PB-2 Stack Controller
Order PB-2 Controller - $169
Introduction
The PB-2 Stack controller is a replacement for the rotary switch Stack
Match II controller. It features pushbutton switches for easy antenna
selection and has outputs for both phase control and an auxiliary
output. As a component of the ShackLAN product line the PB-2 may be
fully remotely controlled via computer with our ShackLAN Control Center
software. All outputs are switched with relay contacts for maximum
reliability and power for the external switching unit may be applied
from a separate power source to provide maximum isolation from the
ShackLAN network. There is also a PTT input to allow different stack
configurations for transmit and receive.
Up to four PB-2 controllers may be used on the ShackLAN network.
Configuration is simple using pushbutton switches on the front panel.
Installation
Power and ShackLAN connections
Standard power and network connections are the same in all ShackLAN units and is located here.
Isolated switch power
The PB-2 controller may be configured to use a separate power
source for the remote switch unit to isolate the remote switch unit
power from other units on the ShackLAN network. This is recommended if
you are in a lightning prone area. This feature requires power to the
controller be supplied via the ShackLAN network from other units.
Isolate the power by opening the power connection between the 2.1mm
power jack and the modular network connectors using the following
procedure:
Older Units:
1 - Remove the rear panel and slide the control board far enough out of
the case to expose the black relays.
2 - Cut the two small wire jumpers located behind the PTT jack to the
right of the relays.
3 - Slide the control board fully into the case.
4 - Install the rear panel.
Later units:
1 - Remove the rear panel and slide the control board far enough out of
the case to expose the black relays.
2 - Move the two small jumper blocks located behind the PTT jack to the
right of the relays to the EXT position.
3 - Slide the control board fully into the case.
4 - Install the rear panel.
Connect the isolated power source to the 2.1mm power jack. Center pin is positive. The supplied power cable may be used and the wire with the white tracer is positive and the solid black wire is ground.
Remote switch connections
Connections to the remote switch unit are made using the green
6-wire terminal plug on older units and the green screw terminal
connector on later units.. The basic Stack Match 2 requires four wire
connections. Add an additional wire each for phase switching and an
auxiliary function. Connections assume that antenna 1 is the top antenna
and from the rear panel are:
IN - Connect to IN terminal on remote unit
3 - Connect to #3 terminal on remote unit
1 - Connect to #1 terminal on remote unit
G - Connect to GND terminal on remote unit
A - Auxiliary control output for any purpose requiring +12vdc when
enabled (optional)
Phase - Connect to phase switching unit (optional)
PTT input (optional)
Connect a cable from the PTT input to the PTT output on the radio if you wish to have separate antenna configurations for transmit and receive or to prevent antenna switching during transmit periods. Ground this input to activate. You will need a "Y" adapter if you are using an amplifier.
Configuration
Unit ID (network address)
If you are using multiple PB-2 controllers in your station and
want computer or remote control ability you must set each controller to
a unique address. This is down with front panel switches by holding in
the ALL pushbutton while pressing one of the other pushbuttons and then
releasing both pushbuttons. The factory default is unit #1. Unit ID is
set as follows:
PB-2 #1 = ALL + TOP
PB-2 #2 = ALL + BOT
PB-2 #3 = ALL + PHASE
PB-2 #4 = ALL + AUX
The controller will blink the LED next to the pushbutton three times to
indicate the unit ID.
Operation
Power up
On power up the PB-2 Controller will scan thru the four LED indicators and then flash one of them three times to indicate the unit ID. The controller is now ready for use.
Antenna selection
Antenna selection is a simple process. Press the TOP button for only the top antenna and press the BOT button for only the bottom antenna. Press the BOTH button to select both antennas. The Phase button (upper right) is used to enable phase switching, if installed. The AUX button is used to enable the device connected to the AUX terminal on the rear panel.
TX antenna configuration
The PB-2 has the ability to switch to a different antenna configuration for transmitting. Set the transmit configuration as in normal operation and then press and hold the ALL button for longer than two seconds to save the transmit configuration. The controller will flash the antenna LEDs to indicate success. Invalid configurations are indicated by flashing the AUX LED. The PB-2 will now use this configuration whenever the PTT input is active.