Description

BandMaster V. Universal Radio Band Decoder System with Relay Drivers

BandMaster V front view.

BandMaster V rear view.

Features

Jumper free configuration
No configuration software required
RS-232, CI-V and Band Data interfaces
USB may be connected directly to Flex SDR radios
Generates ICOM CI-V data stream from non-ICOM radios
Generates Yaesu/Kenwood data streams from ICOM radios and band data.
Automatic acquisition of CI-V address for ICOM radios
Built-in USB interface
Direct USB connection to Flex SDR radios
Bi-directional band data interface
Set automatic antenna selection for each band
12 relay outputs with up to 16 different configurations
Field upgradeable firmware
Anodized aluminum case
Laser engraved panels
Dimensions (HWD) 1.4" x 6.7" x 6.7" (35.6 mm x 170.2 mm x 170.2 mm)
Weight 1.2 pounds (0.54 kg)

BandMaster V Block Diagram

The BM-5 BandMaster V is a full featured unit that contains a universal band decoder and antenna switch controller. It features five communication channels. All channels are active simultaneously and provide data translation for your station accessories. In other words, if you are using an ICOM radio on the CI-V interface the BandMaster V will output 4-bit band data as well as RS-232 data in Yaesu or Kenwood format. In reverse, when using a radio on the RS-232 interface the BandMaster V will out 4-bit band data as well as an ICOM CI-V data stream.

The USB interface may be connected to your PC for radio control. The USB interface may be connected directly to a Flex SDR with no additional cables or interfaces required.

The BandMaster V contains a fully bi-directional band data interface. The band data interface operates in input mode when using band data from a Yaesu or Elecraft radio. When operating in band data mode the BandMaster V will output data on both the CI-V and RS-232 interfaces with the frequency fixed to the middle of the current band. The band data interface operates in output mode when any of the other data interfaces are used for your radio.

Configuring the BandMaster V is easily done from the front panel. No PC software is required. Antennas are easily assigned to each band. No diode matrix is needed for antennas used on multiple band.

The BandMaster V has 12 relay outputs which can configured in up to 16 different combinations. Any combination may be assigned as the default antenna for each band.

To download the BandMaster V user manual, click here.

To see more on related products click here

FLEX Radio Users, this was taken from the Flex Radio Community post by W2PP

Hook your USB cable from the Bandmaster DIRECTLY to the Flex 6700

Power on the Bandmaster, go to setup, go to setup radio, choose Flex Radio (knwd) ...that's how it looks

Go to SmartSDR, go to settings ( top of screen on left ), choose USB Ports
pick one and setup a CAT connection. Choose "TX SLICE" do NOT touch the default baud rate or bits, the radio and Bandmaster both default to 9600, 8,N,1

Go back to the band master, you should now see band data.

Go back to setup, then assign the antennas per band. You'll do that by walking through the bands in SmartSDR, the bandmaster will follow you, assign the appropriate number...where you tied your antenna to the back of the bandmaster, to each band. Its a OK if you have a multiband beam to assign multiple bands to that beam.

Your done.
Enjoy
Peter
W2PP