DP-AMP HVF-1k2 Controller

DP-AMP Controller

The new controller concept differs fundamentally from other concepts because it is completely flexible and runs with standard components. The project is to be seen as a further development of the DP-AMP Arduino controller which was already used in the HF-1200 and described in the CQ-DL 09/2015.

It is basically divided into 4 assemblies, a DP-AMP controller board, an Arduino Mega 2560 R3, a Raspberry Pi and a 7" touch screen display.
The difference to other concepts is the flexibility in the choice of protection circuits.
On the controller board, the user is provided with inputs and outputs via connectors, which are precisely defined.

In the Arduino the applied voltages & signals are further processed and transmitted to the
Raspberry PI which takes over the display of the data and the control of certain functions such as the control of an antenna tuner via the touch screen panel.

A small example:
On the DP-AMP Amp-Control Board there are the Anlog Input 1 & 2 which are defined as follows:
Analog input 1: 0 - 5V input correspond to 0W - 1500W output power
Analog Input 2: 0 - 5V Input correspond to 0W - 250W Reflected Power

The software can now display the output power, display the reflected power and calculate the VSWR and if desired switch a digital output at certain parameters.
All that is needed is a VSWR measuring bridge. Of course it can be done more elegant with two
AD8307 for logarithmic measurement of the powers.

Similarly, this is also true for measuring and displaying voltages and currents, etc.

The automatic antenna tuner controls the ATU-1k2 via an interface which is no problem because of the
VSWR measurement is no problem.

Of course, there are functions such as automatic selection of the band filters as well as remote access and thus the power amplifier is also remotely operable.

The Arduino takes over the measurement, control and regulation. Due to the programming in C/C++ the program is very fast. The measured values are recorded and evaluated approx. 800 times per second. This speed gives security on the subject of protection of the output stage.

Basic functions of the controller:
1. measure power Forward
2. power measurement Reflected
3. VSWR display
4. VSWR Shutdown when VSWR is too high
5. measure operating voltages, 50V, 12V, 5V, BIAS voltage
6. measurement of current
7. band switching for Yaesu, Elecraft, TenTec, ICOM, Kenwood
8. CAT input for tracking the ATU
9. fan control with thresholds
10. digital temperature sensors
11. 4 Port Sequncer adjustable
12. connection for LPF
13. connection for ATU
14. connection for PA
15. connection for 4 fans

First demo GUI 2014

Surface & Functions:
1. power display Forward & Reflected
2. VSWR display
3. efficiency display
4. temperature display
5. all voltage and current indicators
6. fan control Silent Mode / Contest Mode
7. operating parameter settings / protection circuits
8. automatic antenna tuner control
9. remote operation
10. support for all smartphones & tablets
11. scalable graphics depending on resolution
12. support of all HDMI displays no matter if 5" / 7" / 10" or 60".

The graphical interface is programmed in JAVA and runs on any PC or single board computer like Raspberry PI. The software is NOT "married" to the Raspberry or Arduino. Everyone can install his Raspberry with his preferred Linux distribution, install programs like DX-Cluster, VOACP etc. and the JAVA App. So you have FULL CONTROL over your system, can set up networks, install updates, etc.

Ready-made images always have a certain aftertaste for me. It is certainly convenient, but the past has already shown that a "manufacturer" has kept a backdoor open and thus had access to the systems and networks.