Hamplus MBD-8G User manual

HAMPLUS
http://www.hamplus.com
MBD-8G
Antenna Switch Controller
Operation Manual
V. 1.1

MBD-8G –Operation Manual Page 1
MBD-8G
Automatic Antenna Switch Controller
MBD-8G is an intelligent controller compatible with all eight-antenna switches
manufactured by Hamplus. It has a band decoder to receive the information coming from the
connected radio equipment.In addition to antenna switching, the MBD-8G also offers seven
frequency-driven GPOs (General Purpose Output), one Band Data BCD Output, one output to
command Band Pass Filter, 12 GPOs to automate the operation with Top Beam's Waller Flag
receiving antenna. The MBD-8G also commands the RS-24 and RS-44 Rotator switches. There are
four ways that antennas and enabled rotators can be selected; 1) manually by the front panel of
the MBD-8G, 2) manually by frequency or band change on the front panel of the transceiver, 3)
automatically by frequency or band change by the remotely controlled transceiver, or 4)
automatically by a remotely controlled personal computer via RS-232 serial port to the MBD-8G.
On the front panel is a set of eight illuminated push buttons for manual selection of antennas, eight
“Busy” LEDs to indicate which antennas are in use by other MBD-8G Controllers, four LEDs to
indicate rotator selection, one LED to indicate when the radio is transmitting, one LED to indicate
the controller is in "Split Antenna" mode and one LED to indicate when the MBD-8G is connected
to +13.8 Vdc power.
Functions and operation
1- Startup (after all cable connections are made to switches, controllers and transceivers)
Powering the MBD-8G will energize the antenna switch relay for the previously, manually
selected antenna. Or, when connected to a transceiver, the controller will check the frequency or
band the transceiver has selected and will immediately trigger and light the push button switch of
the last antenna selected at that frequency or on that band. If connected, the rotator switcher, or
other external equipment that is programmed using the GPO outputs, the MBD-8G will select the
last used devices.
2- Activation of the antennas
To choose any antenna, just press the corresponding push button. When the push button is
pressed, it changes the state of the antenna switch control line that activates the corresponding
antenna relay on the AS-81, AS-82F, AS-84F or AS-86F Antenna Switch. It also activates the selected
rotator for that antenna through one of the Rotator Switches, model RS-24 or RS-28, if used.
Antenna and rotator switching are reported on the Busy Net network so the other MBD-8G busy
and rotator red LEDs signal, not allowing any other MBD-8G to switch to any antenna and rotator
already in use. Any conflict is signaled on the front panel of the MBD-8G by blinking the push button
LED for two seconds, and the rotator LED with short and continuous flashes every second. The
rotator signal remains as long as there is a conflict.

MBD-8G –Operation Manual Page 2
3- Split Antenna Mode
This mode allows operation with two different antennas. One for transmission and one for
reception.
Procedure to enter SPLIT mode:
A- First select the transmission antenna.
B- Then press and hold the PTT of the radio and press the desired antenna push button for reception
for two seconds. The push button will blink to confirm that the setting has been made. Then release
the push button and the PTT. From this point the Split LED on the panel will be lit indicating that it
is working with two antennas.
Immediately after programming the Split mode, perform the function test by pressing and releasing
the PTT of the radio and observing the push buttons of the MBD-8G that should alternate between
the chosen antennas.
To exit Split mode simply change the radio band or press the transmit antenna push button.
4- Permanent Split Mode
Permanent Split is used with antenna(s) connected to the switch that are exclusively for
reception. When we select an antenna configured for permanent Split on the keyboard of the MBD-
8G the Split mode is automatically activated. This way we guarantee the use of the receiving
antenna only in reception. This procedure must be duplicated on all controllers connected to the
same antenna switch that has receive only antenna(s) connected.
Procedure to configure Permanent Split mode:
A- First choose a transmission antenna.
B- Then press and hold the PTT of the radio and press the desired antenna push button for
reception for a little more than ten seconds. Notice the flashing of the push buttons that will
confirm the acceptance of the programming.
To undo this setting, first make sure that the Split LED is not lit. Then, while holding down
the PTT, press the desired push button for ten seconds. It is the same process used when
programming was done.
5- Rotor Switch
1- First step- Press the antenna button that will receive the configuration for five seconds. At this
moment the buttons Ant1, Ant2, Ant3 and Ant8 start to flash.
2- Second step- Press the Ant1 Button to enter the Rotor selection mode
3- Third step- Press the Ant1 button to choose Rotor 1, Ant2 Button to choose Rotor 2, Ant3
Button to choose Rotor 3 or Ant4 Button to choose Rotor 4
4- Fourth step- Press Ant8 button to save your choice and exit the mode configuration.
The MBD-8G can also command a Hamplus model RS-24, or RS-44 rotator switch. With this
equipment it is possible to use one rotator controller to read and control up to 4 rotators. The RS-
24 is suitable for stations with up to two transceivers and RS-44 for stations with up to four
transceivers.
Procedure to configure the Rotator Switch

