Specifications

4) By default the Synchronization is only activated for the main transceiver. If SO4R
is checked (Setup/TRX1), synchronization is also effective for the sub-transceivers (provided
the Synchro mode has been activated for these transceivers).
Synchronization starts as soon as you start the program and for the whole session. If the
serial port is already in use, an error message is displayed in the status bar.
Note
Synchronization does not work if TRX-Manager is reduced in the task bar
Synchronizing a SteppIR antenna
While an Y-Cable may sometime be used to synchronize a SteppIR controller and a transceiver
under the control of a logging program (with mixed results), TRX-Manager allows much better
control by implementing a special tracking algorithm and providing an exclusive connection
between the controller and a dedicated serial port.
A free serial port (defined under Synchro A tab) and a null-modem cable (as the one
supplied by SteppIR) between the computer and the controller are required. An RF choke is
recommended on all cables connected to the controller since the transceiver interface
is sensible to RFI.
Synchro A tab provides two selections:

STEPPIR:KENW:This selection uses the Kenwood protocol. Consequently, you must
configure your controller for KENW mode and (preferably) 19200 bauds. You must
connect the cable to the DATA-IN connector. This mode allows frequency tracking by
generating Kenwood FA and IF commands,

STEPPIR:STPIR (recommended): Synchro 1 only. This selection uses the native SteppIR
protocol. This mode allows remote control of the antenna from the SteppIR Window (to
open from the Tools/SteppIR sub menu). You must connect the cable to the DATA-OUT
connector and select any speed up to 19200 bauds from the Transceiver Interface menu
(any Mode may be selected if you use the DATA-OUT connector). Ck Buffer checked is
recommended in that case (the program checks for an empty buffer before each
command: the SteppIR's buffer beeing very small, this reduces the number of collisions and
errors but the program may lock up with some comm drivers like Prolific).
Some options are provided from Setup (and from the SteppIR window):

REAL-TIME NOT checked (recommended) updates the controller only when you STOP
tuning (after a 2s delay) and avoids any RF noise generated by the stepper motors to
happen during scanning. REAL-TIME checked updates the controller as soon as you tune
the rig.

BAND: Synchro may be enabled for all bands (ALL), a specified range of frequencies
(RANGE) or a specified antenna ANT 1-4 (this last option requires your transceiver can
return the antenna selected to the computer and it is not compatible with
sub-transceivers and REAL TIME),

TX (checked) : Synchro follows TX Frequency, Unchecked RX requency
Once configured, the SteppIR controller must be set up for General Coverage Mode ; at this
point a POWER OFF/ON sequence is recommended to reinitialize the communications.
By default, Synchro follows the TX frequency (or RX if TX unchecked) ; >> STEPPIR
flashes in Monitoring confirming that new data has been sent to the controller ; if the
controller does not follow, make sure Split is OFF! Near the middle of each 10KHz segment (
xx.xx5 MHz), changes of less than 2KHz are ignored (1KHz below 7.5 MHz); this "hysterisis"
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