EA4TX RemoteBox Series Quick start guide

RemoteBox
RemoteBox
Hardware Reference &
Operational Manual
Feb/2019 Rev 1.7a ENG

Hardware Reference and Operational Manual: RemoteBox Page 2
Introduction
The RemoteBox family of controllers is comprised of several universal antenna
switching controllers.
There are 6 models based on the number of inputs and number of antennas it can
control.
These are the available models:
•RemoteBox 4-Square(4 Square antennas)
•RemoteBox 1x6 (1 RF IN and 6 Antennas)
•RemoteBox 1x8 (1 RF IN and 8 Antennas)
•RemoteBox 2x6 (2 RF IN and 6 Antennas)
•RemoteBox 2x8 (2 RF IN and 8 Antennas)
•RemoteBox 2x12 (2 RF IN and 12 Antennas)

The RemoteBox 4-Square was added in October 2016, and use ANT1 output (3
wires) to control the antenna direction of the 4 verticals.

There is a special firmware based on the RemoteBox 1x8 and compatible with
Ameritron RCS-10 that uses a BCD Output (Ant1, Ant2 and Ant3 output pins)
The RemoteBox devices are NOT antenna switches but the controller with which to
use a commercial switch or a homemade one.
Some of the commercially available switches tested with RemoteBox are Array
Solutions - SixPack (2x6), SJ2W switch kits (1x6, 2x6), DX Engineering or MicroHAM
switches such as Six Switch, Double Six Switch, RemoteQTH, ForDXrs, Ameritron
RCS-10, DX4DXr’s and many others.
One of the great advantages of the RemoteBox family of controllers is the capability
to auto switch the antenna port based on Band Data and band changes on the radio.
It also adds the option to control the antenna switch remotely with a computer, both
locally or remotely by IP. This is ideal for a remote station.
The RemoteBox can also automate band pass filter selection through the auxiliary
port.
The user can always see the selected antenna through the LCD display as well as
the customized labels defined by the user.
It is very important to read the full manual. This product is pretty much
Plug & Play and very user friendly, however, familiarity with all the software and
hardware features will yield better results and allow the user to realize the full
potential of the RemoteBox.

Hardware Reference and Operational Manual: RemoteBox Page 3
About the Manual
This manual is divided in several sections.
There are also annexes with several switch and radio connection diagrams.
Please read carefully the manual prior to making any connections. If any issue
or problem arises from the use of this device please do not hesitate to contact
the manufacturer at:
Address:
Definit Data SL
Att: Mr. Pablo García - EA4TX
Fresno 67
28522 Rivas
Madrid - SPAIN
E-mail:
[email protected]
Web:
http://www.ea4tx.com

Hardware Reference and Operational Manual: RemoteBox Page 4
IMPORTANT NOTICE
READ BEFORE OPERATING THIS UNIT
PRECAUTIONS
! – THIS UNIT IS NOT A TOY. IT MUST NOT BE HANDLED BY CHILDREN NOR
PLACED/OPERATED WITHIN REACH OF CHILDREN.
! – DO NOT LEAVE PACKING MATERIAL FOR THIS UNIT UNATTENDED. IT MAY
BE HARMFUL TO CHILDREN IF MISUSED.
! – THIS UNIT CONTAINS SMALL PARTS THAT COULD BE A CHOKING HAZARD
TO SMALL CHILDREN. DO NOT LEAVE ACCESSORIES UNATTENDED.
! – DO NOT OPERATE THIS UNIT IN POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE
ENVIRONMENTS.
! – NEVER ATTEMPT TO INSERT WIRES OR ANY TOOLS INTO THE INTERIOR
OF THIS UNIT DURING OPERATION. THIS MAY CAUSE FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK.
! – NEVER CONNECT OR DISCONNECT ANTENNAS WHILE IN TRANSMIT
MODE. THIS MAY CAUSE ELECTRICAL SHOCK OR RF BURNS TO YOUR SKIN
AND DAMAGE TO THE UNIT.
! –USE CAUTION AND OBSERVE PROPER SAFETY PRACTICES REGARDING
YOUR SYSTEM CONFIGURATION. THIS DEVICE IS CAPABLE OF CHANNELING
RF ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS WHICH REQUIRE EVALUATION ACCORDING
TO YOUR NATIONAL LAW TO PROVIDE ANY NECESSARY ISOLATION OR
PROTECTION REQUIRED, WITH RESPECT TO HUMAN EXPOSURE!
∆- This unit must only be opened and/or serviced by a qualified technician. Opening
the unit may void the manufacturer’s warranty
∆- Do not operate this unit in areas of extreme humidity.
∆- Avoid operating this radio in direct sunlight or other areas of extreme heat,
excessive vibration, or mechanical force.
∆- If this unit is intended for use in commercial applications, special safety
regulations and cautions may apply to prevent accidents.
∆- If any defect, abnormal result, or other observations occur that are not covered by
the Manual; immediately cease operation and contact the manufacturer or local
distributor for operational advice or repair of the unit.

