PSC-8 Basic Switch Controller
Order PSC-8 Controller - $169
Introduction
The PSC8 is a single radio antenna switch controller that offers the
simplicity of pushbutton operation. Each PSC8 may be independently
configured as radio 1 to 4. This controller also offers the ability to
select multiple antennas simultaneously as well as automatic antenna
selection by one of our band decoders. In Auto mode the PSC8 will indicate
the current antenna selection for that radio. This controller works well
with remotely controlled stations.
Installation
Switch and Power connections
Connecting the PSC-8 Controller to the antenna switch is done via the green 4-pin connector on the rear panel. The mating plug has screw terminals to simplify connecting the control cable. A 12 volts power source may be connected to either the 2.1mm power jack (center pin positive) or to the green switch connector. Information on wiring the switch connector is here.
Connecting to other ShackLAN devices
The PSC-8 Controller may be connected to other Shacklan devices such as band decoders, stack controllers, etc. Connection to other devices may be made using the RJ-12 (modular) jacks using 6-wire modular cables. For older devices, you may connect to them using the green switch connector by connecting the other devices in parallel with the switch connections.
Configuration
When power is first applied to the PSC-8 it will first scan all the front panel LEDs and then flash the configuratin on the antenna LEDs. The radio number (1 to 4) is indicated by flashing one of the antenna 1 to 4 LEDs. The antenna switch number (1 to 4) is indicated by flashing one of the antenna 5 to 8 LEDs.
Radio number
The PSC-8 controller may be configured as Radio 1 thru 4. The
default setting is Radio 1. When using multiple controllers with the 2x8
and 4x8 switches it is mandatory that each controller be set to a
different radio number. Having more than a single controller set to the
same radio number will cause antenna control conflicts.
Set the radio number by pressing the AUTO buttons and one of the antenna
buttons 1 thru 4 for at least two seconds. The new radio number will
flash on the green antenna 1 thru 4 LEDs.
Switch number
The PSC-8 may be configured to control one of up to four antenna switches. The factory default is Switch #1 and this setting should not be changed for stations with a single antenna switch. For larger stations with multiple switches set the switch address by pressing AUTO button and the button for the switch address (antenna buttons 5 thru 8 = switches 1 thru 4) for at least 2 seconds. When the buttons are released the PSC-28 will flash the configuration on the antenna 5 to 8 LEDs.
Operation
The basics
Operating the PSC-8 is a simple process. Manually select the desired antenna by pressing the button for the desired antenna. The green antenna LEDs are controlled by data from the switch and not the pushbuttons so a slight delay is normal. This verifys the switch received the command and has selected the desired antenna. Simultaneous selection of multiple antennas can be done by simply pressing all the pushbuttons for the desired antennas at one time. Press the AUTO button to allow one of the ShackLAN band decoders to automatically select antennas.
Fault indications
A "No Antenna Fault" is indicated by flashing the orange AUTO LED. This is
primarily a warning that no antenna is currently selected. A
"Communications Fault" is indicated by flashing antennas LEDs 3 thru 6.
This indicates loss of communication between the PSC-8 and the antenna
switch. The primary cause of the or no antenna currently selected. If
this occurs press one of the antenna buttons. If manually selecting an
antenna does not clear the fault check the wiring between the controller
and the switch.