Need help with PTT Control via iBox

9H5QB_Malta · Post by **9H5QB_Malta** » Fri May 20, 2011 4:40 am

Dear Gentlemen,

Kindly excuse my humble and noobish stance, but I'm caught into a dilemma!(':roll:')

I kinda got hooked lately into this Voodoo thing, and already have a proposed configuration and started to get equipment for my ESSB setup. I have had the pleasure to correspond with John NU9N and WZ5Q Mike, and I have learnt a lot from the guys.

My question is this.
I’m fully aware that the iBox has an RCA PTT input jack, however I have absolutely no idea what do I need and how to connect so that I will hook up some sort of ptt device for PTT Control. I need to know and see examples of what are other hams using(ptt devices) to transmit via the iBox! My HF rig is the TS-870, and I do not have the Acc at the rear.

I used to use the Heil Traveller boom mic, pressing the PTT and away we go...but now that the audio rack is slowly creepin' in da shack...

Any suggestions, links and examples of who is using what in the RCA PTT input jack of the iBox will be greatly appreciated..

Thanks.

M0AOV · Post by **M0AOV** » Fri May 20, 2011 4:40 pm

HI
Glad your enjoying yourself have a look at the link and you'll see what I'm using with a converter on the end so I can connect it to the RCA connection.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 500wt_1156

Rob

9H5QB_Malta · Post by **9H5QB_Malta** » Mon May 23, 2011 5:36 am

Thanks for your feedback Rob M0AOV , much appreciated! although that item is no longer available ':(' However, I contacted the seller perhaps he might have others for sale.

Also of note, I recieved some additional info from Julius W2IHY that can and may be of valuable help to others interested in this issue as well.(below)

''The Balanced TRS output of the MDX2600(my last piece in my audio chain) can be connected into the 1/4" TRS input of the iBox. The output of the Box may be connected to the TS870 using a EQ/NG Cable: Kenwood 8 Pin . This may be ordered on W2IHY web site. The iBox contains a RCA connector, When a male RCA connector is connected into the iBox female RCA connector your radio and the center conductor of the male RCA is connected to the shell of the connector, TS870 will transmit. You can connect a footswitch or hand switch to this connector. You can use a Heil footswitch or hand switch. The Heil hand switch or foot switch has a 1.4" mono connector. If the mono 1/4" connector is changed to a male RCA the footswitch/hand switch may be connected into the iBox.''

To support your Rack gear the following items may be ordered

1-W2IHY iBox
1-iBox Cable: TRS (1/4" male) to TRS (1/4" male)
1-EQ/NG Cable: Kenwood 8 Pin

M0AOV · Post by **M0AOV** » Mon May 23, 2011 2:29 pm

Hi Mario

What I got for my iBox is this item so it might help with the PTT and foot switch http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 500wt_1156

Regarding the foot switch he's selling another here is the link http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TATTOO-MACHINE-FO ... 500wt_1156

You should be up and running soon.

Rob

9H5QB_Malta · Post by **9H5QB_Malta** » Tue May 24, 2011 1:44 am

Hi Rob,

Thanks again for your assistance!

I have now managed to order the foot switch and an RCA adapter. I should be recieving the W2IHY Ibox soon, once that is all here, I will proceed with the final setting up and configure everything for the Essb project

Keep up the good work guys, I could not have gone far without your help. appreciated. I have an image of the proposed audio chain setup, however I cannot upload it on this forum.

Take Care

Mario
9H5QB

M0AOV · Post by **M0AOV** » Tue May 24, 2011 5:10 pm

Hi Mario
Glad your getting there, if you have some images or video of your setup you can always e-mail me them and I can stick them on my website also YouTube video.

Take care
Rob

9H5QB_Malta · Post by **9H5QB_Malta** » Thu May 26, 2011 12:53 am

Hey guys,

I have sent you an email Rob, with my audio chain configuration. I hope that you get it, and planning to experiment with a youtube video once I get everything going...

Thanks for all the help guys, I will keep you posted on the outcome, either you hear me on the bands, or else fiddling in despair to configure the voooooooodoooooo...