Hardware Reference and Operational Manual: RemoteBox Page 5
LEGAL NOTICES
© 2018 Definit Data. All rights reserved. RemoteBox®, RMB, EA4TX and related
trademarks, names, and logos are the property of Definit Data and are registered
and/or used in SPAIN and countries around the world.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
This documentation including all documentation incorporated by reference herein is
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endorsement, guarantee, representation, or warranty of any kind by Definit Data and
Definit Data assumes no responsibility for any typographical, technical, or other
inaccuracies, errors, or omissions in this documentation. In order to protect Definit
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Hardware Reference and Operational Manual: RemoteBox Page 6
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Hardware Reference and Operational Manual: RemoteBox Page 7
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Hardware Reference and Operational Manual: RemoteBox Page 8
Section 1
RemoteBox Hardware
RemoteBox has the following connections:
•12-14Vcc power cable.
•Antenna switch connector: Ant1 or Ant2 (based on model)
•Band Data Input 1 or 2 Radios (based on model).
•Auxiliary Interface (i.e. band Pass Filter control) or Antenna 9-12 output
•USB Port for computer connection and software control through the RBM
software program.
Board layout.
PCB inside view and layout for RemoteBox
1.1 ANT1/ANT2 Ports: Antenna Switch Connection
You can use the Female DB9 port labeled ANT1 to send signals to an antenna
switch. If you have a 2x6 or 2x8 RemoteBox model it will also have an ANT2 port to
control a second switch or a 2x RF IN switch.

Hardware Reference and Operational Manual: RemoteBox Page 9
This is the pin out of the ANT1/ANT2 ports:
•Pin-1: Common Ground
•Pin-2: Antenna 1
•Pin-3 Antenna 3
•Pin-4 Antenna 5
•Pin-5 Antenna 7
•Pin-6: Antenna 2
•Pin-7: Antenna 4
•Pin-8: Antenna 6
•Pin-9: Antenna 8
DB9 female
RB 2x12 version:
This model uses the Aux Port as an expansion for the Ant 9-12 outputs of ANT1 and
ANT2
•Pin-1: ANT2-9 Pin-6: Pin-11: ANT1-10
•Pin-2: ANT2-10 Pin-7: Ground Pin-12: ANT1-11
•Pin-3: ANT2-11 Pin-8: Ground Pin-13: ANT1-12
•Pin-4: ANT2-12 Pin-9: Ground Pin-14:
•Pin-5: Pin-10: ANT1-9 Pin-15:
Ameritron RCS-10 Version:
The special firmware compatible with Ameritron RCS-10 uses a BCD output. This
output is available at:
•Pin-1: Ground
•Pin-2: “A” Output
•Pin-6: “B” Output
•Pin-3: “C” Output

It’s simple to know that this special firmware is used by the firmware during the
startup sequence of the unit. It’s displayed at the LCD a message as:
EA4TX RB1x8 BCD

