There is now a new version of the firmware for the Juma PA-100D, version 1.05k Build 2. With the availability of a real Elecraft KX3 as opposed to simply the Programmer's Reference Manual I have now optimised the performance of this amplifier when used with the KX3.
Previously when using the Auto-Inform feature it could take up to 5 seconds for the PA-100D to respond to a band change. An examination of the serial data packets from the KX3 revealed that the IF data packet was always being sent last, and that as there seemed to be a 1 second timing sequence scheduling the KX3 messages, this could mean quite a long delay. This investigation also showed that whenever a band change occurs, the FA VFO-A frequency data packet is always sent first, and therefore it made sense to use this data rather than the IF data string. This version of the firmware has a considerably simplified serial KX3 response parser compared to the previous versions, since only the FA data packet needs to be examined, and it is therefore much easier to reject other unwanted data that may accompany this packet.
It was also evident that with polling disabled the amplifier would not necessarily select the correct band on initial start-up. This is because even with Auto-Inform enabled on the KX3, when it powers up is does not send any data, you have to make a frequency change to force an update to occur. To avoid this, with polling disabled the PA-100D will now send a single FA; query message to the KX3. Therefore, the recommended power-up sequence is:
1. First power up the KX3 and let it initialise.
2. Power up the PA-100D. As soon as it initialises it will send a single query command, and the KX3 will respond with the current VFO-A frequency, causing the correct output filters to be selected.
In order to verify that the PA-100D is responding correctly to KX3 messages, there is now a 'hidden' debug feature available to change the message time-out from 500mS to 5,000mS. To use this feature, press and hold the BAND- button, and power up the amplifier. A message will be displayed informing you that the timer is now set to 5,000mS. This will allow you enough time to send messages from a terminal program to the PA-100D to verify correct operation. For further details see Annex C of the User Manual.
These changes also mean that the amplifier can more easily co-exist with external logging programs such as HRD when using a split 'Y' cable to connect the amplifier and the KX3 to a PC serial port. In this mode the PA-100D will simply 'listen' on the KX3 transmit data line, and will extract the frequency information from the FA messages which will always be present. This means that Auto-Inform need not be enabled when using the PA-100D 'piggy-backed' onto the RS-232 data from the KX3 and connecting the KX3 to a PC as there will alsways be sufficient data available.
73, Adrian, 5B4AIY
PA-100D 1.05k Build 2 (Source+HEX Load File+User Manual).zipComplete 'C' Language Source, HEX Load File & Revised User Manual(184.14 KiB)
[ 此帖被BG4DRL在2013-08-18 03:32重新编辑 ]
