Hamplus MBD-12F User manual
MBD-12F
Automatic Antenna Switch Controller
MBD-12Fis an intelligent controller compatible with all twelve-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-12Falso offers nine frequency-driven GPOs ( General Purpouse
Output), one Band Data BCD Output, one output to command Band Pass Filter, 12 GPOs to automate the
operation with TopBeam's Waller Flag receiving antenna, GPI / O for reading and triggering external
equipment . The MBD-12Falso commands the RS-28 and RS-48 Rotator switches. There are four ways that
antennas and enabled rotators can be selected; 1) manually by the front panel of the MBD-12F, 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 Lan port to the MBD-12F.
On the front panel is a set of twelve illuminated push buttons for manual selection of antennas, twelve “Busy” LEDs
to indicate which antennas are in use by other MBD-12FControllers, eight 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-8F is connected to +13.8 Vdc power.
GPI/O = General Purpouse Input and Output
Functions and operation
1- Connect the MBD-12F to a antenna switch type AS-1202 / AS-1204 / AS-1206 ...
2- Startup
When you turn on the MBD-12F, it should turn on the last antenna that was used, if it is connected to a
Radio ask the radio what frequency or band it is on and then turn on the last antenna used in that band and
its aggregates, such as rotor and the GPI / O.
3- Choose the antennas
To select an antenna press one of the twelve push buttons. When the push button is pressed, it lowers the
output pin that activates the corresponding relay on the antenna switch (AS-1202). It also activates the
selected rotator for the antenna. This information is also present in the corresponding I2C output.
The antenna switches and the corresponding rotator are informed on the Busy Net port so that the other
MBD-12F signals the red LED of the BUZY and Rotator line so as not to allow another MBD-12F to select an
antenna or rotator already in use. When there is conflict the signaling is done flashing for 1.5 seconds the
LED of the push button and the one of the rotator with short and continuous flashes with cadence of 0.5
seconds. The rotator signal remains on for as long as there is a conflict.
4- SPLIT Mode
This mode allows operation with two antennas. One for transmission and one for reception.
5- EXCLUSIVE Antennas for RECEPTION
The MBD-12F allows you to configure receive-only antennas. Whenever an antenna configured as
EXCLUSIVE for RECEIVE is selected, the MBD-12F will automatically activate the SPLIT mode and when
leaving this antenna the MBD-12F will disable the SPLIT mode.
6- GPOs2 Activation
The GPOs2 are eight pins available on the DB-9 connector labeled GPO2 located on the back of the
MBD-12F. These GPOs2 are used to tune shortened antennas with high Q coils.
GPOs2 can be triggered in two ways. By frequency and or by band. Each GPO2 is individually configured and
is associated with one of the 12 antenna positions. This means that the eight GPOs2 can be configured to a
single antenna position or one can be configured for each of the twelve antenna positions.
To configure the GPOs2 see item 14 B
7- Switching Rotors
The MBD-12F also commands the RS-24, RS-44, RS-28 and RS-48 rotor switches. In this way a single rotor
control can control up to 8 rotors.
8- Communication with Icom, Yaesu, Kenwood, Elecraft K-3 and Flex Radio
a. ICOM - CI-V protocol (CI-V port) for reading the frequency for the activation of the selected
Antennas, Rotors and GPIs.
b. YAESU- BCD protocol for reading the band for the activation of the selected antennas and GPIs.
c. Kenwood- RS-232 protocol for frequency reading for the activation of Antennas and GPIs. K3 and
Kenwood use the same RS-232 protocol.
d. Elecraft K3- protocol BCD and RS-232.
e. Flex Radio, K3 and Kenwood use the same RS-232 protocol.