Hardware Reference and Operational Manual: RemoteBox Page 10
4 Square Version:
The RemoteBox 4-Square model uses 3 pins of the ANT1 output (plus ground).
Generating different values on those pins, it can command the TK5EP phased switch
ANT1/2/6 and 2 signals and ground are used to select the antenna direction. This
output is available at:
•Pin-1: Ground
•Pin-2: “K1” Output
•Pin-6: “K2” Output
•Pin-3: “K3” Output
It uses the following table by TK5EP:
Directions, phasing and relay powering
Direction
K1
K2
K3
Ant 1
Ant 2
Ant 3
An
t 4
NW 1 1 1 180° -90° 0° -90°
NE* 0 0 0 -90° 180° -90° 0°
SE 1 1 0 0 -90° 180° -90°
SW 0 0 1 -90° 0° -90° 180°
(*) is the default position, with no supply. It should be your favorite working direction.
RemoteBox voltage level output:
The RemoteBox can provide two different voltage levels to power the switches:
•5V
•12V
The voltage can be switches with jumpers JP-A for ANT1 and JP-B for ANT2
•Jumper in 1-2 provides 5V output
• Jumper in 2-3 provides 12V output
Jumpers JP-C and JP-D provide identical functionality on the AUX port.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Since April/2018 all equipments use a PTC resettable fuse instead those jumpers,
so it allows to protect the outputs. The output voltage is by default fixed to 12Vdc

When an antenna is activated only one pin will be active (12 or 5V); the rest of
the outputs will have 0V.

Hardware Reference and Operational Manual: RemoteBox Page 11
1.2 BD1/BD2 Ports: Radio Band Data connection
You can use the Band Data input with a Yaesu or Elecraft K3 transceiver; also ICOM
Band Voltage input is supported. RemoteBox will receive Band Data and will allow for
automation of antenna selection based on band information. This adds practicality
and error proofs the radio shack.
This is the Pin Out of the Band Data port:
•Pin-1: Common Ground
•Pin-2: Band Data A
•Pin-3 Band Data B
•Pin-4 Band Data C
•Pin-5 Band Data D
•Pin-6: Inhibit (see *Note 1)
•Pin-7: PTT In (see *Note 1)
•Pin-8: Not used
•Pin-9: Band Voltage Input (ICOM)
Note 1: Those options are available adding an additional module.

You can also use any device that reads CAT information and translates it into
standard Yaesu/Elecraft type Band Data.
Important Note: Firmware versions before April 2016 don’t support the Inhibit and
PTT IN control signals
The RemoteBox can read which is the band active for each radio and with the
INHIBIT option enabled (SET 4), if it detects that both radios are at the same band, it
will inhibit both radios to transmit.
The “PTT In” will allow to control if the Radio is transmitting so it can be used to avoid
a hot-switching. So in case you want to avoid to change the antenna relays
meanwhile the radio is in TX mode, you must connect the PTT from the radio to pin 6
and enabled the PTT for that Radio (SET 5)
You have to activate the Band Data options (SET1 and/or SET2) as well as configure
the RBM band data/antenna matrix prior to using this functionality.

The Band Voltage input (ICOM) provides the same level for 17m/15m. In a
similar way the ICOM supplies the same voltage for 12m/10m so the RemoteBox
cannot detect the difference between 17-15m or 12-10m

Hardware Reference and Operational Manual: RemoteBox Page 12
1.3 AUX Port: Auxiliary port
This auxiliary port allows the control of Band Pass filters such as ICE 419 type (or
similar). When RemoteBox senses Band Data information in the Band Data ports it
will automatically activate a signal in the DB15 female port to activate the appropriate
filter.
6 different signals can be activated based on 6 Band Data signals (12 for models with
2x Models) for the following ham radio bands:
- 10, 15, 20, 40, 80 and 160m
RemoteBox can provide two different voltage levels to this port:
•5V
•12V
Voltage can be switch with jumpers JP-C (Band Data1) and JP-D (Band Data2)
•Jumper in 1-2 provides 5V output
•Jumper in 2-3 provides 12V output
This is the Pin Out of the AUX Port:
•Pin-1: 10m Band Data 1
•Pin-2: 15m Band Data 1
•Pin-3 20m Band Data 1
•Pin-4 40m Band Data 1
•Pin-5 80m Band Data 1
•Pin-6 160m Band Data 1
•Pin-7: Common Ground
•Pin-8: Common Ground
•Pin-9: Common Ground
•Pin-10 160m Band Data 2
•Pin-11 80m Band Data 2
•Pin-12 40m Band Data 2
•Pin-13 20m Band Data 2
•Pin-14: 15m Band Data 2
•Pin-15: 10m Band Data 2
DB9 Female connector
Remember: RemoteBox 2x12 version use this output for the antennas output 9-12.

