virtual audio cables; and the digital app's audio input is
attached to this same virtual audio cable. (receiver audio is
attached to the FreeDV audio in using one of the created VAC
cables).
o The digital app's audio output is attached to the 2nd virtual
audio cable you created; which is attached to the transmitter
audio input of the PowerSDR VAC audio in.
* A virtual CAT serial com cable is built (in your computer) using
Steve Nance's VSP Manager. You will define to virtual serial ports
(example com9 and com19) when you create this virtual cable.
PowerSDR is attached to one of the com ports (ex. com19) and your
digital app (FreeDV) is attached to the other end (com9).
* Audio level adjustments are made within the VAC audio setup tab of
PowerSDR. On transmit, never exceed 0 db on the transmit audio ALC
reading.
This might seem a little complicated, but it is pretty easy. No wires,
no external boxes, and the signal quality is perfect since the audio
stays digital between your digital app and PowerSDR.
Good luck and ask questions here if you get stuck.
Steve WA7DUH
On 12/21/2012 3:12 PM, John Vandenberg wrote:
Trying to make digital voice with FreeDV (with codec2) to work with
the Flex.
Anyone knows how to do this? (or recommend some other program?)
John, ve3dvv
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