9- Band Data Table
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 16.9MHz 0101
17 m 17.0 to 18.9MHz 0110
15 m 19.0 to 22.9MHz 0111
12 m 23.0 to 25.9MHz 1000
10 m 26.0 to 34.9MHz 1001
6 m 35.0 to 54.9MHz 1010
------- above 55 MHz 1011
Frequency Band for communication via RS-232 and CI-V
Band 1 from 0 to 399 KHz, Band 2 from 400KHz to 539KHz, Band 3 from 550 KHz to 1.599MHz, Band 4 from
1.6 to 1.999 MHz , Band 5 from 2.0 to 3.999MHz, Band 6 from 4.0 to 5.999 MHZ, Band 7 from 6.0 to 7.999
MHz, Band 8 from 8.0 to 10.999 MHz, Band 9 from 11 to 14.999 MHz, Band 10 from 15 to 19.999 MHz, Band
11 from 20.0 to 21.999 MHz, Band 12 from 22 to 24.999 MHz, Band 13 from 25MHz to 27.999 MHz, Band
14 from 28 to 29.9999 MHz, Band 15 from 30.0 to 59.999 MHz, Band 16 from 60 to 143.499 MHz, Band 17
from 143.500 to 144.399 MHz, Band 18 from 144.400 to 147.999 MHz, Band 19 From 148 to 224.999MHz,
Band 20 from 225 to 429.999MHz, Band 21 above 450 MHZ
Antenna Memory per Band, Fixed or Mobile
All MBD-12F are shipped in Mobile Memory mode. In the Mobile Memory operation whenever a
band is selected in the radio the antenna to be connected will be the last used in that band.
In the operation by Fixed Memory whenever a band is selected the antenna to be connected will be the
same and not the last that was used in that band. Ex: 160m band> ant1, 80m band> ant2, 40m band> ant. 3
and so on. To choose the antenna that each band goes you must first be in the Mobile Memory mode. Then
go through the radio and choose the desired antenna for each band. Then enter setup mode and follow the
procedure to memorize your choice.
10-Firmware update via USB
To update the firmware, place the USB stick in the USB port and reset the CPU by pressing the
internal key, or press and hold the push buttons 10, then the 11 and finally the 12. This procedure starts
firmware update.
11-Configuration Mode
The setting mode is only possible when the Radio is properly connected to the MBD-12F.
To enter setup mode press and hold the push button of the antenna that will receive the configuration plus
the push button 1 until the confirmation signal appears. (+ or - ten seconds).
In this mode the push buttons available for setup blink.
To exit setup mode press the push buton 12 for 1 second.
A- Configure Rotors
Enter configuration mode by pressing the push button of the antenna you want to configure to the
Rotor plus push button 1. After confirmation press the push button 1 to enter the Rotor configuration
mode. After the confirmation signal the push buttons 1 to 8 will flash indicating the rotors 1 to 8. Press
the push button corresponding to the desired rotor. The push button and red indicator light of the chosen
rotor will be illuminated. The choice can be redone as many times as you want.
To undo your choice press the illuminated push button.
To exit setup mode press the push button 12 for 1 second.
B- Configuring the GPO2
Enter setup mode by pressing the push button on the antenna you want to enable GPO2 plus push
button 1.
After confirmation press push button 2 to enter GPO2 configuration mode.
Press the push button1 for the frequency setting mode, the push button 2 for the Band configuration
mode, or the push button 3 for frequency setting with command activation on the average frequency
between the marked point and the previous point.
To trigger the GPOs2 by frequency:
The trigger points of the GPOs2 are chosen by varying the frequency in the radius in order to obtain the
desired frequency for the drive. Start with the lowest frequency and the first GPO2 by pressing the push
button 1. Raise the frequency to the next frequency and mark the second GPO2
pressing the push button 2 and so on for the next GPOs2.
To trigger the GPOs2 on the average frequency between two points:
Choose the frequency of the starting point and press the push button corresponding to the chosen GPO2.
This push button will blink. Advance the frequency on the radio dial to the desired point and press the
blinking push button again. It will stop blinking and the midpoint will be marked.
To exit setup mode press the push button 12 for 1 second.
To trigger the GPOs2 by Band:
GPO2 can be triggered by Band, it can be done by reading the BCD or frequency according to item 11. Put
the radio in the desired band and press the push button corresponding to the GPO2 that you want to
trigger. Any available GPO2 can be used in any band.
