CTR2-Quad is the latest addition to the CTR2 product line. It is a four-knob controller based on the M5Dial from M5Stack. It shares the firmware and hardware concepts from its siblings, CTR2-Uno and CTR2-Duo.
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-Quad when running CTR2-Dial firmware.
Port Expansion
The port expansion PCB in CTR2-Quad uses two PCF8574 I2C 8-bit port expander ICs. These ICs allow one I2C port (Port A on the M5Dial) access to 16 status bits. This is just enough room for the CW paddle jack (2 bits), four encoders (2 bits each) and a switch on each encoder (2 bits). CTR2-Quad is equipped with four encoders. 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-Quad is only available in a 3D printed enclosure designed by Neil, G7UFO. It is available in my shop or in Neil’s shop for those looking for cheaper shipping costs to Europe.
Buttons 1 and 2 can be assigned to any Button functions, or dedicated to PTT
All knobs can be assigned a turn, and press-and-turn function. Knob pushbuttons can have a short and long-press Button function.
Dedicated Key/PTT and Paddle jacks on the back
NOTE: This is a new product and the design, panel layout, and knobs are subject to change.
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