I’m excited to present the next member of the Lynovation CTR2 family, CTR2-Flex. This new unit is a standalone controller specifically designed for the Flex Radio 6xxx/8xxx series radios. It connects directly to the radio using WiFi and uses the Flex API. It works with any version of SmartSDR (Windows and iOS/MacOS). Multiple CTR2-Flex units can be connected to the radio at the same time with each unit controlling a separate slice.
It connects as a non-GUI client if SmartSDR is running or as a GUI client if there are no other GUI clients running. This gives you the ability to control your radio without booting your computer. The Flex does not support SmartLink.
For simplicity I’ll refer to all members of the CTR2 family by their last names in italics, i.e. CTR2-Flex = Flex, CTR2-Dial = Dial, CTR2-MIDI = MIDI, and CTR2-Micro = Micro.
A Family Legacy
The Flex builds on a long line of radio control products, going back to the original CTR controller presented in the February 2007 issue QST. If you’re interested, QST and QEX article reprints are available here.
I try to build each new product from as much legacy code as possible. I’ve never believed in reinventing the wheel, but fine-tuning it for higher performance is fun!
The Flex utilizes code from all of it’s ancestors.
What’s in a Name?
I chose the name CTR2-Flex for two reasons. Obviously, one reason is because the unit is focused on Flex Radios. The other reason it that it is flexible. Currently, it can run either Flex or Dial firmware (btw, so can the Dial). The Dial has limited I/O and users have to choose between having two encoders or one encoder and a CW paddle jack. The Flex unit contains a new port expander board that allows the M5Dial to access more than just two devices so users can have two encoders and the CW paddle jack. The new board also supports a switch on each encoder that adds additional control options. This flexible hardware platform provides a path forward for future controller apps.
If you really, really want a Dial with two encoders and the CW paddle jack you can purchase a dual-encoder Flex unit and install the Dial firmware on it.
Port Expansion
The port expansion PCB 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). Port B on the M5Dial is used to drive an external speaker with a volume control to provide sidetone for the internal keyer.
The PCB can be supplied with either one or two encoders and fits snugly in either the New Age or 3D printed enclosure.
Flex Features
As noted above, the Flex is a combination of the Dial and Micro firmware. It connects to your radio using WiFi so it’s usable anywhere on your LAN. It doesn’t support SmartLink so remote operation requires exposing port 4992 on your radio to the internet, which can be a security issue. There’s a discussion about remote operation on page 12 in the Micro’s operation manual.
The Flex user interface works a lot like the Dial. There are 30 Dial functions (adjustable parameters), 36 pushbuttons (for band, mode, and DSP/filter control, and 12 Knob functions that can be assigned to any of the Dial functions.
In addition to this user interface there is a Dashboard interface that gives you quick access to all of the control settings the Flex supports. Here’s just a few of the pages directly accessible from the Dashboard.
You can enter a frequency using the keypad, control the internal keyer, and select and edit 9 CW macros too. You can even adjust the panadapter and change the slice you’re working with.
YouTube Introduction
I’ve posted a video on YouTube that goes over all the functions in the firmware. You can view it below.
But I already own a Dial
No problem. Flex firmware will run on the Dial. The only thing that doesn’t work very well is the sidetone (it’s too quiet). As a workaround you can just connect your paddles or key directly to the radio if it’s close by. If the radio isn’t close by you can connect an external keyer and turn off the keyer in the Flex (set it to Straight key mode) and key the radio over WiFi.
Try it today
If you already have a Dial you can download the Flex firmware here and try it out. Your registration key is valid for both firmwares. You can always flash the Dial firmware back to your unit after your evaluation. Don’t erase the ESP32-S3’s flash in the EspressIF Flash Download tool or you’ll need to reenter you call, registration key, and any settings you had in you Dial setup.
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