Hardware Reference and Operational Manual: RemoteBox Page 13
Section 2
Configuration
Programming the RemoteBox is easy. To access the different configuration menus
press the RED button on the front of the device. The RemoteBox will go into
programming mode showing the following subset of screens.
•Next menu, press the ⇧button (Up arrow).
•To return to the previous menu, press the ⇩button (Down arrow).
•To change to the next option, press the ⇨button (Right arrow).
•To return to the previous option, press ⇦button (Left arrow).
Pressing the RED button, it will Save and exit the configuration menu.

RemoteBox will exit the Configuration menu automatically after 9 seconds of
inactivity.
These are the configuration options:
SET1: RA Select
Select the Antenna for Radio 1 (Radio A) for Manual or Automatic mode. In the
automatic mode the RemoteBox will select the antenna when it senses a band
change on Radio A.
These are the available options:
•Manual: Manual selection of the antennas
•Band Data: Antenna selection based on Band Data (BD1).
•ICOM Band Voltage: Antenna selection based on voltage levels compatible
with ICOM.
SET2: RB Select
Select the Antenna for Radio 2 (Radio B) for Manual or Automatic mode. In the
automatic mode the RemoteBox will select the antenna when it senses a band
change on Radio B.
These are the available options:
•Manual: Manual selection of the antennas
•Band Data: Antenna selection based on Band Data (BD2).
•ICOM Band Voltage: Antenna selection based on voltage levels compatible
with ICOM.

This option is only available in the “2x” models. (2x6 or 2x8)

Hardware Reference and Operational Manual: RemoteBox Page 14
SET3: Priority
We can select the default Radio when both Radios select de same Band.
Only one antenna can be connected to one Radio (Radio A or B) so this option will
define which Radio has priority on the antenna in case of a conflict.
These are the available options:
•Radio A: Antenna will always connect to Radio A (Radio A wins)
•Radio B: Antenna will always connect to Radio B (Radio B wins)
•Last Radio: Antenna will connect to the last Radio that was selected.
•First Radio: The first Radio that selected the antenna has priority.

This option is only available in the “2x” models. (2x6 or 2x8).

If RemoteBox has to reassign an antenna because it is being use by a higher
priority Radio it will automatically connect it to an available antenna.
SET4: Inhibit
The RemoteBox can read via Band Data input which are the band active for each
Radio and it can avoid if this option is enabled that any of the radios will transmit. So
remember you will need to use the band data and activate this option. Then in case
the RemoteBox reads that both radios are at the same band, it will send an Inhibit
signal (see section 1.2)

This option is only available in the “2x” models. (2x6 or 2x8).

Read Annex for cables
SET5: PTT IN
To avoid a hot-switching you can use this option. In this way, the RemoteBox will not
change the antenna relays meanwhile the radio is transmitting.

This option is only available in the “2x” models. (2x6 or 2x8).

Read Annex for cables
SET6: Demo
This option will demo/test the RemoteBox automatically changing antenna and radios
on a set interval.
SET7: USB Port
This option sets the use of the USB port. If RemoteBox is not going to be connected
to a computer it is better to deactivate the USB port.

Hardware Reference and Operational Manual: RemoteBox Page 15
Section 3
Operation
Operating the RemoteBox is very straight forward. The device has a 2 line by 16
character LCD display. For models “2x” models each radio output (Radio A and B)
will present the following information:
Antenna Selection M o de
F ocu s a ctive
Anten na Selected
Anten na Na m e
•Antenna Selection Mode: It shows the mode (AUTO or MAN) for manual or
automatic (i.e. using Band Data)
•Active Focus: An asterisk (*) will indicate the Radio focus for Radio A or B.
Focus on a specific Radio implies that any manual change will affect that
particular radio.
•Selected Antenna: This will show the selected antenna (1 through 12) used
for each radio (RA or RB). RA5 shows that Radio A is using Antenna 5 and
RB6 shows that radio B is using antenna 6.
Note: If the PTT is enabled and connected the cable to the Radio, when the
Radio changes to TX, the LCD will add a “!” character.
•Antenna Label: This presents the label assigned to each antenna. In the
above image antenna 5 is labeled 160m and antenna 6 is labeled 6mYa (6m
yagi). The labels can be customized with the RBM software as explained in
the next section of this document.
The front panel also houses 5 buttons:
•RED button: to enter into configuration mode
•Button 1: To set focus on Radio A.
•Button 2: To set focus on Radio B
•Button 3: To select the previous antenna.
•Button 4: To select the next antenna.

