- Use a black Sharpie to color the end plate edges and exposed panel openings, make that ugly FR4 fiberglass look nearly like the rest of the beautiful end plate!
- SparkSDR Gateware Update Q: Why doesn't SparkSDR do anything when I press the Program button after selecting the RBF file to upload? A: Because the HL2 "Power" button has been pressed before attempting to update the gateware. The HL2 should not be operating within SparkSDR SW and the HL2 Power button should be grey, not green.
- HL2+ not seen by Thetis Q: My HL2+ is not being seen by Thetis after performing the required gateware update using SparkSDR, why? A: People on occasion have had the problem of SparkSDR setting a static IP and then not being able to get Thetis to see their HL2. This is either a user inadvertent change to the SparkSDR setting for IP address to static without realizing what the implications of doing that are, or somehow SparkSDR is making the IP address static autonomously, I would suspect the former before the latter. The solution is to to go back into SparkSDR and set the HL2 IP address back to DHCP.
- HL2+ SPKR (J5) Header no Audio Companion Board Speaker Output (J5) not working? Thetis for HL2 Band Volts/Dither is CB speaker mute. Checked is enabled, unchecked is disabled. Click picture for larger version.
- HL2 Main Board FB28 Removal Q: Why must I remove HL2 FB28 to use the HL2+ AK4951 Companion Board? A: FB28 must be removed to disconnect HL2 2.5V supply from VCCIO5. A FB on the Companion Board then connects 3.3V to VCCIO5 instead, which is required by the CB CODEC.
- HL2+ AK4951 Companion Board With HL2 IO Board The IO board is general purpose and depends on the programming of its RPi Pico processor. The AK4951 Companion Board Kit implements a dedicated Hardrock-50 amplifier control interface and is also capable of controlling the Icom AH4 ATU. This is not to mention the Mic and Phones jacks, Speaker connector, CW sidetone, and FPGA gateware built-in keyer. The IO board (with the appropriate code) can control the HR-50 as well and if you use it, you would simply not use the CB Kit DB9 cable/connector, power switch/harness/header, and rear end plate. The IO board end plate has no accommodations for these (and has its own DB9). Using the IO board requires using its rear end plate. Other than this, the two (CB and IO) can coexist and be used at the same time. All functions of the HL2+ AK4951 Companion Board remain intact and functional in the presence of the IO Board.
- HL2+ AK4951 Companion Board Hardrock-50 Power Amplifier DB9 Cable wiring for ATU's:
