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When switching to an antenna selection with alternate paths and a specific path is not available due to a conflict,
the next free path is selected automatically. While using that antenna selection, the user can select among the
other alternatives by repeatedly pressing the same selection button (1-7). The selected path is stored in the non-
volatile memory. SMD will attempt to use the last selected alternative when returning to that antenna.
The number of the currently selected alternative is displayed next to ALT above the name of current antenna
path (LCD display, pos.7).
Virtual Rotators (VR)
When an antenna selection defined as a Virtual Rotator is
selected, its azimuth can be controlled in the very same way as
with individual rotators - either using the rotary encoder (Front
panel, pos.16), or from PC. Antenna paths corresponding to
azimuth changes are switched instantaneously as the target
azimuth changes.
The current azimuth of Virtual Rotator is displayed next to VR
above the name of current antenna path (LCD display, pos.7). The last azimuth (i.e. the last antenna path) is
remembered in the non-volatile memory of SMD.
Antenna Groups (GRP)
When an antenna selection defined as a Group is selected, the
rotary encoder is used for quick antenna switching. Turning the
encoder CW or CCW selects the antenna path, every step is
different antenna path from the group. Alternatively, buttons
[1]-[4] (Front panel, pos. 11-14) can be used to select from
among the first four antennas path from the group; LEDs
above these buttons indicate the selected antenna path.
Pressing the encoder knob briefly starts the antenna scanning
mode which can be stopped by pressing the encoder knob
again. By holding the encoder knob depressed while turning it
the time between switching antennas (scan time) can be
adjusted from 0.3 sec to 5.0 sec in 0.1 sec steps. The current
scan time is displayed next to GRP above the name of current antenna path (LCD display, pos.7). The last
selected antenna is remembered in the non-volatile memory of SMD.
Automatic antenna scan and its features can be enabled/disabled via the FUNCtion menu.
Antenna Selection Properties
Some antenna selections have additional features, e.g. a control unit controlling the microHAM Stack Switch can
control its two BOP combinations. These settings are normally not controlled directly through push buttons and
the rotary encoder; rather, they are accessible through an additional "Properties" menu. This menu is accessed
by pressing the PATH button (Front panel, pos.19) briefly. If there is a Properties menu associated with the
current antenna selection the LED above this button will start to flash and options will be displayed on the bottom
line of LCD (LCD display, pos.11).
The individual items can be selected or toggled by the respective button (1-7) below the LCD. Selecting an item
will exit the menu.
Memory Banks
Several items have been described that are stored in the non-volatile memory - status of splits for each band, the
last selected antenna selection for each band, the last used sub-selection for a given antenna, etc. As a group,
these settings represent the operating status of the SMD. This status can be stored in one of the three memory
banks, by pressing and holding one of the MB1-MB3 buttons to the right of LCD (Front Panel, pos.15) for one
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This antenna selection is a virtual rotator, indicated by VR
above the selection name together with its current azimuth.
This antenna selection is an antenna group, as indicated by
GRP above the selection name. When in autoscan mode, or
when the autoscan delay is being adjusted, the autoscan time
is displayed next to GRP. During autoscan time adjustment,
the autoscan time is displayed also in the top line, if enabled
by ticking "Scan time on change" in Router->SMD->Display
tab.
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