[ICOM] PW-1 and Omni VI

[htankin at comcast.net]

Steve, 

My current station consists of an Icom 756 PRO, Yaesu Mark V Field and the Icom PW-1. Both transceivers are fully interfaced to the PW-1 ... the Mark V Field takes full advantage of the PW-1's auto band and antenna selection features.

Although I'm using the Mark V and you have the Omni VI interfacing should be possible. Couple of things:

(1) I came across some info (when and where I don't recall) that the Omni V and VI employed the same band data as Icom. Hence, if true it would appear that a converter would not be necessary, only requiring you to build the necessary cables. I was only able to do the same with my Mark V by using the microHAM Band Decoder..which by the way is an outstanding piece of kit. You may want to explore this option if the Omni VI band data is not the same as Icom.

(2) While the Omni VI band data may be same as Icom, the question remains regarding the CI-V control necessary for the PW-1.  Again, it may be easier to use the microHAM Band Decoder to handle this.

(2) My understanding is ALC is essential as the first line of protection. Why TT does not provide this I fail to understand. You may want to check with Tech Support. I was able to use an RCA patch cable between the Mark V Field ALC jack and the PW-1 ALC jack.

(3) There are two ways to power the PW1. (a) use the PW-1 auxillary power supply per page 9 of the PW-1 manual. This works, but will require the control head LEDs to remain on all the time. (b) take power (13.8V, 0.5A) from the Omni VI (if available) or separate source to pin 7 of the PW-1's ACC1 or ACC2 sockets.  I did this with the Mark V Field..so when I turn on the Field the PW-1 lights up as if  I were using the 756 Pro.  However, be sure the OmniVI or other source provides 0.5 amps at 13.8V.

(4) I then use an RCA patch cable between my Mark V Field's TX GND jack and the PW-1 SEND jack. 

(5) Configured the Mark V Field and PW-1 per the PW-1 manual as if the Mark V was an Icom rig.

(6) Adjusted the ALC setting on the PW-1

All works great.  Both the 756 Pro and Mark V Field drive the PW-1 and the Mark V appears to be an Icom rig to the PW-1.

Again, if the band data and CI-V issues are difficult to resolve, the microHAM Band Decoder could be a solution.  I have found Jozef and the microHAM folks to be outstanding regarding tech questions, support, etc.  Again, an excellent product.

Hope this helps.

Harry WE1X



-------------- Original message -------------- 

> I am trying to figure out how to interface the PW1 and Omni VI. First, 
> the Omni VI has no ALC input so I suppose I will be taking a risk of 
> overloading the amp. The amp seems to have it's own protection system 
> anyway. 
> Next, what about automatic band changing? It looks like the ACC jack on 
> the amp uses voltage changes to make it change bands but then it also 
> looks like the CV1 input does the same thing. I'm confused about this 
> part. It also looks like I need to rob 12v from the Omni and wire it to 
> the ACC cable for a power source to the PW1's control head but will that 
> interfere with having another (Icom) rig connected at the same time? 
> Finally, there's the issue of cw keying. I want to maintain QSK keying 
> but it looks like I'll need to rig up an interface for this. Perhaps I 
> can use the Omni's key-in/out voltage to drive a transistor to 
> conduction and sink the PW1's send line to ground? 
> Your thoughts? 
> N4LQ Steve 
> 
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