MBD-8G –Operation Manual Page 3
6- CMD Out (#7) (GPO = General Purpose Output)
These commands are available on the DB-9 Com Out connector at the rear of the MBD-8G.
a- Commands activated by frequency
Frequency-activated GPOs are typically used to trigger the tuning box for shortened antennas
that use "high Q" coils. The trigger points of the GPOs must be chosen to obtain the best
possible SWR curve. This procedure is only possible when the radio is connected to the MBD-
8G in CI-V mode (Icom) or in RS-232 mode for other brands.
Procedure to configure the GPOs by frequency:
1- First step- Press the antenna button that will receive the configuration for five seconds. At
this moment the buttons Ant1, Ant2, Ant3 and Ant8 start to flash.
2- Second step- Press the Ant2 Button to enter frequency-activated GPOs (CMD Out)
3- Third step- Start at the beginning of the band and find the best tuning point, then press the
Ant1 Button to activate CMD1. Raise the frequency on the radio and find the next tuning
point then press the Ant2 button to activate the CMD2. Repeat this procedure for the next
available tuning points on your antenna. The MBD-8G has a maximum of seven CMDs.
4- Fourth step- Press Ant8 button to save your choice and exit the mode configuration.
b- Commands Activated by Band
The band activated commands (GPOs) were created to reduce the influence of the
transmission antennas on the receiving antennas when they are very close.
Its function is to disconnect the transmitting antenna during reception and connect it
as soon as it receives the Send command.
Procedure to configure GPOs by band:
1- First step- Press the antenna button that will receive the configuration for five seconds. At
this moment the buttons Ant1, Ant2, Ant3 and Ant8 start to flash.
2- Second step- Press the Ant3 Button to enter band-activated GPOs (CMD Out)
3- Third step- Place the radio in the desired band and choose a GPO that is not yet in use, then
press the Ant Button to activate CMD.The MBD-8G has seven GPOs commands that are
chosen from the buttons Ant1 to Ant7.
Each Band triggers only one GPO.
4- Fourth step- Press Ant8 button to save your choice and exit the mode configuration.
7- Communication with Icom, Yaesu, Kenwood, Elecraft K-3, Flex Radio via RS-232 and BCD
To use the MBD-8G's automation functions, it must communicate with the radio. For ICOM
brand radios, we use the CI-V protocol (MBD-8G CI-V port). With this protocol all the features
described above will be able to work. For the equipment of the YAESU brand we use the band data
information, which allows all configurations except the activation of the GPOs by frequency. For
those of the brand Kenwood, Flex Radio and Elecraft K3 the protocol used is by the RS-232
communication port that allows use of all functions of the MBD-8G.

