Heading in the right direction

Primarily, and intentionally, the ‘4O3A’ concept is a solution for Flex owners interested in setting up a high-performance remote station. In other words, 4O3A amplifiers, tuners and antenna switches, and Flex transceivers speak the same language.

The connection between them all goes via a router, a straightforward plug and play setup.

Then things are bit more complex when, for example, one wants to connect a 4O3A antenna switch to ICOM or Yaesu.

The easiest way to accomplish full automation in a remote environment is via a unit called B2BCD – Band to BCD Decoder.

This interface converts frequency data from an RS232 CAT or CI-V to a BCD output. The BCD output can be then used to control Antenna Genius or any other BCD compatible device.

But B2BCD offers more than ‘translation’. It also allows you to share the CI-V with other equipment that needs CI-V connection. For example, to run a micro ham device which requires communication with a transceiver, or to send band data to an amplifier. In other words, it allows you to ‘mix and match’ transceivers, amps and antenna switchers manufactured by different brands or makers.

In my books, this is good news to many current and future users. To amateurs who are perpetually on a budget, averse to investing in new transceivers and amplifiers, the ability to utilise ‘whatever is currently in the shack’ is highly desirable.

B2BCD by 4O3A is in stock, ready for immediate delivery. Price: $330.

If you are already running a remote ICOM or other brand transceivers, then investing in a quality remote antenna switcher is the way to go.