M0AOV · Post by **M0AOV** » Thu May 26, 2011 5:05 am

Hi Mario
Glad your getting there i'm sure everyone will listen out for you and listen to what your Audio's like, I've e-mailed you back and posted your Audio Config on my site and when you get a Video done on YouTube let me know.

Hope to hear you soon on HF

Rob

9H5QB_Malta · Post by **9H5QB_Malta** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 8:14 am

Hi Rob,

Quick update on my ESSB setup:

Audio Equipment should arrive later this week, however, the Audio Technica AT2035 mic and the footswitch you had suggested have made their long journey to Malta

Audio Technica AT2035 Mic
Behringer MIC2200 Ultragain Pro
Behringer FBQ1502 Ultragraph Pro
Behringer EX3200 Ultrafex Pro
Behringer MDX2600 Composer Pro XL
W2IHY Ibox + footswitch
Kenwood TS-870 HF

I'm thrilled to get everything setup, the hard part is to configure everything! This requires a day or two off work...lol I'm sure my XYL would think of many chores I'm afraid

Btw, I have changed my mind re: the eq. I have opted for the FBQ1502 Eq instead of the FBQ3102 since I won't be using that much Khz anyway!

Do any of you ladies have a suggested setup for the Behringer MDX2600 pls? I know it's a question of personal setup, but I would appreciate any comments.... I got the recommended setup for the EX3200, now that's a great reference!

Thanks guys for the inspiration..

M0AOV · Post by **M0AOV** » Sun Jun 19, 2011 4:43 am

Hi Mario

Get everything going good, I've just e-mail you with some links from my site which I hope will help you also some info for things at a good price from e-bay.

Rob

9H5QB_Malta · Post by **9H5QB_Malta** » Wed Jun 22, 2011 7:30 am

Hi Rob,

I am compiling a list of popular settings for the Behringer gear that are commonly used in many ham's audio ESSB setups. These will be in word doc format, however, if requested, in pdf format.

I have a simple question , since no matter how much I asked, I never seem to get a straight answer!

The TRS connection that from EX3200 ch1 OUT goes to ch2 IN does it have to be MONO(unbalanced)? Does it make a difference if BAL or UNBAL ?

Thanks again.

Mario 9H5QB

Post by **Voodoo Guru** » Wed Jun 22, 2011 8:12 am

Howdy Mario,
YES, it makes a huge difference.
The way it needs to be hooked up depends on what kind of Channel 1 Input and the Channel 2 Output cables are used. The Interconnect between the Channel 1 output and Channel 2 Input must be opposite whatever is used in the previous.
This has to do with how the signal is phased.

Please read the explanation here:

http://www.wz5q.net/talkvoodoo/viewtopic.php?t=36

and also the connection scheme on this page:

http://www.wz5q.net/index/rack_data/3200.htm

Take Care,

9H5QB_Malta · Post by **9H5QB_Malta** » Wed Jun 22, 2011 8:55 am

Howdy folks!

Thanks Mr. Guru...

Yep, I followed the links, and now I have a straight answer!

Thanks

'The signal then comes out of Channel 1 and is injected into Channel 2
using an unbalanced cable. Using an unbalanced cable literally grounds the Non-inverting input of the differential op amp servo-buffer, and the signal goes to the Inverting Input of the op amp.
This configuration now makes the Servo-Buffer an Inverting Amplifier
which actually inverts the incoming signals harmonix 180 degrees out of
phase. The Surround Processor circuit then takes a sample of this Channel 2 signal for processing.
The Surround Processor Spectral Enhancement circuitry tries to widen
this effect as its designed to do (see below).
But being that the Channel 2 sample is 180 degrees out of phase with the
Channel 1 signal, the Processor actually adds or subtracts the harmonix
together. You can adjust this harmonix 'spacing' by turning the 'Surround' control and actually hear the mix thickin and thin out as the harmonix phase in and out with each other. So this actually puts harmonix in-between harmonix! This signal then goes thru the Channel 2 Bass Processor which gets even more sub-harmonix and harmonix added to the mix. '

Cya

Mario 9H5QB