Date: Thu, 23 Mar 2006 09:00:57 -0500 From: n2ckh@optonline.net Subject: re: AT200PC and more automatic antenna selection Hello All, The AT200PC is an excellent external ATU, in a class by itself regarding a number of parameters. I have had the honor and pleasure of working with the device since the begining and in my opinion (for whatever it may be worth) it out performs and provides versatility over all other external ATU's when one is looking to develop a fully computer controlled HF station for any given purpose. With regard to my main interests at this time, that being Automatic Link Establishment and the MARS-ALE software, this ATU in my opinion is simply the best choice for ALE operations. However, for those needing more than two antenna ports in there operation, it falls short, but seriously, how much can you really squeze into the box, at least it provides the selection of two ports, which for most is likely enough! In my efforts I have approached this in a number of ways, regarding other products offered by LDG, the answer is the DTS-x 4 and 6 port external switches which have been discussed on this forum in the past, they are a perfect match to the frequency coverage of the AT200PC. Adding a DTS-4 to one or both ports of the AT200PC will be fully supported by the units 3D memory, two of the DTS-4 units will actually max out the units ability, which is the storage of data on 8 different antennae. Although not sold by LDG as such, the DTS-x switches are computer controllable, I and an associated developed a proper RS-232/DTS-x interface for direct control of ether the DTS-4 or DTS-6 without the inclusion of a DTS-xR remote control unit, that aspect will be addressed later as time permits. The MARS-ALE application note on the use of the LDG DTS-x external, computer controlled antenna switches, to provide for even more antenna selection options, with a full shematic of the interface can be found at: http://www.n2ckh.com/MARS_ALE_FORUM/LDG_DTS4_DTS6.pdf Should anyone have any questions on this subject feel free to ask, at present the only software that I know of which supports this is the coming beta release of MARS-ALE and the only off the shelf source of RS-232 interfaces at present is listed in the above document, however I am sure that will all change in the near future. Sincerely, /s/ Steve, N2CKH/AAR2EY www.n2ckh.com ================================================================================ ================================================================================ ================================================================================ ================================================================================ ================================================================================ ================================================================================ ================================================================================ ================================================================================ ================================================================================ ================================================================================ ================================================================================ ================================================================================ ================================================================================ ================================================================================ ================================================================================ ================================================================================