Hardware Reference and Operational Manual: RemoteBox Page 16
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Even with automatic (AUTO) mode enabled we can manually change the antenna
without changing to manual (MAN) mode. The manually selected antenna will remain
until the device detects a band change through the Band Data port or through the
ICOM voltage change.

Hardware Reference and Operational Manual: RemoteBox Page 17
RemoteBox 4-Square version
This special RemoteBox version will display 4 directions at the LCD
•Radio Status: If the PTT is connected to the radio and it’s enabled (SET1)
the RB will monitor the Radio PTT. At this area a “TX” could be displayed
when the Radio is in TX. When this option is enabled, the RB will monitor the
radio PTT and will not change the antenna direction meanwhile the radio is in
TX mode.
•Antenna Status: An asterisk * is placed beside the name of the direction
selected and only when that direction command was activated. If PTT is
enabled and the Radio is TX, a command order will be delayed till the radio is
again in stand-by. During this time, instead a *, it will be displayed a !.
•Antenna Direction: The direction is displayed by a flashing.
•Selection: This is the “TK5EP truth table” (page 9) of the output (DB9-ANT1)

Hardware Reference and Operational Manual: RemoteBox Page 18
Section 4
RemoteBox Manager
We can use this program (RBM) in addition of the manual and automatic modes of
the RemoteBox. This software will require the use of a computer and the USB port.
We can also use the software to change the antenna labels.
The enclosed CD-ROM contains the setup file to install RBM. The filename is:
Setup.exe
Once it is installed we can execute the program.
The first screen will present us with a communication selection. We have the option
of local connection through the virtual COM port or Remote through TCP/IP. We can
also open this menu from the RBM program by selecting Options>Communications in
the drop down menus.
For a locally USB connected RemoteBox we select: Local
We have to select the windows assigned COM port under Local > Port.
For a remotely connected RemoteBox through TCP/IP (i.e. with a Raspberry Pi) we
choose Remote (TCP/IP).
Once communication is established with the device RBM with read the RemoteBox
configuration and present a screen based on the model.
This is the screen of a 2x6 model

Remember to install the Windows USB drivers available in the CD-ROM (see
Annex III)

Hardware Reference and Operational Manual: RemoteBox Page 19
4.1: Antenna Operation
Antenna operation with RBM is easy and very intuitive. The selected antenna is
highlighted in GREEN and the rest are GREY. A “2x” model (2x6 or 2x8) will present
two rows of antennas for Radio A and Radio B.
To manually activate any antenna all we have to do is to left click on it. Only one
antenna can be active per Radio.

With the “2x” models (2x6 or 2x8) we could run into conflicts if both Radios try to
use the same antenna. The Priorities menu will solve those conflicts.
4.2: Win-Test Setup
If you are a contester and use the Win-Test program, you can read the band both
radios (Radio 1 and 2). In this way, RBM can know the band for each radio and
automatically select the antenna of the 2 outputs. If you use 2 radios, for instance
you can configure as follows:
You must use the same broadcast address and port as it was configured at the Win-
Test program
When Radio-1 is enabled and it gets information from the “STN1” station at VFO-A,
automatically will configure the ANT1 Output for that band.

Hardware Reference and Operational Manual: RemoteBox Page 20
4.3: N1MM Setup
In a similar way, the RBM can read N1MM network messages and automatically
select the antennas (ANT1 and ANT2 Outputs).
In this example RBM will read network messages from the broadcast address from
the Station “RUN” & VFO-A for Radio 1 and from the Station “MULTI” & VFO-A for
the Radio 2.
4.4: Options
Most of the options of the RemoteBox (see Section 3) are also available and can be
configured via this menu.