There are occasions where an operator may wish to operate two different modes on the same frequency:
For example:
- Operating SSTTV to send pictures with MMSSTV, and add comments by voice before or after the pictures have been sent.
- Sending MARS/SHARES message data using a digital program, and also communicating with stations using voice modes on the same channel while coordinating a net.
The problem is that most digital modes require using DIGU or DIGL mode so that the digital signal is clean - not using the TX EQ or PROCESSOR functions. But when using SSB, it is desirable to use USB or LSB and use a different Mic profile that utilizes PROCESSOR, TX EQ, and different TX Bandwidth settings.
One effective way to do this is by using TWO different Panadapters:
On Pandapter A -- Set up Digital/SSTV
- Open a slice on the panadapter, tuned to your desired DIGITAL/SSTV Frequency.
- Configure Slice A for your SSTV or DIGITAL Program as you would normally.
- Select MODE = DIGU, or DIGL as needed
- Create a Mic Profile for the Digital mode that includes appropriate TX Bandwidth and TX DAX Enabled. Call it "DIGITAL" or "SSTV."
- Configure the CAT port used for your Digital/SSTV program to use the "Auto-Switch Slice A" setting in the CAT configuration for that COM or TCP port. (See tutorial documents below)
ON Panadapter B -- Set up your Voice Channel
- Open a slice on Panadapter B, tuned to your desired Voice Frequency. (Which may be the same frequency)
- Select MODE = USB or LSB, as needed
- Create a Mic Profile for the Voice Mode that includes appropriate TX Bandwidth, Processor, TX EQ settings, and TX DAX DISABLED. Label this appropriately for your voice mode.
Operating using this configuration:
- When you transmit with your DIGITAL or SSTV Program, the radio will automatically change the "Active Transmit" slice to Slice A and transmit on Slice A with your Digital/SSTV Data.
- After your digital transmission, the radio will remain with Slice A as the "Active TX Slice."
- When you wish to make a Voice Transmission -- FIRST select the "TX" indicator in Slice B to set Slice B as the "Active Transmit Slice."
- Then hit the PTT and transmit normally on Slice B in voice mode. The radio will remain with Slice B as the Active Slice.
- When you again need to transmit with your DIGITAL or SSTV Program, just do so normally, and the radio will automatically switch to Slice A and transmit your digital information.
This makes changing to Voice Mode on Slice B a simple one-click selection.
An Alternative, More Automated Method:
Utilize a CAT Port PTT for Slice B / Voice Mode.
- Construct or purchase a PTT "Thumb-switch" or "Footswitch" adapter that translates the PTT closure to a COM Port signal for PTT.
One device that is highly reviewed and inexpensive is here:
HaliKey MIDI - Halibut Electronics
This one contains a built-in thumb switch
USB Hand Switch for PTT fits FLEX SDR RADIO 6000 Series 6300 6400 6500 6600 6700 | eBay
- Configure a COM Port as a PTT Port and configure it to use the "Auto-Switch Slice B" setting in the CAT configuration for that slice. (See the CAT User Guide Below)
- Configure a COM Port as a PTT Port and configure it to use the "Auto-Switch Slice B" setting in the CAT configuration for that slice. (See the CAT User Guide Below)
- When you need to transmit with Voice Mode on Slice B, press the Thumb-Switch or Footswitch that is connected to the HaliKey or other device.
- This will automatically switch Slice B to be the "Active Transmit Slice" and key the Radio so you can transmit on Slice B.
- When you need to transmit on the DIGITAL / SSVT Slice, simply do so normally.
OTHER ADVICE:
- You can reverse the modes -- using Voice on Slice A and Digital/SSTV on Slice B -- Simply swap the "Auto-Switch Slice" settings between the Digital Slice and the Voice Slice:
- When you need to adjust the frequency of either slice, be sure to select that slice as the "Active Slice before making any adjustments.
- If you are using an M-Model Front Panel or a Maestro to control the radio, rather than SmartSDR for Windows, be sure that you have appropriately selected the Front Panel or the Maestro in both the DAX and CAT "Station" Pull-down menus so that the radio will know WHICH "Client Device" slices to use.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Here are several documents and tutorials that cover setup and operation of your microphone, and/or various Digital Modes, or have hints on creating Mic Profiles or setting up DAX and CAT:
Adjusting your Microphone Settings for Best TX Audio – FlexRadio
How To Configure MMSSTV (Slow Scan) for the FLEX-6000/8000 Series Radios – FlexRadio
How to Configure Fldigi for the FLEX-6000/8000 Radios – FlexRadio
Configuring WSJT-X for the FLEX-6000/8000 Series – FlexRadio