MBD-8G –Operation Manual Page 4
Protocol and Baud rate
- Icom radios CI-V Baud rate 19,200
- Yaesu radios Band Data BCD
- Kenwood, Elecraft, Flex radio, RS-232 Baud rate 9,600
Elecraft K3 can use Band Data or RS-232 with Kenwood protocol
8- Band Data Table
BCD Band Data
Band Frequency BCD
160 m 0.0 to 2.9 MHz 0001
80 m 3.0 to 4.8 MHz 0010
60 m 4.9 to 5.9 MHz 0000
40 m 6.0 to 8.9 MHz 0011
30 m 9.0 to 12.9MHZ 0100
20 m 13.0 to 16.9 MHz 0101
17 m 17.0 to 18.9 MHz 0110
15 m 19.0 to 22.9 MHz 0111
12 m 23.0 to 25.9MHz 1000
10 m 26.0 to 34.9 MHz 1001
6 m 35.0 to 54.9 MHz 1010
Frequency Band for communication via RS-232 and CI-V
Band 1 from 0 to 400 KHz, Band 2 from 400KHz to 540 KHz, Band 3 from 540KHz to 1.6 MHz, Band
4 from 1.6 to 1.8 MHz, Band 5 from 1.8 to 2.0 MHz, Band 6 from 2.0 to 3.5 MHZ, Band 7 From 3.5
to 4.0 MHz, Band 8 from 4.0 to 5.4 MHz, Band 9 from 5.4 to 7.0 MHz, Band 10 from 7.0 to 7.3 MHz,
Band 11 from 7.3 to 8.0 MHz, Band 12 from 8.0 to 11.0 MHz, Band 13 from 11.0 MHz to 15.0 MHz,
Band 14 from 15.0 MHz to 20.0 MHz, Band 15from 20.0 MHz to 22.0 MHz, Band 16 from 22.0 MHz
to 25.0 MHz, Band 17 from 25.0 MHz to 28.0 MHz, Band 18 from 28.0 MHz to 30.0 MHz, Band 19
from 30.0 MHz to 60.0 MHz, Band 20 from 60.0 MHz to 143.5.0 MHz, Band 21 from 143.5 MHz to
144.4 MHz, Band 22 from 144.4 MHz to 148.0 MHz, Band 23 from 148.0 MHz to 225.0 MHz, Band
24 from 225.0 MHz to 430.0 MHz, Band 25 from 430.0 MHz to 450.0 MHz, Band 26 Above 450 MHz
9- Antenna memory per band
The MBD-8G has a memory for each of the eight antennas so that whenever an antenna is
selected this memory registers the band selected by the Radio. With each band change in the radio
the MBD-8G will activate the last antenna that was used in that band.
Note: The setting mode is only possible when the Radio is properly connected to the MBD-8G.
10- Connectors description (connector # on rear panel image)
a- Band Data Out (#3)
The DB-9 Band Data Out connector on the rear of the MBD-8G provides a Band Data output
that matches the frequency of the radio that is connected. When the MBD-8G receives the band
information from the Band Data, this same information will be passed to the Band Data Out
connector. When receiving the information through Frequency the conversion to Band Data will be
done according to the table in item 8.

MBD-8G –Operation Manual Page 5
DB-9 Band Data Out connector
Pins Function
1 Band Data A
2 Band Data B
3 Band Data C
4 Band Data D
5 + 13.8 Vdc
6 nc
7 nc
8 GND
9nc
b- Bandpasser Out (#2)
The DB-9 To Bandpasser connector on the rear of the MBD-8G is designed to control
bandpass filters. It sends + 13.8 Vdc to the bandpass filter relays. They are commands for
160m, 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, 10m.
DB-9 To Bandpasser connector
Pins Band Frequency Function
1 20 m 13.0 to 16.9 MHz On +13.8Vdc
2 40 m 6.0 to 8.9 MHz On +13.8Vdc
3 80 m 3.0 to 4.8 MHz On +13.8Vdc
4 160 m 0.0 to 2.9 MHz On +13.8Vdc
5 --------- ----------------------- GND
6 --------- -----------------------
7 --------- ----------------------- Bypass On +13.8Vdc
8 10 m 26.0 to 34.9 MHz On +13.8Vdc
9 15 m 19.0 to 22.9 MHz On +13.8Vdc
All control pins are Active High + 13.8 Vdc
c- TOPBEAM Waller Flag (#5)
The HD-15 connector labeled TB WF on the rear of the MBD-8G provides power (+
13.8 Vdc) and the controls for activating the filters of the Waller Flag receiving antenna
control box. The commands follow the Band data table or the Radio frequency.
HD-15 TB WF connector
Pins Band Frequency Data Function
1 160 m 0.0 to 2.9 MHz 0001 On Active Low
2 80 m CW 3.4 to 3.59MHz 0010 On Active Low
3 80 m SSB 3.6 to 4.8 MHZ 0010 On Active Low
4 40 m 6.0 to 8.9 MHz 0011 On Active Low
5 30 m 9.0 to 12.9MHz 0100 On Active Low
6 and 7 -------- ------------------- ------ + 13.8vVdc
8 -------- ------------------- ------ PTT
9 and 10 -------- ------------------- ------ GND
11 -------- ------------------- ------ RTX On Active Low
12 -------- ------------------- ------ RX1 On Active Low
13 -------- ------------------- ------ RX2 On Active Low
14 -------- ------------------- ------ RX3 On Active Low
15 -------- ------------------- ------ RX4 On Active Low

