CTR2-Duo is a two-knob controller based on the M5Dial from M5Stack. It was originally branded CTR2-Flex and optioned with two knobs. To minimize confusion, the two-knob CTR2-Flex was rebranded as CTR2-Duo to differentiate it from its siblings, CTR2-Uno and CTR2-Quad.
CTR2-Duo, CTR2-Uno, and CTR2-Quad all run CTR2-Flex and CTR2-Dial firmware. You can choose which firmware to run from the Settings menu in either program. This firmware supports both stand-alone Flex radio control, using WiFi and the Flex API (CTR2-Flex mode), and Bluetooth/USB MIDI control (CTR2-Dial mode) using third-party apps that support MIDI control of their functions. Available apps include Marcus’ (DL8MRE) excellent Apple apps (SmartSDR, SDR-Control, FT-Control, TS-Control, and K4-Control), or Windows apps like Thetis and SDR-Console, and others.
NOTE: In Marcus’ apps, use CTR2-Dial Controller in the Tools menu for CTR2-Duo when running CTR2-Dial firmware.
Port Expansion
The port expansion PCB in CTR2-Duo uses the PCF8574 I2C 8-bit port expander IC. This IC allows one I2C port (Port A on the M5Dial) access to 8 status bits. This is just enough room for the CW paddle jack (2 bits), two encoders (2 bits each) and a switch on each encoder (2 bits). CTR2-Duo is equipped with two encoder. Port B on the M5Dial is used to drive an external speaker with a volume control to provide sidetone for the internal keyer when running the CTR2-Flex firmware.
NOTE: The sidetone feature is not used in the CTR2-Dial MIDI control firmware.
CTR2-Duo is available in either the New Age or a 3D printed enclosure designed by Neil, G7UFO. Both styles are available on my shop. The 3D version is available on Neil’s shop for those looking for cheaper shipping costs to Europe.
3D printed enclosure running CTR2-Dial firmware
3D printed enclosure running CTR2-Flex firmware
New Age Enclosure running CTR2-Dial firmware
New Age Enclosure running CTR2-Flex firmware
As always, let me know if you have any suggestions or find bugs in the firmware. I’ll do my best to resolve bugs ASAP.
Thanks for your support,
73, Lynn