To exit setup mode press the push button 12 for 1 second
Conector DB-9 GPO2
Pins Function
1Cmd1
2Cmd2
3Cmd3
4Cmd4
5Cmd5
6Cmd6
7Cmd7
8Cmd8
9+12v
All Cmds are Active Low
C- Set the Communication Speed (9600 - 19200 - 38400 - 57600 - 115200)
To configure the communication speed, enter setup mode. Then press the push button 4
to enter speed setting mode. After confirmation press the push button 1 to 9600,
2 for 19200, 3 for 38400, 4 for 57600, 5 for 115200.
To exit setup mode press the push button 12 for 1 second.
.
D- Set up operation for Fixed or Mobile Memory Mode
Enter configuration mode. Then press push button 5 to enter Memory setup mode. After confirmation
press push button 1 for Mobile Memory Mode or press push button 2 for Fixed Memory Mode.
To exit setup mode, press key 12 for 1 second.
In Mobile Memory mode each radio band is linked to the last antenna used in this band. In Fixed
Memory mode, each radio band is linked to a previously chosen antenna.
To choose the antenna that each band will operate in the Fixed Memory Mode, you must first be in
the Mobile Memory Mode. Then go through all the radio bands and choose the desired antenna for each
one.
Then enter setup mode and follow the procedure to memorize your choice
E- Select and Store the Antennas for Operation in the Fixed Memory mode.
In the Mobile Memory mode select the desired antenna for each band, proceeding from the
following way:
Set the radio to 160m and choose the 160m antenna on the MBD-12F. Then set the radio to 80m and
choose the antenna for 80m on the MBD-12F. Do this for all bands. After choosing the antennas enter
the setup mode by pressing the push button 1. After confirmation press the push button 5 to enter the
Memory configuration mode. After confirmation press the push button 5 and the Fixed Memory mode
will have all the antennas configured.
To exit setup mode press the push button 12 for 1 second.
F- Procedure to enter SPLIT mode:
a- First select the transmission antenna.
b- Then press the PTT of the radio and holding down, so press the push button of the desired antenna
for reception.
When the PTT is released, SPLIT mode is active and will be indicated by the illuminated Split Led.
Perform the function test by pressing and releasing the PTT of the radio and observing the push button
of the MBD-12F that must switch between the chosen antennas.
To change the receiving antenna simply press the push button of another antenna.
To exit SPLIT mode switch band on the radio or press the antenna button set to transmit
G- Band Data out
The DB-9 BCD Out connector on the rear of the MBD-12F provides a Band Data output
corresponding to the radio frequency that is connected.
When the MBD-12F receives the radio band information from the Radio Band Data, this same
information will be passed to the BCD Out connector. When receiving the information through
Frequency the conversion to Band Data will be done according to the table in item 1
DB-9 BCD Out connector
Pin Function
1Data A
2Data B
3Data C
4Data D
5NC
6NC
7NC
8GND
9NC
J- DB-9 To Bandpasser connector
Pins Band Frequency Function
1 20 m 13.0 a 16.9 MHz --------
2 40 m 6.0 a 8.9 MHz --------
3 80 m 3.0 a 4.8 MHz --------
4 160 m 0.0 a 2.9 MHz --------
5 --------- ----------------------- GND
6 --------- ----------------------- --------
7 --------- ----------------------- Bypass
8 10 m 26.0 a 34.9 MHz ---------
9 15 m 19.0 a 22.9 MHz ---------
All control pins are Active Hight + 12V
K- TOPBEAM Waller Flag conector
The HD-15 connector labeled TOPBEAM Waller Flag on the rear of the MBD-12F provides power
(+ 12V) and controls for triggering the filters of the Waller Flag receiving antenna control box. The
commands follow the Band data table or the Radio frequency.
