The culprit was a flag that had to be set to 1 in software and not to 0. With a heap of thanks to KK4DAS, Dean, who alerted me to the issue which resulted in the code being operational. So now I will go back and fix the 40M Hybrid Wireless so it can do FT-8 on USB. (Done!)
But my fumbling was an excellent learning experience, as I saw the opportunity for other improvements which I made. The bonus is the learning of a skill much akin to field stripping my .45 Automatic blindfolded when I was in the Seabees (or Mary Jo in the backseat of the 57 VW Beetle). When you get it, you get it!
So, I now can move forward with laying out the 12X12 inch mounting plate. to include the eight tubes in the lower-level stages, the solid-state stages (Audio Amp and RF Driver) and the final RF Amp, the 12GE5.
The Finalized Digital LO/BFO
The above module took almost a month to build and troubleshoot. But there was real significant learning in how to work with the JF3HZB code. One shortcoming (sideband select) has been conquered. If you look in the lower right-hand corner to the right of the 5-pin cable connector (optical encoder) you can spot two LEDs. I added code so as you shift sidebands one of the LEDs is lit to show there is a change and the action carried out. That was a big plus when I was trouble shooting the assembly.
For the next layout process I will use cardboard cut outs which represent the actual sizes of the modules. It is an action not unlike using a Ouija Board where the variations in circuit placement enables an optimized final layout.
One target is a 7X6 inch area for the eight tubes. The Audio Amp and Driver Boards will be on small PC Boards mounted on the underside of the chassis. Some shielding on the underside may be required.
This was a giant step forward in having the Digital LO / BFO built and operational.
Them that know can make things go.
Reduce your digital footprint... it is a vital move. Anyone wondering what really happened in Alaska? Usually someone gets sold out.
73's
Pete N6QW