MBD-8G –Operation Manual Page 6
d- DB-9 To Radio Connector (#8)
This connector receives power from the Radio (+ 13.8 Vdc), the transmit command
(PTT) and the data for frequency reading via RS-232 and Band reading via Band Data BCD.
DB-9 To Radio Connector
Pins Function
1 +13.8V In
2 RXD
3 TXD
4 PTT In
5 GND
6 BCD 1
7 BCD 2
8 BCD 3
9 BCD 4
e- DB-25 To Switch Connector (#1)
DB-25 connector on the rear of the MBD-8G provides the commands for driving eight
Antennas and four Rotators
DB-25 To Switch Connector
Pins Function Pins Function Pins Function
1Ant 1 10 GND 18 Rotator 1
2Ant 2 11 nc 19 Rotator 2
3 Ant 3 12 nc 20 Rotator 3
4Ant 4 13 Expansion 21 Rotator 4
5 Ant 5 14 Rotator 1 22 nc
6 Ant 6 15 Rotator 2 23 nc
7 Ant 7 16 Rotator 3 24 nc
8 Ant 8 17 Rotator 4 25 GND
9 + 12v
f- DB-9 RS-232 connector (#9)
The DB-9 connector identified as RS-232 on the back of the MBD-8G provides
connection to Computers.
DB-9 RS-232 connector
Pins Function
1 NC
2 RXD
3 TXD
4 NC
5 GND
6 NC
7 NC
8 NC
9 NC

MBD-8G –Operation Manual Page 7
1- To Switch Output Commands to Antenna Switch and Rotator Switch
2- To Bandpasser Output Commands for Bandpass Filter
3- Band Data Out Band Data Output (BCD)
4- TB Key Board Output for Key Board Antenna TopBeam Receiver Waller Flag
5- TB WF Connects to the PFIU of the receiving antenna TopBeam Waller Flag
6- AUX. Power Supply Auxiliary Power Input (13.8 Vdc)
7-CMD Out GPOs Out (special commands triggered by frequency or band)
8- To Radio Input Power, Band Data, RS-232 and PTT from Radio
9- RS-232 Communication with PC Com port
10- CI-V Communication with Icom radios via CI-V port
11- Busy Net Busy Network for indication of antennas in use
12- Send Auxiliary input and pass-through output for PTT (Send)

MBD-8G –Operation Manual Page 8
1- To Switch Output Commands to Antenna Switch and Rotator Switch
2- To Bandpasser Output Commands for Bandpass Filter
3- Band Data Out Band Data Output (BCD)
4- TB Key Board Output for Key Board Antenna TopBeam Receiver Waller Flag
5- TB WF Connects to the PFIU of the receiving antenna TopBeam Waller Flag
6- AUX. Power Supply Auxiliary Power Input (13.8 Vdc)
7-CMD Out GPOs Out (special commands triggered by frequency or band)
8- To Radio Input Power, Band Data and PTT Radio
9- RS-232 Communication with Kenwood, Elecraft K3, Flex radio to PC COM port
10- CI-V Communication with Icom radios via CI-V port
11- Busy Net Busy Network for indication of antennas in use
12- Send Auxiliary input and pass-through output for PTT (Send)

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