Antenna Switching & Ptt Sequencer: Virtual Rotators - microHAM STATION MASTER Manual

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Due to software issues with early versions of the SteppIR transceiver interface controller, it is not possible to

always keep Station Master and the SteppIR controller in sync if changes are made using the SteppIR local

controls. If you make changes using the SteppIR controller, it will be necessary to "undo" the function (¾, wave, bi-

dir, 180, band change, etc.) on the SteppIR controller. If the SteppIR controller is connected and communicating

with Router, the version number of the transceiver interface is displayed next to the serial port functions settings.

All SteppIR functions are also available on a PS/2 keypad attached to Station Master. Using the keypad allows

manual control while keeping Station Master and SteppIR in sync.

Station Master Does Not support some antennas using the SDA-100 controller.

Connecting a UltraBeam controller:

Station Master's SERIAL port must be connected with the UltraBeam Serial using a straigth DB9M/DB9M cable.

Only three wires are necessary, pin 2 to pin 2, pin 3 to pin 3 and pin 5 to pin 5 but it is important to add jumper

(short) between pins 4 and 8 on UltraBeam cable end. Do Not connect to any other pin; doing so will cause the

UltraBeam Controller to operate improperly. Baud rate in Router MUST be set to 19200 bps, other speeds will not

connect controller. There are no special settings in controller menu required.

NOTE: Station Master can control only ONE SteppIR or UltraBeam antenna.

A unique feature of Station Master is the ability to combine several fixed antennas in a "virtual rotator." This allows

automatic direction selection under application control just as if the group of fixed antennas was single antenna turned

by a conventional rotator. The virtual rotator function can also be used to control a "Four Square" or similar phased

array.

The number of virtual rotators is not limited; a new Virtual Rotator (VR) can be added by Add button or a virtual rotor

can be deleted by selecting it (orange background) and clicking the Remove button.

When a new VR is added, Router automatically adds first antenna from the Antennas list to the VR. Another antennas

can be added or removed by selecting an antenna line inside VR and clicking the Add/Remove button.

The order of antennas can be changed with Up/Down buttons.

VIRTUAL ROTATORS

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