Conector DB-9 TOPBEAM Waller Flag
Pins Band Frequency Data Function
1 160 m 0.0 a 2.9 MHz 0001 On Active Low
2 80 m CW 3.4a 3.59MHz 0010 On Active Low
3 80 m SSB 3.6 a 4.8 MHZ 0010 On Active Low
4 40 m 6.0 a 8.9 MHz 0011 On Active Low
5 30 m 9.0 a 12.9MHz 0100 On Active Low
6 e 7 -------- ------------------- ------ +12v
8 -------- ------------------- ------ PTT
9 e 10 -------- ------------------- ------ GND
11 -------- ------------------- ------ RTX On A. Low
12 -------- ------------------- ------ RX1 On A. Low
13 -------- ------------------- ------ RX2 On A. Low
14 -------- ------------------- ------ RX3 On A. Low
15 -------- ------------------- ------ RX4 On A. Low
L-DB-9 To Radio connector
This connector receives from the Radio the power supply (+ 12v), the transmission command (Send)
and the data For frequency reading via RS-232 or Band reading via Band Data BCD
Pins Function
1+12V from Radio
2RX ( RS-232 )
3TX ( RS-232 )
4PTT ( Send ) from Radio
5GND
6BCD A from Radio
7BCD B from Radio
8BCD C from Radio
9BCD D from Radio
M- DB-25 To ANTSW connector
This connector connects the MBD-12F to the Antenna Switch and the Rotor Switch. It also offers
I2C Commands for the Expansion Interfaces.
Pins Function Pins Funtion
1 Ant 1 2 Ant 2
3 Ant 3 4 Ant 4
5 Ant 5 6 Ant 6
7 Ant 7 8 Ant 8
9 +12 out 10 GND
11 SDA 12 SCL
13 NC 14 Ant 9
15 Ant 10 16 Ant 11
17 Ant 12 18 Rotor 1
19 Rotor 2 20 Rotor 3
21 Rotor 4 22 Rotor 5
23 Rotor 6 24 Rotor 7
25 Rotor 8
1- GPI/O (DB-25F connector with 16 GPI /O for control of external equipment)
2- GPO2 (DB-9F connector with eight Frequency drive GPOs )
3- To Bandpasser (DB-9F connector to control Band Pass Filter. Active + 12v 120mA)
4- BCD OUT (DB-9F connector for BCD output)
5- TB KeyBoard (8-pin Mini Din connector for TopBeam WF antenna control keypad)
6- TOPBEAM Waller Flag ( HD-15F connector for activating TopBeam WF antennas)
7- AUX. POWER SUPPLY
8- To Switch (DB-25F connector for Switch Antenna and Rotor Switch)
9- To Radio (DB-9F connector for connection to the radio)
10-LAN ( for remote operation)
11-USB (for software update)
12-CI-V (for communication with Icom radios)
13-Buzy Net (P2 connector for communication between MBD-12F controllers)
14-Send In/Out (RCA connector type for SEND connection. It has internal relay)
Settings List of MBD-12F
MBD-12F Settings
All settings can be made directly from the keyboard in just two steps. First step to enter the setup mode. The second
step is to choose the function you want to set.
1- First step
How to enter setup mode
Press the antenna push button that will receive the settings and the push button 1 until the confirmation
signal appear, about ten seconds. After confirming, the push buttons available for configuration will flash.
The push button 12 flashes different cadence from the others and when pressed for more than one
second the system exits the setting mode.
2- Second step
In setup mode choose the function to configure and press the corresponding button
1- Push Button 1 to set Rotators
a- Push Button 1 -> Rotator 1
b- Push Button 2 -> Rotator 2
c- Push Button 3 -> Rotator 3
d- Push Button 4 -> Rotator 4
e- Push Button 5 -> Rotator 5
f- Push Button 6 -> Rotator 6
g- Push Button 7 -> Rotator 7
h- Push Button 8 -> Rotator 8
To exit press the push button 12 for 1 second
2- Push Button 2 to set GPO2
a- Push Button 1 By frequency, with the activation point at the frequency indicated on the Radio
b- Push Button 2 By Band
c- Push Button 3 By frequency with the activation at the midpoint between the chosen point and
the previous point
To exit press the push button 12 for 1 second
3- Push Button 4 to set the communication speed
a- Push Button 1 -> 9600
b- Push Button 2 -> 19200
c- Push Button 3 -> 34800
d- Push Button 4 -> 57600
e- Push Button 5 -> 115200
To exit press the push button 12 for 1 second
4- Push Button 5 to configure antenna Memoria fixed or mobile
a- Push Button 1 -> Mobile antenna Memory
b- Push Button 2 -> Fixed antenna Memory
c- Push Button 5 -> To record the antennas chosen for the Fixed Memory mode
To exit press the push button 12 for 1 second
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