Open-source tools I use to tie my Elecraft KPA1500 amplifier, a FlexRadio FlexControl tuning knob and an SDR program together. Written for operators, not programmers: each one comes with a step-by-step guide.
Add-ons ("community features") that install from inside Zeus.
| Latest | Get it | |
|---|---|---|
| Elecraft KPA1500 — meters and buttons for the amp and its ATU; works with a FlexRadio too; the amp follows the VFO; Standby on Tune; "No antenna?" warning; a browser page for your computer, tablet or phone; power-on over the network | 1.4.4 | Download · Guide (PDF) |
| FlexControl Knob — VFO tuning, AF volume, AGC gain and more; every press programmable | 1.0.1 | Download · Guide (PDF) |
How to download a Zeus add-on: click its Download, scroll to Assets at the bottom of that page, and click the file for your computer (the page has a table saying which). Don't click "Source code", and don't unzip it. Older versions are on each add-on's Releases page.
More about each add-on: kpa1500-for-zeus · flexknob-for-zeus
| Latest | Get it | |
|---|---|---|
| KPA1500 SmartSDR Bridge (experimental) — SmartSDR sees the KPA1500 as a Power Genius XL amplifier and a Tuner Genius XL tuner: meters, Operate/Standby, tuner Operate/Bypass/Tune, the amp follows your transmit frequency, C1/L/C2 bars; no serial cable; one-click installer. Mac, Linux and Raspberry Pi versions are still being tested. | 2.51 | Download · Guide (PDF) |
| Latest | ||
|---|---|---|
| KPA1500 SDR Bridge — the KPA1500 with Thetis or NereusSDR (and Thetis HL2, SDR-VST3): an Applet window with meters, buttons and knob info, Thetis windows, safe TUNE, "No antenna?" protection, browser control panel, FlexControl knob support, LP-100A readings, one-click installer | 2.43 | Download · Guide (PDF) |
| KPA1500 Thetis Bridge (older; on the SDR Bridge page, below the newest) — the KPA1500 inside Thetis, Thetis HL2 and SDR-VST3: meters and lit buttons in Thetis windows, safe TUNE, "No antenna?" warning, browser control panel, FlexControl knob support (works without the amp too), LP-100A readings | 2.31 | Download |
| FlexControl Knob for Thetis — the FlexControl knob for Thetis, Thetis HL2 and SDR-VST3 with no amplifier needed: VFO tuning, AF volume, AGC gain and more; every press programmable; browser panel and Thetis window | 1.0.0 | Download |
No amplifier and no SDR program needed.
| Latest | Get it | |
|---|---|---|
| RF Noise Map (testing) — drive a route with an SDRplay RSP1 and a GPS; it logs the signal about every 10 feet on up to 4 frequencies and draws a street map of dots from blue (weak) to red (strong), so you can find noisy power lines and poles. Practice mode, one-click installer, built-in setup check, GPS finder and one-minute full test. Mac version is experimental and untested. | 1.2.1 (testing, untested) | Download · Guide (PDF) · Project page |
- Only one program should control the amplifier at a time. Use the Zeus feature or the Thetis bridge, not both at once.
- The KPA1500 SDR Bridge replaces the KPA1500 Thetis Bridge if you use NereusSDR or want the Applet window. Run only one of the two bridges at a time; the SDR bridge closes the other when it starts.
- The KPA1500 SmartSDR Bridge also controls the amplifier. Run only one bridge at a time (SmartSDR bridge, SDR bridge or Thetis bridge); each closes the others when it starts. Don't combine it with the Zeus feature.
- Only one program can use the FlexControl knob at a time. If you have both the Thetis bridge and FlexControl Knob for Thetis, switch off the knob in the bridge (the knob program's instructions show how).
- RF Noise Map uses the SDRplay radio by itself. Close other SDR programs (SDRuno, SDRconnect and similar) first; it can list and close them for you.
- Questions or problems: open an issue on the program's page.
Everything here is shared by one radio operator, as is. There is no warranty of any kind: no promise that it works, that it is safe, or that it suits your equipment or purpose. Amplifiers, radios and antennas can be damaged, and RF can be dangerous. You are responsible for checking that it behaves correctly with your own station and for operating within your license. The author is not liable for any damage or loss. Not made, approved or supported by Elecraft, FlexRadio, SDRplay, Telepost, Thetis or Zeus.
73 de KW4EX