Re: [IRCA] Antenna switches for automated spectrum recording

2018-10-18 Thread Chuck Hutton 
I think I mentioned that my module is a SainSmart whose family of relay cards 
is pretty big.


A simple way to run scheduled events is via the Windows Scheduler. No 
programming necessary. And fortunately SainSmart supports command line 
parameters when you invoke the program.


So in principle you could have an 8 channel antenna switcher on a scheduled 
basis for $11.53.


Someday I'll do it, when my intercontinental network of retirement homes 
becomes available.


Chuck



From: IRCA  on behalf of Nick Hall-Patch 

Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2018 3:11 PM
To: Mailing list for the International Radio Club of America
Subject: Re: [IRCA] Antenna switches for automated spectrum recording

I've used a USB controlled relay board to switch two antennas to one
SDR remotely, Mark:

http://www.tinyosshop.com/index.php?route=product/product=141_142_id=630

(this outfit has a lot of neat toys)

However, if you wanted timed switching, you'd need to write your own
routine (perhaps)   I didn't look too far, as I had an immediate
problem that needed solving, controlling a remote receiver/computer
via Remote Desktop (Teamviewer is probably an easier alternative),
and switching antennas at a remote site.   But, I was the "timer" as
far as running the receiver and switching the antennas.

But, it should be doable, and could be done.   Not by me however; sorry.

best wishes,

Nick



At 18:56 2018-10-18, Mark Pettifor wrote:
>Given the following criteria:
>
>1. Two or more antennas
>2. Spectrum recordings are set up for two or more times of the day
>(sunrise and sunset, for example)
>
>Are there antenna switches out there that can be switched
>programmatically from my PC at certain times of the day?
>
>The goal is to be able to program spectrum IQ (or even single
>frequency IQ or audio) recordings at time T using antenna X.
>
>Or at the least, the goal would be to be able to remote in to my PC
>and run a program that would allow me to (a) select which antenna is
>active, and then (b) start a recording. I can already do (b), but
>the recording will be using whatever antenna happens to be selected
>on the mechanical switch (and it's usually the wrong one).
>
>Mark Pettifor
>Goshen, IN
>KC9DOC-en71ao
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Nick Hall-Patch
Victoria, BC
Canada

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Re: [IRCA] Antenna switches for automated spectrum recording

2018-10-18 Thread Nick Hall-Patch 
I've used a USB controlled relay board to switch two antennas to one 
SDR remotely, Mark:


http://www.tinyosshop.com/index.php?route=product/product=141_142_id=630

(this outfit has a lot of neat toys)

However, if you wanted timed switching, you'd need to write your own 
routine (perhaps)   I didn't look too far, as I had an immediate 
problem that needed solving, controlling a remote receiver/computer 
via Remote Desktop (Teamviewer is probably an easier alternative), 
and switching antennas at a remote site.   But, I was the "timer" as 
far as running the receiver and switching the antennas.


But, it should be doable, and could be done.   Not by me however; sorry.

best wishes,

Nick



At 18:56 2018-10-18, Mark Pettifor wrote:

Given the following criteria:

1. Two or more antennas
2. Spectrum recordings are set up for two or more times of the day 
(sunrise and sunset, for example)


Are there antenna switches out there that can be switched 
programmatically from my PC at certain times of the day?


The goal is to be able to program spectrum IQ (or even single 
frequency IQ or audio) recordings at time T using antenna X.


Or at the least, the goal would be to be able to remote in to my PC 
and run a program that would allow me to (a) select which antenna is 
active, and then (b) start a recording. I can already do (b), but 
the recording will be using whatever antenna happens to be selected 
on the mechanical switch (and it's usually the wrong one).


Mark Pettifor
Goshen, IN
KC9DOC-en71ao
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original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of 
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Nick Hall-Patch
Victoria, BC
Canada 


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Re: [IRCA] Antenna switches for automated spectrum recording

2018-10-18 Thread Guy Atkins 
Hi Mark,

There looks to be good information in this PDF about remote antennas used
over the Internet:
https://www.marcclub.org/mweb/doc/WN3R%20Remote%20Operation%20Slides.pdf

I think this ham's approach is way too complicated for what you need, but
there are some good vendors, products, & links mentioned.

73,

Guy Atkins
Puyallup, WA




On Thu, Oct 18, 2018 at 11:56 AM Mark Pettifor  wrote:

> Given the following criteria:
>
> 1. Two or more antennas
> 2. Spectrum recordings are set up for two or more times of the day
> (sunrise and sunset, for example)
>
> Are there antenna switches out there that can be switched
> programmatically from my PC at certain times of the day?
>
> The goal is to be able to program spectrum IQ (or even single frequency
> IQ or audio) recordings at time T using antenna X.
>
> Or at the least, the goal would be to be able to remote in to my PC and
> run a program that would allow me to (a) select which antenna is active,
> and then (b) start a recording. I can already do (b), but the recording
> will be using whatever antenna happens to be selected on the mechanical
> switch (and it's usually the wrong one).
>
> Mark Pettifor
> Goshen, IN
> KC9DOC-en71ao
>
>
>
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Re: [IRCA] Antenna switches for automated spectrum recording

2018-10-18 Thread Chuck Hutton 
Mark -


You can do this 2 ways that I can think of.


First is a board with relays and an interface to a PC. These are cheap (as low 
as $15) and readily available. However, you'll need to wire up its terminals to 
connectors suitable for your antennas. These can be found easily on Amazon and 
eBay.


Second is a remote antenna controller. DX Engineering carries sone, although I 
know nothing about them. A Google for remote antenna switch will get you 
bunches of hits. They can be expensive a la DX Engineering.


Chuck



From: IRCA  on behalf of Mark Pettifor 

Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2018 11:56 AM
To: IRCA List
Subject: [IRCA] Antenna switches for automated spectrum recording

Given the following criteria:

1. Two or more antennas
2. Spectrum recordings are set up for two or more times of the day
(sunrise and sunset, for example)

Are there antenna switches out there that can be switched
programmatically from my PC at certain times of the day?

The goal is to be able to program spectrum IQ (or even single frequency
IQ or audio) recordings at time T using antenna X.

Or at the least, the goal would be to be able to remote in to my PC and
run a program that would allow me to (a) select which antenna is active,
and then (b) start a recording. I can already do (b), but the recording
will be using whatever antenna happens to be selected on the mechanical
switch (and it's usually the wrong one).

Mark Pettifor
Goshen, IN
KC9DOC-en71ao
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contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its 
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