microHAM STATION MASTER Manual page 27

Before Station Master most band decoders simply accepted band data – either BCD data or an analog voltage
representing the entire amateur band. Even those decoders that obtain frequency information from the radio's
control (CAT) port simply determine the appropriate amateur band and selected one output for the entire band.
Real world requirements are more complex than that - even a "simple" antenna system often contains several
antennas capable of operation on a given band and antennas that can operate on more than one band. In
addition, modern amateur stations may have selectable bandpass filters, stub filters and/or receive only
antennas (with or without preamplifiers that must be protected during transmit).
To accomplish the many interrelated functions, Station Master divides the outputs into three functional classes.
Each output on PORT A and PORT B can be individually assigned to one of these three functions.
Antenna class (ANT)
Outputs in this class are used mainly for controlling antenna switches
and operate based on a combination of band, transmit/receive state and
manual (front panel) inputs. One or more Antenna outputs are active for
each antenna (single antenna, virtual rotator or antenna group) selection.
Filter class (BPF)
BPF outputs operate based only on the operating frequency and are
used primarily to control switchable (multiband) band pass filter or
coaxial stub filters. A "BPF" output is active whenever the operating
frequency falls within the defined band regardless of current antenna
selection and/or transceiver RX/TX state. Frequency segments (bands)
and outputs are defined on the Bands tab.
Sequencer class (SEQ)
Operation of sequencer outputs depends on the currently selected
antenna, the current band and transceiver RX/TX state. Sequencer
outputs are used primarily for timed ON/OFF switching of receiving
preamplifiers or power amplifiers. An output is active whenever the
transceiver is in the transmit state AND the output is enabled for the current band. The output polarity and
switching times can be on the PA & Sequencer sub-tab; the bands of operation can be selected on the Bands
sub-tab.
NOTE: For ANT and BPF switches, a break-before-make delay can be defined on the PA & Sequencer sub-tab.
TIP: If your station contains an antenna switch and band pass filter, use PORT A for the antenna switch
and PORT B 1-6 for BPF control. B7-10 can be used for sequencer outputs if needed. This configuration
provides separate drivers for BPF and antenna switch if one requires source and second sink drive.
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